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Metastasis accounts for 90% of cancer death worldwide, and effective therapeutic strategies are lacking. The aim of this work is to identify the key drivers in tumor metastasis and screen therapeutics for treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Gene Ontology analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) gene expression datasets of ESCC patients with or without lympy metastasis identifies that TGFβ2 is highly enriched in the pathways essential for tumor metastasis and upregulates in the metastatic ESCC tumors. High TGFβ2 expression in ESCC correlates with metastasis and patient survival, and functionally contributes to tumor metastasis via activating extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) signaling. By screening of a library consisting of 429 bioactive compounds, imperatorin is verified as a novel TGFβ2 inhibitor, with robustly suppressive effect on tumor metastasis in multiple mice models. Mechanistically, direct binding of imperatorin and CREB1 inhibits phosphorylation, nuclear translocation of CREB1, and its interaction with TGFβ2 promoter, represses TGFβ2 expression and fibroblasts‐secreted CCL2, and then inactivates ERK signaling to block cancer invasion and abrogates the paracrine effects of fibroblasts on tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Overall, the findings suggest the use of TGFβ2 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in ESCC, and supports the potential of imperatorin as a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total electron content (TEC) of the ionosphere is one of the key parameters for both scientific study and engineering application. A hybrid deep learning network based on Grapy Convolution Network (GCN) and Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) is proposed to predict the regional ionospheric TEC 24 h in advance across China. The extensive 14-year dataset during 2005–2018 from the CODE TEC measurements, covering a wide variety of solar activity, are used to comprehensively evaluate the performance of the predictive model. The experimental results show that the model predicted TEC is in good agreement with the actual CODE TEC. Over 90% of differences between the actual TEC and the predicted TEC are within ±2 TECU, and the model errors obviously depend on seasons, latitudes and solar activity. Comparison with the previous work indicate that the proposed regional forecast model is competitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. This study was aimed at systematically evaluating the clinical effect and safety of Xiao'er Xiaoji Zhike oral liquid in the treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in children and providing evidence-based references for clinical application. Methods. The databases like Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China Network Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, PubMed, EmBase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically investigated via searching clinical trials about Xiao'er Xiaoji Zhike oral liquid in treating MPP from the establishment of these databases to Jun 8, 2020, the valid data from which were entered meta-analysis. The quality of evidence was assessed by GRADE criteria. Results. Totally, 15 trials and 1500 patients were involved in this review. It showed that clinical efficacy of trial group was more superior than control group at the outcome measures of cough disappearance time, lung rale disappearance time, fever subsidence time, total effective rate, lung X-ray infiltrates disappearing time, reduction of hospital stay, immunological indexes, and some other measures. And the differences between groups were statistically significant. There was no statistical difference in the adverse effects between two groups. Lung X-ray infiltrates disappearing time and cough disappearance time were separately high- and moderate-quality evidences while lung rale disappearance time and fever subsidence time were all low in accordance with GRADE criteria. Conclusions. In accordance with trials with low methodological quality, Xiao'er Xiaoji Zhike oral liquid combined with azithromycin seems to be safe and superior to azithromycin alone for the treatment of MPP in children. However, further trials with rigorous methodology need to be implemented for these potential benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Axonal injury results in long‐term neurological deficits in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has been reported to activate intracellular adaptor protein Disabled‐1 (Dab1) phosphorylation via its interaction with ApoE receptors. The Dab1 pathway acts as a regulator of axonal outgrowth and growth cone formation in the brain. Aims: We hypothesized that ApoE may alleviate axonal injury and regulate axonal regeneration via the Dab1 pathway after TBI. Results: In this study, we established a model of controlled cortical impact (CCI) to mimic TBI in vivo. Using diffusion tensor imaging to detect white matter integrity, we demonstrated that APOE‐deficient mice exhibited lower fractional anisotropy (FA) values than APOE+/+ mice at 28 days after injury. The expression levels of axonal regeneration and synapse plasticity biomarkers, including growth‐associated protein 43 (GAP43), postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD‐95), and synaptophysin, were also lower in APOE‐deficient mice. In contrast, APOE deficiency exerted no effects on the levels of myelin basic protein (MBP) expression, oligodendrocyte number, or oligodendrocyte precursor cell number. Neurological severity score (NSS) and behavioral measurements in the rotarod, Morris water maze, and Y maze tests revealed that APOE deficiency caused worse neurological deficits in CCI mice. Furthermore, Dab1 activation downregulation by the ApoE receptor inhibitor receptor‐associated protein (RAP) or Dab1 shRNA lentivirus attenuated the beneficial effects of ApoE on FA values, GAP43, PSD‐95, and synaptophysin expression, and neurological function tests. Additionally, the effects of ApoE on axonal regeneration were further validated in vitro. In a mechanical scratch injury model of primary cultured neurons, recombinant ApoE protein treatment enhanced axonal outgrowth and growth cone formation in injured neurons; however, these effects were attenuated by Dab1 shRNA, consistent with the in vivo results. Conclusion: Collectively, these data suggest that ApoE promotes axonal regeneration partially through the Dab1 pathway, thereby contributing to functional recovery following TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that interleukin-10 (IL-10) polymorphisms may be associated with the development of Behcet's disease (BD). However, the published results were inconsistent. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to derive a more precise relationship between IL-10 polymorphisms and BD susceptibility. Online databases (PubMed, Embase, Science Citation Index (SCI), CNKI, and WanFang) were searched to identify eligible studies. Odds ratio (OR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to assess the relationship strength between IL-10 -1082A>G (rs1800896), -819T>C (rs1800871), and -592A>C (rs1800872) polymorphisms and BD susceptibility. Publication bias, sensitivity, and cumulative analyses were conducted to measure the robustness of our findings. Finally, fifteen articles (36 independent case-control studies) involving 5,971 patients and 8,913 controls were included. Overall, significant associations between -819T>C polymorphisms and BD risk were observed in the total population (C vs. T: OR = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.67-0.77, P < 0.01, I2 = 36.6%; TC vs. TT: OR = 0.73, 95%CI = 0.66-0.80, P < 0.01, I2 = 23.0%; CC vs. TT: OR = 0.52, 95%CI = 0.39-0.70, P < 0.01, I2 = 53.7%; TC+CC vs. TT: OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.61-0.71, P < 0.01, I2 = 22.1%; and CC vs. TT+TC: OR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.53-0.82, P < 0.01, I2 = 57.8%). Moreover, the IL-10 -592 A>C polymorphism and the ACC haplotype exhibited a significant, protective effect against BD susceptibility. In summary, our meta-analysis suggested that IL-10 gene polymorphisms may play a salient role for BD development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgroud: Breast milk is the optimal food for infant growth and development. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between breast milk macronutrient composition with dietary pattern among lactating women. Methods: A total of 220 lactating women from 2011 to 2012 in Changsha, a city of south-central China, was recruited using a multi-stage sampling method. Breast milk was collected, and the protein, fat, lactose, total dry matter, and energy contents of breast milk were measured. A 24 h recall method on three consecutive days was used to collect the dietary information of lactating women and an exploratory factor analysis was performed was to identify dietary patterns. The association between the concentration of a breast milk component and dietary pattern was assessed using a multivariable linear regression model. Results: Three major dietary patterns were classified. Lactating women with dietary pattern 1 mainly ate fresh vegetables and fresh legumes. Those with dietary pattern 2 mainly ate red meat, cereals and eggs, and those with dietary pattern 3 mainly ate fungi and algae, dries legumes and soy milk. Pattern 2 was positively associated with the concentration of protein (B = 0.07, 95% CI 0.00, 0.15), total dry matter (B = 0.20, 95% CI 0.02, 0.38) and energy (B = 1.66, 95% CI 0.03, 3.30) in breast milk. Morever, lactation period was negatively associated with the protein and total dry matter concentrations and positively associated with lactose. Conclusions: The results show the lactation period was an important factor affecting milk composition and a dietary pattern with high intake of red meat, cereals, and eggs was associated with higher protein, total dry matter, and energy contents in breast milk. These findings show that the dietary patterns of lactating women can affect breast milk macronutrient composition and provide a foundation for improving child health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodeterioration caused by filamentous fungi is often a threat to the architectural heritage (i.e. tombs and historic sites). To specifically understand the deterioration phenomena caused by microorganisms in tombs and how these are shaped due to various environmental factors, the fungal communities in the coffin chamber of the Chinese emperor Yang (BC 569–618) were investigated at different heights using denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprinting. The associated environmental conditions, such as humidity, temperature, height and illumination, were also assessed. The results showed that a great diversity of fungal species (Cordyceps, Fusarium, Harpochytrium, Emericellopsis, Volutella, Cladosporium, Stachybotrys, Trichoderma, Cochlonema and two unknown fungal species) was present in emperor Yang's coffin chamber. The predominant species were Stachybotrys, Fusarium, Trichoderma and Cochlonema. Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that humidity, temperature, height and illumination were the most significantly related factors shaping the fungal communities. Humidity showed the highest degree of variance description (19.2%) than all other environmental factors, followed by illumination (18.3%) and height (12.8%). Furthermore, fungal richness and diversity indices showed a positive correlation with humidity (p < 0.05). These results help in understanding the fungal community in tombs, promoting the mitigation of deterioration phenomena of such building heritage for the present and future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of cosmic-ray (CR) positron fractions by PAMELA and other experiments have found an excess above 10 GeV relative to the standard predictions for secondary production in the interstellar medium. Although the excess has been mainly suggested to arise from some primary sources of positrons (such as pulsars and or annihilating dark matter particles), the almost constant flux ratio of argues for an alternative possibility that the excess positrons and antiprotons up to the highest energies are secondary products generated in hadronic interactions. Recently, Yang & Aharonian revisited this possibility by assuming the presence of an additional population of CR nuclei sources. Here we examine this secondary product scenario using the DRAGON code, where the radiative loss of positrons is taken into account consistently. We confirm that the CR proton spectrum and the antiproton data can be explained by assuming the presence of an additional population of CR sources. However, the corresponding positron spectrum deviates from the measured data significantly above 100 GeV due to strong radiative cooling. This suggests that although hadronic interactions can explain the antiproton data, the corresponding secondary positron flux is still not enough to account for the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer data. Hence the contribution from some primary positron sources, such as pulsars or dark matter, is nonnegligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bronchobiliary fistula is a rare, but life‐threatening complication after ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma. Few cases of bronchobiliary fistula have been reported and the treatment is controversial. Methods: From 2006 to 2019, a total of 11 patients were diagnosed with bronchobiliary fistula after ablation and received nonsurgical treatment. Results: All 11 patients presented with cough and bilioptysis. There were only two patients in which MRI revealed an obvious fistulous tract connecting the pleural effusion and biliary lesions. Pleural effusion, liver abscess and hepatic biloma were found in other patients. Three patients died of uncontrolled bronchobiliary fistula. Conclusions: Bronchobiliary fistula is a rare post‐ablation complication but should be taken into consideration in clinical decisions. Minimally invasive interventional treatment is a relatively effective means of dealing with bronchobiliary fistula, but as for the more severe cases, greater clinical experience is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to be important in a variety of cancer types. The specific expression and roles of miR-520f-3p in the context of gastric cancer (GC), however, remains unknown. Herein we determined miR-520f-3p expression to be significantly reduced in human GC cells compared to cells of the gastric epithelium, with comparable down-regulation also being evident in gastric cancer tissue samples and the low expression of this miRNA was positively correlated with features of more aggressive large tumor size (p = 0.019), depth of invasion (p = 0.008), and distant metastasis (p = 0.037). We further found that lower levels of miR-520f-3p corresponded with poorer GC patient overall (p = 0.003) and disease-free (p = 0.036) survival. When over-expressed in GC cells, miR-520f-3p was able to impair their growth, proliferation, and survival, instead leading to the induction of apoptosis. We further found that miR-520f-3p was able to bind the SOX9 3′-UTR, thereby negatively regulating its expression in GC cells. Consistent with this model, SOX9 and miR-520f-3p expression were negatively correlated with one another in GC tissues. When SOX9 was upregulated, this was also able to abrogate miR-520f-3p-mediated inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Together our findings thus suggest that miR-520f-3p can act to suppress GC progression, at least in part via suppressing SOX9 expression and thus disrupting Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our results thus highlight potential novel therapeutic targets in GC worthy of future investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent advances in kernel-based Deep Learning models have introduced a new era in medical research. Originally designed for pattern recognition and image processing, Deep Learning models are now applied to survival prognosis of cancer patients. Specifically, Deep Learning versions of the Cox proportional hazards models are trained with transcriptomic data to predict survival outcomes in cancer patients. Methods: In this study, a broad analysis was performed on TCGA cancers using a variety of Deep Learning-based models, including Cox-nnet, DeepSurv, and a method proposed by our group named AECOX (AutoEncoder with Cox regression network). Concordance index and p-value of the log-rank test are used to evaluate the model performances. Results: All models show competitive results across 12 cancer types. The last hidden layers of the Deep Learning approaches are lower dimensional representations of the input data that can be used for feature reduction and visualization. Furthermore, the prognosis performances reveal a negative correlation between model accuracy, overall survival time statistics, and tumor mutation burden (TMB), suggesting an association among overall survival time, TMB, and prognosis prediction accuracy. Conclusions: Deep Learning based algorithms demonstrate superior performances than traditional machine learning based models. The cancer prognosis results measured in concordance index are indistinguishable across models while are highly variable across cancers. These findings shedding some light into the relationships between patient characteristics and survival learnability on a pan-cancer level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation(CT-RFA) combined with transarterial embolization(TAE) assisted by a three-dimensional visualization ablation planning system(3DVAPS) for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in challenging locations. Methods: Data from 62 treatment-naive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), with 83 lesions in challenging locations, and who met the Milan criteria and underwent CT-RFA between June 2013 and June 2016 were reviewed. Patients were divided into one of two groups according to different treatment modalities: study group (TAE combined with RFA assisted by 3DVAPS [n = 32]); and control (RFA only [n = 30]). Oncological outcomes included ablation-related complications, local tumor progression (LTP), and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors associated with LTP and OS. Results: HCC lesions (mean size, 1.9 ± 1.0 mm in diameter) abutting the gastrointestinal tract (n = 25), heart and diaphragm (n = 21), major vessels (n = 13), and gallbladder (n = 3) were treated. A significant difference was detected in LTP between the two groups (P = 0.034), with no significant difference in OS between the two groups (P = 0.193). There were no severe complications related to ablation. Univariate analysis revealed that sex (P = 0.046) and child-turcotte-pugh (CTP) grade (P<0.001) were risk factors for OS, whereas CTP grade and treatment method (P<0.001) were risk factors for LTP. Multivariate analysis revealed that CTP grade B (P = 0.005) was independently associated with poor OS, and RFA alone (P<0.001) was independently associated with poor LTP. Conclusion: CT-RFA combined with TAE assisted by a 3DVAPS provided ideal clinical efficiency for HCC in challenging locations and was a highly safe treatment modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A palladium‐catalyzed oxidative C–H/C–H cross‐coupling of oxalyl amide‐protected β‐arylethylamines and heteroarenes has been developed. The methodology presented a broad substrate scope, great functional group tolerance, and good to excellent yields for the synthesis of ortho‐thiophenylated β‐arylethylamines. The installed thiophene functional group can promote a second C–H functionalization, such as alkynylation and arylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel polysaccharide fraction (MSCP2) was extracted and isolated from the roots of Millettia Speciosa Champ. Structural characterization revealed that MSCP2 had an average molecular weight of 2.85 × 104 Da and was composed of fucose, arabinose, galactose, glucose and xylose with a ratio of 2.20: 2.52: 4.04: 87.29: 3.96. Methylation analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis showed that the main glycosidic linkage types of MSCP2 were proved to be α-D-Glc p -(1→, →4)-α-D-Glc p -(1→, →4)-α-D-Xyl p -(1→, →6)-β-D-Gal p -(1→, α-L-Ara f -(1→, →3,4)-β-L-Fuc p -(1→ and →4)-α-D-Gal p A-(1→. The immunomodulatory assay suggested that MSCP2 could significantly improve the pinocytic capacity and increase the secretion of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines by regulating the corresponding mRNA expression in RAW 264.7 cells. The data from the membrane receptor assay demonstrated that the potential mechanisms of MSCP2-induced macrophage activation were mainly through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), scavenger receptor type A (SRA) and glucan receptor (GR)-mediated signaling pathways. These results suggested that MSCP2 can be developed as a promising immunomodulatory agent in functional foods. • A novel polysaccharide (MSCP2) was isolated and purified from the roots of Millettia Speciosa Champ. • MSCP2 could significantly enhance the pinocytic capacity and promote the secretion of NO and cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells. • The pattern recognition receptors for MSCP2 binding to macrophages were elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel thorium-based organic frameworks (Th-IHEP-5 and Th-IHEP-6) were assembled from a hexanuclear thorium cluster, porphyrin derivative ligand and linear carboxylic acid ligands via a mixed-ligand strategy. As a stable heterogeneous catalyst, Th-IHEP-5 exhibited high photocatalytic activity for the oxidation of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) and the fixation of CO2. The good catalytic effect is attributed to the large conjugated system of porphyrin and the photosensitizer enhancing effects of bipyridine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnSb is a favourable eco-friendly, earth abundant SIand low cost thermoelectric material. We herein report a feasible approach to improve the thermoelectric performance of ZnSb by compositing with hydrothermally synthesized Sb. A series of ZnSb/Sb composites was fabricated by mixing the host material ZnSb and hydrothermally synthesized Sb followed by consolidation using cold pressing and evacuating-and-encapsulating sintering at 530 °C for 3 h. As compared to the host ZnSb, both the electrical resistivity and thermopower decrease, while both the power factor and thermal conductivity increase upon compositing with Sb. The bipolar transport of ZnSb is suppressed at temperatures up to 600 K. As a result, the ZnSb-Sb composite with 4 wt.% of hydrothermally synthesized Sb has a zT = 1.18 at 600 K, which is one of the highest values for ZnSb-based material and is about 46% enhancement as compared to the host ZnSb having zT = 0.81 at 600 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our study aimed to compare the predictive value of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) for hyperuricemia with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 9,206 South China residents (male/female: 4,433/4,773) aged 18–89 years recruited during years 2009–2010 and 2014–2015. Anthropometric measurements, serum uric acid, blood pressure, and plasma glucose, lipid, lipoprotein, and transferase levels were measured. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analyses were applied to evaluate the predictive values of anthropometric indices for hyperuricemia. Results: The prevalence of hyperuricemia increased significantly with higher quartiles of WHtR in both genders. The best cutoff points of WHtR to predict hyperuricemia are 0.52 for men and 0.49 for women and differed between different BMI and WC stratums. Although there was no significant difference between the area under the ROC curves, subjects in the top quartile of WHtR were at a highest risk of hyperuricemia (p for linear trend <0.001) and the adjusted ORs of WHtR (2.24–2.77 in men and 2.66–4.95 in women) were higher than those of BMI or WC in the multivariable regression model. Conclusions: WHtR was an independent and better predictor of hyperuricemia compared with BMI and WC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracarotid cold saline infusion (ICSI) brings about neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke. However, the involvement of serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) in the underlying mechanism of ICSI is not fully understood; therefore, we used the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model to investigate the neuroprotective effects of ICSI on ischemic stroke in rats, as well as the involvement of SGK1 in these effects. ICSI decreased infarct size and brain swelling, as determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and the dry-wet weight method, respectively. The results of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) and Nissl staining showed that ICSI also suppressed apoptosis and increased the relative integral optical density (IOD) values of Nissl bodies in the rat MCAO model. Regarding the mechanism, the results of immunohistochemistry and western blotting revealed that ICSI upregulated SGK1 expression and downregulated beclin-1 and LC-3 expression in the rat MCAO model. In addition, SGK1 knockdown increased ICSI-mediated infarct size and brain swelling, promoted apoptosis, and reduced the IOD values of Nissl bodies in the rat MCAO model. In addition, we found that SGK1 knockdown upregulated beclin-1 and LC-3 expression mediated by ICSI. Overall, ICSI had a neuroprotective effect on ischemic stroke after reperfusion by upregulating SGK1 and inhibiting autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are considered to be natural biofertilizers because they provide the host with mineral nutrients, particularly phosphorus. However, there is insufficient information on AMF community compositions and their determining factors in pear orchard soils. In this study, hypotheses tested were that both soil characteristics and geographical distance influence the variation in AMF community composition. The community composition and diversity of AMF were examined using MiSeq sequencing in nine pear orchard soils in Jiangsu Province, China. Our data showed that a total of 108 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified, with the majority belonging to Glomus (>90%). Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) plots and PERMANOVA based on Bray-Curtis distance showed a clear separation of soil samples, suggesting significant dissimilarities in the AMF communities among the nine sampling sites. Distance-decay relationship (DDR) curves revealed that both geographical distance and soil chemical properties affect AMF community composition. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and forward selection were used to examine the significance of environmental factors in more detail, and found that soil chemical properties and geographical distance correlated with AMF community composition. Particularly, pH, available phosphorus (AP) and Cu were the most significant soil properties that affected AMF communities. Partial CCA demonstrated that soil chemical properties exerted the primary influence on the assembly of the AMF communities in pear orchard soils, while geographical distance was less influential, which was supported by a partial Mantel analysis. Overall, we concluded that soil chemical properties and geographical distance were important parameters that affected AMF communities in Jiangsu Province, China, and the soils with moderate level of AP and low contents of heavy metals may preserve diverse AMF communities. • Glomus is the dominant group in pear orchard soils in Jiangsu Province, China. • Both soil properties and geographical distance affected AMF community composition. • Soil properties contributed to a greater degree than geographical distance. • pH, AP and Cu were the most important soil chemical properties affecting AMF communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic enrichment behavior of monodispersed MFe 2 O 4 (M = Mg, Ca, Ni, Co, and Cu) ferrite nanoparticles with different size (10–130 nm) on the surface of a 15 mm o.d. NdFeB-N40 magnetic rod has been investigated. The materials were synthesized by a modified sol-gel method. They were characterized by XRD, TEM, and VSM. The magnetic field of the rod was modelled numerically using a finite element analysis software to obtain the input data for the magnitude of magnetic force. Three adsorption models can be used to describe the enrichment mechanism of ferrite nanoparticle depending on the magnetic permeability: (i) Freundlich adsorption model at low magnetic permeability (<10 μemu/Oe) which leads to the enrichment percentage below 50%, (ii) mixed (multilayer) adsorption model at intermediate permeability (10–50 μemu/Oe), and (iii) a monolayer adsorption at high permeability (>100 μemu/Oe) leading to the enrichment percentage above 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Value Feature selection is an effective method to solve the curse of dimensionality, which widely employs Evolutionary Computation (EC), such as Genetic Algorithms (GA), by regarding feature subsets as individuals. However, it is impossible for EC based feature selection approaches to possess big population sizes because of very long and infeasible computational time. We have proposed a method screening individuals by estimating their classification performances rapidly instead of deriving theirs with a certain classifier dilatorily. Consequently, aiming at improving classification accuracies, we propose an approach named as FS-NN-GA (Feature Selection approach based on Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms) in this work. The proposed approach employs the neural networks trained with some randomly generated individuals, and their actual classification accuracies to estimate individuals' classification accuracies and screens them in each round of GA. The individuals with low estimated accuracies are directly eliminated. Only a small number of individuals with high estimated accuracies are reserved, evaluated by deriving their accuracies with a certain classifier, and participate GA operations to be explored emphatically. As a result, big population sizes become feasible, and a huge number of individuals can be considered by GA in acceptable and feasible time, which improves performances of GA and derives high accuracies. We perform the experiments with 10 data sets in comparison with 11 available approaches. The experimental results show that FS-NN-GA outperforms other approaches on most data sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing biomass as carbon precursor for peroxydisulfate (PDS) catalyst preparation could solve the problem of solid waste and water pollution treatment synergistically. However, the poor activity of pure biomass catalyst (BC) still needs further improvement. In this study, novel S-doped BC (S-BC) was prepared from chitosan (waste from agriculture and food industry) for PDS activation. With S doping, superior conductivity and defect (active sites) degree were achieved in S-BC. About 99.73% removal efficiency of methyl orange (MO) could also be achieved under the conditions of 3 mM PDS, 1.0 g L−1 S-BC, 10 mg L−1 MO, and initial pH of 3. This removal efficiency is higher than that of BC at 58.46%. Density functional theory calculation showed that the S 2 O 8 2− ions were favorably adsorbed on the S-BC surface due to the negative adsorption energy of −3.048 eV. The O atoms in S–O bond (in S 2 O 8 2−) could capture electrons from S atoms (in S-BC), leading the favorable breaking of this bond. Thus, resulting in the formation of surface attached radicals, O 2 ·− and 1O 2 for MO degradation, rather than SO 4 −· radicals in solution. [Display omitted] • Novel S-BC was prepared from solid waste of chitosan for PDS activation. • Superior conductivity and defect (active sites) degree were achieved with S doping. • Surface attached radicals, O 2 ·− and 1O 2 were contributed for MO degradation, rather than SO 4 −· radicals in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our center carried out an extended study to evaluate the influence of HS016 on sacroiliitis and hip arthritis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One patient of the HS016 group discontinued the study because of sepsis, so 13 and 5 patients who received HS016 or its originator therapy underwent the final MRI examinations. [Extracted from the article]

• Dynamical evolution of spin is exactly solved in linear response to an applied electric field. • The transient behavior and asymptotic solution of spin dynamics in 2D spin-orbit coupled systems is obtained. • The connection between the asymptotic solution and stationary state of the system is exhibited. • The resulting dissipative effect for spin dynamics agrees with the prediction of Kubo formula. We investigate the spin dynamics in the two-dimensional spin-orbit coupled system subject to an in-plane (x - y plane) constant electric field, which is assumed to be turned on at the moment t = 0. The equation of spin precession in linear response to the switch-on of the electric field is derived in terms of Heisenberg's equation by the perturbation method up to the first order of the electric field. The dissipative effect, which is responsible for bringing the dynamical response to an asymptotic result, is phenomenologically implemented à la the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation by introducing damping terms upon the equation of spin dynamics. Mediated by the dissipative effect, the resulting spin dynamics asymptotes to a stationary state, where the spin and the momentum-dependent effective magnetic field are aligned again and have nonzero components in the out-of-plane (z) direction. In the linear response regime, the asymptotic response obtained by the dynamical treatment is in full agreement with the stationary response as calculated in the Kubo formula, which is a time-independent approach treating the applied electric field as completely time-independent. Our method provides a new perspective on the connection between the dynamical and stationary responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal upwelling is important for marine ecosystems and the economy, because of its elevated primary and secondary productivity and large potential for fish catch. This study developed a scale-independent and semi-automatic image processing technique to map the upwelling areas along the 4500 km south-eastern coast of Australia from 14-year monthly MODIS Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data. The results show that there is significant spatial variability in the mapped upwelling areas, month to month, season to season and year to year. There is also strong temporal (month to month, seasonal and inter-annual) variability of the upwelling characteristics in area of influence, SST anomaly, chlorophyll-a concentrations and upwelling speed. This study identifies two prominent upwelling systems, the NSW system along the coast of New South Wales and the WVIC/SA system along the coast of western Victoria and adjacent South Australia. The NSW coastal upwelling system occurs more or less continuously from austral spring to autumn. The WVIC/SA coastal upwelling system is a seasonal upwelling system occurring in the austral summer. The NSW coastal upwelling system has a stronger upwelling intensity than the WVIC/SA system, in terms of area of influence, SST anomaly, chlorophyll- a concentrations and upwelling speed. We believe that the NSW coastal upwelling system, especially the northern and central parts, is mainly driven by the East Australian Current (EAC) and its eddies; while, the WVIC/SA coastal upwelling is a typical wind-driven system. In addition, the results indicate that the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events are likely to have a low-to-moderate impact on both the NSW and the WVIC/SA coastal upwelling systems. The El Nino (La Nina) events tend to strengthen (weaken) upwelling intensity. • A scale-independent and semi-automatic upwelling mapping technique is developed. • There is strong temporal variability of the upwelling characteristics. • Two persistent upwelling systems off south-eastern Australian coast are identified. • ENSO events are likely to have a low-to-moderate impact on both upwelling systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A series of Bi3+ ions activated blue-emitting phosphors Gd 2-x ZnTiO 6 :xBi3+ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.015) were synthesized by high-temperature solid-state procedure. The Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that the host lattice Gd 2 ZnTiO 6 possessed a direct band gap of 3.07 eV which agreed well with the optical band gap of about 3.80 eV obtained from the diffuse reflection spectrum. Moreover, the Gd 2-x ZnTiO 6 :x Bi3+ crystallizes in a monoclinic space group P 2 1 / n (# 14) and the representative Gd 1.9925 ZnTiO 6 :0.0075Bi3+ phosphor presents an irregular crystal shape with smooth surface, clear edges and corner. All of them emit bright blue light with the emission peak at 419 nm under 375 nm excitation and the optimum Bi3+ ion doping concentration is 0.0075. In addition, the thermal quenching properties and PL decay test show that the Gd 1.9925 ZnTiO 6 :0.0075Bi3+ possess good thermal stability and an efficient energy transfer between Bi3+ ions. Finally, we explored the application of Gd 1.9925 ZnTiO 6 :0.0075Bi3+ phosphor by fabricating the warm pc-WLED device. Notably, the device presents good luminescence properties with the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) coordinates of (0.4485, 0.4222), a high color rendering index (CRI) of 89.4 and low corresponding color temperature (CCT) of 2956 K under 60 mA current. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Gd 2 ZnTiO 6 :Bi3+ were synthesized as blue-emitting phosphors. • Gd 1.9925 ZnTiO 6 :0.0075Bi3+ possess efficient energy transfer between Bi3+ ions. • The Gd 1.9925 ZnTiO 6 :0.0075Bi3+ based WLED presents excellent luminescence properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the behavior of the vibrator–ground coupling vibration, a model containing equivalent dynamic stiffness and equivalent dynamic damping to describe the interaction between the vibrator and the ground is established based on half-space theory. According to load cell test, this model shows a good agreement with the experimental data. Dynamic responses of the structure are analyzed on displacement, velocity, acceleration, and ground force. Results show that the stroke and pump displacement are main constraints that limit the bandwidth of vibrator toward low frequency, and the stroke of conventional vibrator is not long enough to achieve lower frequency. Analysis of velocity response indicates that with the increase of frequency, a larger mass results in a lower velocity under external force. The influence of the ground acting on the baseplate is limited, and the acceleration of the baseplate is determined by its own mass beyond 80 Hz. Analysis of ground force shows that the response of the structure can be divided into three stages. The reaction mass, the baseplate, and the ground play different roles in dominating the ground force at different frequency bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Hip arthritis plays a critical role in the prognosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Dose reduction of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors preserves general improvement of AS, so this study attempted to examine the equivalence between Yisaipu® tapering and conventional therapy for hip arthritis in AS patients, using clinical parameters and magnetic resonance image (MRI). Methods: AS patients received this etanercept-biosimilar injections (50 mg/week) in the first 12 weeks. Participants in the tapering group were treated with this reagent 50 mg every other week from week 13 to week 24, while the control group kept undergoing full-dose therapy. Clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed at baseline, week 12 and week 24. MRI examination of hip was performed at baseline and week 24. Results: One hundred and thirty-six patients were enrolled, and 80 of them were in the tapering group. Linear mixed model revealed that main effects of tapering group with control group as reference in disease activity parameters were insignificant (p > 0.05). Main effects of baseline with week 24 as reference were significant (p < 0.05), but main effects of week 12 with week 24 as reference were not (p > 0.05). Prevalence of acute inflammatory change in MRI significantly decreased in the tapering group (76.88% vs 20.00%, p < 0.05) and control group (76.79% vs 19.64%, p < 0.05). Influence of both treatments on acute inflammatory change was equivalent (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Efficacy of Yisaipu® tapering treatment is comparable to the full-dose therapy for hip arthritis in AS patients. Both treatments maintain remission of hip arthritis after patients achieved low disease activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Enclosed torrefaction has lower cost than traditional torrefaction. • Fuel properties and grindability of wheat straw is significantly improved. • Enclosely torrefied wheat straw has greater mass loss due to smoldering. • Acids in the gaseous products obtained are converted into methyl esters. Abstract In this study, a novel on-site torrefaction method was proposed for the pretreatment of wheat straw, in which the wheat straw was placed in an enclosed environment for torrefaction. The effects of different torrefaction conditions on the properties of both solid and gaseous products were investigated. When the temperature of enclosed torrefaction increased from 200 °C to 250 °C, the higher heating value, fixed carbon and C content of wheat straw increased by 12.7%, 80.3% and 18.1%, respectively, and the moisture decreased by 25.0%. Enclosed torrefaction causes more mass loss due to the smoldering of wheat straw, and a strong decomposition of the hemicellulose of wheat straw during the torrefaction process. The gaseous products obtained by enclosed torrefaction have fewer acids and more esters than conventional torrefaction. Compared with conventional torrefaction, enclosed torrefaction performs similarly, or even better, in improving the properties of wheat straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the efficiency and precision of abrasive belt grinding of the free-form surface, a novel trajectory planning approach based on machining accuracy control is proposed in this paper. At the same time, a method to optimize the size of the contact wheel based on the diploid genetic algorithm is also presented. Then, the effectiveness of the method is necessary to demonstrate through an abrasive belt grinding experiment of the aero-engine blade. The results show that the blade profile accuracy after grinding by using the proposed method can better meet the corresponding tolerance requirements, and the surface quality and accuracy of blade profile are improved effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Northeastern Queensland is a far-field site from ice caps formed during the Last Glacial. However, the region has experienced glacio-hydroisostatically driven coastal elevation change during the Holocene that generated a distinctive relative sea-level record. We tested whether this subtle vertical movement of the coast is recorded in the morphology and stratigraphy of the beach-ridge strandplain at Cowley Beach, which comprises a series of 36 prominent and several subdued or truncated beach ridges. Previous studies have shown that the strandplain records the long-term progradation of the coast, with the ridges comprising coarse-medium sand that was deposited during both fairweather (foreshore and berm facies) and tropical cyclone events (erosional unconformities; storm-surge deposits) over the past approximately 7 ka. We utilised a fine-scale digital elevation model of the strandplain to examine beach ridge morphology and to compare the elevation pattern with published Holocene sea-level data for the region. The overall elevation pattern of the strandplain surface is consistent with the regional sea-level history, that includes a highstand at around 6 ka BP generated by isostatic uplift, and the elevation of the berm facies matches well robust coral sea-level indicator data. We also modelled the strandplain topographic patterns that would result under stable and continually rising Holocene sea-levels. The frequencies of elevation classes across the strandplain are normally distributed when the strandplain is deposited during a period of stable sea level, and negatively skewed with a continually rising sea level, consistent with the expected patterns. The results indicate the sensitivity of the elevation of the top of the berm facies preserved in beach ridges to subtle changes in sea level (tens of cm over a thousand years). Our results further underline the utility of beach-ridge strandplains, a globally distributed coastal landform, for building relatively detailed regional records of sea level during the Holocene at sites currently lacking this information. Highlights • Holocene coastal isostatic uplift is recorded in beach ridges at Cowley Beach. • Beach ridge elevation records a sea-level highstand at 6 ka BP. • Rising and stable sea-level regimes produce distinctive strandplain elevation patterns. • These deposits can provide many more detailed regional sea-level records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The previous studies have shown that recurrent stroke (RS) adversely affects the life of survivors of ischemic stroke (IS). However, lifestyle associated with RS has received a little systematic study in Chinese Han patients. We aimed to perform a comprehensive assessment of lifestyle and the potential risk factors associated with RS in Chinese Han inpatients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke by conducting a long-term follow-up. Methods: Using a prospective and longitudinal design, we recruited 421 patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke who were consecutively admitted to the Acute Stroke Unit between November 2012 and January 2014. Demographic data, vascular risk factors, previous Rankin scale score, and etiology were collected at study intake. Multivariable Cox regression model was used to investigate the influencing factors for RS. Results: Fifty-seven (13.5%) patients experienced RS during the 1-year follow-up period. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that smoking [hazard ratio (HR), 2.153; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.263–3.671], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (HR 0.438; 95% CI 0.211–0.911), housework (HR 0.488; 95% CI 0.256–0.933), ischemic heart disease (IHD) (HR 2.998; 95% CI 1.281–7.020), daily consumption of fresh fruits (HR 0.477; 95% CI 0.278–0.819), and good sleep quality (HR 0.375; 95% CI 0.216–0.650) were associated with RS among stroke patients. Conclusions: Our results suggest that healthy lifestyle (high fruit intake, smoking cessation, housework, and good sleep quality), higher HDL levels, and lack of IHD may be associated with a lower risk of RS in patients with first-onset IS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) block the release of a series of neurotransmitters, which are pivotal for neuron action. Intrahippocampal administration of BoNTs inhibits glutamate release, protects neurons against cell death, and attenuates epileptic seizures. Compared with intrahippocampal administration, intranasal delivery is less invasive and more practical for chronic drug administration. To assess whether intranasal administration is feasible, we examined the role of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) in hippocampal neuronal injury after status epilepticus (SE) induced by pilocarpine. Our data showed BoNT/A could bypass the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and entered the olfactory bulb and hippocampal neurons. In addition, SE could result in up-regulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (Caspase-3, Bax), down-regulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and neuronal death in hippocampus. BoNT/A could suppress the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax, attenuate the decrease of Bcl-2, and inhibit hippocampal neuron death induced by SE. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in cognitive behavior between the BoNT/A-pretreated rats and normal rats. Thus, we provided a more convenient and less invasive route for taking advantage of BoNT/A in the field of anti-epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract An olivine-structured solid solution, LiFe 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 PO 4 /C nanocomposite, was synthesized as cathode materials for Li-ion batteries by the coprecipitation-and-milling method using stearic acid as the carbon source. Thus-formed LiFe 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 PO 4 /C solid solution was well confirmed and characterized by various techniques such as SEM, TEM and XRD. The LiFe 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 PO 4 /C-based cathode delivered an initial discharge capacity of 163.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, together with a capacity retention rate of 86.6% after 50 cycles in the potential range of 2.5–5 V. Even at 1 C, a discharge capacity of 104.7 mAh g−1 was maintained after 100 cycles. The good electrochemical performance of the LiFe 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 PO 4 /C could be attributed to the homogeneous mixing of Fe, Mn and Co elements in relevant precursor solid solution Fe 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 C 2 O 4 ·2H 2 O. Its characteristic CV profiles reveal three pairs of anodic/cathode peaks which could be assigned to the redox reactions of Co3+/Co2+, Mn3+/Mn2+ and Fe3+/Fe2+ with potential plateaus at about 4.7 V, 4.1 V and 3.5 V in the charge/discharge curves, respectively. Our study demonstrates that the LiFe 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 PO 4 /C is a promising cathode material of Li-ion battery and the coprecipitation-and-milling method represents a workable strategy towards the synthesis of high-performance phosphate-type composite cathode. Highlights • The C-LFMCP with homogeneous mixing of Fe, Mn and Co was successful prepared. • Uniform carbon coating ensures good conductivity of the C-LFMCP. • The C-LFMCP delivers an initial discharge capacity of 163.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Piriformis syndrome (PS) is an entrapment of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle, or myofascial pain from the piriformis muscle. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Mannitol plus Vitamins B regime in the management of PS. METHODS: Twenty two patients were included in this study and received 250 ml of mannitol 20% intravenous infusion for 5 days + Vitamins B (vitamin B 1 10 mg + vitamin B 2 10 mg + vitamin B 12 50 μ g PO) for 6 weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed systematically by clinical tests (tenderness, FAIR test, Beatty's, Freiberg's and Pace's maneuver), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Likert Analogue Scale (LAS), and MR examination. RESULTS: The clinical evaluations showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of tenderness, FAIR test, Beatty's maneuver, Freiberg's maneuver and Pace's maneuver when compared with baseline evaluation during the 3rd and 6th month follow-ups. A statistically significant improvement of pain was measured by NRS at resting (p < 0.001), at night (p < 0.001) and during activities (p < 0.001) and LAS with prolonged sitting (p < 0.001), standing (p < 0.001) and lying (p < 0.001). Concomitantly, swelling of SN revealed a significant reduction (p = 0.003) from 86.4% to 18.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Mannitol plus Vitamins B is effective in the management of piriformis syndrome and it could be an alternative regime in treating PS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Microwave-assisted approach to nitrophenyl pyrabactin analogues. • Excellent yields (91%–97%) and broad substrate scope. • Very suitable to prepare flusulfamide (fungicide). • Enhancing POD activity in response to heavy metal stress. Abstract A facile and efficient approach to N -(2-nitrophenyl) benzenesulfonamides was developed under microwave irradiation. A series of pyrabactin analogues containing nitrophenyl scaffold was obtained in excellent yields. In addition, the method was pretty suitable to prepare flusulfamide. Significantly, the 3ae could enhance POD activity in response to heavy metal stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Nanocrystals has been constructed for insoluble drugs as a novel type of nanoscale drug delivery systems with high drug loading. How to prepare nanocrystals with good stability and tumor targeting capability is still challenging. This study was to modify paclitaxel nanocrystals with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for stabilization and RGD peptide for tumor targeting. Inspired by the structure of mussel's foot protein, polydopamine (PDA) was introduced to the drug delivery system for the modification of nanocrystals. Briefly, PDA was coated on the surface of nanocrystals to form a reaction platform for further PEGylation and RGD peptide conjugation. PEGylated nanocrystals with RGD peptide modification (NC@PDA-PEG-RGD) were prepared with near-spheroid shape, drug loading 45.12 ± 1.81% and a hydrodynamic diameter 419.9 ± 80.9 nm. The size of NC@PDA-PEG-RGD remained basically unchanged for at least 72 h in the presence of plasma while the size of unmodified nanocrystals (NC) increased and exceeded 1000 nm in 12 h. Cellular uptake and cellular growth inhibition experiments using the lung cancer cell line A549 demonstrated the superiority of NC@PDA-PEG-RGD over NC or PEGylated nanocrystals without RGD modification (NC@PDA-PEG). In A549 model tumor bearing-mice, NC@PDA-PEG-RGD showed significantly higher intratumor accumulation and slower tumor growth than NC@PDA-PEG or free paclitaxel. In summary, our study suggested the superiority of RGDmodified PEGylated paclitaxel nanocrystals as a lung cancer-targeted delivery system and the potential of PDA coating technique for targeting functionalization of nanocrystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Pollen grains can be dispersed singly or variously aggregated in groups. Whether the evolution of pollen aggregation is driven by the pollinator remains unexplored. We hypothesize that an extensive pollen aggregation is favored under a scarcity of pollinators.Variation in pollen aggregation by viscin threads in 13 Rhododendron species was measured as it is related to pollen removal in a visit. Visitation rates of functional pollinator groups that vary in their grooming behavior were investigated in each species. Pollen deposited on stigmas in the field was also sampled.Seven Rhododendron species were infrequently pollinated by low‐intensity grooming animals, including birds, butterflies and moths. The other six species were more frequently pollinated by bees with a high intensity of pollen grooming. Bird‐ and Lepidoptera‐pollinated species produced longer pollen‐connecting threads that connected more pollen grains. Phylogenetically independent contrast analysis of the 13 species showed that pollinator visitation frequency was negatively related to amounts of pollen removal per visit but not to stigmatic pollen loads.The finding of interspecific patterns in pollen removal related to pollinator visitation frequency suggests pollinator‐mediated selection on pollen packaging strategies, supporting the hypothesis of floral evolution via pollen export. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Novel BaGe 4 O 9 :Eu3+ red-emitting phosphors were synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state reaction. The crystal structures, morphological properties, elements analysis, optical properties and fluorescence decay time were investigated systematically. In contrast, the optimal Eu3+-doping concentration is 30 mol% when monitored at 591 nm with a 394 nm excitation. The energy transfer of Eu3+ ions in BaGe 4 O 9 host lattice is dominated by the exchange interaction with the critical distance (R c) of 5.28 Å. As expected, the red-emitting phosphor BaGe 3.7 O 9 :0.3Eu3+ exhibited a better quantum yield (QY) of 57.9% and an excellent lifetime of 2.25 ms. Consequently, the red-emitting phosphors BaGe 3.7 O 9 :0.3Eu3+ revealed a promising performance in warm WLED device with the CIE coordinates of (0.4365, 0.4130), the color temperature (T c) of 3079 K and the color rendering index (R a) of 85.8 under a driven current of 20 mA. These results indicate that the BaGe 4 O 9 :Eu3+ phosphors are prospective candidates as red-light component for warm white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) devices. Graphical abstract Novel BaGe 4 O 9 :Eu3+ red-emitting phosphors for warm light-emitting diodes were synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state reaction. Image 1 Highlights • Novel BaGe 4 O 9 :Eu3+ red-emitting phosphors were synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state reaction. • The BaGe 4 O 9 :Eu3+ phosphors are prospective candidates as red-light component for warm white light-emitting diodes devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on first-principles calculations, we systematically investigated a two-dimensional (2D) organometallic framework consisting of metal atoms (elements from groups IIIA, IVA, VA, VIA, IB, and Pt) and dicyanobenzenes (DCBs). Our stability analysis showed that the system prefers the buckled structure in metals with p-orbital valence electrons, whereas in metals with d-orbitals, the planar phase is preferable. Topological invariants (Z2) of these systems were calculated, and they are identified as 2D intrinsic organic topological insulators. Au- and Bi-DCB are exemplar materials with the largest bandgaps within IB and VA groups. Moreover, Au-DCB exhibits robustness of its topological phase against strain. Furthermore, the topologically protected edge states in Au-DCB are identified to further verify the Z2 invariant. Interestingly, utilizing hole doping in Bi-DCB leads to a nearly flat Chern band and results in the quantum anomalous Hall phase. Our results suggest that these organometallic frameworks are promising for potential applications in quantum spintronics with the merits of low cost and ease of synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Australian submarine canyons offer a multitude of potential habitat types. • Australian canyons may be particularly important habitats for benthic species. • Shelf-incising canyons score higher in habitat potential than those slope-confined. • High habitat potential canyons are located mainly on the eastern Australian margin. Abstract The seascape of the vast Australian continental margin is characterised by numerous submarine canyons that represent an equally broad range of geomorphic and oceanographic heterogeneity. Theoretically, this heterogeneity translates into habitats that may vary widely in their ecological characteristics. Here we describe the methodology to develop a framework to broadly derive estimates of habitat potential for pelagic and epibenthic species (including demersal fishes), and benthic infauna in all of Australia's known submarine canyons. Our analysis shows that the high geomorphic and oceanographic diversity of Australian submarine canyons creates a multitude of potential habitat types. In general, it appears that canyons may be particularly important habitats for benthic species. Canyons that incise the shelf tend to score higher in habitat potential than those confined to the slope. Canyons with particularly high habitat potential are located mainly offshore of the Great Barrier Reef and the NSW coast, on the eastern margin of Tasmania and Bass Strait, and on the southern Australian margin. Many of these canyons have complex bottom topography, are likely to have high primary and secondary production, and have less intense disturbance to sediment. The framework presented here can be applied – once refined and comprehensively validated with ecological data – to help managers make informed conservation decisions, especially for high value canyons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major challenges for rollover detection are the accurate modelling of vehicle dynamics and the real-time estimation of the varied parameters. To circumvent the dependence on vehicle parameters, a novel rollover detection method based on the pulsed braking excitation is proposed. With the lateral load transfer ratio (LTR), the relationship between rollover risks and non-driven wheel rotational dynamics is deduced, which is the basis to apply braking excitation on wheels. The lateral acceleration is adopted as the first criterion to activate the rollover detection. Once the pulsed braking is applied to the non-driven wheels, the braking pressure and wheel angular speeds are measured to estimate the LTR on the non-driven axle. In case of emergency, the differential braking-based anti-rollover is implemented. Experiments were conducted on a Hardware-in-Loop bench. The results show that, the pulsed braking can be activated timely, and the LTR on the non-driven axle is estimated accurately. With the anti-rollover control, the roll stability is improved considerably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Current practical advances in high-throughput data technologies including RNA-sequencing have led to the identification of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) for potential clinical application against bladder urothelial cancer (BLCA). However, most previous studies focused on the clinical value of individual lncRNAs, which has limited the potential for future clinical application. Methods: In this study, RNA-sequencing data of lncRNAs was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Risk score was constructed based on survival-associated lncRNAs identified using differential expression analysis as well as univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic and Kaplan-Meier curve analyses were employed to evaluate the clinical and prognostic value of risk scores. Bioinformatics analyses were used to investigate the potential mechanisms of newly identified lncRNAs. Results: Among 2,127 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), four new lncRNAs (AC145124.1, AC010168.2, MIR200CHG, and AC098613.1) showed valuable prognostic effects in BLCA patients. More importantly, the four-DEL-based risk score had the potential to become an independent marker for the survival status prediction of BLCA patients. Distinct co-expressed genes and signaling pathways were identified when BLCA was categorized into low- and high-risk groups. Furthermore, a protein-coding gene, HIST4H4 was found only 68 bp from the AC010168.2 DEL. HIST4H4 expression level was evidently up-regulated and positively correlated with AC010168.2 in BLCA patients. Conclusion: This in silico investigation pioneers the future investigation of the utility of prognostic lncRNAs for BLCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cascade C–H functionalization/cyclization reaction of salicylaldehydes with α-diazomalonates has been developed for the synthesis of 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives under the catalysis of rhodium(iii) and in the presence of acetic acid. A plausible mechanism involving aldehydic C(sp2)–H activation by rhodium(iii) and rhodium(iii) catalyzed carbene insertion is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranyl–organic frameworks (UOFs) have recently been the object of many research endeavors due to the unique coordination mode of uranyl ions and their attractive physicochemical properties. Here, a new (3,4)‐connected UOF (U‐IHEP‐4) assembled from uranyl and porphyrin ligand tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (H4TCPP) is reported, which represents the first case of actinide porphyrinic MOFs. Adsorption experiments in DMF solution demonstrated that U‐IHEP‐4 selectively adsorbs positively charged dyes, which is in line with its negatively charged framework and large pore volume ratio (90 %). Remarkably, U‐IHEP‐4 exhibited high catalytic activity for the dehydrogenation of N‐heterocycles to synthesize the corresponding aromatic heterocycles and it can be used as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst. A new uranyl–organic framework (U‐IHEP‐4) based on porphyrin derivative ligand was synthesized, filling the gap of porphyrinic MOFs in the field of actinide chemistry. The compound U‐IHEP‐4 was demonstrated to be a heterogeneous catalyst for dehydrogenation of N‐heterocycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract A series of novel benzoisoselenazol-containing arenobufagin hybrids were designed, synthesized and their in vitro cytotoxicity for cancer cell lines and AC16 cell line, as well as their ROS scavenge activities were evaluated. Among them, 6d and 6f exhibited ROS scavenge activities and less cardiotoxcity. Highlights • A series of novel benzoisoselenazol-containing arenobufagin hybrids (6a – 6f) were synthesized by employing a linker of natural amino acid. • The in vitro cytotoxicity against three human cell lines and ROS scavenge activities were tested. • Two hybrids (6d and 6f) with well ROS scavenge activities and less cardiotoxicity were identified. Abstract Arenobufagin is a naturally occurring bufadienolide showing promising antitumor activity accompanied however with apparent cardiac toxicity. Following the recent discovery that oxidative damage possibly be an important cause of the cardiac toxicity of cardenolides, a strategy fusing the antitumor agent arenobufagin with a benzoisoselenazol fragment, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, has been developed. Six novel hybrids were synthesized and their ROS scavenging activities as well as their in vitro cytotoxicity against the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2, an adriamycin-resistant subline HepG2/ADM, and the human myocardial cell line AC16 were evaluated. The results indicate that the hybrids exhibit various degrees of in vitro ROS scavenging activities, and weaker cytotoxicity than that of arenobufagin against the myocardial cell line AC16. These findings suggest the feasibility of a strategy in which the cardiotoxicity of the potential antitumor agent arenobufagin is reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to determine whether an miRNA (miR)-29b inhibitor protected against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in vitro and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. As a model for induced cerebral IR injury, N2a cells were exposed to an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) environment. Using this model, it was demonstrated that miR-29b was significantly upregulated compared with cells in a normal environment. The interactions between miR-29b and myeloid cell leukemia sequence (MCL)-1 were then investigated using dual-luciferase assays, revealing a strong regulation of MCL-1 through the 3'untranslated region. Using the OGD/R model, the present study additionally examined the effects of miR-29b and miR-29b inhibitor on cell viability and apoptosis using Cell Counting kit 8 and flow cytometry assays, respectively. miR-29b transfection led to increased N2a cell apoptosis and reduced cell viability under an OGD/R environment. However, this effect was reversed by the miR-29b inhibitor. Finally, the effects of miR-29b on the expression of several Wnt-associating proteins were examined. It was observed that B cell lymphoma-2 was inhibited by miR-29b, as was MCL-1, whereas caspase-3 expression was promoted. The miR-29b inhibitor demonstrated the opposite effect. Overall, miR-29b promoted neurocyte apoptosis by targeting MCL-1 during cerebral I/R injury. The results of the present study suggest a potential novel therapeutic target for the treatment of ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Okra is a commonly consumed healthy vegetable in many countries due to its wide range of pharmacological effects. The present study was designed to investigate in vivo antidiabetic potential of the total flavone glycoside from okra fruit (TFGO) on type 2 diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: TFGO was obtained by column chromatography on 70% ethanol extract of okra fruit, and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis was carried out on its' three main flavone glycosides. In rats, 2000 mg/kg of TFGO did not show any toxicity on the acute toxicity test. Type 2 diabetic rats were induced by streptozotocin (35 mg/kg; i. p.) after fed with high-fat emulsion for 4 weeks. Rats were divided into six groups: normal control group, diabetic control group, metformin control group (100 mg/kg), and three TFGO groups (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg). The antidiabetic potential of TFGO was measured by comparing body weight, food intake, fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), organ index, and histological section of kidney tissue in rats. Results: The results showed that the administration of TFGO significantly (P < 0.01) decreased the levels of FBG, TG, TC, liver index and increased (P < 0.01) OGTT, SOD levels in diabetic rats compared to diabetic control group rats. Moreover, the lesion of diabetic kidney tissue was recovered obviously. Conclusions: Our findings confirmed that TFGO has significant antidiabetic potential in rats. This study provides a reference point for further investigation and development of TFGO. Abbreviations used: TFGO: Total flavone glycoside from okra fruit; OGTT: Oral glucose tolerance test; SOD: Superoxide dismutase; TG: Triglycerides; TC: Total cholesterol; MDA: Malondialdehyde; FBG: Fasting blood glucose; STZ: Streptozotocin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio frequency (RF) heat treatment is one of the most promising methods for disinfestations and pasteurizations of granular foods but the combined effects of geometry and dielectric properties of granular materials on the non-uniformity of heating in RF are poorly understood. A coupled thermal-electromagnetic model for RF heating (27.12 MHz, parallel plate) of a single layer of spherical particles (1–5 cm diameter) was developed using two different formulations of the particles − an approach that considers the geometry of individual particles and a simplified approach that considers the effective properties of an air-particle mixture. The spherical particles, prepared from soybean powder, represented dry granular foods. Model predictions were validated using point and spatial temperature measurements. Results show that while an effective properties approach can be sufficient for smaller (∼1 cm diameter) particles (with internal temperature range of 3 °C), consideration of the exact geometry (individual particles) would be needed for accurate prediction of heating non-uniformities (with internal temperature range of 39 °C) in larger diameters (diameter of 5 cm). Heating non-uniformities are present due to corner/edge heating, focusing effect, as well as contact heating between particles or between a particle and the tray. Results should greatly benefit computer-aided design and optimization of RF heating processes for granular products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the huge number of users, Sina Weibo is an ideal platform of eWOM. Also, the enterprise aims to spread the product to its target customers through the way of improving the customers’ purchase intentions. This research aims to explore the drivers of purchase intentions from the aspect of eWOM behavior among Generation Y in Sina Weibo. It examines the relations among customer experience, social relationships, eWOM behavior and purchase intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]