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Prinsepia utilis Royle, native to the Himalayan region, has a long history of use in traditional medicine for its heat-clearing, detoxification, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Oils extracted from P. utilis seeds are also used in cooking and cosmetics. With the increasing market demand, this extraction process generates substantial industrial biowastes. Recent studies have found many health benefits with using aqueous extracts of these biowastes, which are also rich in polysaccharides. However, there is limited research related to the reparative effects of the water extracts of P. utilis oil cakes (WEPUOC) on disruptions of the skin barrier function. This study aimed to evaluate the reparative efficacy of WEPUOC in both acute and chronic epidermal permeability barrier disruptions. Furthermore, the study sought to explore the underlying mechanisms involved in repairing the epidermal permeability barrier. Mouse models with induced epidermal disruptions, employing tape-stripping (TS) and acetone wiping (AC) methods, were used. The subsequent application of WEPUOC (100 mg/mL) was evaluated through various assessments, with a focus on the upregulation of mRNA and protein expression of Corneocyte Envelope (CE) related proteins, lipid synthase-associated proteins, and tight junction proteins. The polysaccharide was the major phytochemicals of WEPUOC and its content was determined as 32.2% by the anthranone-sulfuric acid colorimetric method. WEPUOC significantly reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improved the damaged epidermal barrier in the model group. Mechanistically, these effects were associated with heightened expression levels of key proteins such as FLG (filaggrin), INV (involucrin), LOR (loricrin), SPT, FASN, HMGCR, Claudins-1, Claudins-5, and ZO-1. WEPUOC, obtained from the oil cakes of P. utilis , is rich in polysaccharides and exhibits pronounced efficacy in repairing disrupted epidermal barriers through increased expression of critical proteins involved in barrier integrity. Our findings underscore the potential of P. utilis wastes in developing natural cosmetic prototypes for the treatment of diseases characterized by damaged skin barriers, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. [Display omitted] • The water extract of Prinsepia utilis oil cakes (WEPUOC) can repair epidermal barriers. • WEPUOC upregulates corneocyte envelope protein expression in the stratum corneum. • WEPUOC upregulates the expression of lipid synthases among corneocytes. • WEPUOC enhances the expression of tight junction proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban land-use maps outlining the distribution, pattern, and composition of various land use types are critically important for urban planning, environmental management, disaster control, health protection, and biodiversity conservation. Recent advances in remote sensing and social sensing data and methods have shown great potentials in mapping urban land use categories, but they are still constrained by mixed land uses, limited predictors, non-localized models, and often relatively low accuracies. To inform these issues, we proposed a robust and cost-effective framework for mapping urban land use categories using openly available multi-source geospatial "big data". With street blocks generated from OpenStreetMap (OSM) data as the minimum classification unit, we integrated an expansive set of multi-scale spatially explicit information on land surface, vertical height, socio-economic attributes, social media, demography, and topography. We further proposed to apply the automatic ensemble learning that leverages a bunch of machine learning algorithms in deriving optimal urban land use classification maps. Results of block-level urban land use classification in five metropolitan areas of the United States found the overall accuracies of major-class (Level-I) and minor-class (Level-II) classification could be high as 91% and 86%, respectively. A multi-model comparison revealed that for urban land use classification with high-dimensional features, the multi-layer stacking ensemble models achieved better performance than base models such as random forest, extremely randomized trees, LightGBM, CatBoost, and neural networks. We found without very-high-resolution National Agriculture Imagery Program imagery, the classification results derived from Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, and other open big data based features could achieve plausible overall accuracies of Level-I and Level-II classification at 88% and 81%, respectively. We also found that model transferability depended highly on the heterogeneity in characteristics of different regions. The methods and findings in this study systematically elucidate the role of data sources, classification methods, and feature transferability in block-level land use classifications, which have important implications for mapping multi-scale essential urban land use categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyloid-β oligomers (AβO) have been identified as core biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). For the first time, a "turn-on" unlabeled colorimetric aptasensor based on aptamer-polythymine (polyT)-polyadenine (polyA)-gold nanoparticles (pA-pT-apt@AuNPs) was developed for highly sensitive and specific detection of amyloid-β 1-40 oligomers (Aβ40-O). In this system, polyA sequence could preferentially anchor onto AuNPs surface as well as reduce the non-specific adsorption, and the aptamer could form upright conformation for the specific recognition of Aβ40-O. The aggregation of pA-pT-apt@AuNPs was induced by MgCl 2. However, the addition of Aβ40-O enabled the aptamer fold adaptively upon recognition and aptamer-Aβ40-O complex formed surrounding AuNPs, effectively stabilizing pA-pT-apt@AuNPs against salt-induced aggregation, therefore the color of pA-pT-apt@AuNPs solution still retained red. Based on this principle, the proposed aptasensor exhibited high sensitivity with the limit of detection of 3.03 nM and a linear detectable range from 10.00 nM to 100.0 nM. The superb sensitivity was achieved via the optimization of the length of polyA and polyT spacer. This pA-pT-apt@AuNPs based colorimetric aptasensor provides a rapid, cost-effective, highly sensitive detection method for Aβ40-O, which is valuable for the early diagnosis of AD. [Display omitted] • A pA-pT-apt@AuNPs-based colorimetric aptasensor was developed for Aβ40-O detection. • The proposed aptasensor avoided the non-specific adsorption on AuNPs surface. • The upright conformation of aptamers benefited the specific recognition of Aβ40-O. • Superb sensitivity was achieved with the limit of detection of 3.03 nM. • The aptasensor is simple, rapid (response time of 1.5 h) and cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The extra isopropanol, methanol or ethanol accelerated the crystallization of the AlPO-18 membranes. • The effect of IPA/DIPEA molar ratio was investigated for the preparation of AlPO-18 membranes. • Less DIPEA template was employed to prepare the AlPO-18 membrane. • The optimized AlPO-18 membrane showed high gas separation performance. The aluminophosphate (AlPO-n) materials are the potential candidates for the gas separations. And the characters of zeolite crystals on membrane commonly affected its separation properties. In this work, a co-solvent strategy was used to tune the crystal growth behaviors on the synthesis of AlPO-18 membrane. Isopropanol (IPA), served as the organic co-solvent, was adopted to prepare the AlPO-18 membrane. The effects of the IPA/DIPEA ratio and the synthesis time on the AlPO-18 membranes preparation were investigated. The crystallization of AlPO-18 membrane was accelerated when adding the extra isopropanol into the initial synthetic gel. A similar acceleration effect also occurred with the addition of methanol or ethanol into the initial gel. Under the same reaction condition, the morphology of the AlPO-18 crystals on membranes tends to develop from flake-like to bulk-like after the addition of the extra IPA, the size of AlPO-18 crystals increased with the increase of IPA/DIPEA molar ratio. Compared with the case of water as sole solvent, the synthetic time for the AlPO-18 membrane with good gas permeation properties was reduced to 12 h, where less template N-Ethyldiisopropylamine (DIPEA) was used. The optimized AlPO-18 membrane exhibited a CO 2 and N 2 permeance of (9.1, 0.79) × 10−7 mol/(m2∙s∙Pa) with the CO 2 /CH 4 (50/50) and N 2 /CH 4 (50/50) mixture selectivity of 91 and 5.0 at 298 K, 0.2 MPa. Those results may provide a strategy to prepare the AlPO-18 molecular sieve with reduced synthesis times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under certain harsh environmental conditions, jacket structures supporting offshore wind turbines might be exposed to plunging breaking waves, causing slamming forces that affect the structural integrity and fatigue life. The slamming forces should thus be properly considered during the design, but a suitable force model specifically for jacket structures is currently in absence. In this study, a five-parameter force model is developed for estimating global slamming forces due to plunging breaking waves on jacket structures, based on statistical analyses of experimental data from the WaveSlam project. The force model is developed by considering a total of 176 individual breaking waves, under six wave conditions. For each individual breaking wave, the time history of the slamming force is calculated based on hammer test data in addition to wave test data, and the wave parameters are acquired from a wave elevation measurement. The acquired time histories and wave parameters are then used to determine the parameters involved in the force model, including two exponential parameters (i.e. α 1 and α 2 ) and three dimensionless coefficients for the expressions of wave-dependent parameters (i.e. duration coefficient ζ 1 , rising time coefficient ζ 2 , and peak force coefficient ζ 3 ). It is found that α 1 , α 2 , ζ 1 and ζ 2 are approximately constant, and ζ 3 follows a lognormal distribution. The quantile that determines ζ 3 should be carefully selected so as to provide a conservative prediction. A quantile of 95% is suggested in this paper, and it is found to be conservative based on the verification of the developed force model. Therefore, for a given sea state, this force model can give a deterministic and conservative prediction of the slamming force time history, regardless of the randomness of slamming forces. Challenges for the application of the force model are also addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the global slamming forces due to plunging breaking waves on a jacket structure, based on the statistical analysis of the experimental data from the WaveSlam project. Hammer tests and wave tests were conducted in the project, and the data are used to reconstruct the time series of the global slamming force by employing a method based on linear regression. The used wave test data were acquired under one wave condition. A total of 3910 force time series are reconstructed and analyzed statistically to reveal the characteristics of the slamming force. For each force time series, six parameters are introduced to describe it, including the peak force, duration, impulse and rising time, etc. The variability and correlation of these parameters are investigated. The distribution of these parameters is modeled with various probability distributions. The results show the high variability of the slamming force and the importance of statistical analyses. Based on these statistical analyses, the slamming coefficient is estimated from the peak force. For a curling factor of 0.4, the mean slamming coefficient is about 1.29. When considering one standard deviation around the mean, the slamming coefficient varies from 0.70 to 6.78 for a curling factor ranging from 0.1 to 0.5. A representative time series of wave slamming force is obtained by averaging the individual force time series. Accordingly, a 3-parameter triangular force model and a 5-parameter exponential force model are proposed to describe the development of the slamming force in time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tau aggregation correlates rigorously with the progression and severity of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it is extremely challenging to develop tau-selective imaging probes due to similar β-sheet structures shared with Aβ fibrils. Herein, three new donor-π-acceptor fluorophores (T1 - T3) composed of 3,5-dimethoxy-N,N-dimethylaniline-4-yl and quinoxaline, bridged by 1–3 C C bond are rationally designed for selectively imaging tau aggregates. For the first time, we demonstrated the side substitution on D-π-A skeleton is significant for improving the selectivity of tau probes. Molecular docking results revealed that the lateral methoxy groups on molecular rotors could act as antennas to interact with surrounding tau hydrophilic residues via hydrogen-bond and other kinds of intermolecular interactions, improving selective recognition for tau aggregates. Compared with its non-side-substitution precursor T02 , T2 exhibited 4.7 times higher tau-over-Aβ selectivity after introducing methoxy substituents. Owing to the improved selectivity, T2 was successfully applied to detect tau aggregates in cells and pathologically relevant regions of AD mice model. This work verifies the pivotal role of side substitution on D-π-A skeleton in increasing the selectivity of tau probes, which provides a rational strategy to design novel tau probes with high selectivity in future. • An innovative strategy to improve selective imaging of tau aggregates was suggested. • Three new compounds T1-T3 synthesized and characterized accordingly. • Introducing lateral substituents improved tau-over-Aβ selectivity (4.7 times). • Probe T2 performed well in intracellular tau aggregates imaging and tissue staining. • The pivotal role of lateral substituents was revealed by molecular docking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microporous aluminophosphates are promising materials for gas separation, but their industrial applications are still challenging due to the permeability-selectivity "trade-off" behavior. A new approach is now reported by the addition of single novel template N, N -diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) into the gel precursor to prepare the pure AlPO-18 membrane with both high permeance and selectivity. It was identified that the AlPO-18 membrane possessed small plate-like crystals on support surface. The single and mixed CO 2 /CH 4 and N 2 /CH 4 gas separations were measured. The best membrane exhibited high CO 2 and N 2 permeances of 9.2, 0.91 × 10−7 mol m−2 s−1∙Pa−1 under the two-component gas mixture, and the mixture selectivities in CO 2 /CH 4 and N 2 /CH 4 were 93 and 6.0 at 303 K and 0.2 MPa, respectively. This strategy not only demonstrated a potential zeolite membrane material for gas separation but also furnished ideas for the preparation of high permeable thin films. [Display omitted] • High gas separation performance AlPO-18 membrane was obtained with DIPEA template. • The effect of DIPEA content was investigated. • The AlPO-18 membrane showed the CO 2 /CH 4 separation performance of 93 with the CO 2 permeance of 9.2 × 10−7 mol m−2 s−1∙Pa−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A holistic assessment of greenspace exposure across space and scale in China. • Greenspace exposure assessment was conducted at province, city, county, town, and parcel levels. • Greenspace coverage rate overestimates greenspace exposure in East China and underestimates in West China. • Newly urbanized areas have better greenspace exposure than older urban areas. Greenspace exposure metrics can allow for comparisons of green space supply across time, space, and population groups, and for inferring patterns of variation in opportunities for people to enjoy the health and recreational benefits of nearby green environments. A better understanding of greenspace exposure differences across various spatial scales is a critical requirement for lessening environmental health disparities. However, existing studies are typically limited to a single city or across selected cities, which severely limits the use of results in measuring systemic national and regional scale differences that might need policy at above individual city planning level. To close this knowledge gap, our study aims to provide a holistic assessment of multi-scale greenspace exposure across provinces, cities, counties, towns, and land parcels for the whole of China. We mapped the nationwide fractional greenspace coverage at 10 m with Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, and then modeled population-weighted greenspace exposure to examine variation of greenspace exposure across scales. Our results show a prominent scaling effect of greenspace exposure across multi-scale administrative divisions in China, suggesting, as expected, an increase in heterogeneity with finer spatial scales. We also identify an asymmetric pattern of the difference between greenspace exposure and greenspace coverage, across a geo-demographic demarcation boundary (i.e., along the Heihe–Tengchong Line). In general, the greenspace coverage rate will overestimate more realistic human exposure to greenspace in East China while underestimating in West China. We further found that, in China, more recently urbanized areas have much better greenspace exposure than older urban areas. Our study provides a spatially explicit greenspace exposure metric for discovering multi-scale greenspace exposure difference, which will enhance governments' capacity to quantify environmental justice, detect vulnerable greenspace exposure risk hotspots, prioritize greenspace management at the supra-city scale, and monitor the balance between greenspace supply and demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undesirable physicochemical properties, low tumor targeting, insufficient cell internalization, acquired drug resistance, and severe side effects significantly limit the applications of anticancer drugs. In this study, to improve the tumor targeting and drug efficacy of the poorly water-soluble drug, doxorubicin (DOX), a novel drug delivery platform (PEG-ppTAT-DOX) was developed, which contained a polyethylene glycol (PEG), a matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2)-sensitive peptide linker (pp), a cell penetrating peptide (TAT), and a model drug (doxorubicin). The prepared drug platform possessed several key features, including: (i) the nanoparticle formation via the self-assembly; (ii) prevention of the non-specific interaction via the PEGylation; (iii) tumor targeting via the MMP2-mediated PEG deshielding and exposure of the TAT; (iv) the TAT-mediated cell internalization; (v) the TAT-induced endosomal escape; (vi) the inhibition of P-glycoprotein mediated drug efflux; and (vii) the TAT-medicated nuclear translocation. These cooperative functions ensured the improved tumor targetability, enhanced tumor cell internalization, improved intracellular distribution, and potentiated anticancer activity. Compared to the multi-component nanocarriers, the proposed simple but multifunctional polymer-drug conjugate might have greater potential for tumor-targeted drug delivery and enhanced chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thermosensitive artificial skin composed of gelatin–chitosan (Gel–CS) scaffold as dermis and poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAAm) grafted microporous polyurethane (PU) membrane as epidermis bound together by gelatin was prepared, and its morphological structure, water vapor permeability rate (WVPR) and in vivo biological properties were investigated. The results showed that the as-prepared artificial skin showed a “Sandwich” structure and its WVPR was 804 g/m 2 day, close to those from commercial skin dressings (426–2047 g/m 2 day). The in vivo tests indicated that the “Sandwich” artificial skin could effectively accelerate wound closure in a rat model with full-thickness skin loss and the epidermis could easily peel off after wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theranostic anticancer agents with dual functions of diagnosis and therapy are in highly demand for breast cancer. Herein, a triphenylphosphonium (TPP)-decorated aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based Pt(IV) prodrug ACPt was developed, which exhibited superior anticancer performance with novel anticancer mechanism of dual modulation of apoptosis and autophagy inhibition. The experimental data showed that ACPt induced increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The morphology and function of mitochondria were also severely damaged and ACPt showed strong inhibition to both mitochondrial and glycolytic bioenergetics. Moreover, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in the S-phase were also observed after the ACPt treatment, eventually leading to the apoptosis and autophagy inhibition of cancer cells. Furthermore, ACPt also indicated excellent anti-proliferation activity in 3D multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs), suggesting the potential to inhibit solid tumors in vivo. Our observation demonstrated that ACPt could serve as a promising anticancer theranostic agent toward breast cancers for prodrug activation monitoring and image-guided chemotherapy. An aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based Pt(IV) prodrug exhibited high cytotoxicity against the human breast cancer cell through dual modulation of apoptosis and autophagy inhibition. [Display omitted] • Aggregation-induced emission Pt(IV) prodrug ACPt obtained for image-guided chemotherapy. • ACPt exhibited high cytotoxicity against the human breast cancer cell. • ACPt located in mitochondria, and induced severe mitochondrial damage. • Dual modulation of apoptosis and autophagy inhibition was observed. • ACPt indicated anti-proliferation activity to 3D multicellular tumor spheroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional cell migration assays require time-lapse imaging of live cells to trace cell migration paths, consequently demanding cumbersome hardware setup and suffering from low data throughput. In this work, we developed an assay named Tracking Cells by Footprint (TCF) based on a mechano-optical biosensor that irreversibly becomes fluorescent when sensing local cell adhesive force. Cell migration paths are visualized and recorded as fluorescent footprints on glass or elastic substrates coated with such biosensor. From the footprints, cell migration ranges, speeds and persistence are analyzed and quantified without the need of time-lapse imaging. The feasibility of TCF assays was demonstrated with three types of cells with different migratory capabilities. TCF was then applied to evaluating cell motility affected by biochemical or biomechanical cues. The results show that fibroblast motility is reduced by blebbistatin and vinblastine but promoted by bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor), and the motility correlates with the substrate rigidity. TCF is also compatible with 96-well plates which, combined with static imaging and large-area scanning, provides high data throughput with minimal additional effort. • Record cell footprints with a mechano-optical biosensor. • Extract cell migratory information from the fluorescent footprint. • Study cell migration without the need of time-lapse imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid and facile strategy for AEI type AlPO-18 molecular sieves preparation was hydrothermally processed by dual templates of TEAOH (tetraethyl ammonium hydroxide) and low-cost DIPEA (N, N-diisopropylethylamine). Pure and high crystallinity AlPO-18 molecular sieve with the crystal size of 2 μm and the aspect ratio about 20 were obtained in a short period of 1 h under the dual-template strategy. The effect of single and binary templates on the growth process of AlPO-18 molecular sieve was compared in detail. TEAOH is conducive to the pure phase AEI formation since a long synthesis time is needed. DIPEA favors to the rapid formation of AEI structure, however the sole DIPEA template promotes to form the AFI type AlPO-5 impurities. The combined templates TEAOH/DIPEA work synergistically, and the 13C MAS NMR results showed that both the TEAOH and DIPEA templates were occluded in micropore space of AlPO-18 molecular sieves. In addition, the adsorption isotherms of CO 2 , CH 4 and N 2 on the samples synthesized by dual-template for 1 h were tested and compared with other AlPO-18 molecular sieves reported in the literature. The results showed that the current AlPO-18 molecular sieve is expected to be used as adsorbent for light gas separation. [Display omitted] • AlPO-18 molecular sieve with high crystallinity was synthesized by a dual-template strategy. • Successful rapid synthesis by conventional hydrothermal method in 1 h. • Investigated the effect of template strategies on AlPO-18 synthesis. • AlPO-18 molecular sieve is expected to be used as absorbent for light gas separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An integration process to produce biohydrogen by rice straw hydrolysate and anaerobic fermentation was proposed in this study. The rice straw was used as the raw material to generate reducing sugar (RS) for the anaerobic fermentation to produce biohydrogen. During the hydrolysis process, the ratio of water:biomass:acid equals to 100:30:0.9 at 150°C for 1h. Sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and deionized water (no acid added) were used as the catalyst and the chemical oxygen demand (reducing sugar, g/L) of the hydrolysates was 69.84 (36.70), 83.90 (63.4), 74.64 (66.37), and 31.67 (3.17)gCOD/L. Overliming treatment by Ca(OH)2 and activated carbon was used to remove the suppressors, such as the acetic acid and furfural, in the hydrolysate and the treated hydrolysate was used for biohydrogen production. At the initial reaction condition of 40°C, 150rpm, pH=6.5, and RS concentration=3g/L under 60mL working volume in a 200mL bottle, the maximum hydrogen yield without/with Endo solution (in mmolH2/g-rice straw) were 0.00260/0.00160 (no acid), 0.191/0.105 (H2SO4 catalyzed), 0.305/0.177 (HCl catalyzed), and 0.291/0.285 (HNO3 catalyzed), respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background: Ovarian cancer is commonly fatal and incidence has persistently risen in Taiwan over the past 20 years. Prevention strategies, however, are limited. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) has been suggested to increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer, but the results of studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, we investigated whether PID increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer in a large, nationwide cohort. Methods: From the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005 (LHID2005) in Taiwan, we obtained data for women aged 13–65 years for whom a diagnosis of PID, confirmed by multiple episodes, had been recorded between Jan 1, 2004, and Dec 31, 2005. We also obtained data for two controls per patient, matched for age and the year of first entry into the LHID2005. All patients were followed up from the date of entry in the LHID2005 until they developed ovarian cancer or to the end of 2006, whichever was earlier. We used Cox''s regression models to assess the risk of developing ovarian cancer, with adjustment for age, comorbid disorders, and socioeconomic characteristics. Findings: We identified 67 936 women with PID and 135 872 controls. Among these 90 had developed ovarian cancer during the 3-year follow-up period (42 patients with PID and 48 controls, incidence 2·78 and 1·44 per 10 000 person-years, respectively). The adjusted hazard ratio for ovarian cancer in patients with PID was 1·92 (95% CI 1·27–2·92) compared with controls, which rose to 2·46 (1·48–4·09) in women who had had at least five episodes of PID. The adjusted hazard ratio was slightly higher for women aged 35 years or younger with PID than in older women with PID (2·23, 1·02–4·79 vs 1·82, 1·10–3·04). Interpretation: We found an association between PID and ovarian cancer. PID might, therefore, be a useful marker for ovarian cancer, and early treatment could help to improve prognosis. Whether pelvic inflammation itself accelerates the growth of ovarian cancers or affects cancer-cell differentiation in ways that adversely alter prognosis needs to be investigated. Funding: None. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Photo-thermal-magnetic three-field coupling for enhanced CO 2 photo-reduction. • Nickel foam was used as nickel source and catalyst support. • 0.01 wt% Cu/Cu 2 O/HNF exhibited the best catalytic activity and CH 4 selectivity. • The heat of the reaction system came from magnetic-thermal and photo-thermal effects. Aiming at the bottleneck of thermodynamics, kinetics and reaction systems in photothermal catalytic CO 2 reduction conversion, a three-field coupling method based on the efficient utilization of solar energy and the application of a photo-thermal-magnetic three-field was proposed to achieve efficient and highly selective CO 2 conversion. The composite monolithic catalyst with three field response functions and multiple active reaction interfaces was prepared by using photoactive copper supported by nickel foam. The effect of an external alternating magnetic field on photocatalytic CO 2 reduction was studied using a range between 0.005 and 0.1 wt% Cu/Cu 2 O/Ni(OH) 2 /NF as catalysts. The results showed that 0.01 wt% Cu/Cu 2 O/Ni(OH) 2 /NF exhibited the best catalytic activity and CH 4 selectivity under alternating magnetic field enhanced photocatalysis. The main products were CO (6.76 μmol g−1) and CH 4 (167 μmol g−1). The selectivity of CH 4 was 96.1%. The yields of CH 4 using this method were 11 and 6 times higher than the yields obtained with photocatalysis (14.58 μmol g−1) and magnetic-thermal catalysis (26.75 μmol g−1), respectively. According to the analysis of temperature measurements and electrochemical measurements, the surface temperature of the three-field coupled catalyst reaches about 230 °C. Applying an alternating magnetic field can effectively reduce the recombination of photogenerated electron holes. Alternating magnetic field enhanced photocatalytic CO 2 reduction conversion provides a new and promising method for the efficient conversion and utilization of solar energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The numerical solution of non-linear equations shows that the abnormal mode observed in our torsion pendulum experiments is an intrinsic mode of the pendulum. Further analysis shows that the amplitude of abnormal mode increasing with of swing modes can be suppressed with a magnetic damper effectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of non-contact mapping and ablation of non-incisional atypical right atrial (RA) flutters.The majority of atypical RA flutters were reported in patients after surgical incision of the RA.The study group consisted of 15 patients (61 ± 13 years, 8 males) with atypical atrial flutter (AFL). The RA activation during AFL was delineated using a non-contact mapping system (EnSite 3000 with Precision Software, Endocardial Solutions, St. Paul, Minnesota). The narrowest part of each reentrant circuit was targeted using radiofrequency energy.In all 15 patients, non-contact mapping showed AFLs confined to the RA with RA activation time accounting for 100% of the cycle length (210 ± 19 ms). During single-loop re-entry in seven patients, the activation wave front circulated around the central obstacle (CO) in the anterolateral wall with conduction through the channel between the CO and the crista terminalis (CT). During figure-of-eight re-entry in eight patients, simultaneous upper and lower loop re-entry through the conduction gap in the CT was found in four patients, and simultaneous upper loop and free-wall single-loop re-entry was observed in four patients. Radiofrequency ablation of the free-wall channel and/or CT gap was effective in eliminating these AFLs in 13 patients. During a follow-up of 16.8 ± 3.8 months, two patients had recurrence of left AFL, and one had recurrence of atrial fibrillation.Atypical RA flutters could arise from single-loop or double-loop figure-of-eight re-entry. Radiofrequency ablation of the free-wall channel and/or the CT gap was effective in eliminating these arrhythmias. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the conduction properties and anisotropy of the crista terminalis (CT) in patients with atrial flutter (AFL) using non-contact mapping.: BackgroundThe CT is a posterior barrier during typical AFL. However, the CT has transverse conduction capabilities in patients with upper loop re-entry (ULR).: MethodsTwenty-two patients (16 males, 63 ± 15 years) with typical AFL and ULR were included. Non-contact mapping of the right atrium during AFL and pacing from coronary sinus (CS) and low anterolateral right atrium (LARA) was performed to evaluate transverse conduction across the CT. During ULR, the longitudinal (CVL) and transverse (CVT) conduction velocity along and across the CT were measured. The width of the CT conduction gap was evaluated to guide radiofrequency ablation (RFA).: ResultsNo transverse CT gap conduction was found during typical AFL. Transverse CT gap conduction was found in three patients during CS pacing and in three patients during LARA pacing. During ULR, CVL was greater than CVT (1.28 ± 0.43 vs. 0.73 ± 0.30 m/s, p < 0.001). The CVL/CVT ratio was 1.95 ± 0.77, which was inversely related to the CT gap width (15.7 ± 6.8 mm) (p < 0.001). The RFA of the CT gap was successful in 18 patients. Four patients had recurrence of arrhythmias during the follow-up of 11 ± 3 months.: ConclusionsMost of the CT conduction gaps were functional and only appeared during ULR. The width of the CT gap was inversely related to the anisotropic ratio of the CT. The RFA of the CT gap was effective in eliminating ULR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With Ca and Ba substitutions for Sr, the photoluminescence evolution of Sr 2 MgSi 2 O 7 :0.05Eu2+ has been investigated and discussed. With spectra and crystal structure analysis, the photoluminescence intensity variation, the emission band shift, the chromaticity coordinate evolution and the thermal stability changes have been revealed. The corresponding physical mechanisms have been discussed. With Ca/Ba substitution, the emission spectra show entire red/blue shift; while the photoluminescence intensity are both quenched. The crystal structure and lattice parameter variations were refined. Based on the reflection spectra measurements, the forbidden band gap of the series of Sr 1.95- x (Ca/Ba) x MgSi 2 O 7 :0.05Eu2+ phosphors were calculated. Both for Ca and Ba substitution, the forbidden band gap is elevated. The regular emission band red/blue shifts are ascribed to the increased/decreased crystal splitting of the Eu2+ 5d electron. Based on the estimation of the crystal splitting intensity and the calculation of the forbidden band gap, the Eu2+ 5d electron transition process and the Ca/Ba substitution tuning process are illustrated. The thermal stability of Sr 2 MgSi 2 O 7 : Eu2+ is promoted with Ca/Ba substitution. The thermal quenching mechanism of this phosphor can be confirmed to self-ionization. This work proves cation substitution is a suitable route to tune the photoluminescence property of the phosphors. The revealed physical mechanisms are in favor of understanding the tuning process of the phosphors. Image 1 • This work reveals the physical mechanisms for the evolutions of the emission band, intensity and thermal stability. • The thermal quenching mechanism in this phosphor have been confirmed to self-ionization. • The forbidden band gap and the crystal field splitting intensity changes have been calculated, compared and illustrated. • This work provides a route to tune the photoluminescence properties of the phosphors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, sulfonated polyaniline (SPAN) was decorated on the surface of copper-based metal organic frame (HKUST-1) and the composite was functionalized by luminol to construct a chemiluminescence (CL) hybrids (SPAN/HKUST-1@Luminol). The as-prepared SPAN/HKUST-1@Luminol demonstrated a great dispersion and stability performance in aqueous solution. Moreover, the resultant SPAN/HKUST-1@Luminol hybrids exhibited extremely strong CL properties, and the CL quantum yield was 136 times higher than that of luminol. In particular, it exhibited outstanding CL activity not only under alkaline conditions, but also under neutral conditions. The sensitive response of the hybrid to hydrogen peroxide was used to construct CL methods for the detection of hydrogen peroxide at a wide range of pH, with the detection limit of 60 nM at a neutral condition and 25 pM at alkaline condition. Due to strong and stable signal of the SPAN/HKUST-1@Luminol, the CL method provides a viable tool for determination of H 2 O 2 in biological systems and enabled the monitoring of stimulated production of H 2 O 2 released by living cells. SPAN/HKUST-1@Luminol CL hybrid exhibited extremely strong CL properties and the CL signal maintained over a wide range of pH ranges. The resultant CL composite was applied as the probe to directly detect the amount of hydrogen peroxide released after stimulation of living cells under physiological conditions. [Display omitted] • A novel CL hybrid was constructed with luminol attached to the composite of SPAN and HKUST-1. • The as-prepared SPAN/HKUST-1@Luminol demonstrated a great dispersion and stability performance in aqueous solution. • The SPAN/HKUST-1@Luminol hybrid exhibited great luminous efficiency under a wide range of pH conditions. • The CL probe enabled the monitoring of stimulated production of H2O2 released by living cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatially heterogeneous association between built environments and housing prices is crucial for real estate management and urban governance, as it reveals residents' preferences. Despite efforts to refine the factors influencing housing prices, most studies encountered the statistical challenges brought by spatial heterogeneity, and failed to account for a city's internal heterogeneity of potential distinct mechanisms of housing prices by strata. To address this, we developed a comprehensive framework to analyze the relationship between built environments and housing prices in Guangzhou, categorizing the city into three distinct zones: exurban, suburban, and central urban areas, based on multifaceted characteristics variability. The global model shows expected results that distance to the city center and built year are the two most important factors for property prices. However, the influence of environmental visual features outweighs these two features in exurb communities, highlighting the evolving purchasing preferences with people's increasing pursuit of living environment. Additionally, the visual ratio of people and buildings is found significant to housing prices, implying buyers' preferences for "gated communities" characterized by residence complexes and limited external access. Our findings shed light on the contribution of various built environment factors to shaping the spatial pattern of housing prices, which provides potential implications for balancing "livable" built environments and "valuable" land development. • Identify potential determinants and uncover the unique mechanisms across different community strata. • The importance of environmental visual factors increasingly surpasses traditional factors as construction years progress. • Buyers' preferences for "gated communities" are implied by street view of people and buildings in models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Some studies suggested that Glutathione S-transferases M1/T1(GSTM1/T1) null polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of vitiligo. Aims: The purpose of this study is to further evaluate the association between GSTM1/T1 null polymorphisms and the susceptibility to vitiligo. Methods: We carried out a retrieval of studies in the databases. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to assess the strength of this association. We analyzed the data using Stata 11.0. Results: Six case–control studies including 1358 cases and 1673 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Our overall results showed the GSTM1 or GSTT1 null polymorphism was associated with vitiligo (GSTM1:OR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.21–2.08, P=0.001; GSTT1: OR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.12–1.51, P=0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the GSTM1 null polymorphism might be a genetic risk factor to vitiligo in East Asian (OR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.12–2.63, P=0.014) but not in the Mediterranean, however individuals with the GSTT1 null polymorphism in the Mediterranean (OR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.15–2.71, P=0.010) but not in East Asian have a greater predisposition to vitiligo. In addition there was also a significant trend toward an association with the combination of the GSTM1 null and GSTT1 null in either East Asians or Mediterraneans. Conclusion: The GSTM1/T1 null polymorphisms may be associated with vitiligo. More studies are needed to confirm this conclusion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The discrete element method (DEM) has been widely used in landslide research. However, selecting microscopic parameters is complicated due to the diversity and complexity of landslide material composition, induced mechanism and geological conditions. This study proposed an intelligent calibration method of microscopic parameters based on the measured landslide accumulation morphology. Post-sliding accumulation thickness, sliding height difference, sliding distance and accumulation dip were proposed to describe the morphological characteristics of landslide accumulation. Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) was used to establish the training sample set. The surrogate model of the discrete element numerical simulation method was established by combining the relevance vector mechanism (RVM) and the third-generation nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-III) to find the nonlinear relationship between the accumulation characteristics after landslide and microscopic parameters. Based on the calibration results, the area that may be affected by landslides was predicted. The results showed that the similarity between the calculated value of the intelligent model and the measured value was 97.49%. The intelligent calibration method had high accuracy and applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, solubilization of PAHs from a manufactured gas plant (MGP) soil and two artificially spiked soils using fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) was investigated. PAH removals from both the MGP and the spiked soils by FAME, methanol, soybean oil, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, Triton X-100, and Tween 80 were compared. The effect of FAME:MGP soil ratios on PAH removals was also investigated. Results showed that the FAME mixture synthesized by our lab was more efficient than the cyclodextrin and the two surfactants used for PAH removal from the spiked soils with individual PAH concentrations of 200 and 400mgkg−1. However, the difference among three PAH removals by the FAME, soybean oil and methanol was not quite pronounced. The FAME synthesized and market biodiesel exhibited better performance for PAH removals (46% and 35% of total PAH) from the weathered contaminated MGP soil when compared with the other agents (0–31%). Individual PAH removals from the weathered MGP soil were much lower than those from the spiked soils. The percentages of total PAH removals from the MGP soil were 59%, 46%, and 51% for the FAME:MGP soil ratios of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1, respectively. These results showed that the FAME could be a more attractive alternative to conventional surfactants in ex situ washing of PAH-contaminated soils. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new and simple high-performance liquid chromatography–evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC–ELSD) method for the determination of spectinomycin hydrochloride and its related substances was developed. The column was Agilent SB-C18 (250mm×4.6mm, 5μm).The mobile phase was 25mM trifluoroacetic acid. The drift tube temperature was 40°C. The pressure of nebulizing gas was 3.5bar. Good separation of spectinomycin from main related substances could be achieved. The standard curve was rectilinear in the range of 0.07–3.8mg/ml (r =0.9997). Precision was 1.0% (R.S.D.). The limit of detection was 6μg/ml. The method is simple and rapid, and the results are accurate and reproducible. The HPLC–MS n method was used to characterize the structures of impurities contained in the spectinomycin. In positive mode, impurities were elucidated by use of electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry in the multi-stage MS full scan mode. The possible structures of impurities C and D in spectinomycin were deduced based on the HPLC–MS n data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Plant iWUE presented a non-linear increase in the last century in Sothern China. • The annual rate of change of iWUE in Southern China showed an S-curve pattern. • Multiple atmospheric factors jointly affected iWUE in subtropical and tropical forests. Intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) is a key physiological trait; however, the spatiotemporal variation in iWUE and which factors affect iWUE in the tropics and subtropics are poorly known. We determined the temporal (1920-2010) and spatial patterns of iWUE using leaf carbon-isotopic composition (δ13C) of 1,811 herbarium specimens and associated these patterns with environmental factors across biomes in southern China. We found that iWUE increased by 15.7 μmol mol−1 in the entire studied area from 1920 to 2010. The iWUE declined from west to east in southern China, with higher values concentrated in the southwest. Rising CO 2 concentrations ([CO 2 ]), N deposition, increases in mean annual temperature (MAT) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and changes in temperature seasonality (TS) contributed to the spatiotemporal changes in iWUE. Our results confirm that, in addition to a continuous increase in iWUE has, the rate of change of iWUE decreased in southern China in the later years. Multiple atmospheric factors jointly determine the changes in both iWUE and the rate of change of iWUE in the studied regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to overcome the poor stability of polyaniline (PANI) and to improve the electrochemical performance based on graphene, MnO 2 and PANI ternary composite, graphene/MnO 2 /PANI nanorod arrays (GMPNAs) were fabricated firstly via synthesizing highly ordered MnO 2 /PANI coaxial nanorod arrays on graphene film, using a simple and controllable electrochemical technique. With the arrays structure and synergetic interaction between graphene, MnO 2 , and PANI, which not only can provide high interfacial area, short ion diffusion path, and fast electrical pathways, but also can reduce agglomeration of material in using process, the specific capacitance and cycling stability of GMPNAs were improved greatly compared to that of pure PANI and MnO 2 /PANI binary composite. The maximum specific capacitance of GMPNAs was as high as 755 F g −1 at a current density of 0.5 A g −1 and retained 87% of the initial capacitance after 1000 cycles. It is believed that the GMPNAs composite will have a great potential for application in supercapacitors and the design of microstructure of GMPNAs is extendable to other pseudocapacitive electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core–shell poly(2,3-dimethylaniline)/organic-attapulgite (P(2,3-DMA)/APTES-ATP) nanofibers were prepared by self-assembling and graft polymerization in the presence of organically modified attapulgite, based on the encapsulation of attapulgite (ATP) template with P(2,3-DMA) after the surface modification with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to form a self-assembled layer on the surface of ATP rod-shaped particle (APTES-ATP). Structure, morphology and thermal stability of the nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM and TGA measurements, respectively. The anticorrosion property of the as-prepared nanocomposites was evaluated by open circuit potential (OCP) and impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 3.5 wt% NaCl aqueous solution. Experimental results indicated that P(2,3-DMA)/APTES-ATP had a more higher thermal stability and anti-corrosion properties compared with the bulk poly(2,3-dimethylaniline) (P(2,3-DMA)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] PANI/PVP/CIP core–shell composite was prepared, where PVP can hinder aggregation of CIP and PANI/PVP/CIP composites. [•] Core–shell structure increases absorbent interface, benefiting reflection, scattering and electromagnetic wave absorption. [•] PANI/PVP/CIP core–shell composites show better electromagnetic matching and microwave absorption in a wider frequency range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the 10-year incidence of retinal vein occlusions (RVOs) and associated factors in adult Chinese subjects. Design: Population-based, longitudinal study. Participants: The Beijing Eye Study, which included 4439 subjects (age: 40+ years) in 2001, was repeated in 2011 with 2695 subjects participating (66.4% of the survivors). Methods: The study participants underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination. Fundus photographs were examined for the new development of RVOs, differentiated into branch RVOs (BRVOs) and central RVOs (CRVOs). Main Outcome Measures: Incidence of RVOs. Results: Incident RVOs were detected in 51 eyes (49 subjects) with an incidence of 1.9±0.1 per 100 persons and 1.0±0.1 per 100 eyes. Incidence of BRVO was 1.6±0.1 per 100 subjects (43 subjects [88% of patients with RVO]; 44 eyes), and incidence of CRVO was 0.3±0.1 per 100 persons. Of 61 patients with an RVO in 2001 and 25 subjects reexamined in 2011, at least 4 subjects (7%) developed a second RVO. Incident BRVOs were located more often in the superior temporal quadrant and inferior temporal quadrant (32% and 34%, respectively) than in the superior nasal quadrant and inferior nasal quadrant (21% and 14%, respectively). In 35 eyes (80% of the BRVO eyes), the BRVO was located at an arteriovenous crossing. At the crossing sites, arterioles were found superficial to venules in 28 eyes (64% of the BRVO eyes). Macular edema was detected in 18 (37%) of all RVO eyes, including 13 (30%) of BRVO eyes. In multivariate logistic analysis, incident RVOs were associated with higher systolic blood pressure (P = 0.01; odds ratio [OR], 1.04), hypertension (P = 0.03; OR, 4.62), lower cognitive function score (P = 0.007; OR, 0.88), blood concentration of cholesterol ≥5.72 mmol/L (P = 0.007; OR, 3.29), and status after cerebral infarction/hemorrhage (P = 0.02; OR, 1.19). Incident RVOs were not significantly related to the intake of aspirin (P=0.37). Conclusions: The 10-year incidence of RVOs in Greater Beijing (1.9±0.1 per 100 persons) was similar to that in other studies on Caucasian populations. The 10-year incidence of RVOs was related to the known risk factors of arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and status after cerebral infarction/hemorrhage, as well as with a lower cognitive function score. Incident BRVO was approximately 6 times more frequent than incident CRVO. Macular edema was detected in approximately 30% of BRVO eyes. Financial Disclosure(s): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel 99mTc 4-(4-cyclohexylpiperazine-1-yl)-butan-1-one-1-cyclopentadienyltricarbonyl technetium ([99mTc]5) as a potential SPECT tracer for imaging of σ2 receptors in tumors. [99mTc]5 was prepared in 25±5% isolated radiochemical yield with radiochemical purity of >99% via double-ligand transfer (DLT) reaction from the ferrocene precursor 2b (4-(4-cyclohexylpiperazine-1-yl)-1-ferrocenylbutan-1-one). The corresponding Re-complex 4 and the ferrocenyl complex 2b showed relatively high affinity towards σ2 receptors in in vitro competition binding assay (K i values of 4 and 2b were 64.4±18.5nM and 43.6±21.3nM, respectively) and moderate to high selectivity versus σ1 receptors (K iσ1/K iσ2 ratios were 12.5 and 95.5, respectively). The log D value of [99mTc]5 was determined to be 2.52±0.33. Biodistribution studies in mice revealed comparably high initial brain uptake of [99mTc]5 and slow washout. Administration of haloperidol 5min prior to injection of [99mTc]5 significantly reduced the radiotracer uptake in brain, heart, lung, and spleen by 40–50% at 2h p.i.. Moreover, [99mTc]5 showed high uptake in C6 glioma cell lines (8.6%) after incubation for 1h. Blocking with haloperidol to compete with [99mTc]5 significantly reduced the cell uptake. Preliminary blocking study in C6-brain-tumor bearing rats showed that [99mTc]5 binds to σ receptors in the brain-tumor specifically. These results are encouraging for further exploration of 99mTc-labeled probes for σ2 receptor tumor imaging in vivo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We demonstrate here that a relative low dose of perifosine significantly enhanced UVB-induced apoptosis in skin cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts), associated with a significant increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ceramide production as well as multiple perturbations of diverse cell signaling pathways, shifting to a significant pro-apoptosis outcomes. Perifosine inhibited UVB-induced pro-survival Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ERK activation, while facilitating pro-apoptotic AMP-activated protein kinas (AMPK), c-Jun-NH2-kinase (JNK), and p53 activation; these signaling changes together promoted a striking increase in skin cell apoptosis and a significantly reduced amount of DNA damages. Our results suggest that perifosine may represent a novel skin cancer prevention strategy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common supraventricular tachycardia in adulthood. Although selective ablation of the slow AV nodal pathway can cure AVNRT, accidental AV block may occur. The details on the electrophysiologic characteristics, quantitative data on the voltage inside Koch''s triangle, and the use of three-dimensional noncontact mapping to facilitate the catheter ablation of AVNRT associated with a high-risk for AV block or other arrhythmias have been limited. Methods and results: Nine patients (M/F =5/4, 34±23 years, range 17–76) with clinically documented AVNRT were included. All patients had undergone previous sessions for slow AV nodal pathway ablation but they had failed, because of repetitive episodes of complete AV block during the RF energy applications. Further, one patient had a complex anatomy and 4 patients were associated with other tachycardias, respectively. The electrophysiologic studies revealed that 4 patients had the slow–fast, 4 the slow–intermediate and one the fast–intermediate form of AVNRT. Noncontact mapping demonstrated two types of antegrade AV nodal conduction, markedly differing sites of the earliest atrial activation during retrograde VA conduction, and a lower range of voltage within Koch''s triangle. The lowest border of the retrograde conduction region was defined on the map, and the application of the RF energy was delivered below that border to prevent the occurrence of AV block. The distance between the successful ablation lesions and the lowest border of the retrograde conduction region was significantly shorter in the patients with the slow–intermediate form of AVNRT than in those with the slow–fast form (5.5±3.4 vs. 15±7.6 mm; p <0.05). After the ablation procedure, either rapid pacing or extrastimulation could not induce any tachycardia, and there was no recurrence during the follow-up (10.3±5.4, 2 to 22 months). Conclusions: Noncontact mapping could effectively demonstrate the antegrade and retrograde atrionodal conduction patterns, electrophysiologic characteristics of Koch''s triangle, and guide the successful catheter ablation in difficult AVNRT cases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) were extracted from Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride using a procedure that obtained a consistent mixture of PMFs both in identity and proportion. The mixture consisted of isosinensetin (0.2%) (1), sinensetin (1.7%) (4), tetramethyl-o-isoscutellarein (0.3%) (5), nobiletin (40.5%) (6), tetramethyl-o-scutellarein (1.2%) (7), tangeretin (45.6%) (10), 5-demethylnobiletin (8.7%) (12), 5-demethyl tangeretin (0.8%) (14) and other flavonoids including heptamethoxyflavone (1.0%) (9), among which, compounds 1, 4, 5, 7 and 9 were identified based on their UV spectra, MS data and elution order described in the literature while compounds 6, 10, 12 and 14 were isolated and identified by UV, IR, MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 2D NMR spectral studies. In addition, compound 14 was isolated and identified for the first time from Citrus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: This study was performed to differentiate upper loop re-entry (ULR) from reverse typical atrial flutter (AFL). Background: Right atrial ULR and reverse typical AFL have different mechanisms and ablation strategies, but similar electrocardiographic characteristics. Methods: This study included 26 patients with reverse typical AFL and 20 patients with ULR. The noncontact mapping system (EnSite-3000, Endocardial Solutions, St. Paul, Minnesota) was used to confirm diagnosis and guide successful radiofrequency ablation. Flutter wave polarity and amplitude in the 12-lead surface electrocardiogram were determined by two independent electrophysiologists. Results: The flutter wave polarity in leads I and aVL was significantly different between the reverse typical AFL and ULR groups (p ≤ 0.001). Voltage measurement revealed significant differences between reverse typical AFL and ULR in leads I, II, aVR, aVF, V1, and V2 (p &#60; 0.001). A new diagnostic algorithm based on negative or isoelectric/flat flutter wave polarity and amplitude ≤0.07 mV in lead I was useful for diagnosis of ULR, with an accuracy of 90% to 97%, a sensitivity of 82% to 100%, and a specificity of 95%. Conclusions: Polarity and voltage measurement of flutter wave in lead I can differentiate reverse typical AFL from ULR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the second component of local virtual unipolar electrograms recorded at the ablation line during coronary sinus (CS) pacing after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) for typical atrial flutter (AFL).Background: Radiofrequency ablation of the CTI can produce local double potentials at the ablation line. The second component of unipolar electrograms represents the approaching wavefront in the right atrium opposite the pacing site. We hypothesized that the morphologic characteristics of the second component of double potentials would be useful in detecting complete CTI block.Methods: Radiofrequency ablation of the CTI was performed in 52 patients (males = 37, females = 15, 62 ± 12 years) with typical AFL. The noncontact mapping system (Ensite 3000, Endocardial Solutions, St. Paul, Minnesota) was used to guide RFA. Virtual unipolar electrograms along the ablation line during CS pacing after RFA were analyzed. Complete or incomplete CTI block was confirmed by the activation sequence on the halo catheter and noncontact mapping.Results: Three groups were classified after ablation. Group I (n = 37) had complete bidirectional CTI block. During CS pacing, the second component of unipolar electrograms showed an R or Rs pattern. Group II (n = 12) had incomplete CTI block. The second component of unipolar electrograms showed an rS pattern. Group III (n = 3) had complete CTI block with transcristal conduction. The second component of unipolar electrograms showed an rSR pattern.Conclusions: A predominant R-wave pattern in the second component of unipolar double potentials at the ablation line indicates complete CTI block, even in the presence of transcristal conduction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]