Search

The three leading modes of the North Atlantic atmospheric circulation explain about 70% of the winter climate variability. Although climate models generally can capture these modes, biases may induce large uncertainties in regional climate predictions. Here, we evaluate the leading winter modes simulated by CMIP5‐PMIP3 and CMIP6‐PMIP4 models from the last millennium to future scenarios in comparison with historical reanalysis and paleo‐reconstructions. The models generally have a good representation of the average spatial pattern of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) while showing a larger spread in performance for the East Atlantic and Scandinavian patterns. In contrast to historical reanalysis, the simulated NAO pattern tends to be rather stationary under various climate states over the years 861–2100. Such underestimated spatial variability in the simulated NAO is directly related to the biased spatial shifts in NAO‐related regional temperature and precipitation changes, inducing uncertainties in climate projections over the North Atlantic sector. Plain Language Summary: The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is the most dominant weather pattern over the North Atlantic‐European sector with profound influence on regional climate. The NAO pattern describes the changes in a low‐pressure system over Iceland and a high‐pressure system over the Azores, which are commonly known as the NAO centers of action. However, the NAO centers of action are not always fixed in these two locations, but show spatial movement over time. In this study, we compare the winter weather patterns over the North Atlantic region from the last millennium to future scenarios in climate models with reanalysis products and paleoclimate reconstructions. We find that models generally can capture the spatial structure of the NAO very well but with little changes in its location and shape over time in contrast to historical reanalysis. These biased NAO patterns in climate models can shift the modeled regional temperature and precipitation patterns associated with the NAO. This remains a challenge for the reliability of future climate projections over the North Atlantic region. Key Points: We compare the spatial variability of modeled North Atlantic climate modes over the years 861–2100 with reanalysis and reconstructed dataThe North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in 13 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project‐Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project models shows underestimated spatial variability compared to historical reanalysisProjections of regional temperature and precipitation may show biased patterns due to the underestimated spatial shifts in simulated NAO [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision response and feedback in gambling are interrelated. Different decisions lead to different ranges of feedback, which in turn influences subsequent decisions. However, the mechanism underlying the continuous decision-feedback process is still left unveiled. To fulfill this gap, we applied the hidden Markov model (HMM) to the gambling electroencephalogram (EEG) data to characterize the dynamics of this process. Furthermore, we explored the differences between distinct decision responses (i.e. choose large or small bets) or distinct feedback (i.e. win or loss outcomes) in corresponding phases. We demonstrated that the processing stages in decision-feedback process including strategy adjustment and visual information processing can be characterized by distinct brain networks. Moreover, time-varying networks showed, after decision response, large bet recruited more resources from right frontal and right center cortices while small bet was more related to the activation of the left frontal lobe. Concerning feedback, networks of win feedback showed a strong right frontal and right center pattern, while an information flow originating from the left frontal lobe to the middle frontal lobe was observed in loss feedback. Taken together, these findings shed light on general principles of natural decision-feedback and may contribute to the design of biologically inspired, participant-independent decision-feedback systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color-switch electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing platform based on a dual-bipolar electrode (D-BPE) is reported in this work. The D-BPE was composed of a cathode filled with buffer and two anodes filled with [Ru(bpy) 3 ]2+-TPrA and luminol-H 2 O 2 solutions, respectively. Both anodes were modified with capture DNA and served as ECL reporting platforms. After introducing ferrocene-labeled aptamer (Fc-aptamer) on both anodes, the ECL emission signal of the [Ru(bpy) 3 ]2+ was difficult to be observed (anode 1), while luminol emitted a strong and visible ECL signal (anode 2). Ferrocene (Fc) did not only prevent the oxidation of [Ru(bpy) 3 ]2+ due to its lower oxidation potential, its oxidation product Fc+ also quenched the [Ru(bpy) 3 ]2+ ECL through efficient energy transfer. For luminol, Fc+ catalyzes the accelerated formation of the excited-state of the luminol anion radical, which leads to the enhancement of the luminol ECL. In the presence of food-borne pathogens, the aptamer was assembled with them, leading to the leaving of Fc from the surface of the D-BPE anodes. The ECL intensity of [Ru(bpy) 3 ]2+ was enlarged, meanwhile, the blue emission signal of luminol became weakened. By self-calibrating the ratio of the two signals, 1–106 CFU mL−1 food-borne pathogenic bacteria can be sensitively detected with a detection limit of 1 CFU mL−1. Ingeniously, the color-switch biosensor can be used to detect S. aureus , E. coli and S. typhimurium by assembling the corresponding aptamers onto the D-BPE anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After discovery of electron transfer from bacteria, most bacteria known to be electrochemically active are utilized as a self-regenerable catalyst at the anode of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). However, the reverse phenomenon, cathodic catalysts is not so widely researched. This present study demonstrated that E. coli O157:H7 was electrochemically active, and it was able to catalyze oxygen reduction at the cathode of bipolar electrode (BPE). Applying a constant potential to the BPE, E. coli O157:H7 can catalyze electrochemical reduction of O 2 , decrease the overpotential of O 2 reduction at the cathode, which in turn generates an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) reporting intensity change at the anode. Significantly, a majority of food matrix does not exhibit catalytic activity for electrochemical reduction of O 2. Meanwhile, due to the physically separation of two poles of closed BPE, complex food matrix at the cathode does not interfere with the ECL reaction at the anode. Therefore, the effect of food matrix is negligible when measuring E. coli O157:H7 levels in food. A low detection limit of 10 CFU mL−1 E. coli O157:H7 could be identified within 1 h. Thus, biocathodes reducing oxygen in BPE-ECL system has shown excellent characteristics in the field of rapid detection of electroactive bacteria in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel 4-arylaminoquinazoline derivatives were synthesized by five-step reactions, the structure was characterized by IR, 1H NMR, MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The result of 5aX crystal was as follows: the crystal belongs to the monoclinic system, space group P21/c with a = 12.3637(4) Å, b = 12.7902(2) Å, c = 13.2240(5) Å, α = 90°, β = 117.030(5)°, γ = 90°, V = 1862.75(12) Å3, Z = 2, F(000) = 804.0, µ = 0.095 mm-1, S = 1.039, R = 0.0569, wR = 0.1535 for 8417 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). The compound 5cX exhibited an excellent inhibitory effect on the cell line A549 (IC50 < 2.5 µM) and the drug-resistant cell line H1975 (IC50 < 2.5 µM) by the biological activity, which were superior to the positive control Zorifertinib (against A549: IC50 = 31.08 µM; against H1975: IC50 = 64.17 µM). Molecular docking revealed that the better inhibitory activity of compound 5cX was owing to the combining EGFRWT and EGFRL858R/T790M by hydrogen bonding. The physicochemical properties of the compounds were predicted by using ADME data analysis, and the results showed that the compounds all obeyed Lipinski's five rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An integrated framework for ecological protection and restoration is proposed. • Recreational service is estimated by considering spatial accessibility. • Priority areas of protection are identified based on trade-off of ecosystem service. • Ecological protection and restoration pattern is identified at the two scales. • Land management measures are proposed for ecological protection and restoration. Ecological protection and restoration is an important bridge to adjust the contradiction between ecological protection and economic development, and it is essential for ecological security and sustainable development. An integrated evaluation framework for multiscale ecological protection and restoration based on multi-scenario trade-offs of ecosystem services was proposed in this study, and the city of Nanjing was taken as an example to identify key areas and land strategies for ecological protection and restoration. In our framework, carbon storage, habitat quality, nitrogen retention, and water conservation services were quantified by InVEST model, and recreational service was quantified as the total areas of green spaces within ecological land accessibility. The ordered weighted averaging model was used to simulate the priority areas of ecological protection under 11 scenarios of trade-offs of ecosystem services, and ecological sources, ecological corridors, ecological pinch points and ecological barriers at the Nanjing city scale and the main urban scale were identified based on circuit theory. We also nested the ecological conservation and restoration patterns at two scales and analyzed the coincidence degree between two scales. Our results showed that the S7 scenario had the highest average conservation efficiency among the 11 scenarios. The priority areas for ecological protection in this scenario had an area of 1582 km2 and are mainly distributed in the central and southern parts of Nanjing. In our study, 50 ecological sources (with an area of 1153.36 km2), 77 ecological corridors (with a length of 443.04 km), 25 key nodes for ecological protection and 31 key nodes for ecological restoration were identified in Nanjing. By nesting the ecological protection and restoration patterns of two scales, we found that the overlap of ecological sources and ecological pinch points at two scales is 100%, and the overlap of ecological corridors and ecological barriers is 45.28% and 57.14%, respectively, which means that the ecological protection and restoration patterns at the two scales in Nanjing were well connected, but the ecological network at the large scale cannot fully reflect the real ecological problems and needs at the small scale. We suggest regarding the ecological protection and restoration pattern at large scale as the basis and the pattern at small scale as the supplement. We also propose that priority should be given to the protection and restoration of key areas where the two scales overlap, and strictly control their land development to promote sustainable development. This framework and these strategies are applicable to other rapidly urbanizing regions of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of insufficient supply of aggregate for cemented filling material, the experimental research on the mix ratio of cemented filling material using construction waste as recycled coarse aggregate was carried out. A ternary quadratic regression model was created using the Box-Behnken design (BBD) based on the response surface methodology (RSM), using slump, bleeding ratio, and 28 d uniaxial compressive strength of the filling material as response variables, and the model's accuracy and reliability were confirmed. The findings of the regression model reveal that the response value is influenced by a single component as well as the interaction between the two factors. Finally, based on filling material cost optimization model, an optimal mix ratio is given, in which the wet fly ash/aggregate ratio, Talbol gradation index of recycled aggregate, and dosage of water reducing agent to cement are 0.507, 0.5, and 0.678%, respectively. The filling material which adopted the optimal mix ratio exhibited a good performance with slump of 215 mm and bleeding ratio of 4.00%, uniaxial compressive strength increased significantly within 3 d, and 28 d uniaxial compressive strength was 4.08 MPa, which meet the requirements of field construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic lethality was proposed nearly a century ago by geneticists and recently applied to develop precision anti-cancer therapies. To exploit the synthetic lethality concept in the design of chemical anti-cancer agents, we developed a bio-orthogonally catalyzed lethality (BCL) strategy to generate targeting anti-tumor metallodrugs both in vitro and in vivo. Metallodrug Ru-rhein was generated from two non-toxic species Ru-N3 and rhein-alkyne via exclusive endogenous copper-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction without the need of an external copper catalyst. The non-toxic species Ru-arene complex Ru-N3 and rhein-alkyne were designed to perform this strategy, and the mitochondrial targeting product Ru-rhein was generated in high yield (>83%) and showed high anti-tumor efficacy in vitro. This BCL strategy achieved a remarkable tumor suppression effect on the tumor-bearing mice models. It is interesting that the combination of metal-arene complexes with rhein via CuAAC reaction could transform two non-toxic species into a targeting anti-cancer metallodrug both in vitro and in vivo , while the product Ru-rhein was non-toxic towards normal cells. This is the first example that exclusive endogenous copper was used to generate metal-based anti-cancer drugs for cancer treatment. The anti-cancer mechanism of Ru-rhein was studied and autophagy was induced by increased reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial damage. The generality of this BCL strategy was also studied and it could be extended to other metal complexes such as Os-arene and Ir-arene complexes. Compared with the traditional methods for cancer treatment, this work presented a new approach to generating targeting metallodrugs in vivo via the BCL strategy from non-toxic species in metal-based chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preventing pathogenic viral and bacterial transmission in the human environment is critical, especially in potential outbreaks that may be caused by the release of ancient bacteria currently trapped in the permafrost. Existing commercial disinfectants present issues such as a high carbon footprint. This study proposes a sustainable alternative, a bioliquid derived from biomass prepared by hydrothermal liquefaction. Results indicate a high inactivation rate of pathogenic virus and bacteria by the as-prepared bioliquid, such as up to 99.99% for H1N1, H5N1, H7N9 influenza A virus, and Bacillus subtilis var. niger spores and 99.49% for Bacillus anthracis. Inactivation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis confirmed that low-molecular-weight and low-polarity compounds in bioliquid are potential antibacterial components. High temperatures promoted the production of antibacterial substances via depolymerization and dehydration reactions. Moreover, bioliquid was innoxious as confirmed by the rabbit skin test, and the cost per kilogram of the bioliquid was $0.04427, which is notably lower than that of commercial disinfectants. This study demonstrates the potential of biomass to support our biosafety with greater environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the path of the temporal branch of facial nerve (TB) crossing the zygomatic arch (ZA). Eighteen fresh adult heads specimens were carefully dissected in the zygomatic region, with the location of TB as well as its number documented. The hierarchical relationship between the temporal branch and the soft tissue in this region was observed on 64 P45 plastinated slices. 1. TB crosses the ZA as type I (21.8 %), type II (50.0 %,), and type III (28.1 %) twigs. 2. At the level of the superior edge of the ZA, the average distance between the anterior trunk of TB and the anterior part of the auricle is 36.36±6.56 mm, for the posterior trunk is 25.59±5.29 mm. At the level of the inferior edge of the ZA, the average distance between the anterior trunk of TB and the anterior part of the auricle is 25.77±6.19 mm, for the posterior trunk is 19.16±4.71 mm. 3. The average length of ZA is 62.06±5.36 mm. TB crosses the inferior edge of the ZA at an average of 14.67±6.45 mm. TB crosses the superior edge of the ZA at an average of 9.08±4.54 mm. 4. At the level of the ZA, TB passes on the surface of the pericranium while below the SMAS. The TB obliquely crosses the middle 1/3 part of the superior margin of the ZA and the junction of the middle 1/3 part and the posterior 1/3 part of the inferior margin of the ZA below the SMAS while beyond the periosteum. It is suggested that this area should be avoided in clinical operation to avoid the injury of TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planned urban form has become an important strategy to improve air quality in urban agglomerations (UAs), especially pollution due to PM 2.5 , but the influencing mechanisms are not yet clear. This study explores the relationship between four metrics of urban form (size, fragmentation, shape, and dispersion) as determined by analysis of remotely sensed images at 30-m resolution and PM 2.5 concentrations in 19 Chinese UAs. The influence of level of urban development and season is examined. Five control variables, including population density, temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) are selected for use in multiple linear regression models. Size, fragmentation, and shape of urban form, but not dispersion, were found to have significant effects on PM 2.5 concentrations of different urbanization-level UAs. Urban size and fragmentation have stronger impacts on PM 2.5 concentrations in UAs with lower urbanization levels while urban shape has a greater impact in higher-level UAs. In terms of seasonal variation in all UAs, urban form is more pronouncedly associated with PM 2.5 concentrations during spring and autumn than summer and winter. Urban size and fragmentation are positively associated with PM 2.5 concentrations whereas urban shape and dispersion are on the contrary. The relationships between urban form and PM 2.5 uncovered here underscore the importance of urban planning as a tool to minimize PM 2.5 pollution. Specifically, local government should encourage polycentric urban form with lower fragmentation in urban agglomerations. UAs with lower urbanization levels should control the disordered expansion of construction land and higher-level UAs should promote the mix of green land and construction land. Moreover, measures to control air pollution from anthropogenic activities in spring, autumn and winter are likely to be more effective in decreasing PM 2.5 concentrations in UAs. • The urban form was measured by urban size, fragmentation, shape, and dispersion. • Effect of urban form on PM 2.5 concentrations varies with urbanization levels of urban agglomerations. • Seasonally, urban form has a stronger effect on PM 2.5 concentrations in spring and autumn. • Polycentric urban form with lower fragmentation should be encouraged in urban agglomerations for reducing PM 2.5 pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both alternative sigma factor RpoS and ubiquitous secondary messenger c-di-GMP participate in the biofilm forming of Salmonella Pullorum; however, the relationship between RpoS and c-di-GMP-regulated genes during biofilm forming remains unclear. In this study, nine genes related with c-di-GMP regulation were found to be differentially expressed (P<0.01) by RNA-seq analysis when compared with S. Pullorum strain S9 and its rpoS deletion strain S9S. Specifically, the rpoS deletion strain S9S had higher transcription level of gene STM1703 and lower c-di-GMP concentration and biofilm-forming ability than S9 (P<0.01). The STM1703 gene deletion in strains S9 and S9S significantly enhanced the c-di-GMP concentration and the biofilm-forming ability (P<0.01). qRT–PCR analysis showed that rpoS deletion or P193L substitution in RpoS increased the transcription level of the STM1703 gene by decreasing the transcription levels of the csrA and STM1344 genes (P<0.01). Overall, RpoS-mediated STM1703 negatively regulates the biofilm formation of S. Pullorum by degrading c-di-GMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Obesity, one of the major public health problems worldwide, has attracted increasing attention. Ginsenoside Rb1 is the most abundant active component of Panax ginseng C.A.Mey (Araliaceae) and is reported to have beneficial effects on obesity and diabetes. However, the mechanisms by which Rb1 regulates obesity remain to be explored. Objective: This paper intends to further explore the mechanism of Rb1 in regulating obesity. Materials and methods: The C57BL/6 obese mice were divided into two groups: the control (CTR) and Rb1. The CTR group [intraperitoneally (ip) administered with saline] and the Rb1 group (ip administered with Rb1, 40mg/kg/d) were treated daily for four weeks. In vitro, Rb1 (0, 10, 20, 40 lM) was added to differentiated C2C12 cells and Rb1 (0, 20, 40 lM) was added to 3T3-L1 cells. After 24 h, total RNA and protein from C2C12 cells and 3T3-L1 cells were used to detect myostatin (MSTN) and fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5) expression. Results: Rb1 reduced the body weight and adipocyte size. Improved glucose tolerance and increased basic metabolic activity were also found in Rb1 treated mice. MSTN was downregulated in differentiated C2C12 cells, 3T3-L1 cells and adipose tissues upon Rb1 treatment. FNDC5 was increased after Rb1 treatment. However, MSTN overexpression attenuated Rb1-mediated decrease accumulation of lipid droplets in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Discussion & Conclusions: Rb1 may ameliorate obesity in part through the MSTN/FNDC5 signalling pathway. Our results showed that Rb1 can be used as an effective drug in the treatment of human obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy, subcortical infarcts, and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common monogenic form of small vessel disease characterized by migraine with aura, leukoaraiosis, strokes, and dementia. CADASIL mutations cause cerebrovascular dysfunction in both animal models and humans. Here, we showed that 2 different human CADASIL mutations (Notch3 R90C or R169C) worsen ischemic stroke outcomes in transgenic mice; this was explained by the higher blood flow threshold to maintain tissue viability compared with that in wild type (WT) mice. Both mutants developed larger infarcts and worse neurological deficits compared with WT mice, regardless of age or sex after filament middle cerebral artery occlusion. However, full-field laser speckle flowmetry during distal middle cerebral artery occlusion showed comparable perfusion deficits in mutants and their respective WT controls. Circle of Willis anatomy and pial collateralization also did not differ among the genotypes. In contrast, mutants had a higher cerebral blood flow threshold, below which infarction ensued, suggesting increased sensitivity of brain tissue to ischemia. Electrophysiological recordings revealed a 1.5- to 2-fold higher frequency of peri-infarct spreading depolarizations in CADASIL mutants. Higher extracellular K+ elevations during spreading depolarizations in the mutants implicated a defect in extracellular K+ clearance. Altogether, these data reveal a mechanism of enhanced vulnerability to ischemic injury linked to abnormal extracellular ion homeostasis and susceptibility to ischemic depolarizations in CADASIL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]