Search

Objective: To build T2WI-based multiregional radiomics for predicting tumor deposit (TD) and prognosis in patients with resectable rectal cancer. Materials and methods: A total of 208 patients with pathologically confirmed rectal cancer from two hospitals were prospectively enrolled. Intra- and peritumoral features were extracted separately from T2WI images and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was used to screen the most valuable radiomics features. Clinical-radiomics nomogram was developed by radiomics signatures and the most predictive clinical parameters. Prognostic model for 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was constructed using univariate and multivariate Cox analysis. Results: For TD, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for intratumoral radiomics model was 0.956, 0.823, and 0.860 in the training cohort, test cohort, and external validation cohort, respectively. AUC for the peritumoral radiomics model was 0.929, 0.906, and 0.773 in the training cohort, test cohort, and external validation cohort, respectively. The AUC for combined intra- and peritumoral radiomics model was 0.976, 0.918, and 0.874 in the training cohort, test cohort, and external validation cohort, respectively. The AUC for clinical-radiomics nomogram was 0.989, 0.777, and 0.870 in the training cohort, test cohort, and external validation cohort, respectively. The prognostic model constructed by combining intra- and peritumoral radiomics signature score (radscore)–based TD and MRI-reported lymph nodes metastasis (LNM) indicated good performance for predicting 3-year RFS, with AUC of 0.824, 0.865, and 0.738 in the training cohort, test cohort and external validation cohort, respectively. Conclusion: Combined intra- and peritumoral radiomics model showed good performance for predicting TD. Combining intra- and peritumoral radscore-based TD and MRI-reported LNM indicated the recurrence risk. Clinical relevance statement: Combined intra- and peritumoral radiomics model could help accurately predict tumor deposits. Combining this predictive model-based tumor deposits with MRI-reported lymph node metastasis was associated with relapse risk of rectal cancer after surgery. Key Points: • Combined intra- and peritumoral radiomics model provided better diagnostic performance than that of intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics model alone for predicting TD in rectal cancer. • The predictive performance of the clinical-radiomics nomogram was not improved compared with the combined intra- and peritumoral radiomics model for predicting TD. • The prognostic model constructed by combining intra- and peritumoral radscore-based TD and MRI-reported LNM showed good performance for assessing 3-year RFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Chemical Constituents from Balanophora involucrata" discusses the chemical compounds found in Balanophora involucrata, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. The plant contains triterpenoids, lignans, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have various medicinal effects such as anti-tumor, anti-HIV, and anti-inflammatory properties. The article explains the methods used to extract and identify these compounds, providing detailed information on each compound's properties. This research contributes to our understanding of the medicinal properties of Balanophora involucrata and expands our knowledge of its chemical composition. The article also acknowledges the financial support received for the research. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic performance of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) derived from intratumoral and peritumoral zones for assessing pathologic prognostic factors in rectal cancer. Materials and methods: One hundred forty-six patients with rectal cancer who underwent preoperative MRI were prospectively enrolled. Two radiologists independently placed free-hand regions of interest (ROIs) in the largest tumor cross section and three small ROIs on the peritumoral zone adjacent to the tumor contour. Maximum values of tumor ADC (ADCtmax), minimum values of tumor ADC (ADCtmin), mean values of tumor ADC (ADCtmean), mean values of peritumor ADC (ADCpmean), and ADCpmean/ADCtmean (ADC ratio) were obtained on ADC maps and correlated with prognostic factors using uni- and multivariate logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Results: Interobserver agreement was excellent for ADCtmax and ADCtmean (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.915–0.958), and were good for ADCtmin, ADCpmean, and ADC ratio (ICC, 0.774–0.878). The ADC ratio was significantly higher in the poor differentiation, T3–4 stage, lymph node metastasis (LNM)–positive, extranodal extension (ENE)–positive, tumor deposit (TD)–positive, and lymphovascular invasion (LVI)–positive groups than that in the well–moderate differentiation, T1–2 stage, LNM-negative, ENE-negative, TD-negative, and LVI-negative groups (p = 0.008, < 0.001, < 0.001, 0.001, < 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the ADC ratio was the highest for assessing poor differentiation (0.700), T3–4 stage (0.707), LNM-positive (0.776), TD-positive (0.848), and LVI-positive (0.778). Both the ADC ratio (AUC = 0.677) and ADCpmean (AUC = 0.686) showed higher diagnostic performance for assessing ENE. Conclusion: The ADC ratio could provide better predictive performance for assessing preoperative prognostic factors in resectable rectal cancer. Key Points: • Both the peritumor/tumor ADC ratio and ADCpmeanare correlated with important prognostic factors of resectable rectal cancer. • Both peritumor ADC and peritumor/tumor ADC ratio had higher diagnostic performance than tumor ADC for assessment of prognostic factors in resectable rectal cancer. • Peritumor/tumor ADC ratio showed the most capability for the assessment of prognostic factors in resectable rectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of extended light/dark (L/D) cycle period (relative to the diurnal L/D cycle) on lettuce and explore potential advantages of abnormal L/D cycles, butter leaf lettuce were grown in a plant factory with artificial light (PFAL) and exposed to mixed red (R) and blue (B) LED light with different L/D cycles that were respectively 16 h light/8 h dark (L16/D8, as control), L24/D12, L48/D24, L96/D48 and L120/D60. The results showed that, all the abnormal L/D cycles increased shoot dry weight (DW) of lettuce (by 34–83%) compared with the control, and lettuce DW increased with the L/D cycle period prolonged. The contents of soluble sugar and crude fiber in lettuce showed an overall upward trend with the length of L/D cycle extended, and the highest vitamin C content as well as low nitrate content were both detected in lettuce treated with L120/D60. The light use efficiency (LUE) and electric use efficiency (EUE) of lettuce reached the maximum (respectively 5.37% and 1.76%) under L120/D60 treatment and so were DW, Assimilation rate (A), RC/CS, ABS/CS, TRo/CS and DIo/CS, indicating that longer L/D cycle period was beneficial for the assimilation efficiency and dry matter accumulation in lettuce leaves. The highest shoot fresh weight (FW) and nitrate content detected in lettuce subjected to L24/D12 may be related to the vigorous growth of root, specific L/D cycle seemed to strengthen root growth and water absorption of lettuce. The openness level of RC in PSII (Ψo), ETo/CS, and PIabs were all the highest in lettuce treated with L24/D12, implying that slightly extending the L/D cycle period might promote the energy flowing to the final electron transfer chain. In general, irradiation modes with extended L/D cycle period had the potential to improve energy use efficiency and biomass of lettuce in PFAL. No obvious stress or injury was detected in lettuce subjected to prolonged L/D cycles in terms of plant growth and production. From the perspective of shoot FW, the optimal treatment in this study was L24/D12, while L120/D60 was the recommended treatment as regards of the energy use efficiency and nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous increase of CO 2 concentration in the atmosphere, many environmental problems and natural disasters have been brought about, so CO 2 capture and utilization technology has received extensive attention. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) play an important role in the field of CO 2 capture due to their high specific surface area, diverse structures and modifiable functions. Herein, two MOFs were designed and synthesized by solvothermal synthesis: {[Cd 2 (dcpp)(H 2 O) 2 ]·DMF·2 H 2 O} n (1), {[Co 2 (dcpp)(bpy)(H 2 O) 4 ]·3.5 H 2 O} n (2) (H 4 dcpp = (3, 5- dicarboxyphenyl) pyridine, 2, 2′-bipyridine = bpy). MOFs 1 is 3D microporous network structure based on a binuclear cadmium unit and (dcpp)4- ligand. MOF 2 shows 1D lattice chain, which are linked each other by π···π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions to form a 3D microporous network. TPD experiments show that there are both Lewis acid sites and Lewis base sites in 1–2, which have high catalytic activity for cycloaddition of epoxides and CO 2 under mild solvent-free conditions, and has good recyclability and recyclability. Interestingly, 1–2 showed excellent catalytic CO 2 conversion ability, and a strong application potential in the field of industrial waste gas purification. In addition, 1–2 can also be used as a highly efficient catalyst for the Knoevenagel reaction. The thermal filtration experiment has proved its heterogeneity. The cyclic experiments show that 1–2 is an efficient, recyclable and stable heterogeneous catalyst. Finally, the mechanism of CO 2 cycloaddition and Knoevenagel condensation catalyzed by 1–2 was discussed. [Display omitted] • MOFs 1–2 has good catalytic activity against carbon dioxide and epoxides, based on abundant Lewis acid-base active sites. • MOFs 1–2 also have good catalytic conversion effect in simulated flue system. • MOFs 1–2 can catalyze Knoevenagel condensation efficiently, and has good catalytic effect on benzaldehyde with different substituents. • MOFs 1–2 catalysts in the two catalytic reactions have good stability, recyclability and heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MOFs 1–2 show a 3D supramolecular network structure with microporous. • MOFs 1–2 have abundant active sites of Lewis acid due to the fact that the metal center of MOFs 1–2 is rare earth metal. • MOFs 1–2 have good catalytic activity for the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide with epoxides under mild conditions. • MOFs 1–2 showed universality and remarkable conversion for epoxides of different sizes. The burning of a large number of fossil fuels leads to the increase of CO 2 content in the air, causing environmental problems such as greenhouse effect and ocean acidification, which has attracted wide attention. It is of great significance to utilize microporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for carbon dioxide conversion and utilization. Herein, two MOFs {[Ln(dppa)(H 2 O) 2 ·2H 2 O]·dima·H 2 O·0.5O} (1: Sm-MOF; 2: Gd-MOF; H 4 dppa = 5-(3′ 4′-dicar- boxylphenoxy) isophthalic acid, dima = dimethylamine, which is decomposed by DMF hydrothermal reaction), and its structural characterization and CO 2 catalytic conversion performance were studied. The BET test of MOFs 1–2 shows that it has good microporosity. At 273 K and 298 K, MOFs 1–2 showed lower adsorption capacity for CH 4 , but higher adsorption capacity for CO 2. The adsorption enthalpy of CO 2 was calculated by Virial equation, and the adsorption selectivity of CO 2 at different separation ratios was discussed respectively. The heterogeneity of MOFs 1–2 was proved by thermal filtration experiments. The reproducibility test shows that the catalyst structure is still intact after five cycles, indicating that the catalyst still has good repeatability. In addition, the catalytic mechanism of cycloaddition reaction was discussed. The low coordination Ln-MOFs not only exhibit abundant Lewis acidsites, but also show high catalytic activity and selectivity in the CO 2 cycloaddition reaction, as well as strong recyclability and substrate versatility. In addition, the catalytic mechanism of cycloaddition reaction was discussed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children and poses a significant threat to their health. This study aims to assess the relationship between various plasma proteins and childhood asthma, thereby identifying potential therapeutic targets. Methods: Based on publicly available genome‐wide association study summary statistics, we employed a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to elucidate the causal relationship between plasma proteins and asthma. Mediation analysis was then conducted to evaluate the indirect influence of plasma proteins on childhood asthma mediated through risk factors. Comprehensive analysis was also conducted to explore the association between plasma proteins and various phenotypes using the UK Biobank dataset. Results: MR analysis uncovered a causal relationship between 10 plasma proteins and childhood asthma. Elevated levels of seven proteins (TLR4, UBP25, CBR1, Rac GTPase‐activating protein 1 [RGAP1], IL‐21, MICB, and PDE4D) and decreased levels of three proteins (GSTO1, LIRB4 and PIGF) were associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma. Our findings further validated the connections between reported risk factors (body mass index, mood swings, hay fever or allergic rhinitis, and eczema or dermatitis) and childhood asthma. Mediation analysis revealed the influence of proteins on childhood asthma outcomes through risk factors. Furthermore, the MR analysis identified 73 plasma proteins that exhibited causal associations with at least one risk factor for childhood asthma. Among them, RGAP1 mediates a significant proportion (25.10%) of the risk of childhood asthma through eczema or dermatitis. Finally, a phenotype‐wide association study based on these 10 proteins and 1403 diseases provided novel associations between these biomarkers and multiple phenotypes. Conclusion: Our study comprehensively investigated the causal relationship between plasma proteins and childhood asthma, providing novel insights into potential therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study aimed to clarify the mechanism of Fei-Xian formula (FXF) in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis based on network pharmacology analysis combined with molecular docking validation. Methods. Firstly, ingredients in FXF with pharmacological activities, together with specific targets, were identified based on the BATMA-TCM and TCMSP databases. Then, targets associated with pulmonary fibrosis, which included pathogenic targets as well as those known therapeutic targets, were screened against the CTD, TTD, GeneCards, and DisGeNet databases. Later, Cytoscape was employed to construct a candidate component-target network of FXF for treating pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, for nodes within the as-constructed network, topological parameters were calculated using CytoHubba plug-in, and the degree value (twice as high as the median degree value for all the nodes) was adopted to select core components as well as core targets of FXF for treating pulmonary fibrosis, which were subsequently utilized for constructing the core network. Furthermore, molecular docking study was carried out on those core active ingredients together with the core targets using AutoDock Vina for verifying results of network pharmacology analysis. At last, OmicShare was employed for enrichment analysis of the core targets. Results. Altogether 12 active ingredients along with 13 core targets were identified from our constructed core component-target network of FXF for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. As revealed by enrichment analysis, the 13 core targets mostly concentrated in regulating biological functions, like response to external stimulus (from oxidative stress, radiation, UV, chemical substances, and virus infection), apoptosis, cell cycle, aging, immune process, and protein metabolism. In addition, several pathways, like IL-17, AGE-RAGE, TNF, HIF-1, PI3K-AKT, NOD-like receptor, T/B cell receptor, and virus infection-related pathways, exerted vital parts in FXF in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusions. FXF can treat pulmonary fibrosis through a "multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway" mean. Findings in this work lay foundation for further exploration of the FXF mechanism in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monodisperse SiO2 nanorods with hollow structure were prepared using FeOOH as a template. Powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms were utilized to characterize the products. With a FeCl3 concentration of 0.1 M, the average length and width of the prepared hollow SiO2 nanorods were 397 nm and 116 nm, respectively, and the average length-diameter ratio was calculated as 3.4. The average size of the nanopores of the amorphous SiO2 shell were measured as 2.5 nm. Furthermore, increasing the concentration of Cl− ions improved length-diameter ratios of the FeOOH nanorod template and hollow SiO2 nanorods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Conservative oxygen strategy is recommended in acute illness while its benefit in ICU patients remains controversial. Therefore, we sought to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine such oxygen strategies' effect and safety in ICU patients. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane database from inception to Feb 15, 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared a conservative oxygen strategy to a conventional strategy in critically ill patients were included. Results were expressed as mean difference (MD) and risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary outcome was the longest follow-up mortality. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were also investigated to test the robustness of the primary outcome. Results: We included seven trials with a total of 5265 patients. In general, the conventional group had significantly higher SpO2 or PaO2 than that in the conservative group. No statistically significant differences were found in the longest follow-up mortality (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.97–1.10; I2=18%; P=0.34) between the two oxygen strategies when pooling studies enrolling subjects with various degrees of hypoxemia. Further sensitivity analysis showed that ICU patients with mild-to-moderate hypoxemia (PaO2/FiO2 >100 mmHg) had significantly lower mortality (RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.05–1.46; I2=0%; P=0.01) when receiving conservative oxygen therapy. These findings were also confirmed in other study periods. Additional, secondary outcomes of the duration of mechanical ventilation, the length of stay in the ICU and hospital, change in sequential organ failure assessment score, and adverse events were comparable between the two strategies. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that conservative oxygen therapy strategy did not improve the prognosis of the overall ICU patients. The subgroup of ICU patients with mild to moderate hypoxemia might obtain prognosis benefit from such a strategy without affecting other critical clinical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since red (R) and blue (B) LED light has different quantum efficiency and photoelectric conversion efficiency, mixed RB with different proportions of R and B results in varied energy consumption. In order to improve the energy use efficiency of the closed-type plant production systems, the effects of R and B proportions on the electric use efficiency (EUE), light use efficiency (LUE) as well as the quality of butter leaf lettuce were evaluated in this study. Lettuce seedlings were cultivated in a plant factory with artificial lighting (PFAL) and subjected to eleven combinations of R and B (100%R, 90%R, 80%R, 70%R, 60%R, 50%R, 40%R, 30%R, 20%R, 10%R, 0%R; the rest of the photons in each treatment were B) with the same total photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and photoperiod (200 ± 3 μmol·m−2·s−1, 16 h) for 35 days. The results showed that palpable petiole distortion appeared when R proportion was more than 70% and the distortion was aggravated with the increase of R proportion. The highest EUE and LUE were both detected in lettuce under 90%R treatment, which were respectively 3.64% and 1.20%. The least number of photons and the least electricity amount required to produce 1 g dry weight of lettuce was respectively 2.92 mol and 1.67 MJ, which were both detected in lettuce treated with 90%R. The sucrose content in lettuce treated with more than 50%R was significantly higher than those treated with less than 50%R (50%R included). Lettuce treated with 80%R possessed the highest soluble sugar content as well as the lowest crude fiber and nitrate content (not significantly different with the minimum values). R proportion exceeding 50% in mixed RB light was beneficial to the accumulation of hexose and sucrose, as well as the decomposition of nitrate in lettuce. The vitamin C content in lettuce treated with 100%R was significantly higher than that in lettuce under other treatments in the study. On the whole, the study indicated that the proportions of R and B affected the energy use efficiency and quality of lettuce in closed plant factory, however the responses of plants to the proportions of R and B varied according to different indexes. Thus, some indexes of top priority should be determined before choosing the optimal proportions of R and B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six Zn/Cd metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Zn2(dppa)(bpy)2(H2O)]·H2O}n (1), {[Zn2(dppa)(phen)2(H2O)]·3H2O}n (2), [Cd(H2dppa)(bpy)]n (3), {[Cd2(dppa)(dye)]·H2O}n (4), {[Cd4(dppa)2(H2O)9]·H2O}n (5) and {[Cd2(dppa)(bpe)2(H2O)]·H2O}n (6) (H4dppa = 5-(3′4′-dicarboxylphenoxy)isophthalic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, dye = 2,2′-dipyridylamine, bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridy) ethane), were synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, plasma (ICP) spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. 1–3 are 1D ring chains. 4 shows a 2D bilayer network based on a tetranuclear cadmium cluster linked by (dppa)4− ligands. 5 displays a 2D bilayer network based on a trinuclear cadmium cluster, in which (dppa)4− ion shows two different coordination modes. In contrast to the above MOFs, 6 possesses a 3D network structure based on dinuclear cadmium units cross-linked by (dppa)4− and bpe ligands. For 1–6, weak hydrogen bonding and π⋯π stacking contacts link the discrete 1D chains or 2D networks to form high-dimensional supramolecular structures. Especially, in 1–6, (dppa)4− ligand displays seven different coordination modes and conformations, which may show natural synergy in the structural diversity of the resulting MOFs. The remarkable characteristic of these frameworks is that 2 demonstrates highly selective and sensitive bifunctional luminescent sensing towards acetone and Fe3+ ion. In addition, the thermal stabilities and luminescence properties of the MOFs were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection could induce death of host human macrophages, promoting bacterial spread. In the current study we tested the potential role of microRNA-579 (miR-579) in the death of macrophages infected with MTB. In the primary human macrophages MTB infection induced upregulation of miR-579 but downregulation of its mRNA targets, SIRT1 and PDK1 , which were accompanied by significant macrophage death and apoptosis. miR-579 inhibition, by its anti-sense sequence, restored SIRT1-PDK1 expression and significantly attenuated MTB-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human macrophages. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of miR-579 further downregulated SIRT1-PDK1 expression and exacerbated MTB-induced cytotoxicity in human macrophages. Further studies showed that cPWWP2A, the miR-579's endogenous sponge circRNA, was downregulated in MTB-infected macrophages. Conversely, forced overexpression of cPWWP2A, by a recombinant adeno-associated virus construct, reversed MTB-induced miR-579 upregulation and macrophage cytotoxicity. Taken together, our results show that miR-579 upregulation mediates MTB-induced macrophage cytotoxicity. Targeting cPWWP2A-miR-579 axis could be a novel strategy to protect human macrophages from MTB infection. • Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection upregulates miR-567 in human macrophages. • miR-567 inhibition protects human macrophages from MTB-induced death and apoptosis. • Ectopic miR-567 overexpression intensifies MTB-induced cytotoxicity in human macrophages. • cPWWP2A downregulation mediates MTB-induced miR-579 upregulation and macrophage cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to analyze the impact of CDI on IBD. Methods: A prospective study on patients newly diagnosed with IBD was conducted at the IBD center at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital from March 2015 to May 2016. Stool samples for anaerobic culture and polymerase chain reaction were used to test CDI and to detect the different toxins in the groups. The patients were followed up for 2 years. Results: Altogether 230 patients with IBD were enrolled, including 77 with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 153 with Crohn's disease (CD). The incidence rate of CDI was 13.9% (32/230). Patients with UC were more susceptible to CDI than those with CD (24.7% vs 8.5%, P < 0.01). Among UC patients, a long disease course, prior hospitalization, proton pump inhibitor use, and disease severity were associated with an increased risk of CDI (all P < 0.05). CDI prolonged hospital stay and increased the rate of long‐term surgery rate in UC (both P < 0.05). Among patients with CD, CDI increased both short‐ and long‐term surgery rates during the 2‐year follow‐up (P < 0.05) and increased repeated hospitalization in the follow‐up study (odds ratio 2.41, P = 0.02). Conclusions: A high incidence rate of CDI in patients hospitalized with IBD was related with longer hospital stay and higher surgery rates in our center. Patients with UC are more vulnerable to CDI than those with CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

abstract Two novel coordination polymers (CPs), [Cd 2 (cbta)(phen) 2 (H 2 O)] n (1), {[Zn 2 (cbta)(phen) 2 ] [Zn 2 (cbta) (phen) 2 (H 2 O)]·4H 2 O} n (2) (H 4 cbta = 1-(2-carboxylphenoxy)-2,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR spectra, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. CP 1 shows a 2D network structure based on tetranuclear CdII clusters and (cbta)4- ligands, which are arranged in a [ABAB···] alternation to form a 3D supramolecular structures through π···π stacking interactions. Noticeably, CP 2 contains two kinds of independent units [Zn 2 (cbta)(phen) 2 ] (A) and [Zn 2 (cbta)(phen) 2 (H 2 O)]·4H 2 O (B) to form a 1D+1D structure. A shows 1D double chain based on Zn1, Zn2, which are recognized each other to generate a 2D supramolecular network (A) by hydrogen bonding interactions. While B are ring chains comprised of Zn3, Zn4, which are linked into 2D supramolecular network (B) through π···π stacking interactions. The peculiar structural feature is that the neighboring 2D networks are arranged in a [ABAB···] alternation to form a 3D supramolecular structure through hydrogen bonding interactions and C H···π and C H⋯O week interactions. Especially the (ctba)4- ligands in 1 – 2 adopt three different conformations and coordination modes. The thermal stabilities, XRD, UV, photoluminescence properties of CPs 1–2 were also studied. Remarkably, CPs 1–2 exhibit photocatalytic activities for degradation of dye (MB) under UV light irradiation and show good stabilities toward UV-light photocatalysis. Graphical abstract Two novel d10 metal CPs have been successfully synthesized and structurally characterized. 1 is a 2D network structure based on tetranuclear CdII clusters. 2 contains two kinds of independent units [Zn2(cbta)(phen)2] (A) and [Zn2(cbta) (phen)2(H2O)]·4H2O (B) to form an 1D+1D structure. The peculiar structural feature is that the neighboring A and B chains are arranged in a [ABAB···] alternation to form 3D supramolecular structure through hydrogen bonding interactions and π ... π stacking interactions. In addition, the thermal stability, photoluminescence and photocatalysis of 1–2 were also studied. Image 1 Highlights • Two Cd/Zn CPs with H 4 cbta and phen ligands. • 1 shows a 2D network based on tetranuclear CdII clusters and (cbta)4- ligand. • 2 contains two independent units (A) and (B) to form an 1D+1D structure. • The thermal stabilities and luminescence properties were also studied. • 1–2 exhibit photocatalytic activities for degradation of dye under UV light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A selective metamaterial absorber for active and passive compatible infrared stealth was designed, which aims at 1.54 μm laser and mid-far infrared atmosphere windows. Simulation results show that the absorption at 1.54 μm reaches 99%, which can effectively suppresses the scattering or reflecting 1.54 μm laser signals. The emissivity in the band of 3–5 μm and 8–14 μm lower than 10% and 6% respectively, yet higher than 75% in the band of 5.9–7 μm. The thermal emission characteristic analysis reveals that the structure can suppress 90% and 94.9% blackbody radiation in 3–5 μm and 8–14 μm respectively. The suppression can maintain 90% across a wide temperature range from 300 K to 1200 K. Compared with stealth coating material with emissivity of 0.06, the radiant energy of absorber is higher than coating in 5–8 μm at the same temperature, which means good quality of radiative cooling. The structure can keep good performance at large angle incidence for different polarization wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) are important vision-threatening diseases worldwide. For effective treatment, the risk factors for the diseases merit investigation. This study aimed to compare the risk factors for nAMD vs. PCV in Chinese patients.Methods: A total of 946 participants were recruited in this case-control study, including 281 patients with nAMD, 306 patients with PCV, and 359 controls. All participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations. Information on risk factors were collected by questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the difference in risk factors between nAMD and PCV. In a subgroup of subjects, serum lipid data were obtained and analyzed.Results: Risk factors for nAMD included older age (OR 1.03, P = 0.001), male gender (OR 1.55, P = 0.020), asthma (OR 2.50, P = 0.028), smoking (OR 1.92, P = 0.001), and family history (OR 6.82, P = 0.001), while smoking (OR 1.67, P = 0.013) was the only risk factor for PCV. Compared to patients with PCV, patients with nAMD were more likely to be older and suffer from hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, rheumatism, and tumor. Interestingly, higher levels of high-density lipoprotein were positively associated with PCV in the subgroup analysis (OR 7.74, P = 0.011). Besides, results were quite different between the combination of patients with nAMD and PCV and patients with nAMD or PCV alone.Conclusions: The risk factors for nAMD and PCV is varying with the exception of smoking. Our findings suggest that different strategies might be applied in the clinical management and scientific research on nAMD and PCV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mw 6.1 2014 Ludian, Yunnan, China earthquake triggered numerous coseismic landslides that do not appear to be associated with any previously known seismogenic fault. Traditional models of triggering for seismically generated landslides do not provide a reasonable explanation for the landslide pattern observed here. Here the Newmark method is applied to a grid to calculate the minimum accelerations required for slope failures throughout the affected region. The results demonstrate that for much of the study area, the distribution of failure prone slopes is similar to the actual pattern of coseismic landslides, however there are some areas where the model predicts considerably fewer failures than occurred. We suggest that this is a result of the complex source faults that generated the Ludian earthquake, which produced a half-conjugate rupture on nearly EW- and NNW trending faults at depth. The rupture directed much of its seismic moment southeast of the epicenter, increasing ground shaking and the number of resulting landslides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, effects of continuous and intermittent irradiation of mixed red (R) and blue (B) light (RB) provided by LEDs on the growth and carbohydrate accumulations of lettuce were examined. Combined RB was provided 16 h per day (24 h) in all the six treatments, among which, continuous RB with only one light/dark (L/D) cycle of 16 h/8 h in treatment L/D(1) was regarded as control. Five intermittent RB treatments that were respectively L/D(2) with two L/D cycles of 8 h/4 h over a 24-h period, L/D(3) with three L/D cycles of 6 h/3 h or 4 h/2 h, L/D(4) with four L/D cycles of 4 h/2 h, L/D(6) with six L/D cycles of 3 h/1.5 h or 1 h/0.5 h, and L/D(8) with eight L/D cycles of 2 h/1 h were set up. Results indicated that shoot biomass of lettuce was increased by intermittent RB treatment L/D(2), L/D(4), L/D(6) and L/D(8) to different extents, while decreased significantly by L/D(3) compared with the control. Significantly higher hexose/sucrose ratio (in comparison with any other treatment) accompanied with the strongest combined activities of sucrose degrading enzymes as well as the weakest combined activities of sucrose synthesizing enzymes was observed in plants treated with L/D(2) treatment. Significantly higher content of soluble sugar especially fructose as well as lower contents of crude fiber and starch were observed in lettuce exposed to L/D(2) and L/D(3) compared with any other treatment. All intermittent treatments significantly enhanced the glucose content in lettuce compared with the control. Both L/D(2) and L/D(3) treatments promoted lettuce taste via improving the sweetness and crispness, whereas only L/D(2) simultaneously increased the shoot biomass (in terms of dry weight) compared with the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is little research into the patterns of mental health services use, related factors, and barriers in help-seeking behaviors among the community population in northwestern China. We conducted a community-based survey among the general population in Xi’an City with the stratified two-stage systematic selection scheme using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 computer-assisted personal interview (CIDI-CAPI 3.0). We interviewed 2447 individuals aged 16 years or older. The lifetime prevalence estimate of mental disorders was 21%. However, the lifetime use rate of mental health services of the 2447 responding subjects was 2.45% and 4.67% among those subjects who reported a mental disorder. Several variables were associated with lower use of mental health services: rural residence and divorced or unmarried. Among the group with mental disorders, 15/21 sought help from non-mental health specialty services such as a general physician (13/21). The high prevalence rate of mental disorders but low rate of mental health services use raises a significant public health issue in northwestern China. Reduction in the resource gap and encouraging people to seek treatment remain a challenge to the mental health services system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, effects of alternating red light (R) and blue light (B) provided by LEDs on the growth and nutritional properties of ‘Green Oak leaf’ lettuce were examined. Four alternating light treatments (R/B) had the same 8.64 μmol m −2 daily light integral (DLI) and similar R:B ratio (2:1), but different R/B alternating intervals that were respectively 8 h, 4 h, 2 h, and 1 h during a 16 h photoperiod. Two simultaneous light treatments, one of which (RB) had the same DLI and energy consumption with the alternating light treatments, while the other (RB’) had the same photoperiod with the alternating light treatments were set up to compare the concurrently and alternately provided R and B. Results showed that different types of radiation led to obvious morphological changes, plants with simultaneous RB appeared the most sparse while those with RB’ looked the most compact. Plant height/width and leaf length/width were all the highest under R/B (8 h) followed by R/B (1 h). Lettuce biomass under RB’ was significantly higher than others, more than twice that under RB, R/B (4 h) and R/B (2 h), but less than twice that under R/B (8 h) and R/B (1 h). RB’ significantly decreased the soluble sugar content by 9%–32% while increased crude fiber content by 14%–39% compared with others. Significantly higher ascorbic acid content as well as lower nitrate content were detected in lettuce under R/B (4 h) and R/B (2 h), while significantly lower ascorbic acid content as well as higher nitrate content were detected in lettuce under R/B (8 h) and R/B (1 h). In all, based on the same energy consumption, R/B (8 h) and R/B (1 h) resulted in higher yield, while R/B (4 h) and R/B (2 h) brought about higher nutritive value compared with the cocurrent light RB. Therefore, we conclude that lettuce growth and qualities can be purposely adjusted by adopting different alternating intervals of red and blue light. Meanwhile, the alternating modes will provide methods for deeply studying the relationship of red and blue light when acting on plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic time warping (DTW) distance is commonly used in measuring similarity between time series for classification. In order to obtain the minimum cumulative distance, however, DTW distance may map multiple points on one time series to one point on another, and this makes time series over stretched and compressed, resulting in missing important feature information thus influence the classification accuracy. In this paper, we propose a method called adaptive cost dynamic time warping distance (AC-DTW), which adjusts the number of points on one time series mapped to the points on another. AC-DTW records the trajectories of all points and then adaptively allocates the cost rate to each point by calculating cost function at the next step. The results of the experiments implemented on 17 UCR datasets by using nearest neighbor classifier demonstrate that AC-DTW prevails in criterion of higher accuracy rate in comparison with some existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Zn-MOF modified by silver nanoparticles (Ag@1) was synthesized by deposition reduction method. Ag@1 can serve as multi-response fluorescence sensor to detect pesticides, Trp and EDA, showing excellent sensitivity and selectivity. In particular, Ag@1 showed "turn-off" fluorescence sensing for FLU and EDA, and "turn-on" fluorescence sensing for EMB and Trp. It is also effective in detecting pesticides in simulated water and amino acids in fresh fetal bovine serum. In addition, due to its good photocatalytic activity, it can effectively degrade MB. [Display omitted] • Ag@1 was synthesized by deposition of silver nanoparticles on Zn-MOF surface. • Ag@1 showed "turn-off" fluorescence sensing for FLU and EDA. • Ag@1 showed "turn-on" fluorescence sensing for EMB and Trp. • It can effectively detect pesticides in water samples and Trp in fetal bovine serum. • Ag@1 can be used as a photocatalyst to effectively degrade the MB in water. The abuse of pesticides, antibiotics, organic solvents, etc., not only deteriorates the ecological environment, but even affects the normal development of organisms, posing a serious threat to global public health. Efficient and sensitive detection of pesticides, antibiotics, organic solvents and so on are very important, but also a challenge to scientists. By depositing Ag nanoparticles on the surface of Zn-MOF (1 : {[Zn 2 (bta)(bpy)(H 2 O) 2 ]·2H 2 O} n), a new type of composite material (Ag@ 1) was successfully synthesized and analyzed by TEM, EDS, XPS, XRD, IR and other characterization methods. Ag@ 1 can serve as multi-response fluorescence sensor to detect pesticides (fluazinam (FLU) and emamectin benzoate (EMB)), Tryptophan (Trp) and Ethylenediamine (EDA). In particular, Ag@1 showed "turn-off" fluorescence sensing for FLU and EDA, and "turn-on" fluorescence sensing for EMB and Trp. It is worth mentioning that we further explored its analysis of FLU and Trp in real water samples and fetal bovine serum. The recoveries are satisfactory, 97.95 % − 102.39 % and 96.69 % − 101.85 %, respectively. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of Ag@ 1 was found to be excellent, the degradation rate of methylene blue (MB) reached 86 %, and its degradation mechanism was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigative the performance of MRI-radiomics analysis derived from T2WI and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) images before and after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT) separately or simultaneously for predicting post-nCRT lymph node status in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Materials and Methods: Eighty-three patients (training cohort, n = 57; validation cohort, n = 26) with LARC between June 2017 and December 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. All the radiomics features were extracted from volume of interest on T2WI and ADC images from baseline and post-nCRT MRI. Delta-radiomics features were defined as the difference between radiomics features before and after nCRT. Seven clinical-radiomics models were constructed by combining the most predictive radiomics signatures and clinical parameters selected from support vector machine. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the performance of models. The optimum model-based LNM was applied to assess 5-years disease-free survival (DFS) using Kaplan–Meier analysis. The end point was clinical or radiological locoregional recurrence or distant metastasis during postoperative follow-up. Results: Clinical-deltaADC radiomics combined model presented good performance for predicting post-CRT LNM in the training (AUC = 0.895,95%CI:0.838–0.953) and validation cohort (AUC = 0.900,95%CI:0.771–1.000). Clinical-deltaADC radiomics-postT2WI radiomics combined model also showed good performances (AUC = 0.913,95%CI:0.838–0.953) in the training and (AUC = 0.912,95%CI:0.771–1.000) validation cohort. As for subgroup analysis, clinical-deltaADC radiomics combined model showed good performance predicting LNM in ypT0-T2 (AUC = 0.827;95%CI:0.649–1.000) and ypT3-T4 stage (AUC = 0.934;95%CI:0.864–1.000). In ypT0-T2 stage, clinical-deltaADC radiomics combined model-based LNM could assess 5-years DFS (P = 0.030). Conclusion: Clinical-deltaADC radiomics combined model could predict post-nCRT LNM, and this combined model-based LNM was associated with 5-years DFS in ypT0-T2 stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Different irradiation patterns of red (R) and blue LED light (B) including alternating, concurrent, and monochromatic modes have been conducted on lettuce and compared from the angel of growth, energetic efficiency and sugar metabolism of lettuce. • The alternating R/B modes have been proved to increase the biomass and soluble sugar accumulation in lettuce on the basis of the same daily amount of photons and electric energy consumption as the concurrent RB. • The promotion effects of alternating R/B was relevant to the alternating interval of r and B, and the alternating R/B with appropriate interval could be considered as energy efficient irradiation mode for lettuce in a plant factory with artificial light (PFAL). • The alternating R/B modes have been proved to influence the activities and gene expression of the sucrose-metabolism related enzymes in lettuce, thus affected the carbohydrate accumulation and the development of lettuce. Sucrose metabolism and carbohydrate accumulation were evaluated in butterhead lettuce cultured under alternating red light (R) and blue light (B) irradiance. The R/B treatments were respectively R/B(5 m) (i.e. R 5 min/B 5 min), R/B(10 m), R/B(15 m), R/B(30 m) and R/B(60 m). Meanwhile, concurrent R and B (RB) as well as monochromatic R (R) and monochromatic B (B) were conducted. Compared with concurrent RB, all the alternating R/B treatments increased the fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW) and the content of pigment and soluble sugar in lettuce on the basis of the same daily photon amount and electric energy consumption. Lettuce exposed to R/B(30 m) required the least number of photons (1.82 μmol) and electricity (1.04 MJ) per gram DW produced among all the treatments, thus R/B(30 m) was the recommended lighting mode in terms of the use efficiency of photons and electricity. Relatively higher soluble sugar content and the total sweetness index (TSI), as well as lower crude fiber content were detected in lettuce subjected to R/B(60 m), which was regarded as optimal irradiation mode in terms of lettuce taste. The content of sucrose, glucose and fructose, and the activities of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose synthase (SS) in the synthesis direction, as well as the gene expression level of SPS in lettuce were all enhanced by the alternating irradiation of R/B (15 m), R/B (30 m) and R/B (60 m) in comparison to the concurrent RB treatment. Moreover, higher enzyme activities in the synthetic direction of sucrose were found to be accompanied with higher soluble sugar content in lettuce subjected to R/B (30 m), R/B (60 m) and the solely R, indicating that the enzyme activities in sucrose synthetic direction seemed more related to the soluble sugar accumulation in lettuce. The results also showed that SS in lettuce leaves mainly acted on sucrose decomposition rather than synthesis. The hexose (glucose and fructose) content of lettuce subjected to R/B(60 m) basically kept the highest level among all the treatments through the whole processing period, which might be due to that lettuce exposed to R/B (60 m) owned the highest gene expression level of SS and invertase, as well as the highest enzyme activities of SS (cleavage) and invertase among all the treatments. Solely B inhibited the gene expression of sucrose metabolism-related enzymes in lettuce, and the photon use efficiency to R by lettuce was higher than to B from the angle of biomass and soluble sugar accumulation. A low intensity of B (1/9 of the R level) alternating with R improved the photon and electric use efficiency of lettuce in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is vital in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) development. Apoptosis-stimulating proteins of p53 (ASPP2) have recently been reported to participate in EMT. However, the role of ASPP2 in PVR pathogenesis has not been identified. Methods. Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the expression of ASPP2 in epiretinal membranes of PVR patients. ARPE-19 cells were transfected with ASPP2-siRNA, followed with measurement of cell cytotoxicity, proliferation, and migration ability. EMT markers and related inflammatory and fibrosis cytokines were measured by western blot or flow cytometry. Additionally, PVR rat models were induced by intravitreal injection of ARPE-19 cells transfected with ASPP2-siRNA and evaluated accordingly. Results. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed less intense expression of ASPP2 in PVR membranes. ASPP2 knockdown facilitated the proliferation and migration of RPE cells and enhanced the expression of mesenchymal markers such as alpha smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and ZEB1. Meanwhile, ASPP2-siRNA increased EMT-related and inflammatory cytokines, including TGF-β, CTGF, VEGF, TNF-α, and interleukins. PVR severities were more pronounced in the rat models with ASPP2-siRNA treatment. Conclusions. ASPP2 knockdown promoted EMT of ARPE-19 cells in vitro and exacerbated the progression of experimental PVR in vivo, possibly via inflammatory and fibrosis cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

‘Green Oak Leaf’ lettuce were hydroponically cultured for 35 days under mixed light qualities of white light and a different supplemental light such as blue (B), green (G), yellow (Y), red (R), and far-red (Fr) provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Effects of supplemental light qualities on the growth and nutritional properties of lettuce plants were investigated. The pure white LED (W) was used as control with a photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) value of approximately 135 μmol m −2 s −1 , and the basal white light in each treatment was 105 μmol m −2 s −1 while the photon flux added by supplemental LED was approximately 30 μmol m −2 s −1 . The results indicated that supplemental lights led to obvious morphological changes, plants with WR appeared compact and vigorous while those with WY and WFr looked sparse and twisted, dwarfed plants with large leaves were detected under WB. Compared with those grown in the white light control, the fresh weight of shoots increased by 63.2% and 21.7% with supplemental R and B respectively, while decreased by 35.9% with supplemental Fr. Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were significantly higher with supplemental R and B than other treatments. Supplemental B and G resulted in decrease of nitrate content. Supplemental G significantly promoted soluble sugar accumulation. Supplemental Fr increased S/R ratio and ascorbic acid accumulation but resulted in lower biomass and pigment contents. However, no positive impact of supplemental Y light was observed in the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Katz et al. (2014) carried out a study of controls on the size and geometry of landslides using two-dimensional discrete element numerical simulations. One of their conclusions is that in addition to the peak strength of the slope material, the initial slope angle is another factor that controls the amount of material available for landslides, thus the size, of the resultant landslide. It means that in steeper slopes, more material disintegrates for a given material strength, and consequently the produced landslide is larger. However, in our studies based on limit equilibrium simulations, the sliding mass volume decreases with the increasing slope angle for a given material strength, just contrary to the result of Katz et al. One possible explanation is that when the slope angle in our model increases, the geometry of the potential critical slip surface changes, leading to a decrease of the amount of material available for potential sliding that compensates the increasing gravity effect owing to the enlargement of the slope angle. It suggests that there exist different controls of the slope angle on the landslide size for given material strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lanthanide coordination polymer based on H 2 sfdb ligand, namely [Tb 4 (sdbc) 4 (phen) 2 (μ 3 -OH) 4 ] n ∙ 1.5 n H 2 O ( 1 ) (H 2 sfdb = 4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) has been hydrothermal synthesized and characterized. Compound 1 exhibits an unprecedented three-dimensional framework that comprised new cubane-like hydroxo clusters [Tb 4 (μ 3 -OH) 4 ] 8 + as the nodes and flexible (sfdb) 2 − ligands as the linkers. In 1 , (sfdb) 2 − ligands display completely different four kinds of coordination modes. Interestingly, not only the carboxylate groups but also one oxygen atom of sulfonyl group of (sfdb) 2 − ligand are coordinated with Tb III ions in 1 , which is first found in the compounds based on H 2 sfdb ligand. The luminescence experiments show that Tb III compound exhibits the typical Tb III -centered luminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two europium-postdoped metal organic frameworks (MOFs) Eu3+@1 and Eu3+@2 [ 1 :{[Zn 2 (bta)(bpy)(H 2 O) 2 ]·2H 2 O} n , 2 :{[Ni(bta)(bpy)(H 2 O) 2 ][Ni(bpy)·(H 2 O) 4 ]·4H 2 O} n (H 4 bta = 1, 2, 3, 5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid, bpy = 4, 4′-dipyridine)] were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and post-synthesis modification. MOFs 1 – 2 are all three-dimensional network structure connected by (bta)4- and bpy ligands. Eu3+@ 1 and Eu3+@ 2 in aqueous solution can achieve the quantitative detection of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene (TNP), tetracycline (TC) and pesticides with high sensitivity and selectivity. In particular, when the volume of TNP increases to 50 μL, the luminescence quenching rate of Eu3+@ 2 can reach 99.7% and the LOD for TNP can reach 78 nM. Interestingly, Eu3+@1 has a good response to PTH (Pyrimethanil), while Eu3+@ 2 has a good selectivity to FLU (Fluazinam), and both can be used for rapid in-situ imaging detection of simulated pesticide residues on fresh vegetables. Under UV lamp, Eu3+@ 1 showed a significant fluorescence quenching effect on PTH in beans, while the fluorescence quenching effect of Eu3+@ 2 on FLU on cabbage was obvious. Surprisingly, two kinds of composite materials can be used as anti-counterfeiting ink functional material with strong anti-counterfeiting ability and long term stability. Two kinds of fluorescence sensors (Eu3+@ 1 and Eu3+@ 2) were synthesized by post-synthetic modification method. The sensor not only has high sensitivity, selectivity, stability and anti-interference ability to TNP, TC, PTH/FLU, but also can effectively detect pesticides on vegetables. It is particularly meaningful that they can be used as anti-counterfeiting ink. [Display omitted] • Two Eu-postdoped MOFs Eu3+@ 1 and Eu3+@ 2 were obtained by post-synthesis. • Eu3+@ 1 and Eu3+@ 2 sensors can achieve the quantitative detection of TNP, TC and pesticides with high sensitivity and selectivity. • Eu3+@ 1 has a good response to PTH, while Eu3+@ 2 has a good selectivity to FLU. • Eu3+@ 1 and Eu3+@ 2 have significant fluorescence quenching effect on PTH in bean and FLU in cabbage, respectively. • They can be used as anti-counterfeiting ink with strong anti-counterfeiting ability and long term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: A number of studies have assessed the relationship between beta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene polymorphisms and asthma risk. However, the results are inconsistent. A meta-analysis that focused on the association between asthma and all ADRB2 polymorphisms with at least three case-control studies was thus performed. Methods: A literature search of the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wangfang databases was conducted. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the strength of associations. Results: Arg16Gly, Gln27Glu, Thr164Ile, and Arg19Cys single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in 46 case-control studies. The results showed that not all of the SNPs were associated with asthma in the overall population. Significant associations were found for the Arg16Gly polymorphism in the South American population via dominant model comparison (OR = 1.754, 95% CI = 1.179–2.609, I2 = 16.9%, studies  = 2, case  = 314, control  = 237) in an analysis stratified by ethnicity. For the Gln27Glu polymorphism, a protective association was found in children via recessive model comparison (OR = 0.566, 95% CI = 0.417–0.769, I2 = 0.0%, studies  = 11, case  = 1693, control  =  502) and homozygote genotype comparison (OR = 0.610, 95% CI = 0.434–0.856, I2 = 0.0%, studies  = 11, case  = 1693, control  = 1502), and in adults via dominant model comparison (OR = 0.864, 95% CI = 0.768–0.971, I2 = 46.9%, n = 18, case  = 3160, control  = 3433). Conclusions: None of the ADRB2 gene polymorphisms were reproducibly associated with a risk of asthma across ethnic groups in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harvest 74-560 RZ F1" tomato was cultivated in a plant factory with LEDs. One of the four reproductive stages (flowering stage, expanding stage, color turning stage and harvesting stage) was subjected to low light intensity of 160μmol·m-2·s-1, while the other three stages maintained 1000 μmol·m-2·s-1. The light intensity kept 1000μmol·m-2·s-1 at all the reproductive stages in the control. The growth and fruit quality indices were measured to evaluate the effects of low light on tomato. The results showed that: (1) low light significantly affected the morphology of tomato plants at the flowering stage and expanding stage. Low light at flowering stage resulted in the most prominent overgrowth trend of tomato plants, as well as the least average number of leaves and nodes per plant which respectively decreased by 3.5 and 1.6 compared with the control. Low light at the expansion stage significantly reduced the content of carotenoid and the value of Chla/b compared with the control. The number of fruit set per plant after low light treatment at flowering stage was 53% lower than that of the control, while the number of fruit set per plant was not significantly affected by low light at other reproductive stages. The average yield of the first, second and third ear per plant after low light treatment at flowering or expansion stage was significantly lower than the other treatments. (2) Compared with the control, low light treatments decreased the soluble solid content of tomato fruit (first ear) in varying degrees, among which, the soluble solid content decreased by 25% after low light treatment at flowering stage. The soluble sugar content of tomato fruit decreased by 15% compared with the control, on the contrary, the total acid content increased by 26%, resulting in the lowest sugar/acid ratio of tomato fruit under this treatment. Compared with the control, low light treatments decreased the vitamin C content of tomato fruit in varying degrees, among which, the lowest vitamin C content was detected in tomato fruit subjected to low light treatment at the harvesting stage. This study showed that low light reduced the yield and quality of tomato, and the sensitivity of tomato to low light was different at varied reproductive stages. According to the growth characteristics and responses of tomato subjected to low light at different periods, it is of certain significance to supplement artificial light in order to stabilize the quality and yield of protected tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tomato variety 'Micro Tom' is used as an experimental material in a fully artificial light-type plant factory. An LED light with adjustable illumination modes was used as the light source and a pure white LED light was used as the control. Different illumination mode, such as pure red light, pure blue light, mixed red and blue light, and alternating red and blue light were used as supplementary light. The influence of different red and blue supplemental lighting modes on the growth, development, and fluorescence characteristics of greenhouse tomatoes was explored. The results showed that: (1) in all treatments, the growth indicators and fruit weight of the tomato plants increased to a certain extent. The dynamic change of chlorophyll fluorescence was significantly affected by supplementary light. Pure red light supplementation had the greatest effect on the increase in plant height, stem thickness, leaf area, and yield of the tomato plants. Alternating red and blue light supplementation at intervals of 1h or 6h significantly promoted the increase in chlorophyll content and the improvement of PSII photosynthetic performance. (2) During the vegetative growth stage of tomatoes, under pure red light supplementation, the relative growth rate and absolute growth rate of plant height increased by 106.8% and 60% respectively compared to the control. The relative growth rate and absolute growth rate of stem thickness increased by 50% and 80% respectively. 44 days after sowing, the leaf area of the tomato plants under pure red light supplementation increased by 92.1% compared to the control.(3) During the reproductive growth period of tomatoes, compared with the control, 83 days after sowing, the number of fruits set under pure red light supplementation increased by 73.6%. The horizontal and vertical diameters and volume of tomato fruit increased by 34.4%, 35.3%, and 129.6% respectively.(4) Compared with the control, 44 days after sowing, the chlorophyll content in tomato leaves under alternating red and blue light supplementation at intervals of 1h or 6h increased by 30.3% and 31.8% respectively. 83 days after sowing, the performance index (PIABS) of tomato plants after alternating red and blue light supplementation at intervals of 1h or 6h increased by 100% and 30% respectively compared to the control. The electron transfer efficiency (ETo/CS) of PSII after alternating red and blue light supplementation at intervals of 1h or 6h increased by 16% and 23% respectively compared to the control. In summary, pure red light supplementation can effectively promote the growth and development of facility tomatoes. Alternating red and blue light supplementation at intervals of 1h or 6h significantly affects the fluorescence characteristics of tomatoes. In the future, the most suitable supplementary lighting mode can be chosen based on different production objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atom-interferometer gyroscopes have attracted much attention for their long-term stability and extremely low drift. For such high-precision instruments, self-calibration to achieve an absolute rotation measurement is critical. In this work, we propose and demonstrate the self-calibration of an atom-interferometer gyroscope. This calibration is realized by using the detuning of the laser frequency to control the atomic velocity, thus modulating the scale factor of the gyroscope. The modulation determines the order and the initial phase of the interference stripe, thus eliminating the ambiguity caused by the periodicity of the interferometric signal. This self-calibration method is validated through a measurement of the Earth's rotation rate, and a relative uncertainty of 162 ppm is achieved. Long-term stable and self-calibrated atom-interferometer gyroscopes have important applications in the fields of fundamental physics, geophysics, and long-time navigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China triggered approximately 200,000 landslides. This study examined a detailed landslide inventory for the event. Based on Newmark's method, the correlation between critical acceleration and landslide occurrence was analyzed for the Beichuan region in Sichuan Province, where various kinds of geohazards occurred due to the earthquake. The results indicate that critical acceleration is a good and reliable criterion to assess slope stability, and that slope gradient and material component are important factors influencing landslide occurrences. It was found that external forces behave differently in different directions. Critical acceleration in horizontal direction is more important for assessing the stability of steeper slopes. This knowledge will help in the understanding of the mechanism of earthquake-triggered landslides and facilitate the combined use of critical acceleration and landslide distribution maps for determining peak ground acceleration in a region without abundant seismic instrument records. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] ‘Green Oak Leaf’ lettuce in our study were cultured under different light sources till harvest, that is, nursery was also finished under the corresponding light quality. [•] Broad-spectrum fluorescent lamps were not only used as control but also mixed with red or blue LEDs as light treatments to meet growth requirements at different stages. [•] Growth and quality responses of lettuce to light quality at different growth stages were described respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new cadmium(II) coordination polymer [Cd2(L)2(bpy)]n·nCH3OH (1) (H2L=2-(3-oxo-3-phenylpropionyl)-6-pyridinecarboxylic acid N-oxide, bpy=4,4′-bipyridine), has been synthesized from the reaction of H2L, 4,4′-bipyridine with CdSO4·8/3H2O. Compound 1 is an exceptional non-interpenetrating three-dimensional framework and contains double helical chains and rare cross bpy configuration. Interestingly, these helical chains can span two different directions on other alternate layers. Compound 1 shows intense photoluminescence at room temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To determine whether right liver lobe volume (RV) and spleen size measured utilizing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging could identify the presence and severity of cirrhosis in patients with hepatitis B. Methods: Two hundred and five consecutive patients with clinically confirmed diagnosis of cirrhosis due to hepatitis B and 40 healthy control individuals were enrolled in this study and underwent abdominal triphasic enhanced scans using MR imaging. Spleen maximal width (W), thickness (T) and length (L), together with RV and spleen volume (SV), were measured utilizing MR imaging. Spleen multidimensional index (SI) was obtained by multiplying previously acquired parameters W×T×L. Then statistical assessment was performed to evaluate the ability of these parameters, including RV, SV, RV/SV and SI, to identify the presence of cirrhosis and define Child-Pugh class of this disease. Results: SV and SI tended to increase (r = 0.557 and 0.622, respectively; all P<0.001), and RV and RV/SV tended to decrease (r = −0.749 and −0.699, respectively; all P<0.001) with increasing Child-Pugh class of cirrhosis. All the parameters, including RV, SV, RV/SV and SI, might be the indicators used to discriminate the patients with liver cirrhosis from the control group, and to distinguish these patients between Child-Pugh class A and B, between B and C, and between A and C (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.609–0.975, all P<0.05). Among these parameters, RV/SV was the best noninvasive factor for the discrimination of liver cirrhosis between Child-Pugh class A and B (AUC = 0.725), between A and C (AUC = 0.975), and between B and C (AUC = 0.876), while SI was the best variable to distinguish the cirrhosis patients from the control group (AUC = 0.960, P<0.05). Conclusion: RV/SV should be used to identify the severity of cirrhosis, while SI can be recommended to determine the presence of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new coordination polymers with an asymmetric dicarboxylate and 4,4?-bipyridine ligand, {[Co(bpy)(H2O)4]·(cpa)·0.5H2O}n(1) and {[Ag(cpa)(bpy)][Ag(bpy)]·4H2O}n(2) (H2cpa = 4-(2-carboxyethyl)benzoic acid, bpy = 4,4?-bipyridine), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound1displays a linear chain with guest molecule (cpa)2?ions existing in the structure. Compound2contains two independent units, [Ag(cpa)(bpy)]–(A) and [Ag(bpy)]+(B), which form a 1-D + 1-D structure.Ashows a 1-D chain structure bearing hooks formed by the carboxylates and organized into a tubular structure by hydrogen-bonding interactions.Bhas linear chains formed from Ag+and bpy. TheAandBchains co-crystallize with waters of crystallization to provide two linear [Ag(bpy)]+chains embedded in the tubular structure formed byAvia?…?stacking contacts. In1and2, hydrogen-bonding and?…?stacking interactions connect the discrete 1-D chains into 3-D supramolecular structures. The fluorescent properties, TG analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction patterns for1and2were also measured. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim To determine whether spleen diffusion-weighted imaging ( DWI) parameters might classify liver fibrosis stage. Methods Sixteen miniature pigs were prospectively used to model liver fibrosis, and underwent spleen DWI by using b = 300, 500 and 800 s/mm2 on 0, 5th, 9th, 16th and 21st weekend after the beginning of modeling. Signal intensity ratio of spleen to paraspinous muscles ( S/ M), spleen exponential apparent diffusion coefficient (e ADC) and apparent diffusion coefficient ( ADC) for each b-value were statistically analyzed. Results With increasing stages of fibrosis, S/ M for all b-values showed a downward trend; and spleen e ADC and ADC for b = 300 s/mm2 showed downward and upward trends, respectively (all P < 0.05). The area under the receiver-operator curve ( AUC) of spleen DWI parameters was 0.777 or more by S/ M for classifying each fibrosis stage, and 0.65 or more by e ADC and 0.648 or more by ADC for classifying stage ≥3 or cirrhosis. Among the spleen DWI parameters, S/ M for b = 300 s/mm2 was the best parameter in classifying stage 1 or more, 2 or more and 3 or more with AUC of 0.875, 0.851 and 0.843, respectively; and spleen eADC for b = 300 s/mm2 was best in classifying stage 4 with an AUC of 0.988. Conclusion Spleen DWI may be used to stage liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C20H26N4O4, monoclinic, P21/a (no. 14), a = 12.107(3) Å, b = 7.8431(19) Å, c = 21.794(5) Å, β = 98.233(5)°, V = 2048.1(8) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0458, wRref(F2) = 0.1208, T = 293(2) K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A terbium metal organic framework (Tb-MOF), namely {[Tb(dppa)(H 2 O) 2 ]·dima·H 2 O·0.5O} n (1), (H 4 dppa = 5-(3′4′-dicarboxylphenoxy)isophthalic acid, dima = dimethylamine, which is formed by the decomposition of DMF in aqueous solution at high temperature.) was prepared and characterized. Tb-MOF is connected by (dppa)4- ligands via μ 4 :η1,η2,η2,η2 coordination mode to form a two-dimensional wavy network, which is extended to three-dimensional supramolecular structures based on hydrogen bonding. Tb-MOF has excellent fluorescence properties, which can be used for fluorescence recognition and quantitative determination of cation and anion, antibiotics and small organic molecules in aqueous solution with high sensitivity and good selectivity. Tb-MOF showed enhanced fluorescene for Pb2+ and B 4 O 7 2− ions, while quenching fluorescence for Cr 2 O 7 2− ion. Noticeably, this is the first time that Pb2+ and B 4 O 7 2− ions have been detected by a MOF-based fluorescence sensor using a fluorescence enhancement mechanism. More interestingly, Tb-MOF can quantitatively detect aniline (ANI) in aqueous solution by ratiometric fluorescence sensing. In addition, Tb-MOF has great selectivity and sensitivity for detecting of nitrobenzene (NB) and cefixime (CEF). In particular, when NB concentration is 50 μM, the fluorescence quenching rate of Tb-MOF reaches 99.6%. Therefore, this paper introduces a highly sensitive and multi-responsive Tb-MOF sensor, which can be used to detect Pb2+, B 4 O 7 2−, Cr 2 O 7 2−, ANI, NB and CEF with fast response speed and good selectivity. • A Tb-MOF based on H 4 dppa and dima ligands was obtained and characterized. • Tb-MOF shows a 2D wavy network structure. • Tb-MOF has excellent fluorescence properties. • Tb-MOF sensor can be used to detect Pb2+, Cr 2 O 7 2−, B 4 O 7 2−, aniline, nitrobenzene and cefixime with fast response, high sensitivity and good selectivity. • The possible fluorescence sensing mechanisms of analytes are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel metal-organic framework (MOF), namely [Zn 2 (deta)(bpy)] n (1) (H 4 deta ​= ​4- (3,5-dicarboxyphenoxy) phthalic, bpy ​= ​2, 2′-bipyridine) was successfully prepared and characterized. MOF 1 is a three-dimensional network structure based on binuclear zinc unit, which is constructed by bpy and (deta)4- ions via μ 7 : η3, η2, η2, η2 coordination mode. It is worth noting that MOF 1 not only has excellent luminescence performance, but also can be regarded as a multifunctional luminescence sensor with high selectivity and excellent sensitivity to detect 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol (TNP), aniline (ANI), tetracycline (TC) and lincomycin hydrochloride (LIN). Noticeably, when the ANI concentration is 1.96 ​× ​10−5 ​M, the fluorescence of MOF 1 is almost completely quenched, and the quenching efficiency reaches 99.7%. In addition, the fluorescence quenching mechanism of TNP was investigated by electron transfer, energy transfer and energy level orbitals. It is noteworthy that the color of TNP and nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) can be easily distinguished by the naked eye through the difference in fluorescence intensity when detected under 365 ​nm UV light. [Display omitted] • MOF 1 based on H 4 deta and bpy ligands was obtained and characterized. • MOF 1 shows a 3D network structure based on binuclear zinc unit. • MOF 1 can be used as a multifunctional fluorescent probe with high selectivity and excellent sensitivity to detect TNP, ANI, TC and LIN. • TNP can be easily distinguished from NACs by the naked eye through the difference in fluorescence intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel d10 metal coordination polymers [Cd2(Hmna)4] n ( 1), [Zn2(ddca)2 (dpe)] n ·nH2O ( 2) (H2mna = 6-mercaptonicotinic acid, H2ddca = 6, 6'-dithiodinicotinic acid, dpe = 1, 2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene), were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 is a cyclic double chain structure containing 16-number and 32-number circles with (Hmna)- ligands as bridges, in which the starting H2ddca reagent was unprecedentedly converted into H2mna ligands via in situ cleavage of S-S bonds during the course of hydrothermal treatment. In compound 2, two five-coordinate zinc centers are connected with carboxylate groups of H2ddca ligands to give a binuclear [Zn2(CO2)4] unit, which are linked by dpe ligands to form a 2D network structure. It is worth noting that compound 2 displays a twofold 2D+2D parallel interpenetration framework containing a polyrotaxane-like motif. In addition, the thermal stablities and photoluminescence properties of compounds 1 and 2 were also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a framework for green technology foresight based on the idea of sustainability and takes the Chinese automobile industry as an example for the analysis of its implementation. First, it applies scenario techniques to identify technology requirements, considering six different visions of the future, especially the 'circulation society', the 'environment-friendly society' and the 'equity society'. Delphi techniques are used to complete the green technology foresight with an improved questionnaire and statistical model, compared with the traditional one. It is argued that green technology foresight is the evolution and extension of traditional technology foresight, and the basic idea of foresight-guided efforts to achieve sustainability should be considered not only in China, but also in other countries and in other industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three novel d10 metal coordination polymers, {[Cd(H2odpa)(phen)2]·H2O} n (1), [Cd2(odpa)(phen)(H2O)2] n (2), {[Zn4(odpa)2(phen)2(H2O)2]·H2O} n (3), (H4odpa=4,4′-oxydiphthalic acid, phen=1,10-phenanthroline) were obtained with different metal/ligand ratios through hydrothermal method and characterized. Compound 1 forms a one dimensional zigzag chain, in which two phen ligands chelate to one cadmium atom. Compound 2 shows a three dimensional network structure comprised of new tetranuclear cadmium clusters as the nodes and (odpa)4− anions as the linkers, exhibits an unusual topological structure. Compound 3 is an unprecedented three dimensional polymer based on octanuclear zinc clusters cross-linked by (odpa)4− anions. In 1–3, central CdII/ZnII ions and (odpa)4− ligand display completely different coordination modes and conformations. In addition, the thermal stabilities and photoluminescence properties of 1–3 were also studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two novel Zn(II) coordination polymers, [Zn5(pytpy)8(fum)4(H2O)4(OH)2] n · n(CH3OH)·2n(H2O) (1) and [Zn3(pytpy)4 (btc)2] n ·2n(H2O) (2) (pytpy=4′-(4-pyridyl)-3,2′:6′,3″-terpyridine, H2fum=fumaric acid, H3btc=1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid) have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Complex 1 is a 2D layer structure, which is constructed from linear pentanuclear Zn(II) subunits interconnected via bidentate-bridging pytpy ligands and tridentate-bridging fum2− anions. Complex 2 is a 3D network structure, μ2-pytpy ligands link the layers based on the heart-like hexanuclear subunits to form the 3D network. Both complexes show strong fluorescence emission upon excitation at 310nm in solid state. Additionally, these two complexes possess great thermal stabilities, especially for 2, the framework is stable up to 350°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two novel cadmium(II) coordination polymers [Cd(pyip)(ox)]·H2O (1) and [Cd2(pyip)2(ox)2·(H2O)][Cd(pyip)(ox)]·4(H2O) (2) (pyip=2-(pyridin-3-yl-1H-imidazo [4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline, H2ox=oxalic acid), have been hydrothermal synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 is 1D zigzag chain, in which oxalate anion as bridging ligand is responsible for the formation of the main framework and pyip as chelating ligand grafts on two sides of the zigzag chain. Compound 2 contains two kinds of independent polymers [Cd2(pyip)2(ox)2(H2O)] (A) and [Cd(pyip)(ox)] (B) to form an interdigitated 1D+1D structure, in which polymers A and B are paratactically assembled in an ABCD sequence. The fundamental unit of polymer B in 2 is the same as that in 1. For compounds 1–2, weak interactions, primarily hydrogen bonding and π⋯π stacking interactions, have greatly influence on the supramolecular motifs recognized in the crystal packing. Especially, the oxalate anions as bridging ligand simultaneously adopt multiform coordination modes in two compounds. In addition, 1 and 2 displayed a strong fluorescent emission in the solid state at room temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A silver(I) coordination polymer, [Ag2(bpdc)]n (1) (H2bpdc = 2,2'-bipyridyl-3,3'-dicarboxylic acid), has been synthesized and characterized. Compound 1 exhibits a 2-D network containing 1-D channels. Each (bpdc)2- is an octadentate μ6-1igand coordinating with six Ag(I)'s in 1. This coordination of (bpdc)2- ligand is first observed here. Neighboring networks are arranged in a [ABAB···] pattern to form 3-D supramolecular architecture by π···π stacking. Compound 1 shows intense photoluminescence at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]