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Spectral leakage is a frequency domain error caused by truncation of time domain data. In structural vibration tests, truncating the response data while retaining high signal-to-noise data can significantly diminish the impact of ambient noise. However, this approach introduces spectral leakage error, which significantly impact the identification methods for frequency domain damping ratios. The reason is that spectral leakage error alters the spectral value, and accurate spectral data is crucial for the damping ratio identification in these frequency domain methods. In this paper, a spectral leakage error compensation theory is proposed to identify damping ratio without such error. Firstly, the expression of spectral leakage error is derived from frequency response function and free decay data. Then, the frequency domain decomposition method is integrated with the spectral leakage error expression to formulate compensating equations. The damping ratios without spectral leakage error are obtained by iterating through these equations. Finally, a numerical example and benchmark model are employed to validate the effectiveness of the spectral leakage error compensation theory. The results show that the theory can effectively compensate the spectral leakage error and accurately identify damping ratios. • Analyzed and confirmed the cause of spectral leakage is the truncation of time-domain data. • The expression of spectral leakage error is derived from frequency response function. • Proposed a spectral leakage error compensation theory on damping ratio identification. • A modal separation algorithm is proposed to avoid different order mode affecting each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel approach to real-time identify the posture of moving human bodies for simulating man-made loads is proposed. • The proposed method holds promise in achieving precise estimations of human-induced dynamic loading on floors. • The load prediction model in a single jump scenario was verified. • The field test was carried out under the scenario of multiple people jumping based on the Guangzhou Baiyun Train Station project. Most existing studies concentrating on human-induced loads on structures often rely on approximate formulas based on the loading from a single gait cycle, which inherently possess certain limitations. In this paper, a novel approach utilizing a multi-person 2D posture estimation model rooted in computer vision technology to real-time identify the posture of moving human bodies on construction sites is proposed. This approach works to deduce the reaction forces of moving bodies upon the floor by analyzing the motion characteristics of different body parts during their movement, ensuring an accurate estimation of structural loading. To validate the model's accuracy, a series of tests were conducted, leveraging force measurement equipment to scrutinize the precision of load estimation during single-person motion. This examination seeks to ascertain the potential of the load prediction model in forecasting multi-person loads within actual project environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common sites of breast cancer metastases are the bone, lung, liver, and brain. Scalp involvement in breast cancer metastasis is extraordinarily rare. This study reports a 52-year-old woman who had a history of malignant right breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed a soft tissue nodule measuring 1 × 0.7 cm located subcutaneously on the top left side of the scalp. A scalp mass excision operation was performed with an extended "S"-shaped incision, and the mass was sent for pathology. Immunohistochemistry showed the following results: CK7: +; ER: 2+, 90%; GATA3: +; GCDFP-15: scattered cells+; mammaglobin: −, napsin A: −; and TTF-1: −. These results were consistent with the characteristics of primary right breast cancer, supporting scalp metastasis from breast cancer. Scalp metastasis from breast cancer is an exceedingly infrequent phenomenon. Close attention should be paid to soft tissue masses in patients with a healthy appearance and in those with a history of malignant cancer. When neurosurgeons operate on the mass, the circumscription and depth of the tumor must be given further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) poise significant risk to human health and the poultry industry. We evaluated the transmission risk along the poultry supply chain.Methods: During October 2015 and July 2016, four rounds of cross-sectional surveys were performed to characterize AIV spread in farms, transport vehicles, slaughterhouses, wholesale and retail live poultry markets (LPMs). Poultry cloacal and oral swabs, environmental swabs, bioaerosol samples and human sera were collected. Poultry and environmental samples were tested for AIVs by rRT-PCR, further subtyped by next generation sequencing. Previous human H9N2 infections were identified by hemagglutination inhibition and microneutralization tests. Logistic regression was fitted to compare AIV transmission risk in different settings.Results: AIVs was detected in 23.9% (424/1771) of the poultry and environmental samples. AIV detection rates in farms, transport vehicles, wholesale and retail LPMs were 4.5%, 11.1%, 30.3% and 51.2%, respectively. 5.2%, 8.3% and 12.8% of the poultry workers were seropositive in farms, wholesale and retail LPMs, respectively. The regression analysis showed that virus detection and transmission risk to human increased progressively along the poultry supply chain.Conclusions: Strengthening control measures at every level along the poultry supply chain, using a one health approach, is crucial to control AIV circulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor sleep quality is prevalent among members of the military but rates of poor sleep quality vary between studies. This study examined the global prevalence of poor sleep quality in military personnel and veterans as well as possible moderators of prevalence differences between studies. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO were systematically searched from their inception dates to September 1, 2022. Studies were included if they were conducted on military personnel and/or veterans and prevalence estimates of poor sleep quality could be generated from assessments with standardized tools. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Fifty-nine studies (N = 28,100) were included for analysis with sample sizes ranging from 14 to 8481. Two studies were rated as "high quality" (3.39%), while 57 were rated as "moderate quality" (96.61%). The overall pooled prevalence of poor sleep quality in military personnel and veterans was 69.00% (95% CI: 62.33–75.30%); pooled rates were 57.79% (95% CI: 49.88–65.50%) and 82.88% (95% CI: 74.08–90.21%) for active duty personnel and veterans, respectively. Subgroup analyses indicated study region, study design, sampling method, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index cut-off values, and service type moderated prevalence of poor sleep quality. Meta-regression analyses indicated sample size, mean age, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were associated with prevalence differences between studies. Poor sleep quality was more common in both active duty military personnel and veterans who were older and those who reported PTSD or depression. Regular monitoring of sleep quality and sleep hygiene should be promoted in this population. More relevant studies in middle- and low-income countries should also be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor sleep quality is common in patients with cancer, but the prevalence rates varied widely across studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the pooled prevalence of poor sleep quality among patients with cancer. Systematic literature searches were independently conducted in the major databases (Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO). Studies that reported the prevalence of poor sleep quality in patients with cancer were analyzed using a random effects model. Funnel plots and Egger's tests were used to assess publication bias. Statistical analyses were performed using R software. A total of 59 epidemiological studies involving 16,223 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of poor sleep quality in patients with cancer was 57.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 53.3% - 61.6%]. Additionally, three comparative studies with 372 patients and 412 healthy controls were included. Compared to healthy controls, patients with cancer had a significantly higher risk for poor sleep quality [odd ratio (OR) = 3.0; 95%CI: 1.2–7.2; P < 0.05]. Subgroup analyses of the studies revealed that studies from Middle East & North Africa region and low income countries, and on gynecological cancer as well as those with a lower cut-off value of sleep quality (all P < 0.01) reported a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality. Meta-regression analyses showed that higher prevalence of poor sleep quality was associated with higher prevalence of comorbid depression (P < 0.05) and anxiety (P < 0.01), but was associated with a lower education level (P < 0.05) and alcohol use ratio (P < 0.05). Poor sleep quality is common among patients with cancer. Considering the overall high prevalence rate and negative impact of poor sleep quality, appropriate measures to identify and improve poor sleep quality are needed to enhance the clinical outcomes in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insulation failure time and failure temperature of aged cables under external radiation heat flux were investigated experimentally in the present study. The effects of ageing type and ageing time on the insulation failure time and failure temperature of cables were explored. The ozone aging, the xenon arc ageing and the high and low temperature cycle ageing of cables were considered. Results show that the insulation failure time decreased with the ageing time of cables under external heating. It means that the long-term used cable had serious insulation failure hazard. Among the three types of aged cables investigated in this study, the insulation failure time of xenon arc aged cables and the high and low temperature cycle aged cables were lower than the ozone aged cables. Therefore, the insulation failure hazard of the xenon arc aged cables and the high and low temperature cycle aged cables need more attentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation of the 95% ethanol extract from Pinus yunnanensis Franch resin induced the isolation of six previously unreported diterpenoids pinuyunnanacids K − N, P − Q, a nor-diterpenoid with a novel skeleton pinuyunnanacid O and six known analogues. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and computational methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, calculated NMR chemical shifts method and electronic circular dichroic (ECD) spectra. All the compounds were analyzed for anti-inflammatory activity through western blotting and cell viability, compounds 2 , 10 and 12 significantly downregulated the protein expression of iNOS at the concentration of 40 μM. At the same time, compounds 10 and 12 decreased the expression of COX-2 in LPS-treated RAW264.7 (leukemia cells in mouse macrophage) cells at the concentration of 40 μM. Twelve diterpenoids and one nor - diterpenoid were isolated and identified from Pinus yunnanensis Franch by comprehensive methods. Compounds 2 , 10 and 12 significantly downregulated the protein expression of iNOS. At the same time, compounds 10 and 12 decreased the expression of COX-2 in LPS-treated RAW264.7 (leukemia cells in mouse macrophage) cells. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight previously undescribed diterpenoids, rosins A−H, and nine known diterpenoids were isolated from the resin from Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis (A.Chev.) Gaussen ex Bui (Pinaceae) extracted with 95% ethanol. Their structures were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, J −based configuration analysis (JBCA), NOESY spectra, calculated NMR chemical shifts and electronic circular dichroic (ECD) spectra. All compounds were evaluated for their protective effects in LPS-treated human normal lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B), and the cell viability was significantly increased after treatment with compounds 5 , 10 , 12 , or 15 at a concentration of 10 μ M. Seventeen diterpenoids were isolated and identified from Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis (A.Chev.) Gaussen ex Bui (Pinaceae) by comprehensive methods. Four compounds showed significant protective effects in LPS-treated BEAS-2B cells. [Display omitted] • Pine resin was isolated by cold extraction to avoid high temperature. • Eight undescribed diterpenoids had been isolated and identified from pine resin. • The stereochemistry structure were determined by NMR calculation and ECD calculation. • Four compounds showed significant protective effects in BEAS-2B cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Static model updating can obtain the practical structural model in zero-load state. • The behavior of damaged structure is well simulated using the updated model. • Different factors can cause member deformation and different stress state. • Member deformation can result in the premature failure of compression member. In pin-jointed grid structures, the commonly observed bending deformation of members affects the structural performance. The main aim of this study is to investigate the residual load-bearing capacity of an existing pin-jointed grid structure with crooked members, and a new model updating method using static measurement data is proposed to obtain a practical numerical model of the structure. First, the vertical displacements at multiple positions in the structure and the bending deformations of crooked members are selected as the static measurement parameters and measured. Then, the structure, including the crooked members, is adjusted from the load state at the moment of measurement to the zero-load state through global optimization. Finally, the updated finite element model with crooked members is utilized to assess the residual load-bearing capacity of the overall structure. In this study, a load experiment using a quadrangular pyramid grid structure with artificial crooked members is conducted, and the experimental results validate the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese herb pairs are the most basic and compressed examples of Chinese herbal combinations and can be used to effectively explain the fundamental concepts of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. These pairings have gained significant interest due to their subtle therapeutic benefits, minimal side effects, and efficacy in treating complicated chronic conditions. The Banxia–Xiakucao Chinese herb pair (BXHP) consists of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. (Banxia) and Prunella vulgaris L. (Xiakucao). This formula was documented in The Medical Classic of the Yellow Emperor approximately 2000 years ago，and clinical research has demonstrated that BXHP effectively treats insomnia. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and therapeutic mechanism of the BXHP through a comprehensive strategy involving network pharmacology, molecular docking, transcriptomics, and molecular biology experimental validation. The composition of BXHP was characterized using the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The active compounds were screened to find drug-likeness compounds by analyzing the ADME data. To predict the molecular mechanism of BXHP in sleep deprivation (SD) by network pharmacology and molecular docking. We established a rat model of SD and the in vivo efficacy of BXHP was verified through the pentobarbital sodium righting reflex test, behavioral assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, transmission electron microscopy, HE staining, and Nissl staining, and the underlying molecular mechanism of BXHP in SD was revealed through transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses in conjunction with quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. In the present study, we showed for the first time that BXHP reduced sleep latency, prolongs sleep duration, and improves anxiety; lowered serum CORT, IL6, TNF-α and MDA levels; decreased hypothalamic Glu levels; and elevated hypothalamic GABA and 5-HT levels in SD rats. We found 16 active compounds that acted on 583 targets, 145 of which are related to SD. By modularly dissecting the PPI network, we discovered three critical targets, Akt1, CREB1, and PRKACA, all of which play important roles in the effects of BXHP on SD. Molecular docking resulted in the identification of 16 active compounds that strongly bind to key targets. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of network pharmacology and transcriptomics focused on both the regulation of circadian rhythm and the cAMP signaling pathway, which strongly demonstrated that BXHP affects SD via the cAMP-PKA-CREB-Circadian rhythm pathway. Molecular biology experiments verified this hypothesis. Following BXHP administration, PKA and CREB phosphorylation levels were elevated in SD rats, the cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway was activated, the expression levels of the biological clock genes CLOCK, p-BMAL1/BMAL1, and PER3 were increased, and the rhythmicity of the biological clock was improved. The active compounds in BXHP can activate the cAMP-PKA-CREB-Circadian rhythm pathway, improve the rhythmicity of the biological clock, promote sleep and ameliorate anxiety, which suggests that BXHP improves SD through a multicomponent, multitarget, multipathway mechanism. This study is important for the development of herbal medicines and clinical therapies for improving sleep deprivation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The indoor radiation experiment is carried out for the study of temperature field. • A refined model of the solar temperature field of the composite bridge is established. • The automatic processing of shadow occlusion effects is realized. • The simulated data is in good agreement with the experimental values. • The proposed method can realize the temperature analysis of various composite bridges. The temperature field and its effect are important issues related to the design and construction of bridges. For steel–concrete composite bridges, the huge difference in thermal performance between steel and concrete makes the temperature field distribution and variation more complicated. In this paper, an indoor baking lamp radiation experiment with controllable parameters is carried out on a group of two steel–concrete composite beam specimens for the study of temperature field. The temperature time-history and distribution laws of the specimen during heating and cooling process are observed and analyzed. Furthermore, a refined numerical model of the solar temperature field of the composite bridge is established and verified by the baking lamp radiation experiment. The proposed refined numerical model of the temperature field of the steel–concrete composite bridge realizes the temperature field analysis of various cross-sections of composite bridges and can automatically consider the shielding effect of the flange on the web, providing a useful tool for the modeling of and analysis of the temperature field of composite bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two sets of cross-sectional surveys were conducted among the general public and live poultry traders (LPTs) during January-February, 2014, to monitor attitudes toward human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9)-related control measures among these 2 parties in Guangzhou, China. We found generally high support for regular market rest days among the general public and LPTs, but only limited support for permanent central slaughtering of poultry. LPTs' support for relevant control measures declined after the citywide wet market closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bending deformation of members in spatial grid structures is a typical damage threatening structural safety. Conventional methods of deformation measurement have difficulty in detection member selection, high-altitude operation, or systematic error elimination. And reverse modeling technology for deformation detection is mostly utilized in entire structures or laboratory scenes. In this study, two kinds of member separation algorithms are developed based on point cloud registration and point cloud features respectively, both of which are suitable for engineering situations of insufficient point cloud density and multiple noise sources. The deformation recognition algorithm for members is improved accordingly with double judgment conditions. A field test has been carried out in a Sports Center Stadium in Guangzhou province. 7045 members are identified, and 29 crooked members are eventually recognized. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms can improve the efficiency of member separation and deformation recognition, and assist the monitoring and assessment of spatial grid structures in-service. • Two kinds of automatic member separation algorithms for spatial grid structures in-service are proposed. • Quantitative calculation of member bending deformations is realized. • 3D laser scanning technology is utilized for point cloud acquisition. • A field test has been carried out in the east stand of a Sports Center Stadium in Guangzhou province. • The proposed algorithms can detect 5 times more crooked members than conventional manual methods effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coupon tests confirmed that Q345GJ steel had good ductility and rarely cyclic hardening. Therefore, 12 shear links using such steel were designed and tested. The explored parameters included web aspect ratio, flange width-thickness ratio, the equivalent link length coefficient eV p / M p , stiffener spacing and thickness, hysteretic loadcase, and welding details. Discussions and analysis on the failure mode, the hysteretic behavior of shear load and displacement angle, the strain distribution, the bearing capacity and stiffness, the plastic overstrength, the deformation and energy dissipation capacity, were also conducted. The shear links had satisfactory energy dissipation capacity under multiple hysteretic loading with almost no cyclic hardening. Web aspect ratio and stiffener spacing had determinate influence on cyclic web buckling, as well as the ultimate deformation capacity. Yet, more intensive stiffener spacing was prone to result in more serious stress concentration in the web, and caused web fracture. Also, smaller coefficient eV p / M p was harmful to the ultimate deformation capacity. The ultimate plastic overstrength V u / V p of the shear links was about 1.35 to 1.5, influenced by web aspect ratio, the coefficient eV p / M p , and stiffener spacing. To avoid cyclic flange fracture, the coefficient eV p / M p was also suggested be within 1.7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new fibre beam-column model updating method based on static deflection and crack width is proposed. • Crack width data are utilized in model updating for the first time. • An efficient numerical method is developed to simulate the nonlinear cracking behaviour of RC structures. • An innovative model updating procedure based on ANN is presented. • Two phases of model updating properly consider the uncertainties and complex effects of RC structures. For reinforced concrete (RC) structures in service, original finite element models (FEMs) based on design information usually deviate from actual structures due to structural damage such as cracks, displacement and material degradation. Although conventional FEMs can be updated to give results that match the response data used during the updating process, they can hardly predict the subsequent structural performance. In this study, an innovative fibre beam-column model updating method based on static deflection and crack width is proposed. First, the self-developed fibre beam-column finite element program COMPONA-MARC is modified to efficiently simulate the nonlinear cracking behaviour of RC flexural members. Second, sensitivity studies using the discrete central difference method based on the Lagrange interpolation function are conducted to select updating parameters. Third, with the combination of modified COMPONA-MARC and an automation program written in Python, plenty of sample data are obtained, and artificial neural networks (ANNs) are trained by Bayesian Regularization Backpropagation (BRB). Finally, the updated parameters are acquired by inputting the measured static deflections and crack widths. Typical RC beams and RC slabs from the literature are utilized to validate the proposed methodology and explore potential implementation scenarios. The results show that updated FEMs can satisfactorily predict mechanical behaviour and assess structural performance. The proposed method offers enlightening insights about combining structural health monitoring and inspection (SHMI) results with model updating, which can promote the applications of digital twins in performance assessments of RC structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents calcium isotope data for co-existing clinopyroxenes (cpx), orthopyroxenes (opx), and olivine (ol) in mantle xenoliths to investigate Ca isotopic fractionation in the upper mantle. δ 44/40 Ca (δ 44/40 Ca (‰) = ( 44 Ca/ 40 Ca) SAMPLE /( 44 Ca/ 40 Ca) SRM915a − 1) in opx varies from 0.95 ± 0.05‰ to 1.82 ± 0.01‰ and cpx from 0.71 ± 0.06‰ to 1.03 ± 0.12‰ (2se). δ 44/40 Ca in ol (P-15) is 1.16 ± 0.08‰, identical to δ 44/40 Ca of the co-existing opx (1.12 ± 0.09‰, 2se). The Δ 44/40 Ca opx−cpx (Δ 44/40 Ca opx−cpx = δ 44/40 Ca opx –δ 44/40 Ca cpx ) shows a large variation ranging from −0.01‰ to 1.11‰ and it dramatically increases with decreasing of Ca/Mg (atomic ratio) in opx. These observations may reflect the effect of opx composition on the inter-mineral equilibrium fractionation of Ca isotopes, consistent with the theoretical prediction by first-principles theory calculations (Feng et al., 2014). Furthermore, Δ 44/40 Ca opx−cpx decreases when temperature slightly increases from 1196 to 1267 K. However, the magnitude of such inter-mineral isotopic fractionation (1.12‰) is not consistent with the value calculated by the well-known correlation between inter-mineral isotope fractionation factors and 1/ T 2 (Urey, 1947). Instead, it may reflect the temperature control on crystal chemistry of opx (i.e., Ca content), which further affects Δ 44/40 Ca opx−cpx . The calculated δ 44/40 Ca of bulk peridotites and pyroxenites range from 0.76 ± 0.06‰ to 1.04 ± 0.12‰ (2se). Notably, δ 44/40 Ca of bulk peridotites are positively correlated with CaO and negatively with MgO content. Such correlations can be explained by mixing between a fertile mantle end-member and a depleted one with low δ 44/40 Ca, indicating that Ca isotopes could be a useful tool in studying mantle evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a hybrid cable-stayed bridge, the steel-to-concrete combination segment connecting the steel box girder and the concrete girder together plays an important role in force transmission, thus it is the most critical part of the whole structure. Taking a proposed hybrid cable-stayed bridge project in China as a prototype, six full-scaled specimens of local joint section distracted from the combination segment were designed, in which the structural behaviour of different constructional details are carefully investigated. The load-slip curves, stress distribution and failure modes were obtained. Furthermore, finite element models of the joint section were established and validated by the tests. On this basis, the force transfer mechanism was analysed, the load bearing ratio of different structures in the joint section was obtained, and the influence of steel stiffener length was studied. As a result, the findings from the tests and analysis are considered to be of great significance for the design and construction of steel-to-concrete combination segment in hybrid cable-stayed bridges. [Display omitted] • A structural form of combination segment in hybrid cable-stayed bridge was introduced. • Six full-scaled specimens of local steel-concrete joint section were tested. • The structural properties of different constructional structures were revealed. • A method of establishing finite element method of joint section was proposed and verified. • The force transfer mechanism and the load bearing ratio of the joint section were analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a numerical model for shear links was firstly established and carefully validated, and the cyclic web buckling behavior were also discussed with comparison to experimental results. On this basis, firstly, the influence of boundary conditions was explored. The influence of axial displacement constraint on cyclic buckling and plastic overstrength was discussed, and a theoretical plastic overstrength factor considering axial displacement constraint was proposed. In addition, the influence of axial forces on cyclic buckling and plastic overstrength was discussed, and the limited range of axial forces on shear links was recommended. Afterwards, the influence of various parameters on cyclic web buckling was analyzed and discussed, and a theoretical prediction approach for cyclic buckling angle was proposed, which was applicable to shear links with or without stiffeners. Also, the influence of parameters on plastic overstrength was analyzed and discussed, and the theoretical model of the relationship between plastic overstrength and displacement angle was proposed for shear links with or without stiffeners. Finally, based on the works above, a simplified theoretical model to predict the relationship between shear force and displacement angle was proposed, with consideration of cyclic buckling. The experimental validations confirmed it had good accuracy. • The influence of axial boundary conditions on cyclic web buckling and plastic overstrength of shear links was discussed. • The cyclic web buckling was parametrically studied, and a theoretical approach predicting buckling angle was given. • The plastic overstrength was parametrically studied, and a theoretical prediction approach was given. • The theoretical prediction model for skeleton curve of shear links was proposed, which gave good prediction results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Death-associated protein kinase-related apoptosis-inducing kinase-2 (DRAK2) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a key role in a wide variety of cell death signaling pathways. Inhibition of DRAK2 was found to efficiently protect islet β-cells from apoptosis and hence DRAK2 inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of diabetes. Only very few chemical entities targeting DRAK2 are currently known. We carried out a high throughput screening and identified compound 4 as a moderate DRAK2 inhibitor with an IC 50 value of 3.15 μM. Subsequent SAR studies of hit compound 4 led to the development of novel benzofuran-3(2 H )-one series of DRAK2 inhibitors with improved potency and favorable selectivity profiles against 26 selected kinases. Importantly, most potent compounds 40 (IC 50 = 0.33 μM) and 41 (IC 50 = 0.25 μM) were found to protect islet β-cells from apoptosis in dose-dependent manners. These data support the notion that small molecule inhibitors of DRAK2 represents a promising strategy for the treatment of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Three new sesquiterpenoids, gingerterpenes B–D (1 – 3), two new diterpenoids, gingerterpenes E–F (4 – 5), and two known sesquiterpenoids (6 – 7) were isolated from Zingiberis Rhizoma. The structures of compounds (1 – 5) were determined by their 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR data and mass spectrometry. Their absolute configurations were determined by comparing their experimental and theoretically calculated ECD curve and quantum mechanical (QM) NMR approach. Compounds 2 – 7 were evaluated their cell viability, anti-apoptosis levels on human normal lung bronchial epithelial cells, which induced by lipopolysaccharide at 10 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A 5 × 50 m continuous steel–concrete composite bridge for high-speed railway is introduced. • The train-induced vibration response and radiated noise of the bridge were measured. • The prediction model of vibration and structure-borne noise of the bridge is established. • The dominant frequency range of structural vibration and noise of composite bridge is 20 ∼ 1000 Hz. • The acceleration level and radiated noise are increased after removing the bottom concrete. In order to investigate the characteristics of train-induced vibration and structure-borne noise of high-speed railway steel–concrete composite bridge, a 5 × 50 m continuous steel–concrete composite bridge is adopted and tested in this paper. The vibration acceleration response and radiated noise of the bridge are measured during the test. The prediction model of vibration and structure-borne noise is further established to explore the radiation spectrum characteristics of the composite bridge. Firstly, the train-track-bridge dynamic interaction theory is applied to calculate the vibration response of the bridge under high-speed train loading. The boundary element method (BEM) and Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) are subsequently combined to predict the full-frequency band noise of the structure. The accuracy of the model is verified through comparison with the measured data. Based on the field test and numerical study, it is found that the dominant frequency range of vibration and structure-borne noise is 20 ∼ 1000 Hz. The root mean square (RMS) accelerations of vertical and transverse vibration are lower than 0.5 m/s2, while local vibration of the steel web can reach 1.0 ∼ 2.5 m/s2. As a result, the acoustical contribution of the web at far-field site can reach 80% of the structure-borne noise. In addition, the setting of the bottom concrete reduces the acceleration level of the bottom plate by 10.75 dB and the radiated noise by 7.16 dB, showing a good effect of vibration and noise reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new diarylheptanoid glycosides (1 – 4), (1 S ,3 R ,5 S)-2-(4-hydroxy-3- methoxyphenyl)-6-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-tetrahydropyran-4-ol-4 ' - O - β -D-glucopyranoside (1), (1 S ,3 R ,5 S)-2-(4,5-dihydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethyl]-tetrahydropyran-4-ol-4 ' - O - β -D-glucopyranoside (2), (1 S ,3 R ,5 S)-2-(4-hydroxy- 3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-[2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-tetrahydropyran-4-ol-4 ' - O - β -D-glucopyranoside (3), and (1 R ,3 R ,5 R)-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)- 6-[2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-tetrahydropyran-4-ol-3- O - β -D-glucopyranoside (4) were isolated from the 50% ethanol extract of Zingiber officinale peel. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by HR-ESI-MS and extensive spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, 1D-NMR, and 2D-NMR). Compounds 1 – 4 significantly increased the survival rate of human normal lung bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at the concentration of 10 μM. Four new diarylheptanoid glycosides (1 – 4), were isolated from the 50% ethanol extract of Zingiber officinale peel. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by HR-ESI-MS and extensive spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, 1D-NMR, and 2D-NMR). Compounds 1 – 4 significantly increased the survival rate of human normal lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) induced by LPS at the concentration of 10 μ M. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fangji Huangqi Decoction (FHD) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). FHD has been hypothesized to inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, which may positively impact breast cancer prevention and treatment. However, its exact mechanism of action is still unknown. This study aimed to screen potential targets of FHD for the treatment of EMT in breast cancer through network pharmacology, and to verify their therapeutic effects in vitro experiments and high-throughput second-generation sequencing. The data sets of effective components and targets of FHD were established through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. The GeneCards and OMIM databases were used to establish breast cancer-related target datasets, which were then matched with the TCM target data. The interaction between key target proteins was analyzed using the STRING database; the gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases were used to identify the associated biological processes and enriched signal pathways, respectively. The active ingredient disease target network was analyzed using Cytoscape. Finally, next generation sequencing was used to verify the related pathways of FHD intervention in EMT in breast cancer. High-content screening was used to identify the genes/pathways affected by FHD. MDA-MB-231 and HCC-1937 breast cancer cell lines were used to evaluate the impact of FHD on migration, invasion, and EMT. Eighty possible significant targets were identified for the treatment of breast cancer EMT with FHD; GO and KEGG were used to identify 173 cell biological processes associated with breast cancer (P < 0.05), including the NF-κB and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. The high-throughput sequencing and network pharmacology results were highly consistent. The migration and invasion ability of MDA-MB-231 cells was reduced and their EMT status could be reversed by DSHR2 knockdown. The results of morphology and scratch assays showed that FHD could improve the EMT status of HCC-1973. This study provides more evidence to support the clinical application of FHD, which has reliable interventional effects on breast cancer EMT. Its therapeutic effects may involve a multi-target, multi-pathway, and multi-mechanism effect. [Display omitted] • Fangji Huangqi Decoction (FHD) is an effective medicine to intervene with triple negative breast cancer EMT. • Utilising network pharmacology analysis and high-throughput next-generation sequencing, we predict and validate the potential mechanisms of FHD in suppressing the EMT process. • Through relevant cellular experiments, we verified the relevant mechanism of action of FHD intervention in EMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]