Search

It is unclear whether β-asarone has a good antidepressant effect and what is the main mechanism in Depression in Parkinson's disease (DPD) model rats. In this study, DPD model rats were screened from 6-OHDA induced rats by sucrose preference test (SPT) and forced swimming test (FST). DPD model rats were divided into eight groups: model group, pramipexole group, β-asarone low-dose group (β-asarone 7.5 group), β-asarone medium-dose group (β-asarone 15 group), β-asarone high-dose group (β-asarone 30 group), 3-MA group, rapamycin group, and PI3K inhibitor group. 28 days after the end of treatment, open field test (OFT), SPT and FST were conducted in rats. The level of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the striatum was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of Beclin-1, p62 in the striatum was determined by western blot. The expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, mTOR, p-mTOR, Beclin-1, and p62 in the hippocampus was determined by western blot. The spine density of neurons in the hippocampus was detected by golgi staining. The results showed that 4-week oral administration of β-asarone improve the motor and depressive symptoms of DPD model rats, and decrease the content of α-syn in the striatum. β-asarone inhibited the expression of autophagy in the striatum of DPD model rats. Furthermore, β-asarone decreased the levels of Beclin-1 protein, increased the expression of p62, p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR, and improved the density of neuron dendritic spine in the hippocampus. We concluded that β-asarone might improve the behavior of DPD model rats by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, inhibiting autophagy and protecting neuron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this study was to examine the correlation between the formation of Aβ plaques and autophagy, which is regulated by β-asarone and the lncRNA BACE1-AS. Additionally, the study sought to explore potential targets of the drug in inhibiting the deposition of toxic AD-related proteins and restoring impaired mitochondrial and autophagic functions. SHY5Y cells were utilized to construct a stable Alzheimer's disease (AD) model, followed by the utilization of interference and overexpression lentiviruses targeting BACE1-AS to establish a cell model. The cells were categorized into five groups, including a normal group, siRNA/BACE1 group, and β-asarone group. The fluorescence quantitative PCR technique was employed to assess the disparity in BACE1 mRNA expression, while changes in immunofluorescence (IF) were observed to determine the stable interference titre and action time of the lentiviruses. Additionally, western blotting (WB) and fluorescence quantitative PCR were employed to evaluate the expression of proteins and mRNAs associated with AD and autophagy. The findings demonstrated a significant elevation in BACE1 expression levels in brain tissue among individuals with AD compared to those without the condition. Moreover, the results indicated that the introduction of β-asarone led to an increase in the expression of the BACE1-AS gene in the cell group transfected with plasmid H12732. Furthermore, it was observed that β-asarone enhanced the expression levels of shRNA and BACE1 after 72 h. In contrast, β-asarone suppressed the expression of PS1, Aβ, BACE1, APP, and p62, while promoting the expression of syn, LC3 I/II, and Beclin-1. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that β-Asarone exerts a comprehensive influence on the expression of proteins associated with AD and synaptic function. β-Asarone exhibits the potential to mitigate Aβ deposition by impeding the expression of lncBACE1, thereby facilitating autophagy through the suppression of BACE1's inhibitory impact on autophagy. This complements the self-enhancing effect of autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acupuncture has demonstrated its efficacy as a treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying acupuncture's effects on PD treatment. Our approach involved several steps. Firstly, we assessed the behavioral changes in PD rats, the modulation of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in the striatum, as well as the alteration in α-synuclein (α-syn) levels in the midbrain, aiming to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in PD treatment. Secondly, we selected endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitors and activators to assess the impact of ER stress on PD rats. Lastly, we utilized an IRE1 inhibitor to observe the influence of acupuncture on the IRE1/XBP1 pathway in PD rats. The findings of this study revealed that acupuncture improved the autonomous motor function, balance ability, coordination, and sensory motor integration function in the PD model rats. Additionally, it increased the levels of DA and 5-HT in the striatum while decreasing the levels of α-syn in the midbrain. Acupuncture also activated the expression of ER stress in the midbrain and upregulated the expression of IRE1/XBP1 in the striatum of PD model rats. Based on these results, we concluded that acupuncture may enhance the behavior of PD rats by activating the IRE1/XBP1 ER stress pathway, associated with the reduction of midbrain α-syn expression and the increase in striatal DA and 5-HT levels in unilateral 6-OHDA lesioned rats. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The rapid antidepressant effect of acupuncture in the animals model of depression. • Acupuncture may be to activating the "glutamate tide" - AMPA receptor activation - BDNF release - mTORC1 pathway activation through inhibiting the expression of M1-AchR in the prefrontal cortex in the animals model of depression. • Acupuncture increasing the expression of synaptic proteins and regulating synaptic plasticity of animals model of depression. It is unclear whether acupuncture has a rapid antidepressant effect and what is the main mechanism. In this study, forced swimming stress test (FST) in mice were divided into five groups: control group, acupuncture group, scopolamine group, arecoline group, and acupuncture + arecoline group. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model rats were divided into six groups: naïve (non-CUMS) group, CUMS group, acupuncture group, scopolamine group, arecoline group, and acupuncture + arecoline group. Twenty-four hours after the end of treatment, FST was conducted in mice and rats. The expression of M1-AchR, AMPA receptors (GluR1 and GluR2), BDNF, mTOR, p-mTOR, synapsin I, and PSD95 in the prefrontal cortex was determined by western blot. The spine density of neurons in the prefrontal cortex was detected by golgi staining. The results showed that acupuncture reduced the immobility time of FST in two depression models. Acupuncture inhibited the expression of M1-AchR and promoted the expression of GluR1, GluR2, BDNF, p-mTOR, synapsin I, PSD95, and increased the density of neuron dendritic spine in the prefrontal cortex. The rapid antidepressant effect of acupuncture may be activating the "glutamate tide" - AMPA receptor activation - BDNF release - mTORC1 pathway activation through inhibiting the expression of M1-AchR in the prefrontal cortex, thereby increasing the expression of synaptic proteins and regulating synaptic plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In order to investigate the fatigue performance of P/M nickel-based superalloy in the presence of defect, a semi-circle defect was prefabricated on the surface of FGH96 specimen, the size of the defect is determined in accordance with the minimum flaw size which can be detected by nondestructive testing (NDT), and then LCF tests of FGH96 specimens with artificial surface defect were carried out. • Different mechanisms of crack initiation from artificial surface defect at room and elevated temperature were discussed. It is supposed that transgranular slipping in the local stress concentration point is mainly responsible for crack initiation from artificial defect at room temperature, however, the formation and fracture of oxide film on the surface of defect and oxidation-induced weakness of grain boundaries can facilitate intergranular crack initiation at elevated temperature. • Life prediction of the specimens based on fracture mechanics was implemented by FRANC3D-ABAQUS co-simulation. This method allows that SIF can be conveniently calculated by finite element method and it is applicable to analysis of arbitrary engineering structure. • Life prediction based on fracture mechanics produces good life prediction results of FGH96 specimens with artificial surface defect which fall within double dispersion band of experimental lives at elevated temperature, but the predicted life is excessively conservative at room temperature. It seems that the proportion of crack initiation process is large at room temperature and decreases at elevated temperature. P/M nickel-based superalloys are widely used in turbine disks, defects such as inclusions and surface scratches inevitably arisen from manufacturing process will exert negative influences on the low-cycle fatigue performance of superalloys and make traditional life prediction method no longer reliable. The residual fatigue life in presence of defect is an important performance index for disc alloy in damage tolerance design criteria. In this work, LCF tests of FGH96 specimens with artificial surface defect were conducted at 600℃, 650℃, 700℃ and room temperature, the size of the defect is determined in accordance with the minimum flaw size which can be detected by NDT technique. The results show that the LCF life of the specimens with artificial surface defect decreases significantly with the increase of temperature and size of defect. Microscopic characterization technique SEM and EDS were executed to investigate the failure mechanism of the specimens, different mechanisms of crack initiation from artificial surface defect at room and elevated temperature were discussed. And then life prediction based on fracture mechanics was carried out by ABAQUS-FRANC3D co-simulation. This method allows that SIF can be conveniently calculated by finite element method and it is applicable to analysis of arbitrary engineering structure. Good life prediction results which fall within double dispersion band of experimental lives were obtained at elevated temperature, but the predicted life is excessively conservative at room temperature because the crack initiation process accounts for a large proportion of fatigue life. It seems that life prediction method based on fracture mechanics is more applicable to specimens with surface defect at elevated temperature due to the shorter crack initiation process. This work has reference significance to the damage tolerance analysis of turbine disks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effects of sustained load on fatigue crack growth behavior at elevated temperature were experimental investigated and the influences of temperature and dwell time were discussed; • An extensive concept of "time-dependent damage" which involving all potential influencing mechanism was established, and its evolution with temperature and dwell time was discussed; • A parameter of effective action time of time-dependent damage was proposed to account for that the time-dependent crack extension in a loading cycle increases with dwell time in a decelerated manner; • A two-term crack growth model considering time-dependent damage was proposed and it is confirmed to be applicable to a wide range of temperature and dwell time under dwell fatigue conditions. Accurate prediction of fatigue crack growth behavior is crucial to damage tolerance assessment of turbine disk. Powder nickel-based superalloy is a kind of preferred material of turbine disk. For the purpose of better understanding the characteristics of its crack growth behavior under dwell fatigue conditions at elevated temperature, dwell fatigue crack growth tests of powder nickel-based superalloy FGH96 were conducted with compliance method at three temperatures (600℃, 650℃, 700℃) and multiple dwell time conditions (from 0 s to 60 s). The results show that sustained load can accelerate fatigue crack growth rate of FGH96 significantly at high temperature, and it is more pronounced with higher temperature and prolonged dwell time. At higher ΔK level, the acceleration effect brought by sustained load seems to diminish, this is ascribed to rapid crack growth rate which leads to insufficient time for time-dependent damage occurring at crack tip zone. The effect of temperature on dwell fatigue crack growth rate is more remarkable from 650℃ to 700℃, compared with that from 600℃ to 650℃. The fatigue crack growth resistance of FGH96 is sensitive to sustained load at 700℃, just 1 s dwell loading can produce remarkable acceleration effect on fatigue crack growth rate. The time-dependent crack extension in a loading cycle increases with dwell time in a decelerated manner. Finally, A phenomenological-based crack growth model considering time-dependent damage was proposed, the comparation between the proposed model and the experiment data confirms that it works well for a wide range of temperature and dwell time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an impact-assessment framework to appropriately assess the impacts of two different types of distributed solar photovoltaic (DPV) installation on a realistic distribution network. To examine the spontaneous customer-based installations, a detailed Monte Carlo-based technique is introduced. For the controlled utility-based installation, a multi-objective optimization problem for the sizing and location of DPV installation is formulated aiming to improve energy loss, voltage deviation, and voltage fluctuation, avoiding reverse power flow and voltage violation. Solar insolation study is performed using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data to estimate the potential of the network for DPV installation. In addition, a synthetic load profile modeling is developed to create yearly electricity load profiles for all the buildings in the given distribution network. The proposed framework is applied to a local distribution network with synthetic load profiles, Geographic Information System (GIS), and realistic solar insolation. It is found that for customer-based installation, voltage violation occurs beyond 30% of DPV penetration level, demonstrating the necessity of utility-based installation scheme for higher penetration ratios. Beyond a specific threshold, the probability of reverse power flow significantly increases in customer-based installation. Therefore, to achieve higher penetration ratios without reverse power flow and other negative impacts, utility-aided installation is necessary. • A detailed hosting capacity assessment with a comparative study of two different PV installation schemes is presented. • Customer-based random installation of distributed rooftop PVs is modeled. • Multi-objective optimization framework of distributed PVs is developed. • Potential of PV installation is calculated using available solar insolation and roof space. • Synthetic load profile modeling is proposed to generate individual load profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain sensitive analytical detection methods, many unique materials have been developed and made them promising candidates for biosensing. In this study, a type of core-shell gold nanorods, GNR@Au 2 S/AuAgS/CuS, possessing peroxidase-like activity was prepared in a simple, facile manner. A colorimetric strategy for detection of blood glucose, insulin and differentiating type 1 and type 2 diabetes was developed based on the unique GNR@Au 2 S/AuAgS/CuS. The sensitive colorimetric approach for detection of glucose in the dynamic range of 2.5–200 μM was first established based on the catalytic performance of GNR@Au 2 S/AuAgS/CuS. Meanwhile, the catalytic activity of the peroxidase-like GNR@Au 2 S/AuAgS/CuS can be regulated by introducing the high affinity and specific reaction between DNA aptamer and insulin on the surface of GNR@Au 2 S/AuAgS/CuS, which allows the colorimetric assay to be extended to the detection of insulin, and a quantitative analysis of insulin based on the specific recognition can be implemented at the range from 0.014 to 1.08 μU/mL. Furthermore, colorimetric approach coupling peroxidase-like performance and specific recognition on the surface of GNR@Au 2 S/AuAgS/CuS nanoparticles was developed to measure glucose/insulin ratio and directly differentiate type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Practical human serum samples were tested and only the glucose/insulin ratio greater than 2.2 (μU/mL) may lead to the appearance of color change. The coupling of this different bioassay on the same nanoparticles reflects the versatility and integration characteristics of the colorimetric assay and is highly promising for improving diabetes management. Image 1 • Core-shell gold nanorods, GNR@Au 2 S/AuAgS/CuS, possessing peroxidase-like activity were prepared with facile method. • A colorimetric assay for detection of blood glucose and insulin was developed based on GNR@Au 2 S/AuAgS/CuS nanoparticles. • Strategy coupling peroxidase-like performance and specific recognition was developed to measure glucose/insulin ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The rapid antidepressant effect of acupuncture in the rats model of DPD. • Acupuncture may be to inhibit the overexpression of autophagy in the rats model of DPD. • Acupuncture regulates synaptic plasticity by activating the mTOR signaling pathway in the brain tissue of DPD model rats. Acupuncture is a good treatment for depression in Parkinson's disease (DPD), so the possible mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of DPD was explored in this study. Firstly, observing the behavioral changes of the DPD rat model, the regulation of monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the midbrain, the change of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the striatum, the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of DPD was discussed. Secondly, autophagy inhibitors and activators were selected to judge the effect of acupuncture on autophagy in the DPD rat model. Finally, an mTOR inhibitor was used to observe the effect of acupuncture on the mTOR pathway in the DPD rat model. The results showed that acupuncture could improve the motor and depressive symptoms of DPD model rats, increase the content of DA and 5-HT, and decrease the content of ɑ-syn in the striatum. Acupuncture inhibited the expression of autophagy in the striatum of DPD model rats. At the same time, acupuncture upregulates p-mTOR expression, inhibits autophagy, and promotes synaptic protein expression. Therefore, we concluded that acupuncture might improve the behavior of DPD model rats by activating the mTOR pathway, inhibiting autophagy from removing α-syn and repairing synapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth of monolayer 2D organic crystal has been an interesting topic in recent years owing to their promising properties. However, it is still a tough challenge to obtain the 2D organic crystal with precise thickness control and uniform morphology. Herein, we reported the fabrication of 2D crystals of alkane molecules C 44 H 90 with only monolayer thickness and tunable size through the simple dip-coating process. Benefitted from the low solubility of the C 44 H 90 and the isotropic Van der Waals interaction, quadrilateral-shape monolayer 2D crystals with size from several micrometers to nearly hundreds of micrometers can be achieved in the dip-coating process. Utilized the X-ray diffraction and high resolution atomic force microscopy, we obtained the clear packing mode of these monolayer crystals. In addition, these smooth 2D crystals show promising application in the thin film transistors by acting as a molecular template layer. It leads to an increment of about one magnitude on the charge mobility owing to the decreasing of both morphology defects and interface traps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Social-media-based improvement index (SMII) was developed for urban renewal. • SMII applies to all attributes of urban renewal in denoting improvement priorities. • SMII is rapid and cost-effectively for decision making. • SMII's capacity was exemplified using park services across scales. Urban renewal to fulfill the updated needs of urban residents is an inevitable product of urbanization at certain stages. And how to effectively prioritize varied attributes to be renewed across scales is a challenging process for urban governance worldwide. This study aimed to fill the existing gaps by merging the prioritization capacity of importance-performance analysis (IPA) and the scalability potential of social media data. The study pioneered establishing a social-media-based improvement index (SMII) for urban renewal. Based on the framework of importance-performance analysis, SMII takes the most overkilled point (the lowest importance but the highest performance) as the origin and calculates the area between other points and the origin. SMII always has the highest value in the quadrant with high importance but low performance. We demonstrate the usage of SMII taking the landscape services of urban park systems as an example. We used SMII to understand the users' evaluation of parks' services across scales and then clarified the priority sequence for future renewal. Among selected parks, we identified three parks that need immediate renewal. Among all the services, we found that recreational activities and social interactions are in highest priority for renewal in Beijing's park systems. The findings suggest that the history and culture services of the Old Summer Place Park need to be improved first for a wide variety of reasons. The findings also reveal multiple temporal changes of varied services. Our study concludes that SMII can clarify problem prioritization and cost-effective guide decision-making for urban park renewal with high scalability both temporally and spatially. Meanwhile, SMII can extend its applications to analyzing various issues in the urban environment on multiple scales for the effective allocation of resources during urban renewal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In some complex energy conversion process system related to hydrogen, as like as an acetylene production process, fuel cell and a H2/O2 power generation cycle, hydrogen can be considered as a process key component. The influence of hydrogen conversion and utilization on the characteristics of energy conversion is very important. This paper presents a new graphic method for thermodynamic analysis and energy integration used in hydrogen systems. The proposed tool, known as the flowrate-exergy diagram (FED), visually and concisely describe the conversion rates of hydrogen and hydrogenous chemicals associating with the exergy loss, based on the second law analysis and the exergy concept. The principles and a series of revelatory criteria for using the FED are also introduced. Based on the analysis of an acetylene production process and a H2/O2 cycle system, a novel acetylene and power polygeneration system was proposed and the validity of the new method was proved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanocrystalline Lu2O3:Eu3+ was prepared by co-precipitation method using ammonium hydrogen carbonate and ammonium oxalic acid as precipitants, respectively. The crystal structure and morphology were analyzed by means of XRD and TEM. The resultant powders were sintered into transparent ceramics in vacuum and then in nitrogen without any additive. The surface morphology of the unpolished sintered specimens was characterized using SEM. The effect of different precipitants on microstructure of the nanopowders and transparency of the ceramics are compared. The excitation and emission spectra of Lu2O3:Eu3+ powders and ceramics were measured at room temperature by using synchrotron radiation as the light source. The fluorescence decay times of all specimens were analyzed. Luminescence of the ceramics decays faster than the corresponding nanopowders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanocrystalline Lu2O3 doping with different Eu3+ concentrations was prepared by co-precipitation method. The crystal structure and morphology were analyzed by means of XRD and HRTEM. The resultant powders were sintered into translucent ceramics in vacuum and then in nitrogen without any additive. The surface morphology of the unpolished sintered specimens was characterized using SEM. The excitation and emission spectra of Lu2O3:Eu3+ powders and ceramics were measured at room temperature by using synchrotron radiation as the light source. Pronounced changes of the spectroscopic properties with increasing Eu3+ content were observed and the reasons were studied. The fluorescent lifetimes of nanopowders shortened obviously with increasing Eu content, but no such effect was observed for the sintered ceramics. Luminescence of ceramics samples decays faster than the corresponding nanopowders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a novel polygeneration system that integrates the acetylene process and the use of fuel cells. The system produces acetylene and power by a process of the partial oxidation/combustion (POC) of natural gas process, a water–gas shift reactor, a fuel cell and a waste heat boiler auxiliary system to recover the exhaust heat and gas from the fuel cell. Based on 584.3kg/h of natural gas feedstock, a POC reactor temperature of 1773K, an absorber pressure of 1.013MPa and a degasser pressure of 0.103MPa, the simulation results show that the new system achieved acetylene production of 1.9MW, net electricity production of 1.7MW, power generation efficiency of 26.8% and exergy efficiency of 43.4%, which was 20.2% higher than the traditional acetylene production process. The new system''s exergy analysis and the flow rate of the products were investigated, and the results revealed that the energy conversion and systematic integration mechanism demonstrated the improvement of natural gas energy conversion efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This review exhibits a pioneering systematic introduction to the design, classification and application of an emerging material, ionic Covalent Organic Frameworks, and elucidates the current problems and future directions. [Display omitted] • Summarized the classification and construction methodology of iCOFs (ionic covalent organic frameworks). • Summarized the current progress of the application of iCOFs. • Commented the advantages and disadvantages of iCOFs. • Provided a guide for future research into creating new iCOFs. Ionic covalent organic frameworks (iCOFs) are an emerging type of crystalline organic polymers that consist of the ionic skeleton and corresponding counterions. As a joint subgroup of porous ionic polymers (PiPs) and COFs, iCOFs can combine the benefits of both PiPs and COFs. Thus, iCOFs demonstrate great potential in many application fields such as ion conduction, life science, adsorption, separation, catalysis, and sensing. In this context, this review straightens the thread of thought toward this seductive material. A comprehensive introduction was expanded in all kinds of synthesis methods, classification features, and application potential. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of iCOFs were analyzed in detail to understand the future developing prospects deeply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Differential privacy and deep learning are combined to alleviate the problem of model privacy leakage. • Differential evolution is used to optimize the learning rate, accelerate the model convergence, and avoid the privacy loss. • The particle swarm optimization method is used to find the optimal weight that satisfies the privacy. • The algorithm in this paper is verified on three data sets, and the accuracy and efficiency are better. In deep learning differential privacy protection, adding noise based on gradient has become a mainstream algorithm, but excessive gradient perturbation noise causes accuracy degradation. To solve this problem, a differential privacy protection algorithm based on differential evolution and particle swarm optimization is proposed to realize hyperparameter optimization in differential privacy, reduce the impact of noise on the model, and effectively improve the accuracy. On the one hand, the differential evolution scheme performs selection, crossover and mutation on learning rate η , make it approach the global optimal solution, and improve the computational efficiency of the algorithm. On the other hand, the particle swarm optimization scheme is adopted. Without changing the parameters and gradient structure, the parameters are optimized by using the network propagation attributes, which reduces the influence of noise on the accuracy. Experiments are performed on three datasets: Cifar10, Mnist and FashionMnist. Compared with the existing differential privacy algorithms, under the same privacy budget, the proposed algorithm has better accuracy and higher efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivating a deeper understanding of the response mechanism of cultural ecosystem services to urbanization is increasingly recognized as a critical component of sustainable governance and land-use decision making. However, except for a range of studies exploring changes in ecosystem services during urbanization that address cultural ecosystem services as merely one service type, few investigations reveal the changing mechanism of cultural ecosystem services in rapid urbanization. To fill this knowledge gap, this study selected Changyang Township, Fangshan District, Beijing as a case to understand the influence of intense urbanization on changes in cultural ecosystem services in the context of Chinese cities. Cultural ecosystem services were classified and mapped based upon a systematic and critical review of previous literature, field surveys, and kernel density analysis. The influence of urbanization on cultural ecosystem services' changes was examined through casual loop diagrams. Urbanization was found to contribute positively to cultural ecosystem services in general, although a reconstruction process revealed that these were initially diminished and then revamped during China's urbanization. The primary development of the land was the key factor contributing to the process by which conventional cultural ecosystem services deteriorated during urbanization, while spatial planning and design facilitated the reconstructions of cultural ecosystem services across larger core areas. Meanwhile, cultural ecosystem services were experienced differently by residents in areas with varied urbanization intensities. This study provides an in-depth analysis and suggestions for primary land development in the Chinese context to achieve sustainable urbanization concerning cultural ecosystem services. In addition, this study enriches the cultural ecosystem services literature from a dynamic lens while highlighting the complexity of recreation as both an experience and a component of cultural ecosystem services. • Urbanization is found to play both negative and positive roles in changing CESs. • There was a destruction and reconstruction process of CESs during urbanization. • Land preparation was the key factor in CESs destruction, and park design represented CESs reconstruction. • Recreation was found to be both a way of experiencing CESs and a component of CESs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) induce oxidative stress, which may initiate ferroptosis, an iron-dependent programmed cell death, during abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation. Mitochondria regulate the progression of ferroptosis, which is characterized by the depletion of mitochondrial glutathione (mitoGSH) levels. However, the mechanisms are poorly understood. This study examined the role of mitoGSH in regulating NET-induced ferroptosis of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) during AAA formation. Concentrations of NET markers were tested in plasma samples. Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining were performed to detect the expression and localization of NET and ferroptosis markers in tissue samples. The role of NETs and SMC ferroptosis during AAA formation was investigated using peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 gene (Padi4) knockout or treatment with a PAD4 inhibitor, ferroptosis inhibitor or activator in an angiotensin II-induced AAA mouse model. The regulatory effect of SLC25A11, a mitochondrial glutathione transporter, on mitoGSH and NET-induced ferroptosis of SMCs was investigated using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect mitochondrial damage. Blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the dimeric and monomeric forms of the protein. Significantly elevated levels of NETosis and ferroptosis markers in aortic tissue samples were observed during AAA formation. Specifically, NETs promoted AAA formation by inducing ferroptosis of SMCs. Subsequently, SLC25A11 was identified as a potential biomarker for evaluating the clinical prognosis of patients with AAA. Furthermore, NETs decreased the stability and dimerization of SLC25A11, leading to the depletion of mitoGSH. This depletion induced the ferroptosis of SMCs and promoted AAA formation. During AAA formation, NETs regulate the stability of the mitochondrial carrier protein SLC25A11, leading to the depletion of mitoGSH and subsequent activation of NET-induced ferroptosis of SMCs. Preventing mitoGSH depletion and ferroptosis in SMCs is a potential strategy for treating AAA. A schematic diagram of main findings. NETs induce iron-mediated cell death in SMCs during AAA formation, accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction. Mechanistically, NETs modulate the stability of the mitochondrial carrier protein SLC25A11, leading to depletion of mitoGSH in SMCs. The stability of mitochondrial carrier protein SLC25A11 results in depletion of mitoGSH in SMCs, which in turn induces iron dysregulation in SMCs and promotes AAA formation. These findings propose several potential targets for the development of novel therapeutics for AAA treatment, including inhibition of NETs formation, mitigation of mitoGSH depletion, and suppression of SMC ferroptosis. [Display omitted] • During AAA formation, NETs regulate the stability of the mitochondrial carrier protein SLC25A11. • SLC25A11 regulated the depletion of mitochondrial glutathione and activation of NET-induced ferroptosis of SMCs. • Preventing mitoGSH depletion and ferroptosis in SMCs is a potential strategy for treating AAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nano-scale Lu3Al5O12 (LuAG) and LuAG:RE3+ (Ce, Eu) phosphors were synthesized through co-precipitation method by using metal nitrates as the starting materials and NH4HCO3 solution as precipitant. Heat treatment was performed in the temperature range from 800 to 1100°C. The crystal structure and morphology were analyzed by means of XRD and TEM. The results indicate that the cubic garnet phase of LuAG is obtained at 900°C, and the particle size varies with the sintering temperature. The excitation spectra in UV and VUV range and the emission spectra of samples RE3+ (Ce, Eu) doped LuAG were measured. YAG:RE3+ (Ce, Eu) powders were also synthesized using the same method. And the spectra of the YAG:RE3+ were compared with that of LuAG:RE3+. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A new toolkit along with a methodology to generate any number of synthetic power grids is introduced. • For generation cost assignment in synthetic power grid modelling an algorithm is proposed. • To validate synthetic power grids a comprehensive framework is developed. • A new metric to measure the realism of synthetic cases is proposed. • Generated synthetic grids are examined based on the validation framework and closeness factor. In this paper, we introduce a comprehensive MATLAB-based toolkit to automatically generate any number of synthetic power grids featuring the same statistical properties of realistic power grids. The AutoSynGrid toolkit takes into account electric topology, bus type, generation capacities, load settings, generation cost models, and transmission line capacities to generate synthetic cases, providing all necessary data for verity of analysis such as power flow and optimal power flow studies. The toolkit is highly parametrized, providing the flexibility for the user to choose different input options, such as reference system, loading level, generation cost model, and bus type entropy to generate synthetic power grid cases with given network size. In addition, we provide a validation framework for the AutoSynGrid toolkit based on topology metrics, electric parameters, state variables, interdependencies, and scaling properties. It examines the generated synthetic cases by using multiple validation metrics that are observed from realistic power grids to assure that they mitigate the predefined criteria. In addition, to measure the realism of generated synthetic cases the closeness factor is defined. The generated synthetic grids are also examined based on the proposed closeness factor using a number of generated random grids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HMLB is degraded by high concentrations of GSH in tumor cells, leading to the release of Mn2+ and LPT. A combination of Mn2+-mediated CDT and dual pathway-activated cGSA-STING immunotherapy is used to inhibit tumor growth. [Display omitted] • HMLB is triggered only inside the tumor to achieve precise treatment of the tumor. • Degradation of HMLB in TME depletes GSH, which enhances the CDT effect of Mn2+. • Large amounts of free Mn2+ can activate the cGAS-STING pathway for immunotherapy. • Released LPT inhibits HER2 and mitigates its antagonistic effect on cGAS-STING. The cyclic-GMP-AMP synthetase stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway is a naturally occurring immune pathway activated by cytosolic DNA. The end products of this pathway are type I interferon (type I IFN) and multiple cytokines, which have been utilized to carry out anti-tumor therapy in recent years. However, human embryonic growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), which is highly expressed in a variety of tumor cells, can inhibit the cGAS-STING pathway through phosphorylation, seriously interfering with the normal expression of this pathway. Therefore, if HER2 inhibition is not taken into account when activating the cGAS-STING pathway, the effectiveness of the STING pathway will be greatly reduced. Herein, we developed a nanosystem hMnO x -LPT@BSA (HMLB) with STING pathway activation for overcoming tumor suppression and enhancing immune response. In the presence of glutathione (GSH), honeycomb MnO x (hMnO x , HM) degraded and released a large amount of Mn2+, which could not only produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill tumor cells through a Fenton-like reaction but also bind to STING pathway components to improve cytosolic DNA detection. In response to the high expression of HER2 in tumor cells, the HER2-specific inhibitor Lapatinib (LPT) was introduced to promote cGAS-STING pathway-based immunotherapy together with Mn2+. The synergistic effect of the dual approach activation of the STING pathway and Mn2+-dependent chemodynamic therapy (CDT) could achieve the goals of inhibiting tumor growth and inducing immune responses. Therefore, we believe that this therapeutic strategy has a promising potential for further clinical translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding of interface electronic property of organic/organic heterostructures is one of the important issues for the development of organic electronics. Herein, we report the visualization of both morphology and interface potential profile of two similar organic/organic heterostructures using Kelvin probe force microscopy. Both heterostructures adopt pentacene molecules as the top layer and using two conjugate oligomers as the bottom layer. Although they show similar morphology but exhibit significant differences in device performance, which can be understood from the results measured with Kelvin probe force microscopy. The 2D surface potential mapping at the organic/organic interface with submonolayer morphology provides a striking contrast between the two heterostrutures, which is directly related to the interface electronic properties. Moreover, a charge transfer effect was clearly observed in the pentacene/ p -6P system which further enhanced the charge transport in the devices. This study provides a simple route to gain thorough understanding of organic/organic interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inoculation with microorganisms is an effective method for promoting compost maturity and quality. This study investigated the effects of different microbial inoculants on compost maturity, nitrogen retention, and the diazotroph community during cotton straw composting. Results revealed that inoculation improved organic matter degradation and compost maturity, increasing the total nitrogen masses by 6.6–33.0% and the total nitrogen by 84.6–112.1%. Particularly, the microbial inoculants containing Anoxybacillus rupiensis, Paenibacillus illinoisensis, and Bacillus velezensis (1:1:1, T1 treatment) exhibited the highest total nitrogen masses and total nitrogen content. Furthermore, inoculation enhanced nitrogenase activity and nifH abundance, and markedly influenced the succession of the diazotroph community, increasing their sensitivity to environmental variables during composting. Furthermore, the total nitrogen, C/N ratios, and moisture content significantly affected the diazotroph community. Results from a network analysis indicated that inoculation affected the co-occurrence patterns among the diazotroph species and increased complexity between diazotrophs. In conclusion, this study provided three promising microbial inoculants for high-quality compost production and a reference for promoting nitrogen retention in cotton straw composting. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic shales deposited in a continental environment are well developed in the Ordos Basin, NW China, which is rich in hydrocarbons. However, previous research concerning shales has predominantly focused on marine shales and barely on continental shales. In this study, geochemical and mineralogical analyses, high-pressure mercury intrusion and low-pressure adsorption were performed on 18 continental shale samples obtained from a currently active shale gas play, the Chang 7 member of Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin. A comparison of all these techniques is provided for characterizing the complex pore structure of continental shales. Geochemical analysis reveals total organic carbon (TOC) values ranging from 0.47% to 11.44%, indicating that there is abundant organic matter (OM) in the study area. Kerogen analysis shows vitrinite reflectance (Ro) of 0.68%–1.02%, indicating that kerogen is at a mature oil generation stage. X-ray diffraction mineralogy (XRD) analysis indicates that the dominant mineral constituents of shale samples are clay minerals (which mainly consist of illite, chlorite, kaolinite, and negligible amounts of montmorillonite), quartz and feldspar, followed by low carbonate content. All-scale pore size analysis indicates that the pore size distribution (PSD) of shale pores is mainly from 0.3 to 60 nm. Note that accuracy of all-scale PSD analysis decreases for pores less than 0.3 nm and more than 10 μm. Experimental analysis indicates that mesopores (2–50 nm) are dominant in continental shales, followed by micropores (<2 nm) and macropores (50 nm–10 μm). Mesopores have the largest contribution to pore volume (PV) and specific surface area (SSA). In addition, plate- and sheet-shaped pores are dominant with poor connectivity, followed by hybrid pores. Results of research on factors controlling pore structure development show that it is principally controlled by clay mineral contents and Ro, and this is different from marine systems. This study has important significance in gaining a comprehensive understanding of continental shale pore structure and the shale gas storage–seepage mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Inoculation promoted nitrogen conversion and inhibits denitrification in composting. • Microbial agents alter the bacterial community and strengthen community replacement. • Enhanced collaboration was observed among functional bacteria. The effects of microbial agents on nitrogen (N) conversion during cotton straw composting remains unclear. In this study, inoculation increased the germination index and total nitrogen (TN) by 24–29 % and 7–10 g/kg, respectively. Inoculation enhanced the abundance of nifH , glnA , and amoA and reduced that of major denitrification genes (nirK , narG , and nirS). Inoculation not only produced high differences in the assembly process and strong community replacement but also weakened environmental constraints. Partial least squares path modelling demonstrated that enzyme activity and bacterial community were the main driving factors influencing TN. In addition, network analysis and the random forest model showed distinct changing patterns of bacterial communities after inoculation and identified keystone microorganisms in maintaining network complexity and synergy, as well as system function to promote nitrogen preservation. Findings provide a novel perspective on high-quality resource recovery of agricultural waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mortality rate of myocardial infarction in China has increased dramatically in the past three decades. Although emergency medical service (EMS) played a pivotal role for the management of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the corresponding data in China are limited. An observational analysis was performed in 26,305 STEMI patients, who were documented in China acute myocardial infarction (CAMI) Registry and treated in 162 hospitals from January 1st, 2013 to January 31th, 2016. We compared the differences such as demographic factors, social factors, medical history, risk factors, socioeconomic distribution and treatment strategies between EMS transport group and self-transport group. Only 4336 patients (16.5%) were transported by EMS. Patients with symptom onset outside, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and presented to province-level hospital were more likely to use EMS. Besides those factors, low systolic blood pressure, severe dyspnea or syncope, and high Killip class were also positively related to EMS activation. Notably, compared to self-transport, use of EMS was associated with a shorter prehospital delay (median, 180 vs. 245 min, P < 0.0001) but similar door-to-needle time (median, 45 min vs. 52 min, P = 0.1400) and door-to-balloon time (median, 105 min vs. 103 min, P = 0.1834). EMS care for STEMI is greatly underused in China. EMS transport is associated with shorter onset-to-door time and higher rate of reperfusion, but not substantial reduction in treatment delays or mortality rate. Targeted efforts are needed to promote EMS use when chest pain occurs and to set up a unique regionalized STEMI network focusing on integration of prehospital care procedures in China. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01874691), retrospectively registered June 11, 2013. • Only 16.5% of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are transported by EMS in China. • Use of EMS is associated with shorter onset-to-door time and higher reperfusion rate among hospitalized STEMI patients. • Setting up a unique regionalized STEMI network focusing on shortening prehospital delay is a main challenge in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Experimental investigation of CLT-concrete composite connections with steel pads. • Comparison of different methods for determining yield points. • Establishment of analytical models for predicting the load-carrying capacity. Cross-laminated timber (CLT)-concrete bolted connections are crucial components of safe and economical composite structures. This work investigates the mechanical behaviour of CLT-concrete connections comprised of CLT panels, concrete blocks and bolt connectors. Fourteen different configurations were tested under the monotonic loading perpendicular or parallel to the grain. The test results indicated that the bending deformation of the bolts mainly occurred at the interface between the CLT panel and concrete block; some cracking appeared in the adhesive layer of all the CLT panels. When calculating the initial stiffness, the secant modulus between 10% and 40% of the peak force is more reasonable than the secant modulus between the origin and 40% of the peak force. The yield points of the CLT-concrete connections were determined by six different methods, and the results were compared and discussed. Furthermore, an analytical model was developed for predicting the load-carrying capacity of CLT-concrete connections with different failure modes. A comparison with experimental results showed that the proposed model can provide a rational estimation of the load-carrying capacity. The outcomes of this study can provide valuable references for future research and structural design of CLT-concrete composite connections in building construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban parks and public open spaces enhance the quality of life for citizens by offering many different services. This is especially important in growing metropoles, where green space is ever scarcer. We assess the impact of park proximity on house prices, paying specific attention to the impact of park size, the role of other green and blue spaces as possible substitutes, and changes in valuation over time. The study relies on an extensive database of residential property transactions of the past 10 years for the area inside the 5th ring road of Beijing. The data captures the housing market in a dynamic period of rapid population increase and surging house prices. We find that large parks have a much larger impact than small parks. For parks larger than 20 ha, price increases can be as large as 6–7 %, compared to <1 % averaged over all parks. Park value decreases significantly, however, with increasing availability of other green and blue spaces, confirming the idea that both are substitutes. Finally, we observe that the appreciation of parks increases over time, and most so for large parks. • Households attach considerably more value to large parks than small parks. • Other green and blue places act as substitutes for parks. • The appreciation of parks grows over time, especially for large parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2.5D C f /SiC composite has been a key heat-resistant ceramic matrix composite (CMC) in aerospace field due to the special structure characteristics. Against the existing research almost focus on 'ablation behavior' in laser processing of CMC, this paper put forward the 'ablation evolution behavior' for the first time, and reveals the 'ablation evolution behavior' in micro-hole machining of 2.5D C f /SiC composites with millisecond laser. The results show that 0° fiber experiences the ablation evolution from filiform connection, flat ellipse, needle-like to convex structure. And the 90° fiber suffers the ablation evolution from cylindrical structure, lotus lead shape, bud-shape to closed shape. The core of the 90° fibers undergoes the topography structures from cylindrical protrusion, spherical protrusion to needle-like. Except for the honeycomb structure studied in existing research, four new recast layer structures, named transverse strip, longitudinal strip, shell structure, and multi-layer structure are found and analyzed. Further, the mechanism analysis reveals that the recast layer contains both oxidized characteristics and highly carbonized characteristics. In addition, the microstructural analysis shows that three types of particle topography adhere to the recast layer, that are spherical micro-protrusion (20–48 μm), bubble particles (5–15 μm), and sub-micron particles (<1 μm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, a red long-lasting phosphor: MgSiO3:Eu2+, Dy3+, Mn2+ was prepared by sol–gel method. The XRD pattern of this phosphor is indexed on a proto-enstatite structure (JCPDS No. 11-0273). Its red long-lasting phosphorescence was confirmed and attributed to the Mn2+ emission. In MgSiO3:Eu2+, Dy3+, Mn2+, the functions of co-doped Eu2+ and Dy3+ ions are affirmed as sensitizers and trap centers, respectively. Further TL study was taken on the trap centers introduced by Dy3+, including fitting of trap depths and frequency factors. Moreover, a long-lasting phosphorescence model of MgSiO3:Eu2+, Dy3+, Mn2+ was suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Over 1000 winter wheat varieties analyzed via UAV hyperspectral imaging. • Deep learning enables pixel-level quantitative regression inversion. • Full-spectrum modeling significantly enhances performance. Previous research on utilizing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing imagery for plant disease detection has predominantly focused on the qualitative identification of healthy and infected plants. Notably, pixel-level regression analysis for the quantification of the wheat stripe rust disease index (DI) using hyperspectral imaging data and deep learning methods is still lacking. Traditionally, quantitative inversion has been achieved by employing radiative transfer model inversion techniques or a combination of vegetation indices and machine learning methodologies. This investigation presents an end-to-end, pixel-level quantitative regression methodology, underpinned by deep learning techniques. This methodology carries substantial importance not only for the accurate assessment of disease distribution maps, but also for an array of common quantitative regression challenges within agricultural systems. For example, the approach can be utilized for the regression inversion of continuous phenotypes, including crop yield and plant height. In this study, 1,560 local wheat varieties (lines) from Henan Province were selected as experimental subjects, resulting in a wide-ranging gradient of DI. Hyperspectral images at a height of 100 m were obtained based on UAVs at different stages of infection. This work utilized a deep learning semantic segmentation method with continuous loss functions such as Laplacian loss to achieve pixel-level regression and end-to-end quantitative inversion of the DI. The performance of models with different loss functions, model architectures and datasets was compared. The optimal results were achieved using the Laplacian + MSE loss function combined with the HRNet_W18 algorithm model, yielding a test set R2 value of 0.875 and an MSE of 0.0129. Incorporating a PSA module further improved the outcomes, resulting in an R2 value of 0.880 and an MSE of 0.0123. Modeling with a limited number of feature indices (e.g., six feature indices) reduced the model recognition performance to 0.829 compared to full-band modeling. These findings suggest that full-band, end-to-end modeling based on deep learning algorithms can lead to superior inversion outcomes and streamline data analysis steps. The insights from this research hold relevance for high-throughput crop phenotyping, plant disease and pest monitoring, and quantitative yield assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel eucalyptus-based oriented oblique strand lumber (ESWood) was proposed. • Considering various eccentricities, the buckling performance of intermediate ESWood columns was presented. • A calculation approach for predicting the inelastic buckling load of intermediate ESWood columns was introduced. Engineered wood-based products manufactured from fast-growing wood species have gained increasing attraction as the demand for using wood in building constructions continues to grow. An innovative oriented oblique strand laminated lumber called Eucalyptus Strand Wood (ESWood) made from fast-growing eucalyptus is presented in this paper. A series of material tests using small clear specimens were carried out to study the basic mechanical properties of the ESWood, while experiments on full-scale columns were conducted to study the buckling behavior of intermediate ESWood columns under centric and eccentric compression. The failure modes and load-carrying capacity of the columns with various eccentricities were reported and evaluated. Efforts were also made to provide a preliminary calculation approach for predicting the critical buckling load of intermediate ESWood columns under both centric and eccentric compression. Based on the analyses presented in this paper, it appears that the oblique strand lamination of ESWood results in great compactness and strength. Compared with the engineered Spruce-pine-fir, wood scrimber, and Glubam, the ESWood has comparable strength to serve as a construction and building material, especially as structural columns. For intermediate ESWood columns under centric and eccentric compression, buckling was observed as the primary failure mode. As the eccentricity increased, the critical buckling load decreased gradually with increasing critical deflection. To predict the inelastic buckling load, Newlin's formula with either the Newlin-Gahagan approach or Yoshihara approach was adopted. The influence of the yielding stress and critical buckling stress estimation was discussed, and the results show that Newlin's formula with Yoshihara approach provides good predictions for the critical load of ESWood intermediate columns. The presented test results and analyses provide basic knowledge for supporting more applications of such fast-growing eucalyptus-based material in building constructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Failure modes of concrete-CLT connections under cyclic loading. • The mechanical properties of connection are investigated. • The UKF is employed to identify the parameters of SAWS model. • Two assessment methods are proposed to evaluate the estimation results. The mechanical characteristics of concrete to cross laminated timber (CLT) connections plays an essential role in a hybrid structure. This study mainly deals with an experimental and numerical study on the load-slip behaviour of concrete-CLT connections under cyclic loading, where six specimens with two different loading types (i.e., parallel and perpendicular to the grain of CLT) were executed. The failure modes of all specimens were the bolts shear off at the location of the interface between concrete and CLT, associated with the cracking and splitting of CLT panels depending on loading directions. Then the numerical model whose nonlinearity is concentrated on the spring element is created. To calibrate the model parameters, the procedure of parameter estimation using unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is employed to identify the parameters of a hysteresis model. Two assessment methods, including the equivalent energy elastic-plastic curve assessment and an energy-based damage assessment, are used to comprehensively evaluate the estimated result. The model estimate is consistent with the experimental result, demonstrating the identified parameters having good accuracy. The calibrated parameters of a hysteresis model provide a good database when such type of connections are incorporated into a finite element model of a structural system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the failure rate for internal fixation in patients with osteoporosis can be reduced by antiosteoporosis therapy alone. However, the administration of anti-osteoporotic drugs is not a complete solution. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate other causes of surgical failure, such as inflammation. In recent years, the inflammation caused by macrophage M1 polarization has garnered wide attention. The purpose of this research is to explore the inhibitory effect of avicularin (AL) on macrophage M1 polarization, by which it ameliorates inflammation, thus alleviating implant instability. We established an osteoporosis mouse model of implant loosening. The mouse tissues were taken out for morphological analysis, staining analysis and bone metabolic index analysis. In in vitro experiments, bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) and RAW264.7 cells were polarized to M1 macrophages using lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and analyzed by immunofluorescence (IF) staining, Western blot (WB) and flow cytometry. WB was also used to analyze the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway. In addition, the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected in cell supernatant using ELISA kits. Through observation of this experiments, we found that AL can inhibit M1 polarization of macrophages. Moreover, it can significantly inhibit the release of inflammatory factors to improve multiple mouse femur parameters. Furthermore, AL inhibited the phosphorylation of IKBα and P65 in the NF-κB pathway. The above data indicate that AL ameliorates inflammatory responses by inhibiting macrophage M1 polarization via its inhibitory effect on the NF-κB pathway, thus alleviating the instability of implants in mice with osteoporosis. [Display omitted] • AL inhibited bone loss around implants in an osteoporosis mouse model. • AL relieved local inflammation by suppressing macrophage M1 polarization. • AL decreased the levels of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 cells. • AL inhibited LPS-induced macrophage M1 polarization by blocking the NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This registry firstly revealed a strong positive association between fasting SHR and in-hospital mortality in AMI patients with and without diabetes. • The prognostic powers of fasting SHR for in-hospital mortality were similar in patients with different glucose metabolism status. • Adding fasting SHR to the original model provided incremental predictive value of in-hospital mortality in patients with and without diabetes. • Fasting SHR should be considered as a useful marker for risk stratification in AMI patients regardless of glucose metabolism status. To evaluate the predictive value of fasting stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) for in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) under different glucose metabolism status. We evaluated 5,308 AMI patients from the prospective, nationwide, multicenter China Acute Myocardial Infarction (CAMI) registry, of which 2,081 had diabetes. Fasting SHR was calculated by the formula [(first fasting plasma glucose (mmol/l))/(1.59 × HbA1c (%)-2.59)]. Patients were divided into high and low fasting SHR groups according to the optimal fasting SHR thresholds to predict in-hospital mortality for patients with and without diabetes, respectively. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. The optimal cutoff values of SHR were 1.06 and 1.26 for patients with and without diabetes. Patients with high fasting SHR presented higher in-hospital mortality than those with low fasting SHR in both cohorts with diabetes (7.9% vs 2.2%; OR adjusted 3.159, 95% CI 1.932–5.165; OR IPTW 3.311, 95%CI 2.326–4.713) and without diabetes (10.1% vs 2.5%; OR adjusted 3.189, 95%CI 2.161–4.705; OR IPTW 3.224, 95%CI 2.465–4.217). The prognostic powers of fasting SHR for in-hospital mortality were similar in patients with different glucose metabolism status. Moreover, adding fasting SHR to the original model led to a significant improvement in C-statistic, net reclassification, and integrated discrimination regardless of diabetes status. This study firstly demonstrated a strong positive association between fasting SHR and in-hospital mortality in AMI patients with and without diabetes. Fasting SHR should be considered as a useful marker for risk stratification in AMI patients regardless of glucose metabolism status. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01874691. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of personal care products have been classified as emerging contaminants (ECs). Occurrence, fate, spatial and vertical profiles of 13 ultraviolet absorbents, triclocarban (TCC) and its dechlorinated products, triclosan (TCS), 2-phenylphenol and parabens were investigated in riverine and estuarine sediment of the Pearl River catchment, China. Bisphenol A (BPA), a widely applied plasticizer, was also investigated. The ECs were widely present in the bed sediment. TCC was the most abundant with a maximum concentration of 332 ng g −1 dry weight. The other prominent ECs included BPA, TCS, octocrylene, and benzotriazole UV stabilizers UV326 and UV328. Treated wastewater effluent was the major source of the ECs in the riverine sediment. TCC, BPA, TCS, methyparaben, UV531, UV326, and UV328 were also detected throughout the estuarine sediment cores, indicating their persistence in the sediment. Temporal trends of the ECs in the sediment cores reflected a combined effect of industrial development, population growth, human life quality improvement, and waste treatment capacity in the Pearl River Delta over the last decades. TCC dechlorination products were frequently detected in the bed sediment with higher levels near treated effluent outlets but only occasionally observed in the sediment cores, suggesting insignificant in-situ TCC dechlorination in the sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many existing methods for frame deletion detection attempt to detect abnormal periodical artifacts in video stream, however, due to a number of reasons, the periodical artifacts can not always be reliably detected. In this paper, we propose a new method for frame deletion detection. Rather than detecting abnormal periodical artifacts, we devise two features to measure the magnitude of variation in prediction residual and the number of intra macro blocks. Based on the devised features, we propose a fused index to capture abnormal abrupt changes in video streams. We create a dataset which consists of 6 subsets, and test the detection capability of our method in both video level and GOP (Group of Pictures) level. The experimental results show that the proposed method performs stably under various configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient route for the construction of 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzonitrile-substituted dithiocarbamic acid esters via selective C–F bond cleavage of pentafluorobenzonitrile is proposed. This procedure combines the nucleophilic addition of various nitrogen anion to C S moiety and the nucleophilic substitution of the in situ formation of thiocarboxylate anion with pentafluorobenzonitrile in one-pot and enables a rapid access to the products in moderate to excellent yields. The synthesized product is a promising intermediate for further transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), including antibiotics, azole anti-fungals, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, lipid regulators, parabens, antiseptics, and bisphenol A, were investigated in groundwater and reservoirs in the vicinity of two municipal landfills in the metropolis of Guangzhou, South China. Dehydroerythromycin, sulfamethoxazole, fluconazole, salicylic acid, methylparaben, triclosan, and bisphenol A were the mostly frequently detected PPCPs in the groundwater at low ng L − 1 levels. In the reservoirs, the PPCPs were widely detected at higher frequencies and concentrations, especially sulfamethoxazole, propiconazole, and ibuprofen, with maximal concentrations above 1 μg L − 1 . The PPCPs in the groundwater did not show significant seasonal differences or spatial trends. However, in the reservoirs, higher PPCP concentrations were observed in spring than in other seasons. The anti-bacterials in the groundwater posed medium risks to algae. In the reservoirs, the sulfonamides and macrolides posed low to high risks, while ibuprofen, salicylic acid, and clofibric acid presented low to medium risks to aquatic organisms. Overall, the results showed that the PPCP contaminants and subsequent ecological risks in the groundwater and surface water in the vicinity of the landfills may be of serious concern. More research is needed to better correlate the landfill leachates and PPCP contamination in the nearby aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] How to introduce the two doses of MMR in current Expanded Program on Immunization has not been established in China. [•] This is the first study to the best of our knowledge in China to evaluate the immunogenicity of 2-dose MMR program. [•] The MMR was well tolerated and immunogenic against measles, mumps and rubella regardless of different time schedules. [•] We strongly suggested that two doses of MMR can and should be introduced in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Occurrence and behavior of six antiviral pharmaceuticals (acyclovir, ganciclovir, oseltamivir, ribavirin, stavudine and zidovudine) and one active metabolite oseltamivir carboxylate were investigated in wastewater, landfill leachate, river water, reservoir and well water in the vicinity of municipal landfills in the Pearl River Delta, China. Acyclovir was the only antiviral detected in the wastewater at 177–406 (mean=238) and 114–205 (mean=154) ngL−1 in the influent and final effluent, respectively. Aerobic biodegradation appeared to be the main process for the elimination of acyclovir in the wastewater. Acyclovir was also the only antiviral quantitatively detected in the Pearl River and its tributaries, with a maximum concentration up to 113ngL−1. Treated wastewater was a major source of acyclovir in the rivers. The highest concentration of acyclovir was observed in winter in the river water and the dilution effect by precipitation was suggested to be the dominant factor impacting the seasonal pattern of acyclovir in the rivers. No antivirals were quantitatively detected in the well water whereas acyclovir was frequently detected in the reservoirs at a maximal concentration of 33.6ngL−1 in the vicinity of the municipal landfills. However, source identification and fate of acyclovir in the reservoirs pend on further research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The conversion of desert to farmland may change not only surface soils but also deeper soils due to massive irrigation and fertilization. However, limited information exists on the response of microorganisms throughout the soil profile to long-term crop development in desert regions. The shifts in the microbial community were investigated in relation to soil depth (0–2 m) and years of reclamation, as well as their relationship to soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in an irrigated arid area of northwest China. Oasis farmlands cultivated for 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, and > 100 years were compared with adjacent deserts. Total phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), bacterial PLFAs, and microbial biomass and activity within the whole profile increased from the beginning of farming and peaked at 20 years post-reclamation. Fungal and actinomycete PLFAs decreased in the beginning of reclamation but increased after 10 years and peaked at 20 years. Microbial community composition was dynamic within the first 10 years of reclamation and tended to become stable thereafter. During oasis formation, the carbon to nitrogen ratio of microbial biomass decreased from 9.0–10.5 to 7.2–8.0; the fungi to bacteria ratio decreased from 0.3–0.5 to 0.2–0.3, and the gram-positive to gram-negative bacteria ratio (GP:GN) increased from 0.3–0.4 to 0.4–0.6. Increases in microbial abundance and shifts in community structure were positively correlated with SOC accumulation. Redundancy analysis indicated that microbial changes were closely associated with increased soil moisture and nutrients and decreased salinity and pH. We believe the predominant factor driving microbial community shifts and soil carbon accumulation is the increased input of plant residue due to enhanced water and nitrogen availability after desert reclamation. This study emphasizes the significance of the microbial changes and the close association between increased GP:GN and SOC accumulation during oasis formation, especially in deeper soils (0.6–2.0 m). • Oasis formation increases microbial abundance and activity in soil profiles (0–2 m). • Above parameters reach peak and remain stable after 20 years of desert reclamation. • Oasis formation also causes microbial community shifts throughout the soil profile. • Soil water and N availability are key to microbial shifts and SOC accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The increasing proportions of adult cases were observed in the recent measles outbreaks in Zhejiang Province, China. In order to identify the high-risk age groups of measles for targeted intervention, a seroprevalence survey of measles antibody was conducted among 1961 participants aged 0–60 years randomly selected by age-stratified purpose sampling, and the effect of revaccination program in secondary school was evaluated in Zhejiang Province. The adjusted overall seropositivity rate of measles was 88% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 86–89%) with geometric mean titers (GMT), 976±86mIU/ml. The seropositivity rate of measles was significantly lower in subjects aged 15–19 years than aged 5–9 years (90% vs 96%, χ 2 =5.21, p =0.022). Both seropositivity rate and GMT level of measles were higher in participants aged 10–14 years with ≥2 doses MCV than those with only 1 dose (95% vs 81%, 1276mIU/ml vs 666mIU/ml). The seropositivity rate increased from 91% to 100% after revaccination with MCV among 184 secondary school students. The proportions of measles cases aged ≥15 years were reduced gradually (χ 2 =55.47, p =0.000) from 2009 to 2011 after implementing the revaccination campaign on secondary school students since 2008. Our findings strongly suggested that a revaccination opportunity with MCV for adolescents helps to improve the population immunity, and it can be conducted effectively and practically in secondary school students. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Residue of azole antifungals in the environment is of concern due to the environmental risks and persistence. Distribution, behavior, and fate of frequently used azole antifungal pharmaceuticals were investigated in wastewater at two sewage treatment plants (STPs) in China. Fluconazole, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole were constantly detected at 1–1834ngL−1 in the wastewater. The latter four were also ubiquitously detected in sewage sludge. Fluconazole passed through treatment in the STPs and largely remained in the final effluent. On the contrary, biotransformation and sorption to sludge occurred to the other azoles. Ketoconazole was more readily bio-transformed, whereas clotrimazole, econazole, and miconazole were more likely to be adsorbed onto and persisted in sewage sludge. Lipophilicity plays the governing role on adsorption. The highest concentrations in the raw wastewater were observed in winter for the azole pharmaceuticals except for fluconazole. The seasonal difference was smoothed out after treatment in the STPs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As a kinetic process, chemiluminescence (CL) met great challenges while it was used in the detection methods coupled with capillary electrophoresis (CE). In this investigation, a newly recorded ultra-fast CL reaction of luminol–KIO4–K3Fe(CN)6 was observed to be completed in 0.65s. It was adopted in a simple CE-CL system efficiently to avoid the peak-tailing and overlapping. With this compact system, an indirect determination of rhamnose, d-fructose, sucrose and β-cyclodextrin was realized based on the corresponding negative CL peaks. These peaks were due to the displacement of luminol anions by the analyzed saccharide molecules in alkaline separation electrolyte. In this way, these four saccharides could be separated and determined in 16min with adequate sensitivities and stabilities. No derivatization or pretreatment was required for the analysis, and it presents an attractive opportunity for routine tests of mono-, di- and oligo-saccharides in a compact CE-CL system, even as a microchip device. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gas sensors based on organic field effect transistors have attracted great attentions and achieved much progress because of their inherent merits such as low-cost, room operating temperature, good portability and flexibility. However, high sensitivity and good selectivity are still challenging issues blocking their further development. Herein, we demonstrate a promising strategy for fabricating high selective organic gas sensors through introducing surface modification. Modified substrate with different self-assembling monolayers (SAMs), the sensing properties of polymer OFET gas sensors are varied with terminal group attached on the SAM. The bare device shows significant sensitive to NH 3 , while it becomes much more sensitive to NO 2 if a fluorine substituent SAM adopted. The NH 2 -terminal SAM and CH 3 -terminal SAM bring moderate sensitivity to gases like NH 3 and NO 2. Those various sensitivity and device parameter evolution are promising to generate a patterning recognition for different gases, which may provide a potential promising approach for improving selectivity of organic gas sensors. Image 1 • Polymer transistors with varied performance was achieved based on a series of SAM modification. • Gas sensitivities to several gases ranging from oxidative to reductive are critically dependent on the end group of SAM molecules. • Polymer transistor with F-SAM present a high sensitivity up to 780% to NO 2. • Multiple parameter variations based on the series of devices provide a potential pattern recognition to discriminate gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new model combined with NIR spectroscopy is proposed to identify diesel oil brands. • XGBoost ensemble learning successfully applied in NIR spectroscopy field. • SMOTE oversampling technology has advantages in balancing unbalanced samples. • 5 models are compared for diesel brands identification. • The proposed model has the highest recognition rate. • The proposed model can improve the recognition accuracy of rare samples. Using proper diesel brand is the key to ensure the normal operation of diesel engine. It is even more important to identify the brands of diesel oil effectively. This paper presented a new model of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) identification of diesel oil brands that combined Tree-based feature selection, Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) ensemble learning in order to achieve the goal of high accuracy and rapidity. To further demonstrate the practical effect of the proposed ensemble method, it was compared with a single decision tree (DT) classifier based on classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm. As a result, the recognition rate of Tree-SMOTE-XGBoost model proposed in this paper was 19.33% higher than that of XGBoost model, and 9.25% higher than that of Tree-SMOTE-DT model. More importantly, it can ensure the accuracy of each class under the premise of serious imbalance of classes. The proposed method saves manpower and material resources, and provides a new alternative approach for diesel brands identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]