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Abstract Gaining continuous trust from mobile banking customers is a critical step in retaining customers for their usage of the provided services. The current study aims to investigate how customers’ continuous trust is formed at the continuous-use stage. Online survey responses from 450 frequent mobile banking users are collected. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) based on a proposed model that predicts trust. The findings successfully validated the model and its reduced form. Based on the model, customers’ continuous trust can be predicted by mobile banking apps’ perceived ease of use, privacy assurance and security features, organisation reputation, customer support, and customers’ previous experience. Furthermore, the interactive relationships among these proposed factors are proposed and validated in the model. By studying trust in mobile banking past the initial adoption stage, we provide evidence to support the theoretical framework of investigating mobile banking continuous trust from the three constructs—mobile app (perceived ease of use, privacy assurance, security features), organisation (reputation, customer support), and customer (prior experience).

In this paper, we study the pseudo almost periodic solutions for a class of nonlinear Duffing equations with S p -pseudo almost periodic coefficients and delays on time scales. For this purpose, we establish a result of the existence and uniqueness of pseudo almost periodic solution for an abstract linear equation with S p -almost periodic coefficients and S p -pseudo almost periodic forcing term. Meanwhile, to deal with the delay, we extend some concepts of functions from T → R to T → Π , where T is a time scale with translation set Π , and give some basic properties for these concepts. Then, applying these results, we obtain some results on the existence and uniqueness of pseudo almost periodic solutions for the Duffing equation. Moreover, some examples are given to illustrate our main results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has been widely used to treat various human diseases as an important delivery vector for gene therapy due to its low immunogenicity and safety. AAV capsids proteins are comprised of three capsid viral proteins (VP; VP1, VP2, VP3). The capsid proteins play a key role in viral vector infectivity and transduction efficiency. To ensure the safety and efficacy of AAV gene therapy products, the quality of AAV vector capsid proteins during development and production should be carefully monitored and controlled. Microflow liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry provides superior sensitivity and fast analysis capability. It showed significant advantages in the analysis of low- concentration and large numbers of AAV samples. The intact mass of capsid protein can be accurately determined using high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS). And MS also provides highly confident confirmation of sequence coverage and post-translational modifications site identification and quantitation. In this study, we used microflow liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for the characterization of AAV2 capsid protein. we obtained nearly 100% sequence coverage of low-concentration AAV2 capsid protein (8 × 1011 GC/mL). More than 30 post-translational modifications (PTMs) sites were identified, the PTMs types included deamidation, oxidation and acetylation. From this study, the proposed microflow LC–MS/MS method provides a sensitive and high throughput approach in the characterization of AAVs and other biological products with low abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Danxia geoheritage has emerged as a compelling subject of study, while the Tethys-Himalayan tectonic domain continues to captivate scholarly attention. However, a noteworthy gap exists in the literature concerning the intricate relationship between Danxia formation and the evolution of regional tectonics. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis involving structure interpretation and terrain assessment, utilizing Landsat8 imagery and ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model. Additionally, field investigations were carried out on 35 Danxia landforms in the southern Sichuan Basin. Our findings revealed four distinct types of Danxia heritages—cliff (32 sites), peak (7 sites), cave (5 sites), and valley (6 sites)—with a predominant presence on slopes exceeding 40°. Moreover, valley-type sites exhibited a propensity for development at altitudes surpassing 400 m. The observed formations were intricately linked to Late Jurassic to Cretaceous red beds, influenced by the synergistic effects of the southward thrusting of the Qinling Orogen and the northwestward expansion of the Jiangnan Orogen. The control exerted by Cenozoic faults, folds, and joints—resulting from the eastward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau and the southeastward extrusion of the Chuandian terrane—further shaped these Danxia landscapes. Notably, the eastward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau induced the Cenozoic uplift of the southern Sichuan Basin, initiating a rapid denudation process of red beds crucial to the formation of Danxia landforms. Consequently, the Tethys-Himalayan tectonic evolution not only provided the material and structural foundations for these formations but also exerted a profound influence on their development in the southern Sichuan Basin. This study significantly contributes to our enhanced understanding of the spatial distribution of Danxia landforms in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria have evolved various response systems to adapt to environmental stress. A protease-based derepression mechanism in response to DNA damage was characterized in Deinococcus, which is controlled by the specific cleavage of repressor DdrO by metallopeptidase PprI (also called IrrE). Despite the efforts to document the biochemical, physiological, and downstream regulation of PprI-DdrO, the upstream regulatory signal activating this system remains unclear. Here, we show that single-stranded DNA physically interacts with PprI protease, which enhances the PprI-DdrO interactions as well as the DdrO cleavage in a length-dependent manner both in vivo and in vitro. Structures of PprI, in its apo and complexed forms with single-stranded DNA, reveal two DNA-binding interfaces shaping the cleavage site. Moreover, we show that the dynamic monomer-dimer equilibrium of PprI is also important for its cleavage activity. Our data provide evidence that single-stranded DNA could serve as the signal for DNA damage sensing in the metalloprotease/ repressor system in bacteria. These results also shed light on the survival and acquired drug resistance of certain bacteria under antimicrobial stress through a SOS-independent pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu-Co/X-MMT (X = Na, SiO2) catalysts were prepared via impregnation method using Na-MMT and SiO2-MMT (montmorillonite pillared by SiO2) as the support and copper nitrate and cobalt nitrate as precursors. In addition, the citric acid was introduced during the preparation of Cu-Co/SiO2-MMT to obtain Cu-Co/SiO2-MMT-Ac catalyst. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, TEM, H2-TPR, XPS and N2 adsorption–desorption at low temperature. The results showed that the acidity and specific surface area of SiO2-MMT were larger than those of Na-MMT, thus resulting in dimethyl ether (DME) conversion and H2 yield of Cu-Co/SiO2-MMT higher than those of Cu-Co/Na-MMT during steam reforming of DME (SRD). However, for Cu-Co/SiO2-MMT, there was a large amount of methanol in the carbon-containing product due to the large particle size of Cu. The Cu particle size of Cu-Co/SiO2-MMT-Ac was decreased significantly due to the introduction of citric acid, thus accelerating the steam reforming of methanol reaction and enabling the timely conversion of the intermediate product methanol of SRD, resulting in the increasing DME conversion and H2 yield. Therefore, Cu-Co/SiO2-MMT-Ac was expected to be a potential catalyst for SRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of using a novel purpose-built single-port robotic system (the SHURUI Robotic Surgical System) with deformable surgical instruments to perform retroperitoneal single-port partial nephrectomy. Materials and methods: A prospective study was conducted to recruit patients with a single renal tumor no more than 4 cm. Robot-assisted single-port partial nephrectomy was performed by using the novel purpose-built single-port robotic system with deformable surgical instruments. Patients' demographics, tumor characteristics, and perioperative parameters were recorded and analyzed. Results: Sixteen patients were recruited to the study. The median tumor size was 2.0 cm (IQR: 1.2-2.4 cm). The median R.E.N.A.L score was 6 (IQR: 4-4.5). In 3 cases, pure single-port surgery was carried out, and all the assistance was through the robotic port. Median docking time was 15.5 min (IQR: 14.25-22.25 min). Median operating time was 148.5 min (IQR: 178-238.5 min). Median console time was 107 min (IQR: 92.75-149.75 min). Median warm ischemic time was 26.5 min (IQR: 24.5-30 min). Median blood loss was 17.5 ml (IQR: 10-50 ml). Conclusions: Retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy can be safely performed with this novel purpose-built single-port robotic system (SHURUI) with deformable surgical instruments. Further studies are needed to fully evaluate the role of this new platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central South University is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Organic compounds represent an appealing group of electrode materials for rechargeable batteries due to their merits of biomass, sustainability, environmental friendliness, and processability. Disodium terephthalate (Na2C8H4O4, Na2TP), an organic salt with a theoretical capacity of 255 mAh·g−1, is electroactive towards both lithium and sodium. However, its electrochemical energy storage (EES) process has not been directly observed via in situ characterization techniques and the underlying mechanisms are still under debate. Herein, in situ Raman spectroscopy was employed to track the de/lithiation and de/sodiation processes of Na2TP. The appearance and then disappearance of the −COOLi Raman band at 1625 cm−1 during the de/lithiation, and the increase and then decrease of the −COONa Raman band at 1615 cm−1 during the de/sodiation processes of Na2TP elucidate the one-step with the 2Li+ or 2Na+ transfer mechanism. We also found that the inferior cycling stability of Na2TP as an anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) than lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) could be due to the larger ion radium of Na+ than Li+, which results in larger steric resistance and polarization during EES. The Na2TP, therefore, shows greater changes in spectra during de/sodiation than de/lithiation. We expect that our findings could provide a reference for the rational design of organic compounds for EES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the involvement of endothelial cells (ECs)-derived exosomes in the anti-apoptotic effect of Danhong Injection (DHI) and the mechanism of DHI-induced exosomal protection against postinfarction myocardial apoptosis. Methods: A mouse permanent myocardial infarction (MI) model was established, followed by a 14-day daily treatment with DHI, DHI plus GW4869 (an exosomal inhibitor), or saline. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-induced ECs-derived exosomes were isolated, analyzed by miRNA microarray and validated by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). The exosomes induced by DHI (DHI-exo), PBS (PBS-exo), or DHI+GW4869 (GW-exo) were isolated and injected into the peri-infarct zone following MI. The protective effects of DHI and DHI-exo on MI hearts were measured by echocardiography, Masson's trichrome staining, and TUNEL apoptosis assay. The Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to evaluate the expression levels of miR-125b/p53-mediated pathway components, including miR-125b, p53, Bak, Bax, and caspase-3 activities. Results: DHI significantly improved cardiac function and reduced infarct size in MI mice (P<0.01), which was abolished by the GW4869 intervention. DHI promoted the exosomal secretion in ECs (P<0.01). According to the results of exosomal miRNA microarray assay, 30 differentially expressed miRNAs in the DHI-exo were identified (28 up-regulated miRNAs and 2 down-regulated miRNAs). Among them, DHI significantly elevated miR-125b level in DHI-exo and DHI-treated ECs, a recognized apoptotic inhibitor impeding p53 signaling (P<0.05). Remarkably, treatment with DHI and DHI-exo attenuated apoptosis, elevated miR-125b expression level, inhibited capsase-3 activity, and down-regulated the expression levels of proapoptotic effectors (p53, Bak, and Bax) in post-MI hearts, whereas these effects were blocked by GW4869 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: DHI and DHI-induced exosomes inhibited apoptosis, promoted the miR-125b expression level, and regulated the p53 apoptotic pathway in post-infarction myocardium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the protective effect of Huoxin Pill (HXP) on acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MIRI) injury in rats. Methods: Seventy-five adult SD rats were divided into the sham-operated group, model group, positive drug group (diltiazem hydrochloride, DH), high dose group (24 mg/kg, HXP-H) and low dose group (12 mg/kg, HXP-L) of Huoxin Pill (n=15 for every group) according to the complete randomization method. After 1 week of intragastric administration, the left anterior descending coronary artery of the rat's heart was ligated for 45 min and reperfused for 3 h. Serum was separated and the levels of creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured. Myocardial ischemia rate, myocardial infarction rate and myocardial no-reflow rate were determined by staining with Evans blue and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN) databases were used to screen for possible active compounds of HXP and their potential therapeutic targets; the results of anti-inflammatory genes associated with MIRI were obtained from GeneCards, Drugbank, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Datebase (TTD) databases was performed; Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment were used to analyze the intersected targets; molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Tools. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3). Results: Compared with the model group, all doses of HXP significantly reduced the levels of LDH, CK and CK-MB (P<0.05, P<0.01); HXP significantly increased serum activity of SOD (P<0.05, P<0.01); all doses of HXP significantly reduced the levels of hs-CRP and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01) and the myocardial infarction rate and myocardial no-reflow rate (P<0.01). GO enrichment analysis mainly involved positive regulation of gene expression, extracellular space and identical protein binding, KEGG pathway enrichment mainly involved PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and lipid and atherosclerosis. Molecular docking results showed that kaempferol and luteolin had a better affinity with TLR4, NFκB and NLRP3 molecules. The protein expressions of TLR4, NFκB and NLRP3 were reduced in the HXP group (P<0.01). Conclusions: HXP has a significant protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats, and its effect may be related to the inhibition of redox response and reduction of the inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR4NFκB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel polyoxometalates-based metal-organic frameworks (POMOFs) microsphere, that is [Ni(phen)H2O]·V2O6 (phen is o-phenanthroline), have been successfully fabricated by one-pot simple hydro(solvent)thermal reaction through regulating different solvent ratios (H2O/EtOH). The experimental results show that the solvent effect has a significant effect on the micro-morphology and the catalytic activity of the materials. The dual-function in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution and catalytic reduction of Cr6+ of the as-prepared POMOFs microspheres have been also studied. The POMOF(V,Ni)_3 catalyst prepared in the medium of pure ethanol have the best catalytic activity, in which the overpotential of 159 mV for the electrode is comparable to that of MoS2-based electrode material, and the rate constant k reaches 0.14 in the process of catalytic reduction of Cr6+. In this study, a novel polyoxometalates-based metal-organic frameworks (POMOFs) microsphere [Ni(phen)H2O]·V2O6 have been successfully fabricated by one-pot simple hydro(solvent)thermal reaction through regulating different solvent ratios. The dual-function in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution and catalytic reduction of Cr6+ of the as-prepared sample have been also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The RNA‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) is genetically associated with the tauopathy progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). To elucidate the functional mechanisms underlying this association, we explored PERK activity in brains of PSP patients and its function in three tauopathy models (cultured human neurons overexpressing 4‐repeat wild‐type tau or treated with the environmental neurotoxin annonacin, and P301S tau transgenic mice). In vitro, treatment with a pharmacological PERK activator CCT020312 or PERK overexpression reduced tau phosphorylation, tau conformational change and 4‐repeat tau isoforms, and increased cell viability. In vivo, the PERK activator significantly improved memory and locomotor function, reduced tau pathology, and prevented dendritic spine and motoneuron loss in P301S tau mice. Importantly, the PERK substrate EIF2A, mediating some detrimental effects of PERK signaling, was downregulated in PSP brains and tauopathy models, suggesting that the alternative PERK–NRF2 pathway accounts for these beneficial effects in the context of tauopathies. In summary, PERK activation may be a novel strategy to treat PSP and eventually other tauopathies.

Offshore structures, such as oil and gas platforms and offshore wind turbines, are subjected to wind and wave loads simultaneously during their service lifetime. Since the wind and wave states are of significant randomness and dependence, the probabilistic modeling of joint wind and wave conditions plays an essential role in the safety design of offshore structures. Currently, three different methods can be adopted to establish the joint probabilistic model, which, however, are somewhat inconvenient in applications. The recently emerged generative adversarial networks has been demonstrated to be effective in dealing with high-dimensional random variables in several fields. In this study, the implicit joint probabilistic model of joint wind and wave load conditions is developed based on the Wasserstein generative adversarial network with gradient penalty. Long-term metocean reanalysis data of the site in the South China Sea is used to train and validate the model. After one million training steps, high-quality samples that are quite similar to the original data can be generated by the developed model. In addition, statistical comparisons of the generated samples obtained by the C-vine copula approach and the developed generative adversarial network model are performed as well, which demonstrates the effectiveness and superiority of the developed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In contemporary times of globalization, tourism and travel are among the fastest-growing economic sectors and are highly related to climate change; however, technological innovations as a powerful tool positively contribute to the environment. The present study examines the tourism receipt and CO2 emission relationship and the triple interaction effect of technological innovation, energy consumption, and tourism receipts on CO2 emissions in the short and long run. To achieve study objectives, we utilized panel data of 64 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries over the period of 1995 to 2019. Considering the cross-sectional dependence in the panel data set, we employed a series of econometric panel data estimation techniques—including the panel unit root tests, panel co-integration tests, and the generalized method of moments (GMM). The panel unit root results confirmed the level of stationarity, and the panel co-integration results verified the long-run relationship among study variables. The sys-GMM results indicate that tourism receipts and CO2 emissions have an inverse relationship for 64 BRI countries. In addition, the negative coefficients for joint interaction imply that tourism receipts, technological innovation, and energy consumption reduce CO2 emissions. Considering the theoretical underpinnings of the study outcomes, we discussed significant policy implications to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve sustainable tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a sufficient and necessary condition of the existence of analytic solutions of the functional equation a 1 f (γ 1 s) + a 2 f (γ 2 s) + ⋯ + a n f (γ n s) = h (s) for s ∈ S is presented, where S ⊂ C is a given domain and h is a polynomial. This result generalizes some known results. A similar theorem on the meromorphic solutions of the equation is obtained. We also describe the structure of the set of solutions of the equation. Moreover, we give a result on the d-homogeneous solution of the homogeneous equation of the above equation for the high-dimensional case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dried blood spot (DBS) is one of promising home sampling methods for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). However, the associated reliability and feasibility (including yield, adherence, and preference), which are criteria for the promotion of home-based DBS, remain unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the reliability and feasibility of TDM using DBS sampling. Methods: In this study, a combination of MeSH and free terms for (dried blood spot*[title/abstract])AND ("Drug Monitoring"[Mesh])AND(home OR venous)was surveyed using EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science upon gathering published. we registered this study protocol with the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (CRD42021247559). Results: Approximately half (35/75) of the evaluations reported good agreement between DBS and plasma, and the results for drugs with poor agreement may be improved using a haematocrit-based physiological equation. The yield and adherence to home-based DBS exceeded 87%, and questionnaire-based preference for DBS was 77%. Conclusions: DBS may be a reliable and feasible home sampling method; however, it requires intricate design and evaluation before implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a typhoon hazard assessment method at the site-specific scale is proposed. This method integrates the nonlinear three-dimensional wind field model and the probability density evolution method. At the site-specific scale, the track of a typhoon near the engineering site is approximated via a straight line. The wind field model is utilized to calculate the wind speed at the surface given the gradient wind field at the top of the boundary layer. A comparison between the simulated and observed wind histories for Typhoon Hagupit that made landfall in Guangdong Province demonstrates the fidelity of the wind field model. The probability density evolution method is utilized to calculate the propagation of the randomness from the basic random variables toward the extremities of the typhoon surface wind. To model the probability distribution of the basic random variables, several candidate distributions are considered to fit the observations. Akaike information criterion and Anderson-Darling distance are used for selecting the preferred probability distribution model. The adequacy of the probability density evolution method in assessing typhoon hazards is verified by comparing the results with those generated by Monte Carlo simulations. The typhoon wind hazards estimated by the present study are compared with those proposed by other studies and the design code, and the differences are analyzed and discussed. The results of the proposed method provide the reasonable probabilistic model for the assessment of the structural reliability and the improvement of community resilience in the typhoon-prone areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The gamma-ray spectrum recorded by cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detector has a severe low-energy tailing due to the detector's poor charge transport properties. It is critical to build a suitable peak shape function model to describe the gamma-ray spectrum from CZT, especially for the overlapping peaks. The Gaussian function is a well-known model for the gamma-ray peak, which is a kind of symmetric curve. Therefore, modifying the Gaussian function is a primary means to solve the asymmetric peak curve. An exponential replacement standard deviation function (ERSD) model was proposed, and a comparison with several other models for the CZT detector was carried out that are the exponential modified Gaussian (EMG) function, Boosted-SAMPO function, hybrid of Gaussian and truncated exponential functions (EGH), polynomial modified Gaussian function (PMG) and algebraic sum of Gaussian and tailed exponential function (Algebra). In the experiments, four gamma-ray sources of Cs-137, Co-60, Eu-152 and U-235 were tested with these functions, and the least-squares method was used to fit the region of interest. It is concluded that the ESRD model proposed in this work has flexibility and offers an excellent ability to resolve overlapping peaks of the CZT detector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a generalized population model with delays and harvesting term is studied, which includes some well-known models, such as Gilpin–Ayala competitive model and Logarithmic model. By a suitable Lyapunov function and the Banach fixed point theorem, we obtain the existence and uniqueness of globally attractive pseudo almost periodic solution of the model and prove its permanence. Some examples and numerical simulations are given to illustrate the feasibility and usefulness of the model and results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central South University is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The existing torque ripple suppression algorithms of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) do not consider the vehicle transmission system model, and cannot satisfy the torque ripple suppression in different working modes of the PMSM. Purpose: To deal with the resonance problem of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), which caused by the torque ripple of PMSM under different working modes. Methods: An adaptive torque ripple suppression (ATRS) algorithm of the PMSM considering the influence of the transmission system is proposed in this study, the torque ripple characteristics of the motor control system, which influenced by the transmission system in the vehicle environment, can be well revealed. The ATRS algorithm adopts fuzzy quasi proportional resonant (FQPR) controller in parallel with slide Fourier feedback (SDFF) control, which reduces the number of parameters needs to be determined in practical application. The ATRS algorithm designs the FQPR controller to realise the adaptive adjustment of the parameters and track the specific frequency resonant signal, and uses the SDFF control to simplify the computation of calculating the feedforward harmonic compensation voltage, which ensures the accuracy, robustness and efficiency of the algorithm. Results: The control effect of the ATRS algorithm is analysed in the time domain and the frequency domain through simulation, and the improvement of the torsional vibration response of the transmission system before and after applying the algorithm at the pure electric mode resonant speed is analysed. The simulation results show that the torque ripple amplitude decreases 47.37% after applying the algorithm, and the proposed ATRS algorithm has a good control effect on the improvement of the steady torsional vibration response of the transmission system. Conclusions: The algorithm proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the harmonic current and suppress the torque ripple of the PMSM. At the same time, the transmission torque amplitude of the transmission system at the resonant harmonic frequency can be greatly reduced, which verifies the effectiveness of the torque fluctuation suppression algorithm proposed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Danhong Injection (丹红注射液, DH) on the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and myocardial injury in patients with unstable angina undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Seventy-eight patients with unstable angina were randomly divided into DH group (39 cases) and the control group (39 cases) during elective PCI. Randomization was performed using a random-number table. The DH group received DH at a dosage of 40 mL (mixed with 250 mL saline, covered by a light-proof bag, intravenous drip) during PCI and daily for 7 consecutive days, while the control group only received the same dosage of saline. Both groups received standardized treatment. The IMR and fractional flow reserve (FFR) were measured at maximal hyperemia before and after PCI. Myocardial markers, including myoglobin, creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and coronary troponin T (cTnT) values were measured at baseline and 24 h after PCI. Results: Among the 78 patients enrolled, the baseline and procedural characteristics were similar between the two groups. There was no significant difference in pre-PCI myocardial markers and coronary physiological indexes between the two groups. However, post-PCI CK and CK-MB levels in the DH group were significantly lower than those in the control group (111.97 ± 80.97 vs. 165.47 ± 102.99, P=0.013; 13.08 ± 6.90 vs. 19.75 ± 15.49, P=0.016). Post-PCI myoglobin and cTNT-positive tend to be lower in the DH group than in the control group but did not reach statistical significance (88.07 ± 52.36 vs. 108.13 ± 90.94, P=0.52; 2.56% vs.7.69%, P=0.065). Compared with the control group, the post-IMR levels of the DH group tended to decrease, but there was no statistical difference (20.73 ± 13.15 vs. 26.37 ± 12.31, P=0.05). There were no statistical differences in post-FFR in both groups. The peri-procedural myocardial injury of the DH group was significantly lower than that of the control group (2.56% vs. 15.38%, P=0.025). During the 30-d follow-up period, no major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in either group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated benefit of DH in reducing myocardial injury and potential preserving microvascular function in patients with unstable angina undergoing elective PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central South University is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, we successfully established a Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) embryonic cell line, i.e., QAU-Bd-E-2, from the insect eggs. The cells have been stably passaged for more than 60 times in TNM-FH medium with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). QAU-Bd-E-2 cells are adherent cells. Most of the cells were round, spindle-shaped, and rod-shaped. Round cells accounted for 82.3%, with a diameter of 13.9 ± 2.6 µm; spindle-shaped cells accounted for 9.8%, with the size of 51.2 ± 11.2 µm × 10.3 ± 3.1 µm; the rod-shaped cells accounted for 7.9%, with the size of 35.2 ± 9.4 µm × 12.0 ± 2.5 µm. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I subunit (CoI) gene from QAU-Bd-E-2 cells was amplified, and the 657 bp fragment had a 100% similarity with the CoI gene of B. dorsalis, suggesting that the cell line was derived from B. dorsalis. The chromosome number of QAU-Bd-E-2 cells was mostly 12, which is the same as the B. dorsalis chromosome number. The cell density of QAU-Bd-E-2 cells reached the maximum (3.4 × 106 cells/mL) at 192 h, and the population doubling time was 31.9 h. Bactrocera dorsalis cripavirus (BdCV) could replicate in QAU-Bd-E-2 cells, suggesting that this cell line could be used for in-depth study of the relationship between virus and host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation is the most important epigenetic modification involved in many essential biological processes. MET1 is one of DNA methyltransferases that affect the level of methylation in the entire genome. To explore the effect of MET1 gene silencing on gene expression profile of Chrysanthemum × morifolium 'Zijingling'. The stem section and leaves at the young stage were taken for transcriptome sequencing. MET1-RNAi leaves had 8 differentially expressed genes while 156 differentially expressed genes were observed in MET1-RNAi stem compared with control leaves and stem. These genes encode many key proteins in plant biological processes, such as transcription factors, signal transduction mechanisms, secondary metabolite synthesis, transport and catabolism and interaction. In general, 34.58% of the differentially expressed genes in leaves and stems were affected by the reduction of the MET1 gene. The differentially expressed genes in stem and leaves of transgenic plants went through significant changes. We found adequate amount of candidate genes associated with flowering, however, the number of genes with significant differences between transgenic and control lines was not too high. Several flowering related genes were screened out for gene expression verification and all of them were obseved as consistent with transcriptome data. These candidate genes may play important role in flowering variation of chrysanthemum. This study reveals the mechanism of CmMET1 interference on the growth and development of chrysanthemum at the transcriptional level, which provides the basis for further research on the epigenetic regulation mechanism in flower induction and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-temperature oxidation is a common failure in high-temperature environments, which widely occur in aircraft engines and aerospace thrusters; as a result, the development of anti-high-temperature oxidation materials has been pursued. Ni-based alloys are a common high-temperature material; however, they are too expensive. High-entropy alloys are alternatives for the anti-oxidation property at high temperatures because of their special structure and properties. The recent achievements of high-temperature oxidation are reviewed in this paper. The high-temperature oxidation environment, temperature, phase structure, alloy elements, and preparation methods of high-entropy alloys are summarized. The reason why high-entropy alloys have anti-oxidation ability at high temperatures is illuminated. Current research, material selection, and application prospects of high-temperature oxidation are introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Using network pharmacology to explore the mechanism of the 'invigorating qi and promoting blood circulation' drug pair Ginseng-Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) on treatment of ischemic heart disease (IHD). Methods: The chemical constituents of ginseng and Danshen drug pair were identified by searching the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and the potential targets of the pair were identified. The pharmacodynamics of the pair was analyzed using network pharmacology. The targets of IHD were identified by database screening. Using protein-protein interaction network, the interaction targets of Ginseng-Danshen on IHD were constructed. A "constituent-target-disease" interaction network was constructed using Cytoscape software, Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis and biological pathway enrichment analysis were carried out, and the mechanism of improving myocardial ischemia by the Ginseng-Danshen drug pair was investigated. Results: Seventeen active constituents and 53 targets were identified from ginseng, 53 active constituents and 61 targets were identified from Danshen, and 32 protein targets were shared by ginseng and Danshen. Twenty GO terms were analyzed, including cytokine receptor binding, cytokine activity, heme binding, and antioxidant activity. Sixty Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathways were analyzed, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-serine-threonine kinase (PI3K-AKT) signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, interleukin 17 signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, and the advanced glycation end product (AGE)-the receptor for AGE (RAGE) signaling pathway in diabetic complications. Conclusion: The specific mechanism of Ginseng-Danshen drug pair in treating IHD may be associated with improving the changes of metabolites inbody, inhibiting the production of peroxides, removing the endogenous oxygen free radicals, regulating the expression of inflammatory factors, reducing myocardial cell apoptosis and promoting vascular regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of Danhong Injection (丹红注射液) on improving microcirculatory injury after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted and 90 patients were enrolled. A random sequence was generated using statistical analysis software. Patients with microcirculatory injuries after PCI were randomly divided into 3 groups for treatment (30 subjects in each group): Danhong Injection group: after PCI, Danghong Injections were given with intravenous administration with 40 mL twice a day for a week; statins intensive group: after PCI, atorvastatin calcium tablets were given oral medication with 80 mg once, and then atorvastatin 40 mg daily for 1 week; the control group: after PCI, atorvastatin calcium tablets were given oral medication with 10–20 mg daily for 1 week. The index of microcirculation resistance (IMR) was used to assess microcirculatory injury during PCI. The IMR of the target vessel was reexamined after 1 week of drug treatment. Results: After one week's drug treatment, IMR was significantly decreased in both statins intensive group and Danhong Injection group compared with the control group (P<0.01), but no difference was found between statins intensive group and Danhong injection group (14.03 ± 2.54 vs. 16.03 ± 5.72 U, P=0.080). Conclusions: The efficacy of Danhong Injection is non-inferior to statin. Early use of Danhong Injection after PCI can effectively improve coronary microcirculation injury after PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Acupuncture & Tuina Science is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To assess the trends in characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients in tertiary Chinese medicine (CM) hospitals in China between 2006 and 2013. Methods: This retrospective study was based on two nationwide epidemiological surveys of AMI in tertiary CM hospitals during 2 years (2006 and 2013). Patients admitted to the hospital for AMI were enrolled. Hospital records were used as the data source. Case data were derived regarding baseline characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of patients to assess changes from 2006 to 2013. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between prognosis, general influencing factors of disease, and various treatment measures. Results: Totally 26 tertiary CM hospitals in 2006 and 29 tertiary CM hospitals in 2013 (18 were repetitive) were surveyed. A total of 2,311 patients with AMI were enrolled (1,094 cases in 2006 and 1,217 cases in 2013). From 2006 to 2013, the mean age did not significantly change, but the proportion of patients younger than 65 years increased. The prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia also increased. Significant increases were observed in primary percutaneous coronary intervention [20.48% (2006) vs. 24.90% (2013)] and revascularization [36.11% (2006) vs. 52.42% (2013)]. In-hospital mortality decreased from 11.15% in 2006 to 10.60% in 2013. A mortality logistic regression analysis identified reperfusion therapy [odds ratio (OR), 0.222; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.106–0.464], Chinese patent medicines (OR, 0.394; 95% CI, 0.213–0.727), and CM decoctions (OR, 0.196; 95% CI, 0.109–0.353) as protective factors. Conclusion: Reperfusion and revascularization capabilities of tertiary CM hospitals have improved significantly, but in-hospital mortality has not significantly decreased. Efforts are needed to improve medical awareness of AMI and expand the use of CM to reduce in-hospital mortality in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Soft-tissue defects of the thumb and index finger remain a challenge for plastic surgeons. Our purpose was to observe the morphological characteristics of the cutaneous vessels in the first web, to design a dorsal perforator flap based on the palmar artery in the first web and to propose its clinical application. Methods: Thirty preserved hand specimens were dissected to observe the origin, course, branch and anastomosis of the dorsal perforators in the first web, and the dorsal perforator flap based on the palmar artery in the first web was designed. Clinically, seven cases of hand defects were reconstructed using this flap. Results: The blood supply for the dorsum of the first web comprised the dorsal perforators from both the dorsal artery (the branch of the first dorsal metacarpal artery) and palmar artery (the radial palmar digital artery of the index finger and the ulnar palmar digital artery of the thumb). The first dorsal metacarpal artery constantly arose from the radial artery and was divided into the radial, ulnar and medial branches. The palmar artery sent out 1–2 perforators and formed a constant anastomosis with the medial branch of the first dorsal metacarpal artery to supply the dorsal skin of the first web. In clinical application, all the flaps survived completely without contracture of the first web or other complications and the donor regions all healed at the first stage. Conclusion: The dorsal perforator flap based on the palmar artery in the first web is useful to repair soft-tissue defects of the thumb, the proximal phalanx of the index finger and thenar region, leading to a satisfactory appearance and good functional and sensory recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence suggests that hypoxia preconditioning can alter the microRNA (miRNA) profile of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and has better neuroprotective effects when enriched miRs are delivered to recipients. However, the roles of exosomal miRNAs in regulating ischaemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced pain hypersensitivity are largely unknown. Thus, we isolated EVs from normoxia-conditioned neurons (Nor-VSC EVs) and Hypo-VSC EVs by ultracentrifugation. After the initial screening by a microarray analysis and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), miR-126-3p, which was detected as the most altered miR in the Hypo-VSC EVs, was further confirmed by applying GW4869 to inhibit exosomal secretion. Moreover, transfection with a miR-126 mimic obviously increased miR-126-3p expression in Nor-VSC EVs, whereas a miR-126 inhibitor prevented the increase in miR-126-3p in Hypo-VSC EVs. A rat model of pain was established by performing 8-min occlusion of the aorta. Following IR, compared with the Nor-VSC EVs- or antagomir-126-injected rats, the Hypo-VSC EVs-injected rats displayed improved pain hypersensitivity demonstrated as higher PWT and PWL values. Mechanistically, PIK3R2 is a target of miR-126-3p and might be a modulator of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway as the PIK3R2 and PI3K immunoreactivities in each group were changed in opposite directions. Compared with the controls, higher protein levels of PI3K and phosphorylated Akt but lower levels of phosphorylated nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β were detected in the spinal cords of the Hypo-VSC EVs-injected rats, and these effects were impaired by an injection of Hypo-VSC EVs combined with antagomir-126. Collectively, the miR-126-3p-enriched Hypo-VSC EVs attenuated IR-induced pain hypersensitivity by restoring miR-126-3p expression in the injured spinal cord and subsequently modulating PIK3R2-mediated PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signalling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woolly apple aphid (WAA), Eriosoma lanigerum (Hausmann) (Hemiptera: Pemphigidae), is a worldwide quarantine pest of apples. Understanding the resistance mechanism of various cultivars to WAA is important for the selection for durable resistance. Few studies have examined the resistance of different apple cultivars to WAA in China; among common varieties produced in China, Red Fuji is highly sensitive to WAA. In this study, the resistance to WAA of Red Fuji and three other common cultivars—Starkrimson, Jonagold, and Ralls Genet—was assessed based on the developmental and reproductive biological characteristics of aphids, assessed under four fixed temperatures: 20, 25, 30, and 35 ℃. We found the optimal temperature for WAA growth and reproduction to be 20–25 ℃, at which temperature, aphids on Red Fuji showed the highest rate of reproduction, the highest number of colonies, and the greatest area covered by aphid colonies among the four cultivars. These attributes of WAA were significantly higher at 20–25 ℃ than at 30 ℃. On Red Fuji, the most favorable variety, WAA showed its highest net reproductive rate (127.3 ± 13.3), intrinsic growth rate (0.30 ± 0.01), highest growth rate of the colony area (1.35 ± 0.02), and the lowest average generation time (16.1 ± 0.8 day) at 25 ℃. The aphids inoculated onto the four tested cultivars all died within 1 week at 35 ℃. Overall, Red Fuji was highly susceptible, while Starkrimson, Jonagold, and Ralls Genet were partially resistant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is a highly conserved multifunctional serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinase widely expressed in many tissues. GSK-3β inhibitors could be used in the treatment of human key diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, inflammation, type-II diabetes, and so on, due to the multi-role of GSK-3β in the hepatic glycolysis regulation, cell signaling pathways, and phosphorylation of various proteins. Recently, sets of diverse GSK-3β inhibitors have been prepared, and biologically evaluated in vitro and in vivo in different screening models. This review summarizes the latest developments in GSK-3β inhibitors unclosed from 2015 to 2019, including their structure–activity relationship and bioactivity studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein-RNA interaction participates in many biological processes. So, studying protein–RNA interaction can help us to understand the function of protein and RNA. Although the protein–RNA 3D3D model, like PRIME, was useful in building 3D structural complexes, it can't be used genome-wide, due to lacking RNA 3D structures. To take full advantage of RNA secondary structures revealed from high-throughput sequencing, we present PRIME-3D2D to predict binding sites of protein–RNA interaction. PRIME-3D2D is almost as good as PRIME at modeling protein–RNA complexes. PRIME-3D2D can be used to predict binding sites on PDB data (MCC = 0.75/0.70 for binding sites in protein/RNA) and transcription-wide (MCC = 0.285 for binding sites in RNA). Testing on PDB and yeast transcription-wide data show that PRIME-3D2D performs better than other binding sites predictor. So, PRIME-3D2D can be used to predict the binding sites both on PDB and genome-wide, and it's freely available. Xie et al. report a new computational method PRIME-3D2D to predict binding sites of protein–RNA interaction by considering protein 3D structure and RNA 2D structure. It is freely available, performs better than other binding sites predictor and is as good as PRIME to model protein–RNA complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate increase in the surface temperature of biased Si avalanche photodiodes (APDs) fabricated in an external capacitor circuit irradiated by a millisecond-pulse laser. The results obtained show that different external capacitance parameters have different effects on the temperature rise, the smaller the capacitance of external capacitor, the lower surface temperature increase in the APD. The reason for this phenomenon is that the external capacitor charging decreases the circuit current, which hinders the generation of Joule heat in the APD. Therefore, the laser damage resistance of Si APDs can be improved by optimizing the capacitance parameters of the external circuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central South University is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective of the current study is to evaluate the potency of quinoline/cinnamic acid hybrids against amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation. In total, six new target quinoline/cinnamic acid hybrids were synthesized and screened for their in vitro anti-Aβ42 aggregation activity. Some hybrids, including (E)-N-(2-cinnamamidoethyl)-6,7-dimethoxyquinoline-2-carboxamide, (E)-6,7-dimethoxy-N-[2-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)acrylamido]ethyl]quinoline-2-carboxamide, and (E)-6,7-dimethoxy-N-[2-[3-(2-methoxyphenyl)acrylamido]ethyl]quinoline-2-carboxamide, showed significant anti-Aβ42 aggregation activity. Molecular docking method was used to predict the binding modes of these compounds with Aβ42. In addition, their cytotoxicity towards neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and human normal hepatocyte LO2 cells were tested. Neuroprotective evaluation demonstrated that these compounds could attenuate Aβ42-induced neurotoxicity towards SH-SY5Y cells in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, the present study provides quinoline/cinnamic acid hybrids as a new template for developing Aβ aggregation inhibitors against Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal decomposition behaviors of 1,3-di (azido-acetoxy)-2-methyl-2-nitropropane (DAMNP) under pressures of 0.1 MPa and 3.0 MPa were investigated by DSC techniques. The results showed that with the increase in pressure, the decomposition heat increased significantly, while the peak temperature increased slightly. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of exothermic decomposition reaction were obtained, and the iso-kinetic point was found as 192.0 °C. Using the thermal decomposition parameters, the self-accelerating decomposition temperature and the critical temperature of thermal explosion were calculated to be 190.10 °C and 202.58 °C, respectively. The specific heat capacity of DAMNP was studied with micro-DSC method, and the molar heat capacity was found to be 531.98 J mol−1 K−1. The adiabatic time-to-explosion was calculated to be 75.67 s. The combustion heat of DAMNP was determined with an oxygen bomb calorimeter, and the standard molar enthalpy of formation was calculated to be − 189.46 kJ mol−1. These results are important in evaluating the thermal stability and application prospects of DAMNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phytochemical study for the MeOH extract of Annona squamosa leaves led to the isolation of seven compounds. Among them there were two nitro derivative compounds (1 and 2), two phenolic glucoside compounds (3 and 4), and three sesquiterpenes (5‒7). The structures of these natural compounds were determined by the spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR methods. All the isolated compounds were assessed for the effects on the sEH inhibitory activity; of all the compounds, thalictoside (1) and arabinothalictoside (2) displayed strong inhibition of sEH activities with IC50 value of 20.2 µM and 47.1 µM, respectively. A kinetic analysis of compounds 1 and 2 revealed that both of them were competitive inhibitory action. The molecular docking increases our understanding of receptor‒ligand binding of all compounds. These results suggested that nitro derivatives from Annona squamosa leaves are potential sEH inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]