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Heterostructure and phase engineering are effective method to tune the electronic structure of MoS 2 , which can activate and boost its intrinsic catalytic activity. Herein, the theoretical calculations reveal that the free energy of H∗ adsorption (ΔG H∗) for Mo 2 C (−0.65 eV) is lower than MoS 2 (2.05 eV), which is favorable for hydrogen adsorption. Inspired by the theoretical predictions, we develop a facile strategy to prepare nanostructured Mo 2 C/MoS 2 dispersed on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) via a hydrothermal preparation and carburization reaction. Since the Mo 2 C/MoS 2 -rGO nanostructures with great deal of both MoS 2 and Mo 2 C edges by heterostructure and phase engineering, which can induce massive active sites for HER on the surface of rGO, the intimate interfacial coupling effect between Mo 2 C and MoS 2 can effectively improve the charge transfer rate. The Mo 2 C/MoS 2 -rGO catalyst exhibits exceptional HER properties, delivering a high turnover frequency (TOF) of 0.209 s−1 at an overpotential of 200 mV in 0.1 M KOH. This work may open a new window for designing NPM electrocatalysts with highly efficient HER property based on earth-abundant materials. [Display omitted] • A new preparation, it is first time to fabricate Mo 2 C/MoS 2 -rGO hybrid. • The DFT calculations reveal that the synergistic effect between Mo 2 C and MoS 2 can activate the HER efficiency. • The Mo 2 C/MoS 2 -rGO presents a high TOF of 0.209 s−1 at an overpotential of 200 mV in 0.1 M KOH. • The Mo 2 C/MoS 2 -rGO shows excellent cycle stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PTPN1 inhibition improves LPS-induced myocardial damage and cardiac dysfunction through alleviating mitochondrial injury and dysfunction in the cardiomyocytes. • PTPN1 inhibits mitophagy in the cardiomyoblasts following LPS stimulation. • Dephosphorylation of STAT3 at Tyr705 is required for PTPN1 to inhibit mitophagy following LPS exposure. • STAT3 regulates the transcription of Pink1 and Prkn through binding to the SRE in their promoter regions. To investigate the role of protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 1 (PTPN1) in mitophagy during sepsis and its underlying mechanisms and determine the therapeutic potential of PTPN1 inhibitors in endotoxemia-induced cardiac dysfunction. A mouse model of endotoxemia was established by administering an intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The therapeutic effect of targeting PTPN1 was evaluated using its inhibitor Claramine (CLA). Mitochondrial structure and function as well as the expression of mitophagy-related proteins were evaluated. Rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes were exposed to mouse RAW264.7 macrophage-derived conditioned medium. Cryptotanshinone, a specific p-STAT3 (Y705) inhibitor, was used to confirm the role of STAT3 in PTPN1-mediated mitophagy following LPS exposure. Electrophoretic mobility shift and dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to discern the mechanisms by which STAT3 regulated the expression of PINK1 and PRKN. CLA alleviated LPS-induced myocardial damage, cardiac dysfunction, and mitochondrial injury and dysfunction in the mouse heart. PTPN1 upregulation exacerbated LPS-induced mitochondrial injury and dysfunction in H9c2 cardiomyocytes, but inhibited LPS-induced mitophagy. LPS promoted the interaction between PTPN1 and STAT3 and reduced STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 (Y705), which was required to inhibit mitophagy by PTPN1. Upon LPS stimulation, PTPN1 negatively regulated the transcription of PINK1 and PRKN through dephosphorylation of STAT3 at Y705. STAT3 regulated the transcription of PINK1 and PRKN by binding to STAT3-responsive elements in their promoters. PTPN1 upregulation aggravates endotoxemia-induced cardiac dysfunction by impeding mitophagy through dephosphorylation of STAT3 at Y705 and negative regulation of PINK1 and PRKN transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain profoundly affects patients' quality of life. Trigeminal tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) plays a pivotal role in mediating TMJ pain in mice, yet the underlying epigenetic mechanisms remain enigmatic. To unravel these epigenetic intricacies, we employed a multifaceted approach. Hydroxymethylated DNA immunoprecipitation (hMeDIP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) followed by qPCR were employed to investigate the demethylation of TNFα gene (Tnfa) and its regulation by ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) in a chronic TMJ pain mouse model. The global levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmc) and percentage of 5hmc at the Tnfa promoter region were measured in the trigeminal ganglia (TG) and spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis (Sp5C) following complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or saline treatment. TET1 knockdown and pain behavioral testing were conducted to ascertain the role of TET1-mediated epigenetic regulation of TNFα in the pathogenesis of chronic TMJ pain. Our finding revealed an increase in 5hmc at the Tnfa promoter region in both TG and Sp5C of CFA-treated mice. TET1 was upregulated in the mouse TG, and the ChIP result showed TET1 direct binding to the Tnfa promoter, with higher efficiency in the CFA-treated group. Immunofluorescence revealed the predominant expression of TET1 in trigeminal neurons. TET1 knockdown in the TG significantly reversed CFA-induced TNFα upregulation and alleviated chronic TMJ pain. In conclusion, our study implicates TET1 as a vital epigenetic regulator contributing to chronic inflammatory TMJ pain via trigeminal TNFα signaling. Targeting TET1 holds promise for epigenetic interventions in TMJ pain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Plasma boron-nitriding was primarily developed for 42CrMo4 steel. • Saw-tooth-shaped boron-iron compounds of FeB and Fe 2-3 B were formed. • The surface hardness was increased from 750HV0.05 to 1002HV0.05. • The effective diffusion layer was increased about 35%. • The wear rate is decreased from 3.06 mg/cm2 to 1.02 mg/cm2. In order to further enhance the performance of the components previously treated by plasma nitriding (PN) and meet the technical requirements proposed by the cooperative enterprise, plasma boron-nitriding (PNB) was primarily developed for 42CrMo4 steel at 520 °C for 6 h by adding a little Ferroboron around the samples during the process of plasma nitriding. The results show that plasma boron-nitriding (PNB) can significantly increase the surface hardness of the sample from 750HV 0.05 to 1002HV 0.05 due to the formation of very hard borides of FeB and Fe 2 B, and the thickness of compound layer is increased from 18.78um to 29.44um, the effective diffusion layer is increased from 265um to 355um, which is equivalent to an increase of nitriding efficiency by about 35%. At the same time, the wear resistance of the samples treated by PNB is significantly enhanced, the wear marks turns to be much shallower and narrower, and the wear rate is decreased from 3.06 mg/cm2 to 1.02 mg/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Myocardial fibrosis is the villain of sudden cardiac death. Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury induces cardiomyocyte damage or even death, which in turn stimulates fibroblast activation and fibrosis, but the intercellular communication mechanism remains unknown. Recent studies have shown that small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) significantly contribute to intercellular communication. Whether and how sEV might mediate post-MI/R cardiomyocyte/fibroblasts communication remain unknown. Here, in vivo and in vitro MI/R models were established. We demonstrate that sEVs derived from cardiomyocyte (Myo-sEVs) carry mitochondrial components, which enter fibroblasts to initiate myocardial fibrosis. Based on bioinformatics screening and experimental verification, the activating molecule in Beclin1-regulated autophagy protein 1 (autophagy/beclin-1 regulator 1, Ambra1) was found to be a critical component of these sEV and might be a new marker for Myo-sEVs. Interestingly, release of Ambra1+-Myo-sEVs was caused by secretory rather than canonical autophagy after MI/R injury and thereby escaped degradation. In ischemic and peripheral areas, Ambra1+-Myo-sEVs were internalized by fibroblasts, and the delivered mtDNA components to activate the fibroblast cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway to promote fibroblast activation and proliferation. In addition, our data show that Ambra1 is expressed on the EV surface and cardiac-specific Ambra1 down regulation inhibits the Ambra1+-Myo-sEVs release and fibroblast uptake, effectively inhibiting ischemic myocardial fibrosis. This finding newly provides the evidence that myocardial secretory autophagy plays a role in intercellular communication during cardiac fibrosis. Ambra1 is a newly characterized molecule with bioactivity and might be a marker for Myo-sEVs, providing new therapeutic targets for cardiac remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is characterized by cell death via various cellular mechanisms upon reperfusion. As a new type of cell death, ferroptosis provides new opportunities to reduce myocardial cell death. Ferroptosis is known to be more active during reperfusion than ischemia. However, the mechanisms regulating ferroptosis during ischemia and reperfusion remain largely unknown. The contribution of ferroptosis in ischemic and reperfused myocardium were detected by administered of Fer-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor to C57BL/6 mice, followed by left anterior descending (LAD) ligation surgery. Ferroptosis was evaluated by measurement of cell viability, ptgs2 mRNA level, iron production, malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) levels. H9C2 cells were exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation to mimic in vivo I/R. We used LC-MS/MS to identify potential E3 ligases that interacted with frataxin in heart tissue. Cardiac-specific overexpression of frataxin in whole heart was achieved by intracardiac injection of frataxin, carried by adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) containing cardiac troponin T (cTnT) promoter. We showed that regulators of iron metabolism, especially iron regulatory protein activity, were increased in the ischemic myocardium or hypoxia cardiomyocytes. In addition, we found that frataxin, which is involved in iron metabolism, is differentially expressed in the ischemic and reperfused myocardium and involved in the regulation of cardiomyocytes ferroptosis. Furthermore, we identified an E3 ligase, NHL repeat-containing 1 (NHLRC1), that mediates frataxin ubiquitination degradation. Cardiac-specific overexpression of frataxin ameliorated myocardial I/R injury through ferroptosis inhibition. Through a multi-level study from molecule to animal model, these findings uncover the key role of frataxin in inhibiting cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and provide new strategies and perspectives for the treatment of myocardial I/R injury. [Display omitted] • IRP activity was enhanced in ischemic hearts and weakened in reperfused hearts. • NHLRC1 promoted frataxin ubiquitination and degradation. • Cardiac-specific frataxin overexpression protected against myocardial I/R injury through ferroptosis inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Setting the acquisition rate of the photodiode sensor can avoid photodiode signals aliasing. • Robust correlation can be established between photodiode signal and average melt pool temperature through the neural network. • Time series model is suitable for flaw detection based on the melt pool photodiode signal. The continuous online flaws detection of the melt pool plays a significant role in assessing the quality of the printed sample in metal additive manufacturing (AM). However, the continuous detection of melt pool flaws faces great challenges because the suitable continuous acquisition system and real-time processing algorithm for melt pool feature extraction are difficult to establish. In this work, a continuous online flaws detection method combining the photodiode signal and melt pool temperature based on deep learning algorithms in the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) is proposed. A multi-signal fusion system is designed to synchronously obtain the photodiode signal and temperature signal of the melt pool. The characteristics of the melt pool photodiode signal under the action of pulsed laser and the characteristics of the melt pool temperature are explored. The aliasing of photodiode signals is found due to the different settings of pulse laser frequency and photodiode sensor acquisition rate in AM. According to the two principles that the melt pool temperature is related to the flaw formation, and accurate flaws identification can be carried out based on the melt pool temperature field, the Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN), Stacked Sparse AutoEncoder (SSAE), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) are used to build the correlation model between the photodiode signal and the average melt pool temperature, and the flaw detection is carried out through the average melt pool temperature error. Therefore, once the correlation model is established, continuous online flaws detection can be realized only by using photodiode signals. The results demonstrated that a robust correlation can be established between the photodiode signal and the average melt pool temperature through the neural network, and the correlation error can be as low as 2.2 %. The detection of flaws is simplified into a binary classification problem through a reasonable threshold setting, and the LSTM with 74.39 % detection accuracy is more suitable for flaws detection based on the photodiode signal of the melt pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is an overbroad and heterogeneous diagnosis with no reliable or quantifiable markers. We aim to combine machine-learning techniques with the individual minimum spanning tree of the morphological brain network (MST-MBN) to determine whether the network properties can provide neuroimaging biomarkers to identify patients with MDD.Method: Eight morphometric features of each region of interest (ROI) were extracted from 3D T1 structural images of 106 patients with MDD and 97 healthy controls. Six feature distances of the eight morphometric features were calculated to generate a feature distance matrix, which was defined as low-order MBN. Further linear correlations of feature distances between ROIs were calculated on the basis of low-order MBN to generate individual high-order MBN. The Kruskal's algorithm was used to generate the MST to obtain the core framework of individual low-order and high-order MBN. The regional and global properties of the individual MSTs were defined as the feature. The support vector machine and back-propagation neural network was used to diagnose MDD and assess its severity, respectively.Result: The low-order and high-order MST-MBN constructed by cityblock distance had the excellent classification performance. The high-order MST-MBN significantly improved almost 20 % diagnostic accuracy compared with the low-order MST-MBN, and had a maximum R2 value of 0.939 between the predictive and true Hamilton Depression Scale score. The different group-level connectivity strength mainly involves the central executive network and default mode network (no statistical significance after FDR correction).Conclusion: We proposed an innovative individual high-order MST-MBN to capture the cortical high-order morphological correlation and make an excellent performance for individualized diagnosis and assessment of MDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of electrolyte presence form on the corrosion evolution and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of E690 steel in the simulated marine environment is investigated. The steel exhibits the highest and lowest corrosion rate in splash and immersion environment, respectively, attributed to the differences in oxygen availability, rust layer property, and scour stress. γ-FeOOH dominates the rust formed in atmospheric environment, while Fe 3 O 4 prevails in the splash environment. The steel corroded in splash environment exhibits the high pit number density, high maximum pit depth, and high cathodic reaction activity, resulting in the most severe SCC degradation. • Effect of electrolyte presence form on the corrosion and SCC of E690 steel in marine environment is studied. • Oxygen diffusion, drying period, scour stress, and water holding ability determines the corrosion rate. • γ-FeOOH dominates the rust in atmosphere, while Fe 3 O 4 prevails in splash environment. • Corrosion pits with high number density and depth are formed in splash environment. • E690 steel exhibits the highest SCC sensitivity in the splash environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Central African Copperbelt is a globally important sediment-hosted stratiform copper cluster, with regional Cu–Co deposits controlled by Neoproterozoic rift basin. Ore formation in the Copperbelt involves multiple stages of mineralization during diagenesis, basin inversion, and collisional orogeny. Understanding the depositional environment of ore-hosting rocks is crucial for revealing the geological settings and pre-orogenic ore genesis. This paper presents a biomarker study focusing on the ore-bearing black shale in the Luishia Cu–Co deposit, Democratic Republic of Congo. The research investigates thermal maturity, source, and depositional environment of organic matter through rock organic carbon and pyrolysis analysis, chloroform bitumen "A" group component analysis, as well as saturated hydrocarbon gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The results indicate significant thermal maturation of organic matter in Luishia black shale. Bacteria are identified as the primary source of organic matter followed by red algae and green algae. The sedimentary environment is characterized by a restricted rift basin under shallow marine conditions with a stratified water column. The processes of bacterial sulphate reduction (BSR) and thermochemical sulphate reduction (TSR) significantly influence the mineralization during diagenesis and basin inversion, respectively. Enhanced thermal maturity promotes methane generation which plays a role in reducing anhydrite and subsequently precipitating ore minerals. The findings have important implications for regional exploration strategies. • Organic matter has a mixed origin and exhibits a high-level thermal maturity. • Black shale was formed in a restricted rift basin with stratified water column. • Organic matter contributes to ore precipitation in two mineralization phases. • Regional exploration strategies were recommended based on the geological model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional error model for strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS)/Doppler velocity log (DVL) integrated navigation is establish for special orthogonal group Kalman filter (SOKF), which is only suitable for the case of small misalignment angle. In this article, the Lie group based nonlinear error model is investigated for SINS/DVL in inertial frame, this model is no longer limited by the size of misalignment angle like traditional SOKF, so initial alignment and integrated navigation could be combined into one stage, and the navigation solution is more accurate and faster. First, a thorough theoretical analysis is presented for state transformation extended Kalman filter (STEKF) modeling in both special orthogonal group (SO(3)) and special euclidean group (SE(3)). Then, the nonlinear error models (both left and right invariant error models) in inertial frame are derived in extended special euclidean group (SE 2 (3)). On this basis, SINS/DVL is verified as a type of left invariant observation system which is more applicable to the left invariant error model. Finally, both simulation and field test for SINS/DVL are conducted to evaluate the actual performance of the investigated methods. The results show that the proposed left invariant error model in inertial frame performs better for SINS/DVL than right invariant error model, and it also has more excellent performance than other existing integrated navigation methods, such as SOKF and STEKF. Especially compared with the current advanced invariant error model defined in earth frame, the model we investigated is more concise, efficient and accurate. • A thorough theoretical analysis is presented for STEKF modeling in both special orthogonal group (SO(3)) and special euclidean group (SE(3)). The inherent defects of STEKF are discussed from linearized modeling and Lie group theory. • A new navigation state is defined in inertial frame extended special euclidean group (SE 2 (3)), which is proved to satisfy the group affine property. The left and right invariant error models corresponding to the aforementioned state are derived for SINS/DVL integrated navigation. SINS/DVL is discussed as a type of left invariant observation system based on the analysis of transition matrices. • The simulation and field test are conducted to evaluate the actual performance of the investigated nonlinear error models. The results are explicitly presented with thorough discussion, which are consistent with theoretical analysis. The proposed left invariant error model in inertial frame outperform the common models (such as SOKF and STEKF) on the state estimation. Especially compared with the current advanced invariant error model defined in earth frame, the model we investigated is more concise, efficient, and accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poor cycle performance caused by the shuttle effect of polysulfides is the main challenge that affects the practical implementation for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Here, a unique long-range and phosphorus-deficient phosphorene (BP 4-x) framework featured with 3D ordered sponge (3DOS) architecture and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) embedding is developed, which serves as a high-performance sulfur immobilizer and catalytic promoter for polysulfide conversion. The 3DOS architecture comprise ultrathin and large BP nanosheets and the semi-connected nanosheets afford open channels for fast ion/mass transfer. Simultaneously, CNTs embedded within the BP 4-x skeleton as a conductive network can improve the conductivity of the materials. The Li-S batteries constructed with these advanced features exhibits an enhanced capacity of 1120.1 mAh g−1 with a high coulombic efficiency of similar to 99.4%, and great rate capability of 660.1 mAh g−1 at 4 C. Our study illustrates potential application of a metal-free phosphorene catalyst for high energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious postpartum mental health problem worldwide. To date, minimal is known about the alteration of topographical organization in the brain structural covariance network of patients with PPD. This study investigates the brain structural covariance networks of patients with PPD by using graph theoretical analysis.Methods: High-resolution 3D T1 structural images were acquired from 21 drug-naive patients with PPD and 18 healthy postpartum women. Cortical thickness was extracted from 64 brain regions to construct the whole-brain structural covariance networks by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficients, and their topological properties (e.g., small-worldness, efficiency, and nodal centrality) were analyzed by using graph theory. Nonparametric permutation tests were further used for group comparisons of topological metrics. A node was set as a hub if its betweenness centrality (BC) was at least two standard deviations higher than the mean nodal centrality. Network-based statistic (NBS) was used to determine the connected subnetwork.Results: The PPD and control groups showed small-worldness of group networks, but the small-world network was more evidently in the PPD group. Moreover, the PPD group showed increased network local efficiency and almost similar network global efficiency. However, the difference of the network metrics was not significant across the range of network densities. The hub nodes of the patients with PPD were right inferior parietal lobule (BC = 13.69) and right supramarginal gyrus (BC = 13.15), whereas those for the HCs were left cuneus (BC = 14.96), right caudal anterior-cingulate cortex (BC = 15.51), and right precuneus gyrus (BC = 15.74). NBS demonstrated two disrupted subnetworks that are present in PPD: the first subnetwork with decreased internodal connections is mainly involved in the cognitive-control network and visual network, and the second subnetwork with increased internodal connections is mainly involved in the default mode network, cognitive-control network and visual network.Conclusions: This study demonstrates the alteration of topographical organization in the brain structural covariance network of patients with PPD, providing in sight on the notion that PPD could be characterized as a systems-level disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The three-axis coal sample deformation full-surface digital image measurement realizes the 360-degree full-surface deformation measurement of cylindrical coal sample based on corner point recognition technology. • The non-contact digital image processing technology determines the deformation of the sample according to the deformation amount of the image taken when the coal deforms. • Based on the image measurement technology tri-axial fluid–solid coupling device, exploring the relationship between the energy evolution law of coal and rock and the mechanical failure mechanism. This study investigates the mechanical damage-energy evolution characteristics of coal using digital image measurement technology. Traditional measurement methods, such as strain gauges and extensometers, often suffer from limitations and inaccuracies in measuring coal deformation and damage. In contrast, digital image measurement technology offers a non-contact and non-interfering approach, providing high precision and real-time monitoring of coal deformation and strain changes. The study utilizes a tri-axial fluid–solid coupling device and non-contact digital image processing technology to measure the deformation of coal samples under different confining pressures. By analyzing the total input energy, dissipative energy, and releasable strain energy of coal, the research sheds light on the energy distribution and transformation during coal failure. The advantages of digital image measurement technology over traditional methods are highlighted, including its high precision, real-time monitoring capabilities, non-disturbing measurement approach, and cost-effectiveness. These advantages enhance the accuracy and efficiency of testing and monitoring coal samples, leading to improved coal mining practices and energy production processes. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the mechanical damage-energy evolution characteristics of coal. The insights gained from digital image measurement technology provide valuable information for the prediction and prevention of geological disasters, the analysis of stability in coal mining operations, and the development of improved safety protocols. Further research is encouraged to explore additional factors and mechanisms that may influence coal damage and energy evolution, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of coal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mood disorder with increasing incidence year by year. However, the dynamic changes in local neural activity of patients with PPD remain unclear. In this study, we utilized the dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (dALFF) method to investigate the abnormal temporal variability of local neural activity and its potential correlation with clinical severity in PPD. Twenty-four patients with PPD and nineteen healthy primiparous mothers controls (HCs) matched for age, education level and body mass index were examined by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). A sliding-window method was used to assess the dALFF, and a k-means clustering method was used to identify dALFF states. Two-sample t-test was used to compare the differences of dALFF variability and state metrics between PPD and HCs. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between dALFF variability, states metrics and clinical severity. (1) Patients with PPD had lower variance of dALFF than HCs in the cognitive control network, cerebellar network and sensorimotor network. (2) Four dALFF states were identified, and patients with PPD spent more time on state 2 than the other three states. The number of transitions between the four dALFF states increased in the patients compared with that in HCs. (3) Multiple dALFF states were found to be correlated with the severity of depression. The variance of dALFF in the right middle frontal gyrus was negatively correlated with the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale score. This study provides new insights into the brain dysfunction of PPD from the perspective of dynamic local brain activity, highlighting the important role of dALFF variability in understanding the neurophysiological mechanisms of PPD. • Patients with PPD had lower variance of dALFF than HCs in the cognitive control network, cerebellar network and sensorimotor network. • Four dALFF states were identified by k-means clustering method. And multiple dALFF states were found to be correlated with the severity of depression. • This study provides new insights into the brain dysfunction of PPD from the perspective of dynamic local brain activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study was conducted at atmospheric pressure at 473 K to investigate the effects of fuel injection strategy on the combustion and emission characteristics of a trapped vortex combustor. In the test, the combustor was fueled by a simple pressure-swirl atomizer and novel atomizer to realize a normal circular spray pattern and fan spray pattern, respectively. The combustion and emission characteristics of the combustor were fully examined under a variety of Mach numbers and fuel-to-air ratios. The effects were directly explored in terms of combustion efficiency, pattern factor, and pollutant emissions. The results indicated that the combustion and emission characteristics of the combustor are highly dependent on the fuel injection strategy. When compared to the simple pressure-swirl atomizer, the novel atomizer realized evident advantages in terms of combustion efficiency, pattern factor, and pollutant emissions of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons under a wide range of operating conditions. This is mainly attributed to the suitable spray pattern and smaller droplet size realized by the novel atomizer. [Display omitted] • A novel fan spray atomizer was designed and used for cavity fueling. • Combustion performances of a novel and a pressure-swirl atomizers were compared. • Spray patterns inside cavity for the two atomizers were qualitatively measured. • Much higher combustion efficiency could be achieved by the novel atomizer. • Low pattern factor and pollutant emission can be obtained by the novel atomizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate whether the drug nicorandil can improve cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) and the underlying mechanisms. Mouse MI was established by the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and H9C2 cells were cultured to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The degree of myocardial collagen (Col) deposition was evaluated by Masson's staining. The expressions of nucleolin, autophagy and myocardial remodeling-associated genes were measured by Western blotting, qPCR, and immunofluorescence. The apoptosis of myocardial tissue cells and H9C2 cells were detected by TUNEL staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Treatment with nicorandil mitigated left ventricular enlargement, improved the capacity of myocardial diastolic-contractility, decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and inhibited myocardial fibrosis development post-MI. Nicorandil up-regulated the expression of nucleolin, promoted autophagic flux, and decreased the expressions of TGF-β1 and phosphorylated Smad2/3, while enhanced the expression of BMP-7 and phosphorylated Smad1 in myocardium. Nicorandil decreased apoptosis and promoted autophagic flux in H 2 O 2 -treated H9C2 cells. Autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine (3MA) and chloroquine diphosphate salt (CDS) alleviated the effects of nicorandil on apoptosis. Knockdown of nucleolin decreased the effects of nicorandil on apoptosis and nicorandil-promoted autophagic flux of cardiomyocytes treated with H 2 O 2. Treatment with nicorandil alleviated myocardial remodeling post-MI through up-regulating the expression of nucleolin, and subsequently promoting autophagy, followed by regulating TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. • Nicorandil alleviated myocardial remodeling post-MI. • Nicorandil up-regulates the expression of C23 in the myocardium of MI. • Nicorandil promoted autophagic flux in the myocardium of MI. • Nicorandil inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis via up-regulating C23 expression and subsequently promoting autophagic flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Surface-based morphometric was first applied in PPD patients. • Cortical Structural alterations was observed in PPD patients. • Abnormal cortical structures have a connection with the severity of PPD patients. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious postpartum mental health problem worldwide. However, the cortical structural alterations in patients with PPD remain unclear. This study investigated the cortical structural alterations of PPD patients through multidimensional structural patterns and their potential correlations with clinical severity. High-resolution 3D T1 structural images were acquired from 21 drug-naive patients with PPD and 18 healthy postpartum women matched for age, educational level, and body mass index. The severity of PPD was assessed by using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores. Cortical morphological parameters including cortical thickness, surface area, and mean curvature were calculated using the surface-based morphometric (SBM) method. General linear model (GLM) analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship of cortical morphological parameters with clinical scales. In the present study, PPD patients showed a thinner cortical thickness in the right inferior parietal lobule compared with the healthy controls. Increased surface area was observed in the left superior frontal gyrus, caudal middle frontal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, insula, and right supramarginal cortex in PPD patients. Likewise, PPD patients exhibited a higher mean curvature in the left superior and right inferior parietal lobule. Furthermore, increased cortical surface area in the left insula had a positive correlation with EPDS scores, and higher mean curvature in the left superior parietal lobule was negatively correlated with EPDS scores. First, SBM cannot reflect the changes of subcortical structures that are considered to play a role in the development of PPD. Second, the sample size of this study is small. These positive results should be interpreted with caution. Third, this cross-sectional study does not involve a comparison of structural MRI before and after pregnancy. The complex cortical structural alterations of patients with PPD mainly involved the prefrontal and parietal regions. The morphometric alterations in these specific regions may provide promising markers for assessing the severity of PPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]