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The present study evaluated the topological properties of whole brain networks using graph theoretical concepts and investigated the time-evolution characteristic of brain network in mild cognitive impairment patients during a selective attention task. Electroencephalography (EEG) activities were recorded in 10 MCI patients and 17 healthy subjects when they performed a color match task. We calculated the phase synchrony index between each possible pairs of EEG channels in alpha and beta frequency bands and analyzed the local interconnectedness, overall connectedness and small-world characteristic of brain network in different degree for two groups. Relative to healthy normal controls, the properties of cortical networks in MCI patients tend to be a shift of randomization. Lower σ of MCI had suggested that patients had a further loss of small-world attribute both during active and resting states. Our results provide evidence for the functional disconnection of brain regions in MCI. Furthermore, we found the properties of cortical networks could reflect the processing of conflict information in the selective attention task. The human brain tends to be a more regular and efficient neural architecture in the late stage of information processing. In addition, the processing of conflict information needs stronger information integration and transfer between cortical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zanthoxylum plants are usually deciduous trees or shrubs of Rutaceae , as industrial crops widely cultivated in China. Three representative Zanthoxylum species, Z. bungeanum , Z. schinifolium , and Z. armatum , are well-known for their pericarps rich in bioactive compounds and can be utilized as functional additives or phytomedicine. These mentioned Zanthoxylum species are distributed and intermixed with each other as " Zanthoxylum " on markets, which creates obstacles for consumers to identify them. In the present study, 49 batches of Zanthoxylum extracts were examined for anti-inflammatory activity and then employed in acquiring corresponding multi-constituent profiles by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS and UHPLC-MS/MS. The obtained data were further used for the construction of extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) classification and regression models. A Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) algorithm was subsequently applied to interpret the XGBoost classification/regression model output for desirable information. Isoquercitrin, rutin, and arctigenin were identified as the important chemical markers for discriminating Zanthoxylum origins through the classification algorithm. Furthermore, six constituents, consisting of hydroxy- γ -sanshool, avicularin, bergapten, rutin, scopoletin, and narcissoside, were screened for their major anti-inflammatory activity by modeling using the regression approach. Unraveling the diversities and connections of constituents and biological activities in these three species could contribute to their reasonable industrial and medicinal applications. [Display omitted] • Chemical profiling of three Zanthoxylum species was depicted. • Anti-inflammatory effects of Zanthoxylum extracts and phytochemicals were evaluated. • XGBoost and SHAP were used to classify species and identify bioactive metabolites. • Three chemicals were identified for discriminating against three Zanthoxylum species. • Six chemicals contribute to the major anti-inflammatory potential of Zanthoxylum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Lipid differences between yak colostrum (YC) and mature milk (YM) were analyzed. • A total of 851 lipid species from 28 lipid subclasses were identified. • Forty-three significantly different lipids (SDLs) between YC and YM were screened. • These SDLs were mainly enriched in the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway. • Lipid species information for GLs, STs, GPs, SPs, and FAs in YC and YM was added. Yak milk is essential to maintain the normal physiological functions of herders in Tibetan areas of China. However, the lipid components of yak colostrum (YC) and mature milk (YM) have not been systematically studied. We employed a quantitative lipidomics to comprehensively describe the alterations in the milk lipid profile of lactating yaks. Herein, totally 851 lipids from 28 lipid subclasses in YC and YM were identified and screened for 43 significantly different lipids (SDLs; variable importance in projection > 1, fold change < 0.5 or > 2 with P < 0.05), with cholesterol ester (CE, 16:0) and triacylglycerol (TAG, 54:6 (20:5), 50:1 (16:0), 56:6 (20:5)) were the potential lipid biomarkers. Fourteen SDLs were modulated downwards, and 29 SDLs were modulated upwards in YM. Moreover, by analyzing lipid metabolic pathways in these SDLs, glycerophospholipid metabolism was the most critical. Our results furnish integral lipid details for evaluating yak milk's nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For tunnels excavated in the unsaturated soils with changing water levels, there may be steady-state unsaturated flow above the water table and saturated flow below the water table toward the tunnel face due to the excavation. Changing water levels affect the adverse effect of the underwater saturated flow and the contribution of the unsaturated flow to the shear strength. To figure out the regularity concerning the region and magnitude of unsaturated and saturated flow effects, an analytical framework is developed within the kinematic approach of limit analysis combined with the numerical simulation. A suction stress-based equation is employed to express the contribution of unsaturated flow to shear strength. The development of the saturated flow below the water table is numerically simulated, and the resulting pore pressure distribution is extracted and interpolated on a 3D discrete rotational failure mechanism. The work rate balance equation incorporating the apparent cohesion due to unsaturated flow and the pore pressure affected by the saturated flow is established to optimize the critical face pressure. The proposed analytical framework is verified by comparisons with previous literature and numerical simulations of hydromechanical analysis. A parametric analysis is conducted to investigate the effect of groundwater levels, flow types, unsaturated properties, and hydraulic hysteresis on the tunnel face stability. The results show that it is only necessary to consider the effect of unsaturated flow and the differences caused by various unsaturated characteristics when the unsaturated zone is large enough. This work can provide a good reference for the design of face supports in the initial stage for tunnels excavated in unsaturated soils with changing groundwater levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interfacial charge transfer efficiency and electronic states of active sites are two essential issues to restrict catalytic activity of electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this work, we show that although Au is recognized to be inert towards OER, the catalytic activity of Fe 3 O 4 catalyst for OER was highly boosted by coupling Fe 3 O 4 with Au to address these two issues. Here, Au nanoparticles were attached to hierarchical Fe 3 O 4 microsphere through electrochemical deposition, a mild and rapid approach that can be accomplished within 3 min and requires no sophisticated equipment. With the coupling of Au, interfacial charge transfer resistance of Fe 3 O 4 declined remarkably. On the other hand, oxidability of Fe sites and electron accepting capability of Au sites was elevated due to strong interaction between Au and Fe 3 O 4. Owing to these two merits induced by Au, Fe 3 O 4 exhibited enhanced catalytic activity for OER. The potential of Fe 3 O 4 to obtain 10 mA/cm2 decreased by 640 mV, the current density was amplified up to 2.5 fold at the potential of 2 V (vs SCE), and the Tafel slop was reduced by 146 mV/dec. This work shows that the catalytic activity of an earth-abundant electrocatalyst (Fe 3 O 4) for OER reaction was boosted by coupling it with OER-inert Au. It is found that the coupling of Au not only facilitated charge transfer efficiency of the catalyst, but elevated the oxidability of Fe sites and electron accepting capability of Au sites. Thereby, when coupled with Au, Fe 3 O 4 exhibited enhanced current density, reduced overpotential, and smaller Tafel slop. [Display omitted] • Enhance catalytic activity of Fe 3 O 4 for OER reaction via coupling of OER-inert Au. • Effectively promoted interfacial charge transfer with the decoration of Au. • Modify the state of Fe sites and Au sites by strong interaction of Au with Fe 3 O 4. • An easy-to-handle and rapid way to couple Au with hierarchical Fe 3 O 4 microspheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, based on the invariance principle of differential equation, a simple adaptive control method is proposed to synchronize the dynamical networks with the general coupling functions. Comparing with other adaptive control methods, the weighted average of a few nodes' states is used as target orbit to design controller. To show the effectiveness of proposed method, some numerical simulations are performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxylated chitosan oligosaccharide (C–COS) was prepared by selective oxidation of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) using laccase/2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) system to change its hydroxyl group on C6 to carboxyl group. Free radical-induced in vitro lipid oxidation experiments were performed using linoleic acid as the experimental subject. Inhibitory effects of COS and C–COS on lipid peroxidation were assessed by comparing the generation of a conjugated diene, MDA, and superoxide. Combining FTIR, 1H NMR, and GC-MS for structural analysis. Results show that C–COS and COS treatment suppressed lipid oxidation, and C–COS has better inhibition effects than COS. The primary inhibition mechanism lies in the carboxylic acid root of C–COS on C6 chelates with metal ions, reducing the generation of free radicals. Meanwhile, it exposes more C2 amino sites outside the sugar chain, promoting the capture of free radicals. This two-way action plays a synergistic role, effectively inhibiting free radicals from attacking fatty acids, avoiding lipid peroxidation. [Display omitted] • C–COS were prepared by oxidizing the hydroxyl group at C6 position of COS into carboxyl group. • C–COS perform better anti lipid oxidation efficiency than COS. • The mechanism for inhibiting lipid oxidation derived from the synergistic effect of amino and carboxyl groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Arc synthesis of Ag@G with tailorable nanostructure and surface functionality. • Tailoring thickness enabled the synergy of π-π uptake and electron transfer for 4-NP. • Amino groups with proper densities induced the capture of Cr(VI) ultrafast. • Negative relation of shell thickness with formic acid-induced reduction of Cr(VI). • Reductive N heteroatoms with proper densities ensured a favorable reduction of Cr(VI). Encapsulation of plasmonic nanoparticles in nanoshells is a promising strategy to overcome their oxidation-coalescence in the heterogeneous catalysis process. Tailoring of nanostructure/functionality to enable the efficient synergistic integration of core and shell is highly desired to enhance the plasmonic catalysis. This study applied a one-step arc discharge to design graphite-encapsulated silver (Ag@G) catalysts with tunable morphologies (14.3–46.9 nm of cores, 1.38–3.43 nm of shells) and surface functionalities (hydrophobization, or amination with maximum 2.70 × 1017/mg of Ag@G). Highly nanostructure/functionality-dependent catalysis of aquatic pollutants was established. Specifically, tailoring defective shells with thinner thickness enabled the efficient synergism of strong π-π coordination of 4-nitrophenol and effective electron transfer of donors. Aminated Ag@G with ultrathin shells presented an optimal reduction for Cr(VI), establishing a negative relation of thickness with formic acid-induced reduction. Amino with proper densities (9.6–20.9/nm2) induced the capture of Cr(VI) ultrafast. Moreover, reductive N heteroatoms with proper densities (e.g. , 27.7 of N/nm2) provided abundant lone pair electrons without the dramatic decline of conductivity, ensuring a favorable reduction of Cr(VI). Since arc discharge was versatile for the industrial production of nanomaterials, our work would trigger a new upsurge to arc-design nanostructures/functionalities for the catalysis and decontamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1 Development of an allooctaploid (AABBCCRR) via interspecific hybridization. 2 Identification of this allooctaploid was checked by PCR and FISH. 3 Morphology of this allooctaploid was well described. 4 The allooctaploid is an important germplasm for Brassica crops. Interspecific hybridization, which leads to the combination of the genomes from different species, not only contributes to speciation but also enriches the genetic stock of crops. Production of interspecific/intergenetic hybrids between Brassica species or Brassica and relative species has been a desirable goal for plant breeders and genetic researchers. In this study, we initially generated the allotetraploid Raphanobrassica (CCRR, 2n = 36) through a cross between maternal Raphanus sativus (RR, 2n = 18) and paternal Brassica oleracea (CC, 2n = 36). We then developed an allooctaploid (AABBCCRR, 2n = 72) that incorporated three Brassica subgenomes and radish genomes through crosses between the newly formed Raphanobrassica and B. juncea (AABB, 2n=36), followed by the chromosome doubling. PCR amplification of genome-specific primers and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis were employed to identify the true hybrids and their chromosome complements. The new allooctaploid showed a mosaic morphology of three parents and produced some seeds, despite the very low pollen stainability. The chromosome pairing and segregation of the allooctaploid were largely normal during the meiosis of pollen mother cells. So the first allooctaploid can be used as an intermediate germplasm to transfer desirable traits into Brassica crops, or as the founder for the experimental synthesis of new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aims of the study were to investigate the relationship between aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A2 (ALDH1A2) and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD), explore the effects of the rs3204689 polymorphism and methylation status on the expression levels of ALDH1A2, and further clarify the pathogenesis of KBD. Materials and methods: The genotype of ALDH1A2 rs3204689 was detected by PCR–RFLP in 103 KBD patients and 109 healthy controls in the whole blood. The mRNA level of ALDH1A2 was measured by qRT-PCR, and the protein expression was detected using IHC staining and Western blotting. The MSP-PCR was used to identify the ALDH1A2 methylation level. Results: There were significant differences in G/G, G/C, and C/C frequencies of ALDH1A2 rs3204689 between the KBD and control groups (χ2 = 7.113, P = 0.029); the minor allele G of ALDH1A2 was associated with the risk of KBD (χ2 = 5.984, P = 0.014). The mRNA and protein levels of ALDH1A2 were increased in the whole blood and cartilage of KBD patients compared with the controls (P = 0.049, P < 0.0001, P = 0.019). Meanwhile, a statistically significant difference was observed between G/G, G/C and C/C genotype on mRNA expression (P = 0.039). The methylation level of the ALDH1A2 gene promoter region showed no significant difference between the KBD and control groups (χ2 = 0.317, P = 0.573). Conclusion: Our case–control study indicates that the common variant rs3204689 near ALDH1A2 is associated with KBD in Chinese population. The risk allele G of rs3204689 is statistically linked to the high expression of ALDH1A2, which is up-regulated in the cartilage and whole blood of KBD patients. Our findings suggest a potential role of ALDH1A2 in the pathogenesis of KBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are effective methods for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (RHCC). Thus far, it is unclear which method is more satisfactory in short- and long-term survival benefits. Purpose: To compare the overall survival (OS) and complications of TACE and RFA used for the management of RHCC. Material and Methods: A literature search was carried out using PubMed, the Cochrane Library and, Embase databases, and Google Scholar, keywords including "RHCC," "TACEC," and "RFA" with a cutoff date of 30 April 2021. Used Review Manager software was to calculate short- and long-term OS. The clinical outcomes are major complications and complete response (CR). Results: Finally, nine clinical trials met the research standard, including 1326 subjects, of which 518 received RFA and 808 received TACE. The analysis showed that patients who underwent RFA had significantly higher 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS (OR1-year = 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27–2.91, p =.002; OR3-year = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.30–2.08, p <.0001; OR5-year = 3.22, 95% CI = 1.34–7.72, p =.009). Besides, the patients who chose RFA had an obvious higher rate of CR than those receiving TACE (OR = 33.75, 95% CI = 1.73–658.24, p =.002). However, the major complications were consistency between these two groups. Conclusion: Our study discovered that RFA had greater CR and incidence in both the short-term and long-term OS than TACE. In addition, obvious difference was not found in major complications in these two methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to determine the methylation profile of four CpGs and the genotypes of two CpG-SNPs located in promoter region of DIO2 in patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). We also analyzed the interaction between the CpGs methylations and CpG-SNPs. Whole blood specimens were collected from 16 KBD patients and 16 healthy subjects. Four CpGs and two CpG-SNPs in the promoter regions of DIO2 were detected using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The CpGs methylation levels were compared between samples from KBD patients and healthy subjects. The methylation levels were also analyzed in KBD patients with different CpG-SNP genotypes. The mRNA expression of DIO2 in whole blood of KBD patients was significnatly lower than in healthy controls (P "0.05). The methylation levels of DIO2 -1_CpG_3 in KBD patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (P <0.05). The methylation levels of four CpGs were not significantly different between KBD patients and healthy controls. The methylation level of DIO2 -1_CpG_3 in the promoter region of DIO2 in KBD patients with GA/AA genotype was significantly higher than that of KBD patients with GG genotype (P <0.05). The methylation level of DIO2 increases in KBD patients. Similar trends exist in KBD carriers of variant genotypes of CpG-SNPs DIO2 rs955849187. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to explore the application value of intelligent region of interest (ROI) detection algorithm in evaluating renal dynamic imaging information data of renal function in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). 52 patients with CHF were selected as the research objects and grouped according to the level of renal function into an experimental group (14 cases) and an observation group (38 cases). In addition, 10 healthy people were selected as the research objects, as the control group. Different calculation methods of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were used to evaluate the renal function of patients, and the ROI detection algorithm-assisted delineation was compared with traditional manual delineation. It was found that the GFR of the experimental group calculated by different methods was 52.58 mL/min/1.73m2 and 43.77 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively, which was significantly lower than that of the observation group (P < 0.05), and that in both groups was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the unilateral renal function values of the two auxiliary delineations were both 13.61 mL/min/1.73 m2, while the results of the two manual delineations were significantly different (P < 0.05). Therefore, renal dynamic imaging based on the ROI detection algorithm to evaluate the renal function of CHF patients showed a great improvement in effectiveness, sensitivity, stability, and efficiency compared with the traditional manual delineation, which was worthy of clinical promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cyberbullying victimization positively and significantly associated with youths' nonsuicidal self-injury. • Emotion reactivity mediated the relation between cyberbullying victimization and nonsuicidal self-injury. • Dispositional mindfulness buffered the relation between cyberbullying victimization and NSSI. • Intervention programs could target dispositional mindfulness and emotion reactivity to reduce nonsuicidal self-injury among youths who experience cyberbullying victimization. Little is known about how cyberbullying victimization may influence adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and what conditions may buffer the detrimental effects of cyberbullying victimization. By integrating multiple theories, this study investigated emotion reactivity as an underlying mediator and mindfulness as a potential moderator to explain the link between cyberbullying victimization and NSSI among Chinese adolescents. A total of 2,523 participants with an age range of 11 to 16 years old (Mage = 13.22, SD = 1.60, 48.4% girls) completed assessments. After controlling SES, age, gender, traditional bullying victimization, and child maltreatment, latent moderated structural equation modeling revealed that emotion reactivity mediated the association between cyberbullying victimization and NSSI. In addition, dispositional mindfulness was found to buffer the relation between cyberbullying victimization and NSSI, but not the relation between cyberbullying victimization and emotion reactivity. This study was cross-sectional in nature and relied exclusively upon self-report measures. The findings provide researchers and practitioners with a deeper understanding of the relation between cyberbullying victimization and NSSI among adolescents and its underlying mechanism. Suggested intervention and prevention strategies include helping youth reduce emotion reactivity to break the cyberbullying victimization to NSSI cycle and to enhance youths' mindfulness to buffer against the ill effects of cyberbullying victimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about how cyberbullying victimization may influence adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and what conditions may buffer the detrimental effects of cyberbullying victimization. By integrating multiple theories, this study investigated emotion reactivity as an underlying mediator and mindfulness as a potential moderator to explain the link between cyberbullying victimization and NSSI among Chinese adolescents.Method: A total of 2,523 participants with an age range of 11 to 16 years old (Mage = 13.22, SD = 1.60, 48.4% girls) completed assessments.Results: After controlling SES, age, gender, traditional bullying victimization, and child maltreatment, latent moderated structural equation modeling revealed that emotion reactivity mediated the association between cyberbullying victimization and NSSI. In addition, dispositional mindfulness was found to buffer the relation between cyberbullying victimization and NSSI, but not the relation between cyberbullying victimization and emotion reactivity.Limitations: This study was cross-sectional in nature and relied exclusively upon self-report measures.Conclusions: The findings provide researchers and practitioners with a deeper understanding of the relation between cyberbullying victimization and NSSI among adolescents and its underlying mechanism. Suggested intervention and prevention strategies include helping youth reduce emotion reactivity to break the cyberbullying victimization to NSSI cycle and to enhance youths' mindfulness to buffer against the ill effects of cyberbullying victimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the dramatic increase in the application of modern office equipment, such as laser printers and photocopiers, large amounts of waste toner powder are used and discarded, ending up in landfills around the world. As waste toner powder contains hazardous compounds that can seriously endanger both the environment and human health, it is urgent to deal with waste toner powder and convert it into high value-added products. In this work, we report, for the first time, visible-light-driven hydrogen production with waste toner activated by cheap Ni species (waste toner@Ni-species) as the photocatalyst. The Ni species adhered to the waste toner through in situ photoreduction, without sophisticated equipment. It is found that the Ni species were composed of metallic Ni and oxidized Ni, which worked in synergy to remarkably enhance the photocatalytic activity of the waste toner. Activated by the Ni species, the hydrogen evolution rate of the waste toner was accelerated by up to 62 times, and the apparent quantum efficiencies (AQEs) of the waste toner were boosted by up to 64 times. In addition, the waste toner@Ni-species exhibited a higher charge separation efficiency, faster interfacial charge transfer rate and ∼200 mV lower barrier for proton reduction than those of the pristine waste toner. In addition to these merits, the waste toner@Ni-species could be separated conveniently from the aqueous system using magnetic attraction, as the saturation magnetization and residual magnetism of the waste toner were improved with the assembly of the Ni species. The approach shown here indicates a simple and promising way to deal with waste toner by converting it to a cost-effective photocatalyst for producing clean energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Myocardial I/R injury is one of the most serious complications after reperfusion therapy in patients with myocardial infarction. Remifentanil has been found to protect the heart against I/R injury. However, its underlying mechanism remains uncertain in myocardial I/R injury. Methods: The myocardial I/R injury rat model was established by 30 min of ischaemia followed by 24 h of reperfusion. The animal model was evaluated by the levels of TC, ALT and AST and H&E staining. The binding of miR-206-3p and TLR4 was predicted and verified using TargetScan software, luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. The functional role and mechanism of remifentanil were identified by ultrasonic echocardiography, oxidative stress markers, H&E, Masson and TUNEL staining and western blot. Key findings: The rat myocardial I/R injury model displayed a significantly high level of TC, ALT, AST, TLR4, p-IκBα and p-p65 and the presence of disorganized cells and inflammatory cell infiltration. The model also showed increased levels of LVEDD, LVESD, MDA, fibrosis and apoptosis and decreased levels of EF, FS, SOD and GSH, which were reversed with remifentanil treatment. Knockdown of miR-206-3p damaged cardiac function and aggravated oxidative stress. miR-206-3p could directly bind to TLR4. TLR4 overexpression destroyed cardiac function, exacerbated oxidative stress, increased levels of p-IκBα and p-p65 and aggravated pathology manifestation affected by remifentanil. Conclusions: Our results elucidated that remifentanil alleviated myocardial I/R injury by miR-206-3p/TLR4/NF-κB signalling axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we adopted iso-frequency pure tone bursts to investigate the interdependent effects of sound amplitude/intensity and duration on mice inferior colliculus (IC) neuronal onset responses. On the majority of the sampled neurons (n=57, 89.1%), sound amplitude and duration had effects on the neuronal response to each other by showing complex changes of the rat-intensity function/duration selectivity types and/or best amplitudes (BAs)/durations (BDs), evaluated by spike counts. These results suggested that the balance between the excitatory and inhibitory inputs set by one acoustic parameter, amplitude or duration, affected the neuronal spike counts responses to the other. Neuronal duration selectivity types were altered easily by the low-amplitude sounds while the changes of rate-intensity function types had no obvious preferred stimulus durations. However, the first spike latencies (FSLs) of the onset response neurons were relative stable to iso-amplitude sound durations and changing systematically along with the sound levels. The superimposition of FSL and duration threshold (DT) as a function of stimulus amplitude after normalization indicated that the effects of the sound levels on FSLs are considered on DT actually. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Dynamical robustness and the transition of firing modes of multilayer memristive neural network consisting of nonidentical neurons have been investigated in detail. • The dynamic effects of memristive synapses coupling which are either cubic order flux or quadratic flux are detected. • We found that the ratio of inactive neurons switches the firing patterns of the active neuron among periodic bursting, chaotic bursting and spiking-like. • The dynamics of memristive neural network is also verified in the circuits built on Multisim. On the basis of Hindmarsh-Rose neuron model, dynamical robustness and the transition of firing modes of multilayer memristive neural network consisting of nonidentical neurons have been investigated in detail. The dynamic effects of memristive synapses coupling which are either cubic order flux or quadratic flux are detected. Our results suggest that for the cubic order flux-controlled memristors increasing electromagnetic induction parameter and parameter of memristor show the tendency to spoil the dynamical robustness of the multilayer memristive neural network. For quadratic flux-controlled memristors, weak electromagnetic induction can spoil the dynamical robustness while strong electromagnetic induction and parameter of memristor have little influence on dynamical robustness. We found that the ratio of inactive neurons switches the firing patterns of the active neuron among periodic bursting, chaotic bursting and spiking-like. In the case of memristive synapse coupling by cubic order flux-controlled memristors, chaotic bursting alternates with period bursting as the ratio of inactive neurons is increased, and the chaotic bursting occupy a large range of the ratio of inactive neurons. In the case of memristive synapse coupling by quadratic flux-controlled memristors, the main firing pattern of the active neuron is chaotic bursting. The distribution of interspike interval can be broadly classified into two groups: those that are long interspike intervals and those that are short interspike intervals. The dynamics of multilayer memristive neural network is also verified in the circuits built on Multisim. These results could give new mechanism explanation for aging transition by applying electromagnetic field to neural network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An event-triggered tracking control problem is investigated for a class of unknown nonlinear systems in this paper. First, to approximate the unknown function, the radial basis function neural network is used. Then, we propose an event-triggered adaptive neural network control scheme with dynamic gain. Both the event-triggered mechanism in the controller-to-actuator channel and the dynamic gain in the sensor-to-controller channel are considered to reduce the communication load between the controller and the actuator and in the meantime to alleviate the burden of parameter adjustment as well. This scheme makes full use of the advantage that the dynamic gain is driven by the tracking error to ensure that the system output signal can track the reference signal within a prespecified accuracy without adjusting the parameters in use. Moreover, a detailed theoretical proof is given to illustrate that Zeno behavior can be excluded under the designed event-triggered controller. Finally, a simulation example is provided to show the effectiveness of our control scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. With the progress of precision medicine treatment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), individualized cancer-related medical examination and prediction are of great importance in this high malignant tumor and tumor-immune microenvironment with changed pathways highly enrolled in the carcinogenesis of PDAC. Methods. High-throughput data of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. After batch normalization, the enrichment pathway and relevant scores were identified by the enrichment of immune-related pathway signature using gene set variation analysis (GSVA). Then, cancerous subtype in TCGA and GEO samples was defined through the NMF methods by cancertypes packages in R software, respectively. Subsequently, the significance between the characteristics of each TCGA sample and cancer type and the significant prognosis-related pathway with risk score formula is calculated through t-test and univariate Cox analysis. Next, the prognostic value of gained risk score formula and each significant prognosis-related pathway were validated in TCGA and GEO samples by survival analysis. The pivotal hub genes in the enriched significant prognosis-related pathway are identified and validated, and the TIMER database was used to identify the potential role of hub genes in the PDAC immune environment. The potential role of hub genes is promoting the transdifferentiation of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Results. The enrichment pathway and relevant scores were identified by GSVA, and 3 subtypes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were defined in TCGA and GEO samples. The clinical stage, tumor node metastasis classification, and tumor grade are strongly relative to the subtype above in TCGA samples. A risk formula about GSVA significant pathway "GSE45365_WT_VS_IFNAR_KO_CD11B_DC_MCMV_INFECTION_DN ∗ 0.80 + HALLMARK_GLYCOLYSIS ∗ 16.8 + GSE19888_CTRL_VS_T_CELL_MEMBRANES_ACT_MAST_CELL_DN ∗ 14.4" was identified and validated in TCGA and GEO samples through survival analysis with significance. DCN, VCAN, B4GALT7, SDC1, SDC2, B3GALT6, B3GAT3, SDC3, GPC1, and XYLT2 were identified as hub genes in these GSVA significant pathways and validated in silico. Conclusions. Three pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma subtypes are identified, and an individualized GSVA immune pathway score-related prognostic risk score formula with 10 hub genes is identified and validated. The predicted function of the 10 upregulated hub genes in tumor-immune microenvironment was promoting the infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts. These findings will contribute to the precision medicine of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treatment and tumor immune-related basic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The edible mushroom Flammulina velutipes was cultivated on cooked rice. Six new cuparene sesquiterpenes, enokipodins E-J (1–6), and two new sterpurane sesquiterpenes, sterpurols A (10) and B (11), with four known sesquiterpenes, 2,5-cuparadiene-1,4-dione (7), enokipodins B (8) and D (9), and sterpuric acid (12), were isolated from the solid culture of F. velutipes. The structures of new metabolites were elucidated by NMR experiments. The absolute configurations in new compounds were assigned by X-ray crystallographic analysis, the modified Mosher method, and CD data analysis. Bioactivity screening indicated that compounds 5–9 displayed weak antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis; 2, 3, and 5 showed weak antifungal activity against Aspergilus fumigatus; 6–9 showed both moderate cytotoxicity against the human tumor cell lines (HepG2, MCF-7, SGC7901, and A549) and antioxidant activity in DPPH scavenging assay. These results suggest that the solid culture of F. velutipes on cooked rice could be a good functional food. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Superhydrophilic silica film with antifogging and antireflective properties was prepared by dip-coating the glass in SiO2 nanoparticles sol. The transparent superhydrophilic film was composed of silica nanoparticles of about 20–30nm in diameter. The combination of hydrophilic Si surface and nanoporous surface topography was believed to be responsible for the antifogging property. The nanopores also effectively reduced the refractive index of the film and resulted in the antireflective property. By sintering the multifunctional silica film, a pencil hardness of 2H could be obtained. Application of the functional film in full-sized photovoltaic modules (1580×808×35mm) demonstrated an increase of the power output of about 2%, 5% and 8%, respectively, at incidence angles of 0°, 30° and 60°. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Wandering spleen is an extremely rare clinical condition characterized by abnormal anatomical position of the spleen. Up to now, its etiology remains unknown, and the best surgical procedure is still an area to explore in the future. In this article, we present the case of a 24-year-old woman with wandering spleen combined with congenital heart disease and pigeon chest. Based on the clinical features and our experiences of radiofrequency ablation for preservation of the spleen in traumatic spleen rupture, we successfully performed a modified splenectomy and splenopexy method. Since the operation, the organ has remained in place with good perfusion and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, a new type of anticipating synchronization, called time-varying anticipating synchronization, is defined firstly. Then novel adaptive schemes for time-varying anticipating synchronization of certain or uncertain chaotic dynamical systems are designed based on the Lyapunov function and invariance principle. The update gain of coupling strength can be automatically adapted to a suitable strength depending on the initial values and can be properly chosen to adjust the speed of achieving synchronization, so these schemes are analytical and simple to implement in practice. A classical chaotic dynamical system is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive schemes with or without parameter uncertainties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • The Co 3 O 4 -SnO 2 composite was successfully fabricated by annealing the bimetallic oxalates. • SnO 2 as a cocatalyst was indispensable for the improvement of catalytic activity of Co 3 O 4. • The synergy of SnO 2 and Co 3 O 4 afforded the Co 3 O 4 -SnO 2 composite with higher catalytic activity. • The Co 3 O 4 -SnO 2 composite exhibited excellent stability and reusability in PMS activation. • SO 4 •−, •OH, O 2 •−, and 1O 2 jointly contributed to the fast elimination of CAP. In this study, the Co 3 O 4 -SnO 2 composite derived from bimetallic oxalates was rationally fabricated and utilized as a catalyst for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation towards the destruction of chloramphenicol (CAP). The physicochemical properties of the Co 3 O 4 -SnO 2 were systematically characterized to discover the relationship between its structure and catalytic performance. SnO 2 as a cocatalyst with high conductivity and stability immensely improved the activity of Co 3 O 4 in the Co 3 O 4 -SnO 2 composite. Approximately 98% of CAP (10 mg/L) was eliminated by the Co 3 O 4 -SnO 2 (0.1 g/L) activated PMS (1.0 mmol/L) at initial pH 7 within 20 min. The rationally designed Co 3 O 4 -SnO 2 composite exhibited higher catalytic activity than Co 3 O 4 , SnO 2 , and other cobalt-based bimetallic oxides (such as Co-Fe, Co-Mn, and Co-Cu) in the PMS activation for the CAP degradation. The synergistic effect of Co 3 O 4 and SnO 2 endowed the Co 3 O 4 -SnO 2 composite with higher conductivity and more electron transfer, which was proved by the electrochemical tests. The presence of SO 4 •−, •OH, O 2 •−, and 1O 2 during the CAP degradation was testified by both quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. In addition, the catalytic mechanism and degradation pathways were further proposed via the characterization of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the identification of transformation products, respectively. This work provides a new insight into the preparation of novel catalysts and their application in wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The chaotic behavior of Van der Pol–Mathieu–Duffing oscillator under bounded noise is investigated. By using random Melnikov technique, a mean square criterion is used to detect the necessary conditions for chaotic motion of this stochastic system. The results show that the threshold of bounded noise amplitude for the onset of chaos in this system increases as the intensity of the noise in frequency increases, which is further verified by the maximal Lyapunov exponents of the system. The effect of bounded noise on Poincaré map is also investigated, in addition the numerical simulation of the maximal Lyapunov exponents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Influences of time delay and noise on the chaotic motion of a prototypical bistable system with delayed state feedback under additive bounded noise excitation are studied theoretically and numerically in this Letter. A random Melnikov''s technique is employed to analyze the chaotic behavior of the system. Analytical analyses reveal that for negative feedback the presence of time delay lowers the threshold and enlarges the possible chaotic domain in parameter space, while the presence of noise enhances the threshold and reduces the possible chaotic domain in parameter space; for positive feedback the presence of time delay enhances the threshold and reduces the possible chaotic domain in parameter space, while the presence of noise lowers the threshold and enhances the possible chaotic domain when the noise intensity is less than a certain threshold or enhances the threshold and lowers the possible chaotic domain when the noise intensity is greater than the threshold in parameter space. The analytical results are further verified numerically through the top Lyapunov exponents and Poincaré maps of the system. Both the two methods lead to fully consistent results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry was used for the investigation of noncovalent complexes formed between β-cyclodextrin (CD) and protein or dipeptide in aqueous solution. After one of those noncovalent complexes has formed, it was found that addition of the other ligand compound would produce the competitive noncovalent complexes. Measurements were obtained with four proteins, such as hen egg lysozyme, cytochrome c, insulin and RNase A, and three dipeptides, respectively. The data obtained from the investigated systems show that ESI-MS is not only a reliable, sensitive, and fast technique for the analysis of the β-CD/protein and β-CD/dipeptide complexes, but also an interesting tool to observe the transformation from one complex to the other in aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most anticancer drugs with broad toxicities are systematically administrated to cancer patients and their distribution in tumors is extremely low owing to hypoxia, which compromises the therapeutic efficacies of these cancer drugs. Consequently, a preponderant proportion of cancer drugs is distributed in off-target-healthy tissues, which often causes severe adverse effects. Precision cancer therapy without overdosing patients with drugs remains one of the most challenging issues in cancer therapy. Here, a novel concept of nanopoxia is presented, which is a tumor-hypoxia-based photodynamic nanoplatform for the release of therapeutic agents to achieve precision cancer therapy. Under tumor hypoxia, exposure of tumors to laser irradiation induces the fracture of polymer outer shell and produces anticancer reactive oxygen species, and switches 2D antimonene (Sb) nanomaterials to cytotoxic trivalent antimony to synergistically kill tumors. In preclinical cancer models, delivery of Sb nanomaterials to mice virtually ablates tumor growth without producing any detectable adverse effects. Mechanistically, the tumor hypoxiatriggered generation of trivalent antimony displays direct damaging effects on cancer cells and suppression of tumor angiogenesis. Together, the study provides a proof-of-concept of hypoxia-based precision cancer therapy by developing a novel nanoplatform that offers multifarious mechanisms of cancer eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have suggested that virtual reality (VR) can elicit emotions in different visual modes using 2D or 3D headsets. However, the effects on emotional arousal by using these two visual modes have not been comprehensively investigated, and the underlying neural mechanisms are not yet clear. This paper presents a cognitive psychological experiment that was conducted to analyze how these two visual modes impact emotional arousal. Forty volunteers were recruited and were randomly assigned to two groups. They were asked to watch a series of positive, neutral and negative short VR videos in 2D and 3D. Multichannel electroencephalograms (EEG) and skin conductance responses (SCR) were recorded simultaneously during their participation. The results indicated that emotional stimulation was more intense in the 3D environment due to the improved perception of the environment; greater emotional arousal was generated; and higher beta (21–30 Hz) EEG power was identified in 3D than in 2D. We also found that both hemispheres were involved in stereo vision processing and that brain lateralization existed in the processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The hierarchical Ni-doped BiOCl microspheres self-assembled by 2D nanosheets were successfully realized. • The Ni-doped BiOCl presented a remarkably enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity. • The introduction of Ni can narrow the bandgap and form defect energy levels simultaneously. • The improved photocatalytic activity is attributed to the enhanced light absorption and prolonged carrier lifetime Doping modifications can endow BiOCl with dramatically improved photocatalytic performance via modifying the electronic structure. Here, the hierarchical Ni-doped BiOCl microflowers self-assembled by 2D nanosheets were synthesized through a one-step solvothermal method. Notably, the as-obtained Ni-doped BiOCl sample presented a remarkably enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity, totally decomposed Rhodamine B aqueous solution (15 mg/L) within 5 min under visible-light irradiation. Based on the experimental and calculated results, the introduction of Ni can narrow the band-gap and form defect energy levels simultaneously, resulted in a red shift in the absorption edge and much stronger absorption in the visible-light range. In addition, Ni-doped BiOCl exhibits an enhanced photocurrent density and a suppressed peak intensity of PL emission, indicating the efficient transportation and suppressed recombination of photoinduced charge carriers. This study sheds light on a possible application of Ni-doped BiOCl in photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants under visible-light irradiation and provides a feasible strategy to synthesis of high active Ni-doped BiOX (X = Cl, Br and I) photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Retinoblastoma (RB) is a common intraocular malignant tumor in infants and young children. However, reports on the morphological descriptions of RB tumor cells from native and foreign scholars are rare. Objectives: To investigate the myelogram characteristics of RB with extraocular tumor extension and the morphological characteristics of tumor cells in the bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid. Methods: For the period from May 2011 to February 2015, we analyzed clinical data on 18 patients in our hospital diagnosed as having metastatic RB in the extraocular and other distant regions associated with clear bone marrow metastasis. The morphology of tumor cells in the bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid was retrospectively analyzed after staining with Wright-Giemsa stain. A summary of the cytological characteristics was also presented. Results: RB tumor cells in the bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid not only appeared as aggregated clumps, but were distributed in a scattered manner. The tumor cells may present different characteristic morphologies in different cases, with different tumor cell smears from the same tumor mass even showing different features. According to the degree of tumor metastasis, changes in myelogram were significantly different. Conclusion: The tumor cells of RB patients show unique morphological characteristics in the bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid. Therefore, correct identification of the cells is of great value in the diagnosis, staging, and prognosis of RB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Excessive activation of the nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) inflammasome plays a significant role in the progression of cardiac injury. In China, it has been well recognized that Chinese herbal medicine is markedly effective in treating cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). LuQi Formula (LQF) has been used clinically for more than 10 years and confirmed to be effective in improving cardiac function and inhibiting apoptosis. However, the specific mechanisms underlying its efficacy are mostly unknown. This study aimed to evaluate whether LQF could alleviate cardiac injury and apoptosis by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and the caspase-3/Bax pathway. Purpose. In this study, we investigated the effects of LQF on cardiac remodeling in a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI) in vivo. Methods. Forty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: the sham group, the model group, the LQF group, and the perindopril group, with a sample size (n) of 10 mice in each group. Except the sham group, the other groups received left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation to induce MI and then treated with LQF, perindopril, or saline. Six weeks after MI, echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac structure and function. Myocardial tissue morphology was observed by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and heart samples were stained with Masson's trichrome to analyse myocardial fibrosis. Myocardial hypertrophy was observed by fluorescent wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining. The expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Cle-caspase-1, IL-1β, TXNIP, Cle-caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax in heart tissues were assessed by western blot analysis. mRNA expressions of ANP and BNP in heart tissues were measured by RT-PCR. The expression of reactive oxygen species in myocardial tissue was detected by using a DCFH-DA probe. Results. Echocardiographic analysis showed that compared with the model group, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) in the LQF and perindopril group were increased (P < 0.05), left ventricular internal diameter end diastole (LVIDd) and left ventricular internal diameter end-systole (LVIDs) were reduced (P < 0.05), and H&E and Masson's trichrome staining of cardiac tissues showed that LQF and perindopril could partially reverse ventricular remodeling and alleviate myocardial fibrosis (P < 0.05). WGA fluorescence results showed that compared with the model group, myocardial hypertrophy was significantly reduced in the LQF and perindopril group. We also found that LQF and perindopril reduce the oxidative stress response in the heart of MI mice. The protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, Cle-caspase-1, IL-1β, TXNIP, Cle-caspase-3, and Bax was downregulated in the LHF and perindopril treatment group, and Bcl-2 expression was upregulated. Conclusion. LQF and perindopril significantly attenuated cardiac injury and apoptosis in the MI model. In addition, we found that LQF effectively inhibited the activation of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1/IL-1β cascade, decreased inflammatory infiltration, delayed ventricular remodeling, and downregulated caspase-3/Bax signaling, which can effectively reduce the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Perindopril showed the same mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three-dimensional stability of a non-circular tunnel face is investigated. • The discretization-based failure mechanism is improved to incorporate the soil tension cut-off. • An optimization procedure is presented to solve the critical face pressure. • A practical tunnel project is studied with the proposed approach. In many studies, the face stability evaluations of underground excavations have been performed with an equal-area circular tunnel face instead of the real tunnel shape. This equivalent method greatly facilitates the model construction, but sacrifices the calculation accuracy. To solve this issue, a non-circular tunnel is studied here to assess its face stability by kinematical approach where the discretization-based failure mechanism is used to describe the face failure. In the laboratory tests, it is also found that the soil strength in tensile regime is significantly reduced which is much smaller than the one described by the classical Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion. For this purpose, the tensile strength cut-off is introduced to define a linearly varying soil dilatancy angle with the rotation angle when the tensile stress can be expected in soils. On this basis, the failure mechanism has such a feature that the failure surface in tensile regime is accelerated to bend and eventually forms a rounded corner at the top. The proposed approach is compared with the existing methods in literature and the finite difference method of FLAC3D which proves that the proposed approach has sufficient accuracy and great efficiency. Finally, an engineering example of a tunnel in Hunan Province, China is studied using the proposed approach and some suggestions are given for practical tunnel excavations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the level of serum anti-angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibodies (AT1-AA) was determined. It was found that the positive rate of AT1-AA in serum of infertile women is higher than that of healthy non-pregnant women. Spearman correlation analysis showed that AT1-AA was negatively correlated with oocyte maturation rate (r = −0.29, P < 0.01) and AT1-AA was positively correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.68, P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, BMI, type of infertility, years of infertility, history of poor pregnancy outcome, condition of fallopian tube, and polycystic ovary syndrome were not factors influencing the level of AT1-AA in the serum of infertile patients. The results indicated that AT1-AA was involved in the pathological changes of infertile women. AT1-AA may be related to oocyte maturation disorder, ovulation disorder. Interestingly it appears to induce an inflammatory reaction, although the specific mechanism is not clear. However, the level of AT1-AA is not affected by individual differences in infertile patients. Abbreviations: E2:estradiol; P:progesterone; RAS:Renin-angiotensin system; Ovras:renin-angiotensin system; ACE1:angiotensin-converting enzyme-1; AngII:angiotensin II; AT1R:Angiotensin II type 1 Receptor; BMI:Body Mass Index; AT1-A:anti-angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparison of the immunogenicity, safety, and pharmacokinetic properties of HS016 and its originator, adalimumab, was conducted in Chinese healthy male subjects. This was a phase 1 single‐center, randomized, parallel‐group double‐blind clinical trial. Chinese healthy male subjects (1:1) allocated to HS016 and adalimumab groups were treated with single subcutaneous injections (40 mg/0.8 mL). The pharmacokinetic equivalence of HS016 and adalimumab was assessed by (1) the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) from time 0 to the last detectable drug concentration (AUC0‐t), (2) the AUC from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (AUC0‐∞), and (3) the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax). Other pharmacokinetic parameters (time to Cmax, apparent clearance, and half‐life), safety, and immunogenicity were also evaluated. A total of 136 subjects were randomly divided into HS016 (n = 68) or adalimumab (n = 68) groups. The geometric means of AUC0‐t, AUC0‐∞, and Cmax were similar for HS016 and adalimumab. The 90%CIs of AUC0‐t (87.2% to 106.1%), AUC0‐∞ (87.4% to 108.4%), and Cmax (98.6% to 113.6%) were all within the prespecified bioequivalence criteria (80% to 125%). The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was similar in both groups, with most TEAEs being mild; only 3 (4.4%) subjects in the HS016 group experienced moderate TEAEs. No significant differences in the time to Cmax, apparent clearance, half‐life, and immunogenicity were detected. The pharmacokinetic profile of HS016 was equivalent to that of the originator, adalimumab, with similar safety and immunogenicity profiles. HS016 may be considered for assessment in the treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical water splitting is considered as a promising approach to storing renewable electricity in the form of hydrogen fuel. In this work, we report the design and electrocatalytic properties of chiral CuO@Ni with three dimensional (3D) continuous macroporous framework. With the chiral CuO@Ni as anode, the OER overpotential required to achieve the current density of 10 mA/cm2 was as low as 110 mV in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte, and the hydrogen production rate of water splitting reaction could reach 1070 nL/s. Moreover, the OER overpotential could be regulated easily by controlling the deposition time of chiral CuO layer on Ni. The high catalytic activity of chiral CuO@Ni for water splitting is closely associated with the Chiral-induced spin selectivity ( CISS ) effect, the large reactive area provided by its 3D macroporous structure, and the effective cooperation between chiral CuO and Ni foam that facilitated the transportation of spin aligned electrons from chiral CuO layer to Ni. The results shown in this work indicate a simple and promising strategy to improve the electrocatalytic activity of other chiral earth-abundant catalysts for water splitting. This work shows the design and properties of chiral CuO@Ni with three dimensional continuous macroporous framework. The chiral CuO@Ni exhibited lower OER overpotential and larger current density than many CuO-based catalysts. Its high catalytic activity for water splitting reaction is attributed to the CISS effect of chiral CuO, the large reactive area of its 3D porous structure, and the synergistic interaction between the chiral CuO and the Ni foam. Image 1 • Chiral CuO@Ni with three dimensional continuous macroporous framework. • Low OER overpotential (110 mV) to achieve 10 mA/cm2 current density. • Easy and effective way to enhance the activity of chiral earth-abundant catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Furin Activated Iron Oxide nanoparticles (FAIOs) are golgi-triggered radio-sensitizer. • FAIOs enhanced the accuracy of radio-therapy by resident in tumor cells. • FAIOs induced efferocytosis accompanied with tumor antigen presentation. • FAIOs enabled tumor-specific MRI and could serve as a theranostic mediator. • FAIOs suppressed breast cancer bone metastasis and alleviated bone destruction. Radiotherapy with higher precision and better efficiency is required for breast cancer bone metastasis therapy. In this study, we synthesized a golgi-triggered radiation sensitizer, Furin Activated Iron Oxide nanoparticles (FAIOs), which could suppress breast cancer bone metastasis by targeting tumor micro-environment (TME) and enhancing immune response. As a multi-functional theranostic mediator, FAIOs enabled tumor-specific MRI and accurate radiation therapy in TMEs with enriched FURIN. The increased efferocytosis triggered by FAIOs-mediated tumor cell apoptosis offered remarkable benefits. Moreover, the osteoclast-mediated bone destruction was markedly alleviated. These encouraging findings provided insights into therapeutic and diagnostic value of these multifunctional FAIOs for bone-metastatic breast cancer. (Scheme) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimization of passenger evacuation paths in subway stations under flood scenarios plays an important role in improving evacuation efficiency and ensuring escape safety. Considering the impact of evacuation network failures such as gates on path planning, a two-stage passenger evacuation path optimization method under flood scenarios of subway stations is established with the objectives of minimizing total evacuation time, risk, and congestion. The black widow algorithm is proposed to optimize the BP neural network model to predict the travel time of passengers at nodes, which could improve the prediction accuracy of calculating the total evacuation time. The path optimization model is solved by the NSGA-II algorithm, and the optimal Pareto solution is determined based on the minimum total cost. Taking a subway station in Qingdao, China as an example, a passenger evacuation simulation system under flood scenarios is built using PathFinder software. The effect of the path optimization strategy is comprehensively evaluated through comparative experiments. It is found that the overall evacuation optimization degree could be increased by 18.75%, by comparing the evacuation time, congestion, and risk objectives under the situations with and without path optimization strategies. • A 3D evacuation simulation system of subway station integrating path optimization is built. • Objectives considering hydrodynamic of floods are developed to model path optimization. • BP neural network is optimized by the black widow optimization to improve the prediction accuracy. • A two-stage path optimization model is constructed for evacuation network failure scenarios. • A maximum 18.75% of the optimization degree is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies demonstrated the dependence of cancer on nerve. Recently, a growing number of studies reveal that cancer cells share the property and regulatory network with neural stem/progenitor cells. However, relationship between the property of neural stemness and cell tumorigenicity is unknown. Results: We show that neural stem/progenitor cells, but not non-neural embryonic or somatic stem/progenitor cell types, exhibit tumorigenicity and the potential for differentiation into tissue types of all germ layers when they are placed in non-native environment by transplantation into immunodeficient nude mice. Likewise, cancer cells capable of tumor initiation have the property of neural stemness because of their abilities in neurosphere formation in neural stem cell-specific serum-free medium and in differentiation potential, in addition to their neuronal differentiation potential that was characterized previously. Moreover, loss of a pro-differentiation factor in myoblasts, which have no tumorigenicity, lead to the loss of myoblast identity, and gain of the property of neural stemness, tumorigenicity and potential for re-differentiation. By contrast, loss of neural stemness via differentiation results in the loss of tumorigenicity. These suggest that the property of neural stemness contributes to cell tumorigenicity, and tumor phenotypic heterogeneity might be an effect of differentiation potential of neural stemness. Bioinformatic analysis reveals that neural genes in general are correlated with embryonic development and cancer, in addition to their role in neural development; whereas non-neural genes are not. Most of neural specific genes emerged in typical species representing transition from unicellularity to multicellularity during evolution. Genes in Monosiga brevicollis, a unicellular species that is a closest known relative of metazoans, are biased toward neural cells. Conclusions: We suggest that the property of neural stemness is the source of cell tumorigenicity. This is due to that neural biased unicellular state is the ground state for multicellularity and hence cell type diversification or differentiation during evolution, and tumorigenesis is a process of restoration of neural ground state in somatic cells along a default route that is pre-determined by an evolutionary advantage of neural state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kashin–Beck disease (KBD) is a complex endemic osteoarthropathy, which mainly occurs in the northeast to southwest China. Iodothyronine deiodinases 3 (DIO3) is one of the selenoproteins, which is closely related to bone metabolism and unclear to KBD. This study aims to investigate the role and associated mechanisms of methylation and expression of DIO3 with disease severity in patients with KBD. We performed a bioinformatics analysis first to identify the biological mechanisms involved in selenoproteins. The methylation status of the DIO3 gene and DIO3 gene expression, as well as DIO3‐related regulatory genes in patients with KBD, were analyzed. We found that 15 CpG sites of six selenoproteins were hypomethylated with 5‐azacytidine treatment. DIO3 hypermethylation was associated with an increased risk of KBD and may lead to downregulation of DIO3 gene expression as well as be an indicator of the severity of KBD, which may provide a new insight for gene–environment correlations and interactions in etiology and pathogenesis of KBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of immunonutrition in patients undergoing hepatectomy remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of immunonutrition on postoperative clinical outcomes in patients undergoing hepatectomy. Methods: A literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases was performed to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the effect of perioperative immunonutrition in patients undergoing hepatectomy until the end of March 10, 2020. Quality assessment and data extraction of RCTs were conducted independently by 3 reviewers. Mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a fixed-effects or random-effects model. The meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Nine RCTs involving a total of 966 patients were finally included. This meta-analysis showed that immunonutrition significantly reduced the incidences of overall postoperative complications (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34–0.95; p = 0.03), overall postoperative infectious complications (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.37–0.75; p = 0.0003), and incision infection (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28–0.89; p = 0.02), and it shortened the length of hospital stay (MD = −3.80, 95% CI: −6.59 to −1.02; p = 0.007). There were no significant differences in the incidences of pulmonary infection (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.32–1.12; p = 0.11), urinary tract infection (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.55–3.08; p = 0.55), liver failure (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.23–1.24; p = 0.15), and postoperative mortality (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.26–1.83; p = 0.46). Conclusion: Given its positive impact on postoperative complications and the tendency to shorten the length of hospital stay, perioperative immunonutrition should be encouraged in patients undergoing hepatectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]