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We report the results of organic geochemical analyses of 19 crude oil samples from reservoir sandstones in the 4th Member of the Eocene Shahejie Formation from wells in the Minfeng Sag, Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin (NE China). In addition, 42 Shahejie Formation core samples of dark‐coloured mudstones, including 28 extracts, were analysed. Geochemical data included Rock‐Eval measurements, gas chromatography, GC‐MS and diamondoid analyses. Maceral analyses showed that mudstones in the 4th Member of the Shahejie Formation ("Es4") contain Types I and II1 kerogen. The member can be divided into upper (Es4s) and lower (Es4x) intervals. Oil‐prone Es4s rock samples have good to excellent hydrocarbon‐generating potential based on calculated initial TOC values; Rock‐Eval Tmax values indicate that they are sufficiently mature for hydrocarbon generation. Analytical results suggest that both Es4s and Es4x mudrocks are potential source rocks for oils produced at fields in the Minfeng Sag. Analysed crude oils from the Minfeng Sag were classified into three genetic groups. Group I oils are mature to highly mature and have undergone a moderate degree of thermal cracking. They are characterized by a low β‐carotane/nC25 ratio and C30 4‐methylsterane index (4MI); high values of oleanane index (oleanane /C30‐hopane), C27 diasterane/C27 regular sterane (C27Dia/C27), regular sterane/17α hopane and gammacerane/C30 hopane (G/H); and medium pristane/phytane ratios (Pr/Ph). This suggests that Group I oils are mostly derived from source rocks in the upper part of the Es4x unit which are interbedded with evaporites. Group II oils are mature and have high 4MI and Pr/Ph ratios, low oleanane index, regular sterane/17α hopane and C27Dia/C27 ratios, and mediumβ‐carotane/nC25 and G/H. These features are similar to those of Es4s source rocks, indicating their genetic correlation. Group III oils show the lowest maturity and highβ‐carotane/nC25 and regular sterane/17α hopane, and low oleanane index, Pr/Ph and 4MI. Previously‐published data indicates that oils similar to those in Group III were mainly sourced by Es4s mudstones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BiFeO 3 -BaTiO 3 (BF-BT) ceramics are an excellent choice for high-temperature lead-free piezoelectric ceramic due to their high Curie temperature and good piezoelectric properties, but the volatilization of Bi leads to the formation of A-site cationic vacancies and oxygen vacancies, culminating in heightened leakage currents and detrimental effects on piezoelectric properties. In this study, a chemical composition of 0.70Bi (1+ x) Fe 0·97 Al 0·03 O 3 -0.30BaTiO 3 ceramics, abbreviated as B 1+ x FA-BT, where 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05, were synthesized, with special attention on the effects of Bi compensation and poling process on their insulation and piezoelectric properties. Due to the coexistence of R - PC phases and low leakage current, B 1+ x FA-BT ceramics exhibit excellent piezoelectric properties and high Curie temperature, among which the B 1.02 FA-BT ceramic boasts optimal overall properties: d 33 = 196 pC N−1, T C = 480 °C, k p = 34%, θ max = 49.5° and Q m = 32, under optimal poling parameters E p = 50 kV cm−1 and T p = 100 °C. The poling process is directly linked to the reorientation of domains, the redistribution of positive/negative space charge and the aggregation or injection of holes, which is achieved by tuning the poling field and temperature in a ceramic with optimal integrated piezoelectric properties. The poling process of BF-BT ceramics is significantly influenced by their leakage characteristics, which can have a significant impact on their overall performance. Optimizing electrical poling conditions and minimizing leakage current is crucial to achieving favorable piezoelectric properties in BF-BT ceramics with R - PC coexisting structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Femoral neck fractures (FNFs) are among the most common fractures in elderly individuals. Surgery is the main treatment for FNFs, and osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is one of the unacceptable complications. This study aimed to assess both the clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with FNFs treated with three parallel cannulated screws and to identify relationship between screws position and ONFH. Patients and methods: A total of 100 patients who were treated with closed reduction and fixed with 3 parallel cannulated screws met the inclusion criteria between January 2014 and December 2020 at authors' institution. The follow-up duration, age, sex, affected side, and injury-to-surgery interval were collected; the neck-shaft angle of both hips, screw-apex distance (SAD) and the tip-apex distance (TAD)were measured; and the Garden classification, quality of reduction and presence of ONFH were evaluated. Results: The sample consisted of 37 males and 63 females, with 60 left and 40 right hips affected. The mean age of patients was 54.93 ± 12.24 years, and the mean follow-up was 56.3 ± 13.38 months. The overall incidence of ONFH was 13%. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of ONFH by affected side, age, fracture displacement, injury-to-surgery interval, neck-shaft angle deviation, or reduction quality. The SAD was significantly shorter in ONFH patients than in normal patients for all three screws (p = 0.02, 0.02, and 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: The short SAD of all screws is associated with femoral head necrosis of FNFs treated with 3 cannulated screws. The short SAD indicated that screws malpositioning in the weight-bearing area of the femoral head, potentially harming the blood supply and compromising the anchorage of the primary compressive trabeculae in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology innovation is the key driving force in achieving economic transformation and development. Financial development and the expansion of higher education can promote technological progress primarily by easing financing constraints and improving the level of human capital. This study examines the impact of financial development and higher education expansion on green technology innovation. It conducts an empirical analysis by constructing a linear panel model and a nonlinear threshold model. The present study sample is based on the urban panel data of China from 2003–2019. (1) Financial development can significantly promote the expansion of higher education. (2) The expansion of higher education can improve energy and environment-based technological progress. (3) Financial development can both directly and indirectly promote green technology evolution by expanding higher education. The joint financial development and higher education expansion can significantly empower green technology innovation. (4) In the process of promoting green technology innovation, financial development has a non-linear influence on it, with higher education as the threshold. The effect of financial development on green technology innovation varies according to the degree of higher education. Based on these findings, we put forward policy proposals for green technology innovation to promote economic transformation and development in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The counterrotating compressor of Rotor-Rotor-Stator (R/R/S) layout is considered to be a crucial technical path for engine thrust-to-weight improvement because it can achieve a high-pressure rise level with low weight and a short axial length. To guide the selection of key aerodynamic parameters in counterrotating compressor design schemes, a zero-dimensional physics–based model is proposed, which can calculate kinetic energy variation across the compressor rotor passages based on enthalpy rise and velocity triangles. Numerical investigations on two counterrotating compressors with different pressure ratios have been conducted employing the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) method to validate and support the physics-based model. It was found that the model prediction results and CFD numerical results of two counterrotating compressors showed a global agreement, with the deviations in relative kinetic energy variation coefficient less than 3%, implying the accuracy of the proposed model. This model can be used for the loop iteration between the one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) preliminary design schemes of a counterrotating compressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a joint modeling approach to conduct causal mediation analysis that accommodates multivariate longitudinal data, dynamic latent mediator, and survival outcome. First, we introduce a confirmatory factor analysis model to characterize a time-varying latent mediator through multivariate longitudinal observable variables. Then, we establish a growth curve model to describe the linear trajectory of the dynamic latent mediator and simultaneously explore the relationship between the exposure and the mediating process. Finally, we link the mediating process to the survival outcome through a proportional hazards model. In addition, we use the mediation formula approach to assess the natural direct and indirect effects and prove the identifiability of the causal effects under sequential ignorability assumptions. A Bayesian approach incorporating the Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is developed to estimate the causal effects efficiently. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the empirical performance of the proposed method. An application to the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study further confirms the utility of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) is one of the major causes of failure of hip arthroplasty with cementless stem; however, studies on the incidence and risk factors of PPFs after cementless hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures (FNFs) are lacking. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular FNFs. The demographic data were reviewed, Dorr classification was used to describe morphology of the femur, radiological parameters were measured including stem-shaft angle, canal fill ratio (CFR), canal flare index (CFI), morphologic cortical index (MCI), canal calcar ratio (CCR), and vertical and horizontal femoral offset. Results: The sample comprised 10 men and 46 women (affected hip: left, 38; right, 18). The mean patient age was 82.82±10.61 (range, 69–93) years, and the mean hemiarthroplasty to PPFs time was 26.28±14.04 (range, 6.54–47.77) months. Seven (12.28%) patients had PPFs. A significant relationship was found between the incidence of PPF and CFR (p = 0.012), patients had a significantly smaller femoral stem CFR (0.76%±0.11%) than controls (0.85%±0.09%). The PPFs group had a significant shorter and unreestablished vertical femoral offset (p = 0.048). Conclusions: A smaller femoral stem CFR associated with a potentially unacceptably high PPFs risk in uncemented hemiarthroplasty for displaced FNFs may result from mismatched prosthesis and bone dimensions in the elderly population, especially when accompanied by a poorly reestablished vertical femoral offset. With increasing evidence of the benefits of cemented fixation, a cemented stem for the treatment of displaced intracapsular FNFs is recommended for such a elderly frail population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy-growth nexus has been explored extensively by researchers and academia; however, the role of cleaner energy, especially in the context of emerging economies, i.e., Nex-11 countries, have been ignored. Therefore, to fill the gap in the literature, this paper considers a non-parametric panel method, to test directly for the importance of renewable energy in economic performance for Next eleven (N-11) countries. The econometric estimations—which focused on a panel of N-11 countries—determined that: (i) renewable energy consumption boosts economic growth in short run only; and (ii) industry value added, human development, and consumption expenditures accelerate economic, whereas globalization decrease it. Hence, all countries need to reduce the risk associated with renewable energy so that to make them effective for economic growth. Moreover, there is a need to provide different types of invested capital for ongoing activities of renewable energy production. In general, this study provides relevant policy implications in the context of renewable energy, globalisation and economic growth for the Nex-11 economies. • Renewable Energy led Economic Growth Hypothesis is tested in the Next-11 countries. • The novel Method of Moments Panel Quantile Regression is employed. • Renewable energy led economic growth is valid in the selected panel economies. • Consumption expenditures, Human Development, Industry Value Added enhances growth. • Globalisation is found to limit economic growth in case of Next-11 countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda in 2015 guide coordinated socio-economic development of all countries. They highlight the importance of environmental protection and renewable energy. Here, evolutionary game theory was used to build green technology innovation activities of the government, public, polluting enterprises, and non-polluting enterprises of a four-group evolutionary game model under environmental regulations to discuss and analyze the strategic stability of each game subject and the influence mechanism of strategic selections. Long-term impact of green technology progress on renewable energy consumption was investigated by simulation. The evolutionary trajectory of the game system of these stakeholders was studied through simulation analysis. Under different environmental regulations, polluting and non-polluting enterprises selected different strategies. Non-polluting enterprises easily accepted environmental regulations and conducted green technological innovation to promote SDGs. The effects of command-and-control and incentive environmental regulations were better in the short- and long-term, respectively. When the compensation intensity of an enterprise to the public was low or medium, the public selected supervision. Further, establishing public participation supervision mechanism could control non-green behavior and increase the renewable energy demand of polluting and non-polluting enterprises. Finally, suggestions were provided to promote green innovation and sustainable development from the perspectives of environmental regulation and collaborative innovation. • Government, public, and polluting and non-polluting enterprises formed a nexus. • The nexus aimed for green technology innovation and carbon emission reduction. • Effects of command-and-control environmental regulations were good in the short term. • Effects of incentive environmental regulations were good in the long term. • This study suggests implications for improvements in regional environmental governance efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops a new joint modeling approach to simultaneously analyze longitudinal and time-to-event data with latent variables. The proposed model consists of three components. The first component is a hidden Markov model for investigating a longitudinal observation process and its underlying transition process as well as their potential risk factors and dynamic heterogeneity. The second component is a factor analysis model for characterizing latent risk factors through multiple observed variables. The third component is a proportional hazards model for examining the effects of observed and latent risk factors on the hazards of interest. A shared random effect is introduced to allow the longitudinal and time-to-event outcomes to be correlated. A Bayesian approach coupled with efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo methods is developed to conduct statistical inference. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated through simulation studies. An application of the proposed model to a general health survey study concerning cognitive impairment and mortality for Chinese elders is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops a joint modeling approach that incorporates latent traits into causal mediation analysis with multiple mediators and a survival outcome. A linear structural equation model is used to characterize the latent mediators with several highly correlated observable surrogates and depicts the relationships among multiple parallel or causally ordered mediators and the exposure. A proportional hazards model is used to derive the path-specific causal effects on the scale of hazard ratio under the counterfactual framework with a set of sequential ignorability assumptions. A Bayesian approach with Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is developed to perform efficient estimation of the causal effects. Posterior propriety theory is established for the proportional hazards model with latent variables. Empirical performance of the proposed method is verified through simulation studies. The proposed model is then applied to a study on the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative dataset to investigate the causal effects of APOE- ε 4 allele on the disease progression, either directly or through potential mediators, such as hippocampus atrophy, ventricle expansion, and cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green innovation (GI) is widely accepted as a driver of carbon neutrality and sustainable development. Human resource is the executor of green innovation, both higher education (HE) and scientific research (SR) are vital to green innovation. This study explores the impact of HE and SR on GI in 285 prefecture-level cities in China from 2003 to 2019. The results show that both HE and SR contribute significantly to GI. Researcher density, regional innovation, and entrepreneurship capacity were introduced as mediating variables, and the results appear to be all significant mediating effects. Finally, corresponding recommendations were made: the government should strengthen the coordination of education and science and technology resources, promote interactive enterprises and universities' development, and strengthen GI in western China. • Impact of higher education and scientific research on green innovation is explored. • Both contribute significantly to green innovation. • Coordination of education and science and technology resources should be strengthened. • Interactive development of enterprises and universities should be promoted. • Green innovation in western China should be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediation analysis aims to decompose a total effect into specific pathways and investigate the underlying causal mechanism. Although existing methods have been developed to conduct mediation analysis in the context of survival models, none of these methods accommodates the existence of a substantial proportion of subjects who never experience the event of interest, even if the follow-up is sufficiently long. In this study, we consider mediation analysis for the mixture of Cox proportional hazards cure models that cope with the cure fraction problem. Path-specific effects on restricted mean survival time and survival probability are assessed by introducing a partially latent group indicator and applying the mediation formula approach in a three-stage mediation framework. A Bayesian approach with P-splines for approximating the baseline hazard function is developed to conduct analysis. The satisfactory performance of the proposed method is verified through simulation studies. An application of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuroimaging initiative dataset investigates the causal effects of APOE-ϵ4 allele on AD progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor and ranks the sixth in incidence among cancers. Circular RNA (circRNA) has been reported to regulate the progression of pancreatic cancer. However, the effects of circ-membrane bound O-acyltransferase domain containing 2 (circ-MBOAT2) on regulating pancreatic cancer process were unclear. Methods: The expression levels of circ-MBOAT2, microRNA-433-3p (miR-433-3p) and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 1 (GOT1) mRNA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). GOT1 protein expression was determined by western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was illustrated by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (−z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) and cell colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis was demonstrated by flow cytometry analysis. Cell invasion and migration were investigated by transwell invasion and wound-healing assays. Glutamine catabolism was explained by detecting glutamine consumption, alpha ketoglutarate (α-KG) production and glutamate production. In vivo assay was performed to illustrate the impacts of circ-MBOAT2 silencing on tumor formation in vivo. The binding relationship between miR-433-3p and circ-MBOAT2 or GOT1 was predicted by circinteractome or starbase online databases, and identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results: Circ-MBOAT2 and GOT1 expression were significantly upregulated, while miR-433-3p expression was downregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells compared with normal pancreatic tissues or cells. Circ-MBOAT2 silencing repressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glutamine catabolism, whereas promoted cell apoptosis in pancreatic cancer. Additionally, circ-MBOAT2 acted as a sponge of miR-433-3p, which was found to be associate with GOT1. MiR-433-3p inhibitors hindered circ-MBOAT2 silencing-mediated impacts on pancreatic cancer progression and glutamine catabolism. Furthermore, circ-MBOAT2 silencing repressed tumor formation in vivo. Conclusion: Circ-MBOAT2 modulated tumor development and glutamine catabolism by miR-433-3p/GOT1 axis in pancreatic cancer. This finding suggests that circ-MBOAT2 may be a therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multi-dimensional industrial structural changes induce directed technical progress. • Energy and environment efficiency induced by three-dimensional structural change. • Industrial structural rationalization can induce backstop technological progress. • Structural rationalization works well on all technical progress in eastern China. • Structural upgrading drives fossil energy and environment saving in Midwest China. This study probes the influence of industrial structural rationalization, upgrading, and ecologicalization on energy- and environment- directed technological progress by constructing a spatial auto-regression model using panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2000-2016. The empirical results show that directed technological progress differs based on multi-dimensional industrial structural changes. Specifically, at the national level, industrial structural rationalization can promote all kinds of directed technological progress. Industrial structural upgrading and ecologicalization promote fossil fuel efficiency and environmental efficiency. The effects of industrial structural change exhibit regional heterogeneity: in eastern China, industrial structural rationalization promotes all kinds of technological progress, and pollution abatement technology can be stimulated by all kinds of structural changes; in central China and western China, industrial structural upgrading can accelerate energy-saving and pollution abatement technological progress, while structural ecologicalization only promotes fossil energy efficiency. Meanwhile, industrial policies drive multi-dimensional industrial structural change and, thus, induce directed technological progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops a two-part hidden Markov model (HMM) for analyzing semicontinuous longitudinal data in the presence of missing covariates. The proposed model manages a semicontinuous variable by splitting it into two random variables: a binary indicator for determining the occurrence of excess zeros at all occasions and a continuous random variable for examining its actual level. For the continuous longitudinal response, an HMM is proposed to describe the relationship between the observation and unobservable finite-state transition processes. The HMM consists of two major components. The first component is a transition model for investigating how potential covariates influence the probabilities of transitioning from one hidden state to another. The second component is a conditional regression model for examining the state-specific effects of covariates on the response. A shared random effect is introduced to each part of the model to accommodate possible unobservable heterogeneity among observation processes and the nonignorability of missing covariates. A Bayesian adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) procedure is developed to conduct simultaneous variable selection and estimation. The proposed methodology is applied to a study on the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative dataset. New insights into the pathology of Alzheimer's disease and its potential risk factors are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient utilization and sustainability of water and energy resources are crucial for promoting socio-economic sustainable development. This study constructed a hybrid network using input-output tables and integrated the theory of mutual information into the ecological network analysis method to analyze the cycling efficiency, robustness, symbiotic relationships, and synergistic development of water-energy networks. The results of case study indicate that the cycling efficiency of the water-energy networks in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YEB) exceeds 50%, and their robustness is at a certain distance from the equilibrium point, with some provinces (cities) facing the risk of development stagnation. The water and energy networks primarily exhibit a moderate symbiotic relationship, wherein mutual development coexists with certain competition. In conclusion, water and energy are interdependent and require coordinated development. Finally, recommendations for achieving synergy between water and energy are proposed from the perspectives of industry sectors. • New analysis framework via mutual information and ecological network for water-energy nexus. • Analyzed robustness, cycling efficiency, and symbiotic relationships in YEB's water-energy system. • Most provinces (cities) of YEB achieve coordinated development of water and energy. • Risk of stagnation in energy networks in Jiangxi, and direct water networks in Sichuan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgroud: The osteotomy of the posterolateral overhanging part (PLOP) of the greater trochanter via posterior approach has been used for the hip arthroplasty for decades with good results. However, the osteotomy method remains undefined and the precise adjacent structures around PLOP have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to present a modified PLOP osteotomy approach and perform a detailed study of the topographic and surgical anatomy of the PLOP.Methods: The peri-PLOP soft tissue and the bony parameters were measured using 10 cadavers with 20 hips and 20 skeletal hip specimens, respectively.Results: A 1.8-cm vertical osteotomy did not jeopardize the femoral neck, and a 1.8-cm wide bone block did not damage the insertions of the short external rotators. The average distances between the most distal branch of the superior gluteal nerve/artery and the 1.8-cm point of the greater trochanter were 5.70 ± 0.66 cm and 6.33 ± 0.56 cm, respectively.Conclusion: For osteotomy of the PLOP, we suggested that the width of the upper side from the lateral to medial greater trochanter should be 1.8 cm, depth of vertical osteotomy should be 1.8 cm, and length of the posterior edge should be 4 cm. Obturator externus tendon should be kept within the bone block of osteotomy. The proximal extension of the gluteus medius muscle split should be limited to 5.5 cm at the 1.8 cm-point of the greater trochanter.Level Of Evidence: Prospective comparative study Level II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Source rocks are found in the Eocene Liushagang Formation (El 1: bottom , El 2 and El 3:top members), in the Weixi'nan sag, Beibuwan Basin. The source rocks are mainly mudrocks, except El 2 , which consists of organic-rich shales at the bottom and mudrocks in the middle-upper part. Total organic carbon (TOC) and Rock-Eval analyses of 146 samples indicate that El 2 rocks have the best hydrocarbon generating potential, especially for organic-rich shales that contain up to 10% TOC with HI > 800 mg/g. The vitrinite reflectance analysis suggests that El source rocks are marginally mature to mature. Geochemical analyses were conducted on 18 El rock extracts and 18 oil samples from the WZ12 field. El 2 and El 3 source rock have similar organic facies and are distinct from El 1. El 2 and El 3 have higher C 27 βα (20R + 20S) diasteranes/C 27 αββ (20R + 20S) steranes (C 27 DiaS/C 27 S), Gammacerane/Hopane (G/H) and (C 28 + C 29) tricyclic terpane/((C 28 + C 29) tricyclic terpane + Ts) (ETR), and low C 23 tricyclic terpane/hopane (C 23 /H) and C 24 tetracyclic terpanes/C 26 tricyclic terpane (C 24 /C 26). These biomarker distributions indicate that El 2 and El 3 rocks were deposited under more alkaline-saline environment and had less import of terrestrial organic matter relative to El 1. El 2 can be distinguished from El 3 as having higher 4-methylsteranes/C 29 ααα steranes (4MSI) and G/H. WZ12 oils all exhibit similar compositions and display biomarker characteristics that correlate with the El 2 and El 3 rock extracts. 1D thermal and burial history model shows that El 2 and El 3 began to generate a great deal of hydrocarbon at ∼11.5 Ma and 23 Ma, respectively. At this stage, traps formed and faults actively extended downwards into the El 2 and likely into El 3. Oils expelled from El 2 and El 3 migrated upward into shallow intervals along faults then laterally along the structural slopes and accumulated in areas with good fault sealing primarily in the Miocene age Nx and Nj strata. Meanwhile, under the effect of overpressure in the middle of organic-rich shales, oils from El 2 may have migrated downward into reservoirs in the upper part of El 3. Lithologic traps in El 1 reservoir may be charged with relatively immature oil derived from El 1. Highlights • Source rocks in El 2 , especially organic-rich shales in the bottom of El 2 are the most important source rocks. • Sedimentary environment of different intervals of El have been distinguished. • WZ12 oils generated from oil El 2 and El 3 source rocks based on biomarkers parameters of saturated hydrocarbon. • Faults and overpressure may be responsible for the distribution of WZ12 oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A series of experiments, including natural gas molecular composition, carbon isotope analysis and fluid inclusion petrography and microthermometry were conducted to research the origin and formation of natural gases in the Middle Ordovician Yijianfang Formation and the Middle-Lower Ordovician Yingshan Formation, Gucheng-Shunnan block. Natural gases consist predominantly of methanes, with dry coefficients of 0.951–0.999 and have relatively heavy carbon isotopic signatures, with average δ13C 1 and δ13C 2 values of −36.4‰ and −32.5‰, respectively. The diagrams between δ13C-C 1 versus C 1 /(C 2 + C 3) and methane carbon isotope versus ethane-propane isotopic separation suggest that these gases are oil-associated thermogenic gas from type Ⅱ kerogen with high thermal evolution extent of the source rocks. The empirical correlation of ln(C 1 /C 2) and ln(C 2 /C 3) indicates natural gases originated from crude oil cracking. Natural gases in the Gucheng block and the Shunnan block have properties similar to those of oil-cracking gases in the Eastern Lungu block and the Eastern Tazhong block. Due to reservoir temperatures being lower than formation temperatures of the gases and the potential of higher mature source rock being almost exhausted, natural gases originated predominantly from the cracking of deep paleo-oil pool rather than dispersive dissoluble organic matter in the source rocks. The comprehensive analysis of thermal evolution history, burial history, fluid inclusions and geological conditions suggest that natural gases formed during Himalayan stage. Deep oil-cracking gases accumulated in the Ordovician reservoir through migration along faults. Therefore, deep-seated natural gases have great potential for exploration. Highlights • The gases are thermogenic origin with high coefficients of 0.951–0.999. • The gases are generated from the cracking of deep paleo oil pool derived from type Ⅱ Kerogen in Cambrian source rocks. • During the Himalayan period, the gases migrated into the Ordovician via faults from Cambrian system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many oil and gas fields around the world that are sealed by tight carbonate caprocks. Compared with gypsum rocks and shales, tight carbonate caprocks are characterized by brittleness and ease of structural fracturing and dissolving in acidic groundwater. The breakthrough pressure (BP) is a significant indicator that indicates the sealing capacity of the caprocks. Therefore, we conducted a series of experiments, including effective porosity, permeability, casting thin-sections, BP, mineral composition, microstructural characteristics and clay minerals contents on carbonate samples from Ordovician system in the Kalpin area, Tarim Basin, China to research factors that affect the BP of carbonate caprocks. According to the experimental data analysis, the BP deceases with macropore proportions and increases with proportions of micropore and mesopore volume. Due to the large macropore proportion and low clay content (<10%), expansion of clay minerals with water hardly reduces effective porosity and permeability. Pore throat and cement influence effective porosity and permeability, and thus influence the BP. Generally, the BP decreases with the increase of effective porosity and permeability, and linear correlations exist between the reciprocal of effective porosity (A), −0.48 power of permeability (B) and the BP. Due to the interdependency between A and B, a principal component regression procedure (PCRP) is implemented with the statistical analysis system (SAS) software to eliminate the interdependencies and obtain a fitting formula of BP. The calculated BP with depth by this method matches gas logging results. This study provides a research idea and a mathematical calculation model of the BP of carbonate caprocks to further evaluate and predict carbonate caprocks behaviour. • The influence factors of BP (breakthrough pressure) of carbonate rocks have been investigated for the first time. • PCRP is used by SAS software to deduce a computational formula of BP values of carbonate rocks. • The application effect of the evaluation method of BP values in the Kalpin area shows the feasibility of this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Source rocks in Lower Cambrian (Є 1) and Middle-Upper Ordovician (O 2+3) have low S2 values, ranging from 0.01 to 0.34 and 0.01–5.95 mg HC/g Rock, respectively. The averages of TOC are 1.07% and 0.84% for Є 1 and O 2+3 source rocks, respectively. The equivalent vitrinite reflectance values (VREs) indicate that Є 1 rocks are in a high-over mature stage for oil generation, and O 2+3 rocks are sufficiently mature. Four oil seepages from the Yingshan Formation in the Qingsong quarry of the Aksu area and 34 core samples from Є 1 and O 2+3 rocks in the Kalpin area were analyzed for stable carbon isotopes. Moreover, 4 oil seepages and 16 core samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Compared with O 2+3 rocks, Є 1 rocks are characterized by lower values of Gammacerane/C 30 hopane (G/H), C 28 /(C 27 + C 28 + C 29) 20R ααα sterane (C 28 %), C 29 /(C 27 + C 28 + C 29) 20R ααα sterane (C 29 %), C 26 20S/C 28 20S triaromatic steroids (C 26 /C 28), (C 26 + C 27)/C 28 triaromatic steroids and (C 26 20R + C 27 20S)/C 28 20R triaromatic steroids, and higher values of C 21 /C 23 tricyclic terpane (C 21 /C 23), C 27 /(C 27 + C 28 + C 29) 20R ααα sterane (C 27 %), and C 35 αβ (22R + 22S) homohopane/αβ C 30 -hopane (C 35 H/H). The two sets of source rocks have a "V (C 27 >C 28

[Display omitted] • The connectivity of shales can be estimated effectively based on percolation theory through analyzing sorption hysteresis. • The connectivity of shales is mainly influenced by the TOC content. • The maturity and illite content are controlling factors for the percolation cluster length of shales. Pore connectivity is a key parameter affecting the hydrocarbon yield of shale reservoirs, and a quantitative study on it is helpful to evaluate the exploration and development potential of shale gas. In this paper, the shales from the Jurassic Yangxia and Kezilenur Formations in the Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin, China, were taken as an example, and organic petrography analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), gas adsorption and helium pycnometry were carried out to determine their petrological, organic geochemical characteristics and pore distribution features. A method for estimating the connectivity of shale with isotherm adsorption curves of a H3 hysteresis loop was established and used to characterize the connectivity of shale pores. The results show that the total pore volume of shale ranges from 2.479 × 10-3 to 20.379 × 10-3 cm3/g, and the specific surface area (SSA) ranges from 1.222 cm2/g to 12.668 cm2/g. The samples' coordination number (Z) is between 1.215 and 3.064, and the percolation cluster length (L) is between 2.429 and 3.859. Shale with more micropores or higher TOC has a larger Z value, indicating that organic matter pores and micropores have better connectivity. There is no correlation between Z and T max , meaning that the effect of maturity on Z is insignificant. The impact of TOC on the L value is also not substantial. Besides, T max and illite content show a negative correlation with L, indicating that the high maturity and illite content impede the development of the percolation cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strengthening the implementation of environmental regulation is one of the key measures to prevent further energy depletion and environmental deterioration. This paper focuses on complicated relation between environmental regulation and fossil energy consumption. We theoretically identified the direct and indirect paths of environmental regulation that affect fossil energy consumption and analyzed the relationship between the two. To identify the indirect impact of environmental regulation on fossil energy consumption, we incorporated three types of technology (e.g., production technology, pollution abatement technology, and backstop technology) into our model. On the theoretical basis, we then evaluated the impact of environmental regulation on fossil energy consumption in China by applying both non-spatial models and spatial econometric models. In the direct path, energy-saving effect of environmental regulation in China is dynamic and yields complex results from the “Green Paradox” and “compliance cost”. As for indirect effects, we find that current environmental regulations have promoted technological progress in production to induce energy savings but failed to drive technological advancements in pollution abatement and backstop to guarantee a sustainable energy development. Based on the findings, some corresponding policy implications are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (r-TKA) facilitates precise bone resection and lower limb alignment, yet accuracy and functional recovery for severe varus/valgus deformity is not well-documented. The aim of study was to investigate whether r-TKA improves implant alignment in the coronal and sagittal view and early functional recovery compared to conventional TKA(c-TKA). Methods: This comparative study included 86 patients with symptomatic knee arthritis who underwent primary TKA at our institution between 1st May and 31th November 2021. Radiological parameters evaluated included hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), femoral varus-valgus angle (FVVA), tibial varus-valgus angle (TVVA), posterior tibial slope angle (PTSA), femoral sagittal angle (FSA), posterior condylar offset ratio, and Insall-Salvati index. Operative time, stay length, and complications were reviewed from patient records. The hospital for special surgery (HSS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and knee joint motion range were evaluated at the six-month follow-up. Results: The c-TKA and r-TKA groups had no significant differences in HKAA (179.73 ± 3.76°, range: 172.10-188.90° vs. 180.53 ± 2.91°, range: 173.30-188.32°, p = 0.277), FVVA (96.13 ± 2.61°, range: 90.27-101.52° vs. 96.38 ± 2.23°, range: 90.98-100.95°, p = 0.636), and TVVA (88.74 ± 2.03°, range: 83.75–92.74° vs. 89.43 ± 1.83°, range: 85.32–94.15°, p = 1.000). Outlier of mechanical alignment incidence (> 3°) was significantly lower in r-TKA compared with c-TKA, 17.50% (7/40) vs. 41.30% (19/46), (p = 0.017). PTSA of r-TKA remained significantly lower than c-TKA (p = 0.009) in mild-deformity patients. For severe varus/valgus deformity, r-TKA had a significantly lesser HKAA-outlier incidence (p = 0.025), PTSA-outlier incidence (p = 0.019), and lower PTSA (p < 0.001) compared with c-TKA. The r-TKA functional outcome was better than c-TKA regarding HSS (93.12 ± 1.97, range: 90–95, 95%CI:92.11–94.13 vs. 91.33 ± 2.50, range: 85–95, 95%CI:90.20-92.69, p = 0.036), and VAS (0.24 ± 0.44, range:0–1 vs. 0.72 ± 0.75, range:0–2, p = 0.026), knee joint flexion (118.53° ± 8.06, range: 105–130°, 95%CI:114.39-122.67° vs. 112.22 ± 8.09°, range: 100–130°, 95%CI:108.20-116.24° ,p = 0.027) for severe varus/valgus deformity. Conclusion: r-TKA improved lower-limb coronal alignment, sagittal implant position, and early functional recovery for patients with severe varus/valgus deformity of the knee. r-TKA did not confer substantial advantages over c-TKA in both radiological and clinical outcomes for the mild varus/valgus deformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leg-length inequality is an extensively studied complication of total hip arthroplasty in normal patients. However, few studies have focused on the pelvic obliquity of coronal pelvic malrotation. We hypothesized that pelvic obliquity with a fixed abduction/adduction contracture deformity of the hip may intraoperatively affect the release of soft tissues, ultimately resulting in a leg-length inequality. This study also investigated whether the femoral and vertical offsets of total hip arthroplasty were correlated with pelvic obliquity. This prospective study divided 98 patients into six groups based on the inclination of pelvic obliquity before total hip arthroplasty. Leg-length inequality, variation of pelvic obliquity, offset, and vertical offset were measured after total hip arthroplasty. Leg-length inequality and vertical offset were not significantly different among groups, whereas the variation of pelvic obliquity was significantly higher in type IIC pelvic obliquity than in other groups. Type IC pelvic obliquity had a significantly shorter offset than did the other groups, which may have been an important factor leading to type IC pelvic obliquity. Pelvic obliquity exhibited no significant effect on leg-length inequality in patients with total hip arthroplasty. A shorter offset may be caused by the higher tension of the abductor in the operated hip, which may result in the formation of type IC pelvic obliquity. Releasing the abductor contracture and restoring femoral offset are important for increasing hip stability and maintaining pelvic balance following total hip arthroplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the giant panda, adaptation to a high-fiber environment is a first step for the adequate functioning of intestinal bacteria, as the high cellulose content of the gut due to the panda's vegetarian appetite results in a harsh environment. As an excellent producer of several enzymes and vitamins, Bacillus subtilis imparts various advantages to animals. In our previous study, we determined that several strains of B. subtilis isolated from pandas exhibited good cellulose decomposition ability, and we hypothesized that this bacterial species can survive in and adapt well to a high-fiber environment. To evaluate this hypothesis, we employed RNA-Seq technology to analyze the differentially expressed genes of the selected strain B. subtilis HH2, which demonstrates significant cellulose hydrolysis of different carbon sources (cellulose and glucose). In addition, we used bioinformatics software and resources to analyze the functions and pathways of differentially expressed genes. Interestingly, comparison of the cellulose and glucose groups revealed that the up-regulated genes were involved in amino acid and lipid metabolism or transmembrane transport, both of which are involved in cellulose utilization. Conversely, the down-regulated genes were involved in non-essential functions for bacterial life, such as toxin and bacteriocin secretion, possibly to conserve energy for environmental adaptation. The results indicate that B. subtilis HH2 triggered a series of adaptive mechanisms at the transcriptional level, which suggests that this bacterium could act as a probiotic for pandas fed a high-fiber diet, despite the fact that cellulose is not a very suitable carbon source for this bacterial species. In this study, we present a model to understand the dynamic organization of and interactions between various functional and regulatory networks for unicellular organisms in a high-fiber environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report is the first to describe Cryptosporidium infection in bamboo rats ( Rhizomys sinensis ). Ninety-two fresh fecal specimens were collected from a pet market in Ya’an City, China. One Cryptosporidium isolate from an asymptomatic host and two isolates from separate hosts with diarrhea were obtained by using Sheather's sucrose flotation technique and modified acid-fast staining. The Cryptosporidium spp. were genotyped by nested PCR and nucleotide sequencing of the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA), 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70), oocyst wall protein (COWP), and actin genes: isolates were identified as Cryptosporidium parvum with minor nucleotide differences at all four loci. Further subtyping was performed by PCR amplification and DNA sequence analysis of the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene: two subtype families were detected, including a novel C. parvum subtype IIpA9 and a rare subtype IIoA13G1 (only reported in diarrheal patients of Sweden). Our results suggest that the bamboo rat is a reservoir host of C. parvum . Significantly, we discovered that the rare C. parvum subtype family IIo is also a zoonotic subtype and confirmed C. parvum subtype IIpA9 as a novel subtype family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus group is a prevalent community of Giant Panda's intestinal flora, and plays a significant role in the field of biological control of pathogens. To understand the diversity of Bacillus group from the Giant Panda intestine and their functions in maintaining the balance of the intestinal microflora of Giant Panda, this study isolated a significant number of strains of Bacillus spp. from the feces of Giant Panda, compared the inhibitory effects of these strains on three common enteric pathogens, investigated the distributions of six universal antimicrobial genes ( ituA, hag, tasA, sfp, spaS and mrsA) found within the Bacillus group by PCR, and analyzed the characterization of antimicrobial gene distributions in these strains using statistical methods. The results suggest that 34 strains of Bacillus spp. were isolated which has not previously been detected at such a scale, these Bacillus strains could be classified into five categories as well as an external strain by 16S rRNA; Most of Bacillus strains are able to inhibit enteric pathogens, and the antimicrobial abilities may be correlated to their categories of 16S rRNA; The detection rates of six common antimicrobial genes are between 20.58 %(7/34) and 79.41 %(27/34), and genes distribute in three clusters in these strains. We found that the antimicrobial abilities of Bacillus strains can be one of the mechanisms by which Giant Panda maintains its intestinal microflora balance, and may be correlated to their phylogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fecal specimens from two Bactrian camels were collected in the Ya'an city zoo of China and were examined for Cryptosporidium by centrifugal flotation. One specimen was found to be parasitized by Cryptosporidium via microscopy, and the oocysts were measured to have an average size of 7.03 × 5.50 μm ( n > 50). The isolate was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and DNA sequence analysis of the partial 18S rRNA, COWP, and A135 genes, and was confirmed to be Cryptosporidium andersoni with minor nucleotide differences. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis indicated that the subtype of the camel-derived C. andersoni isolate was A4, A4, A4, and A1 at the four minisatellite loci ( MS1, MS2, MS3, and MS16, respectively). Therefore, this isolate belongs to the most common MLST subtype reported in cattle in China and is distinct from two other known camel C. andersoni MLST subtypes (A6, A4, A2, A1 and A6, A5, A2, A1). Animal transmission experiments demonstrated that the C. andersoni isolate was not infectious to immunosuppressed or immunocompetent Kun-ming mice, Sprague-Dawley rats, and hamsters but was biologically similar to most bovine C. andersoni isolates characterized so far. Therefore, transmission of this camel-derived C. andersoni isolate is very likely to occur between camels and bovine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations' "Sustainable Development Goals" (SDGs) express attention to climate action. Even though a considerable number of papers have targeted this issue, the literature on the top five, "China, India, Japan, Russia, and the United States" economies is uncommon. Therefore, this paper is targeted to examine the influence of renewable energy (RE), environmental technologies (ETs), and economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on carbon emissions. By using the most recent data available from 1992 to 2020, results are estimated with robust econometric techniques, i. e. "cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) and augmented mean group (AMG)". Findings reflect the harmful role of EPU. However, RE and ETs have a supportive role in the transition towards a sustainable environment. The findings are also strong in terms of policy implications for the top five polluters. • Renewable Energy, Economic policy uncertainty, Environment-related technologies, and CO 2 emissions' nexus is empirically investigated. • CSD-test, CADF, CIPS, Westerlund co-integration, AMG, and CS-ARDL estimations are applied. • ERT and RE are found as a supportive for a sustainable environment. • Economic policy uncertainty is deteriorating the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic patients have an increased risk of prosthesis failure requiring revision surgery. Furthermore, skeletal defects are observed in conjunction with type 1 diabetes. Using a titanium particle-induced calvarial osteolysis model in diabetic mice, we investigated the effect of diabetes on the osteolytic process and the role of naringin in its prevention. Three groups each of nondiabetic or diabetic mice were treated with vehicle only, with particles only, or with particles then naringin for 10 days. Alteration of bone indices near the midline suture were then analyzed by microcomputed tomography scanning and histology. Serum levels of osteocalcin (OCN) and cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The decreases in new bone formation ( p < 0.05), calvaria thickness ( p < 0.05), bone volume ( p < 0.05), midline suture area ( p < 0.05), and OCN concentration ( p < 0.05) found in diabetic mice were normalized with naringin treatment. Diabetic state promoted particle-induced osteolysis. Naringin, an osteoanabolic agent, improved bone indices apparently by stimulating bone formation. Therefore, naringin may be beneficial in preventing and treating debris-mediated periprosthetic osteolysis after total joint replacement, especially in diabetics. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:451-456, 2010 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep carbonate reservoirs with great resource potential are key areas for future hydrocarbon exploration with the continuous innovation of deep hydrocarbon accumulation theory and technology. Breakthrough pressure (BP) is the most important parameter used to indicate rock sealing. In this study, X-ray diffraction, CO 2 adsorption, N 2 adsorption, high-pressure mercury injection, thin section analysis, effective porosity-permeability and BP experiments are conducted to research pore-throat characteristic of carbonate rock and the influencing factor of BP. Pore volume increases with the specific surface area (SSA) of micropore, and has a weak negative and positive correlation with the SSA of mesopore and macropore, respectively. The BP increases with an increase in the micropore proportion and decreases with an increase in the macropore proportion. Compared with R50 (the pore-throat radii corresponding to these mercury saturation of 50%), R35 (the pore-throat radii corresponding to these mercury saturation of 35%) has a better correlation with porosity and permeability and can better characterize the influence of pore throats on the sealing performance of carbonate rock. A low clay content perhaps leads to an inapparent interrelation between clay content and BP. Because of high brittleness of quartz, an increase in quartz content will cause an increase of porosity and permeability, and a decrease in BP. The BP decreases with the increase in effective porosity and permeability, and linear correlations exist among the reciprocal of porosity (A), the −0.407 power of permeability (B), and the BP. The BP calculation formula is fitted based on A and B by the principal component regression (PCR) method of SAS software for carbonate rock in the Ordovician of the Gucheng area. • Pore-throat characteristic of Ordovician carbonate rock in the Gucheng area is researched. • Influencing factors of BP value of carbonate rock in the Gucheng area are investigated. • Forecasting model of BP value of carbonate rock in the Gucheng area is deduced by the method of PCRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of environmental regulations on the nexus between financial development and biased technological innovation is a prerequisite for optimizing systems of environmental and financial policies to gain sustainable development goals (SDGs) in emerging markets. Drawing on China's city-level data from 2003 to 2018, we established econometric models and obtained the following empirical results. Financial development (FD) can promote energy- and environmental-biased technological progress, but, owing to the inverted U-shaped relationship, economic development, and resource endowment, the impact that FD has on biased technological progress is heterogeneous; unreasonable FD will also hinder green technological progress. Threshold model shows that with the improvement of environmental regulation, the impact of energy- and environmental-biased technological progress is also increasing. The development of green finance under SDGs is an important driving force in green technological progress. Finally, we offer suggestions to optimize environmental and financial policymaking and implementation from a government intervention perspective. [Display omitted] • It is important to optimize environmental and financial policies to gain SDGs. • Environmental policies are affected by technological and financial developments. • Financial development (FD) promotes energy- and environmental-technological growth. • Due to an inverted U-shaped relationship biased FD hinders green technology growth. • Green finance development under SDGs will drive green technological progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers a quantile latent factor-on-image (Q-LoI) regression model to comprehensively investigate the relationship between the latent factor of interest and scalar and imaging predictors at different quantiles. The latent factor is characterized by several manifest variables through a confirmatory factor analysis model and then regressed on scalar and imaging covariates. We propose a two-stage method to conduct statistical inference. The first stage extracts leading features from the imaging data through the functional principal component analysis (FPCA) method. The second stage incorporates the extracted imaging features into the Q-LoI regression to examine the impacts of scalar and imaging covariates on the latent factor under various quantiles. A fully Bayesian method with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms is developed for parameter estimation. Simulation studies demonstrate the satisfactory performance of the proposed method. An application to the Alzheimer's disease study is presented to confirm the utility of our methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of the circular economy (CE), a model promoting the cyclical use of resources, and Industry 4.0, an intelligent-based approach to manufacturing, is expected to achieve sustainability. Finding the most suitable path for technological progress and structural change to promote economic growth is the key to adopting Industry 4.0 technologies and successfully transforming to a CE, and thus, key to China achieving sustainable development quickly. This study identifies the joint effects of energy- and environment-biased technological progress and multi-dimensional industrial structural change on economic growth, and empirically verifies the specific effects within China. Our results are as follows. First, pollution abatement technological progress, backstop technological progress and autogenous structural ecologicalization are the main drivers of sustainable economic growth. Second, innovation policies have a positive impact on national economic growth by promoting pollution abatement technological progress. Finally, in sub-regions' regression, backstop and environment technology, and structural ecologicalization promote eastern China's economy, while policies drive environment technological progress and structural ecologicalization to stimulate economic growth in central and western China. Our results imply that policymakers should take into consideration the readiness levels of each region regarding the adoption of Industry 4.0 and circular economy, and that the government should consider and ensure the participation of all stakeholders, including firms. • Focus on the economy's driving forces under Industry 4.0 and circular economy. • Environment and new-energy technological progress promote economic growth in China. • Innovation policy drives economic growth by inducing biased technological progress. • Backstop and environment technological progress benefit eastern and central China. • Industrial policy works well on structural ecologicalization and regional economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Posterolateral tibial plateau fractures (PTPF) remain a challenge for orthopedics surgeons because the special anatomical structures of the posterolateral corner of knee joint including the fibular head, the lateral collateral ligament, and the peroneal nerve, which impedes the exposure of the fracture fragments and need irregular implants to get a stable fixation. The purpose of present study was to introduce a new articular fracture fragments restoration technique for three patterns of PTPF and investigate the relationship between associated soft injuries and fracture patterns. Methods: From May 2016 to April 2018, 31 patients with PTPF who had undertaken arthroscopically assisted reduction and fixation (AARF) were enrolled in present study. Demographic data, pre-operation, and post-operation X plan films, three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were reviewed. Present samples were divided into three patterns with lateral inclination (LI), posterior inclination (PI), and parallel compression (PC) according to the orientation of the articular fragment inclination. Rasmussen anatomical score was used to assess the radiological results. Rasmussen functional score, Hospital for Special Surgery knee-rating Score (HSS), and range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint at the final follow-up were measured to evaluate the clinical outcomes. Results: In this series, the post-operation tibial plateau angle (TPA) was 9.7° ± 3.5°(range 4.0°–15.8°) and the Rasmussen anatomical score was 17.7 ± 0.7(range 16–18); clinical outcomes showed that the HSS score was 92.7 ± 21.8 (range 90–96) and the Rasmussen functional score was 27.9 ± 1.0 (range 26–30). Of all the patients, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries including the ACL tibial attachment ruptures occurred in 16 patients (51.6%), meniscus lesions happened in 19 patients (61.3%), medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries were founded in 13 patients (41.9%). The number of ACL injuries including the ACL tibial attachment ruptures in the PI fracture pattern (12 cases) is significantly higher than LI (2 cases) and PC (2 cases) fracture pattern (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Profound understanding the different patterns of PTPF and using our reduction technique will facilitate to restore the main articular fracture fragments. The PI fracture patterns have a significant high incidence of the ACL ruptures. Level of evidence: Therapeutic study, Level IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study objective: To determine the safety and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided paracervical nerve blocks for the painless treatment of patients with cervical cancer post-implantation. Design: Single-center randomized controlled trial. Setting: Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University (July 2023 to October 2023). Trial number: ChiCTR2300071580 [https://clin.larvol.com/trial-detail/ChiCTR2300071580]. Patients: Eighty patients with cervical cancer underwent post-implantation treatment. Interventions: Patients receiving and not receiving paracervical nerve blocks (Groups T and C, respectively) were randomly allocated. Measurements: Primary measures included visual analog scale (VAS) scores and patient body movement scores at various stages, including vaginal speculum placement (T1), applicator/needle insertion (T2), treatment administration following connection of the treatment tube (T3), needle withdrawal and hemostasis (T4), and willingness to receive further treatment. The secondary observation indices in this study included the operation time, incidence of hypoxemia, occurrence of nausea and vomiting, adverse events related to the circulatory system, patient satisfaction score, operator satisfaction score, and operation duration required by patients with an Alderte score of ≥ 9. Main results: Forty patients each were randomly allocated into Groups T and C. The VAS scores did not differ significantly between the two groups at T1. However, at T3 and T4, the VAS scores of Group T was significantly lower than that of Group C. No significant difference was observed in the body movement scores between the two groups at T1 and T3. However, the body movement score of Group T was significantly lower than that of Group C (P < 0.001) at T2 and T4. Group T showed higher postoperative satisfaction and willingness to receive further treatment compared to that of Group C. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided paracervical nerve block effectively reduced the pain scores in patients with cervical cancer undergoing post-implantation treatment and enhanced their inclination to undergo further treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deviating from the environmental regulations at the regional level, this study focuses the research sample on Chinese A-share polluting companies and uses the ordinary least squares model and the seemingly unrelated regression model to test whether the existing corporate-level environmental regulations promote the development of green finance. The findings suggest that environmental regulations positively affect green finance through short-term or long-term external financing. This result is valid even after the robustness test of the change regression model and the measurement of the change key variables. Further heterogeneity analyses showed that the effect of environmental regulations is more significant in eastern China, manufacturing enterprises, and non-state-owned enterprises; conversely, environmental regulations are ineffective in central and western China and state-owned enterprises. The financing required to engage in polluting projects is binding; it cannot promote green finance. The impact of environmental regulations on green finance is weakened by the "greenwashing" situation, in which non-manufacturing enterprises are defrauding green fund providers. This study will help policymakers improve environmental regulations and establish a multi-party supervision and review mechanism for the green financial system. • Environmental regulations positively affect green finance. • Firm level data is used for analysis. • The effect of environmental regulation in China varies regionally. • Non-manufacturing enterprises engage in "greenwashing" to defraud green funds. • The government needs multi-party supervision to improve environmental regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The extensile lateral approach (ELA) has been widely used to treat displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) and remains the gold standard procedure. Orthopedic surgeons are extremely concerned of the high rate of wound complications. This study intended to report a new surgical technique of the lateral wall osteotomy combined with an embedded biodegradable implant for treating DIACFs and assess clinical and radiological results. Methods: From May 2013 to December 2015, a total of 17 patients with 19 calcaneal fractures underwent surgical treatment using our new technique. Radiographic images, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance (MR) images of the operative limb were obtained to assess fracture healing and biodegradable implant degradation. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle/hindfoot score at the last follow-up was obtained to assess functional result for all cases. Böhler's and Gissane's angles, width, and height of the injured calcaneus were analyzed using preoperative and last follow-up radiographic images. Results: All radiological parameters were significantly improved at the last follow-up, with an increase of 15.58°, 8.38°, and 7.65 mm in Böhler's angle, Gissane's angle, and calcaneal height, respectively, and a decrease of 2.51 mm in calcaneal width (p < 0.05). Mean AOFAS score at the last follow-up was 84.37 ± 9.98, with 9, 6, and 4 feet, having excellent, good, and fair rates, respectively. None had nonunion, delayed union, or malunion after a mean follow-up of 34.69 ± 5.22 months. One superficial infection occurred 6 days post-surgery. Conclusions: Osteotomy of the lateral wall of the calcaneus allows tension-free suturing and avoids damage to penetrating branches of the lateral calcaneal artery (LCA). Biodegradable implants are easy to reshape and do not require surgical removal. However, they should be limited to Sander's type II and III fractures only. Level of evidence: Level IV, case series without controls [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, dental implants have become a trend in the treatment of human patients with missing teeth, which may also be an acceptable method for companion animal dentistry. However, there is a gap challenge in determining appropriate implant sizes for different dog breeds and human. In this study, we utilized skull computed tomography data to create three-dimensional models of the mandibles of dogs in different sizes. Subsequently, implants of various sizes were designed and subjected to biomechanical finite element analysis to determine the optimal implant size. Regression models were developed, exploring the relationship between the average weight of dogs and the size of premolar implants. Our results illustrated that the regression equations for mean body weight (x, kg) and second premolar (PM2), third premolar (PM3), and fourth premolar (PM4) implant length (y, mm) in dogs were: y = 0.2785x + 7.8209, y = 0.2544x + 8.9285, and y = 0.2668x + 10.652, respectively; the premolar implant diameter (mm) y = 0.0454x + 3.3506, which may provide a reference for determine suitable clinical implant sizes for dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical response to a dynamic 3.5% NaCl droplet on pure iron was investigated by newly developed concentric three-electrode array measurements. The freshly covered electrode surface of the volume-expanded droplet acts as the cathode in the corrosion cell, resulting in enhanced local anodic galvanic current density of the anode with steady area and position. As the thickness of a droplet with a constant covering area was reduced, the overall localized corrosion tendency declined, which can be attributed to a more homogeneous oxygen transfer process under a thinner droplet. The results suggest that dynamic droplets with increasing area coverage could promote and accelerate the initiation and propagation of atmospheric corrosion; whereas, the thinning droplets from its original geometry to a thin electrolyte film with an average thickness of 440 μm could decrease the tendency for localized corrosion. • New concentric three-electrode array electrochemical measurement was developed. • Local electrochemical response to dynamic changes in droplet geometry was characterized. • Droplets with an increasing area coverage promote atmospheric localized corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of acetabular and femoral component positions with respect to the risk of post-operative instability and dislocation remains debated. In this study, we aimed to identify potential risk factors for early dislocation following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) for displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures (FNF) using radiological measurements. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data for patients who underwent cementless primary THA for FNF using a posterolateral approach between January 2018 and December 2021. Follow-up duration, age, sex, affected side, and mean time from THA to dislocation were recorded. Leg-length inequality, abductor lever arm, vertical and horizontal femoral offsets, vertical and horizontal hip centers of rotation, abduction, anteversion of the acetabulum and femoral prosthesis, and combined anteversion were measured. Results: The study sample included 17 men and 34 women, with 21 and 30 patients undergoing left- and right-hip operations, respectively. The mean patient age was 70.18 ± 7.64 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 27.73 ± 13.52 months. The mean time between THA and dislocation was 1.58 ± 0.79 months. Seven patients (13.73%) sustained posterior dislocation of the hip. The abduction angle (36.05 ± 6.82° vs. 45.68 ± 8.78°) (p = 0.008) and anteversion of the femoral prosthesis (8.26 ± 4.47° vs. 19.47 ± 9.01°) (p = 0.002) were significantly lower in the dislocation group than in the control group. There were no significant differences in other parameters. Conclusions: Insufficient stem antetorsion combined with lower abduction angle of the acetabular component were associated with a high risk of dislocation, especially in patients with deep flexion or internal rotation of the flexed hip joint and knees, or in patients with a stiff spine or anterior pelvic tilt, impingement may then occur in the neck of the prosthesis and cup component, ultimately resulting in posterior dislocation. These findings could remind surgeons to avoid simultaneous occurrence of both in THA surgery. These results provide new insight into risk factors for hip dislocation in patients undergoing primary THA for FNF and may aid in reducing the risk of instability and dislocation. Level of evidence: Prospective comparative study Level II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Stalk rot caused by Fusarium verticillioides (Fv) is one of the most destructive diseases in maize production. The defence response of root system to Fv invasion is important for plant growth and development. Dissection of root cell type‐specific response to Fv infection and its underlying transcription regulatory networks will aid in understanding the defence mechanism of maize roots to Fv invasion. Here, we reported the transcriptomes of 29 217 single cells derived from root tips of two maize inbred lines inoculated with Fv and mock condition, and identified seven major cell types with 21 transcriptionally distinct cell clusters. Through the weighted gene co‐expression network analysis, we identified 12 Fv‐responsive regulatory modules from 4049 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were activated or repressed by Fv infection in these seven cell types. Using a machining‐learning approach, we constructed six cell type‐specific immune regulatory networks by integrating Fv‐induced DEGs from the cell type‐specific transcriptomes, 16 known maize disease‐resistant genes, five experimentally validated genes (ZmWOX5b, ZmPIN1a, ZmPAL6, ZmCCoAOMT2, and ZmCOMT), and 42 QTL or QTN predicted genes that are associated with Fv resistance. Taken together, this study provides not only a global view of maize cell fate determination during root development but also insights into the immune regulatory networks in major cell types of maize root tips at single‐cell resolution, thus laying the foundation for dissecting molecular mechanisms underlying disease resistance in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monolayer Y zeolite crystal morphology was obtained by hydrothermal zeolitization of expanded perlite, perlite functions as template and the only aluminum source. Y zeolite crystals with size of 200–300 nm are growing on surface of perlite. The resultant composition NaY/perlite shows microporous surface area of 538 m 2 /g in contrast to 0 m 2 /g for expanded perlite, and it has a remarkable lower bulk density characteristic compared to usual NaY zeolite. Furthermore, the morphology of NaY/perlite is unchanged after steaming and heat treatment. The lattice collapse temperature of NaY/perlite is 64 K higher than NaY. The USY/perlite zeolite prepared from NaY/perlite shows similar monolayer dispersion morphology as NaY/perlite. It was shaped by spray drying to microsphere catalyst, catalytic cracking evaluation of heavy oil showed a significantly improvement of gasoline yield compared to the reference, it is attributed to efficient diffusion of reactant and desired product which is benefited from small zeolite crystal and high porosity features of the catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the physical fitness and oxygen uptake kinetics (τ V ˙ O 2 p ) along with the O2 delivery and utilization (heart rate kinetics, τHR; deoxyhemoglobin/ V ˙ O 2 ratio, ∆[HHb]/ V ˙ O 2 ) adaptations of untrained female participants responding to 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and 2 weeks of detraining. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to HIIT (n = 11, 4 × 4 protocol) or nonexercising control (n = 9) groups. Exercising group engaged 4 weeks of treadmill HIIT followed by 2 weeks of detraining while maintaining daily activity level. Ramp-incremental (RI) tests and step-transitions to moderate-intensity exercise were performed. Aerobic capacity and performance (maximal oxygen uptake, V ˙ O 2 max ; gas-exchange threshold, GET; power output, PO), body composition (skeletal muscle mass, SMM; body fat percentage, BF%), muscle oxygenation status (∆[HHb]), V ˙ O 2 , and HR kinetics were assessed. Results: HIIT elicited improvements in aerobic capacity ( V ˙ O 2 max , + 0.17 ± 0.04 L/min; GET, + 0.18 ± 0.05 L/min, P < 0.01; PO- V ˙ O 2 max , ± 23.36 ± 8.37 W; PO-GET, + 17.18 ± 3.07 W, P < 0.05), body composition (SMM, + 0.92 ± 0.17 kg; BF%, − 3.08% ± 0.58%, P < 0.001), and speed up the τ V ˙ O 2 p (− 8.04 ± 1.57 s, P < 0.001) significantly, extending to better ∆[HHb]/ V ˙ O 2 ratio (1.18 ± 0.08 to 1.05 ± 0.14). After a period of detraining, the adaptation in body composition and aerobic capacity, as well as the accelerated τ V ˙ O 2 p were maintained in the HIIT group, but the PO- V ˙ O 2 max and PO-GET declined below the post-training level (P < 0.05), whereas no changes were reported in controls (P > 0.05). Four weeks of HIIT induced widespread physiological adaptations in females, and the majority of improvements were preserved after 2 weeks of detraining except for power output corresponding to V ˙ O 2 max and GET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus agalactiae is a significant pathogen that can affect both human beings and animals. The extensive current use of antibiotics has resulted in antibiotic resistance. In our previous research, we found that zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO QDs) had inhibitory effects on antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. In this study, a strain of Streptococcus agalactiaeWJYT1 with a broad antibiotic-resistant spectrum was isolated and identified from Lama glama at Sichuan Agricultural University Teaching Animal Hospital. The genome for the resistance and virulence genes was analyzed. Additionally, the antibacterial effects and anti-virulence mechanism of ZnO QDs for S. agalactiaeWJYT1 were investigated. The results showed that the genome of S. agalactiaeWJYT1 is 1,943,955 bp, containing 22 resistance genes and 95 virulence genes. ZnO QDs have a good antibacterial effect against S. agalactiaeWJYT1 by reducing bacterial growth and decreasing the expression of virulence genes, including bibA, hylB, sip, and cip, which provides a novel potential treatment for S. agalactiae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the physical fitness and oxygen uptake kinetics ( τ V ˙ O 2 ) along with the exercise-onset O2 delivery (heart rate kinetics, τHR; changes in normalized deoxyhemoglobin/ V ˙ O 2 ratio, Δ[HHb]/ V ˙ O 2 ) adaptations of individuals with different physical activity (PA) backgrounds responding to 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and the possible effects of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) on training-induced adaptations. Methods: Twenty subjects (10 high-PA level, HIIT-H; 10 moderate-PA level, HIIT-M) engaged in 4 weeks of treadmill HIIT. Ramp-incremental (RI) test and step-transitions to moderate-intensity exercise were performed. Cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, muscle oxygenation status, VO2 and HR kinetics were assessed at baseline and post-training. Results: HIIT improved fitness status for HIIT-H ( V ˙ O 2 max , + 0.26 ± 0.07 L/min; SMM, + 0.66 ± 0.70 kg; body fat, − 1.52 ± 1.93 kg; τ V ˙ O 2 , − 7.11 ± 1.05 s, p < 0.05) and HIIT-M ( V ˙ O 2 max , 0.24 ± 0.07 L/min, SMM, + 0.58 ± 0.61 kg; body fat, − 1.64 ± 1.37 kg; τ V ˙ O 2 , − 5.48 ± 1.05 s, p < 0.05) except for visceral fat area (p = 0.293) without between-group differences (p > 0.05). Oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin amplitude during the RI test increased for both groups (p < 0.05) except for total hemoglobin (p = 0.179). The Δ[HHb]/ V ˙ O 2 overshoot was attenuated for both groups (p < 0.05) but only eliminated in HIIT-H (1.05 ± 0.14 to 0.92 ± 0.11), and no change was observed in τHR (p = 0.144). Linear mixed-effect models presented positive effects of SMM on absolute V ˙ O 2 max (p < 0.001) and ΔHHb (p = 0.034). Conclusion: Four weeks of HIIT promoted positive adaptations in physical fitness and V ˙ O 2 kinetics, with the peripheral adaptations attributing to the observed improvements. The training effects are similar between groups suggesting that HIIT is effective for reaching higher physical fitness levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wear particle-induced osteolysis could lead to the aseptic loosening of implants. Studies have suggested that endotoxins, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), may be the primary causes of wear particle-mediated osteolysis, and that osteolysis may originate from subclinical levels of bacterial infection. However, effective therapies against wear particles and gram-negative bacterial or LPS-induced bone resorption are limited. Materials and Methods: In the current study, the effect of berberine on LPS- and polyethylene (PE) particle-induced osteolysis in vivo was investigated using a mouse calvarial model. Osteoclast number per bone perimeter and eroded surface per bone surface were measured. Results: Berberine (10 mg/kg), injected either simultaneously with LPS or 3 d after LPS (25 mg/kg) treatment, blocked LPS-induced osteoclast recruitment and bone resorption in the mouse calvarial model. A daily single-dose of berberine (10 mg/kg), injected either simultaneously with PE particles or 4 d after treatment with PE particles, blocked PE particle-induced osteoclast recruitment and bone resorption. Berberine treatment markedly decreased LPS and PE particle-induced osteoclast recruitment and bone resorption in the murine calvarial model. Conclusion: These results suggest that berberine may have therapeutic effect for osteolysis induced by wear particles and LPS in gram-negative bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extensive economic growth mode leads to resource depletion and environmental degradation. Green development is the best way to solve this problem. We analyzed the sample data of 41 cities in the Yangtze River Delta of China from 2007 to 2019. We used the spatial Durbin model and interaction term model to study the effects of regional financial agglomeration (FA) on green development and the moderating role of green technology innovation. The results show that FA promotes local green development but inhibits the green development of neighboring areas. Because the polarization effect of the growth pole is greater than its dispersion effect, cities with high levels of FA have a strong "siphon effect" on the surrounding areas. Green technology innovation positively moderates the promoting effect of FA on green development; the higher the level of green technology innovation and the degree of emphasis on it, the stronger the promoting effect. The government should encourage green finance to promote green technology innovation and promote the green development of the regional economy. These findings provide new insights for developing countries to achieve sustainable development under environmental constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]