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SMART is a low-latency solution that transmits nonconflicting flits to remote routers, enabling traversal of multi-hop paths within a single cycle. It reduces packet latency but ignores high power consumption in idle components. Additionally, SMART's low latency is highly dependent on HPC Max , which represents the maximum number of hops traversed within a cycle. Therefore, this paper presents SMART-PG, a power gating method based on SMART that reduces network power consumption by shutting down idle components such as router buffers under low-load conditions. We also extend the router architecture to enable the continuous establishment of single-cycle multi-hop bypass paths. Compared to SMART routers, our method eliminates packet buffering even when a packet reaches the last router of a single-cycle multi-hop path, reducing packet latency and sensitivity to HPC Max . Finally, we propose a routing algorithm that enables efficient packet transmission in one-dimensional and two-dimensional networks even when routers are powered off. Experimental results show that our method reduces packet latency and static power consumption by an average of 7.5% and 46.4%, respectively, compared to the baseline router. Compared to SMART routers, our method demonstrates significant superiority in terms of packet latency and the impact of multi-hop length on packet latency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous reduction in transistor size, the power consumption issue associated with the adoption of Network-on-Chips (NoCs) in multicore systems has become increasingly prominent and severe, particularly in terms of static power consumption. Currently, the techniques employed to address the issue of static power consumption in NoCs can be broadly categorized into two forms: power gating and simplified router architecture. However, these designs face critical bottlenecks in maintaining network performance stability and flexibility. In this paper, we propose a power gating approach utilizing double buffering to conserve power. Firstly, we introduce the DBU-PG router architecture, which effectively reduces network power consumption by sharing an input buffer between every two input ports when the network load is low. Secondly, through improved arbitration and flow control mechanisms, packets can be efficiently transmitted between shared buffers. Finally, we propose an improved router architecture, DBU-PG2, which enables packets in different virtual channels of the same buffer to be executed concurrently. Based on evaluation in real application, our DBU-PG and DBU-PG2 routers achieved reductions of 69% and 66%, respectively, in static power consumption compared to the baseline. Additionally, DBU-PG2 reduced packet latency by 7.5% while incurring only a 2.3% increase in area overhead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high recurrence rate of renal uric acid stone (UAS) poses a significant challenge for urologists, and potassium sodium hydrogen citrate (PSHC) has been proven to be an effective oral dissolution drug. However, no studies have investigated the impact of PSHC on gut microbiota and its metabolites during stone dissolution therapy. We prospectively recruited 37 UAS patients and 40 healthy subjects, of which 12 patients completed a 3-month pharmacological intervention. Fasting vein blood was extracted and mid-stream urine was retained for biochemical testing. Fecal samples were collected for 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content determination. UAS patients exhibited comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, gout, and dyslipidemia. The richness and diversity of the gut microbiota were significantly decreased in UAS patients, Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were dominant genera while Subdoligranulum and Bifidobacterium were poorly enriched. After PSHC intervention, there was a significant reduction in stone size accompanied by decreased serum uric acid and increased urinary pH levels. The abundance of pathogenic bacterium Fusobacterium was significantly downregulated following the intervention, whereas there was an upregulation observed in SCFA-producing bacteria Lachnoclostridium and Parasutterella, leading to a significant elevation in butyric acid content. Functions related to fatty acid synthesis and amino acid metabolism within the microbiota showed upregulation following PSHC intervention. The correlation analysis revealed a positive association between stone pathogenic bacteria abundance and clinical factors for stone formation, while a negative correlation with SCFAs contents. Our preliminary study revealed that alterations in gut microbiota and metabolites were the crucial physiological adaptation to PSHC intervention. Targeted regulation of microbiota and SCFA holds promise for enhancing drug therapy efficacy and preventing stone recurrence. Key points: • Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were identified as dominant genera for UAS patients • After PSHC intervention, Fusobacterium decreased and butyric acid content increased • The microbiota increased capacity for fatty acid synthesis after PSHC intervention [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high recurrence rate of renal uric acid stone (UAS) poses a significant challenge for urologists, and potassium sodium hydrogen citrate (PSHC) has been proven to be an effective oral dissolution drug. However, no studies have investigated the impact of PSHC on gut microbiota and its metabolites during stone dissolution therapy. We prospectively recruited 37 UAS patients and 40 healthy subjects, of which 12 patients completed a 3-month pharmacological intervention. Fasting vein blood was extracted and mid-stream urine was retained for biochemical testing. Fecal samples were collected for 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content determination. UAS patients exhibited comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, gout, and dyslipidemia. The richness and diversity of the gut microbiota were significantly decreased in UAS patients, Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were dominant genera while Subdoligranulum and Bifidobacterium were poorly enriched. After PSHC intervention, there was a significant reduction in stone size accompanied by decreased serum uric acid and increased urinary pH levels. The abundance of pathogenic bacterium Fusobacterium was significantly downregulated following the intervention, whereas there was an upregulation observed in SCFA-producing bacteria Lachnoclostridium and Parasutterella, leading to a significant elevation in butyric acid content. Functions related to fatty acid synthesis and amino acid metabolism within the microbiota showed upregulation following PSHC intervention. The correlation analysis revealed a positive association between stone pathogenic bacteria abundance and clinical factors for stone formation, while a negative correlation with SCFAs contents. Our preliminary study revealed that alterations in gut microbiota and metabolites were the crucial physiological adaptation to PSHC intervention. Targeted regulation of microbiota and SCFA holds promise for enhancing drug therapy efficacy and preventing stone recurrence. Key points: • Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were identified as dominant genera for UAS patients • After PSHC intervention, Fusobacterium decreased and butyric acid content increased • The microbiota increased capacity for fatty acid synthesis after PSHC intervention [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are implicated with tumorigenesis and the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Previous studies suggested that long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 4 (SNHG4) exerted oncogenic roles in various cancers. However, the function and molecular mechanism of SNHG4 in NPC have not been investigated. In our study, it was confirmed that the SNHG4 level was enriched in NPC tissues and cells. Functional assays indicated that SNHG4 depletion inhibited the proliferation and metastasis but promoted apoptosis of NPC cells. Furthermore, we identified miR-510-5p as a downstream gene of SNHG4 in NPC cells and SNHG4 upregulated CENPF expression by binding to miR-510-5p. Moreover, there was a positive (or negative) association between CENPF and SNHG4 (or miR-510-5p) expression in NPC. In addition, rescue experiments verified that CENPF overexpression or miR-510-5p silencing abrogated inhibitory effects on NPC tumorigenesis caused by SNHG4 deficiency. The study demonstrated that SNHG4 promoted NPC progression via miR-510-5p/CENPF axis, providing a novel potential therapeutic target for NPC treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade, there has been a growing interest in using lithium (Li) isotopes in marine carbonates to trace chemical weathering and clay formation in the Earth's history. Yet it remains technically challenging to precisely and efficiently determine the Li isotope composition in carbonate samples due to the imperfect Li separation led by the matrix effect and the extremely low Li concentration in carbonates relative to the analytical threshold of sample size. For such high matrix and low-Li samples, here we present an efficient dual-column chromatography system for Li purification. The dual-column system has a large loading capacity, fixed Li elution range of merely 12 mL, complete Li recovery (>99.5%) and relatively efficient total elution time (7 hours). The procedural blank is 0.036 ± 0.002 ng accounting for sample dissolution and chemical purification, and the Na/Li mass ratio of the Li cut is below 0.5. High precision and accurate Li isotope measurement is performed efficiently with a small sample-sized protocol developed on a MC-ICP-MS (Neptune plus) connected with an APEX 2-IR desolvator. The whole procedure is validated by analyzing a series of certified reference materials. The long-term external precision of δ7Li determined based on L-SVEC and a high-purity Li solution is 0.6‰ (2SD) and 0.9‰ (2SD) for a minimum sample size of 7.5 ng. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation among gut microbiota, biochemical features, and dietary patterns in recurrent stone formers has been inadequately investigated in the Chinese population. Forty-two patients with calcium oxalate stones (CaOxS group), including 34 recurrent stone formers (RS group), and 40 nonstone healthy subjects (NS group) from Changshu Hospital Affiliated with Soochow University, were prospectively recruited. Food frequency questionnaires were completed by participants, fasting vein blood was extracted, 24-h urine was collected for biochemical detection, and fecal samples were gathered for 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. BMI; serum levels of triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), magnesium, and creatinine; and urine levels of magnesium in stone formers were significantly different from those of controls, and RS patients showed significantly low serum phosphate and high urine phosphate levels. Celery, bamboo shoots, and pickled food were the favored foods of local stone formers. Patients with recurrent stones had altered microbiota composition, with Escherichia, Fusobacterium, and Epulopiscium being the predominant pathogenic genera. The gut microbiota in RS patients had stronger functions in fatty acid and amino acid degradation but weaker functions in their biosynthesis. The pathogenic genera were positively correlated with BMI; serum levels of TGs and creatinine; urine levels of calcium, phosphate, and uric acid (UA); and celery, bamboo shoots, and pickled food intake. The abundance of Escherichia and Fusobacterium and the levels of serum magnesium and creatinine were the most relevant factors associated with stone recurrence and could be validated as biomarkers of recurrence. Our research provides a novel prevention strategy for the recurrence of renal calcium oxalate stones in the Han Chinese population of southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The classical colon substitution procedure is open surgery. Still, technological developments could allow a minimally invasive procedure that might improve patient outcomes. To present the efficacy and safety of esophagocolonic OrVil anastomosis after minimally invasive esophagectomy. Methods: This retrospective study included 10 patients with esophageal cancer treated with OrVil anastomosis (OA) between August 2017 and May 2021 at Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Lishui People's Hospital, Zhongda Hospital Lishui Branch, Southeast University, Nanjing, China and the Fourth Associated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. The patient's characteristic information and related perioperative indexes were collected from the hospital's electronic medical record system and the patients were followed up. Results: The mean operative time and median intraoperative blood loss were 530 ± 88 minutes and 200 (range: 100–300) mL, respectively. A median of 26 (range: 13–30) lymph nodes was dissected per patient. The median total duration of hospitalization and postoperative hospitalization was 32 (range: 24–64) and 15 (range: 12–42) days, respectively. Seven (70%) patients had postoperative pulmonary infections. Two (20%) patients had postoperative respiratory failure. No esophagocolonic anastomotic leakage was observed in all cases. One patient was complicated with postoperative colonicoduodenal anastomotic leakage after the operation and was cured. However, 1 (10%) of the remaining 9 patients died from colonicolonic anastomotic leakage during hospitalization. The living 9 cases were followed up, and the median overall survival time was 36 months. Conclusion: Colonic interposition for esophageal cancer is effective and safe using the minimally invasive OA technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prefilming air-blast atomizers are widely used in modern gas turbine combustors. Due to insufficient awareness of the coupling mechanism of multi-stage swirling flow in gas turbines, there is a lack of effective methods for flow field optimization in combustor. In this study, the effect of some critical parameters on the flow field of a prefilming air-blast atomizer was analyzed with CFD. The parameters include the angle and number of the first swirler blades, the angle of the second swirler blades and the angle of sleeve. Furthermore, the coupling mechanism of two-stage swirling airflows of prefilming air-blast atomizer was discussed. Moreover, the influence of the interaction between two-stage counter swirling airflows on the characteristics of flow field was explained. The results show that with the increase in SNi, the axial length of the primary recirculation zone decreased, while the radial width increased. The starting position of primary recirculation zone (PRZ) moves forward with the increase in SNo. Reducing the sleeve angle β helps to form the primary recirculation zone. The results indicate that it is the transition of tangential velocity of airflow to radial velocity that promotes the formation of the PRZ. These results provide theoretical support for optimization of the flow field in swirl combustor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necroptosis‐mediated cell death is an important mechanism in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)‐induced secondary brain injury (SBI). Our previous study has demonstrated that receptor‐interacting protein 1 (RIP1) mediated necroptosis in SBI after ICH. However, further mechanisms, such as the roles of receptor‐interacting protein 3 (RIP3), mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein (MLKL), and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II), remain unclear. We hypothesized that RIP3, MLKL, and CaMK II might participate in necroptosis after ICH, including their phosphorylation. The ICH model was induced by autologous blood injection. First, we found the activation of necroptosis after ICH in brain tissues surrounding the hematoma (propidium iodide staining). Meanwhile, the phosphorylation and expression of RIP3, MLKL, and CaMK II were differently up‐regulated (western blotting and immunofluorescent staining). The specific inhibitors could suppress RIP3, MLKL, and CaMK II (GSK'872 for RIP3, necrosulfonamide for MLKL, and KN‐93 for CaMK II). We found the necroptosis surrounding the hematoma and the concrete interactions in RIP3‐MLKL/RIP3‐CaMK II also both decreased after the specific intervention (co‐immunoprecipitation). Then we conducted the short‐/long‐term neurobehavioral tests, and the rats with specific inhibition mostly had better performance. We also found less blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury, and less neuron loss (Nissl staining) in intervention groups, which supported the neurobehavioral tests. Besides, oxidative stress and inflammation were also alleviated with intervention, which had significant less reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Iba1, and GFAP surrounding the hematoma. These results confirmed that RIP3‐phosphorylated MLKL and CaMK II participate in ICH‐induced necroptosis and could provide potential targets for the treatment of ICH patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yungang Grottoes, with over 1500 years of history, have been subjected to air pollution since the last century. Field investigations have indicated that acid gases, particularly sulfur dioxide (SO2), have accumulated on the surface of the sculptures and caused various types of decay that reduce their artistic value. To shed new light on the gas–stone interaction process, artificially accelerated weathering was performed on local sandstone in the laboratory. In a specially developed test device, fresh specimens were exposed to gaseous SO2 under different relative humidity and temperature conditions. The physical, mineralogical, and chemical changes of Yungang sandstone were evaluated conjointly using destructive and non-destructive methods. The results show that after weathering, the luminosity of all specimens changed, with a slight alteration in hue toward yellow. The weight increased to various degrees during the aging cycles, which depended on both the accumulation of matter and the detachment of particles. Higher relative humidity and cyclic temperature fluctuations favored the dissolution of carbonates and the hydrolysis of feldspar in sandstone. The concentration of ions, especially dissolved Ca2+ and SO42−, increased considerably over time in the near-surface region of the specimens. A trace of newly formed gypsum was detected in some specimens at the end of the test. Knowing the synergistic impact of different climatic variables will make it possible to identify the mechanisms of the deterioration of sandstone in complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric micelles are widely used as multifunctional drug carriers of poorly water‐soluble drugs, but the role of drug loading content is often overlooked. The purpose of this study is to investigate the cellular uptake and penetration of polymeric micelles with different drug loading contents and their effects on biological activities. In this study, poly(N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide‐co‐methacrylic acid)‐block‐poly methyl methacrylate P(HPMA‐co‐MAA)‐b‐PMMA micelles are used as a nanocarrier for the encapsulation of the potent anticancer agent ellipticine (EPT). The micelles are loaded with various amounts of EPT and the physicochemical characteristics such as particle size, morphology, and zeta potential of blank and EPT loaded nanoparticles are studied. Moreover, fluorescent lifetime studies confirm that hydrophobic EPT is indeed in the PMMA micelle core. In vitro cytotoxicity tests using the glioma cell line U87MG reveal lower IC50 values when the cells are incubated with micelle with high drug loading content. The higher toxicity in micelles with higher drug loading content is associated with higher cellular uptake, which is monitored using laser scanning confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Moreover, higher activity of micelles with higher drug loading is also observed in U87MG multicellular tumor spheroids although the difference is not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate and analyze the anatomic characteristics of the retromaxillary cell (RMC) by using computed tomography (CT) images of paranasal sinuses and to improve its identification with ethmomaxillary sinus (EMS). Methods: The paranasal sinus CT scans of 441 outpatients or inpatients in our hospital from January 2018 to October 2018 were analyzed. The incidence of RMC, EMS, Haller cell, imaging anatomical characteristics, and morphological manifestations were observed via sinus CTs. The relationship of RMC and ipsilateral maxillary sinusitis was analyzed. Results: The incidence of RMC is 83.90% (740/882). The incidence of males and females was 83.81% (414/494) and 84.02% (326/388), respectively. The incidence of bilateral (72.79%, 321/441) was much higher than that of unilateral (22.22%, 98/441). The lateral extension of the RMC ranged from 1.18 to 13.31 mm, with an average of 6.10 ± 2.03 mm. The incidence of ipsilateral maxillary sinus opacification on the RMC sides and non-RMC sides has no significance difference (χ2 =.054, P =.459). The incidence of Haller cell and EMS decreased significantly in the presence of RMC (P <.01). Conclusion: The RMC is an anatomical variation originating from posterior ethmoid cells, which is commonly encountered in the clinic. The pneumatization of RMC is highly variable, and a bilateral is common. During endoscopic sinus surgery, it is necessary to carefully identify such an air cell to ensure the complete opening of the paranasal sinus during surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Graphene oxide-based hybrid networks were fabricated via introducing multi-amino molecule with triple roles (i.e., cross-linker, fire retardant and reducing agent). The optimized hybrid network with mechanically robust, exceptional intumescent effect and ultra-sensitive fire alarm response (~ 0.6 s) can be used as desirable smart fire alarm sensor materials. Exceptional fire shielding performances, e.g., ~ 60% reduction in peak heat release rate and limiting oxygen index of ~ 36.5%, are achieved, when coated such hybrid network onto combustible polymer foam. Smart fire alarm sensor (FAS) materials with mechanically robust, excellent flame retardancy as well as ultra-sensitive temperature-responsive capability are highly attractive platforms for fire safety application. However, most reported FAS materials can hardly provide sensitive, continuous and reliable alarm signal output due to their undesirable temperature-responsive, flame-resistant and mechanical performances. To overcome these hurdles, herein, we utilize the multi-amino molecule, named HCPA, that can serve as triple-roles including cross-linker, fire retardant and reducing agent for decorating graphene oxide (GO) sheets and obtaining the GO/HCPA hybrid networks. Benefiting from the formation of multi-interactions in hybrid network, the optimized GO/HCPA network exhibits significant increment in mechanical strength, e.g., tensile strength and toughness increase of ~ 2.3 and ~ 5.7 times, respectively, compared to the control one. More importantly, based on P and N doping and promoting thermal reduction effect on GO network, the excellent flame retardancy (withstanding ~ 1200 °C flame attack), ultra-fast fire alarm response time (~ 0.6 s) and ultra-long alarming period (> 600 s) are obtained, representing the best comprehensive performance of GO-based FAS counterparts. Furthermore, based on GO/HCPA network, the fireproof coating is constructed and applied in polymer foam and exhibited exceptional fire shielding performance. This work provides a new idea for designing and fabricating desirable FAS materials and fireproof coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disasters caused by groundwater during underground cavern excavation, are inevitable and difficult to predict. In this study, transient seepage analysis was performed during the excavation of Qingyuan power station's underground caverns and drainage hole arrays. The drainage hole arrays around the caverns were simulated using a new method, and the groundwater surface during transient seepage analysis was confirmed with the hydraulic conductivity adjustment method, by using ABAQUS user subroutines USDFLD and GETVRM. By simplifying the drainage hole into face geometry, the proposed drainage hole simulation method could reach the accuracy of the widely used substructure method with half nodes of the computational boundary, and reflect the influence of drainage hole diameter on seepage analysis results. Moreover, a sensibility analysis of the diameter and space of drainage hole arrays could be conducted using one simulation model with the proposed finite element mesh type. Transient seepage analysis showed the evolutions of the groundwater level, flow rate and maximum hydraulic gradient of drainage holes and underground caverns, during the construction of Qingyuan power station. Such results could provide a reference for the creation of design and construction schemes. The previous excavation of the drainage hole arrays could control the seepage field, and reduce the flow rate and maximum hydraulic gradient of the underground caverns. This study may provide valuable reference to the design and construction of similar projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) with high electron mobility is highly desired to study the emergent properties and to enhance future device performance. Here we report the formation of 2DEG with high mobility at the interface between rock-salt BaO and perovskite SrTiO3. The interface consists of the ionically compensated BaO1 â€" δ layer and the electronically compensated TiO2 layer, which is demonstrated as a perfect interface without lattice mismatch. The so-formed interface features metallic conductivity with ultralow square resistance of 7.3 Ă— 10âˆ'4 Ω/â—» at 2 K and high residual resistance ratios R 300 K/ R 2 K up to 4200. The electron mobility reaches 69000 cm2â‹...Vâˆ'1â‹...sâˆ'1 at 2 K, leading to Shubnikovâ€"de Haas oscillations of resistance. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the effective charge transfers from BaO to the Ti 3 dxy orbital occur at the interface, leading to the conducting TiO2 layer. Our work unravels that BaO can adapt itself by removing oxygen to minimize the lattice mismatch and to provide substantial carriers to SrTiO3, which is the key to forming 2DEGs with high mobility at the interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions Lung cancer is the most prevalent malignancy in adults. Circular RNA (circRNA) circCPA4 (hsa_circ_0082374) is highly expressed in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of circCPA4 in lung cancer.CircCPA4, linear CPA4, TGF‐β‐induced factor homeobox 2 (TGIF2), and microRNA‐214‐3p (miR‐214‐3p) levels were measured by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). The protein levels of TGIF2, Beclin1, and p62 were assessed by western blot assay. Colony numbers, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression were examined by colony formation, wound‐healing, transwell, and flow cytometry assays, respectively. The binding relationship between miR‐214‐3p and circCPA4 or TGIF2 was predicted by StarBase or TargetScan and then verified by a dual‐luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and RNA pulldown assays. The biological role of circCPA4 on lung tumor growth was assessed by a xenograft tumor model in vivo, and TGIF2 and ki‐67 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry.We determined that CircCPA4 and TGIF2 were increased, and miR‐214‐3p was decreased in lung cancer tissues and cells. Functionally, circCPA4 knockdown could suppress colony formation, migration, invasion, cell cycle progression, and expedite apoptosis of lung cancer cells in vitro. Mechanically, circCPA4 could regulate TGIF2 expression by sponging miR‐214‐3p. In addition, circCPA4 deficiency inhibited the tumor growth in lung cancer in the mouse model.CircCPA4 could act as a sponge of miR‐214‐3p to upregulate TGIF2 expression, thereby promoting the progression of lung cancer cells. These findings suggested underlying therapeutic targets for the treatment of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence confirmed that miRNA plays a critical role in the occurrence and development of ischemic stroke. Here, the aim of this study was to examine the function and mechanisms of miR-195 in vascular endothelial cell apoptosis induced by oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD). This study intended to use OGD to simulate ischemia in vitro. The mRNA expression of miR-195, IKKα and NF-κB in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were detected by RT-qPCR. The proliferation and apoptosis ability of HUVECs were evaluated using MTT assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot was applied to examine related protein expression. The interaction between miR-195 and IKKα was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. OGD significantly inhibited cell viability and induced cell apoptosis in HUVECs. Meanwhile, OGD treatment notably decreased the expression of miR-195, as well as enhanced NF-κB expression. Moreover, miR-195 directly interacted with IKKα and suppressed its expression. Mechanically, overexpression of miR-195 exhibited pro-proliferation and anti-apoptotic effect on HUVECs treated with OGD through targeting IKKα-mediated NF-κB pathway. At the molecular level, through suppressing IKKα/NF-κB pathway, miR-195 inhibited the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and active caspase-3, but increased the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 in HUVECs. Our finding uncovers the protective effect of miR-195 on the biological behavior of HUVECs via suppression of the NF-κB pathway induced by IKKα, which may provide a new potential strategy for ischemic stroke clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency of water inrush disasters severely affects tunnel construction, lives, and property. As a result, accurate forecasting of the danger of water inrush during construction is critical. This paper aims to create a progressive evaluation model for assessing water inrush risk during two stages: pre-construction and construction. The proposed model provides a static pre-construction estimation and allows dynamic updates based on previous predictions for unexcavated sections during construction. Initially, comprehensive multi-water inrush information was presented by analyzing 65 tunnel accidents of water during construction, including 12 evaluation indexes encompassing hydrogeology and excavation monitoring. Subsequently, the assessment model was constructed using a combined weighting method and non-linear attribute recognition theory. The information from dynamic monitoring on surrounding rock and seepage pressure is integrated, and feedback site data is used to dynamically modify the weighting of the indicators and update the projected predictions. This approach has been employed as a case study to evaluate the water inrush risk during the Qinling water transmission tunnel. The results demonstrate that the prediction outcomes of dynamic weights align well with on-site holes, exhibiting higher forecasting accuracy than other methods. This approach offers a novel perspective for accurately evaluating water inrush risk in tunnel construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXene‐based thermal camouflage materials have gained increasing attention due to their low emissivity, however, the poor anti‐oxidation restricts their potential applications under complex environments. Various modification methods and strategies, e.g., the addition of antioxidant molecules and fillers have been developed to overcome this, but the realization of long‐term, reliable thermal camouflage using MXene network (coating) with excellent comprehensive performance remains a great challenge. Here, a MXene‐based hybrid network comodified with hyaluronic acid (HA) and hyperbranched polysiloxane (HSi) molecules is designed and fabricated. Notably, the presence of appreciated HA molecules restricts the oxidation of MXene sheets without altering infrared stealth performance, superior to other water‐soluble polymers; while the HSi molecules can act as efficient cross‐linking agents to generate strong interactions between MXene sheets and HA molecules. The optimized MXene/HA/HSi composites exhibit excellent mechanical flexibility (folded into crane structure), good water/solvent resistance, and long‐term stable thermal camouflage capability (with low infrared emissivity of ≈0.29). The long‐term thermal camouflage reliability (≈8 months) under various outdoor weathers and the scalable coating capability of the MXene‐coated textile enable them to disguise the IR signal of various targets in complex environments, indicating the great promise of achieved material for thermal camouflage, IR stealth, and counter surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A power amplifier with bandwidth expansion and linearity enhancement in 130 nm complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) process is presented. A LC connected dual‐resonant network is proposed to achieve good broadband performance and high out‐band rejection capability simultaneously. Furthermore, the advanced multiple‐gated transistor technique is employed to cancel out odd‐order intermodulation and harmonic distortions. The PA is implemented in 130 nm CMOS process with an area of 1.17 mm × 0.92 mm. Measurement results demonstrate that the PA exhibits a peak power gain of 8 dB with a relative bandwidth of 38% while maintaining a low reflection coefficient of −23.2 dB, maximum saturation output power of 15.6 dBm, maximum OP1dB and OIP3 of 14.3 dBm and 19 dBm, and a peak power added efficiency of 21.3%, respectively. In addition, an out‐band rejection of 20 dB and 23.2 dB at 6.1 GHz and 14 GHz are measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of a non‐specific protein corona around nanoparticles (NPs) has been identified as one of the culprits for failed nanomedicine. The amount and type of adsorbed protein from the blood plasma are known to determine the fate of NPs and the accessibility of targeting ligands. Herein, we show that the adsorbed protein may not only enlarge the NPs and change their surface properties but also, in the case of soft NPs such as polymer micelles, lead to deformation. Poly(1‐O‐methacryloyl ‐β‐D‐fructopyranose)‐b‐poly(methylmethacrylate) (P(1‐O‐MAFru)‐b‐PMMA) block co‐polymers were self‐assembled into NPs with a spherical core–shell morphology as determined by small angle neutron scattering (SANS). Upon incubation with albumin, TEM, SANS, and small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) revealed the adsorption of albumin and deformation of the NPs with a spheroid geometry. Removal of the protein led to the reversal of the morphology back to the spherical core–shell structure. Structural studies and cell studies of uptake of the NPs imply that the observed deformation may influence blood circulation time and cell uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of a non‐specific protein corona around nanoparticles (NPs) has been identified as one of the culprits for failed nanomedicine. The amount and type of adsorbed protein from the blood plasma are known to determine the fate of NPs and the accessibility of targeting ligands. Herein, we show that the adsorbed protein may not only enlarge the NPs and change their surface properties but also, in the case of soft NPs such as polymer micelles, lead to deformation. Poly(1‐O‐methacryloyl ‐β‐D‐fructopyranose)‐b‐poly(methylmethacrylate) (P(1‐O‐MAFru)‐b‐PMMA) block co‐polymers were self‐assembled into NPs with a spherical core–shell morphology as determined by small angle neutron scattering (SANS). Upon incubation with albumin, TEM, SANS, and small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) revealed the adsorption of albumin and deformation of the NPs with a spheroid geometry. Removal of the protein led to the reversal of the morphology back to the spherical core–shell structure. Structural studies and cell studies of uptake of the NPs imply that the observed deformation may influence blood circulation time and cell uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual stimuli-responsive nanoplatform was rationally designed for controlled drug delivery. The nanosheets of graphene oxide (GO) were first modified with aminated mesoporous silica (NH 2 -mSiO 2), and then methotrexate (MTX) was loaded into the mesopores of mSiO 2. Alginate (Alg) acted as the "gatekeeper" was then anchored to the MTX-loaded GO/NH 2 -mSiO 2 by amidation reaction, achieving the encapsulation of MTX in the core-shell structured GO/mSiO 2 @Alg. Due to the high pH sensitivity of amide bond and the excellent photothermal conversion ability of GO, the constructed nanoplatform could be used for pH and near-infrared (NIR) controlled delivery of MTX. The results of cell viability test demonstrate the high inhibitory rate of the dual stimuli-responsive nanoplatform toward hepatoma (HepG2) cells. • Core-shell structured GO/mSiO 2 @Alg is prepared for stimuli-responsive drug delivery. • The Alg layer can act as a "gatekeeper" and inhibit the burst release of MTX. • The constructed nanoplatform can be used for pH and NIR controlled release of MTX. • Cell viability test indicates the high cell inhibitory ability of the nanoplatform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the pneumatization degree of ethmomaxillary sinus (EMS) and adjacent structures, and its impact on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods: A retrospective analysis of paranasal sinus CT scans of 996 patients was conducted. The maximum vertical diameter of EMS in the coronal plane was measured, allowing EMS to be classified, and its impact on ipsilateral CRS were examined. Results: The prevalence of EMS was 11.9%. The maximum vertical diameter of EMS in the coronal plane ranged from 3.68 to 28.76 mm with a mean (± SD) of 11.32 ± 5.12 mm. The prevalence rates of EMS in CRS sides and non-CRS sides were 12.5% and 9.3%, respectively, which was significantly different (χ2 = 4.495; p < 0.05). The difference in prevalence between the three types of EMS in ipsilateral CRS was statistically significant (χ2 = 6.733; p < 0.05). The difference in Lund–Mackay (LM) score of ipsilateral CRS between the three types showed no statistically significant difference (H = 4.033; p > 0.05). Conclusion: EMS is a common anatomical variation with marked individual differences in shape and pneumatization degree. A higher degree of EMS pneumatization may contribute to the occurrence of CRS; this should be investigated before surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 1. Experimental SAH resulted in xCT deficiency and impaired System xc- activity. • 2. xCT overexpression ameliorated System xc- dysfunction after experimental SAH. • 3. xCT overexpression inhibited neuronal ferroptosis and alleviated EBI after experimental SAH. • 4. Restoring System xc- activity by xCT overexpression improved neurobehavioral deficits after experimental SAH. Ferroptosis is an important therapeutic target to alleviate early brain injury (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), yet the mechanism of neuronal ferroptosis after SAH remains unclear. System xc- dysfunction is one of the key pathways to induce ferroptosis. System xc- activity is mainly regulated by the expression of xCT. This study was designed to investigate the effect of xCT expression and System xc- activity on ferroptosis and EBI in an experimental SAH model both in vitro and in vivo. SAH was induced in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting autologous blood into the prechiasmatic cistern. Primary neurons treated with oxyhemoglobin (10 µM) were used to mimic SAH in vitro. Plasmid transfection was used to induce xCT overexpression. Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, measurement of cystine uptake, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, transmission electron microscopy, Nissl staining, and a series of neurobehavioral tests were conducted to explore the role of xCT and System xc- activity in ferroptosis and EBI after SAH. We found that System xc- dysfunction induced ferroptosis and exacerbated EBI after SAH in rats. xCT deficiency after SAH resulted in System xc- dysfunction, weakened neuronal antioxidant capacity and activated neuronal ferroptosis. xCT overexpression improved neuronal antioxidant capacity and inhibited neuronal ferroptosis by restoring System xc- activity. Rats with xCT overexpression after SAH presented with attenuated brain edema and inflammation, increased neuronal survival, and ameliorated neurological deficits. Our study revealed that restoring System xc- activity by xCT overexpression inhibited neuronal ferroptosis and EBI and improved neurological deficits after SAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel enzyme cascade-based deracemization of phosphinothricin was developed. • A "two stages in one-pot" strategy was developed to avoid by-product inhibition. • High yield and excellent enantiomeric excess of product were achieved. • No extra cofactor was required for the developed enzyme cascade. Deracemization of D,L-phosphinothricin (D,L-PPT) is one of the most promising routes for preparation of optically pure L-PPT. In this work, an efficient multi-enzyme redox cascade was developed for deracemization ofPPT, which includes oxidative reaction and reductive reaction. The oxidative reaction catalyzing oxidative deamination of D-PPT to 2-oxo-4-[(hydroxy)(-methyl)phosphinyl]butyric acid (PPO) was performed by a D-amino acid oxidase and a catalase for removing H 2 O 2. The reductive reaction catalyzing amination of PPO to L-PPT is achieved by a glufosinate dehydrogenase and a glucose dehydrogenase for cofactor regeneration. To avoid the inhibitory effect of glucose on the oxidative reaction, a "two stages in one-pot" strategy was developed to combine these two reactions in deracemization process. By using this strategy, the L-PPT was obtained with a high yield (89 %) and > 99 % enantiomeric excess at substrate loading of 300 mM in absence of addition of extra NADP+. These encouraging results demonstrated that the developed enzyme cascade deracemization process exhibits great potential and economical competitiveness for manufacture of L-PPT from D,L-PPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new chromogenic sensors 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)thiourea 1 and 1-(3-hydroxypyridin-2-yl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)thiourea 2 bearing nitrophenyl and thiourea groups were designed and synthesized by one-step procedure and characterized through 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, and MS. The anion recognition property of the receptors was studied via naked-eye detection, UV–vis, and 1H NMR. Based on the existence of amino gen and hydroxyl moieties in receptors, receptors 1 and 2 exhibit obvious selectivity by the redshift of UV–vis signals, colour changes through naked-eye detection, and binding effects for F–, H2PO4–, and Ac–. Surprisingly, the detection limits of receptor 1 for F– and Ac– were calculated to be 5.45 × 10−7 and 2.11 × 10−7 (mol/L)−1, respectively, which indicated that F– and Ac– can be identified with high sensitivity by receptor 1. Besides, simple "test strips" were developed and were used as sensors for recognition of F–, H2PO4–, or Ac– in DMSO solution. Lastly, the mechanisms of the recognition process were studied through DFT calculation and 1H NMR titration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction. Previous studies have indicated the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in Hcy-induced endothelial injury. However, the mechanism of action remains unclear. In the current study, the role of human folate receptor α (hFRα) in Hcy-induced ER stress was investigated, along with endothelial injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The results showed that a moderate dose of Hcy induced morphological injury and reduced viability of HUVECs. Furthermore, moderate-dose Hcy reduced hFRα expression in HUVECs. Notably, hFRα inhibition by RNA interference resulted in activation of the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase pathway and increased apoptosis of HUVECs. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the presence of hFRα in HUVECs, and indicated its role in the regulation of ER stress and cell injury by Hcy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a subclass of neck and head cancers, is the predominant cause of cancer‐associated death globally. LncRNA MAGI2‐AS3 has been previously reported to be associated with multiple cancers, but its molecular mechanism in NPC has not been fully explained. Hence, the purpose of this study is to identify the role and regulatory mechanism of MAGI2‐AS3 in NPC. Methods: Reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and Western blot (WB) were employed to examine gene levels. The biologic function of MAGI2‐AS3 in NPC was estimated by cell counting, EdU, Transwell, and WB assays. Luciferase reporter and radioimmunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were carried out to determine the combination between miR‐218‐5p and MAGI2‐AS3, GDPD5, and SEC61A1. Results: MAGI2‐AS3 is expressed at a high level in NPC cell lines. Moreover, MAGI2‐AS3 knockdown‐suppressed NPC progression in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, MAGI2‐AS3 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR‐218‐5p to increase the expression of GDPD5 in NPC. Importantly, it was found that MAGI2‐AS3 regulated NPC progression and cisplatin resistance via modulating GDPD5. In addition, MAGI2‐AS3 could also promote the proliferation and migration in NPC cells by regulating SEC61A1. Conclusion: MAGI2‐AS3/miR‐218‐5p/GDPD5/SEC61A1 axis drove cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, and conferred cisplatin resistance in NPC, which may provide a novel insight into the development of NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reflect both fuzziness and hesitation in the evaluation of interactivity between attributes in the identification process of 2-order additive fuzzy measure, this work uses the hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set (HFLTS) to describe and depict the interactivity between attributes. Firstly, the interactivity between attributes is defined by the supermodular game theory. According to this definition, a linguistic term set is established to characterize the interactivity between attributes. Under the linguistic term set, the experts employ linguistic expressions generated by context-free grammar to qualitatively describe the interactivity between attributes. Secondly, through the conversion function, the linguistic expressions are transformed into the hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets (HFLTSs). The individual evaluation results of all experts were further aggregated with the defined hesitant fuzzy linguistic weighted power average operator (HFLWPA). Thirdly, based on the standard Euclidean distance formula of the hesitant fuzzy linguistic elements (HFLEs), the hesitant fuzzy linguistic interaction degree (HFLID) between attributes is defined and calculated by constructing a piecewise function. As a result, a 2-order additive fuzzy measure identification method based on HFLID is proposed. Based on the proposed method, using the Choquet fuzzy integral as nonlinear integration operator, a multi-attribute decision making (MADM) process is then presented. Taking the credit assessment of the big data listed companies in China as an application example, the analysis results of application example prove the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. This work successfully reflects both the fuzziness and hesitation in evaluating the interactivity between attributes in the identification process of 2-order additive fuzzy measure, enriches the theoretical framework of 2-order additive fuzzy measure, and expands the applicability and methodology of 2-order additive fuzzy measure in multi-attribute decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sulfonamide-appended gemcitabine prodrug was newly produced. The prodrug was shown to efficiently distinguish GSH from cysteine and homocysteine. Upon reaction of this prodrug with GSH, which is relatively abundant in tumor cells, sulfonyl group cleavage occurred as well as active release of the drug GMC and a concomitant increase in the innate fluorescence intensity. As a proof of concept, colocalization experiments were carried out; these experiments demonstrated that the probe LHX resulted in, via receptor-mediated endocytosis, significantly improved therapeutic efficacy and few side effects. Thus, these results indicated the theranostic agent to be a promising "integrative" platform for efficient cancer therapy. The agent can be activated in real time, and not only be selectively monitored and localized by specific tumour cells, but also undergo cascaded cleavage to induce both a fluorogenic response and release of an active cytotoxic drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this paper is to optimize the consumption of renewable energy and minimize the total cost of system operation, and a combined heat and power unit is added to the wind, water, and water combined dispatching model to solve typical daily dispatch problems in different seasons. Initially, a combined wind–solar–water-fired optimal scheduling model containing cogeneration units and renewable energy preferential consumption is constructed, and the model is solved using particle swarm optimization with the genetic algorithm. The simulation analysis of typical electrical load and heat load during summer and winter in a certain area is implemented as an example to verify the feasibility of the model and algorithm. Compared with the traditional vertical integrated electric-heated coordinated dispatch, the proposed method reflects the willingness of the combined heat and power to actively participate in the paid peak regulation of the power grid under economic incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard treatment for unresectable intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug-eluting beads (DEB)-TACE is a promising approach expected to improve the efficiency and safety of conventional (c) TACE. However, controversy remains whether DEB-TACE performs better than cTACE. This meta-analysis aimed to compare cTACE and DEB-TACE in terms of overall survival (OS), adverse events, and response rate. Literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science. Complete response (CR), partial response (PR), disease control (DC), stable disease (SD), OS, and major complications were compared between these two modalities. The pooled relative risk and 95% confidence interval were calculated for assessment. Six randomized controlled trials were included for further analysis after a comprehensive search. No significant difference was found in overall response at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, CR, PR, DC (SD), OS and complications between cTACE and DEB-TACE.Conclusion: DEB-TACE had similar therapeutic effects to those of cTACE. Furthermore, major complications in both therapies were similar. The superiority of DEB-TACE over cTACE remains unclear, and further research with high-quality evidence is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel vehicle model is proposed to scan bridge frequencies effectively by incorporating both the size of wheel and the unsprung mass in the formulation of an vehicle–bridge interaction element. For the single-degree-of-freedom sprung mass vehicle model commonly adopted in the literature, either the wheel has been treated as a point or the unsprung mass has been neglected due to simplicity. Nevertheless, when a test vehicle is moving on the uneven pavement, the wheels of finite size and mass cannot avoid suffering a bumpy journey, i.e., the wheels are elevated and lowered. As such, the advanced two-mass vehicle model concerning wheel size comes out for realistic application. It is shown that the bridge frequencies can be scanned up to the fifth frequency with desired accuracy even under a high class of road surface roughness in the presence of vehicle damping, whereas the two-mass vehicle model can identify no more than the first two bridge frequencies in the absence of vehicle damping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific research on metamaterials has achieved significant progress in recent years. In contrast, the related practical applications have encountered tough challenges. The insufficient homogeneity makes these artificial media lose its competitiveness to conventional continuous media. In this work, we propose a generalized approach to realize microwave metamaterials with ultra-subwavelength unit cells constructed with rolled-up transmission lines. As an illustration, we design and fabricate a bulk left-handed material sample with standard printed circuit board technique. With the normalized periodicity of the unit cells ranging from 1/61 to 1/48 of wavelength, the negative refractive index can be clearly measured in the frequency range between 1.02 and 1.3 GHz. Simulation shows that by employing the planar process for semiconductor integrated circuits, this homogeneity can be further improved to a level of 1/300 of the wavelength at gigahertz frequencies. Our work also provides a new method for obtaining ultra-small microwave resonators, which can be widely used for all kinds of planar technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qingyuan Pumped Storage Power Station is located in Liaoning, China and has large-scale water conveyance and underground powerhouse systems. In order to analyze the evolution of the flow rate, external water pressure, and hydraulic gradient of water conveyance and powerhouse systems or around them, a 3D equivalent continuum seepage finite element simulation model was established based on existing theories and a new drainage hole arrays simulation method was proposed in this study. The proposed method had approximate accuracy and was easy to model with fewer nodes and elements in comparison with the substructure method for complex hole arrays of diameter 5 cm. On the basis of four different conditions, the results show that the dehiscence of concrete lining lead to the peak values of the water conveyance flow rate, the water inflow of the powerhouse, and the water discharge of drainage hole arrays. The lapse of drainage hole arrays at a 50% rate resulted in the peak values of the external water pressure around the terminal of the diversion system and the hydraulic gradient around the upstream of drainage hole arrays. Besides, the hydraulic gradient around the downstream drainage hole arrays reached the peak value when the lower reservoir water level rose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a multilayer inductor for millimeter-wave regime was fabricated based on 130 nm SiGe process with compact size and high quality factor (Q). The area of cross-section for the proposed inductor is 40 μ m × 40 μ m and the highest Q value is 14 at millimeter-wave regime. We present a novel double- π equivalent circuit and a modified parameter extraction method to characterize the multilayer inductor with excellent accuracy over a broad-band frequency up to 110 GHz. To improve the accuracy of circuit model of the multi-layer inductor, mutual coupling between different layers is introduced into the conventional double- π model. Equivalent circuit parameters can be extracted from two-port S-parameters by utilizing the modified simple parameter extraction methodology. Simulation and measured results validate the validity of double- π model and parameter extraction methodology with good accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new heterocyclic compound 2-(5-bromo-2-methylbenzyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)thiophene (1), designed using 5-bromo-2-methylbenzoic acid (2) as the starting material, was successfully obtained via a three-step synthesis route and finally characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and single crystal X-ray crystallography (SCXRD). The X-ray single-crystal diffraction study reveals that compound 1 belongs to the monoclinic space group of P21/c with the presence of the inter-molecular H-bond interactions. Furthermore, the in vitro anticancer activities of the newly synthesized compound 1 have been studied against three human gastric cancer cells MGC-803, BGC-823 and SGC-7901 along with the human mammary epithelial cell MCF-10A using the doxorubicinis as the positive control via the MTT assay, which reveals its promising anticancer activity and low cytotoxicity against the human normal cell lines. In addition, molecular docking of complex 1 was studied to understand the drug-DNA interactions and calculate the potential binding mode and energy. The present results enrich the F-atom decorated organic molecules for the anticancer activity evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low exothermic polyurethane grouting material, as a new type of material, is used for road reinforcement and repair engineering in frozen earth areas. This study investigates the mechanical properties of this grouting material under different ambient temperatures. The effects of temperature and density on the expansion pressure, compressive strength, and tensile strength of the materials were determined in this study. The characteristics of the material's stress–strain curves were analyzed microscopically. The results demonstrate that temperature significantly influenced the material properties. The expansion properties of the material decreased with decreasing temperature. In contrast, the tensile and compression properties of the material increased with decreasing temperature, which is shown in the tensile and compressive strengths. From the view of failure mode, lower temperature makes the material more brittle. Moreover, the constitutive model based on the temperature variation was established according to the experimental results. This provides a basis for a simple evaluation of the compressive strength and elastic modulus of materials. Finally, the mechanical response of road cavitation in cold areas before and after repair was analyzed through finite-element numerical simulation and full-scale model test. The low exothermic polyurethane grouting material effectively reduced the vertical deformation of the wheel load in the distressed area. This study provides a reference for road reinforcement and repair projects in cold regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flame-retardant silane-grafted-graphene oxide (silane-GO) papers are fabricated via a green and versatile silane-assisted assembling strategy, and their use as early fire alarm sensors are investigated. Different silane molecules with alkoxy groups can react with GO in aqueous solution via hydrolysis and condensation reactions and thus assemble into the aligned silane-GO papers. The silane-GO papers exhibit good mechanical flexibility, strong acidic/alkaline tolerance, excellent flame resistance and improved thermal stability at low silane content in comparison with pure GO paper. Structure observation and analysis disclose that a compact nano-silica protective layer transformed from the grafted silane molecules during combustion is formed to inhibit the thermal degradation of GO sheet effectively. Furthermore, the insulating silane-GO paper can be thermally reduced into the conductive reduced GO network after encountering high-temperature or flame situation, thus providing ideal early fire alarm response, i.e. rapid flame detecting response time of ∼1.6 s and fire early warning response of ∼5 s when attach on the heat resistor. These results suggest that the silane-GO papers are promising for development of advanced materials as smart sensors in early fire alarm applications. A facile and green silane-assisted assembling technique was developed to fabricate flame-retardant graphene oxide papers, showing fast flame detection and ideal early warning response. Image 1 • A facile silane-assisted assembling strategy was developed to fabricate flame-retardant graphene oxide (silane-GO) papers. • Different silane molecules with alkoxy groups were assembled well onto the aligned silane-GO papers. • The silane-GO papers exhibited good mechanical flexibility, strong acidic/alkaline tolerance, and excellent thermal stability and flame resistance. • The related flame-retardant mechanisms were analyzed and discussed. • The silane-GO papers showed fast fire alarm response due to temperature-triggered sensitive resistance transition, showing promising for fire safety and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Additions of TMOs can accelerate 5AT pyrolysis and combustion processes. • Catalytic effects of TMOs on 5AT perform on polyaddition and ring-opening reaction. • Thermal pyrolysis mechanisms of 5AT without and with TMOs are proposed. • Reaction kinetic models for 5AT are investigated by model-fitting method. • Logarithm of pre-exponential factor shows good linearity with activation energy. Abstract The employment of TMOs as catalyst has been widely popularized in thermal decomposition and combustion process, especially in propellants and explosives application areas. The focus of this study is on investigating catalytic effects of Fe 2 O 3 , CuO, and NiO nanoparticles on thermal decomposition mechanism and kinetics behavior of 5-Amino-1 H -Tetrazole (5AT), one typical energetic material. Experimental result reveals that thermal decomposition process of 5AT can be simplified from three steps to two steps with the additions of above TMOs. Thermal decomposition mechanisms of 5AT with and without TMOs are deduced by TG-FTIR-MS analysis. Results indicate that the interaction between TMOs and dissociation products shows the catalytic effect together with the variation of production phase. Both model-free and model-fitting methods are employed to evaluate thermal kinetics of catalyzed 5AT. During low temperature reaction range (below 300 °C), no obvious change is observed in activation energies or mastering reaction models (F 3 model). Conversely, catalytic effect of TMO is discovered mainly during high temperature range (above 300 °C), particularly during the polyaddition reaction of N-containing heterocycle and the ring-opening reaction of melem. The results of this study suggests that introducing TMOs nanostructure as catalysts into 5AT is a promising way to accelerate its combustion process in gas generation and propellant areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly viewed as a neurological disease accompanied by a systemic disorder. Accumulating evidence supports that angiotensin II and angiotensin 1-7 exert opposite effects on various organs including the brain. However, the interaction between angiotensin II and angiotensin 1-7 in AD remains to be defined. The present study was undertaken to examine the interaction between these peptides in AD. 5XFAD mice, a useful model of AD, were separated into three groups: 1) saline-infused, 2) angiotensin II-infused, and 3) angiotensin II-infused and angiotensin 1-7-co-infused. These peptides were systemically given to 5XFAD mice via osmotic minipump for 4 weeks. Systemic angiotensin II infusion for 4 weeks induced significant hypertension in both wild-type and 5XFAD mice. Angiotensin II induced cognitive abnormality in 5XFAD mice as estimated by the Morris water maze test and the nest building test, and this effect was associated with cerebral blood flow reduction, cortical arterial amyloid-β deposition, hippocampal inflammation, and neuron loss in 5XFAD mice. In addition, angiotensin II infusion led to gastrocnemius muscle atrophy in 5XFAD mice. Co-infusion of angiotensin 1-7 prevented the above mentioned detrimental effects of angiotensin II in the brain and gastrocnemius muscle in 5XFAD mice, without significant influence on blood pressure. The left ventricular hypertrophic response to angiotensin II was attenuated in 5XFAD mice compared with wild-type mice, which was not significantly altered by co-administration of angiotensin 1-7. Our results show that angiotensin 1-7 counteracts angiotensin II-induced cognitive impairment, brain injury, and skeletal muscle injury in AD mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The development of three-dimensional (3D) graphene nanoribbon (GNR) based porous composites with both mechanical reliability and multiple functionality has attracted great interest due to their promising applications in strain sensing, oil/water separation, etc. Herein, we report a facile strategy to fabricate robust porous 3D GNR wrapped polymer foam composites through modulating an interconnected GNR network and introducing a flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coating. By simply adjusting the graphene oxide nanoribbon (GONR) concentration in aqueous solution followed by chemical reduction, the presence of the reduced GONR (rGONR) sheets endows commercial polyurethane (PU) foam with electrical conductivity without altering their porous microstructure. The mechanical properties of the rGONR-coated PU (PGR) foam composites depend strongly on the rGONR content and exhibit poor stability at low content due to the breakage of the rGONR network during cyclic deformation. Introduction of the flexible PDMS coating effectively stabilizes the 3D rGONR network on the foam skeleton, producing excellent mechanical reliability, e.g., reversible compressibility at a compressive strain of 80% for 100 cycles. Moreover, these mechanically stable and porous PDMS modified PGR composites display excellent lipophilic-hydrophobic behavior, which provides good oil/solvent absorption capacity and highly efficient continuous oil/water separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Kai-Xin-San (KXS), an ancient formula composed of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Polygalae Radix, Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma and Poria, was frequently applied for Alzheimer's disease and major depression disorders for thousands of years. However, its active components and molecular mechanism have not clearly been investigated. Aim of the study We aimed to reveal the active components of KXS on regulating neurotrophic factor NGF and BDNF expressions and its mechanisms on mouse astrocyte primary cultures. Materials and methods Extracts of KXS had been prepared by water reflux and chemical standardization was carried out by HPLC-MS/MS. Various ethanol elution components were prepared by eluting ethanol on macro pore resin column and compound identification was carried out by high-resolution mass spectrometry. KXS extract, elution components and identified chemicals were applied on mouse astrocytes and expressions of NGF and BDNF and related metabolic enzymes were analyzed by qPCR and western blotting analysis. Results One compatible ratio of KXS named D-652 exerted the best effect on stimulation of NGF and BDNF expressions on mouse astrocytes. 70% ethanol elution fraction of D-652 exerted the highest increase tendency on expressions of NGF and BDNF by activating cAMP-dependent signaling pathway as well as stimulating enzymes accounting for neurotrophic factor synthesis. Combined with compound identification by high-resolution mass spectrometry, ginsenoside Rg 1 and Rb 1 might be the active compounds of this fraction on increasing NGF and BDNF expressions. Conclusions The active compounds of KXS on increasing NGF and BDNF expressions might be the ginsenosides via activating cAMP-dependent signaling pathway as well as stimulating enzymes accounting for neurotrophic factor synthesis, which partly reveal the target of this formulae supported the clinically usage of this decoction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: China is an ageing society, with around 150 million people aged 60 years or older. The prevalence of dementia will increase by more than 100% in the coming 20 years. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and effects of dementia among the community elderly in Chongqing, China. Methods: Cluster sampling was adopted. A sample of elderly individuals aged 60 years and older was extracted as research subjects from three counties within Chongqing, China. One‐on‐one interviews were conducted through a general information questionnaire, and the Mini‐Mental State Examination, Instrumental Activity of Daily Living Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale were administered. The investigated data were tested by χ2, and the effect factors of dementia were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: We distributed 1850 questionnaire, and the response rate was 100%. However, only 1781 questionnaires were able to be used in the study. Of the 1781 elderly respondents, 186 (10.44%) presented with dementia. Our findings revealed that differences in regions, age, marital status, education level, occupation, tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption, freshwater fish consumption, exercise, intensive labour, mah‐jong‐ and chess‐playing habits, media consumption (i.e. watching TV, listening to the radio, or reading the newspaper), body mass index, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and depression were statistically significant in the prevalence of dementia (P < 0.05). Conclusions: According to multiple logistic regression analyses, living in a rural area, older age, being single, obesity, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and depression are risk factors for dementia. In contrast, cessation of smoking, freshwater fish consumption, moderate or frequent exercise, intensive labour, daily housework, outdoor activities, media consumption, and social activities are protective factors against dementia among community elderly in Chongqing, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of novel green lubricants that meet low viscosity and effective anti-wear requirements is a tireless pursuit to improve fuel economy and reduce exhaust emissions, as well as enhance reliability. Herein a series of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) with ultra-low viscosity were successfully synthesized by combining eco-friendly economical DL-menthol (DL) with fatty acids of various alkyl chain lengths. According to quantum chemistry method, weak hydrogen bond interaction between DL and fatty acid was calculated. The as-prepared DL-based HDESs lubricants present prominent physicochemical properties and lubrication functions. Thereinto, DL+Dodecanoic acid HDES with a low viscosity of 8.73 mm2/s (40 °C) achieves a 23.05 % reduction in friction and a 44.22 % reduction in wear compared to the PEG 200 base oil at 491N. According to experimental characterizations and first-principles calculations to reveal their anti-wear mechanism, the excellent wetting and ultra-low viscosity of the HDESs fluid facilitates rapid physisorption and chemisorption. Meanwhile, the absorbed film contributes to the formation of the long alkyl chains flow layer and the tribo-chemical film composed of hydrocarbon (C x H y), oxy hydrocarbon (C x H y O z) fragments and iron oxide/hydroxide-rich layer, which endows HDESs with excellent lubrication properties. This founding furnishes a new strategy to design green low-viscosity and high-performance anti-wear HDESs lubricants in sustainable lubrication applications. [Display omitted] • The DL-menthol (DL)-based HDESs incorporate desired physicochemical properties. • HDES possess prominent lubrication performance compared with PEG 200. • (iii) Hydrogen bond and chemisorbed molecules contribute to lubrication. • (iv) C x H y and C x H y O z ions and iron oxide/hydroxide tribochemical film further lubricate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past variations in lithium concentration and isotope ratio of seawater recorded in marine carbonates have shown great potential in tracing carbon cycles during critical climate transitions, especially coupled with the radiogenic strontium isotope system. However, acquiring reliable seawater Li isotope compositions from marine carbonates can be technically challenging because non‑carbonate phases co-existed in ancient marine carbonates can easily contaminate carbonate Li signal during inappropriate sample dissolution. Each contaminant phase, including Mn oxides, clays, and silicate minerals, can have different Li isotope compositions than that preserved in the carbonate lattice. More importantly, a significant portion of Li is adsorbed on the Mn oxides and clay minerals. This fraction is considered exchangeable and can be liberated using weak acid without destruction of mineral structure. Cleaning procedures and partial digestion have been applied to remove the exchangeable Li fraction in contaminative phases and selectively dissolve the carbonates. However, previous methods cannot be directly applied to ancient marine carbonates of various carbonate purity, which lack systematic testing on the threshold of sample purity to maintain the efficiency of the precleaning and partial digestion. Here we report an efficient sequential leaching protocol to extract primary seawater Li and Sr isotope compositions from bulk marine carbonates. The procedure consists of pre-cleaning steps using 1 M ammonium acetate and 1 M ammonium carbonate to completely remove the exchangeable fraction, followed by partial digestion using 0.3 M acetic acid to selectively target carbonate-bounded Li. We validate this method by mixing carbonate and contaminant endmembers in different weight percentages. We found this protocol works effectively for carbonates of >80% purity. Additionally, we demonstrate filtration is necessary when separating leachates from the solids to quantitatively avoid contaminations from non‑carbonate phases. We also suggest NIST-SRM-1d to be a cross-lab carbonate standard for Li isotope analyses and report its long-term external precision (two years). To sum, we propose an effective community standard procedure to reconstruct δ7Li sw records using ancient bulk carbonate samples. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Directionally distributed steel fibre-reinforced concrete (SFRC) cannot be widely applied due to the limitations of current construction technology, which hinders research on its mechanical properties. With the development of new construction technologies, such as self-compacting concrete or 3D printing, directionally distributed SFRC has found new developmental opportunities. This study tested, compared, and analysed the basic mechanical properties of ordinary concrete, randomly distributed SFRC, and directionally distributed SFRC. The differences between the damage patterns parallel and perpendicular to the direction of the steel fibres were evaluated in directionally distributed SFRC. When the fibre volume fraction is high and the compression is applied perpendicular to the fibre direction, as the loading increases, the transverse deformation of the specimen is constrained by the fibres. When the compression is applied parallel to the fibre direction, the fibre cannot effectively constrain the transverse deformation of the specimens. When the volume fraction of directionally distributed steel fibres was 1.6%, the elastic modulus of the directionally distributed steel fibres was 39% higher than that of ordinary concrete. Comparison of the experimental values of the elastic modulus with those estimated by existing calculation methods revealed that a modification of the current calculation theories may be required to calculate the changes in the elastic modulus of directionally distributed SFRC with a high volume fraction of steel fibres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A fast, sensitive, and reliable ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of geniposide, polygalaxanthone III, 3,6′‐disinapoyl sucrose, α‐asarone, β‐asarone, poricoic acid A, poricoic acid B, dehydrotumulosic acid, deoxyschizandrin, schizandrin B, and kaempferide in plasma after oral administration of extracts of Jia‐Wei‐Kai‐Xin‐San in normal and vascular dementia rats. The developed method was precise and accurate within the linearity range of the analytes. The lower limits of quantification were 1.04–2.68 ng/mL for all the analytes. Both intra‐ and inter day precision and accuracy of the analytes were all within accepted criteria. The mean extraction recoveries of the analytes and the internal standard from rat plasma were all >60.0%. The validated method had been successfully applied to compare pharmacokinetic profiles of the analytes in plasma of normal and vascular dementia rat treated with herbal extracts. Results indicated that differences existed between normal and vascular dementia model rats except dehydrotumulosic acid and kaempferide, which might be due to the pathology of vascular dementia and pharmacological effect of the analytes. These pharmacokinetic studies might benefit for the mechanism exploration and clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine formulae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]