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[Display omitted] Sanhan Huashi granules (SHG) demonstrated therapeutic effects against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in observational studies. In order to compare the effectiveness and safety of SHG and nirmatrelvir–ritonavir in treating adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, we conducted a randomized, active-controlled, open-label, multi-center trial conducted between February and July in 2023. The patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the SHG group and the nirmatrelvir–ritonavir group. A total of 400 participants were randomized, among which 200 participants ultimately received SHG and 198 received nirmatrelvir–ritonavir. The primary outcome was time to sustained clinical recovery through day 28. SHG significantly shortened the median time to sustained clinical recovery compared to nirmatrelvir–ritonavir (6.0 (95% CI, 5.0 to 6.0) vs. 8.0 (95% CI, 6.0 to 9.0) d; P = 0.001), particularly for individual symptoms including fever, sore throat, cough and fatigue. No participants in either group died and incidence of severe COVID-19 showed no difference between two groups. Participants who received nirmatrelvir–ritonavir demonstrated a higher rate of virus clearance on day 5 compared to those received SHG (46.4% (95% CI, 39.1 to 53.7) vs. 65.6% (95% CI, 58.3 to 72.4); P < 0.001). Most adverse events were mild in both groups. In summary, SHG was superior to nirmatrelvir–ritonavir in shortening the time to sustained clinical recovery in participants with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, despite a lower virus clearance rate observed after 5 d of treatment (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2300067872). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Polymyxin-associated nephrotoxicity remains a major concern in the clinical setting • The overall incidence of AKI was 33.5% among 14 Chinese teaching hospitals • Loading dose and use of multiple nephrotoxic drugs are independent risk factors for AKI • Severity of AKI may be higher in patients with elevated baseline creatinine levels This study aimed to assess the current incidence and risk factors for polymyxin B-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) in Chinese hospitals for a more effective clinical use for polymyxin B. This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included patients from 14 Chinese teaching hospitals who received polymyxin B therapy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the factors associated with polymyxin B-associated incident AKI. Furthermore, a multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the independent risk factors for AKI. A total of 251 patients were included in the analysis. The overall incidence of AKI was 33.5%. A multivariate logistic regression model identified the loading dose (hazard ratio (HR), 1.84; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–3.38; P = 0.0491) and the use of two or more nephrotoxic drugs (HR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.55–8.18; P = 0.0029) as independent risk factors for the occurrence of AKI. Meanwhile, the estimated glomerular filtration rate had a protective effect (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98–0.99; P = 0.0006) on the occurrence of AKI. The daily dose, cumulative dose, and treatment duration of polymyxin B did not affect the occurrence of AKI. The use of polymyxin B loading doses and the combined use of multiple nephrotoxic drugs are independent risk factors for polymyxin B-associated AKI. The severity of AKI may be higher in patients with elevated baseline creatinine levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Although hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) can produce community-acquired infections that are fatal in young and adult hosts, such as pyogenic liver abscess, endophthalmitis, and meningitis, it has historically been susceptible to antibiotics. Carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) is usually associated with urinary tract infections acquired in hospitals, pneumonia, septicemias, and soft tissue infections. Outbreaks and quick spread of CRKP in hospitals have become a major challenge in public health due to the lack of effective antibacterial treatments. In the early stages of K. pneumoniae development, HvKP and CRKP first appear as distinct routes. However, the lines dividing the two pathotypes are vanishing currently, and the advent of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (CR-hvKP) is devastating as it is simultaneously multidrug-resistant, hypervirulent, and highly transmissible. Most CR-hvKP cases have been reported in Asian clinical settings, particularly in China. Typically, CR-hvKP develops when hvKP or CRKP acquires plasmids that carry either the carbapenem-resistance gene or the virulence gene. Alternatively, classic K. pneumoniae (cKP) may acquire a hybrid plasmid carrying both genes. In this review, we provide an overview of the key antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, virulence factors, clinical presentations, and outcomes associated with CR-hvKP infection. Additionally, we discuss the possible evolutionary processes and prevalence of CR-hvKP in China. Given the wide occurrence of CR-hvKP, continued surveillance and control measures of such organisms should be assigned a higher priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A total of 658 clinical specimens were prospectively evaluated with both assays. • High agreement was observed between the two assays for the three viruses test. • The Xpert assay showed high specificity and sensitivity in the clinical evaluation. • The Xpert cycle threshold value linearly correlate with virus titer in the sample. Abstract Background The Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV assay is released by FDA for rapid detection of influenza A (FluA), influenza B (FluB), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This study aimed to evaluate its clinical performance in comparison to that of the RT-PCR assay cleared by China FDA (CFDA-PCR). Methods Nasopharyngeal specimens were collected from patients and tested by the two assays side by side. Discordant results were tested with a laboratory-developed real-time PCR for resolution. Viral load in the sample was quantified with a droplet digital PCR. Results A total of 658 specimens were involved and gave 94.7%–99.1% agreement between the two assays. The Xpert assay showed higher sensitivity for FluA (100% vs. 89.8%) and FluB detection (100% vs. 95.3%), and also higher accuracy (98.9% vs. 95.7%) for FluA than the CDFA-PCR. The positive and negative predictive values (NPV) for the three viruses ranged from 90.5% to 100% in the two assays, with higher NPV for FluA and FluB in Xpert assay. Moreover, the Xpert Ct values showed a linear correlation with virus titer in specimens tested. Conclusion Overall, the Xpert assay is a reliable and sensitive tool for the detection of FluA, FluB and RSV in our clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a framework to systematically generate event landslide inventory maps from satellite images in southern Taiwan, where landslides are frequent and abundant. The spectral information is used to assess the pixel land cover class membership probability through a Maximum Likelihood classifier trained with randomly generated synthetic land cover spectral fingerprints, which are obtained from an independent training images dataset. Pixels are classified as landslides when the calculated landslide class membership probability, weighted by a susceptibility model, is higher than membership probabilities of other classes. We generated synthetic fingerprints from two FORMOSAT-2 images acquired in 2009 and tested the procedure on two other images, one in 2005 and the other in 2009. We also obtained two landslide maps through manual interpretation. The agreement between the two sets of inventories is given by the Cohen’s k coefficients of 0.62 and 0.64, respectively. This procedure can now classify a new FORMOSAT-2 image automatically facilitating the production of landslide inventory maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like many cities on the east coast of China, Guangzhou has experienced dramatic urban growth since the late 1970s and become the largest metropolis in southern China. This study examined urbanization in the central districts of Guangzhou in two parts: (1) analyzing the spatiotemporal changes of urban land expansion from 1980 to 2010, and (2) analyzing the spatial relationship between urban land ratio and its determinants in not fully built-up areas in 2010. Results from the first part showed that the study area's urban land doubled during the three decades but the rate of expansion had slowed down considerably after 1990. The expansion was primarily in the eastward direction away from the old city center, in a process combining outlying growth, infill, and edge expansion. Results from the second part revealed that, due to the spatial autocorrelation of urban land ratios, spatial regression performed better than ordinary least squares regression in explaining their spatial distribution. Among the determinants in the spatial regression models, road density and distances to transportation services, bank, and hotel were most important, followed by distances to company office and major road, suggesting the importance of convenient daily transport to urban residents. The two spatial regression models were consistent in both the performance statistics and the selection of significant explanatory variables, thus confirming the usefulness and reliability of spatial regression in modeling urban land patterns. These results are relevant to studies of the urban condition and urban planning in Guangzhou as well as rapidly urbanizing China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study calculated the long-term average landslide erosion rate in the Kaoping River watershed in southern Taiwan and investigated the relative importance of extreme rainfall events on landslide erosion. The method followed three steps: first, calculating landslide volumes for 10 rainfall events from a multi-temporal, event-based landslide inventory; second, estimating the frequency of landslide-generating rainfall by using hydrologic frequency analyses; and third, combining the two sets of data to estimate the average landslide erosion rate. Results of the study showed that the average landslide erosion rate is 2.65–5.17 mm yr − 1 , corresponding well to rates reported in other studies using other methods. The study also found that extreme-intensive rainfall events play a more important role on landslide erosion than frequent-moderate rainfall events. Extreme rainfall (maximum 24-h rainfall > 600 mm) contributes 64–79% of the average landslide erosion rate. Moreover, the natural variation of landslide erosion magnitudes is extremely large and can cause significant uncertainty in estimating the landslide erosion rate from total landslide volume. This study found ± 1.2 mm yr − 1 of uncertainty based on simulation results involving a hypothetical 100-year landslide inventory. In summary, this study demonstrates the importance of extreme rainfall events on landslide erosion, and the method proposed in this study is capable of calculating a reliable estimate of average landslide erosion rate in areas with insufficient landslide records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: China has been the engine of global urban population growth, with nearly one-third of the global urban population growth realized in China in 2000–2010. This rapid process of urbanization will continue in the coming decades based on media reports, thus raising concerns about urban land expansion and sustainable urban development in China. Using satellite images and government statistics as data sources, this study compared urban land expansion in Shenzhen and Dongguan, two adjacent and sometimes competing cities in the economically most dynamic region of China. Our data show that the two cities were similar in urban land expansion rate and intensity in 1990–2008 but Shenzhen had higher population growth and urban population density than Dongguan during the period, suggesting that Shenzhen had achieved a higher level of sustainable urban development than Dongguan. To explain this difference, we analyzed the driving factors and found that (1) Shenzhen was more successful than Dongguan in transforming its industrial structure to develop more capital- and technology-intensive industries; (2) Shenzhen had much higher total GDP and per capita GDP than Dongguan; (3) Shenzhen had benefited from a number of government policies targeted at the city's economic development; and (4) in addition to geographically adjacent to Hong Kong, Shenzhen had better transportation facilities than Dongguan, including an international airport and three container ports. Through these favorable driving factors, more people had moved into Shenzhen and, in the process, helped transform the city to become more sustainable in its urban development. The findings of this study can help us better understand urbanization in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Landslide mapping is important for emergency management and landslide risk assessment. In this study, we propose a new mapping method, which combines the spectral signal contained in a satellite image and the geoenvironmental information included in a landslide susceptibility map. The image analysis captures areas with spectral signatures of event landslides in the image, while the landslide susceptibility map filters sub-areas, which do not have landslide prone conditions. The method assigns to every pixel of the satellite image a combined probability of landslide presence. We mapped typhoon-triggered landslides in southern Taiwan using the method. To compare with a landslide inventory prepared from orthophotos, we converted the probability map to a binary map of landslides and landslide free areas. Map comparison resulted in an overall accuracy of 0.93, an area percentage of overlapped landslides of 0.84, a modified success rate of 0.89, and a kappa statistic of 0.73. The method is fast, flexible, and relatively easy to use, and the probability map the method produces is useful by itself. We expect that the method can facilitate the rapid production of event landslide inventory maps, which in turn can assist emergency management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many shallow landslides in Taiwan are triggered by typhoons (tropical cyclones) during the summer months. Each typhoon produces a different rainfall distribution, depending on its track and position and the atmospheric conditions. This study investigated whether the additional rainfall data in a landslide susceptibility model can improve its performance in predicting typhoon-triggered landslides, and whether information on past typhoon events, combined with an event-based landslide inventory, can help predict landslides triggered by a typhoon. To answer these questions, the study adopted a method that integrates rainfall data with the critical rainfall model (a landslide susceptibility model based on geoenvironmental factors) to derive a logistic regression model for predicting landslide occurrence. Results of a back analysis of landslides triggered by nine typhoons from 2001 to 2009 reveal that, by including rainfall data, the integrated method performs better than the critical rainfall model in the average overall accuracy rate (0.78 vs. 0.45) and the average modified success rate (0.75 vs. 0.68). Our preliminary results also suggest that it is possible to predict landslides triggered by a typhoon by using a catch-all model developed from all other typhoon events in an inventory, or a group model developed from other typhoon events of similar rainfall characteristics in an inventory. This study opens up a new research direction in analyzing rainfall-triggered landslides in Taiwan and elsewhere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study aims to investigate whether an amperometric biosensor in an array configuration can increase its signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) so as to increase its performance, like sensitivity. Uric acid biosensor (UAB) was used as an example in this study. Both single UAB (UAB-1×1) and UAB array (UAB-1×2 and UAB-1×3) were fabricated with uricase immobilized on commercial graphite working electrodes. The UAB showed an excellent (r 2 >0.96) linear response range (0–0.8mM) and moderate response time (∼20s). Results showed that the sensitivity and SNR of UAB can be significantly increased by the use of an array configuration. It was found that the sensitivity and SNR of the UAB-1×3 is significantly higher (p <0.05 in all cases) than that of the UAB-1×1 (sensitivity: 3.1-fold; SNR: 4.4-fold) and UAB-1×2 (sensitivity: 1.9-fold; SNR: 3.4-fold). Moreover, an excellent linear relationship (r 2 =0.96) was found between the sensitivity and SNR. Finally, the UAB showed good repeatability (maximal relative standard deviation=4.9%) and long-term stability (retained 92% of its initial value of current response after storing 60 days). In conclusion, the use of an array configuration can result in the increase of SNR, subsequently resulting in the increase of sensitivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A coupled model has been developed to simulate, at watershed level, landslides and debris flows induced by a severe typhoon (tropical cyclone) in Taiwan. The model comprises a landslide susceptibility model to predict landslide occurrence, an empirical model to select debris-flow initiation points, and a debris flow model to simulate the transport and deposit of failed materials from the identified source areas. In raster format with a 10m spatial resolution, the model output includes unstable cells, debris-flow initiation cells, debris-flow velocities, runout paths, and deposition zones. The model was first tested and calibrated in a small area, where the damage by landslides had been investigated and recorded. It was then applied to a watershed, and the simulation results were validated by comparing them with a landslide/debris-flow inventory map prepared from satellite images using a multiple change detection technique. Model test and validation results confirm the usefulness of the model in predicting the number and size of affected areas (landslides and runouts combined), runout path, and volume of runout deposits. It is a common practice in Taiwan to separate landslide and debris-flow inventories and to study debris flows only in select drainage basins. This study suggests that landslide and debris flow should be modeled as a sequential process for efficient watershed management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An important part of landslide research is the interpretation and delineation of landslides, which has increasingly been based on high-resolution satellite images in recent years. Using pre- and post-event FORMOSAT-2 satellite images as the data sources, this study presents a new method that combines four change detection techniques for mapping shallow landslides triggered by typhoons in Taiwan. The four techniques are normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI), spectral angle, principal component analysis, and independent component analysis. We apply the multiple change detection (MCD) technique to map landslides triggered by two typhoons of vastly different magnitudes. Comparisons are then made between MCD results with landslide inventory maps compiled by using a single index (change in NDVI) in one case study and visual analysis in another. Comparison results show that MCD can perform better than change in NDVI in dealing with old landslides and landslides with non-homogeneous spectral responses. MCD is also able to detect small landslides, which are often missed by visual analysis. Additionally, landslide maps prepared by MCD include runout features of sediment deposits from debris flows. A relatively fast processing chain, MCD is expected to become a useful new tool for emergency management after a typhoon event, which occurs on average four to five times a year in Taiwan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the western North Pacific, including Taiwan, typhoons (tropical cyclones) and rainfall rates are predicted to intensify as a result of climate change. Because typhoons are the major triggers of shallow landslides in Taiwan, landslide activity is expected to increase as global warming continues. To assess the worst scenario of landslide occurrence in a mountainous watershed till the end of the century, this study developed a method to select a global climate model (GCM) from 21 available GCMs and correct its monthly precipitation data, before downscaling annual maximum (24-h) rainfall from the corrected GCM data as input to the factor-of-safety model for landslide prediction. Average annual maximum rainfall is expected to increase from 322mm in 1960–2008 to 371mm in 2010–2099. Average total unstable area is expected to increase from 1135ha in 1960–2008 to 1280ha in 2010–2099, a 12% increase. As a first attempt to assess landslide activity due to global warming, this study is useful as a reference for watershed management in Taiwan. The results must be evaluated in light of uncertainties caused by the correction and downscaling of GCM data and the input parameters to the slope stability model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cationic polymers are potential intracellular carriers for small interfering RNA (siRNA). The short and rigid nature of an siRNA chain often results in larger and more loosely packed particles compared to plasmid DNA (pDNA) after complexing with carrier polycations, and in turn, poor silencing effects are seen against the target mRNAs. A helper polyanion, pDNA, was incorporated along with siRNA to form compact nanosized polyplexes. At C/A (cation/anion) ratios of 2 and 5, poly(l-lysine) (PLL)/siRNA-pGFP and PLL/siRNA-pGFP-OSDZ (oligomeric sulfadiazine (OSDZ) for endosomolysis) complexes produced particles 90–150 nm in size with a 15–45 mV surface charge, while PLL/siRNA complexes yielded particles 1–2 μm in size at the same C/A ratios. The PLL/siRNA-pGFP (C/A 2) complexes showed significantly higher specific gene silencing (50–90% vs. 10–25%) than the complexes formed at C/A 5. PLL/siRNA-pGFP-OSDZ (C/A 2) complexes improved the specific gene silencing (90%) more dramatically than PLL/siRNA-pGFP (C/A 2) complexes (50%), demonstrating a potential role for OSDZ. PLL/siRNA-pGFP-OSDZ (C/A 2) complexes sustained higher specific gene silencing compared with PLL/siRNA-pGFP (C/A 2) complexes. Other oligomeric sulfonamides (OSA) with varying pKa used in PLL/siRNA-pGFP-OSA complexes also caused effective gene silencing. The pGFP in the PLL/siRNA-pGFP complexes successfully expressed GFP protein without interfering with the siRNA. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that long pDNA helps effectively form nanosized siRNA particles and that OSA enhances specific gene silencing. In a single nucleic acid carrier formulation, co-delivery of siRNA and pDNA is feasible to maximize therapeutic effects or to include therapeutic or diagnostic functionalities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermal fluorination of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was performed to improve their hydrogen storage capacity, based on three considerations. First, the surface of the MWCNTs was altered by thermal fluorination to create a pathway for the storage of hydrogen molecules inside the MWCNTs. These surface treatments increased the number of MWCNT defects through attack by fluorine radicals. The defects were identified using Raman peaks and TEM images. Second, thermal fluorination changed the pore structure by enlarging the specific surface area and the pore volume, which increased the number of hydrogen adsorption sites. Last, the induced fluorine groups enhanced the hydrogen storage capacity through attraction effects on the electron in the hydrogen molecules due to the high electronegativity of fluorine. In conclusion, thermal fluorination increased the hydrogen storage capacity of MWCNTs four-fold to 1.69 wt%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a noninvasive method suitable for extracting the HR when monitoring the physiological condition. The PPG waveform is readily contaminated by various mechanisms, such as raising or lowering the hand, breathing, changes in stroke volume, the presence of double dicrotic notches, and cardiovascular diseases. These made heart rate extraction a difficult problem. The purpose of this study was to propose a heart rate extraction method that has better performance than the wavelet and correlation methods. A fuzzy logic discriminator was used to discriminate the truth of each peak of the slope of the PPG signal based on weights. A determining algorithm used these weights to extract the heart rate, and also to insert an interpolated peak near the time of a missing peak. This allowed the physiologic condition of a patient during the rapid heart rate change to be reliably monitored. The study applied six different PPG waveforms to test our desired method. The root-mean-square error values relative to the reference showed that the desired method for Case I is 5.15 beats/min, and for Case IV (1) it is 0. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study proposes a novel method that combines a deterministic slope stability model and a statistical model for predicting rainfall-induced landslides. The method first uses the deterministic model to derive the rainfall rate critical to induce slope failure for each land unit. Then it calculates the difference between the critical rainfall threshold and estimated rainfall intensity. Using the difference and estimated rainfall duration as explanatory variables, the method derives a logit (integrated) model to compute landslide occurrence probabilities. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this method, the study used radar rainfall estimates and landslides associated with a typhoon (tropical cyclone) to develop the integrated model and the same types of data associated with another typhoon to validate the model. The model had a modified success rate of 84.0% for predicting landslides and stable areas, and model validation yielded a modified success rate of 87.4%. Both rates were better than those from the critical rainfall model. The main advantage of the integrated model lies in its use of rainfall variables that are not included in calculating the critical rainfall. Also, as a probabilistic model, the integrated model is better suited for decision-making in watershed management. This study has advanced the method for predicting rainfall-triggered landslides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many shallow landslides are triggered by heavy rainfall. Previous studies of landslide modeling have been hampered by the scarcity of rain gauges to adequately depict the spatial variability of rainfall conditions triggering landslides. This study simulates the efficiency of the critical rainfall model for landslide prediction in a mountainous watershed with inputs of different rainfall estimates associated with a typhoon (tropical cyclone) event. Doppler radar data at a spatial resolution of 1 km and measurements from six gauging stations provide the sources for rainfall estimates. Inverse distance weighted, splines, and kriging are the interpolation methods for gauged rainfall estimates. A comparison of the simulation outputs shows that the model using radar rainfall estimates has a better performance than those using gauged rainfall estimates in predicting both landslides and stable areas. In light of the results, this paper also discusses the validity of the critical rainfall model for landslides in relation to its rainfall input and steady-state hydrological assumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Landslides can be caused by storms and earthquakes. Most logistic regression models proposed in recent years have been targeted at rainfall-induced landslides. In areas such as Taiwan, where landslides can be triggered by typhoons (tropical cyclones) and earthquakes, a rainfall-induced model is insufficient because it provides only a partial explanation of landslide occurrence and overlooks the potential effect of earthquakes on typhoon-triggered landslides. This study used landslides triggered by a major earthquake and a typhoon prior to the earthquake to develop an earthquake-induced model and a typhoon-induced model. The models were then validated by using landslides triggered by three typhoons after the earthquake. According to the results, typhoon-triggered landslides tended to be near stream channels and earthquake-triggered landslides were more likely to be near ridge lines. Moreover, a major earthquake could still affect the locations of typhoon-triggered landslides 6 years after the earthquake. This study therefore demonstrates that an earthquake-induced model both sheds light on the environmental factors for triggering landslides, and augments a rainfall-induced model in its predictive capability in areas such as Taiwan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To improve the adhesion strength between TiN coatings and WC-Co substrate, interlayer of Co was pre-deposited onto WC-Co substrates prior to the TiN coating process. The thickness and post-annealing effects of Co interlayer on the adhesion property were investigated through scratch tests in this work. The highest critical load of approximately 84 N was obtained for the TiN coating with Co-interlayer sputter-time of 10 min and the critical load increased up to 97 N after post-annealing at 600 °C for 2 h. It was found that the adhesion of TiN coatings was strongly influenced by the thickness of Co interlayer. TiN without Co interlayer and TiN with three kinds of Co interlayer coatings were applied to end-mill tools made of WC-Co material with a hybrid coating technique. Cutting tests for die steel AISI D2 cold-worked die steel (60 HRC) and their reliability tests were studied. The tool life of TiN-coated tool with Co interlayer having the critical thickness of 0.027 μm was improved for over 36% as compared to only TiN-coated tools. The experimentation was repeatedly performed in order to verify the goodness of fit for tool wear distribution. The flank wear of TiN-coated tool with Co interlayer at given time condition is suitable for normal distribution and log-normal distribution by chi-squared test. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Antivenom reactions are a common complication of snake antivenom. This study aimed to identify predicators of antivenom reaction and the involvement of antivenom skin test in antivenom reaction development. This retrospective cohort study was conducted in six medical institutions in Taiwan. Data were extracted from the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD) from January 2006 to December 2016. The association between antivenom reaction and patient demographics, type and dose of antivenom, and skin test results was analyzed. The study enrolled 799 patients, including 219 who developed antivenom reactions. Compared to patients receiving both freeze-dried hemorrhagic (FH) and freeze-dried neurotoxic (FN) antivenom, those administered a single type had a lower antivenom reaction risk (adjusted odds ratios [aORs]: 0.5 and 0.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35–0.74 and 0.24–0.69, FH and FN respectively). Patients administered a higher antivenom dose (≥ 5 vials) had higher antivenom reaction risk (aOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.23–2.76). A positive skin test result was also associated with antivenom reaction (aOR: 16.7, 95% CI: 5.42–51.22). The skin test showed high specificity (98.5%, 95% CI: 97.49%–99.83%) but low sensitivity (17.5%, 95% CI: 10.74%–24.18%). The antivenom skin test should be abolished because of the extremely low sensitivity and possible misinterpretation of results because of the limitation of this examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensification of global climate change has led to a widespread consensus on carbon reduction, with the power industry being the principal contributor to carbon emissions necessitating an inevitable transition of its energy structure. Concomitantly, the escalating frequency of natural disasters caused by extreme weather presents formidable challenges to both secure power supply and the low-carbon transition of the power system. To fulfill the developmental requirements of a low-carbon power system and address the carbon emission risks imposed by natural disasters, this paper proposes a bi-level model for generation expansion planning (GEP) that incorporates constraints on the carbon emission trajectory and the influence of natural disasters. The planning-level model optimizes investment costs of various generation technologies and energy storage (ES), as well as the overall operational expenses over the planning period, with an objective to minimize them. It incorporates carbon emission trajectory constraints and policy constraints, such as carbon peaking, carbon neutrality and renewable energy (RE) penetration rates, in order to optimize the planning installed capacity of power sources. The operational-level model aims to minimize typical daily operating costs while also simulating power unit outputs in routine and disaster scenarios. A case study is conducted in a disaster-prone province in southern China to analyze the power generation expansion planning and the trajectory of carbon emissions from 2020 to 2060 under different scenarios. The simulation results show that compared to thermal power, the planning scheme mainly focused on RE with ES is better suited to achieve the goal of a low-carbon transition of the power grid. Moreover, after considering natural disasters, the cost and carbon emissions of power system planning are higher, and the risk of carbon emissions increases with the severity of disasters. • A multi-time scale bi-level low-carbon GEP model is proposed. • Natural disaster scenarios and low-carbon policy constraints are considered in the GEP model. • Carbon emission trajectory of the planned power system is estimated and introduced as a constraint into the GEP model. • Evaluation indicators that comprehensively consider low-carbon performance and economic feasibility are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reported a new approach for the immobilization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) on glass carbon electrode by employing ferrocene (Fc)-phenylalanine (denoted as Fc-F) hydrogels. To demonstrate the application of the modified electrode, chlorpyrifos, an AChE inhibitor, was determined. Specifically, with the addition of substrate acetylthiocholine, the enzymatic conversion from acetylthiocholine to thiocholine by AChE proceeded. The AChE/Fc-F modified electrode exhibited good electro-catalytic performance for the oxidation of the enzymatically produced thiocholine. In this process, the oxidized forms of Fc (Fc + ) in the hydrogels were reduced by thiocholine, resulting in an increase in the anodic current of Fc. Based on the inhibition of the AChE activity, chlorpyrifos was determined with a detection limit of 3 nM. Analytical merits (e.g. stability, dynamic range, reproducibility, detection level, selectivity and regeneration) were also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium diformate (KDF) is a kind of formate, which possesses the advantages of antimicrobial activity, growth promotion and preventing diarrhea in weaned piglets. However, the researches of KDF in animal production mostly focused on apparent indexes such as growth performance and the mechanisms of KDF on intestinal health have not been reported. Thus, porcine small intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) infected with Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) was used to investigate the role of KDF on alleviating intestinal inflammation in this study. The 0.125 mg/mL KDF treated IPEC-J2 cells for 6 h and IPEC-J2 cells challenged with 5 × 107 CFU/mL EHEC for 4 h were confirmed as the optimum concentration and time for the following experiment. The subsequent experiment was divided into four groups: control group (CON), EHEC group, KDF group, KDF+EHEC group. The results showed that KDF increased the cell viability and the gene expression levels of SGLT3 and TGF-β , while decreased the content of IL-1β compared with the CON group. The cell viability and the gene expressions of SGLT1 , SGLT3 , GLUT2 , Claudin-1 , Occludin and TGF-β , and the protein expression of ZO-1 in EHEC group were lower than those in CON group, whereas the gene expressions of IL-1β , TNF , IL-8 and TLR4 , and the level of phosphorylation NF-кB protein were increased. Pretreatment with KDF reduced the content of IgM and IL-1β, the gene expressions of IL-1β , TNF , IL-8 and TLR4 and the level of phosphorylation NF-кB protein, and increased the gene expression of TGF-β and the protein expression of Occludin in IPEC-J2 cells infected EHEC. In conclusion, 0.125 mg/mL KDF on IPEC-J2 cells for 6 h had the beneficial effects on ameliorating the intestinal inflammation because of reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokines through regulating NF-кB signaling pathway under the EHEC challenge. • The mechanism of potassium diformate (KDF) alleviating intestinal injury caused by EHEC was elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: [123I]Epidepride is a radio-tracer with very high affinity for dopamine D2/D3 receptors in brain. The importance of alteration in dopamine D2/D3 receptor binding condition has been wildly verified in schizophrenia. In the present study we set up a rat schizophrenia model by chronic injection of a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801, to examine if [123I]epidepride could be used to evaluate the alterations of dopamine D2/D3 receptor binding condition in specific brain regions. Method: Rats were given repeated injection of MK-801 (dissolved in saline, 0.3mg/kg) or saline for 1month. Afterwards, total distance traveled (cm) and social interaction changes were recorded. Radiochemical purity of [123I]epidepride was analyzed by Radio-Thin-Layer Chromatography (chloroform: methanol, 9:1, v/v) and [123I]epidepride neuroimages were obtained by ex vivo autoradiography and small animal SPECT/CT. Data obtained were then analyzed to determine the changes of specific binding ratio. Result: Chronic MK-801 treatment for a month caused significantly increased local motor activity and induced an inhibition of social interaction. As shown in [123I]epidepride ex vivo autoradiographs, MK-801 induced a decrease of specific binding ratio in the striatum (24.01%), hypothalamus (35.43%), midbrain (41.73%) and substantia nigra (37.93%). In addition, [123I]epidepride small animal SPECT/CT neuroimaging was performed in the striatum and midbrain. There were statistically significant decreases in specific binding ratio in both the striatum (P <.01) and midbrain (P <.05) between the saline and MK-801 group. Conclusion: These results suggest that [123I]epidepride is a useful radio-tracer to reveal the alterations of dopamine D2/D3 receptor binding in a rat schizophrenia model and is also helpful to evaluate therapeutic effects of schizophrenia in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: [18F]Flurobutyl ethacrynic amide ([18F]FBuEA) was prepared from the precursor tosylate N-Boc-N-[4-(toluenesulfonyloxy)butyl]ethacrynic amide with a radiochemical yield of 3%, a specific activity of 48GBq/μmol and radiochemical purity of 98%. Chemical conjugation of [18F]FBuEA with glutathione (GSH) via a self-coupling reaction and enzymatic conjugation under catalysis of glutathiontransferase alpha (GST-α) and π provided about 41% yields of radiochemical conjugated product [18F]FBuEA–GSH, 85% and 5–16%, respectively. The catalytic selectivity of this tracer toward GST-alpha was addressed. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of [18F]FBuEA in normal rats showed that a homogeneous pattern of radioactivity was distributed in the liver, suggesting a catalytic role of GST. By contrast, PET images of [18F]FBuEA in rats with thioacetamide-induced cholangiocarcinoma displayed a heterogeneous pattern of radioactive accumulation with cold spots in tumor lesions. PET imaging with [18F]FBuEA could be used for early diagnosis of hepatic tumor with a low GST activity as well as liver function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present an index-based shallow landsliding susceptibility model which allows explicit incorporation of local heavy rainfall statistical properties. The model, called Quasi-Dynamic Shallow Landsliding Model (QD-SLaM), is developed upon a theory for coupled shallow subsurface flow and landsliding of the soil mantle. The model uses a ‘quasi-dynamic’ wetness index to predict the spatial distribution of soil saturation in response to a rainfall of specified duration, and can take into account the spatial variability of soil properties. The rainfall predicted to cause instability in each topographic element is characterized by intensity and duration. The incorporation of a scaling model for the rainfall frequency–duration relationship provides a parsimonious and robust way to include heavy rainfall statistical properties into shallow landsliding modeling. The model is used to determine the return period of the critical rainfall needed to cause instability for each topographic element. The model is validated over six different study sites, where detailed inventories of shallow landslides are available. Two study sites are located in the north of Taiwan, and four are located in the Italian Alps. The sites are characterized by different climates and by different duration of the landslide-triggering storms. Model results are evaluated against the surveyed landslides and compared to those obtained by using a steady-state model, resembling SHALSTAB. It is shown that QD-SLaM improves significantly over the steady-state approach in predicting existing landslides as represented in the considered landslide inventory. Moreover, the improvement is higher for the cases where the landslide-triggering storm duration is short with respect to the length of time required for every point on a catchment to reach subsurface drainage equilibrium. The results of our work highlight the capability of the model to incorporate a robust description of the heavy rainfall properties in the analysis and mapping of shallow landsliding susceptibility by using an index-style approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hard coatings are known to improve the performance of cutting tools in aggressive machining applications, such as high-speed machining. Unfortunately, the development of cutting tool for high-speed machining is not enough in machining of difficult-to-cut material. New superhard Ti–Al–Si–N films, characterized as a nanocomposite nano-sized (Ti,Al,Si)N crystallites embedded in amorphous Si3N4 matrix, was successfully synthesized on WC-Co substrates by a hybrid-coating system of arc ion plating (AIP) and sputtering method. The hardness of Ti–Al–Si–N film increased with incorporation of Si, and had the maximum value ∼50 GPa at the Si content of 9 at.%, respectively. In this study, Ti–Al–Si–N coatings were applied to end-mills made of WC-Co material by a hybrid-coating system. The tool performances for the high-hardened material were studied under high-speed cutting conditions. Additionally, the relationship between the machining characteristics and the Si contents were investigated under various high-spindle speeds. It showed the tool life was improved up to 50% at the Si content of 9 at.%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Landslides are geomorphological processes that shape the landscapes of all continents, dismantling mountains and contributing sediments to the river networks. Caused by geophysical and meteorological triggers, including intense or prolonged rainfall, seismic shaking, volcanic activity, and rapid snow melting, landslides pose a serious threat to people, property, and the environment in many areas. Given their abundance and relevance, investigators have long experimented with techniques and tools for landslide detection and mapping using primarily aerial and satellite optical imagery interpreted visually, or processed by semi-automatic or automatic procedures or algorithms. Optical (passive) sensors have known limitations due to their inability to capture Earth surface images through the clouds and to work in the absence of daylight. The alternatives are active, "all-weather" and "day-and-night", microwave radar sensors capable of seeing through the clouds and working in presence and absence of daylight. We review the literature on the use of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery to detect and map landslide failures – i.e., the single most significant movement episodes in the history of a landslide – and of landslide failure events – i.e., populations of landslides in areas ranging from a few to several thousand square kilometres caused by a single trigger. We examine 54 articles published in representative journals presenting 147 case studies in 32 nations, in all continents, except Antarctica. Analysis of the geographical location of 70 study areas shows that SAR imagery was used to detect and map landslides in most morphological, geological, seismic, meteorological, climate, and land cover settings. The time history of the case studies reveals the increasing interest of the investigators in the use of SAR imagery for landslide detection and mapping, with less than one article per year from 1995 to 2011, rising to about 5 articles per year between 2012 and 2020, and an average period of about 4.2 years between the launch of a satellite and the publication of an article using imagery taken by the satellite. To detect and map landslides, investigators use a common framework that exploits the phase and the amplitude of the electromagnetic return signal recorded in the SAR images, to measure terrain surface properties and their changes. To discriminate landslides from the surrounding stable terrain, a classification of the ground properties is executed by expert visual (heuristic) interpretation, or through numerical (statistical) modelling approaches. Despite undisputed progress over the last 26 years, challenges remain to be faced for the effective use of SAR imagery for landslide detection and mapping. In the article, we examine the theoretical, research, and operational frameworks for the exploitation of SAR images for landslide detection and mapping, and we provide a perspective for future applications considering the existing and the planned SAR satellite missions. • We examine the theoretic, research, and operational frameworks for landslide failures mapping using SAR images. • SAR imagery is suited to map populations of landslides of different types and sizes in different physiographic settings. • Satellite SAR images can improve landslide rapid mapping, contributing to mitigate landslide risk. • We envisage future applications considering existing and planned SAR satellite missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An enzyme-free sandwich-type electrochemical sensor for glucose detection was fabricated based on boronate complex. • Three-dimensional self-assembly monolayer was formed above uniformly dispersed gold nanoparticles array. • Electrochemical signals were not from faradic process of glucose oxidation but the secondary receptor FcBA. • The strategy exhibited excellent selectivity, wide linear range and low detection limit for glucose detection. • The proposed method showed promising prospection for glucose test in urine samples in psychological condition. In this article, a sandwich-type electrochemical sensor for selective determination of glucose based on the formation of glucose-boronic bidentate complex has been developed. 3-aminophenylboronic acid (m -APBA) was immobilized on the gold nanoparticles modified ITO electrode with the linker molecule 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (p -MBA). Then, glucose was captured by boronic acid group from m -APBA as the primary receptor and further grafted with an electroactive ferroceneboronic acid (FcBA) as the secondary receptor to form the sandwich-type sensor for selective detection of glucose. For comprehensively understanding the effect of the charge and structure of the terminal boronic acid group of 3-APBA on its binding to glucose, surface p K a was studied by electrochemical titration method, and it was proved the feasibility of examining glucose in physiological condition by the sandwich-type electrochemical sensor. The electrochemical characteristics of the as-prepared sensor were investigated by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The electrochemical sensor displayed a linear detection range of glucose from 0.5 mmol L−1 to 30 mmol L−1, with detection limit of 43 µmol L−1. The sensor exhibited good performance in selectivity study with the coexistence of galactose, fructose, mannose and other common interferences in physiological environment, such as, uric acid, ascorbic acid and dopamine. The as-prepared electrode with high sensitivity, good stability and reproducibility as well as excellent biocompatibility made it promising for the development of enzyme-free sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Genes from stools have molecular significance with CRC tumorgenesis. • SCFAs, the metabolites of microbiota, can suppress CRC tumorigenesis. • Relationship between colonic genes, gut microbiota, or their metabolites is significant. • Changes of PLAC8 and butyrate-producing organisms were found in stools of CRC patients. • Butyrate can reduce the CRC formation through regulating PLAC8 expression. Tumor metastasis or recurrence often occurs in patients with curative resection of colorectal cancer (CRC). Placental-specific 8 (PLAC8), which has increased expression in stool, may be associated with CRC recurrence. Insights into the role of PLAC8 in CRC recurrence and its clinical significance may support to develop strategies for preventing CRC recurrence and deterioration. Clinical tissues, cell and animal models were used to clarify the roles of PLAC8 in CRC tumorigenesis, invasion, and migration. Next-generation sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA has been used to assess the gut microbiota in stool of CRC patients. We found that PLAC8 was upregulated in tissues from patients with late-stage CRC. In our in vitro studies, PLAC8 was dynamically regulated in mitotic cells. Overexpressed PLAC8 was nucleated at the centrosome during mitosis, and therefore, PLAC8 overexpression might increase cell growth and migration (all p < 0.05). The tumorigenic and invasive effects of PLAC8 on CRC cells were also confirmed in a xenograft mouse model. We further identified reduced levels of two butyrate-producing organisms, Butyricicoccus and Prevotella spp., in stools from CRC patients. We found that butyrate downregulated PLAC8 expression and induced apoptosis in PLAC8 -overexpressing cells. Our data suggests that PLAC8 gene and protein expression and dysbiosis of gut microflora, especially in butyrate-producing microorganisms, may be indicators of CRC progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The synthesis of the human non-pancreatic secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitor (IC50 =1.81±0.59μM) is reported. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The anti-inflammatory role of lutein has been widely recognized, however, the underlying mechanism is still not fully elucidated. Hence, the effects of lutein on the intestinal health and growth performance of broilers and the action of mechanism were investigated. 288 male yellow-feathered broilers (1-day old) were randomly allocated to 3 treatment groups with 8 replicates of 12 birds each, and the control group was fed a broken rice-soybean basal diet, while the test groups were fed a basal diet added with 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg of lutein (LU20, LU40), respectively. The feeding trial lasted for 21 d. The results showed that 40 mg/kg lutein supplementation tended to increase ADFI (P = 0.10) and ADG (P = 0.08) of broilers. Moreover, the addition of lutein caused a decreasing trend of gene expression and concentration of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β (P = 0.08, P = 0.10, respectively) and IL-6 (P = 0.06, P = 0.06, respectively) and also tended to decrease the gene expression of TLR4 (P = 0.09) and MyD88 (P = 0.07) while increasing gene expression and concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 (P < 0.05) in the jejunum mucosa of broilers. Additionally, lutein supplementation increased the jejunal villi height of broilers (P < 0.05) and reduced villi damage. The experiment in vitro showed that lutein treatment reduced the gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ in chicken intestinal epithelial cells (P < 0.05). However, this effect was diminished after knock-down of TLR4 or MyD88 genes using RNAi technology. In conclusion, lutein can inhibit the expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in the jejunum mucosa and promote intestinal development of broilers, and the anti-inflammatory effect may be achieved by regulating TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broilers are frequently exposed to various immunological stresses, which lead to intestinal damage, weakened immunity, and even growth retardation. Lutein, as a kind of carotenoid, possesses antioxidant and immunomodulatory functions. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of lutein on jejunal mucosal barrier function and inflammatory responses of yellow-feather broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of two hundred eight-eight 1-day-old yellow-feather broilers were randomly allocated to 3 groups with 8 replicate cages containing 12 birds each. Birds were fed broken-rice-soybean basal diet containing 0, 20 and 40 mg/kg lutein (CON, LU20 and LU40) for 26 d. On days 21, 23, and 25 of the trial, broilers were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (1 mg/kg body weight). The results showed that, compared with CON group, LU40 supplementations significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) of broilers at 1 to 21 and 22 to 26 d of age (P < 0.05), significantly decreased the ratio of feed to gain (F/G) of broilers at 22 to 26 d of age (P < 0.05). LU20 and LU40 supplementations increased goblet cell density in jejunum of broilers under LPS challenge, and LU20 supplementation elevated the villus area (P < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy of jejunal mucosa revealed significant villi damage, while transmission electron microscopy demonstrated severe enterocyte damage and loss of cellular integrity in CON group. In particular, mitochondria were morphologically altered, appearing irregular or swollen. Apical junctional complexes between adjacent enterocytes were obviously shorter and saccular in CON group. LU20 and LU40 supplementations increased the mRNA expressions of Occludin, Claudin-1, and ZO-1 in the jejunal mucosa of broilers under LPS challenge (P < 0.05), restrained TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway activation in the jejunal mucosa, decreased the mRNA expressions of IL-1β and IL-6, and strengthened the mRNA expressions of IL-4 and IL-10 (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the protein expressions of p38 and JNK in LU40 group were lower than CON group (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that 40 mg/kg lutein supplementation improved LPS-induced jejunal mucosal barrier function and tamed inflammation of yellow-feather broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-organized, independent nanoscale binary metal oxides exhibit high electrical conductivity and good ion transportability. In this study, a nickel-cobalt oxide (NiCo 2 O 4) nanoparticle electrode was synthesized on Ni foam with a large surface area. Such a composite material is valuable as a binder-free and excellent current-carrying electrode material. Hence, it is particularly attractive for high-performance energy storage systems. NiCo 2 O 4 nanowires were fabricated via a simple chemical bath deposition process. Consequently, the NiCo 2 O 4 electrodes exhibited a remarkable specific capacity of 342.5 mA h g−1 at the current density of 3 A g−1 and cycling stability of 80.7%, which was maintained following 10,000 long-cycles at 5 A g−1. In addition, an asymmetric supercapacitor (NiCo 2 O 4 //graphite) device comprising of NiCo 2 O 4 as a positive electrode and graphite as a negative electrode was fabricated. The NiCo 2 O 4 //graphite asymmetric supercapacitor has the highest energy density of 45.8 W h kg−1, and an excellent power density of approximately 5689 W h kg−1. Furthermore, NiCo 2 O 4 //graphite device delivered sufficient capacitive power to enlighten a red LED indicator. The excellent electrochemical performance of the asymmetric supercapacitor device can be attributed to the high specific surface area of the cathode electrode material and its enriched redox kinetics. This paper presents an easy and environmentally-friendly procedure for fabricating a compound electrode material for an asymmetric supercapacitor. It is expected that this novel high-performance electrode can stimulate new directions in the development of efficient energy storage. • The NiCo 2 O 4 composite synthesized via a chemical bath deposition method. • The NiCo 2 O 4 nanowire structure plays an important role in achieving good electrical performance. • The transition metal-based composites have been widely studied as electrodes for high-energy storage device. • The NiCo 2 O 4 //graphite asymmetric supercapacitor indicates that this device has sufficient energy to emit light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of xanthophylls (containing 40% lutein and 60% zeaxanthin; Juyuan Biochemical Co., Ltd., GuangZhou, China) on gene expression associated with carotenoid cleavage enzymes (β-carotene 15, 15'-monooxygenase, BCMO1; and β-carotene 9', 10'-dioxygenase, BCDO2) and retinoid metabolism (lecithin:retinol acyl transferase (LRAT) and STRA6) of breeding hens and chicks. In experiment 1, 432 hens were divided into 3 groups and fed diets supplemented with zero (as the control group), 20, or 40 mg/kg xanthophyll. The liver, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were sampled at d 35 of the trial. Results showed that 40 mg/kg xanthophyll supplementation increased BCDO2 mRNA in the liver, duodenum, and jejunum; LRAT mRNA in the jejunum; and STRA6 mRNA in the liver, while it decreased LRAT mRNA in the liver. Experiment 2 was a 2 x 2 factorial design. Male chicks hatched from a zero or 40 mg/kg xanthophyll diet of hens were fed a diet containing either zero or 40 mg/kg xanthophylls. The liver, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were sampled at zero, 7, 14, and 21 d after hatching. Results showed that in ovo xanthophyll modulated carotenoid and retinoid metabolism mainly within one wk after hatching. The maternal effects gradually vanished and dietary effects began to work one to 2 wk after hatching. Dietary xanthophyll regulated carotenoid and retinoid metabolism mainly from 2 wk onward. The xanthophyll regulation of carotenoid and retinoid metabolism also revealed strong tissue specificity. In conclusion, xanthophyll supplementation could modulate carotenoid and retinoid metabolism in different tissues of hens and chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With its phenomenal development in recent decades, urbanization in China has been covered in a large number of studies. These studies have focused on large cities, with smaller and lesser known cities largely overlooked. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal changes of land use in Quanzhou, a historical city in Fujian Province, using GIS and remote sensing tools. Based on the land use change indices and spatial metrics, our results showed that built-up (urban) land in Quanzhou increased more than twofold in 1995–2010, at the expense of cultivated land, woodland, and grassland. During the same period, urban land patches increased in both number and size, while becoming more irregular and complex in shape. Most urban land expansion took place in the coastal areas, including the city districts and development and industrial zones. Although urbanization in Quanzhou has been remarkable since 1995, its average rate of urban land expansion has fallen behind Shenzhen and Dongguan in the Pearl River Delta. Geographic location and population growth are two important factors for the difference. Quanzhou is located in a less developed region of China, and its population growth has been slow due to its heavy reliance on labor-intensive, low-technology industries, which do not offer sufficient rural—urban wage differential to attract large inflows of migrant workers. Urbanization in China follows different paths in different cities and regions, as shown in this study by comparing Quanzhou with cities in the Pearl River Delta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We propose a semi-automatic approach to detect, map and classify rainfall-induced shallow landslides. The approach combines the classification of a post-event multispectral satellite image with information on the morphometric signature of landslides in a Bayesian framework. We apply the approach in two steps. First, we detect and map the rainfall-induced landslides separating the stable ground from the failed areas. Next, we classify internally the landslides separating the source from the run out areas. We obtain the prior probability from the Mahalanobis discriminant function used to classify the satellite image, and the likelihood from the frequency distribution of terrain slope and cross section convexity in the pre-existing shallow landslides. We tested the approach in southern Taiwan, in a catchment where Typhoon Morakot caused abundant landslides in August 2009. Using the semi-automatic approach, we obtained a detailed event landslide inventory map that we compared to an inventory obtained through the visual interpretation of post-event ortho-photographs taken a few days after the landslide triggering rainfall event. Quantitative comparison in a Geographical Information System revealed a degree of matching between the two event inventories exceeding 90%. The approach is general and flexible, and can be used with different satellite imagery and topographic data. Best suited in landscapes where shallow landslides leave distinct radiometric and topographic signatures, the approach is expected to facilitate the production of event landslide inventory maps with positive consequences for geomorphological investigations, landslide hazard and risk modeling, and for post event recovery efforts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study is concerned with the development of an agent for single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) for imaging inflammation and tumor progression. [123I]Iodooctyl fenbufen amide ([123I]IOFA) was prepared from the precursor N-octyl-4-oxo-4-(4′-(trimethylstannyl)biphenyl-4-yl)butanamide with a radiochemical yield of 15%, specific activity of 37 GBq/μmol, and radiochemical purity of 95%. Analysis of the binding of [123I]IOFA to COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes by using HPLC and a gel filtration column showed a selectivity ratio of 1:1.3. An assay for the competitive inhibition of substrate transfer showed that IOFA exhibited a comparable IC50 value compared to fenbufen. In the normal rat liver, a lower level and homogeneous pattern of [123I]IOFA radioactivity was observed by SPECT. In contrast, in the rat liver with thioacetamide-induced cholangiocarcinoma, a higher uptake and heterogeneous pattern of [123I]IOFA radioactivity was seen as hot spots in tumor lesions by SPECT imaging. Importantly, elevated COX-1 and COX-2 expressions from immunostaining were found in the bile ducts of tumor rats but not of normal rats. Therefore, [123I]IOFA was found to exhibit the potential for imaging tumors that over-express COX. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electroporation for transdermal drug delivery or for non-invasive monitoring of patients could allow a new generation of medical devices to be developed for low-cost healthcare. The existing electroporation systems today are bulky, expensive or not fully programmable. Therefore, a compact, low-cost and programmable device was developed and evaluated. A circuit is described herein which provides a variety of adjustable high-voltage (2–300V) electric waveforms (pulsed and pulsed-biphasic) for electroporation. Evaluation showed that this device provides for precise regulation of the magnitude and waveform of a high-voltage over a wide range of impedance, important for in vivo/human use. Also, the device was evaluated in vitro to be capable of enhancing transdermal extraction of metabolites, like uric acid, for non-invasive monitoring and transdermal delivery of medications, like insulin, for non-invasive drug delivery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Landslides are present in all continents, and play an important role in the evolution of landscapes. They also represent a serious hazard in many areas of the world. Despite their importance, we estimate that landslide maps cover less than 1% of the slopes in the landmasses, and systematic information on the type, abundance, and distribution of landslides is lacking. Preparing landslide maps is important to document the extent of landslide phenomena in a region, to investigate the distribution, types, pattern, recurrence and statistics of slope failures, to determine landslide susceptibility, hazard, vulnerability and risk, and to study the evolution of landscapes dominated by mass-wasting processes. Conventional methods for the production of landslide maps rely chiefly on the visual interpretation of stereoscopic aerial photography, aided by field surveys. These methods are time consuming and resource intensive. New and emerging techniques based on satellite, airborne, and terrestrial remote sensing technologies, promise to facilitate the production of landslide maps, reducing the time and resources required for their compilation and systematic update. In this work, we first outline the principles for landslide mapping, and we review the conventional methods for the preparation of landslide maps, including geomorphological, event, seasonal, and multi-temporal inventories. Next, we examine recent and new technologies for landslide mapping, considering (i) the exploitation of very-high resolution digital elevation models to analyze surface morphology, (ii) the visual interpretation and semi-automatic analysis of different types of satellite images, including panchromatic, multispectral, and synthetic aperture radar images, and (iii) tools that facilitate landslide field mapping. Next, we discuss the advantages and the limitations of the new remote sensing data and technology for the production of geomorphological, event, seasonal, and multi-temporal inventory maps. We conclude by arguing that the new tools will help to improve the quality of landslide maps, with positive effects on all derivative products and analyses, including erosion studies and landscape modeling, susceptibility and hazard assessments, and risk evaluations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Changes in regional metabolic activities induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) can influence patient outcome. Our aim was to demonstrate in a rat model that 18F-FDG with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is a quantitative, reproducible approach for identifying acute and sub-acute metabolic variations in infarct regions. We found that imaging with 18F-FDG/PET enabled detection and quantification of ischemia-induced metabolic deficits and provided a sensitive and reliable means of assessing cerebral ischemic lesions compared with conventional neurological scoring systems in rodents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein is a major component to govern the PML nuclear body (NB) assembly and function. Although it is well defined that PML NB is a site recruiting sumoylated proteins, the mechanism by which PML protein regulates the process remains unclear. Here we show that PML3, a specific PML isoform, interacts with and recruits TIP60 to PML NBs. Our biochemical characterization demonstrates that PML3 physically interacts with TIP60 via its N-terminal 364 amino acids. Importantly, this portion of TIP60 is sufficient to target to the PML NBs, suggesting that PML3-TIP60 interaction is sufficient for targeting TIP60 to the NBs. The PML3-TIP60 interaction is specific, since the region of TIP60 binding is not conserved in other PML isoforms. The physical interaction between PML3 and TIP60 protects TIP60 from Mdm2-mediated degradation, suggesting that PML3 competes with MDM2 for binding to TIP60. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis indicates that the PML3-TIP60 interaction modulates the nuclear body distribution and mobility of TIP60. Conversely, the distribution and mobility of TIP60 are perturbed in PML3-deficient cells, accompanied by aberrations in DNA damage-repairing response. Thus, PML3 orchestrates the distribution, dynamics, and function of TIP60. Our findings suggest a novel regulatory mechanism by which the PML3 and TIP60 tumor suppressors cooperate to ensure genomic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]