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A type of artificial boundary layer for the numerical simulation of wave propagation, which is named the gradient viscoelastic (GV) boundary layer, is proposed in this study. The setting of the GV boundary layer was established according to the propagation behavior of the longitudinal wave in the elastic GV rod, the analytical solution of the longitudinal wave propagation in the GV rod was obtained via the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) method, and the zero-reflection and attenuation condition was determined. The settings of the GV boundary layer in the 1D and 2D time-domain simulations were applied to numerical examples and then compared. Numerical results showed that setting the GV boundary layer in the structure could remarkably reduce the error caused by truncation, and the combined GV boundary and low-reflection (LR) boundary presented the best combination. These results provide a simple method for artificial boundary layer setting to solve numerical wave simulations in the time domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the diagnostic performance of contrast enhanced CT (CE-CT), CE-CT combined with non-enhanced MRI (NE-MRI) or contrast enhanced MRI (CE-MRI) for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). Sixty-six colorectal cancer patients with 198 focal liver lesions who underwent preoperative abdominal CE-CT and MRI examinations were included respectively. The images were assessed independently by two readers in three protocols (1: CE-CT, 2: CE-CT+NE-MRI, 3: CE-CT+CE-MRI). The diagnostic performance of each protocol was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the areas under ROC (AUCs) were calculated and compared. The detection rates of protocol 2 were 90.9%-92.9% for liver lesions and 86.4%-89.6% for CRLM, and both significantly higher than protocol 1 of 82.8%-85.4% and 76.8%-80.8% (p <0.001-0.001), whereas similar to protocol 3 of 91.9%-94.4% and 87.2%-91.2% (p 0.250-1.000). The AUCs of protocol 2 were greater than protocol 1 for all lesions (0.914-0.934 vs. 0.779-0.799, p <0.001) and lesions < 10mm (0.726-0.776 vs. 0.528-0.561, p <0.001), and were not inferior to that of protocol 3 (0.929-0.949 in all lesions and 0.754-0.821 in lesion < 10mm, p 0.053-0.162). CE-CT combined with NE-MRI offered superior diagnostic performance for CRLM compared to CE-CT alone and showed comparable performance to CE-CT combined with CE-MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global space sector has to increasingly consider sustainability concerns in the orbit, given the rising challenge of space debris. In which direction the management of space debris will develop in terms of technological solutions, policies, and actor strategies remains still unclear. This paper applies the concept of 'global socio-technical regimes' to better understand how actors in the global space sector frame, conceive, and legitimize the space debris problem. More specifically, we apply a discourse network analysis method – sociotechnical configuration analysis – to identify and map different value orientations by core actors over the last fifteen years. This analysis reveals three development stages in the discourse: a problem identification period (2007–2011), followed by the rise of national interests amidst increasing promises of space-based infrastructures (2012–2015), and finally, the emergence of a global socio-technical regime that increasingly connects space sustainability with Earth-bound sustainability (2016–2019). Based on our analysis, we expect that ensuring future earth-space sustainability will include a broader mix of challenges. Future approaches to space debris management will have to consider a broader and clearer problem framing to help inform effective policy making. • We mapped the institutional structures that shape global space debris management. • We analyzed value considerations of actors by means of socio-technical configuration analysis. • We observed a broader sustainability framing concerning space over time. • There is a growing consensus on Earth-bound and space-based interdependencies. • Future policies to address space debris require an integrative approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In observational studies, statins have been suggested to have protective effects on venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). To this aim, we performed a two-sample mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine whether these associations were causal. Data on the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to statin medication were obtained from the FinnGen study, and data for VTE, PE and DVT of lower extremities (LEDVT) were from the UK Biobank study, respectively. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the principal analysis of MR, and sensitivity analysis was performed to detect horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. MR estimates showed an inverse causal association between statin medication and the risk of VTE (odds ratio [OR]: 0.999, 95% CI: 0.998–1.000, P = 0.004), PE (OR: 0.999, 95% CI: 0.999–1.000, P = 0.011) and LEDVT (OR: 0.999, 95% CI: 0.999–1.000, P = 0.008). Our findings provide direct evidence that statins might decrease the risk of VTE, PE and LEDVT in agreement with observational studies. The specific mechanism of statin therapy for venous thromboembolism needs to be further studied. • Available evidence suggests that the effect of statins on venous thromboembolism outcomes remains inconclusive. • The Mendelian Randomization results showed that statin might decrease the risk of venous thromboembolism diseases. • This study provides evidence that statins have a protective effect on venous thromboembolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An aqueous two-phase extraction method was established for separating peptides. • This method is simple and efficient for separation of antioxidative peptides. • The top-phase purified peptide exhibited a strong antioxidant activity. • The top-phase purified peptide improved the viability of oxidative damaged cells. • Ten new peptides with potential antioxidant activity were obtained. An ethanol/(NH 4) 2 SO 4 biphasic (aqueous two-phase) system was designed to effectively separate antioxidant peptides from Xuanwei ham, and its potential to prevent ultraviolet A-induced damage to skin cells was explored. Optimization via single factor experiments and response surface methodology revealed that under 20 % ethanol aqueous solution (w/w), 25.5 % (NH 4) 2 SO 4 aqueous solution (w/w), and pH 8.80 conditions, the optimal extraction ratio was 59.0 ± 1.73 %. In vitro antioxidant activity and cellular assays showed that the peptide purified in the upper phase exhibited strong antioxidant activity, increasing the viability of HaCat cells damaged by UVA irradiation from 56.14 ± 1.05 % to 66.3 ± 1.76 %. We used an in silico peptide screening strategy and identified 10 with potential antioxidant activity, emphasizing the important role of amino acids Pro, Gly, and Ala in antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Summarizing the novel preparation methods of BAPs derived from dry-cured ham. • Discussing the challenge of maintaining metabolic stability of BAPs. • Providing legal and regulatory frameworks of BAPs in various countries. Dry-cured hams contain abundant bioactive peptides with significant potential for the development of functional foods. However, the limited bioavailability of food-derived bioactive peptides has hindered their utilization in health food development. Moreover, there is insufficient regulatory information regarding bioactive peptides and related products globally. This review summarizes diverse bioactive peptides derived from dry-cured ham and by-products originating from various countries and regions. The bioactivity, preparation techniques, bioavailability, and metabolic stability of these bioactive peptides are described, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks in various countries. The primary objectives of this review are to dig deeper into the functionality of dry-cured ham and provide theoretical support for the commercialization of bioactive peptides from food sources, especially the dry-cured ham. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between long-term ozone (O₃) exposure and readmission for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) remains elusive. In this study, we collected individual-level information on AECOPD hospitalizations from a standardized electronic database in Guangzhou from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2015. We calculated the annual mean O₃ concentration prior to the dates of the index hospitalization for AECOPD using patients' residential addresses. Employing Cox proportional hazards models, we assessed the association between long-term O₃ concentration and the risk of AECOPD readmission across several time frames (30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and 365 days). We estimated the disease and economic burden of AECOPD readmissions attributable to O₃ using a counterfactual approach. Of the 4574 patients included in the study, 1398 (30.6%) were readmitted during the study period, with 262 (5.7%) readmitted within 30 days. The annual mean O₃ concentration was 90.3 μg/m3 (standard deviation [SD] = 8.2 μg/m3). A 10-μg/m3 increase in long-term O₃ concentration resulted in a hazard ratio (HR) for AECOPD readmission within 30 days of 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 to 1.49), with similar results for readmission within 90, 180, and 365 days. Older patients (aged 75 years or above) and males were more susceptible (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.10–1.61 and HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.09–1.53, respectively). The population attributable fraction for 30-day readmission due to O₃ exposure was 29.0% (95% CI, 28.4%–30.0%), and the attributable mean cost per participant was 362.3 USD (354.5–370.2). Long-term exposure to elevated O₃ concentrations is associated with an increased risk of AECOPD readmission, contributing to a significant disease and economic burden. [Display omitted] • Long-term exposure to ozone has detrimental effects on AECOPD readmission. • Male and older patients are at a higher risk of AECOPD readmission. • Reducing ozone exposure related to the reduction in readmission and medical costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation is commonly used to improve the nutritional, functional, and sensory characteristics of fruit juice. Here, we explore the effects of fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lactiplantibacillus pentosus on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities, sensory properties, and metabolic profile of jackfruit juice. The colony counts of the two selected strains reached approximately 8.0 log CFU/mL at 48 h and the results showed significant increases in total phenolic, flavonoid content, antioxidant activities, and color parameters at the end of the LAB fermentation. Electronic tongue analysis revealed that LAB fermentation significantly altered the values of sourness, bitterness, astringency, aftertaste-B, aftertaste-A, umami, richness and saltiness. A total of 765 compounds were screened for discriminative pre- and post-fermentation differential metabolites by non-target metabolomics analysis in different fermentation groups. These findings highlight the great potential of using jackfruit pulp for LAB fermentation to develop bioactive probiotic juices. [Display omitted] • LAB fermentation enhances the health-promoting effects of jackfruit juice. • LAB fermentation significantly affected the flavor of jackfruit juice. • The non-targeted metabolomics provided the key metabolite profiling and pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Investigate the daily commuting patterns allowing both late arrival in the morning and early departure in the evening. • Derive all possible equilibrium traffic flows. • Develop a combined regime of time-varying road toll and linear location-dependent parking fee. • Design a parking reservation regime joint with time-varying road toll. This paper extends the work of Zhang et al. (2008) to investigate the daily commuting patterns allowing both late arrival in the morning and early departure in the evening in a linear city. Given the fixed parking locations of morning commuters, the Nash equilibrium principle is employed to formulate commuters' departure time choice in the evening and the user equilibrium principle in terms of daily travel cost is adopted to formulate the departure time choice of morning commuters. A combined regime of linear location-dependent parking fee and time-varying road toll is then proposed to reduce the total social cost (TSC) for the linear city. All the possible equilibrium traffic flows are analytically derived. The analytical results show that (1) commuters, who arrive at work early in the morning, may not depart early in the evening, but their evening trip costs must be lower; (2) when the parking spaces become denser, the evening commute starts earlier and the morning commute starts later; (3) a linear location-dependent parking fee could either advance or postpone the earliest departure time in the morning; (4) three parking modes, distinguished by the order in which commuters park, occur successively as the parking fee rate increases; and (5) an appropriate parking fee can always improve the system efficiency, but no matter how the parking fee is changed, it is impossible to completely eliminate the efficiency loss in the morning. Furthermore, a parking reservation regime joint with time-varying road toll is designed to minimize the TSC for the linear city. Finally, a set of numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the model's properties and these proposed regimes' performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns with measures of the sensitivity of a multiple nonzero finite generalized singular value of two matrices having the same number of columns. Our results show that a multiple nonzero generalized singular value generally has multiple condition numbers and their explicit expressions are derived. A numerical example is used to verify our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Hydrazone-linked covalent organic framework TpBch is designed and synthesized. • The adsorption performance of TpBch can be easily controlled by ambient pH. • TpBch is promising for pH-mediated removal of DOX from aqueous solution. Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) from pharmaceutical industry and daily life can cause inherent damage to human health and living organisms. The adsorption and removal of DOX from the contaminated water is urgent and the development of efficient adsorbents is highly desired. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have charming properties such as diverse structures, intrinsic porosity, large surface area and good chemical stability, presenting huge potential in contaminants elimination. Herein, a novel hydrazone-linked COFs (TpBch) was designed and synthesized via solvothermal method and served as an efficient adsorbent for pH-mediated adsorption and removal of DOX from aqueous solution. Intriguingly, the adsorption performance of TpBch was easily controlled by the ambient pH. The adsorption isotherms, thermodynamics and kinetics, desorption and regeneration of TpBch for DOX adsorption was detailedly investigated. Additionally, TpBch could be easily regenerated through the variation of pH, without the use of any toxic organic solvents. The developed hydrazone-linked COFs TpBch is promising as adsorbent for pH-mediated adsorption and removal of DOX from the aqueous environment with fast adsorption rate, high adsorption capacity and good reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]