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Sinomenine, an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from the roots and stems of Sinomenium acutum, has been extensively studied for its derivatives as bioactive agents. This review concentrates on the research advancements in the biological activities and action mechanisms of sinomenine-related compounds until November 2023. The findings indicate a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects, including antitumor, anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, and immunosuppressive properties. These compounds are notably effective against breast, lung, liver, and prostate cancers, exhibiting IC50 values of approximately 121.4 nM against PC-3 and DU-145 cells, primarily through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Additionally, they manifest anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects predominantly via the NF-κB, MAPK, and Nrf2 signaling pathways. Utilized in treating rheumatic arthritis, these alkaloids also play a significant role in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, as well as organ protection through the NF-κB, Nrf2, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. This review concludes with perspectives and insights on this topic, highlighting the potential of sinomenine-related compounds in clinical applications and the development of medications derived from natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is now undergoing the largest and fastest urbanization process in the world, developing various reinforced concrete high-rise buildings during this process. Most high-rise structures are constructed in densely populated and economically active areas and earthquakes pose a potential possibility of serious economic loss and casualties, which cannot be ignored. This paper conducts on-site dynamic tests on 129 high-rise RC buildings in eastern China by utilizing ambient vibration measurement. Fundamental vibration periods, second vibration periods, and third vibration periods are statistically analyzed in translational directions based on two high-rise building types: shear wall slab building and shear wall tower building (including framed shear wall structures and framed tube structures). After fully considering building usage conditions and comparing the fitting formulas in existing codes, fitting empirical formulas of the vibration periods in two translational directions based on the above structural types are given. The ratio distribution ranges of vibration periods are calculated by utilizing the vertex displacement method, concentrated mass method, and Rayleigh-Ritz energy method. In addition, by analyzing the vibration period ratio in horizontal directions of 543 high-rise RC buildings, different ranges are distinguished as well as suggested boundaries are given. The conclusion of this paper provides a reference and convenient method for future on-site dynamic testing and a new proposal is provided to the empirical formula of vibration period in the current building seismic design code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is carried out based on field investigation data obtained over more than 20 days after the 20 April 2013 Lushan Ms7.0 earthquake in Sichuan Province, China. The investigation includes detailed seismic damage data from 3,684 buildings in 428 districts. This research summarizes the seismic characteristics of buildings with different structures in this area and systematically analyzes the cause of damage. Based on this analysis, the seismic vulnerability of various structural forms in different intensity regions is systematically assessed. The damage characteristics are summarized for several types of the structures typical in the region: constrained masonry structures designed following current standards, unengineered constrained masonry structures, unreinforced masonry structures, brick-wood structures, brick-concrete structure, traditional Chinese timber frame structures, reinforced concrete frame structures, tall buildings, and industrial plants. Moreover, the causes of damage to these structures are investigated. Furthermore, through statistical analysis, this study develops a vulnerability matrix for the main building types and compares their vulnerabilities of similar buildings in regions with different earthquake intensities. The research results provide an important reference for earthquake engineers to recognize failure modes in different types of structures (especially those reconstructed after the Wenchuan earthquake, Sichuan Province, China), revise seismic design codes, and formulate future disaster-reduction plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timber structures are important components of the architectural and cultural heritage. To enrich literature on reconnaissance and heritage preservation, this paper provides a comprehensive damage survey and assessment of the Shuanghe Confucian temple after the 2019 Changning earthquake Series. Confucian temple is a temple for the veneration of Confucius and the sages and philosophers of Confucianism in Chinese folk religion and other East Asian religions. The Shuanghe Confucian temple, which sits in southwestern China, was first built at about 1241, but have been gradually deteriorating and refurbished for 600 years. It has the supreme structural grade in ancient Chinese architecture and delicate local characteristics. On June 17th, 2019, an Ms 6.0 earthquake stroke Changning County, and another four earthquakes (aftershocks) with magnitude larger than Ms 5.0 took place in the next 20 days. The Shuanghe Confucian temple experienced very distinctive damage during the earthquake series. The paper first present sufficient ground motion information. Characteristics of the all the major structural components are also introduced along with their mechanical functions. Next, the damage of all the typical timber structural components, like roof overhangs drop, column rupture, column bottom lateral residual displacement, and non-structural components failure are carefully documented and assessed. The paper reveals two important aspects that some major damages of the Shuanghe Confucian temple occurred in aftershocks, and that the columns bottom lateral residual displacement was caused by eternal impact induced by adjacent wall collapse, instead of structural inner forces. Thus, this paper helps better understand the seismic performance of traditional timber structures and identify potential weaknesses which might have adverse influences on timber structures. Lessons learnt from the Shuanghe Confucian temple can be used in future to better protect other historical timber structures from earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The post-earthquake rapid accurate assessment of macro influence of seismic ground motion is of significance for earthquake emergency relief, post-earthquake reconstruction and scientific research. The seismic intensity distribution map released by the Lushan earthquake field team of the China Earthquake Administration (CEA) five days after the strong earthquake ( M7.0) occurred in Lushan County of Sichuan Ya'an City at 8:02 on April 20, 2013 provides a scientific basis for emergency relief, economic loss assessment and post-earthquake reconstruction. In this paper, the means for blind estimation of macroscopic intensity, field estimation of macro intensity, and review of intensity, as well as corresponding problems are discussed in detail, and the intensity distribution characteristics of the Lushan '4.20' M7.0 earthquake and its influential factors are analyzed, providing a reference for future seismic intensity assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]