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Flexible pH sensors have attracted a great deal of attention in numerous applications, such as wearable healthcare devices, smart wound bandages, and other pH monitor sensors for chemical and bioprocess control. Herein, a facile approach to fabricate conducting polymer polypyrrole nanopillar arrays is proposed, and its potential as an advanced pH sensing interface is shown. Using oxygen plasma treatment as the etching tool, polypyrrole nanopillar/hair arrays can be prepared after etching 3D polypyrrole network structures. Conductive polypyrrole nanopillar arrays possessed unique advantages in sensing: their featured nanopillars has enhanced antibacterial properties; their structures showed excellent hydrophilicity and are favorable for interaction with analytes in small‐volume liquids. A flexible polypyrrole nanopillar array‐based potentiometric pH sensor integrated with a solid‐state reference electrode is further designed and fabricated. Superior performance with a near‐Nernstian response of 60.1±1.0 mV pH−1, excellent repeatability, high stability, and reproducibility is verified in the physiological pH range. The reliabilities of flexible and small‐volume sample testing, as well as the applicability for artificial sweat sample pH sensing, are examined. Provided with the advantages of antibacterial properties and hydrophilicity, the proposed flexible pH sensor is promising for trace analysis in biological, medical, and healthcare applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMethodsResultsConclusion\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAdaptive sports participation has been shown to improve quality of life (QoL) in individual with disabilities. However, inconsistent results in various domains of QoL exist in the literature. The objective of this mixed-methods systematic review is to identify and synthesize evidence from quantitative and qualitative studies on the effect of adaptive sports on QoL in individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs for mobility.A systematic literature review of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research on the effect of adaptive sports on QoL was conducted on five databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Medline, and PubMed). Quality appraisal was conducted by two authors by using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.This review identified 4 key findings from 41 studies, including 31 quantitative and 10 qualitative studies. First, individuals with disabilities using wheelchairs for mobility who actively engaged in adaptive sports tend to report higher QoL scores compared with those who were inactive or did not participate. Second, the relationship between the duration of regular participation in adaptive sports and QoL scores exhibited inconsistent results. Third, a multi-component adaptive sports program demonstrates the potential to further improve QoL scores. Last, qualitative investigations reveal that participation in adaptive sports positively influences various domains of well-being in wheelchair users, including encompassing physical and emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, material well-being, personal development, self-determination, and social inclusion.This review provides a comprehensive relationship between adaptive sports participation and QoL of wheelchair users. This study identifies the value of multi-component interventions and demonstrates the diverse positive influences of adaptive sports on well-being.Individuals with disabilities who actively engage in adaptive sports report higher quality of life (QoL) scores compared with those who were inactive or did not participate.The relationship between the duration of regular participation in adaptive sports and QoL scores exhibits inconsistent results.A multi-component adaptive sports program may further improve QoL scores.Qualitative investigations reveal that participation in adaptive sports positively influences various domains of well-being in wheelchair users, including encompassing physical and emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, material well-being, personal development, self-determination, and social inclusion.Individuals with disabilities who actively engage in adaptive sports report higher quality of life (QoL) scores compared with those who were inactive or did not participate.The relationship between the duration of regular participation in adaptive sports and QoL scores exhibits inconsistent results.A multi-component adaptive sports program may further improve QoL scores.Qualitative investigations reveal that participation in adaptive sports positively influences various domains of well-being in wheelchair users, including encompassing physical and emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, material well-being, personal development, self-determination, and social inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The basolateral amygdala (BLA) plays an integral role in anxiety disorders (such as post traumatic stress disorder) stem from dysregulated fear memory. The excitability of glutamatergic neurons in the BLA correlates with fear memory, and the afterhyperpolarization current (IAHP) mediated by small‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel subtype 2 (SK2) dominates the excitability of glutamatergicneurons. This study aimed to explore the effect of MPP2 interacts with SK2 in the excitability of glutamatergic neurons in the BLA and the extinction of conditioned fear in mice. Methods: Fear memory was analyzed via freezing percentage. Western blotting and fluorescence quantitative PCR were used to determine the expression of protein and mRNA respectively. Electrophysiology was employed to measure the excitability of glutamatergic neurons and IAHP. Results: Fear conditioning decreased the levels of synaptic SK2 channels in the BLA, which were restored following fear extinction. Notably, reduced expression of synaptic SK2 channels in the BLA during fear conditioning was caused by the increased activity of protein kinase A (PKA), while increased levels of synaptic SK2 channels in the BLA during fear extinction were mediated by interactions with membrane‐palmitoylated protein 2 (MPP2). Conclusions: Our results revealed that MPP2 interacts with the SK2 channels and rescues the excitability of glutamatergic neurons by increasing the expression of synaptic SK2 channels in the BLA to promote the normalization of anxiety disorders and provide a new direction for the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little was known on infection and mortality rates, still less the risk factors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) omicron variant in B‐cell lymphoma patients following CD19 targeted chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR‐T). Aims: We performed a retrospective multicenter study and analyzed the details of relapsed/refractory (R/R) B‐cell lymphoma patients who received CD19 targeted CAR‐T heretofore in five cellular immunotherapy centers in China during the omicron wave. Materials & Methods: One hundred fifty‐four patients were enrolled in this study. Results: Among them, 52 patients (33.8%) were uninfected, 74 patients (48.1) had ambulatory mild disease (including nine patients of asymptomatic infection), 22 patients (14.3%) had moderate disease and six patients (3.9%) had severe disease when data collected up. Three patients with severe disease died from COVID‐19, the death rate was 1.9% for all enrolled patients, and 2.9% for infected patients. We also found that patients over 60 years old or with diabetes mellitus (DM) tend to develop severe disease (p = 0.0057 and p = 0.0497, respectively). Patients had CAR‐T infusion within 6 months also tend to have severe disease (p = 0.0011). In multivariate logistic regression model, CAR‐T infusion within 6 months (relative risk (RR) 40.92; confidence interval (CI) 4.03–415.89; p = 0.002) were associated with significantly higher risk of severe disease. Conclusion: Through this study, we conclude that the outcome for B‐cell lymphoma patients following CD19 targeted CAR‐T therapy when facing omicron infection was improved, but aggressive precautionary measures were particularly crucial for patients with high risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Although there are many treatments for Multiple myeloma (MM), patients with MM still unable to escape the recurrence and aggravation of the disease. OBJECTIVE: We constructed a risk model based on genes closely associated with MM prognosis to predict its prognostic value. METHODS: Gene function enrichment and signal pathway enrichment analysis, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis were used to identify the prognostic gene signature for MM. Finally, the prognostic gene signature was validated using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. RESULTS: Thirteen prognostic genes were screened by univariate Cox analysis and LASSO regression analysis. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed risk score to be an independent prognostic factor for patients with MM [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 2.564, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 2.223–2.958, P < 0.001]. The risk score had a high level of predictive value according to ROC analysis, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.744. CONCLUSIONS: The potential prognostic signature of thirteen genes were assessed and a risk model was constructed that significantly correlated with prognosis in MM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIE-active compounds have lately attracted considerable attention owing to their versatile applications, especially in OLED and bioimaging. Herein, a series of coumarin-3-formylhydrazone derivatives (CFH-1, 2, 3 and 4) were developed for investigating their AIE and solid-state luminescence behaviors. All the obtained compounds emit varying degrees of solid-state fluorescence. CFH-1 and 2 show the typical AIE characteristics, while CFH-3 and 4 exhibit stronger solution fluorescence than their aggregation-induced emission. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of CFH-1 and CFH-3 showed that both of them adopt planar conformation and the CH···O hydrogen bonding plays a crucial role in their crystal packing. Meanwhile, there is a notable difference between them. Successive π-π stacking interaction was observed in the crystal packing of CFH-1, while the crystals of CFH-3 contain dimeric π-π stacking interaction. Their distinct crystal packing interactions result in their different fluorescence properties. Moreover, both CFH-1 and CFH-2 displayed excellent bioimaging performances in living cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has a poor prognosis, and the current 5-year survival rate is less than 30%. OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to identify the significant genes closely related to AML prognosis and predict the prognostic value by constructing a risk model based on their expression. METHODS: Using bioinformatics (Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis) to identify a prognostic gene signature for AML. Finally, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to validate this prognostic signature. RESULTS: Based on univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, eighteen prognostic genes were identified, and the gene signature and risk score model were constructed. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.122, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.067–1.180, P < 0.001]. ROC analysis showed a high predictive value of the risk model with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.705. CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated a potential prognostic signature with eighteen genes and constructed a risk model significantly related to the prognosis of AML patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the influence range of early cities is significant for understanding the mechanisms behind ancient settlement systems and human-environment interactions. Due to a lack of effective research methods, the evolution processes and impact mechanisms of the influence ranges of prehistoric cities are still ambiguous. In this study, we chose the Songshan Mountain region for research, which witnessed the origin and development of Chinese civilization. Using GIS spatial analyses such as the 'average nearest neighbor' and 'Thiessen polygon', we explored the spatial-temporal distributions and influence ranges of Neolithic-Bronze Age cities in the region. The roles of human culture and the natural environment in the process were also investigated. The results indicated that the spatial distributions of early cities were random during the Yangshao (7000–5000 BP) and Longshan (5000–4000 BP) cultures. During the Erlitou culture (3800–3500 BP) and Shang Dynasty (3600–3046 BP), the spatial distributions changed into dispersed models. During the Zhou Dynasty (3046–2256 BP), the spatial distribution model was random again. Correspondingly, the influence range of early cities during the Erlitou culture is the largest, followed by those of the Longshan culture, Yangshao culture, Shang Dynasty, and Zhou Dynasty. This is different from the conventional view that the ancient city's influence range continuously expands as time advances. Both the natural environment and human culture are believed to impact this evolutional process. Specifically, the Holocene climate variation and the consequent cyclic river downcutting and silting affect the city site selection and thus the spatial-temporal distribution and influence range of early cities. The enfeoffment system occurring during the Erlitou culture should also have played a vital role in this evolution. In general, the natural environment is more important for the spatial distribution and influence range of early cities during Yangshao, Longshan, and Erlitou cultures, while human culture represented by the enfeoffment system plays a dominant role during Shang and Zhou Dynasties when the natural environment is relatively stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Two or more embryo transfers have been used to increase the success rate of live birth in traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF) strategy at the expense of increased risks of multiple pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcomes. The decision regarding the elective single embryo transfer or double embryo transfer remains inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for twin pregnancy in IVF. Methods: Participants who underwent their first fresh IVF cycle where two cleavage stage embryos were transferred in Women's Hospital of Zhejiang University between January 2010 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome was twin delivery. Secondary outcomes included preterm birth and low birth weight Results: Fifteen thousand four hundred fifty-nine women were available for final analysis, in which 1511 women resulted in twin delivery and 4788 women had singleton delivery. Female age over 35 was associated with reduced rates of twin pregnancy compared with female age at or less than 35 (9.5% vs 25.1%, aRR = 0.38 (0.27. 0.55)). Poor-type endometrium was associated with reduced rates of twin pregnancy (19.2% vs 27.5%, aRR = 0.75 (0.58. 0.96)). Two good-quality embryos for transfer was associated with significantly higher rates of twin pregnancy compared with one good-quality or none good-quality embryo (26% vs 12.8% vs 9.3%, aRR = 0.56 (0.45. 0.70), aRR = 0.44(0.26. 0.74)). Female age over 35 and none or one good-quality embryo for transfer were associated with reduced rate of low birth weight and preterm birth. Conclusion: Women with age over 35, poor-type endometrium, one good-quality embryo or none good-quality embryo were associated with reduced rate for twin pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite oxide SrFe 0.9 Mo 0.1 O 3− δ (SFM) was evaluated as the electrode for symmetric solid oxide fuel cells (S–SOFCs) with Sm 0.2 Ce 0.8 O 2− δ (SDC) and La 0.9 Sr 0.1 Ga 0.8 Mg 0.2 O 3− δ (LSGM) electrolytes. Under reducing conditions at 800 °C, the SFM was reduced to be a multi-phase composite consisting of the single perovskite phase, Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) layered perovskite phase, and Fe0 phase. After reoxidation at 800 °C in air, this multi−phase system was again transformed into the parent perovskite phase again, indicating good redox reversibility of the SFM. At 700 °C, polarisation resistances of the SFM used as the cathodes on the LSGM and SDC electrolytes were 0.28 and 0.14 Ω cm2, respectively, in air. Using H 2 as a fuel, the LSGM and SDC supported S–SOFCs with the SFM symmetric electrodes showed the peak power outputs of 253 and 269 mW cm−2, respectively, at 700 °C. Finally, the good long-term stability and redox-cycling stability of the S–SOFCs further demonstrate the potential of the SFM as the symmetric electrode. • SFM was first evaluated as symmetric electrode of S–SOFC. • SFM electrode shows good redox reversibility under IT-SOFC operating temperatures. • Reduced-reoxidised SFM exhibits a porous surface structure. • SFM symmetric electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical performances. • S–SOFC with SFM electrode exhibits good long-term stability and redox stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cell membrane tracking is important for studying the membrane function and diagnosing membrane-related diseases, so the development of fluorescent molecule specifically lighting up cell membrane is highly desirable. In this work, we designed and readily prepared a fluorescent dye (BOHI) that can target cell membrane. The pH-dependent emission spectra reveal that BOHI shows fluorescence based on the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) under acidic and neutral conditions, while the blue-shifted emission from the phenolate anion of BOHI was observed when pH ≥ 9. Among various solvents, the weakest fluorescence emission was observed in H2O, which is favorable to wash-free imaging. The fluorescence intensity of BOHI is greatly affected by surfactants. The anionic surfactant can induce intense green fluorescence, while very weak fluorescence was observed in the solution of cationic surfactant. Hela cells images show that BOHI can specifically targets and lights up cell membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A convenient approach to construct excimer emissive luminogens was established. • A double-bond linker between π-moiety and side-moiety is essential for AIE. • The structure-luminescence relationship was elucidated. • The high-resolution image of living Hela cells was observed. The excimer emission based on discrete π-stacked dimers of polycyclic π-systems has generated significant interest in the structure-luminescence relationship of excimers owing to their ultra-large Stokes shift. Herein, a series of excimer emissive luminogens were obtained by conjugating different polycyclic aromatic aldehydes (anthraldehyde, pyrenealdehyde and perylenealdehyde) with triphenylmethylamine. In crystalline states, all the molecules were arranged in the form of π-stacked arene dimers which were spatially isolated from each other by the bulky triphenylmethyl groups, and thus emitted bright excimer emission. The anthracene and pyrene derivatives showed fluorescence enhancement responses to grinding and the enhanced fluorescence could recover to the original state upon heating. The aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties of them were dependent on the shapes and sizes of the polycyclic aromatic groups. The pyrene derivative showed the most excellent excimer-based AIE behavior among them. All of them were more apt to exhibit the excimer emission when formed nanoparticles with pluronic F-127 than that without pluronic F-127. Furthermore, PETP was utilized for bioimaging of living Hela cells and the high-resolution image was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to examine the l differences in the assessment of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) using cognitive screening tools between PLWH and HIV-negative individuals and further compare the neurocognitive profiles between the two groups. This was baseline evaluation of Pudong HIV Aging Cohort, including 465 people living with HIV (PLWH) and 465 HIV-negative individuals aged over 50 years matched by age (± 3 years), sex and education. NCI was assessed using the Chinese version of Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) and Beijing version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). In total, 258 (55.5%), 91 (19.6%), 273 (58.7%) of PLWH were classified as having NCI by the IHDS, MMSE and MoCA, compared to 90 (19.4%), 25 (5.4%), 135 (29.0%) of HIV-negative individuals, respectively (p < 0.05); such associations remained significant in multivariable analysis. PLWH showed a larger overlap of NCI detected by IHDS, MMSE, and MoCA. IHDS and MoCA detected almost all of the NCI detected by MMSE. IHDS-motor and psychomotor speeds and MoCA-executive function showed the greatest disparities between two groups. In multivariable analysis, older age and more depressive symptoms were positively associated with NCI regardless of the screening tools or HIV serostatus. PLWH over 50 years old display a higher prevalence of NCI and distinct neurocognitive profiles compared to HIV-negative individuals, despite viral suppression. Given the more considerable overlap in NCI classification in PLWH, it is advisable to choose one screening tool such as IHDS or MoCA to identify those potentially having NCI and then refer to more comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea is an economically important crop. Evaluating the suitability of tea can better optimize the regional layout of the tea industry and provide a scientific basis for tea planting plans, which is also conducive to the sustainable development of the tea industry in the long run. Driving force analysis can be carried out to better understand the main influencing factors of tea growth. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the suitability of tea planting in the study area, determine the prioritization of tea industry development in this area, and provide support for the government's planning and decision making. This study used Sentinel image data to obtain the current land use data of the study area. The results show that the accuracy of tea plantation classification based on Sentinel images reached 86%, and the total accuracy reached 92%. Then, we selected 14 factors, including climate, soil, terrain, and human-related factors, using the analytic hierarchy process and spatial analysis technology to evaluate the suitability of tea cultivation in the study area and obtain a comprehensive potential distribution map of tea cultivation. The results show that the moderately suitable area (36.81%) accounted for the largest proportion of the tea plantation suitability evaluation, followed by the generally suitable area (31.40%), the highly suitable area (16.91%), and the unsuitable area (16.23%). Among these areas, the highly suitable area is in line with the distribution of tea cultivation at the Yingde municipal level. Finally, to better analyze the contribution of each factor to the suitability of tea, the factors were quantitatively evaluated by the Geodetector model. The most important factors affecting the tea cultivation suitability evaluation were temperature (0.492), precipitation (0.367), slope (0.302), and elevation (0.255). Natural factors influence the evaluation of the suitability of tea cultivation, and the influence of human factors is relatively minor. This study provides an important scientific basis for tea yield policy formulation, tea plantation site selection, and adaptation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conjugated structure of carbon is used in chemical sensing and small molecule catalysis because of its high charge transfer ability, and the interaction between carbon materials and small molecules is the main factor determining the performance of sensing and catalytic reactions. In this work, Reduced Density Gradient (RDG) and Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory (SAPT) energy decomposition methods were used in combination to investigate the heterogeneity of catalytic substrates commonly used in energy chemistry with [6, 6] the carbon nanobelt ([6, 6] CNB, the interaction properties and mechanisms inside and outside the system). The results show that most of the attractive forces between dimers are provided by dispersive interactions, but electrostatic interactions cannot be ignored either. The total energy of the internal adsorption of [6, 6] CNB was significantly smaller than that of external adsorption, which led to the small molecules being more inclined to adsorb in the inner region of [6, 6] CNB. The dispersive interactions of small molecules adsorbed on [6, 6] CNB were also found to be very high. Furthermore, the dispersive interactions of the same small molecules adsorbed inside [6, 6] CNB were significantly stronger than those adsorbed outside. In [6, 6] CNB dimers, dispersion played a major role in the mutual attraction of molecules, accounting for 70% of the total attraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder that has been shown to be associated with a significant increase in stroke and systemic embolism risk. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a finger-like extension originating from the left atrium; the formation of thrombus in LAA is the main reason of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This study is aimed at finding out the risk of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Method. We retrospectively examined the clinic and left atrial computer tomography angiography (CTA) features of patients assessed in Zhengzhou No. 7 People's Hospital between January 2020 and January 2021 derivation. Student's t -test, chi-square test, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, and logistic regression analysis were used to identify predictors of LAAT. Result. Of 480 patients included in the analysis, LAAT was found in approximately 9.2% of all patients. Univariate demographic predictors of LAAT included left atrium top and bottom diameter (LTD), left atrial appendage depth (LAAD), CHA2DS2-VASc, tachycardia bradycardia syndrome (TBS), and nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of thrombus were LAAD > 23.45 mm (odds ratio: 4.216, 95% CI: 1.869-9.510, P = 0.001), TBS (odds ratio: 4.076, 95% CI: 1.655-10.038, P = 0.002), and non-PAF (odds ratio: 2.896, 95% CI: 1.183-7.094, P = 0.02). Conclusion. In NVAF patients with LAAT, evidence suggested that larger LAAD, non-PAF, and TBS present a high risk of LAAT. This is the first report demonstrating that the LAAD and TBS are associated with LAAT in patients with NVAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Two or more embryo transfers have been used to increase the success rate of live birth in traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF) strategy at the expense of increased risks of multiple pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcomes. The decision regarding the elective single embryo transfer or double embryo transfer remains inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for twin pregnancy in IVF.Methods: Participants who underwent their first fresh IVF cycle where two cleavage stage embryos were transferred in Women's Hospital of Zhejiang University between January 2010 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome was twin delivery. Secondary outcomes included preterm birth and low birth weight RESULTS: Fifteen thousand four hundred fifty-nine women were available for final analysis, in which 1511 women resulted in twin delivery and 4788 women had singleton delivery. Female age over 35 was associated with reduced rates of twin pregnancy compared with female age at or less than 35 (9.5% vs 25.1%, aRR = 0.38 (0.27. 0.55)). Poor-type endometrium was associated with reduced rates of twin pregnancy (19.2% vs 27.5%, aRR = 0.75 (0.58. 0.96)). Two good-quality embryos for transfer was associated with significantly higher rates of twin pregnancy compared with one good-quality or none good-quality embryo (26% vs 12.8% vs 9.3%, aRR = 0.56 (0.45. 0.70), aRR = 0.44(0.26. 0.74)). Female age over 35 and none or one good-quality embryo for transfer were associated with reduced rate of low birth weight and preterm birth.Conclusion: Women with age over 35, poor-type endometrium, one good-quality embryo or none good-quality embryo were associated with reduced rate for twin pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the unique properties of strongly confined and enhanced electric fields, surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) provide a new platform for the realization of ultracompact plasmonic circuits. However, there are challenges in coupling light into SPPs efficiently and subsequently routing SPPs. Here, we propose a multi-directional SPP splitter and polarization analyzer based on the catenary metasurface. Based on the abundant electromagnetic modes and geometric phase modulation principle of catenary structure, the device has realized high-efficiency beam splitting for four different polarization states (x-polarization, y-polarization, LCP, and RCP). The central wavelength of the device is 632 nm and the operation bandwidth can reach 70 nm (585–655 nm). Based on the phenomenon of SPP beam splitting, we present a prototype of a polarization analyzer, which can detect the polarization state of incident light by adding photodetector with light intensity logic threshold in four directions. Moreover, by combining this device with dynamic polarization modulation techniques, it is possible to be served as a router or switch in integrated photonic circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 3-aroylbenzocoumarin-based luminogens have been synthesized for investigating their aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and solid-state fluorescence. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of one of them showed that the molecules are arranged in the form of π-dimers which may lead to excimer emission. The large Stokes shifts and the broad-band emission of these 3-aroylbenzocoumarins in solid/aggregation state demonstrated the probable formation of excimers. The shapes of benzocoumarin units have a great effect on the AIE behaviors. The linear benzocoumarin derivatives show larger Stokes shifts, while the bent-benzocoumarin derivatives exhibit better AIE performances. All of them show aggregation-enhanced excimer emission which is supported by the large Stokes shifts. The electronic effect of 3-aroyl groups also has a certain effect on their fluorescence properties. The polymorphism phenomenon was observed for one of the benzoyl-containing derivatives. Additionally, two of the derivatives containing methoxy group were successfully used for cell imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spindle-shaped NH 2 -MIL-101(Fe) has been fabricated through the ultrasound-assisted synthesis method and then characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, HRTEM, XPS, and BET analyses. The as-prepared sample shows a high-performance electrochemical sensor for heavy metal ions and dopamine. [Display omitted] • Spindle-shaped NH 2 -MIL-101(Fe) has been fabricated through a ultrasound method. • The as-prepared sample shows a high-performance electrochemical sensor for heavy metal ions and dopamine. • This study provides a new strategy through simple ultrasound preparation for the highly sensitive electrochemical sensor. Spindle-shaped NH 2 -MIL-101(Fe) has been fabricated through the ultrasound-assisted synthesis method and then characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses. The sample shows a high-performance electrochemical sensor for heavy metal ions (Pb(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II)) and dopamine. The as-prepared NH 2 -MIL-101(Fe)/GCE electrode exhibited detection limits of 12.0 nM, 8.53 nM, and 18.0 nM for Pb(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II), respectively, and with good stability and reproducibility. The NH 2 -MIL-101(Fe)/CPE electrode for dopamine detection showed a wide linear range of 0.3 to 450 μM with a detection limit of 0.025 μM, and also demonstrating excellent anti-interference properties and stability. This study provides a new strategy through simple ultrasound preparation for the highly sensitive electrochemical sensor detection of heavy metal ions and organic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular senescence, a state of growth arrest, is involved in various age‐related diseases. We previously found that carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1C (CPT1C) is a key regulator of cancer cell proliferation and senescence, but it is unclear whether CPT1C plays a similar role in normal cells. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of CPT1C in cellular proliferation and senescence of human embryonic lung MRC‐5 fibroblasts and the involved mechanisms. The results showed that CPT1C could reverse the cellular senescence of MRC‐5 fibroblasts, as evidenced by reduced senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity, downregulated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of senescence‐associated secretory phenotype factors, and enhanced bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Lipidomics analysis further revealed that CPT1C gain‐of‐function reduced lipid accumulation and reversed abnormal metabolic reprogramming of lipids in late MRC‐5 cells. Oil Red O staining and Nile red fluorescence also indicated significant reduction of lipid accumulation after CPT1C gain‐of‐function. Consequently, CPT1C gain‐of‐function significantly reversed mitochondrial dysfunction, as evaluated by increased adenosine triphosphate synthesis and mitochondrial transmembrane potential, decreased radical oxygen species, upregulated respiratory capacity and mRNA expression of genes related to mitochondrial function. In summary, CPT1C plays a vital role in MRC‐5 cellular proliferation and can reverse MRC‐5 cellular senescence through the regulation of lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function, which supports the role of CPT1C as a novel target for intervention into cellular proliferation and senescence and suggests CPT1C as a new strategy for antiaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The processes and mechanisms of fluvial landform evolution, especially in the transitional zones between mountains and plains, are of great significance for predicting future regional sustainability and ecosystem stability in the basin. As a region of significant cultural and ecological importance, the transitional area between Taihang Mountain and North China Plain still has a limited understanding of the fluvial landform evolution. With detailed field surveys and 39 optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages of 14 sections, we reconstruct fluvial landform evolution in the southern piedmont of the Taihang Mountain since the late Pleistocene. The results show that two major fluvial processes occurred during 18–10 ka BP and 9–3 ka BP. Meanwhile, the late Pleistocene-Holocene can be divided into 5 intervals in the alluvial fan and floodplain areas, with corresponding ages of 3 ka BP, 9–3 ka BP, 10–9 ka BP, 18–10 ka BP, and before 20 ka BP, respectively. The results also indicate that the regional fluvial processes primarily result from climate change and tectonic activities, and secondarily result from sea level fluctuation. Additionally, the prehistoric settlement pattern was also shaped by the evolution of regional rivers. Our research is significant for understanding the evolution and mechanisms of fluvial landforms in transitional zones. • Holocene fluvial landscape evolution were reconstructed in southern Taihang. • Mechanism of fluvial landscape evolution in transitional area was revealed firstly. • Fluvial evolution was response to climate and structure activity, less associated with sea level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fluorescence-based assay of iodide ion (I−) has been extensively studied by the use of different sensing probes and techniques, but it remains a tricky task to eliminate the interference of chloride ion (Cl−) for the analysis of low-level I− in complex genuine samples. Herein, we develop a redox pretreatment strategy for specific separating I− from human urine. Simultaneously, a novel ratiometric fluorescent probe is constructed by a simple mixing of dimer DNA silver nanoclusters (dDNA-AgNCs) and carbon dots (CDs) with the ratio of 5:1 in fluorescent intensity, and used for visual assay of I−. After addition of I−, the fluorescence of orange dDNA-AgNCs can be quenched by I− as the result of I−-induced oxidative etching and aggregation of dDNA-AgNCs, while blue CDs as the stable internal standard are unresponsive to I−. With the increase of I−, the fluorescence intensity ratio (I 577 /I 446) of binary-color probe gradually decreased, which leads to color variation from salmon pink to lighter salmon pink to lilac to light steel blue to final deep sky blue (under a UV lamp) with a sensitive detection limit of 19.8 nM. The assay for I− can also be convenient to implement for visual monitoring of I− by observing color change of test paper printed with the ratiometric probe, responding to 50 nM that is about 1 order of magnitude lower than the median urinary I− concentration defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) for school-age children. The sensitive test paper can provide an advanced platform for colorimetric and visual monitoring of I− in human urine. Image 1 • Uric sample is pretreated by redox reaction to completely eliminate the interference of Cl−. • A binary probe with 5:1 ratio of orange to blue in fluorescent intensity is used for I−assay. • Fluorescence quenching mechanism for I− assay is I−-induced oxidative etching and aggregation of dDNA-AgNCs. • A portable test paper with wide color evolution is prepared by printing binary probe on paper for uric I− monitoring. • The test paper offers a colorimetric and convenient diagnosis whether we fall in hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of integrated optics, bulky and curved traditional lenses cannot meet the requirements of on-chip optical systems. Alternatively, the metalenses based on the artificial subwavelength structure possess ultra-thin and lightweight characteristics, providing a potential candidate for on-chip optical systems. Nonetheless, most metalenses have a limited field-of-view (FOV) due to the prevalence of severe off-axis aberrations. In this work, we propose and design an on-chip metalens with wide FOV based on the quadratic phase. The metalens modulates the phase of the incident light with different lengths of gold nano-bands placed on the silicon-on-insulator substrate; thus, the quadratic distribution of the phase of the output light can be achieved by shifting the lengths of gold nano-bands and the output light is focused. The metalens can be focused on a large angle (∼120°, ranging from −60° to +60°). Furthermore, the metallic strips in the metalens are very thin with a thickness of 50 nm, which can be easily integrated into a chip. The monolithic metalens of broad FOV and ultrathin thickness will have great potential for applications in areas of sensing, imaging, and on-chip information processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eutrophication of lacustrine environments with frequent cyanobacterial blooms has become a serious problem. Overpopulation and runoff into groundwater and lakes from fertilizers with too much nitrogen and phosphorous have caused most of the problems. Here, we first devised a land use and cover classification system based on the local characteristics of the first-level protected area of Lake Chaohu (FPALC). Lake Chaohu is the fifth largest freshwater lake in China. The land use and cover change (LUCC) products were produced using sub-meter resolution satellite data from 2019 to 2021 in the FPALC. This study presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of the established protected areas. The results show the most impactful type was the reduction in cropland with an area that declined from 7446.4 hm2 to 6433.3 hm2 from 2019 to 2021. Most of the reduced cropland was converted into wetlands, with 460.2 hm2 and 152.0 hm2 of cropland restored to wetlands from 2019 to 2020 and 2020–2021, respectively. The area of cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Chaohu showed a downward trend, and the lacustrine environment was greatly improved after the establishment of the FPALC. These quantified data can inform decision-making related to Lake Chaohu conservation and provide a reference for managing the aquatic environment in other watersheds. [Display omitted] • Watershed LUCC was mapped using very high-resolution satellite data (∼0.5 m). • A new LUCC classification system is designed for protected area. • LUCC trends and underlying drivers in the protected area were quantified. • The effect of protected area on lacustrine environments was evaluated. • The establishment of FPALC improved the lacustrine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing demand of the power load and the development of the new energy resources, voltage-sourced converter-based high-voltage direct current (VSC-HVDC) transmission system has been widely utilized. However, its development is seriously limited due to short circuit. To address this, high-temperature superconducting direct current fault current limiter (DC-SFCL) is designed. In this paper, a novel topology of DC-SFCL is firstly presented along with its principle and mathematical model. Secondly, the thermoelectric model of its superconducting current-limiting unit (SCLU) is established. In addition, simulation of VSC-HVDC system containing this novel DC-SFCL topology is analyzed using Simulink software. Finally, experimental measurements are designed and conducted to verify the correctness of the theoretical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been developed with numerous beneficial applications. However, rodent models demonstrate that exposure to MWCNTs via respiratory pathways results in pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, they could elicit a potential risk of pulmonary fibrosis in humans due to occupational or consumer exposure. Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylase, has been proved to prevent fibrosis in the liver, renal and myocardial tissues. In this present study, we aimed to explore the role of SIRT6 in MWCNTs-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), one of the major contributor of lung fibrogenesis in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. We found that the protein level of SIRT6 was elevated after exposure to MWCNTs in BEAS-2B cells. Overexpression of SIRT6 significantly inhibited MWCNTs-induced EMT and EMT-like cell behaviors in BEAS-2B cells. Moreover, wild-type SIRT6 was found to decrease MWCNTs-induced phosphorylation of Smad2, but not mutant SIRT6 (H133Y) without histone deacetylase activity. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that SIRT6 inhibited MWCNTs-induced EMT in BEAS-2B cells through TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway, which depended on its deacetylase activity, and provided evidences that targeting SIRT6 could be a potential novel therapeutic strategy for MWCNTs-induced pulmonary fibrosis. • Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) was elevated after exposure to MWCNTs in BEAS-2B cells. • SIRT6 overexpression inhibited MWCNTs-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). • SIRT6 inhibited EMT via TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway, depending on its deacetylase activity. • SIRT6 is a promising target to protect against MWCNTs-induced pulmonary fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Self-Organizing Feature Map (SOFM) is one of the most popular neural network models, recently also adopted in archaeology to improve and enhance, on the basis of the availability of information and archaeological records, our understanding of the long-term human settlements and their evolution. In this paper, SOFM has been applied to classify prehistoric settlement size-grade in the Songshan Mountain Region in China, mainly focusing on the following four periods: Peiligang (9000–7000aBP), Yangshao (7000–5000aBP), Longshan (5000–4000aBP) and Xia-Shang (4000–3000aBP). Outputs from the SOFM analysis enabled us to capture the spatial relation between higher and lower grade settlements and to identify specific morphological patterns. This brought new light on the human settlements and their evolution in relations with the nature, environmental features, and cultural attitude in the Songshan Mountain Region where the Chinese civilization emerged and developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • An improved synthesis of BMS-986120 has been developed. • Seven deuterated derivatives have been synthesized and biologically evaluated. • Compounds PC-2 and PC-6 had better antiplatelet activity than BMS-986120. • All the deuterated compounds had similar metabolic stability to BMS-986120. Abstract BMS-986120 is a PAR4 antagonist that is being investigated as an antiplatelet agent in phase I clinical trial. An improved synthesis of BMS-986120 has been developed. Based on the novel synthetic approach to BMS-986120 , a series of deuterated derivatives of BMS-986120 have been synthesized and biologically evaluated to search for more potent antiplatelet agents. The in vitro antiplatelet assay by turbidimetry demonstrated that PC-2 and PC-6 had IC 50 values of 6.30 nM and 6.97 nM, respectively, versus BMS-986120 with an IC 50 of 7.80 nM. The result of in vitro metabolic stability study showed that all of the deuterated compounds had similar half-life (T 1/2) and intrinsic clearance (Clint) in comparison with BMS-986120. Further probing the metabolic profile of BMS-986120 is worth being conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SG-1 was previously identified as a potent Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) which works through inhibition of reverse transcriptase (RT) RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity via a direct binding event. To further investigate the relationship between its structure and activity, four series of novel analogues were designed and synthesized with 12 of them inhibiting HIV-1 replication with IC 50 s in the range 0.09–6.71 μM. Compound 4b , 4c , 4f , 2 and 6b were further tested on two NNRTI-resistant HIV-1 strains and one NNRTI-resistant superbug. The result showed that RT- E138K/M184V mutant virus conferred 4.7–9.1-fold resistance to 4c , 4f , 2 and 6b , but only showed slight resistance to 4b (2-fold) which was better than SG-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protonized titanate nanotubes/Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 ternary composites (denoted as TNT/Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 ) have been successfully prepared through a hydrothermal method with the tetrabutyltitanate as the precursor. The component of Titanate nanotubes act as the absorbents and endows the photocatalyst high flexibility to wide-range pollutants concentration, and the component of Fe 3 O 4 endows the photocatalysts magnetic properties with easy recovery ability. The visible and UV–Visible light driven photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) over TNT/Fe 3 O 4 /TiO 2 was systematically investigated. The exposed active {101} facets can be sensitized by RhB and dramatically enhanced the visible light photocatalytic activity of the TiO 2 . Synergistic effect of the high specific surface area, magnetic reclaim and the strong interaction between the dye and TiO 2 make the catalysis exhibit extraordinary photocatalytic performance and promising application. The detailed e − and h + separation dynamics for visible-light induced catalytic mechanism was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the Second Member of Shuangyang Formation of Moliqing fault in the Yitong Basin, northeast of China, the intermittent transportation and rapid accumulation of nearshore gravity flows make the facies belts of fan apron narrow and changefully. Lacking stable contrastive maker layers, while the several tectonic events such as strike slip, transtension and compression occurring in the later period make the stratigraphic distribution of this area more complex. For these reasons, the research on stratigraphic correlation and the distribution of sedimentary facies are extremely difficult. To solve the above problems, this paper proposes the following solutions: (1) This paper assists to achieve the stratigraphic cycle analysis through logging data entropy spectrum analysis, on which basis and combining with the core data, seismic interfaces and geological markers to achieve the division and correlation of small layers of single sand body; (2) By analyzing the coarse clastic sedimentary system, we research the coarse clastic glutenite sediments of Shuangyang Formation in Moliqing fault from the fluid properties and fluid type conversion so as to clearly understand the vertical sequences and horizontal distribution characteristics analysis of core facies as well as deduce the fluid type of supply source and the characteristics of sediments. The results show that: (1) The sequence development is dominated by tectonic movements, and the strata can be divided into 5 middle-term cycles and 25 short-term cycles adopting T-R mode; (2) studies suggest that because the fluid property of supply source occurs cyclical changes under the condition of multiple sources, and the fluid shows alternation and conversion between gravity flow and traction flow under the control of particular ancient landform, therefore, the sediments of researched area form a mixed sedimentary system of gravity flow and traction flow. On the basis of source characteristics and sedimentary characteristics analysis, this paper proposed the sedimentary type of continental facies slope apron, which is divided into three sub-facies: proximal, middle and distal sub-facies. Among them, proximal sub-facies mainly develop the slop channel sedimentation dominated by mud debris flow deposits, central sub-facies develop the superposition channel microfacies dominated by mix depositions of gravity flow and traction flow and the leading edge microfacies of fan dominated by traction flow, while the distal sub-facies is mainly based on the thin sheet sand body and gravity flow slump depositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The present study aimed to explore the major factors that account for the beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods. Using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation method, hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) was identified as an important factor secreted by MSCs, but not by cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). The protective effects of conditioned medium (CdM) from MSCs or CFs were tested by using either H9C2 cells that were exposed by hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) insult or an in vivo mouse model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. Results. Compared to CF-CdM, MSC-CdM conferred protection against reperfusion injury. CdM obtained from MSCs that were treated with HDGF-targeted shRNA failed to offer any protection in vitro. In addition, administration of recombinant HDGF alone recapitulated the beneficial effects of MSC-CdM, which was associated with increased protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) phosphorylation, enhanced mitochondria aldehyde dehydrogenase family 2 activity, and decreased 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal accumulation. A significant decrease in infarct size and ameliorated cardiac dysfunction was achieved by administration of HDGF in wild-type mice, which was absent in PKCε dominant negative mice, indicating the essential roles of PKCε in HDGF-mediated protection. Conclusions. HDGF secreted from MSCs plays a key role in the protection against reperfusion injury through PKCε activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • HPPDi quenched the endogenous fluorescence of REs. • Electrostatic interaction are the interaction forces between HPPDi and REs. • HPPDi changed the conformation of soybean REs. • REs bind to HPPDi through carbonyl, carboxyl and nitrate groups. 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitor herbicides are widely used in modern agriculture. Plant root exudates (REs) play an important role in the adsorption, degradation, migration and transformation of pesticides in soil. In the present study, the structural affinity and interaction mechanism between four HPPD inhibitors (HPPDi) and soybean REs were investigated via multispectral technologies and two-dimensional correlation analysis (2D-COS). UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectra showed that mesotrione, tembotrione, sulcotrione and topramezone effectively quench the intrinsic fluorescence of soybean REs through static quenching. The binding constant K a revealed that the binding ability of HPPDi to soybean REs takes the following order: mesotrione > tembotrione > sulcotrione > topramezone. According to the thermodynamic parameters, the main interaction force between tembotrione, sulcotrione, topramezone and soybean REs is electrostatic interaction, while the main interaction force is a hydrogen bond or van der Waals force between mesotrione and soybean REs. The conformational changes of REs were attributed to HPPDi by 3D spectral evaluation. FTIR spectroscopy and 2D-COS analysis suggested that soybean REs mainly formed stable complexes with HPPDi through functional groups such as carbonyl, carboxyl, methoxy and nitrate, and the first binding groups were carbonyl and carboxyl. These results provide helpful information for the adsorption and desorption process of environmental pollutants on the surface of plants and soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ fabrication of a temperature and pH dual-responsive linear supramolecular polymer through the marriage of dynamic covalent bonding and pillar[5]arene-based host–guest interaction was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overlapping gravity accumulation bodies were formed on the northwestern steep slope of the Shuangyang Formation in the Moliqing fault depression of northeast China. This study analyzed in detail the spatial distribution of the lithofacies and lithofacies associations of these accumulation bodies based on more than 600 m of core sections, and summarized 12 major types of lithofacies and three types of lithofacies associations: (1) the proximal zone consists of gravelly debris flows dominated by alluvial channel conglomerates; (2) the middle zone is dominated by various gravity flow deposits and traction flow deposits; and (3) the distal zone is dominated by mudstones with intercalations of sandy debris and turbidites. Combining with the grain size cumulative probability curves analysis, we determined the transformation of debris flows to sandy debris flows and to turbidity currents in the slope zone of the basin margin, and further proposed a lacustrine slope apron model that is characterized by (1) an inconstant multiple source (line source), (2) an alternation of gravity flow deposits and traction flow deposits dominated by periodical changes in a source flood flow system, and (3) the transformation of sandy debris flow deposits into distal turbidity current deposits. This sedimentary model may be applicable to other fault depressions for predicting reservoir distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The charge transfer mechanism in infinitene monomers and dimers was investigated by visualization. • The formation mechanism of chirality is explained by the transition electric/magnetic dipole moment. • Intermolecular dispersive interactions are investigated by the newly proposed van der Waals potential. • The nature of interactions in infinitene dimer is revealed by IGMH, AIM and EDA-FF. In this work, based on density functional theory (DFT) and wave function analysis, the properties of absorption spectrum, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectrum and Raman spectrum of infinitene (monomer and dimer) with double helical structure are theoretically studied. The electronic excitation properties of infinitene were investigated based on the visualization method charge density difference (CDD) and transition density matrix (TDM). It is found that there is obvious intermolecular charge transfer behavior in the dimer. The electromagnetic interaction mechanism of the chirality of infinitene is explained by decomposing transition electric\magnetic dipole moments (TEDMs\TMDMs). The response of Raman spectra to excitation light of different wavelengths was calculated. Then, the electron delocalization degree and magnetic response intensity of infinitene were studied based on the magnetically induced current under external magnetic field. The interaction of infinitene with the external environment was studied by electrostatic and van der Waals potentials, and it was shown that non-polar or low-polar molecules are more inclined to be adsorbed at the groove position of infinitene. Finally, the mechanism of intermolecular interactions in dimer was investigated based on independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld partition (IMGH), Atoms-In-Molecules (AIM), and energy decomposition analysis based on forcefield (EDA-FF). And revealed that the stacking in the dimer is dominated by dispersive interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key odorants of Jiugui -series Baijiu (Y and R) were explored systematically for the first time by a sensory-directed flavor analysis approach. A total of 144 aroma-active compounds were identified by pH regulated liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and headspace solid phase microextaction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS), and 92 of these were first reported. The aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) was used for screening the potential important aroma compounds. The overall aroma profiles of Y and R were successfully simulated (similarity = 95.47%, and 90.21%, respectively) by mixing the odorants (OAV ≥ 1) with their natural concentrations in 52% ethanol/water solutions. The omission tests revealed that ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl pentanoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl dodecanoate, dimethyl trisulfide, acetic acid, propionic acid, butanoic acid, isovaleric acid, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, and p -cresol were identified as the key aroma compounds. In particular, benzenemethanethiol played an important role in the typical aroma of Y and R, which had a burnt or baked-like odor and was a new finding. • The key odorants of Fuyu-flavor-type Baijiu (FFTB) were explored for the first time. • 92 compounds were newly identified as aroma-active odorants in FFTB. • Benzenemethanethiol played an important role in the typical aroma of FFTB. • 10 important compounds' odor thresholds in ethanol/water solution were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensitive detection of dipicolinic acid (DPA) as an excellent biomarker of Bacillus anthracis , especially through visual point-of-care testing, is significant for accurate and rapid diagnosis of anthrax to timely prevent anthrax disease or biological terrorist attack. Herein, an acoustofluidics-based colorimetric platform with the integrated ratiometric fluorescence probe (INT-probe) was fabricated, which improved the sensitivity of visual detection for DPA and overcame the poor reproducibility of the existing acoustofluidics-assisted colorimetric analysis. For the design of INT-probe, Eu3+-EDTA complex as sensing moiety was grafted onto the surface of blue organosilane-functionalized carbon dots (SiCDs)-doped SiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs). Upon exposure to DPA, Eu3+ was sensitized by DPA to emit red luminescence, while the SiCDs as reference inside the SiO 2 NPs still kept the blue fluorescence unchanged. Attributed to the acoustic radiation force-driven enrichment of the INT-probe, slight color changes caused by low concentration of DPA could be amplified and distinguished by naked-eyes/smartphone. With the increase of DPA concentration, obvious color variations of INT-probe/DPA aggregates from blue to pink could be observed, and the color information of the fluorescent aggregates was converted to red, green and blue values for quantitative analysis, whose lowest detectable concentration reached 100 nM that is about 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than the infectious dosage of Bacillus anthracis spores (60 μM). Importantly, benefiting from the great color signal enhancement by acoustofluidic sensing platform, the usage of Eu3+ reduced to as low as 0.273 μmol per gram of SiO 2 NPs, providing a meaningful way to utilize lanthanide resource efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The b-SiCDs covalently bind in SiO 2 NPs to exhibit strong internal standard robustness. • The triple-emission probe is constructed by two ratiometric fluorescent composite NPs. • The probe shows more profuse and wider color variations using two-step response strategy. • Sensitivity for colorimetric assay of Hb is further improved by acoustofluidic technology. • RGB values got by chromaticity analysis APP are used for accurate Hb quantification. Acoustofluidics-assisted colorimetric method, a promising point-of-care test (POCT) strategy, has been applied in convenient detection of target molecules using the sensing nanomaterials, but remains a formidable challenge to design fluorescent probe with profuse color evolution, realizing sensitive, simple and accurate determination of analyte. Here, a novel triple-emission fluorescent probe is constructed through a simple blend of two ratiometric fluorescent probes (blue-organosilane-polymerized carbon dots@SiO 2 nanoparticles@red-CdTe/CdS quantum dots (b@SiO 2 @r) and blue-organosilane-polymerized carbon dots@SiO 2 nanoparticles@green-CdTe/CdS quantum dots (b@SiO 2 @g)) at the optimized volume ratio of 11:8. As signal reporters of the triple-emission probe, outer modified "r" and "g" will be quenched in sequence by target via two-step response strategy while the inner "b" as internal standard remains constant. When acoustic field is applied, the effect of acoustofluidics-based nanoparticles concentration makes triple-emission probe aggregate completely, accompanying fluorescence color signal being enhanced, sensitivity of colorimetric assay being improved and multicolor-variation (from orange to dark-goldenrod to dark-olive-green to sea-green to dark-cyan to final steel-blue) with the increase of analyte amount. For POCT demonstration, hemoglobin (Hb) is used as a model target and the captured fluorescence photos of triple-emission probe aggregates are analyzed by a chromaticity analysis application on the smartphone to calculate the red, green and blue values, which are used for accurate Hb quantification with the limit of detection of 1.99 mg/L. Whole test is finished within ∼12 min. The acoustofluidics-manipulated triple-emission probe biosensing strategy has also been applied to the rapid and visual quantitative detection of Hb in human blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to illustrate ambulatory blood pressure monitoring parameters responses to low sodium intake and their differences between salt-sensitive and non-salt-sensitive individuals. A total of 186 participants were included in this analysis. Twenty-four hour, day-time and night-time blood pressure (BP) and BP load decreased during low sodium intervention, especially in salt-sensitive (SS) group. After multivariable adjustment, 24-h systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure and BP load responses to low sodium intervention of SS individuals were more pronounced than those of non–salt-sensitive individuals. Thus, reducing salt intake is potentially needed for the prevention of hypertension, especially in SS individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of chitosan by modified commercial cellulase was studied in the ionic liquid [Gly]BF system. The degradation product was chitooligosaccharides. We investigated the effects of reaction conditions on the degradation systematically. The optimum reaction conditions were as follows: pH 5.0, modified cellulase 12 ml (3 wt%), chitosan 0.5 g (η = 41.77 × 10); reaction temperature 50 °C; reaction time 5 h. Eventually the average molecular weight of chitooligosaccharides was about 1500, and the yield of chitooligosaccharides was 76.36 %. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Activation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts constitutes a key step in cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI), due to interstitial fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to improve post-MI remodeling an effect that is enhanced by hypoxia preconditioning (HPC). Leptin has been shown to promote cardiac fibrosis. The expression of leptin is significantly increased in MSCs after HPC but it is unknown whether leptin contributes to MSC therapy or the fibrosis process. The objective of this study was to determine whether leptin secreted from MSCs modulates cardiac fibrosis. Methods: Cardiac fibroblast (CF) activation was induced by hypoxia (0.5% O2). The effects of MSCs on fibroblast activation were analyzed by co-culturing MSCs with CFs, and detecting the expression of α-SMA, SM22α, and collagen IαI in CFs by western blot, immunofluorescence and Sirius red staining. In vivo MSCs antifibrotic effects on left ventricular remodeling were investigated using an acute MI model involving permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Results: Co-cultured MSCs decreased fibroblast activation and HPC enhanced the effects. Leptin deficit MSCs from Ob/Ob mice did not decrease fibroblast activation. Consistent with this, H-MSCs significantly inhibited cardiac fibrosis after MI and mediated decreased expression of TGF-β/Smad2 and MRTF-A in CFs. These effects were again absent in leptin-deficient MSCs. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that activation of cardiac fibroblast was inhibited by MSCs in a manner that was leptin-dependent. The mechanism may involve blocking TGF-β/Smad2 and MRTF-A signal pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reprogrammed metabolic network is a key hallmark of cancer. Profiling cancer metabolic alterations with spatial signatures not only provides clues for understanding cancer biochemical heterogeneity, but also helps to decipher the possible roles of metabolic reprogramming in cancer development. Methods: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) technique was used to characterize the expressions of fatty acids in breast cancer tissues. Specific immunofluorescence staining was further carried out to investigate the expressions of fatty acid synthesis-related enzymes. Results: The distributions of 23 fatty acids in breast cancer tissues have been mapped, and the levels of most fatty acids in cancer tissues are significantly higher than those in adjacent normal tissues. Two metabolic enzymes, fatty acid synthase (FASN) and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), which being involved in the de novo synthesis of fatty acid were found to be up-regulated in breast cancer. Targeting the up-regulation of FASN and ACC is an effective approach to limiting the growth, proliferation, and metastasis of breast cancer cells. Conclusions: These spatially resolved findings enhance our understanding of cancer metabolic reprogramming and give an insight into the exploration of metabolic vulnerabilities for better cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level of fault current increases as urban power grid expands in recent years. The traditional relay protection has difficulties in preventing the increased fault current in power grid. Magneto-biased superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) is a novel technology with two-stage fault current limiting capability of reducing the level of fault current in the first half of the cycle and further in the second cycle. It consists of a double-split reactor, a non-inductive YBCO component, and a fast circuit breaker. Achieving its coordination with relay protection can reduce the reconstruction cost of power system and contribute to the promotion of SFCL. This paper analyzes the SFCL's operating mechanism at first. Then, a typical 10 kV IEEE 9-bus power system model including the magneto-biased SFCL is built to theoretically investigate the quench and current limiting characteristics and validate the feasibility of SFCL. Finally, a distance protection setting of a simplified 10 kV urban power grid is calculated and the influence of the introduction of the magneto-biased SFCL on the distance protection is quantified. The simulation results of single-phase short-circuit fault show that the zone I and zone II of distance protection can be properly activated and there is little impact on the distance protection of zone III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this article, compact dielectric rod antennas with relatively high gain are presented, which are fit for use in lossy medium. A quasi-monopole and a bifilar helix are used to simplify the feeding structure and guarantee high gain. Furthermore, antenna arrays with high gain and low side-lobe levels are considered. Lower side-lobe levels are achieved by lossy medium. Then, a C-band dielectric rod antenna fed by a quasi-monopole is designed and fabricated, and a Ku-band antenna array, composed of four dielectric rod antennas fed by a bifilar helix is also displayed. Simulated results illustrate that the gains of the antenna are 9.53 dB and −0.29 dB in free space and in lossy medium, respectively, whereas the gain of the array is 12.2 dB with the side-lobe level lower than 14 dB. The measured results of the antenna coincide with the simulated results. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2277-2282, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Visible-light induced cycloaddition was proposed to identify lipid C=C isomers. • BIQD and DF-BIQD were developed as a new type of [2+2] cycloaddition reagent. • 437 nm, 489 nm, 545 nm, 581 nm and 613 nm light all can induce [2+2] cycloaddition. • The content ratio of Δ9 and Δ11 FA-18:1 is 1.49:1 in rat heart and 5.2:1 in plasma. Ultraviolet (UV) light-catalyzed Paternò-Büchi (PB) reaction has been developed as an efficient lipid C=C double bond (DB) derivatization strategy, which can accurately assign the position of C=C bond in unsaturated lipids when coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Inspired by this, here we proposed a novel visible-light induced [2+2] cycloaddition reaction combined with ESI-MS/MS and MALDI-MS/MS to identify lipid C=C position isomers. Benz[g]isoquinoline-5,10-dione (BIQD) and 6,9-difluorobenzo[g]isoquinoline-5,10-dione (DF-BIQD) were developed as a new type of [2+2] cycloaddition reagent, which can not only react with C=C bond under 254 nm UV light irradiation, but also quickly combine with lipid C=C bond under the irradiation of 405 nm visible-light and > 400 nm compact fluorescent lamp visible-light. High cycloaddition reaction conversion efficiency can be achieved by irradiating under compact fluorescent lamp light for 2 min. Moreover, we discovered that 437 nm, 489 nm, 545 nm, 581 nm, and 613 nm monochromatic light appearing in compact fluorescent lamp can individually induce the [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between DF-BIQD and unsaturated lipids. Using this method, we found that the expressions of lipid DB-positional isomers in rat heart, brain, lung, spleen, thymus, kidney, liver and plasma vary greatly. The relative content of FA-18:1 (Δ9) in rat heart is only 1.49 times that of FA-18:1 (Δ11), while the relative content of FA-18:1 (Δ9) in rat plasma is 5.20 times that of FA-18:1 (Δ11). The above results offer new insight into the development of photocatalytic reagent for visible-light induced [2+2] cycloaddition and structural lipidomic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell-derived microparticles participate in intercellular communication similar to the classical messenger systems of small and macro-molecules that bind to specialized membrane receptors. Microparticles have been implicated in the regulation of a variety of complex physiopathologic processes, such as thrombosis, the control of innate and adaptive immunity, and cancer. The neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) is a Gq-coupled receptor present on the membrane of a variety of tissues, including neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system, immune cells, endocrine and exocrine glands, and smooth muscle. The endogenous agonist of NK1R is the undecapeptide substance P (SP). We have previously described intracellular signaling mechanisms that regulate NK1R-mediated rapid cell shape changes in HEK293 cells and U373MG cells. In the present study, we show that the activation of NK1R in HEK293 cells, but not in U373MG cells, leads to formation of sheer-stress induced microparticles that stain positive with the membrane-selective fluorescent dye FM 2-10. SP-induced microparticle formation is independent of elevated intracellular calcium concentrations and activation of NK1R present on HEK293-derived microparticles triggers detectable calcium increase in SP-induced microparticles. The ROCK inhibitor Y27632 and the dynamin inhibitor dynasore inhibited membrane blebbing and microparticle formation in HEK293 cells, strongly suggesting that microparticle formation in this cell type is dependent on membrane blebbing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]