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Integrated energy systems offer significant potential for synergistic utilisation of electricity, heat, and gas, leading to improved energy efficiency. However, effectively controlling numerous small-capacity devices within these systems presents operational challenges. This paper proposes a novel multi-time scale optimisation strategy that aggregates small-capacity controllable devices to address this issue. To enable aggregation, we utilise an approximate Minkowski sum method to unify devices with similar control characteristics. A two-stage scheduling strategy is developed, including day-ahead and intra-day stages. The day-ahead stage involves optimisation based on forecasted information, aiming for economic and low-carbon operation. In the intra-day stage, a rolling optimisation method utilising model predictive control is employed, incorporating a penalty term to achieve precise load response through power adjustment. Extensive simulation experiments validate the feasibility and reliability of the proposed strategy in effectively controlling small-capacity devices within integrated energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Clinical implications Research indicates adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were associated with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), with higher ACEs reported by sexual minoritized individuals (i.e. lesbian, gay, and bisexual; LGB). This study aimed to explore the relationships between ACEs and SCD based on sexual orientation in middle-aged and older adults.The study included 76,592 participants from the 2019–2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). Multivariate logistic regressions analyzed ACEs status, score, and type associations with SCD.2.18% of the participants identified as sexual minoritized individuals. More sexual minoritized individuals reported SCD compared to heterosexual individuals (10.70% for heterosexuals; 17.27% for sexual minoritized individuals). Positive association between SCD and ACEs status (OR = 2.18, 95%CI: 1.09–4.40) was identified among sexual minoritized individuals.The association between ACEs and SCD was strong in both heterosexual and sexual minoritized populations. Given the higher experience of ACEs among sexual minoritized adults, the subsequent frequency of SCD among these adults also may be higher.Sexual minoritized older adults may have a history of numerous ACEs, which could contribute to a greater burden of SCD. Clinicians and other stakeholders may wish to consider relationships between ACEs and SCD based on sexual orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, random environment and random time delay are introduced into general nonlinear autoregressive models to improve the applicability of these models. The introduction of random environment makes nonlinear autoregressive models more flexible and more widely used. Random time delay is a new way for models to be applied in new fields. In order to analyze the properties of the proposed new model, we construct a new stochastic process and prove that it is an irreducible and aperiodic time-homogeneous Markov chain. The nonrecurrence of the proposed new type of models is considered, and some sufficient conditions for nonrecurrence are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phospholipase D1 (PLD1) is an enzyme of the phospholipase D (PLD) superfamily. It is involved in the occurrence of various tumors. However, its role in multiple myeloma (MM) remained undefined. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of PLD1 in the therapy of myeloma disease. Cell lines U266 and H929 were treated with PLD1 specific inhibitor VU0359595 combined bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor. Their effects on MM cell proliferation, apoptosis, and relevant signal pathways of apoptosis were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), real-time polymerase reaction chain (RT–PCR), ATP assay, and western blot. PLD1 was highly expressed in U266 and H929 cells. VU0359595 didn't affect the proliferation and apoptosis of MM cells. However, VU0359595 could enhance growth inhibition, decreasing mitochondrial membrane potentials (MMPs) and ATP levels of bortezomib treated MM cells. VU0359595 also strengthened bortezomib-induced apoptosis via activating caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3; and down-regulating the expressions of anti-apoptosis proteins BCL-2. In addition, the bortezomib-induced cytotoxicity on MM cells was significantly augmented by VU0359595 through efficient suppression of the mTOR/NF-κB signal pathway. PLD1 inhibition can remarkably exert antitumor effects with bortezomib on MM, which is a novel potentially targeting therapeutic agent, especially for drug-resistant MM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regeneration plays an essential role in the restructuring of plant communities, with seedlings and sprouts representing two different regeneration strategies. As an important timber species, Cunninghamia lanceolata is widely distributed throughout southern and eastern China. However, the morphology and growth of its sprouts and seedlings under natural environments have not been examined in detail. Our study quantified the morphology and growth of Cunninghamia lanceolata during its early regeneration phase. We selected a secondary mixed coniferous forest in the Huangshan region of China as the research location, and examined sapling height, basal stem diameter, lateral branch length, as well as the relationships between main stem and lateral branch elongation, and between sapling basal stem diameter and height. The results showed that high light intensity promoted the extension growth of main stems and the elongation of lateral branches of seedlings. Meanwhile, sprouts generally had shorter height growth than seedlings with the same basal stem diameter, and the growth allocation of seedlings was generally more dependent on light intensity. Our findings suggest that the morphology and growth of C. lanceolata might vary depending on the interaction of regeneration mode (plants originating from sprouts or seedlings) and light intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heparins are capable of improving blood compatibility, enhancing HUVEC viability, while inhibiting HUASMC proliferation. Combination of biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with keratin and heparins would provide an anticoagulant and endothelialization supporting environment for vascular tissue engineering. Herein, PCL and keratin were first coelectrospun and then covalently conjugated with heparins. The resulting mats were surface-characterized by ATR-FTIR, SEM, WCA, and XPS. Cell viability data showed that the heparinized PCL/keratin mats could motivate the adhesion and growth of HUVEC, while inhibit HUASMC proliferation. In addition, these mats could prolong blood clotting time and reduce platelet adhesion as well as no erythrolysis. Interestingly, these mats could catalyze the NO donor in blood to release NO, which could enhance endothelial cell growth, while decrease smooth muscle cell proliferation and platelet adhesion. In summary, the heparinized mats would be a good candidate as a scaffold for vascular tissue engineering. This study is novel in that we prepared a type of heparinized tissue scaffold that could catalyze the NO donor to release NO to regulate endothelialization without angiogenesis and thrombus formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare retrospectively the extent of blastulation timing (Day 5 or later) and expansion grade to predict the ability of blastocysts to give rise to a pregnancy. Blastocysts frozen on day 5 with a lower expansion grade (group D5) or day 6 with a higher expansion grade (group D6) were included. A single embryo was thawed and transferred on day 5 after ovulation or progesterone supplementation. Differences in patient baseline characteristics, endometrial preparation and pregnancy outcomes between groups were stratified by patient age and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Logistic regression was used to analyse the results. A total of 617 blastocysts in group D5 and 1134 blastocysts in group D6 were assessed. Stratified analyses showed higher biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates for patients aged less than 30 years old, and higher ongoing pregnancy rate for patients with AMH ≥ 1.1 ng/ml. For patients aged less than 30 years old, the biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in group D5 were higher than those in group D6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymorphism of ERK and PTPRR in MDD is rarely reported. The present study investigated the association between the polymorphism of ERK/PTPRR and MDD at resting-state brain function using genomic imaging. It indicated that the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) changed significantly in various brain regions of MDD patients. The T/G allele of ERK-rs1267842 and G/C allele of PTPRR-rs1513105 showed abnormal ALFF and ReHo changes in cortex including superior frontal gyrus and middle temporal gyrus. The development of MDD may be related with the polymorphism of ERK-rs12678428 and PTPRR-rs1513105. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To improve the utilization of fertilizer and water resources at the same time, a new slow-release PK compound fertilizer (SRCF) with the function of water retention was prepared. Element analysis results showed that the product contained 20.46% potassium (shown by K2O) and 15.45% phosphorus (shown by P2O5), which were trapped in the matrix of carboxymethylcellulose-graft-poly(acrylic acid-co-itaconic acid) superabsorbent polymer. Major factors affecting the water absorbency of SRCF such as weight ratio of itaconic acid (IA) to acrylic acid (AA), contents of crosslinker, K2HPO4, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were investigated and optimized. The water absorbency of the product was 130 times its own weight if it was allowed to swell in tap water at room temperature for 1 h. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric/Differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) confirmed that AA and IA monomers were graft-copolymerized onto CMC backbone and presented the improved thermal stability. The water evaporation of the fertilizer-containing superabsorbents, as well as their nutrients release in sandy soil was carried out, and a possible slow-release mechanism was proposed. Additionally, compressive modulus measurements revealed that the introduction of CMC could improve the mechanical properties of the superabsorbents. These studies showed that the product with good slow-release and water retention properties, being economical and environment-friendly, could be expected to have wide potential applications in modern agriculture and horticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of the research were (i) to compare the clinical outcome of IVF using follicular-phase depot gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (depot agonist) protocol and GnRH antagonist protocol in patients with repeated IVF failure (RIF), (ii) to discover the optimal ovarian stimulation protocol for this group of low prognosis patients. 801 RIF patients with normal ovarian reserve receiving in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) were included in this retrospective study. Among them, 492 patients were treated with the depot agonist protocol, and the remaining 309 patients with the antagonist protocol. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to find the predictor(s) of the chance of live birth. Higher live birth rate (LBR) and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles were associated with the use of depot agonist compared with the antagonist protocols (44.81% vs. 27.27%, 54.64% vs. 34.93%, respectively; both p < 0.01) and depot agonist protocol was a strong predictor of live birth (OR = 2.182, 95% CI 1.355–3.514, p < 0.01). The CPR in thawed ET cycles was not significantly different between the two groups (38.12% vs. 45.26%, p > 0.05). A higher cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) was achieved in the depot agonist group (46.59% vs. 35.21%, p < 0.01). Beneficial endometrial receptivity in the depot agonist protocol contributed to a higher LBR in fresh ET cycles, rendering this protocol the preferred option in the treatment of RIF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to compare the differences between reproductive endocrinologists (Repro-Endo) and obstetricians-gynecologists (Ob-Gyn; non-reproductive medicine specialty) in diagnosing, evaluating, and treating PCOS women with insulin resistance (IR). Methods: Repro-Endo and Ob-Gyn in China participated in this survey, and their responses were analyzed using χ2 tests, Fisher exact tests, and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The study analyzed 2412 survey responses (92.3% OB-Gyn; 98.5% women). Physician's age, hospital grade, specialty, and the number of PCOS patients who visit the physicians, revealed that Repro-Endo participants were more likely to suggest an oral glucose tolerance test (OR, 1.727; 95% CI, 1.272–2.345) as their first choice than Ob-Gyn participants. The most common treatments for patients with PCOS were lifestyle modification (>95%) and metformin use (>80%). More Repro-Endo participants prescribed metformin at a dose of 1.5 g/day compared with OB-Gyn (46.5% vs. 23.5%), and more OB-Gyn participants reported being unclear about the appropriate dosage of metformin for patients with obesity and PCOS (12.5% vs. 1.6%). Conclusion: This survey identified knowledge gaps in metabolic screening for patients with IR and PCOS. Similarly, it highlights the need to improve IR management education for physicians caring for PCOS women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenomyosis is a prevalent gynecologic benign disease in women. Despite its significance, there is only a limited understanding of its pathological mechanisms. Talin1, a cytoskeletal protein, plays an important role in cell survival, proliferation, invasion and migration. The objective of this study was to investigate the mRNA and protein expression of talin1 in both the eutopic and ectopic endometria of women with adenomyosis. Higher talin1 mRNA levels were observed in both ectopic and eutopic endometria from the adenomyosis subjects compared with the eutopic endometria from women without adenomyosis. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased epithelial expression of talin1 in the ectopic and eutopic endometria from patients with adenomyosis compared with those without adenomyosis. When tests were performed on matched samples of eutopic and ectopic endometria of adenomyosis subjects, the mRNA and protein expression of talin1 was much higher in the ectopic endometria than in the eutopic endometria. The results reveal that the expression pattern of talin1 in the eutopic and ectopic endometria is enhanced in women with adenomyosis. Increased talin1 expression may play a role in the pathogenesis and development of adenomyosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous supercapacitor shows a narrow operating voltage range because of the limitation of the water electrolysis, resulting in low energy density. In this work, a nanoporous MnO2 entangled hierarchical porous carbon skeleton (simplified to MHPC) has been successfully prepared. Aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor has been assembled by employing the MHPC as a positive electrode, a hierarchical porous carbon skeleton (HPC) as a negative electrode, and a neutral Na2SO4 aqueous solution as electrolyte. The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor can be stably charged in an aqueous medium in a wide voltage range of 0–2.5 V and delivers a maximum energy density of 20.8Wh/kg at a power density of 0.25 kW/kg and 25 kW/kg at an energy density of 11.1 Wh/kg in a 1 M Na2SO4 aqueous solution. This strategy provides a new idea for developing high-energy supercapacitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emerging concerns for more flexible and less stiff bridge constructs in the interest of stimulating bone healing, the technique of far cortical locking has been designed to reduce the stiffness of locked plating (LP) constructs while retaining construct strength. This study utilized simulation with diaphyseal bridge plating biomechanical models to investigate whether far cortical locking causes larger screw fracture risk than LP during rehabilitation. The fracture risk of the screws in the far cortical locking constructs increases in the non-osteoporotic and osteoporotic diaphysis compared with the screws in the LP constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The replant disease refers to abnormal crop growth caused by continuous cultivation of the same or related species on the same soil, and often occurring in crops and orchards. Recently, replant disease have become a major factor constraining the sustainable development of global agriculture and fruit trees. The causes of replant disease include biological and abiotic factors, but in the final analysis, they are caused by changes in the soil environment. Soil environment is closely related to soil productivity. A decline of soil quality results in poor crop growth and reduced yield. The causes of soil environment changes mainly include intensive soil tillage, rapid industrialization, soil pollution, destruction of soil micro-ecosystem and substances secreted by plants under replant condition. Biochar, a porous carbon material prepared from pyrolysis of biomass (agricultural waste, etc.), is widely used as an amendment and adsorbent. To understand the role of biochar in alleviating replant disease, we summarized the previous research results of biochar application in replant soil. The following points are summarized: (1) soil problems and their effects on plants; (2) effects of biochar on replant soil environment; and (3) effects of biochar on alleviating replant disease. Overall, the literature suggests that biochar is an effective measure to amendment soil environment and alleviates replant disease. Further studies on biochar will enhance our understanding of biochar–soil interactions, and its long-term impact of biochar on soil environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phloridzin is a phenolic acid associated with the genus Malus (Mill.) that causes apple replant disease. The removal of phloridzin is of great significance to alleviate this condition, and hence biochar was investigated for this purpose. The goal of this study was to improve the adsorption capacity of biochar for phloridzin by chemical modification. Biochar from apple branches and biochar modified with chitosan to were characterized by elemental analysis, Brunauer Emmett Teller analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Batch adsorption experiments were employed to select the optimal biochar dosage and adsorption time. The results showed that biochar treated for 24 h at 6 g L−1 achieved best adsorption properties and that the chitosan-modified biochar provided a higher adsorption capacity than the unmodified material. The influence of pH upon the adsorption was studied and the results were fitted with isotherm and kinetic equations. The results showed that adsorption process corresponds to a Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics. The qmax of the biochar was increased from 15.93 to 28.96 mg g−1 by modification with chitosan. The pH was shown to play an important role in the adsorption process. The adsorption of phloridzin to biochar was demonstrated to be a single-layer multiple component adsorption process based on chemisorption. This study provides a theoretical basis to alleviate apple replant disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]