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AbstractThis study delves into the vibrational characteristics of concrete annular plates reinforced with graphene oxide powders (GOP), underpinned by an innovative auxetic-elastic foundation. By applying Hamilton’s principle, the governing dynamic equations are meticulously derived, incorporating the effects of internal forces and GOP geometrical properties. The Differential Quadrature Method (DQM) is utilized to solve these equations, providing a robust and efficient numerical approach for analyzing the system’s complex dynamic behavior. GOP reinforcement significantly enhances the mechanical properties of the concrete plates, yielding improved stiffness and superior damping capabilities. The auxetic-elastic foundation, known for its unique property of becoming thicker perpendicular to the applied force, plays a pivotal role in altering the vibrational response of the system. The study meticulously examines the influence of this foundation on the system’s vibrational behavior, highlighting its potential to enhance performance under varying operational conditions. A comprehensive analysis is conducted to understand the effects of different boundary conditions on the vibrational characteristics of the reinforced concrete annular plates. The results underscore the importance of integrating advanced materials like GOP and innovative foundation designs in optimizing structural components. This study provides valuable insights into the design and application of reinforced concrete structures, emphasizing the effectiveness of GOP reinforcement and auxetic-elastic foundations in enhancing vibrational performance. These findings offer a significant contribution to the field of structural engineering, paving the way for future innovations in the design of resilient and efficient structural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shallow marine shelf sedimentation is a hot and difficult topic in today's reservoir sedimentology research, and it is widely present in the world. The shallow marine shelf sedimentation is not only affected by complex hydrodynamic effects such as tides and waves, but also controlled by bottom tectonic features, forming a complex and varied sedimentation pattern. During the Middle Jurassic period, the northern part of West Siberian Basin was characterized by a shallow marine shelf sedimentary environment. In the central reion of this basin, a typical tectonic uplift zone developed, forming a tectonic background of "one uplift zone between two depressions". Simultaneously, the dominant influence of tides in the shallow marine shelf environment facilitated the formation of a typical shelf-type tidal delta sedimentation system in the Jurassic strata of the northern part of West Siberian Basin. This sedimentation constitutes a significant natural gas reservoir, and it is important to investigate the sedimentary evolution of shelf-type tidal deltas and to clarify the internal structure and distribution of sedimentary sand bodies and interlayers in shelf-type tidal deltas, which is the basis for the fine development of this type of reservoir. This paper takes the Jurassic strata in the Y region of northern part of West Siberian Basin as the research object, and conducts numerical simulation based on sedimentary dynamics for the shelf-type tidal delta sedimentation formed under the tectonic background of "one uplift zone between two depressions". In addition, tidal amplitude and initial water level were selected for different hydrodynamic factors to study the main controlling factors of shelf-type tidal delta sedimentation. The simulation results show that tidal amplitude is positively correlated with three-dimensional configuration characteristic parameters of the sedimentary sand bodies, and the development of tidal bars becomes more and more limited as the initial water level increases. This paper systematically investigates the sedimentary evolution of shelf-type tidal delta under the tectonic background of "one uplift zone between two depressions" by the sedimentary dynamics method, which deepens the understanding of the shelf-type tidal delta sedimentation process and provides a new thinking for the development of this sedimentary reservoir type (School of Geosciences China University of Petroleum (East China)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the resolution and accuracy of seismic inversion, this study constructs a multi-scale super-asymmetric network (Cycle-JNet). In this model, wavelet analysis is used to capture the multi-scale data characteristics of well-seismic data, thereby improving the machine's ability to learn details. Using the UNet neural network from Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), we modified the network structure by adding several convolution kernel layers at the output end to expand generated data, solving the problem of mismatched resolutions in well-seismic data, thus improving the resolution of seismic inversion and achieving the purpose of accurately identifying thin sandstone layers. Meanwhile, a cycle structure of Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) was designed for the secondary learning of the seismic data generated by JNet. By comparing the data transformed through inverse wavelet transform with the original data again, the accuracy of machine learning can be improved. After optimization, the Cycle-JNet model significantly outperforms traditional seismic inversion methods in terms of resolution and accuracy. This indicates that this method can provide more precise inversion results in more complex data environments, providing stronger support for seismic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to explore the biological role and underlying mechanism of the long non‐coding RNA actin filament‐associated protein 1‐antisense RNA1 (lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1) in the progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). Methods: A quantitative reverse transcriptase‐PCR (RT‐qPCR) was conducted to assess relative levels of the miR‐133a‐5p, lncRNAs AFAP1‐AS1 and zinc finger family member 2 (ZIC2) in TSCC cell lines and specimens, whereas ZIC2 protein levels were measured using western blotting. After modifying the levels of expression of lncRNA AFP1‐AS1, miR‐133a‐5p and ZIC2 using lentivirus or plasmid transfection, we examined AKT/epithelial–mesenchymal transition signaling pathway alterations, in vivo carcinogenesis of TSCC in nude mice and in vitro malignant phenotypes. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the targeting relationship between ZIC2 and miR‐133a‐5p, as well as between miR‐133a‐5p and lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we additionally validated AFP1‐AS1. The potential biological pathway for AFP1‐AS1 was investigated using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). We also evaluated the clinical diagnostic capacities of AFP1‐AS1 and clustered the most potential biomarkers with the Mfuzz expression pattern. Finally, we also made relevant drug predictions for AFP1‐AS1. Results: In TSCC cell lines and specimens, lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 was upregulated. ZIC2 was upregulated in TSCC cells as a result of lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 overexpression, which also promoted TSCC cell migration, invasion, viability, and proliferation. Via the microRNA sponge effect, it was found that lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 could upregulate ZIC2 by competitively inhibiting miR‐133a‐5p. Interestingly, knockdown of ZIC2 reversed the biological roles of lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 with respect to inducing malignant phenotypes in TSCC cells. In addition, in vivo overexpression of lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 triggered subcutaneous tumor growth in nude mice implanted with TSCC cells and upregulated ZIC2 in the tumors. The TCGA database findings revealed that AFAP1‐AS1 was significantly upregulated in TSCC specimens and had good clinical diagnostic value. The results of GSEA showed that peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor signaling pathway was significantly correlated with low expression of AFP1‐AS1. Finally, the results of drug prediction indicated that the group with high AFAP1‐AS1 expression was more sensitive to docetaxel, AZD4547, AZD7762 and nilotinib. Conclusions: The upregulation of lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1, which increases TSCC cell viability, migration, proliferation and invasion via the AFAP1‐AS1/miR‐133a‐5p/ZIC2 axis, aids in the progression of TSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jurassic strata in the ST gas field of the northern West Siberia Basin have been regarded as a potential exploration target with undiscovered hydrocarbon resources. However limited research has been performed on the sequence stratigraphy of the Jurassic strata, as well as its sandstone distribution controlled by variable sea level change and sediment input. In this paper, four third-order sequences (SQ1, SQ2, SQ3, and SQ4) and nine fourth-order sequences for the Jurassic strata are interpreted based on seismic facies analysis and the lithology stacking patterns of seven wells. SQ1 is characterized by the special Bazhenov Formation which is featured by regionally distributed deep marine shales. SQ2 (J1) is composed of a coarsening upward sequence, the base of which is an unconformable surface that can be recognizable in both seismic profiles and well logging data. SQ3 (J2-J8) is composed of a complete fining-upward and coarsening-upward sequence, showing a series of transgressive and regressive successions. A complete SQ4 has not been drilled through by all the seven wells, only showing a coarsening upward succession on its top (J9) which evolves into a fining upward succession at the base of SQ3. Combined with the seismic inversion result, which predicts sandstone distribution, a sequence evolution model was built for SQ3 showing a full unit of transgressive system tract and highstand system tract (TST-HST) which often occurs in shallow marine shelves. During sequence development, most reservoir sandstones are deposited in the shelf and tidal delta environment at the bottom of the TST and the top of HST, and mudstones are deposited as shelf mudstones, especially at maximum flooding surface. That is controlled by both accommodation and sediment input. Generally, under this sequence framework, the depositional architecture can be further analyzed with implications for source rock, reservoir sandstones, and sealing rock, which may guide future gas exploration and exploitation in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Otic neurons, also known as spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in mammalian cochlea, transmit electrical signals from sensory hair cells to cochlear nuclei of the auditory system. SGNs are sensitive to toxic insults, vulnerable to get irreversible damaged and hardly regenerate after damage, causing persistent sensorineural hearing loss. Yet, to get authentic SGNs for research or therapeutic purpose remains challenging. Here we developed a protocol to generate human otic neuronal organoids (hONOs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hESCs), in which hESCs were step‐wisely induced to SGNs of the corresponding stages according to their developmental trajectory. The hONOs were enriched for SGN‐like cells at early stage, and for both neurons and astrocytes, Schwann cells or supporting cells thereafter. In these hONOs, we also determined the existence of typical Type I and Type II SGNs. Mature hONOs (at differentiation Day 60) formed neural network, featured by giant depolarizing potential (GDP)‐like events and rosette‐organized regions‐elicited calcium traces. Electrophysiological analysis confirmed the existence of glutamate‐responsive neurons in these hONOs. The otic neuronal organoids generated in this study provide an ideal model to study SGNs and related disorders, facilitating therapeutic development for sensorineural hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overactive microglia and severe neuroinflammation play crucial roles in the development of major depressive disorder. Preconditioning with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) provides protection against severe neuroinflammation. However, administering high doses of LPS to mice triggers depressive symptoms. Therefore, the optimal dose of LPS preconditioning needs to be determined by further experiments. LPS preconditioning is an effective agent in anti-inflammation and neuroprotection, but the mechanism by which LPS preconditioning acts in depression remain unclear. This study finds that the anti-inflammation mechanism of low-dose LPS preconditioning is mainly dependent on G-protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84). We use low-dose LPS for preconditioning and re-challenged mice or BV2 microglia with high-dose LPS. In addition, RNA-seq is used to explore underlying changes with LPS preconditioning. Low-dose LPS preconditioning reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and inhibits microglial activation, as well as suppresses the depressive-like behavior when the mice are re-challenged with high-dose LPS. Further investigation reveals that the tolerance-like response in microglia is dependent on the GPR84. Here, we show that low-dose LPS preconditioning can exert anti-inflammation effects and alleviates inflammation-induced depressive-like behavior in mice. As a potential therapeutic target for depression, LPS preconditioning needs to be given further attention regarding its effectiveness and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuaries are important sediment facies in the fluvial-to-marine transition zone, are strongly controlled by dynamic interactions of tides, waves, and fluvial flows, and show various changes in depositional processes and sediment distribution. Deep investigations on the sediment dynamic processes of the sand component of estuaries have been conducted; however, the understanding of how mud supply affects estuaries' sedimentary characteristics and morphology is still in vague. Herein, the effects of mud concentration, mud transport properties, fluvial discharge, and tidal amplitude on the sedimentary characteristics of an estuary were systematically analyzed using sedimentary dynamic numerical simulation. The results show that the mud concentration has significant effects on the morphology of tidal channels in estuaries, which become more braided with a lower mud concentration, and straighter, with reduced channel migration, with a higher mud concentration. The mud transport properties, namely, setting velocity, critical bed shear stress for sedimentation, and erosion, mostly affect the ratio between the length and width (RLW) of the sand bar; a sheet-like sand bar with a lower RLW value develops in the lower settling velocity, while there are obvious strip shaped bars with a high RLW value in the higher settling velocity case. Moreover, the effects of hydrodynamic conditions on sedimentary distribution were analyzed by changing the tidal amplitudes and fluvial discharges. The results show that a higher tidal amplitude is often accompanied by a stronger tidal energy, which induces a more obvious seaward progradation, while a higher fluvial discharge usually yields a higher deposition rate and yields a greater deposition thickness. From the above numerical simulations, the statistical characteristics of tidal bars and mud interlayers were further obtained, which show good agreement with modern sedimentary characteristics. This study suggests that sedimentary dynamic numerical simulation can provide insights into an efficient quantitative method for analyzing the effects of mud components on the sediment processes of estuaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mould bed is the most important equipment to control the deformation in the process of block construction. However, its height needs to be controlled separately based on the known height, and it affects the construction precision of block severely. Therefore, a dynamic union control method is proposed in this paper. Firstly, in order to realize the union control of mould bed system, the distribution types of mould bed system are defined, and a dynamic relationship is established, the determination algorithm number, position and height compensation layer number is proposed. Secondly, the fuzzy PID control based on neural network is used to realize the adaptive control of height according to the changes of pressure, so as to control the construction quality better of block. Thirdly, the MATLAB/Simulink module is used to verify the proposed method and shows that the response time is significantly shortened by 41% and 37.5% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with a pseudo-equilibrium potential is proposed for electromagnetic wave propagation in one-dimensional (1D) plasma photonic crystals. The final form of the LBM incorporates the dispersive effect of plasma media with a pseudo-equilibrium potential in the equilibrium distribution functions. The consistency between the proposed lattice Boltzmann scheme and Maxwell's equations was rigorously proven based on the Chapman–Enskog expansion technique. Based on the proposed LBM scheme, we investigated the effects of the thickness and relative dielectric constant of a defect layer on the EM wave propagation and defect modes of 1D plasma photonic crystals. We have illustrated that several defect modes can be tuned to appear within the photonic bandgaps. Both the frequency and number of the defect modes could be tuned by changing the relative dielectric constant and thickness of the defect modes. These strategies would assist in the design of narrowband filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrocyte scar formation after spinal cord injury (SCI) efficiently limits the accurate damage but physically restricts the following axon regeneration. Lately, fine tuning scar formation is becoming a novel strategy to develop SCI treatment, yet how to leverage these opposite effects remains challenging. Here, utilizing an improved drug administration approach, we show that in a mouse model of spinal cord injury, continual deletion of microglia, especially upon scar formation, by pexidartinib decreases the amount of microglia-derived collagen I and reforms the astrocyte scar. The astrocytes become less compacted in the scar, which permits axon regeneration and extension. Although continual microglia deletion did not significantly improve the locomotive performance of the SCI mice, it did ameliorate their weight loss, possibly by improving their relevant health conditions. We thus identified a novel approach to regulate astrocyte scars for improved axon regeneration, which is indicative of the clinical treatment of SCI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spiritual connotation of contemporary cities has gradually become rich and colorful, and the concept of a green city has also been accepted by the public. People living in cities have higher and higher requirements for landscape, but traditional landscape design cannot achieve efficient and accurate planning. Therefore, the old design method, which cannot meet the complex and changeable urban needs and cannot keep up with the development and changes of the times, is doomed to be eliminated and replaced. This study introduces a GIS system and uses an AHP method to assist landscape design. Through rational resource utilization of topography, vegetation growth, population density, and other conditions, the city can be green and environmentally friendly, reduce energy consumption, and meet people's concept of healthy life. The experimental results show that: (1) through the GIS system, a multidecision model is constructed to choose a reasonable location for the garden. Based on the opinions and scores of all parties, the B place with a score as high as 8.97 was selected. (2) Using comprehensive landscape sensitivity to divide four levels of landscape land-use value and looking for the best landscape vision, it is divided into five scenic functional areas and 12 scenic spots. SPEI and NDVI were used to select cultivated plants and landscapes. (3) Route multifactor comprehensive model is designed to plan garden route. The coincidence degree between the model and the actual road condition is about 87.62%. Citizen satisfaction is between 7 and 9 points, and the comprehensive evaluation is high. (4) The evaluation system of landscape architecture, in which both B-level index and C-level index are higher than 7 points is constructed, which is in line with the expectations of the public and experts and convenient for feedback correction. The method based on this study is feasible and can be further optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one-dimensional plasma medium is playing a crucial role in modern sensing device design, which can benefit significantly from numerical electromagnetic wave simulation. In this study, we introduce a novel lattice Boltzmann scheme with a single extended force term for electromagnetic wave propagation in a one-dimensional plasma medium. This method is developed by reconstructing the solution to the macroscopic Maxwell's equations recovered from the lattice Boltzmann equation. The final formulation of the lattice Boltzmann scheme involves only the equilibrium and one non-equilibrium force term. Among them, the former is calculated from the macroscopic electromagnetic variables, and the latter is evaluated from the dispersive effect. Thus, the proposed lattice Boltzmann scheme directly tracks the evolution of macroscopic electromagnetic variables, which yields lower memory costs and facilitates the implementation of physical boundary conditions. Detailed conduction is carried out based on the Chapman–Enskog expansion technique to prove the mathematical consistency between the proposed lattice Boltzmann scheme and Maxwell's equations. Based on the proposed method, we present electromagnetic pulse propagating behaviors in nondispersive media and the response of a one-dimensional plasma slab to incident electromagnetic waves that span regions above and below the plasma frequency ω p , and further investigate the optical properties of a one-dimensional plasma photonic crystal with periodic thin layers of plasma with different layer thicknesses to verify the stability, accuracy, and flexibility of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model-based definition (MBD) carries out a technological innovation for global manufacturing, application of MBD technology plays an important supporting in process design, product manufacturing and other development activities, rapid creation of MBD models have become a key to reduce time and cost for enterprises. However, interactive dimensioning method has severely hampered the efficiency of MBD model creation. This paper mainly studies the dimensions intelligent marking method based on the predefined features to solve the rapid modeling problem of MBD model. Firstly, the expression model of dimensions metadata is established based on the feature identifier. Secondly, by establishing an association mechanism between the dimensions and the predefined feature, the "model-feature-dimensioning" association model is formed. Thirdly, through analysis of the dimensioning type, the intelligent dimensioning algorithm process is determined. Moreover, the completeness check of the dimensions is guaranteed during the marking process. Finally, taking the connecting rod and crankshaft of marine diesel as the research object, the effectiveness of this method is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare outcomes and prognosis among women with type I endometrial cancer undergoing hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (H-BSO) with or without systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLD) or para-aortic lymphadenectomy (PALD).Methods: Retrospective review of women postoperatively diagnosed with type I endometrial cancer who underwent H-BSO at a university hospital in Chengdu, China (January 2010 to June 2012). Women were divided into no lymphadenectomy (PLD-/PALD-), systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLD+/PALD-), or combined pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (PLD+/PALD+) groups. Follow-up was by telephone. Postoperative outcomes and prognosis were compared and risk factors were analyzed.Results: In total, 333 women met the inclusion criteria: 121 underwent PLD+/PALD-, 166 underwent PLD+/PALD+, and 46 underwent PLD-/PALD-. There were no differences in pre-operative characteristics among the groups (all P>0.05). The PLD+/PALD+ group had a higher laparotomy rate (P=0.001), the PLD-/PALD- group had shorter operation time (P=0.001) and lower blood loss (P<0.001). There were no differences between the PLD+/PALD- and PLD+/PALD+ groups. Overall, 291 women had sufficient follow-up data; there was no difference in overall survival, and PALD was not a predictor of survival.Conclusion: Postoperative outcomes were similar among all surgical groups; a survival benefit of PALD was not demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water dropwort aqueous extract (WDAE) was confirmed to be rich in phenolic compounds, and 5 phenolic acids and 10 flavonoids were identified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis in this study. The hypoglycemic effects of WDAE on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were then investigated. In comparison with the diabetic model group, the food intake, body weight loss, blood glucose and insulin level of the high-dose WDAE (400 mg kg−1 d−1) treatment group significantly (p < 0.05) reduced, and the glycogen contents in liver and muscle tissues of the WDAE (200 and 400 mg kg−1 d−1) groups remarkably (p < 0.05) increased. Moreover, WDAE treatment notably (p < 0.05) improved the glucose and insulin intolerance and insulin resistance and sensitivity of diabetic mice. Additionally, WDAE treatment suppressed oxidative stress by increasing the antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxides (GSH-Px) and the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), as well as decreasing the malonaldehyde (MDA) level. Furthermore, WDAE treatment could ameliorate insulin resistance via improving the signaling pathway of IRS-2/PI3K-AKT and activating GLUT4 translocation. Hence, all results indicated that WDAE might be a promising candidate for diabetes management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dried water dropwort (Oenanthe javanica DC.) was treated by coarse and superfine grindings, respectively. Four particle sizes water dropwort powders (WDPs) of 250-150, 150-75, 75-38 and < 38 μm were sieved, then the corresponding particle size, color, chemical components, thermal, functional, dissolution and dispersion properties were investigated. Results showed that the surface area, greenness, brightness, and soluble dietary fiber contents of WDPs increased after superfine grinding. With the decreasing of particle sizes, the solubility, water holding and swelling capacities, as well as thermal stability increased significantly, while the oil holding capacity decreased. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated that the main chemical structures were not destroyed after superfine grinding. The dissolution of flavonoids, total polyphenols, soluble proteins and polysaccharides were improved gradually as particle sizes decreased. The ultrafine WDPs (<38 μm) exerted highest dispersibility in colloidal solutions, especially in the solution of xanthan gum, which could be valuable in the beverage developments. Unlabelled Image • Water dropwort powders (WDPs) of 250–150, 150–75, 75–38 and <38 μm were prepared. • Soluble dietary fibers increased with improving of color in WDPs. • Hydration properties were enhanced with reduction of oil binding capacity in WDPs. • Dissolution of phytochemical components increased as reduction of particle size. • WDPs of <38 μm exerted better dispersibility and stability in colloidal solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic capillary pressure (DCP) is the capillary pressure defined under transient flow condition during displacement, and it is vital for predicting two‐phase behavior in porous media. This article studies the effect of pore scale force and interfacial area by using captivating Lattice Boltzmann method based on a pseudo‐potential model developed for simulating incompressible multiphase flow in porous media. We analyze the relationship between pore scale forces and DCP based on the energy conservation law and define DCP as a function of energy rate of pressure and viscosity of each phase. We present two‐phase displacement simulations on a computed tomography (CT) image‐based porous model and analyze the effects of injection rate and wettability on DCP based on the proposed upscaling method, where the wettability is defined as the contact angle of the nonwetting phase. The primary results show that (1) the DCP curves are higher than that of the quasi‐static capillary pressure, and a higher injection rate leads to a larger DCP and a faster saturation change. (2) Significant effects of wettability on DCP and the DCP coefficients are observed, where the DCP coefficient is defined as the ratio of the difference between DCP and static capillary pressure over the rate of change of saturation. A larger contact angle results in a higher DCP and a lower change rate of saturation, and consequently induces a larger DCP coefficient. The average DCP coefficient is found to vary from 4.56 × 106 to 3.55 × 105Pa · ms when the nonwetting phase contact angle changes from 140° to 105° in the saturation range of 0.3 to 0.8. This study indicates that the proposed upscaling method is valid to investigate the DCP of two‐phase flow in sandstone. Key Points: A novel upscaling method of dynamic capillary pressure is proposedRate dependent dynamic capillary pressure is observed based on 3‐D CT image‐based porous modelSignificant effects of wettability on the dynamic capillary pressure and the dynamic capillary pressure coefficient are observed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this article is to evaluate the loosening behavior of bolted joints modified by fine particle bombardment (FPB) under transverse cyclic loading. FPB treatment was conducted to thread surfaces of both the bolt and the nut. Self-loosening experiments were then performed on the bolted joint with high, medium, and low preload using a fatigue testing machine. The test results show that fretting wear occurs at the thread surface under transverse cyclic loading, which leads to gradual self-loosening of bolted joints without the rotation of the nut. FPB treatment alleviates thread wear by increasing the surface hardness and reducing the friction coefficient between threads, thereby improving the anti-loosening ability of bolted joints. After FPB treatment, the bolted joints with a lower preload exhibited a greater relative improvement in anti-loosening ability than those at a higher preload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins are naturally active substances. In this study, anthocyanins from black rice were obtained by membrane filtration and column chromatography separation. Five anthocyanin monomers in black rice extract were identified by HPLC-MS/MS, and the major anthocyanin monomer (cyanidin-3-glucoside, C3G) was purified by preparative HPLC (Pre-HPLC). The proliferative effects of the anthocyanins on Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus were investigated by determining the media pH, bacterial populations and metabolic products. After anaerobic incubation at 37 °C for 48 h, not only the pH of the media containing C3G was lower than that of the extract of black rice anthocyanin (BRAE), but the numbers of both Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus were also significantly increased. Furthermore, hydroxyphenylpropionic, hydroxyphenylacetic, and hydroxybenzoic acids and other metabolites were detected by GC-MS in vitro. Our results revealed that the anthocyanins and anthocyanin monomers from black rice had prebiotic activity and they were metabolized into several small molecules by Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction The aim of the present study was to use the sudomotor function test, Sudoscan, as a screening method for the evaluation of asymptomatic diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy in Chinese type 2 diabetes patients. As a result, more attention could be paid to those asymptomatic patients who could be easily neglected and underdiagnosed in everyday clinic. Materials and Methods A total of 394 Chinese type 2 diabetes patients were enrolled and tested for symptoms and clinical signs of neuropathy using the Neurological Symptom Score, Neuropathy Disability Score, and vibration perception threshold. Sudoscan was carried out, and the results were collected as the measurement of the electrochemical skin conductance of both hands and feet. Results In the present study, we found that the abnormal rate of Sudoscan results in patients with asymptomatic neuropathy was higher than those without neuropathy and those with symptomatic neuropathy. This study also showed that lower electrochemical skin conductance at the feet was significantly associated with increasing symptoms, Neurological Symptom Score ( r = −0.124, P < 0.05), Neuropathy Disability Score ( r = −0.3, P < 0.01) and vibration perception threshold value ( r = −0.18, P < 0.05). Logistic analysis showed that age (odds ratio 1.042, 95% confidence interval 1.014−1.071, P < 0.05) and feet electrochemical skin conductance levels (odds ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.962-0.993, P < 0.01) were independently associated with diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy. Conclusions Sudoscan might be a promising tool to screen asymptomatic diabetic distal symmetric polyneuropathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD93, also known as the complement component C1q receptor (C1qRp), has been reported to promote the progression of some cancer types. However, the expression and physiological significance of CD93 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain largely elusive. In this study, we first examined the expression of CD93 in NPC and experimentally manipulated its expression. We observed that vascular CD93 expression is elevated in NPC and is correlated with T classification, N classification, distant metastasis, clinical stage and poor prognosis (all P < 0.05). In addition, overexpression of CD93 promoted angiogenesis in vitro. What’s more, we found that CD93 was highly expressed in NPC tissues and cells, and the regulation of CD93 on cell proliferation was determined by cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay and cell cycle analyses. Our findings provide unique insight into the pathogenesis of NPC and underscore the need to explore novel therapeutic targets such as CD93 to improve NPC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residue dissipation of hexaconazole and isoprothiolane in the rice field ecosystem was determined by gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detector. Hexaconazole and isoprothiolane (33% microemulsion) were applied at two dosages, 396 g a.i. ha–1(the recommended dosage) and 594 g a.i. ha–1(1.5 times the recommended dosage) in the experimental fields in Guizhou, Hunan and Heilongjiang provinces, China, during 2011–2012. The limits of detection and limits of quantification in brown rice were 0.006 and 0.02 mg kg–1for hexaconazole, 0.0072 and 0.024 mg kg–1for isoprothiolane, respectively, and they were much below the maximum residue limits (MRLs, 0.1 mg kg–1for hexaconazole and 1.0 mg kg–1for isoprothiolane) set by China. Average recoveries of hexaconazole in water, soil, rice plants and brown rice ranged from 77.3% to 93.8% and for isoprothiolane ranged from 78.1% to 99.9% with relative standard deviations < 10%. The results showed that during harvest, the terminal residue levels of hexaconazole and isoprothiolane in brown rice samples were well below the MRLs of China following the interval of 7 days after last application. Therefore, a dosage of 396 g a.i. ha–1was recommended, which could be considered as safe to human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A rapid and reliable ultra-high performance liquid chromatography method using a photodiode array detector with QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) sample preparation was developed to determine thiophanate-methyl and carbendazim in rapeseed. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile and partitioned with a mixture of NaCl and anhydrous MgSO4. The cleanup step was performed using dispersive solid-phase extraction with anhydrous MgSO4and primary secondary amine. This step was repeated to improve the results. The limits of detection and quantification of thiophanate-methyl and carbendazim in rapeseed were 15 and 50 μg kg−1, respectively. The recoveries of thiophanate-methyl and carbendazim were from 77.44–100.9%, with relative standard deviations between 2.20% and 6.62%. The method was employed to determine thiophanate-methyl and carbendazim in rapeseed. This study has established a novel method and a safety evaluation system for the analytes in rapeseed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]