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The transfer of the posterior tibial tendon through the interosseous membrane is potentially an effective treatment to correct the deformity of the foot and ankle. Our study aimed to evaluate the anatomical feasibility of anterior transfer of the posterior tibial tendon through the interosseous membrane route using the musculotendinous junction (MTJ). Eighteen adult cadavers were used. The width and thickness of the tibial posterior MTJ, width of the interosseous membrane at the corresponding level, and the window size of the interosseous membrane were measured. Additionally, the distance between the distal end of the MTJ and the tip of the medial malleolus were recorded. The mean length of the posterior tibial tendon was 83.60 mm, the mean distance of the posterior tibial MTJ to medial malleolus tip was 45.48 mm and the mean length of MTJ was 31.74 mm. The mean width of distal end of MTJ was 7.76 mm, thickness of distal end of MTJ was 4.07 mm and the mean width of the interosseous membrane at the distal end of MTJ was 4.76 mm. We found the mean width of the proximal end of MTJ was 20.68 mm, the mean thickness of proximal end of MTJ was 5.52 mm, and mean width of interosseous membrane at the proximal end of MTJ was 8.76 mm. Our study has demonstrated that a 31 mm length incision made at approximately 45 mm from the proximal end of the medial malleolus can safely reach the MTJ. We recommend an opening length of the interosseous membrane of at least 20 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An instability analysis of Rayleigh-Bénard-Poiseuille flow in viscoelastic fluids is studied. • Depending on Re, three instability regimes are identified over a wider range of shear strength. • Energy production of polymer stresses cause the formation of three different instability regimes. • The transition between different modes and two stabilizing factors at high / low Re are discussed. We study the two-dimensional Rayleigh-Bénard-Poiseuille flow in a viscoelastic fluid using linear stability analysis and energy analysis. Different from the case of Newtonian fluids, three instability regimes are identified when gradually increasing the shear intensity (characterized by the Reynolds number Re). In regime I with a very small Re , the viscoelasticity has destabilizing effects on the flow, leading to a smaller critical Rayleigh number Ra c than that in the Newtonian case. This is due to the generation of oscillatory instability for high elasticity. Energy analysis indicates that PD (the rate of work done by the polymeric stresses) makes a negligible contribution to the total energy balance and viscous dissipation (VD) becomes the main driving force to reduce the perturbation kinetic energy. In regime II with moderate Re , in contrast to regime I, the viscoelasticity has stabilizing effects on the flow, and this results in a higher Ra c in comparison to the Newtonian case. This can be evidenced by the increase of the negative work rate of the polymeric stresses. In higher Re regime III, the viscoelasticity is again enhancing flow instability, and this is owing to the increase of PD. Among all polymer stress components, the streamwise normal stress plays the most important role. In addition, the effects of Weissenberg number W , viscosity ratio β and Prandtl number Pr on linear instability threshold have been investigated. By fixing Ra and streamwise wavenumber α , energy analysis indicates that suppressing the heat energy transferred from perturbed temperature field is the main way to inhibit flow instability at lower Re , while the disturbance kinetic energy absorbed by shear flow is the major stabilizing factor at larger Re. In very high Re or W cases, Tollmien–Schlichting instability induced by strong shear and center mode instability caused by strong elasticity are dominant respectively, which are nearly unaffected by the temperature gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining-induced tremor is a dynamic phenomenon occurring during the fracturing or slipping of rock and coal mass in coal mines, and the tremor mechanism is one of the key problems in the field of rockburst. The Bayesian inversion method can more accurately analyse the source rupture type under the premise of considering waveform data and model errors. First, we added different noise levels to the waveform and determined filtering parameters based on the spectrum. The rationality of the Bayesian inversion was verified by observing the focal mechanism solution. Finally, a total of fourteen mining-induced tremors were selected, and the parameters of the moment tensor (MT), type of rupture, and fault plane solutions were obtained. The results demonstrate that (1) the tremor events in the roof are mainly tensile/shear failure, and compression failure mainly occurs in the coal seam. (2) Events on the floor are closely related to gob and mining activities. (3) The rupture form of the events near the tectonic region is more complex, and the fault plane solutions (strike, dip, and slip) were obtained by MT conversion. (4) The relation between rockbursts and mining-induced tremors is discussed by analysing events 1# and 14# that occurred in the Xinjulong coal mine. These research findings can provide a reference for the analysis of source parameters and rupture forms of mining-induced tremors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: "Hilar en bloc resection" using a no-touch technique has been advocated as a standard procedure in right-sided hepatectomies for treatment of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC). In principle, it has never been reported for left-sided tumors. The aim is to describe the procedures of total hilar en bloc resection with left hemihepatectomy and caudate lobectomy (THER-LH) for advanced PHC and discuss feasibility and clinical significance of this novel technique.Methods: A retrospective study using a prospectively maintained database was performed to identify eight patients who had received THER-LH for advanced PHC from January 2013 to December 2015. The clinicopathological features, surgical procedures, and outcomes of these patients form the basis this study.Results: The operative time was 546 ± 158 (380-870) min, and estimated blood loss was 875 ± 690 (400-2500) ml. Time of vessel resection and reconstruction was 25.6 ± 12.3 min for the portal vein and 19.1 ± 4.9 min for the hepatic artery. Time of hilum clamping was 27.3 ± 11.9 (15-41) min. Two patients had Clavien-Dindo grade II and IVa complications of bile leakage with one developing intraabdominal abscess and bleeding. There was no perioperative mortality. Histopathologic examination revealed that all of eight patients had tubular adenocarcinoma with microscopic invasion to the resected hepatic arteries and portal veins in seven patients. Negative bile duct margins were achieved in all of them. Three patients developed recurrence and died at 11, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. The remaining patients were alive at the time of last follow-up. The median survival was 24 months with one patient achieving a disease-free survival of 50 months.Conclusion: THER-LH is a technically demanding procedure that is safe and feasible that may have some beneficial effects on the prognosis of these patients with advanced PHC. Further studies are required to confirm the oncological superiority and survival benefits of this novel technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early detection of rockburst risk areas is a prerequisite for ensuring safe production in coal mines. A reliable and efficient detection method is essential for identifying stress distribution and disturbances in coal and rock masses during mining. In this study, we employed seismic traveltime tomography to study the three-dimensional velocity structure of a continuous mining and excavation area of a coal mine by inverting a number of P-wave arrival times from the induced micro-earthquakes (M < 2.0). The response characteristics and stress evolution of the inversion areas at different mining stages were investigated by examining the obtained time-lapse velocity structure. The microseismic (MS) dataset was partitioned into two clusters in a temporal sequence, with each cluster containing 367 relocated events. A series of checkerboard and restoring resolution tests, as well as field investigations, confirmed the resolution, robustness, and reliability of the tomographic results. In addition, absolute velocity change patterns were proposed to assess and predict rockburst risk areas caused by mining activities. The results showed that high-velocity zones could be attributed to roof subsidence, stress transfer after coal and rock mass rupture, and areas with special geological conditions in isolated working face situations. The coupled effects of stress evolution and geological conditions may lead to more pronounced stress concentrations during the mining process. Furthermore, induced events occur not only in areas between high and low stress but also near the isoline edges of pattern changes. Our established velocity patterns have significant potential for predicting hazardous areas with a timeliness of up to 10 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To reveal the mechanism and precursors of the "1.21" rockburst induced by hard roof fracturing in the No. 1 working face of the Junde coal mine (JCM), the inversions including P-wave velocity, velocity gradient, stress concentration and accumulated energy were elaborately conducted by seismic tomography, and the static high-stress concentration and dynamic stress transfer were vividly demonstrated. Simultaneously, the multi-parameter characteristics including microseism (MS), electromagnetic emission (EME) and acoustic emission (AE) before and after the rockburst were comprehensively investigated, and then the corresponding precursors were summarized. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) the intrinsic factor of the "1.21" rockburst is owing to the original static high stress concentration in tailentry ahead of the No. 1 working face, and the external factor is ascribed to the dynamic stress transfer and superimposition with energy input generated by roof fracturing; (2) before roof fracturing, the region where sources congregate shows higher velocity, velocity gradient and stress concentration, accompanied with energy accumulation. After fracturing, the region manifests abnormal low velocity. However, the surrounding and far-field rockburst destruction regions appear higher velocity due to dynamic stress transfer; and (3) an obvious transform from dominantly hybrid to dominantly low-frequency of MS events will occur as roofs experience micro-fissure initiation, propagation, convergence, and coalescence, and thus it is concluded that the gradual transform of MS dominant spectrum from high to low frequencies represents a precursor for warning roof fracturing. The findings may put forward a certain reference for warning the type of rockburst triggered by roof fracturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Based on theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, the factors that influence the slip and fracture instability of coal-rock parting -coal structure (CRCS) were investigated. Stress, coefficient of friction and energy dissipation during slip and fracture instability were analysed individually. The macro- and microscopic mechanical behaviours, especially acoustic emission (AE) characteristics, were determined. According to the variations in stress, energy and b-value of AE events, the precursors of CRCS slip and fracture instability were summarized. Finally, the instability mechanism was proposed. This work is relevant for early warning coal-rock dynamic disasters that are triggered by slip and fracture instability of CRCS in coal mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular simulation were used to investigate the antitumor activity of alisol A, alisol B and an 1:1 mixture of both compounds, the mechanism of its interaction with anti-cancer target p53DNA and explored the antitumor mechanism of alisols. MTT assay showed that the order of antitumor activity was:alisol B > alisol A > alisol A-alisol B(1:1). Spectroscopic experiments and molecular simulation suggested that alisol A, alisol B and their mixture interact with p53DNA in by partial insertion and the strength of binding affinity was consistent with the MTT assay. The K sv of alisol A was 9.35 × 10 4  L·mol −1 , K q was 9.35 × 10 12  L·mol −1 ·s −1 and the K sv and K q of alisol B were 11.61 × 10 4  L·mol −1 and 11.61 × 10 12  L·mol −1 ·s −1 . The molecular simulation revealed that competitive antagonism was observed in the interaction between the alisol mixture and p53DNA. The critical groups and significant binding sites for the interaction between alisol monomers and p53DNA include C19-OH and C22-OH of the alisols; N2 and H21 of the guanine deoxynucleotide (DG8), N2-H21 of the DG7, O4′ of the DG9 in the f-chain of p53DNA; and C2-O2 of the cytosine deoxynucleotide (DC16) in the e-chain of p53DNA. Also, the C-22 and C23- of the alisols and the DA18-DT5 base pairs of p53DNA were key factors in the interaction of the mixture with p53DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whereas carbonation is a major reason of steel corrosion in atmospheric environment, it is important to understand the depth of carbonation front and its rate of propagation towards the embedded reinforcement steel. In this study, for ordinary concrete and for fly ash concrete with 15%, 30% and 45% fly ash replacement ratios by mass, the depth of fully carbonated zone and the pH value were measured according to a rapid carbonation test of concrete under artificial climatic conditions. By considering pozzolanic reactions of fly ash and carbonation reactions in concrete, the effects of fly ash content and micro-environmental climates (temperature and relative humidity) were analyzed in terms of the depth of fully carbonated zone and the thickness of partially carbonated zone. Results show that the depth of carbonation increased gradually with the age of carbonation but at a decreasing carbonation rate. With an increase in fly ash replacement, the depth of fully carbonated zone and the thickness of partially carbonated zone both increased. Especially for fly ash concrete incorporating 45% fly ash (FA45), the depth of fully carbonated zone and the thickness of partially carbonated zone were approximately two to three times of those of the control mixture (FA0). Micro-environment temperature had little effect on the thickness of partially carbonated zone, however, the higher the micro-environment temperature, the deeper was the fully carbonated zone. The depth of fully carbonated zone and the thickness of partially carbonated zone decreased with an increase in the relative humidity of the micro-environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the underground coal gasification (UCG) process, a feasible method for the reduction of CO 2 emissions is to capture the CO 2 present in syngas and reinject it as one of the gasification agents, which is called CO 2 recycling. In this process, CO 2 partially replaces steam as a gasification agent, which is of particular importance in areas lacking sufficient water. To obtain a more accurate and generally applicable means of calculation, a modified equilibrium calculation method, which calculates UCG parameters in the presence of CO 2 in the gasification agent over two stages and then merges the resulting data, has been established. In addition, a suitable method for establishing optimal gasification agent parameters is proposed. Corresponding MATLAB™ routines were then compiled and applied to UCG gasification agent parameters optimisation simulations using data of Ankou coal. Calculation results indicated that CO 2 partially replaced steam, and that an increase in CO 2 concentration in the gasification agent enhanced the reduction reaction between CO 2 and hot coal. In addition, the reaction equilibrium temperature is a key factor in the process, with the temperature being influenced by the ratio of (steam + CO 2 ) to O 2 . Indeed, CO 2 is more efficient than steam at reducing the gasifier temperature. Finally, the composition of the gasification agents was optimised by simulations using pure O 2 -steam-CO 2 and air-steam-CO 2 mixture as the gasification agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eutrophication transforms clear water into turbid water in shallow lakes. Current restoration techniques focus on re-establishing the clear-water state rather than on its maintenance. We investigated the response of submerged macrophytes to temporary grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and scraping snail (Bellamya aeruginosa) introductions. We also explored the impacts of herbivores on underwater light conditions to identify their long- and short-term potential to halt regime shift from clear to turbid after clear-water state reestablishment. Herbivores reduced both the biomass of submerged macrophytes and accumulated nutrients in the tissue of submerged macrophytes. This potentially avoided the pulse of endogenous nutrient release which would have exceeded the threshold required for the regime shift from clear to turbid. However, herbivores had a non-significant impact on submerged macrophyte-reduced light attenuation coefficient, which has a positive linear relationship with water chlorophyll a. Further, grass carp and snails enhanced the inhibition ratio of submerged macrophytes to phytoplankton by 3.96 and 2.13 times, respectively. Our study provides novel findings on the potential of herbivore introduction as an indirect biomanipulation tool for halting the regime shift of shallow lakes from clear to turbid after the restoration of submerged macrophytes. [Display omitted] • Lake management focus few on clear-water state maintenance. • We studied the potential of herbivores for regime shift prevention of clear-water. • Herbivores reduced endogenous nutrient accumulation rather than underwater light. • Herbivores enhanced submerged macrophyte inhibition ratio of phytoplankton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reveal the stress precursors of the “3.15” rockburst disaster that occurred in the No. 1 working face of Junde coal mine, the combined stress field inversion including static and dynamic stresses was conducted by using P-wave velocity tomography, and the static high-stress concentration regions were further designated. Simultaneously, the evolution of dynamic stress generated by seven periodical caving events of primary roof was analyzed, and the fracturing characteristics were described in detail. Ultimately, the stress precursors of the “3.15” rockburst for early warning were clearly revealed. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) the micro-fissures inside coal and rock mass produce the significant reflection and refraction on the propagation of microseismic (MS) waves, and thus P-wave overall characterizes with lower velocity and higher velocity gradient; (2) after the slightly fracturing of primary roof on March 9, 2013, the maximum stress concentration factor suddenly rises to 20. This sign can be viewed as an early warning precursor of rockburst; (3) until March 12, 2013, the large-scale micro-fractures begin to form inside primary roof, and thus the corresponding high velocity gradient regions are generated. This phenomenon can be regarded as an effective precursor of macroscopic fracturing of primary roof; and (4) before the “3.15″ rockburst, the scope of P-wave velocity gradient in the No. 1 working face does not change significantly. The above findings may put forward a certain reference for accurately warning the stress precursors of rockburst by P-wave velocity tomography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sheared layers of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) by traditional double-direct shear tests, and synchronously measured the acoustic emissions (AE) generated by shear-slip and friction. Laboratory observations of simulated fault by PMMA materials with zigzag-type gouge showing repetitive, shear-slip events that are reminiscent of earthquakes were verified. In addition, the influencing rules of zigzag size and normal force on shear-slip process and intensity, as well as AE were revealed. Especially, prior to final failure of zigzag, the duration among shear-slip events gradually decreases and shows significant steadiness, which may prove the probability of the obvious foreshock effect to a larger earthquake. Maybe, this work can interpret the shear-slip mechanism of earthquakes and even provide warnings of failure and instability of fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Strong rockburst disaster in deep coal mines is easily triggered by the higher static stress of mining coal seam and the dynamic stress wave disturbance generated by hard and thick roof fall. Revealing the frequency-spectrum evolutionary rule of microseismic (MS) signals before and after roof fall is a very important issue for evaluating and forecasting rockburst danger. By experimental tests for combined coal and rock samples rockburst failure and in-situ measurements in a strong rockburst coal mine, the frequency-spectrum evolutionary rule and precursory characters were analyzed in detail. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) Precursory MS signals show the elevated energy and events, lower frequency and trend of spectrum moving to low-frequency band; (2) mainshock signals of rockburst are characterized by maximum amplitude (vibration velocity), wider spectrum, and higher predominant frequency; and (3) aftershock signals are characterized by the sudden decreasing amplitude, highest predominant frequency, and trend of spectrum moving to high-frequency band. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly common malignancy, being the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Recent epidemiological studies have indicated that carcinogenic effect of diet was mainly attributed to high-fat diets. To investigate the mechanism of high-fat diet-induced colorectal cancer, we systematically quantified the phosphoproteome in human HT-29 cells treated with sodium palmitate (PA). p-Annexin A2 (S26) was predicted to be specifically up-regulated by PA. We confirmed that PA-induced Annexin A2 phosphorylation at Ser26 in C57BL/6 J-ApcMin/J mice fed with high-fat diet. Phosphorylation of Annexin A2 at Ser26 promotes PA-induced proliferation of HT-29 cells. Moreover, PA suppressed SERCA activity and SERCA2 expression was compensatorily increased. Mechanistically, SERCA2 can partially reverse Annexin A2 phosphorylation at Ser26 caused by PA through intracellular calcium release. Finally, SERCA2 knockdown inhibited high-fat diet-induced tumor growth and Annexin A2 phosphorylation at Ser26 in SCID mice. In all, our studies demonstrate that high-fat diet promotes colorectal carcinogenesis through SERCA2 mediated serine phosphorylation of Annexin A2. Schematic overview of high-fat diet-induced CRC carcinogenesis through SERCA2 mediated serine phosphorylation of Annexin A2 [Display omitted] • PA induces Annexin A2 phosphorylation. • PA induces Annexin A2 mediated cell proliferation. • PA suppresses SERCA activity and causes ER Stress. • SERCA2 can partially reverse PA-induced Annexin A2 phosphorylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Necrotising fasciitis and sepsis caused by the infection of vibrio is a rare but dangerous clinical emergency, with a mortality of 50–100%. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment may improve the prognosis significantly. However, valid emergency operation indications are scarce and need to be explored, which will be helpful for the early recognition and selection of operational procedures in patients with vibrio necrotising fasciitis. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the patients with vibrio necrotising fasciitis admitted to the emergency department of our hospital from July 2000 to June 2009. The surgical treatment strategy was summarised in order to provide clinical evidence for surgical treatment of vibrio necrotising fasciitis. Results: A total of 19 cases of vibrio necrotising fasciitis were selected in our study. All the patients were living along the coast, and 68.4% had a history of chronic liver disease, 78.9% had a history of ethanol abuse, 52.6% had fever, 89.5% were complicated with septic shock and 31.6% progressed to multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome. Rapidly progressive local swelling and pain as well as skin superficial venous stasis were the early presentations of vibrio necrotising fasciitis, while skin ecchymosis, blisters or blood blisters, necrosis and subcutaneous crepitation were the presentations of the advanced stage. Seventeen patients received emergency incision and drainage, subcutaneous vein thrombosis, subcutaneous tissue necrosis, muscle and full-thickness necrosis observed in the operation, and necrotising fasciitis was confirmed by exploration or pathologic examination. Selective debridement and skin graft was performed to repair the wound after operation, and amputation was performed on two patients to close the wound. The average length of stay was 21.3 days (1–82 days), and eight patients died, with mortality being 42.1%. Conclusion: Rapidly progressive local damage and acute deterioration of the patients are the most distinctive clinical manifestations of vibrio necrotising fasciitis. Recognition of the signs of local skin and tissue damage in early stage is crucial for early diagnosis and surgical intervention. Emergency incision and drainage, combined with selective debridement and skin graft, could improve the prognosis of the patients, and preserve the integrity of the patient''s limbs as much as possible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-induced neuroinflammation is the main pathogenic mechanism of dopaminergic (DA) neuron degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). Hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactoside), an active compound obtained from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Abelmoschus manihot, is a potential inflammasome inhibitor. Besides, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activated peptide (PACAP) is an endogenous neuropeptide with neuroprotective effects in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as PD. This study aimed to explore the effects of hyperoside on inflammasome-induced neuroinflammation, and its relationship with PACAP in PD. N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was used to induce PD-like lesions in mice. Behavioral methods, including the pole test and rotarod test, were used to evaluate the hyperoside effects on MPTP-induced motor dysfunction. Immunohistochemistry was done to detect the loss of DA neurons and activation of glia in the substantia nigra compacta (SNpc). Besides, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect pro-inflammatory cytokines and Western blotting to detect the inflammasome components. PACAP 6–38, a non-irritating competitive antagonist of PACAP, was used to explore the anti-inflammation mechanism of hyperoside. The results showed that hyperoside inhibited the activation of glia and reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors, protecting DA neurons and reversing the motor dysfunction caused by MPTP. Hyperoside also inhibited the inflammasome activation by reducing the expression of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing caspases recruitment domain (ASC), and caspase-1 and increased PACAP content and CREB phosphorylation in the SNpc of the mice. PACAP 6–38 reversed the inhibitory effect of hyperoside on the microglia proliferation and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These results indicate that hyperoside can inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by up-regulating PACAP, thus effectively inhibiting MPTP-induced neuroinflammation and protecting DA neurons. Therefore, hyperoside can be used to treat PD. • Hyperoside saved DA neurons and reversed the motor dysfunction in MPTP model mice. • Hyperoside inhibited the activation of astrocytes and microglia. • Hyperoside inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. • PACAP 6–38 cancelled the anti-inflammatory effect of hyperoside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To uncover the failure and instability mechanism of coal-rock combination under loading, it is very crucial to investigate crack development and energy evolution. In this work, the uniaxial compressive and Brazilian split tests of coal-rock combinations were first performed. Secondly, the corresponding numerical models were built using the UDEC-Trigon method. Based on numerical results, the number, length and macroscopic area of cracks during failure and instability were determined, and the crack development and energy evolution rules were analysed. The main conclusions were obtained as follows: 1) the stress thresholds of crack initiation and damage of coal-rock combination rose with the increasing height ratio of coal to rock. The maximum event count of acoustic emission (AE) appeared earlier than the peak strength; 2) the failure and instability of coal-rock combination occurred when crack propagation and connection in central coal exceeded the damage limit. The shear failure was dominant mechanical behaviour of coal with the ratio 9:1 of shear to tensile fractures. The cracks connection was presented as a shear failure surface with an inclination angle of 15°–30° in coal and a vertical tensile failure plane in rock; and 3) the energy evolution in coal-rock combination was described as follows: the larger the height ratio of coal to rock is, the higher the cumulative energy is, and the faster the speed of energy dissipation is, indicating the higher risk of rockburst triggered by failure and instability of coal-rock combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• V 2 O 3 /MoS 2 composites were synthesized by a microwave-assistant hydrothermal method. • V 2 O 3 particles are uniformly coated with flexible MoS 2 nanosheets. • V 2 O 3 /MoS 2 composites show an initial discharge capacity of 1420 mAhg−1 at 0.1 Ag−1. • V 2 O 3 /MoS 2 composites can deliver a discharge capacity around 475 mAhg−1 at 3.0 Ag−1. V 2 O 3 /MoS 2 composites were synthesized by a simple and efficient microwave-assistant hydrothermal method. V 2 O 3 particles are uniformly coated with flexible MoS 2 nanosheets. The optimized composites exhibit large reversible capacity, good cycling performance and high rate capability as anode materials for Li-storage. An initial discharge capacity of 1420 mAhg−1 can be obtained with capacity retention around 730 mAhg−1 after 500 cycles at a current density of 0.1 Ag−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two polymer-Hemin composites, AB type block copolymer (PStCH- b -P4VP): Hemin and homopolymer of poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP): Hemin, can be fabricated into sandwich memory devices. The memory device characteristics of the PStCH- b -P4VP: Hemin blends can show Flash memory behavior, while the P4VP polymer with Hemin only shows write-once-read-many-times (WORM) performance. Charge transfer and nanocomposite redox are probably responsible for the conductance-switching behavior. The results of cyclic voltammogram (CV) measurement indicate that the reversible Fe III /Fe II redox reaction is preserved well in the composite PStCH- b -P4VP: Hemin, while only polymer oxidation is observed in the P4VP: Hemin system. Due to the hindrance of StCH moiety, the coordination of pyridine and Fe II can keep the Fe II active. The P4VP has a more flexible chain that saturates the Fe II center and results in stable coordination; Fe III /Fe II redox reaction is therefore an obstacle. By tuning the coordination surroundings of the metal ion, different memory types can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) caused by Vibrio infection is one of the most fatal diseases, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and effective surgical intervention are the mainstays for better outcomes for affected patients. Currently, standard surgical management calls for prompt and aggressive debridement and amputation. However, due to its rapid progression and deterioration, 50–60% of Vibrio NF cases present with septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction on admission. These patients, who usually have many surgical contraindications, are unable to tolerate a prolonged aggressive surgical debridement. Therefore, determining the optimal surgical intervention for these particularly severe patients remains a formidable problem in emergency medicine. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent surgery for Vibrio NF and septic shock on admission to the emergency room from April 2001 to October 2012. These patients received the same treatment protocol, with the exception of the initial surgical intervention strategy. Nineteen patients were treated with a temporizing strategy, which called for simple incisions and drainage under regional anesthesia, followed by complete debridement 24h later. Another fifteen patients underwent aggressive surgical debridement during the first operative procedure. Basic demographics, laboratory results on admission, clinical course and outcomes were compared to assess the efficacy and safety of two initial surgical treatment methods: the temporizing strategy and the aggressive strategy. Results: Thirty-four patients were included in this study, and the average age was 51.65 years. Chronic liver disease was the most prevalent preexisting condition (50.00%) and the lower limbs were most commonly involved in infection (76.47%). In this patient population, 19 cases underwent surgery with a temporizing therapeutic strategy, while the remaining 15 cases were treated with an aggressive surgical strategy. There were no differences between the two groups with respect to demographics, severity of illness and laboratory data. Compared with those treated with the aggressive strategy, patients treated with the temporizing strategy had shorter operation time (40.79±16.61 vs. 102.00±18.97min, p <0.001), less bleeding (120.53±67.20 vs. 417.33±134.72mL, p <0.001), a reduced amount of intraoperatively administrated fluid (3144.70±554.71 vs. 1637.40±302.11mL, p <0.001), decreased maximum dose of dopamine (15.73±5.64 vs. 10.47±5.61μg/kg/min, p =0.011) and noradrenaline (20.13±7.50 vs. 13.37±6.18μg/kg/min, p =0.007), lower arterial lactate values at the end of surgery (5.56±1.99 vs. 8.66±3.25mmol/L, p =0.004), and, most importantly, lower mortality (26.32% vs. 60.00%, p =0.048). All other treatment conditions, such as duration of vasopressor therapy, number of debridement procedures, rate of amputation, ICU length of stay and hospital length of stay, were the same for both groups. Conclusion: The temporizing strategy, with early initiation of simple incisions and drainage under regional anesthesia followed by complete debridement 24h later, is more feasible and effective for patients with Vibrio NF complicated with septic shock, as compared with the aggressive surgical debridement strategy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Environmental drivers and characters of algal blooms in Dongting Lake were studied. • Algal bloom potential was low, but functional traits suggested toxic hazards. • NH 4 + was the key factor for phytoplankton biomass and toxigenicity. • Sensitivity of zooplankton to environmental factors inhibited phytoplankton control. • Warm winters may exacerbate algal bloom risk. Algal bloom (AB) risk assessment is critical for maintaining ecosystem health and human sustainability. Previous AB risk assessments have focused on the potential occurrence of ABs and related factors in the growing season, whereas their hazards, especially in the pre-growing season, have attracted less attention. Here, we performed a comprehensive AB risk assessment, including water trophic levels, phytoplankton biomass, functional trait-based assemblages, and related environmental factors, in the pre-growing season in Dongting Lake, China. Although mesotrophic water and low phytoplankton biomass suggested low AB potential, toxic taxa, which constituted 13.28% of the phytoplankton biomass, indicated non-negligible AB hazards. NH 4 + and water temperature were key factors affecting phytoplankton motility and toxicity. Our study establishes a new paradigm for quantitative AB risk assessment, including both potential AB occurrence and hazards. We emphasize the importance of phytoplankton functional traits for early AB warning and NH 4 + reduction for AB control in the pre-growing season. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]