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Cartilage tissue engineering holds great promise for efficient cartilage regeneration. However, early inflammatory reactions to seed cells and/or scaffolds impede this process. Consequently, managing inflammation is of paramount importance. Moreover, due to the body's restricted chondrogenic capacity, inducing cartilage regeneration becomes imperative. Thus, a controlled platform is essential to establish an anti-inflammatory microenvironment before initiating the cartilage regeneration process. In this study, we utilized fifth-generation polyamidoamine dendrimers (G5) as a vehicle for drugs to create composite nanoparticles known as G5-Dic/Sr. These nanoparticles were generated by surface modification with diclofenac (Dic), known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects, and encapsulating strontium (Sr), which effectively induces chondrogenesis, within the core. Our findings indicated that the G5-Dic/Sr nanoparticle exhibited selective Dic release during the initial 9 days and gradual Sr release from days 3 to 15. Subsequently, these nanoparticles were incorporated into a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel, resulting in GelMA@G5-Dic/Sr. In vitro assessments demonstrated GelMA@G5-Dic/Sr's biocompatibility with bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs). The enclosed nanoparticles effectively mitigated inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 macrophages and significantly augmented chondrogenesis in BMSCs cocultures. Implanting BMSCs-loaded GelMA@G5-Dic/Sr hydrogels in immunocompetent rabbits for 2 and 6 weeks revealed diminished inflammation and enhanced cartilage formation compared to GelMA, GelMA@G5, GelMA@G5-Dic, and GelMA@G5/Sr hydrogels. Collectively, this study introduces an innovative strategy to advance cartilage regeneration by temporally modulating inflammation and chondrogenesis in immunocompetent animals. Through the development of a platform addressing the temporal modulation of inflammation and the limited chondrogenic capacity, we offer valuable insights to the field of cartilage tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To consider the effects of plastic damage caused by compaction procedure on the tensile fatigue life of stranded copper conductors, the fatigue life estimation method based on the fatigue damage evolution model was applied to estimate the tensile fatigue life of stranded copper conductors with two different compaction degrees. The macroscopic and mesoscopic elastic-plastic constitutive models of TU2 oxygen-free copper material based on mixed hardening theory and two-scale theory were constructed and the user defined material subroutines (UMAT) for these two models were programmed. The estimation results were compared with fatigue test results and verified the good applicability and accuracy of the applied method on the tensile fatigue life estimation of stranded copper conductors. The effects of the plastic damage caused by the compaction procedure on the tensile fatigue life of stranded copper conductors were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lightweight high-pressure hydrogen storage vessels composed of polymer liner and composite reinforced layers have attracted more and more attention. In this research, a 2D axisymmetric finite element model was proposed to predict the damage evolution, failure strength and failure mode of the composite overwrapped pressure vessels, in which a user subroutine UMAT based on Hashin failure criteria was introduced to simulate the progressive damage properties of the composite material. The FE models are validated by comparison with the experimental results, and the error between the numerical simulation results and the experimental results was within 10%. It is found that vessels with different lay-up schemes might burst in different locations. Parametric studies are performed to obtain a critical ratio of hoop and helical layers to keep the vessel burst in safe mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have found extensive use in delivering oncology therapeutics; however, some delivery vehicles still exhibit rapid immune clearance, lack of biocompatibility and insufficient targeting. In recent years, bionanoparticles constructed from tumour cell membranes have gained momentum as tumour-targeting therapeutic agents. Cancer cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (CC MCNPs) typically consist of a drug-loaded nanoparticle core coated with cancer cell membrane. CC MCNPs retain homologous tumour cell surface antigens, receptors and proteins, and it has been shown that the modified nanoparticles exhibit better homologous targeting, immune escape and biocompatibility. CC MCNPs are now widely used in a variety of cancer treatments, including photothermal, photodynamic and sonodynamic therapies, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, chemodynamical therapy or other combination therapies. This article presents different therapeutic approaches using multimodal antitumour therapy--combination of two or more therapies that treat tumours synergistically--based on tumour cell membrane systems. The advantages of CC MCNPs in different cancer treatments in recent years are summarised, thus, providing new strategies for cancer treatment research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is crucial in induction of innate immune response through recognition of invading pathogens or endogenous alarming molecules. Ligand-triggered dimerization of TLR4 is essential for the activation of NF-κB and IRF3 through MyD88- or TRIF-dependent pathways. Saquinavir (SQV), an FDA-approved HIV protease inhibitor, has been shown to attenuate the activation of NF-κB induced by HMGB1 by blocking TLR4-MyD88 association in proteasome independent pathway. This study aims to define whether SQV is an HMGB1-specific and MyD88-dependent TLR4 signaling inhibitor and which precise signaling element of TLR4 is targeted by SQV. Materials and Methods: PMA differentiated human THP-1 macrophages or reconstituted HEK293 cells were pretreated with SQV before stimulated by different TLR agonists. TNF-a level was evaluated through ELISA assay. NF-κB activation was analyzed using NF-κB SEAP reporting system. The levels of MyD88/TRIF pathways-related factors were examined by immunoblot. TLR4 endocytosis was assessed by immunocytochemistry. TLR4 dimerization was determined using immunoprecipitation between different tagged TLR4 and an in silico molecular docking experiment was performed to explore the possible binding site of SQV on its target. Results: Our data showed that SQV suppresses both MyD88- and TRIF-dependent pathways in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a critical sepsis inducer and TLR4 agonist, leading to downregulation of NF-κB and IRF3. SQV did not suppress MyD88-dependent pathway triggered by TLR1/2 agonist Pam3csk4. In the only TRIF-dependent pathway, SQV did not alleviate IRF3 phosphorylation induced by TLR3 agonist Poly(I:C). Furthermore, dimerization of TLR4 following LPS or HMGB1 stimulation was decreased by SQV. Conclusion: We concluded that TLR4 receptor complex is one of the mammalian targets of SQV, and TLR4-mediated immune responses and consequent risk for uncontrolled inflammation could be modulated by FDA-approved drug SQV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotating detonation experiments with 220 mm outer diameter of combustor are carried out. The experiment used aviation kerosene (RP-3) as fuel and hot air as oxidant. Under the condition that the air flow at the inlet of the combustor is kept constant, when the blockage ratio is 50%, 65%, 75% and 90% respectively, the detonation is successfully initiated and works stably in the experiment. Temperature rise method was used to calculate the combustion efficiency of the rotating detonation combustor outlet. Through sampling, the gas at the rotating detonation combustor outlet was analyzed, and the complete combustion rate based on carbon atoms (CCR) was obtained. There is an optimal blockage ratio and equivalent ratio so that the combustion efficiency and CCR of the rotating detonation combustor reach the maximum value during the experiment. The mode of detonation wave is mainly double-wave collision mode. If the blockage ratio is too large, the propagation mode of detonation wave will change from two wave collision mode to axial pulse mode. At this time, the combustion efficiency and CCR will be greatly reduced. When the blockage ratio is constant, increasing the air flow rate is helpful to improve the combustion efficiency and CCR, and broad the working range of the rotating detonation combustor. The change of air flow rate at combustor inlet has little influence on the wave velocity of detonation wave, and the propagation mode of detonation wave is still two-wave collision mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of compaction degrees of 120 mm2 stranded copper conductors on their fatigue performance was investigated. Conductors with two different compaction degrees were fatigue tested in tension-tension loading and the fatigue data for the two sets of conductors seemed not to fell within the same scatter band. Wires of stranded copper conductors were deformed due to the compaction procedure applied during fabrication. The fatigue data were adjusted considering the stress concentrations due to the deformation and the adjusted data fell within the same scatter band. Then the influence analysis of compaction degrees was performed. The compaction procedure was simulated by using finite element method and the results were compared with real conductors. A simplified fitting formula was proposed to describe the quantitative relationship between fatigue life and compaction degrees of copper conductors and a predicted fatigue life table was concluded which is helpful for cable design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale rotating detonation experiments with a 500 mm outer diameter combustor are carried out in this study. The experiment used aviation kerosene (RP-3) as fuel and hot air as oxidant. Detonation is successfully initiated between the equivalent ratio of 0.85 and 1.20. The engine works steadily for 2 s and 3 s. The detonation wave modes are two-wave collision. The average speed of detonation wave is between 920 m/s and 980 m/s. The detonation wave velocity increases with the increase in equivalence ratio, and when the equivalence ratio exceeds 1.0, the increasing trend of detonation wave slows down. Through sampling and analysis of detonation gas, it is found that the uneven distribution of fuel supply pressure in large-scale rotating detonation experiment results in inconsistent local equivalent ratio and uneven combustion. The complete combustion rate based on carbon atoms is used to evaluate the combustion completeness of detonation. With the increase in equivalent ratio, the combustion changes from deflagration to detonation, and the detonation combustion completeness gets better. The combustion completeness of detonation wave is the best near the appropriate chemical equivalent ratio. Once the equivalent ratio exceeds 1.0, then oil-rich combustion occurs and the strength of the detonation wave becomes weaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has recently seen a substantial increase in integrated rice-crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) culture (IRCC). However, grain yield reductions (GYR) with rice plants having normal vegetative growth but failed filling are becoming common in IRCC, and the driving factors remain unclear. Here, we tried to identify the mechanisms behind this GYR mode in the Jianghan Plain, China, by investigating the soil properties, grain yield parameters, and plant mineral content in five IRCC plots experiencing GYR and an adjacent paddy-upland rotation plot (CK). The results showed slight to extreme GYR (11–82%) in the IRCC plots compared to those in CK. The translocation of phosphorus from shoot to grain during the productive stage of rice plants was inhibited in IRCC plots (26–71%) compared to CK (75%). The grain yield and phosphorus translocation coefficient correlated strongly (r > 0.95) with zinc uptake in aboveground rice organs which was significantly lower in IRCC than in CK. We conclude that this GYR in IRCC plots is not due to decreased macronutrients availability or heavy metals toxicity in IRCC soils, but the insufficient uptake of zinc by IRCC rice plants. We recommend Zn foliar spray or introducing Zn efficient rice cultivars as potential mitigation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, the relationship between conjunctivitis and air pollutants has been widely concerned, but the conclusions are not very unified. This study aims to explore the short-term effects of ambient ozone (O3) on the conjunctivitis outpatient visits in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. A quasi-Poisson model combined with the distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was performed to study the short-term effects of O3 on the risk of outpatient visits for conjunctivitis, after controlling the effects of temperature, relative humidity and wind speed. Taking the median concentration of O3 as a reference, the moderate high O3 (75th percentile) showed the largest effect estimates for single and cumulative lag effects at lag 4 (RR 1.013, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.006–1.019) and lag 0–10 (RR 1.075, 95%CI 1.025–1.128), respectively. Our study suggested that the moderate high O3 increased the chances of conjunctivitis outpatient visits and had an evident lag effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the two-dimensional (2D) Roesser model, this paper focuses on the asynchronous controller design for directional 2D Markov jump systems (MJSs). Considering the more practical situation that the modes of the 2D MJSs in the horizontal and vertical directions are independent, and the system modes are asynchronous with that of the controller, the directional 2D MJSs are proposed and the asynchronous controller is designed, respectively. Based on the Lyapunov theory, a sufficient condition for the mean square exponential stability of the controlled directional 2D MJSs is given. Moreover, the partially unknown transition probabilities in systems and controllers are considered. Finally, an example is given to illustrate that the proposed method is effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), one of the most common subtypes of lung cancer, is a leading cause of cancer-caused deaths in the world. It has been well demonstrated that a deep understanding of the tumor environment in cancer would be helpful to predict the prognosis of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the tumor environment in LUSC, and to construct an efficient prognosis model involved in specific subtypes. Four expression files were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Three datasets (GSE19188, GSE2088, GSE6044) were considered as the testing group and the other dataset (GSE11969) was used as the validation group. By performing LUSC immune subtype consensus clustering (CC), LUSC patients were separated into two immune subtypes comprising subtype 1 (S1) and subtype 2 (S2). Weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were performed to identify and narrow down the key genes among subtype 1 related genes that were closely related to the overall survival (OS) of LUSC patients. Using immune subtype related genes, a prognostic model was also constructed to predict the OS of LUSC patients. It showed that LUSC patients in the S1 immune subtype exhibited a better OS than in the S2 immune subtype. WGCNA and LASSO analyses screened out important immune subtype related genes in specific modules that were closely associated with LUSC prognosis, followed by construction of the prognostic model. Both the testing datasets and validation dataset confirmed that the prognostic model could be efficiently used to predict the OS of LUSC patients in subtype 1. We explored the tumor environment in LUSC and established a risk prognostic model that might have the potential to be applied in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BABY BOOM (BBM) subfamily of the AP2/ERF transcription factor family is the main regulator of totipotency in plant cells and plays an important role in regulating cell proliferation and plant growth and development. Previously, we identified GmBBM7, a key gene of the soybean BBM gene subfamily (GmBBM family). In this study, we aimed to analyze its molecular characteristics and role in somatic embryogenesis in soybean. First, we identified 17 members of GmBBM family. Phylogenetic and collinear analyses revealed that the GmBBM family genes mainly exhibited a strong genetic relationship with the those of PvBBM family, the BBM family of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Analysis of the promoters revealed that GmBBM family genes were mainly regulated by plant hormones. The expression of GmBBM7 varied in various tissues of soybean. Particularly, it was higher in the roots, immature embryos, grains and callus. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that GmBBM7 encodes a nuclear protein. Furthermore, overexpressed GmBBM7 could significantly enhance callus formation by regulating the levels of gibberellin A1, A3 and A7; abscisic acid; and salicylic acid and could promote root growth and development. In summary, GmBBM7 is an important regulatory gene for somatic embryogenesis and root elongation in soybean. GmBBM7 overexpression in soybean could increase the callus formation rate and density through hormonal pathways and could increase root growth. This study provided theoretical basis for efficient breeding of soybean via gene editing, transgenic and other techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns the issue of finite-time dissipative asynchronous output feedback control for a wind turbine system that can be modelled as Markov jump Lur'e systems. Due to quantisation, time delays and ubiquitous data dropouts, the actual controller modes in practical application cannot always operate synchronously with the plant modes. To conquer this difficulty, a hidden Markov model is employed to provide some estimated modes information for controlling. In addition, by the Lyapunov function approach and linear matrix inequality technology, sufficient conditions are developed to guarantee finite-time boundedness of the continuous-time closed-loop system subject to strictly (U , G , V) -α-dissipative performance. Finally, a simulation example of a wind turbine system is given to verify the correctness and applicability of the proposed controller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sargentodoxa cuneata (Oliv.) Rehd. et Wils is a traditional Chinese medicine to treat acute appendicitis, rheumarthritis, abdominal pain, and painful menstruation for a long history. The investigation of S. cuneata led to the isolation and identification of twenty-three secondary metabolites, including two new compounds, sargentodoxosides A (1) and B (2), and twenty-one known ones (3-23). Their structural characterization was conducted by HRESIMS, 1 D and 2 D NMR spectra. All the isolated compounds were assayed for their agonistic activities against the farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Nine of the isolated compounds displayed significant agonistic effects against FXR at 0.1 µM, suggesting that they could be served as potential agents for the development of FXR agonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between weekly specific maternal air pollution exposures and low birth weight. We fitted a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) to analyze the nonlinear exposure-response association and delayed effects of air pollutants on the risk for low birth weight. The model assumed that all live births have 40 gestational weeks.The 1st week lag was the 40th gestational week, and 40th lag week was the 1st gestational week.The study included 71,809 live births (from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2019), of which 2,391 (3.33%) exhibited low birth weight. The results demonstrated that exposure of pregnant women to PM10 at lag 22-30 weeks was significantly associated with low birth weight risk, with the greatest impact at the lag 30 week. Exposure to SO2 at lag 29-37 weeks was significantly associated with low birth weight risk. The sensitive exposure window for NO2 began at lag 25-37 weeks of pregnancy. The lag 6-10 weeks constituted the susceptible exposure window for O3. Therefore we concluded that maternal exposures to PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3 were associated with increased risk for low birth weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The burst pressure of the perforated-steel strip composite pipe (PSSCP) considering plasticity is investigated through experimental, theoretical and numerical methods in this paper. The results obtained from the mentioned methods are in good agreement with each other, which illustrates the accuracy and reliability of the proposed theoretical and numerical models. The burst pressure of the pipe is studied in detail at the different temperature conditions. Some influential parameters of PSSCP on the burst pressure are also investigated in order to guide its cross-section design. The theoretical model and the finite element model proposed in this paper can not only give an estimation of the safety and reliability of the pipe when it is subjected to internal pressure, but can also provide some reference for improving and optimising its cross-section design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibreglass reinforced flexible pipe (FGRFP) is a kind of composite thermoplastic pipe serving as a preferred application in the field of oil transportation. This paper studies the mechanical behaviour of FGRFPs under pure bending by experimental, numerical and theoretical methods. Full-scale four-point bending tests are conducted and the curvature-bending moment relations of specimens are recorded. In the numerical simulation method (NSM), a detailed finite element model considering both material and geometric nonlinear behaviour is established, and the composite is defined as an orthotropic elastic-plastic material. Based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, a simplified theoretical method (STM) is proposed to predict the ultimate bending moment. In the parametric study, a simple formula is introduced to modify STM to make it more accurate. Good agreements proves the reasonability of the proposed NSM and STM. Additionally, STM could make a contribution to engineers in terms of a concise and relatively accurate way in ultimate status analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a new optimal hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) arrangement, including a photovoltaic system, wind turbine, and fuel cell, for electrifying a remote area in Turkey. The study is based on considering system cost and reliability. To deliver an optimal configuration, system sizing has been designed based on an Amended version of the DragonFly optimizer. The achievements of the method have been then compared with some other published methods, including Particle Swarm Optimizer (PSO)-based algorithm and Firefly (FA)-based method. Simulation results show that the proposed method with 1,888,827.5 USD provides the minimum Net Present Cost value among the others. The main idea is to assess the objective function by lessening the Net Present Cost (NPC) by confirming based on the loss of power supply probability (LPSP). Final simulations indicated that the proposed approach provides lower NPC and LCOE toward the others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: Congenital dysfibrinogenemia (CD) is a coagulation disorder caused by mutations in the fibrinogen genes, which result in abnormal fibrinogen function. However, the precise pathogenesis underlying it remains unclear. : In this study, we identified a novel heterozygous mutation in an asymptomatic patient with CD caused by γ Ala327Val mutation. Aimed to investigate the pathogenesis, functional studies of fibrinogen isolated from the proband and her family members were performed, such as coagulation function, fibrinogen aggregation test, and fibrin clot lysis test. Coagulation was monitored using a thromboelastometer, and the fibrin clot network structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The effect of the mutation on fibrinogen structure and function was predicted by molecular modeling. : The fibrinogen activity concentration in patients with CD was significantly lower than that in healthy individuals, indicating that fibrinogen activity was low. Proband's fibrinogen activity concentration was 0.75 g/L(Clauss method) and antigen concentration (immune turbidimetry method) was 1.59 g/L(normal reference range for both parameters: 2.0–4.0 g/L). Thromboelastography showed that the K value of patients with CD was higher than that of healthy individuals and Angle values were decreased, indicating that mutation impaired fibrinogen function. Compared to fibrinogen from healthy individuals, fiber network structure of the proband was loose, pore size was increased, and fiber branch nodes were increased. : Ala327Val heterozygous missense mutation leads to changes in the structure of fibrinogen D region and impairs the aggregation function of fibrinogen. This mutation is reported here for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the relationship between organizational celebrity, the board chairman's celebrity and underpricing. Based on signaling theory, we find that IPO underpricing is low when organizational celebrity or the board chairman's celebrity is high. However, the negative association between board chairman celebrity and IPO underpricing pronounced when IPO firms show high performance. Using a sample of 289 initial public offerings over the period 2011–2016 in China, our results support these predictions. This study shows the importance of organizational celebrity and their leader' celebrity in explaining variations in IPO underpricing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research objects of this paper are Vigna angularis, Vigna radiata and Phaseolus vulgaris, which are important grain legume resources in China. However, the genetic structure between the three species is not clear. Therefore, this study developed a set of universal gSSR (simple sequence repeat) primers based on the whole-genome sequences of adzuki beans, mung beans and common beans and analysed the genetic diversity of the test resources based on universal gSSR loci. A total of 53,099 pairs of universal primers were developed, and 43 universal primer pairs were selected for analysis of their test resources. The genetic diversity of the tested common bean germplasm resources was the largest, and the genetic diversity of the tested mung bean germplasm resources was the smallest. Based on the structural analysis and NJ algorithm, the genetic relationships of the test resources were analysed. When ΔK = 3, 3 and 2, the test resources were divided into 3, 3 and 2 subgroups, respectively. The average genetic differentiation coefficient among the three species was 0.24, and the average gene flow value was 0.78. The genetic distances among the three species ranged from 0.27 to 0.90. The genetic distance between the tested adzuki bean germplasm resources and the tested mung bean germplasm resources was the closest, and the genetic distance between the test adzuki bean germplasm resources and the tested common bean germplasm resources was the farthest. This study provides a scientific basis for the rational development, protection and sustainable use of germplasm resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caragana shrublands are the main type of vegetation in some cold desert ecosystems in Xinjiang in northwest China, and information on seed dormancy and germination of Caragana species is needed to help restore disturbed areas. Freshly matured seeds of Caragana aurantiaca, C. dasyphylla C. polourensis, C. roborovskyi, C. soongorica, C. spinosa and C. tekesiensis, collected from three natural ecosystems were tested for germination in light at 15/5, 20/10, 25/15 and 30/15 °C after dry storage at room temperature for 1 week and 9 months. Depending on the species, 1–84% of the seeds had physical dormancy (i.e., water-impermeable seeds). At 15/5, 20/10, 25/15 and 30/15 °C, fresh seeds of C. aurantiaca, C. spinosa and C. dasyphylla germinated from 74% to 100%, those of C. soongorica 15% to 52% and those of C. roborovskyi and C. polourensis 13–73%. After 9 months of storage, germination percentages increased significantly over wide range of temperatures for seeds of C. soongorica, C. tekesinsis C. roborovskyi and C. polourensis but decreased significantly for C. spinosa and C. dasyphylla. Most fresh seeds of the floodplain species and desert species are water-permeable and can germinate over a wide range of temperatures; consequently, they could be planted in the field at any time during the growing season. Dry storage of seeds of C. roborovski and C. tekesiensis increased the percentage of water-permeable seeds. Seeds of these species germinate best at high temperatures and should be planted in summer. If C. polourensis is used for restoration, the seeds need to be scarified before planting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mongolian populations are widely distributed geographically, showing abundant ethnic diversity with geographic and tribal differences. To infer the genetic substructure, admixture and ancient genetic sources of Mongolians together with Kazakhs We genotyped more than 690,000 genome-wide SNPs from 33 Mongolian and Chinese Kazakh individuals and compared these with both ancient and present-day Eurasian populations using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), ADMIXTURE, Refine-IBD, f statistics, qpWave and qpAdm. We found genetic substructures within Mongolians corresponding to Ölöd, Chahar, and Inner Mongolian clusters, which was consistent with tribe classifications. Mongolian and Kazakh groups derived about 6–40% of West Eurasian related ancestry, most likely from Bronze Age Steppe populations. The East Asian related ancestry in Mongolian and Kazakh groups was well represented by the Neolithic DevilsCave related nomadic lineage, comprising 42–64% of studied groups. We also detected 10–51% of Han Chinese related ancestry in Mongolian and Kazakh groups, especially in Inner Mongolians. The average admixture times for Inner Mongolian, Mongolian_Chahar, Mongolian_Ölöd and Chinese Kazakh were about 1381, 626, 635 and 632 years ago, respectively, with Han and French as the sources. The DevilsCave related ancestry was once widespread westwards covering a wide geographical range from Far East Russia to the Mongolia Plateau. The formation of present-day Mongolic and Turkic-speaking populations has also received genetic influence from agricultural expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of barefoot running studies have not considered speed as an influential factor on foot strike pattern. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in foot strike pattern and spatiotemporal characteristics between barefoot and shod overground running at varying speeds. We first determined maximal running speed (Vm) over 50 m in 15 recreationally active men who self-reported as habitual rearfoot strikers. Participants then completed shod and barefoot running trials at different speeds equivalent to approximately 90%, 80%, 70% and 60% of Vm. Sagittal plane two-dimensional (2D) foot-ground contact angle, ankle plantar-dorsi flexion angle, contact time, flight time, step length and step rate variables for each trial were recorded. A significant interaction effect of running speed and footwear condition (p < 0.05) on foot-ground contact angle, ankle plantar-dorsi flexion angle and contact time was observed. There was a main effect of running speed (p < 0.01) on flight time, step length and step rate. There was a main effect of footwear condition on step length (p < 0.01). Participants were more inclined to plantarflex the ankle and contact the ground with the forefoot at higher percentages of Vm, especially when running barefoot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this article explains the impact of H7N9 on poultry meat consumption. A sample of 710 respondents from China participated in the current study following an outbreak of avian influenza in 2017. The empirical results of structural equation model indicate that the consumers' attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control (i.e., the antecedents of the TPB model), as well as their anticipated fear, mediate the relationship between risk perception of H7N9 and poultry consumption intention. Risk perception of H7N9 also influences risk perception of poultry, which has a direct effect on poultry consumption intention. Furthermore, risk perception of poultry is significantly and positively related to anticipated fear and is significantly and negatively related to attitude, which in turn influences the consumption intention. The results confirm the appropriateness of the TPB model and verify that the extended TPB model has good explanatory power in predicting consumers' intention to consume poultry during a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new indole diterpenoid, drechmerin I (1), was isolated from the fermentation broth of Drechmeria sp. isolated from the root of Panax notoginseng. Its structure was elucidated based on 1 D and 2 D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrum (HRESIMS), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopic analyses as well as TD DFT calculations of ECD spectra. Drechmerin I (1) was assayed for its antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, B. subtillis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia, respectively. Drechmerin I (1) showed antimicrobial activities against B. subtillis with an MIC value of 200 μg/mL. The interaction of S. aureus peptide deformylase with drechmerin I (1) was investigated by molecular docking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new protostane-type triterpenoid, 5β,29-dihydroxy alisol A (1) was isolated from Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. orientale (Sam.) Sam. as well as 12-deoxyphorbol-13α-pentadecanoate (2). We first report the presence of compound 2 in the genus Alisma. Their structures were established on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR, and HRESIMS spectroscopic analyses. All the isolated compounds were assayed for their inhibitory effects against human carboxylesterase 2 (HCE-2). Compounds 1 and 2 displayed inhibitory activities against HCE-2 with IC50 values of 29.2 and 4.6 μM, respectively. The interaction mechanisms of HCE-2 with compounds 1 and 2 were investigated by molecular docking, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If damage exists on the outer layer of an unbonded multi-layer pipe, the external hydrostatic pressure will be applied on the surface of the internal layer, most likely resulting in a confined collapse. This collapse response has been preliminarily investigated in previous research mainly considering the effects of various confinements and the diameter to thickness ratio of the internal layer. This paper begins with supplementary experimental studies to further discuss the result of former theoretical research. Then, parametric studies are undertaken to determine the effects of initial imperfection and friction. The modelling methods are selected to introduce different initial imperfections without other interference factors. It is shown that critical external pressure depends on the related parameters at different levels. The conclusions can be useful references for the design of the unbonded multi-layer pipe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical constituent investigation of Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. orientale has led to isolation and identification of thirteen compounds, including one new sesquiterpene, (10S)-11-hydroxy-β-cyperone (1), three sesquiterpenes (2-4), five phenylpropanoids (5-9), and four alkaloids (10-13). We report herein, for the first time, the presence of compounds 2-13 in the genus Alisma. Their structures were established using 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic analyses. All the isolated compounds were assayed for their inhibitory activities against nitric oxide production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells and antioxidant activities by DPPH scavenging assay. Compounds 1-13 displayed significant inhibitory effects against NO production at a certain concentration, while compound 5 showed antioxidant activity with IC50 of 55.28 μM. The interactions of compounds 1, 5, and 11 with iNOS were investigated using molecular docking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)-protected AgRh nanoparticles (NPs) with various solution concentration (0.66, 1.32, 1.98 mM/L) were prepared by a simple route based on dropwise addition of KBH4 (Reducing agent). Their morphology analysis and structures were characterized by Ultraviolet-visible spectra (UV-vis), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Femtosecond laser pulse-based single-beam Z-scan technology was employed to investigate the third-order nonlinear optical response of AgRh BNPs aqueous dispersions for the first time. As-prepared alloy-structured AgRh BNPs showed a higher third-order nonlinear optical response than Ag nanoparticles. The results indicate that the sign of nonlinear refractive index of AgRh nanoparticles is negative. The third-order nonlinear optical response of different solution concentration samples can be ascribed to the electromagnetic coupling in the near field. The fabrication of such bimetallic nanoparticles will significantly reduce the process cost of optical limiting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanobodies (Nbs) are variable domains of the heavy chain of the heavy-chain antibodies (VHHs) found only in camelids and sharks. They have the same binding capability as full-length immunoglobulin G (IgG) but exhibit improved thermal stability and permeability, pointing to potential scientific, medical, and industrial applications. The aim of the present study was to identify an alternative method for more efficient production of Nbs in the Escherichia coli-based expression system. Several fusion tags, including maltose-binding protein (MBP), small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) and hexahistidine (6 × His), were examined to determine the optimal tag for the expression and purification of VHHs. In general, the SUMO fusion tag could improve the solubility, yield and antigen-binding activity of the VHHs, while the other two tags either decreased the antigen-binding activity (MBP) or decreased the yield (6 × His) of the VHHs. What is more, the SUMO tag was easily removed by SUMO protease 1 to release the native VHHs. These advantages indicated that SUMO fusion could be considered an alternative strategy to express VHHs in the cytoplasm of E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new protostane-type triterpenoids, 17-epi alisolide (1) and 24-epi alismanol D (2), were isolated from Alisma orientalis together with one known compound. Their structural elucidations were conducted by NMR, UV and HRESIMS spectroscopic analyses, and comparison with the literature data. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for inhibitory effects on HCE-2. Compound 2 displayed moderate inhibitory activity against HCE-2 with IC50 value of 23.1 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since there are increasing applications for reinforced thermoplastic pipe (RTP) in the oil and gas industry, the mechanical behavior of RTP under various loading conditions has drawn much attention. The combined load of tension and internal pressure should be considered in procedures of RTP’s installation and operation. In this paper, an analytical model derived from Knapp’s optical cable model and finite element method (FEM) are presented to study the behavior of RTP and the reinforcement wires in the pipe under combined tension and internal pressure. Results from two methods are compared and discussed. Additional parametric study is presented to show the influence of important parameters on the behavior of RTP under combined tension and internal pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low-cost Ti-1Al-8V-5Fe (Ti-185) alloy with a high strength is prepared by cold-compaction-and-sintering powder metallurgy process with low-cost titanium hydride (TiH2) powders and FeV80master alloy powders. The use of simple technique process and cheap alloying elements can lead to the cost reduction for titanium alloys. The thermal decomposition of TiH2-1Al-8V-5Fe is analyzed by thermal gravimetric analyses and differential scanning calorimetry simultaneous thermal analyzer. The shrinkage behavior of TiH2-1Al-8V-5Fe during the sintering process is employed by the high-sensitivity dilatometer system. The microstructure of sintered Ti-185 consists of β-phase and lamellar α-phase. The results show that the sintered Ti-185 alloys have the relative density of 97.8%, homogeneous composition, and fine grains. The yield strength and the hardness are 1461 MPa and 40.1 ± 1.0 HRC (unit of Rockwell hardness), which are better than that of as-cast Ti-185. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new phenol glycoside, physanguloside A (1), was isolated from Physalis angulata together with four known compounds. We report herein, for the first time, the presence of compounds 2–5 in the genus Physalis. The structures of all the compounds were established by NMR, IR, UV and HRESIMS spectroscopic analyses, and comparison with the literature data. All isolated compounds were assayed for inhibitory activity on nitric oxide production by LPS-induced in RAW 264.7 macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elderly are prone to stair descent falls under low illumination. Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese conditioning exercise, has been proved to improve body stability by altering body condition, gait, and proprioception. This study investigates whether Tai Chi exercise could improve body stability during stair descent under high and low illumination. Three groups of elderly women who practice Tai Chi, brisk walking, and no exercise were included. They descended from a simulated staircase. Tai Chi participants decreased horizontal velocity, centre of mass (COM) sway, and increased foot clearance compared with other participants, these movements could increase body stability; Compared with under high illumination, Tai Chi participants decreased horizontal velocity, loading rate, braking impulse, and increased inclination angle, COM sway, centre of pressure displacement under low illumination. Tai Chi participants were more sensitive to the difference in illumination, and took corresponding strategies to stabilize their bodies during stair descent. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An experimental study has been conducted to investigate the dynamics of an extreme fuel-rich throttleable rocket engine during continuously throttling process. The rocket engine burned kerosene (RP-1) and oxygen and it was continuously throttled in fire tests by adjusting the flow rate of kerosene. Dynamic response of chamber pressure was analyzed. Results show two phenomena named hysteresis of characteristic velocity and anti-regulation of chamber pressure during the throttling process. When characteristic velocity hysteresis occurs, transient characteristic velocity is higher in condition of increasing mixture ratio (MR) and lower in condition of decreasing MR than steady value during throttling process. The anti-regulation can be induced by throttling or purging process. In addition, both throttling method and throttling rate influence the amplitude and duration of anti-regulation. Finally, the response of chamber pressure to the throttling was divided into two periods, namely ramp response and step response. From the step response, the combustion system is characterize as a first order system with a time constantT= 133 ms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the effectiveness of Chinese regulations on occupational health and safety, this study provides an exploratory method by applying multiple interrupted time series (MITS) analysis. Taking coal mine safety in China as a case study, this article analyzes the background of the coal industry, especially during the period 1980–2009, and selects three typical pieces of national legislation specific to mining and work safety as the interventions. The data relevant to coal mine safety and the ‘third variables’ were collected to empirically support the study. The estimated results indicate different effects of these interventions on state-owned enterprise (SOE) mines and township and village enterprise (TVE) or small mines. Specifically, though the mortality rate in SOE mines is on a downward trend, these interventions have had no significant effect on it. However, only the 2002 act significantly reduced the mortality rate per million tons in TVE mines. The effectiveness of the interventions seems to depend on certain conditions, such as technology, administration and socioeconomic environment and type of coal mine. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The buckling and collapse problems of reinforced thermoplastic pipe (RTP) caused by the combined bending and external pressures were investigated in this paper. Based on the model initially proposed by Kyriakides et al., a 2D theoretical model was developed which takes into account the transverse shear deformation, the mean radius change, the wall thickness change and the pre-buckling deformation. By means of numerical calculation, the predicted collapse envelopes of different loading paths are presented. Two kinds of failure modes during the loading paths were also experimented on. A 3D finite element model was established by ABAQUS to confirm the accuracy of the theoretical model. The compared results were proven to agree. The effects of different loading paths and the ratio of diameter to thickness were also discussed and useful conclusions were drawn for RTP's marine engineering application. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An effective one-step strategy for the static assembly of hydrogels from polypyrrole (PPy) and graphene oxide (GO) is demonstrated. The static polymerization of pyrrole monomer was carried out in the presence of GO nanosheets, leading to the formation of PPy-GO hydrogels. During the static polymerization process, gelation takes place simultaneously by supramolecular interactions. The well-dispersed GO nanosheets in the polymer networks resulted in a significant improvement in water absorbencies. With only a very low loading of GO in the PPy-GO hydrogels, they exhibited significantly larger water uptake compared to a PPy hydrogel. Even in saline solutions, PPy-GO hydrogels also showed obvious water absorbency. Moreover, the PPy-GO hydrogels exhibited a better water retention ability compared with the control under the same conditions. This method is believed to provide possibilities to combine the extraordinary performances of GO with the multifunctional properties of conducting polymers, thus holding great potential for technical applications in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, mechanical behaviour of umbilical cables subjected to combined actions of tension and torsion during deep water installation and operation has become a more relevant matter. Extended from the model initially proposed by Knapp, a modified theoretical model has been developed to account for a number of features, such as different materials and geometries of helixes in the same layer, Poisson effects in helixes and a central, large-diameter, thin-walled tube with a double layer. A three-dimensional finite-element model using ABAQUS under tension–torsion load is used. Accordance of mechanical behaviour between the results validates the applicability of the theoretical model. The theoretical model and finite-element model are used for a better assessment of the effect of various important parameters such as helical pitch, Poisson effect, boundary conditions, friction, etc., on the mechanical behaviour of umbilical cables. Based on the parametric studies, a few conclusions are drawn which aim to assist with the design process of umbilical cables. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context: Given that Pinus massoniana Lamb (Pinaceae) bark extract (PMBE) is a safe and non-toxic flavonoid found abundantly in nature, it was considered a promising novel candidate agent in the treatment of virus infection. Object: Experiments were conducted to assay the antiviral character of PMBE against Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Materials and methods: Assay of PMBE cytotoxicity, HCV replication, infectious HCV production, and its potential influence on the pathways for IFN-ISRE and NS3 protease were conducted. Results: HCV replication was suppressed when the concentration of PMBE raised greater than 5 μg/mL and its EC50 was 9.58 μg/mL. In the 10 μg/mL group, HCV replication was suppressed for 48 h. When the concentration increased to 40 μg/mL, HCV replication was significantly suppressed (luciferase activity was only 10% at 96 h). PMBE could inhibit HCV virus production efficiently (PMBE group was 5 FFU). Cell viability was affected by 40 μg/mL of PMBE. The F/ R ratio ranged from 98% to 101%. The rate of OD450 ranged from 96% to 102%. NS3 catalytic activity ranged from 5% (40 μg/mL PMBE) to 45% (5 μg/mL PMBE). Even when used in a low amount (5 μg/mL), NS3 catalytic activity was significantly inhibited ( p < 0.01). Conclusions: The results suggest that PMBE is effective for use in the stabilization of HCV replication and active liver inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the long-run Initial Public Offerings (IPO) stock performance of a large Chinese sample, and in particular the relationship between initial reserves (capital reserves and revenue reserves immediately after the IPO) and long-run IPO stock performance. In general, Chinese IPOs do not underperform the market/industry benchmarks, but they significantly underperform their sizematched industry peers. More importantly, Chinese IPO firms tend to issue a large amount of bonus shares (also called as a 'capitalization issue', i.e. capitalization of the reserves) after the IPO. Consistent with bonus share signaling hypothesis, Chinese IPO firms exhibit increased operating/stock performance subsequent to bonus issues. Interestingly, the size of the initial reserves is positively associated with long-run IPO stock performance. This research adds another piece of empirical evidence to the literature whether IPOs underperform in the long run, by confirming that the choice of performance measures and benchmarks could affect the conclusion on the IPO long-run performance. Further, it discovers that size of initial reserves could signal superior IPO stock performance in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]