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A new species, Momonides neolandbergi Li & Guo sp. nov. is described in detail, which is the fifth species all over the world in Momonidinae Lundblad, 1941, Momoniidae K. Viets, 1926. The family and subfamily are newly recorded for Chinese fauna. The new species are recorded by camera, optical microscope, and scanning electron microscope. Publication:New species: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasonable design of the slopes of mining field is an important prerequisite for optimizing open-pit mine boundary, ensuring safe production and improving economic benefits of open-pit mines. This study took the open-pit coal mine coal mine in Block I of Thar coal field in Pakistan as the research background, based on the section morphology effect of slope stability and the occurrence characteristics of coal seam and weak layer, the section morphology of slope was optimized step by step from two-dimensional angle by using the rigid body limit equilibrium method. The three-dimensional numerical simulation method is used to analyze the three-dimensional spatial effect of slope stability and reveal the influence of the spatial geometry of the slope stability. The spatial morphology of the slope was optimized and the evolutionary mechanism of slope instability was revealed. By comparing the optimized slope morphology with the preliminary design and the slope morphology of the straight slope with equal flat plate, the economic benefits were further analyzed. The results showed that under the premise of meeting the safety reserve coefficient, compared with the preliminary design and the design of equal plate. The slope angle of the optimized section morphology was increased by 1° and 3° respectively, and the coal resource recovery was increased by 332 m2 and 1790 m2 respectively, and the economic benefits were $ 18,065,859 and $ 54,408,251 respectively. And the slope angle of the optimized spatial morphology was increased by 3° and 5° respectively, and the coal resource recovery was increased by 1188 m2 and 2726 m2 respectively, and the economic benefits were $ 72,082,808 and $ 108,417,368 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of great practical significance to carry out quantitative risk assessment of landslide disaster to protect people's lives and property safety and maintain the sustainable development of social economy. The delineation of landslide disaster range is the key link of landslide risk evaluation in open-pit mine. This study took the open-pit coal mine coal mine in Block I of Thar coal field in Pakistan as the research background, and constructed a framework for landslide risk evaluation in open-pit mines. Based on the numerical simulation method of large deformation of landslide, the disaster range of landslide in open-pit mine was delineated. The stability of stope slope was analyzed based on rigid body limit equilibrium method. The probability of landslide instability was calculated based on Monte Carlo method. And the comprehensive fuzzy evaluation model was established to calculate the total risk value of landslide. The results showed that: through numerical simulation and empirical formula calculation, the landslide disaster range was accurately delineated, and the comprehensive vulnerability of the disaster bearing body was determined to be medium vulnerability; the annual probability of landslide instability under natural conditions was 0.003, which belongs to moderate risk. The annual probability of landslide instability under rainstorm conditions was 0.024, which was highly dangerous; the annual probability of landslide instability under seismic conditions was 0.018, which was highly dangerous. Under natural conditions, the total risk value of landslide was 114,686.4 rmb, and the annual mortality rate of population was 0.0255 people/year. The total risk value of landslide under rainstorm condition was 11,707,570 rmb, and the annual mortality rate of population was 0.18375 people/year. The total risk value of landslide under earthquake condition was 43,007,400 rmb, and the annual mortality rate of population was 0.135 person/year, which was an unacceptable risk. The economic loss was a small geological disaster risk under natural conditions, and it was a medium-sized geological disaster risk under both rainstorm and earthquake conditions. Therefore, landslide prevention and control and management measures such as slope deformation monitoring were proposed to ensure the safety of personnel and property in open-pit mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coordinated control between the bilateral ankle joints plays an important role in performing daily life functions, such as walking and running. However, few studies have explored the impact of stroke on movement disorders that decrease the coordination control of the bilateral extremities and may decrease daily activities that require coordination control of the bilateral ankles. This study aimed to investigate the coordination control of the bilateral ankles using a novel bilateral ankle measurement system and evaluate the relationship of bilateral movement coordination control deficits with motor and functional performances of the lower extremities in patients with stroke. Methods: Twenty-one healthy adults (36.5 ± 13.2 y/o) and 19 patients with chronic stroke (58.7 ± 10.5 y/o) were enrolled. A novel measurement device with embedded rotary potentiometers was used to evaluate bilateral ankle coordination control. Participants were asked to move their dominant (non-paretic) foot from dorsiflexion to plantarflexion position and non-dominant (paretic) foot from dorsiflexion to plantarflexion position (condition 1) simultaneously, and vice versa (condition 2). Alternating time and angle for coordination control with movements of both ankles were calculated for each condition. Motor and functional performance measurements of the lower extremities included the lower-extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Test (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Barthel Index (BI). Results: Compared with the healthy group, alternating time was shorter in the stroke group by 8.3% (p = 0.015), and the alternating angles of conditions 1 and 2 were significantly higher than those of the healthy group by 1.4° (p = 0.001) and 2.5° (p = 0.013), respectively. The alternating angle in condition 2 showed moderate correlations with TUG (r = 0.512; p = 0.025), 10-m walk (r = 0.747; p < 0.001), gait speed (r = − 0.497 to − 0.491; p < 0.05), length (r = − 0.518 to − 0.551; p < 0.05), and BI (r = − 0.457; p = 0.049). Conclusion: Stroke decreases alternating time, increases alternating angle, and shows bilateral ankle coordination control deficits temporally and spatially. A higher alternating angle is moderately to highly associated with motor function and lower limb function in patients with stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, we aim to investigate the well-posedness of solution and the regularity of the global attractor for the couple stress fluid in saturated porous media with the local thermal non-equilibrium effect. To be more specific, we firstly show the existence and uniqueness of global weak solution to the model by making use of the standard Galerkin method. Second, relying on verifying the uniformly compact condition required, we prove the existence of the global attractor of the model in the space where the weak solution resides. Finally, we improve the regularity of global attractor by uniformly compact condition and obtain the C ∞ attractor for the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation plays a significant role in the occurrence and development of acute kidney injury (AKI). Evidence regarding the prognostic effect of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in critically ill patients with AKI is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the association between SII and all-cause mortality in these patients. Detailed clinical data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care Database (MIMIC)-IV. The primary outcome was set as the in-hospital mortality. A total of 10,764 AKI patients were enrolled in this study. The restricted cubic splines analyses showed a J-shaped curve between SII and the risk of in-hospital and ICU mortality. After adjusting for relevant confounders, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that both lower and higher SII levels were associated with an elevated risk of in-hospital all-cause mortality. A similar trend was observed for ICU mortality. In summary, we found that the SII was associated in a J-shaped pattern with all-cause mortality among critically ill patients with AKI. SII appears to be have potential applications in the clinical setting as a novel and easily accessible biomarker for predicting the prognosis of AKI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the potential application of the fluorescence dye Thioflavin-T (ThT), which can specifically bind to amyloid, as a powerful tool for monitoring secondary structural transitions of silk fibroin (SF) induced by pH in low solution concentrations was examined. Results showed that ThT emission intensities substantially increased when pH decreased from 6.8 to 4.8. This increase may be ascribed to conformational transitions from random coil to β-sheet. The morphology and secondary structure of SF were also investigated via TEM, AFM and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The information obtained herein can be utilized not only for the development of convenient and efficient noninvasive method for monitoring the assembly behavior of SF in aqueous solution but also for in vitro fluorescence imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we designed a label-free fluorometric turn-on assay for trypsin and inhibitor screening, based on a spherical cationic gemini surfactant ethylene-bis (dodecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide) (EDAB)/heparin/Nile red (NR) supramolecular assembly system. The introduction of gemini surfactant EDAB as template greatly enhanced its salt resistance and resulted in the supramolecular assemblies with diameters ranging from 20 to 100 nm. The fluorometric assay for trypsin was performed by firstly disassembling with protamine (a heparin-binding protein) and then re-assembling through hydrolysis of protamine. The disassembly and reassembly of the system resulted in a turn-off first and then a turn-on behavior of the corresponding fluorescence. The overall processes were characterized by fluorescence spectra, TEM measurements and zeta potential tests. The detection level of this assembly system for trypsin was as low as 4.2 ng mL−1. Also, the EDAB/heparin/NR assembly could be used to screen the trypsin inhibitors. The assembly system was easily-fabricated and cost-effective, but also exhibited good salt tolerance in NaCl solution at the concentration of 0–500 mM. At last, the supramolecular assembly was successfully applied to detect trypsin in human urine, demonstrating its great potential on clinical diagnosis applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To study the effects of Baishao (White Peony Root, Radix Paeoniae Alba) on liver yin deficiency pattern in mice with alcoholic liver injury and mechanism. Methods ICR mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Yiguan Jian ( Effective Integration Decoction, YGJ) group and Baishao group, with 10 mice in each group. Mice models of alcoholic liver injury with liver yin deficiency pattern were established by intragastric administration of Lieber-DeCarli alcohol diet plus thyroid hormone. Meanwhile, the blank group and the model group were given physiological saline by gavage, the YGJ group was given YGJ (9. 07 g/kg, 20 mL/kg) by gavage, and the Baishao group baishao exact (4. 3 g/kg, 20 mL/kg) by gavage. After 28 days, the state of mice in each group was observed, and their body weight, body temperature and heart rate were measured. Levels of transaminase activities, cytokine, enzyme activities related to ethanol and fat metabolism and antioxidant enzyme activities of the serum and liver tissue were detected. Frozen liver sections were examined with Oil Red 0 staining and liver biopsies with H&E staining. Results Compared with the blank group, the weight of the mice in the model group was significantly reduced, the body temperature increased, the heart rate increased, accompanied with symptoms like lusterless hair, tiredness, sleepiness and irritability. The levels of serum ALT, AST, TG, TC and cAMP and levels of liver MDA, CYP2E1, TNF-a, IL-1 (3 and IL-6 in the model group were significantly increased. The serum levels of cGMP and liver tissue levels of SOD, CAT, ADH, ALDH2, IL-10 and IL-1Ra were significantly reduced. In addition, lipid deposition ad hepatocyte necrosis occurred in the liver. Compared with the model group, serum levels of ALT, AST, TG, TC and cAMP in the Baishao group were significantly lowered (P <0. 05), and cGMP levels were significantly increased (P <0. 05). The liver levels of CYP2E1, TNF-a, IL-1 (3 and IL-6 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the levels of SOD, CAT, ADH, ALDH2, IL-10 and IL-1 Ra were significantly increased (P <0. 05). Also, the lipid content of the liver tissue was significantly decreased (P <0. 01), and hepatocyte necrosis was reduced. Conclusion Baishao has obvious curative effect on liver yin deficiency pattern caused by alcoholic liver injury. Its mechanism is related to the regulation of cAMP/cGMP levels and cytokine levels, the restoration of normal hepatocyte function and metabolism, enhanced activities of key enzymes and antioxidant enzymes of ethanol metabolism in liver tissue, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and reduction in lipid deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand the focusing process and to determine the focusing position ( z foc ) in Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4), theoretical and experimental studies were performed. A new theoretical expression that allows the calculation of z foc in AF4 channels of any shape having an axial plane of symmetry was established. The equation was then applied to the particular case of a trapezoidal AF4 channel with tapered ends. The applicability of this equation was verified by comparing the calculated results with the experimental measures of the focusing position obtained using blue dextran dye under different flow conditions. The calculated values and the experimental results were in good agreement. The total uncertainty associated with the calculated z foc was evaluated and was lower than 10%. A good repeatability and reproducibility of the focusing position was obtained. Moreover, the effects of the sample-injection position, the spacer thickness, the membrane aging, and the nature of the injected sample on the focusing position were investigated: z foc was not influenced by these parameters, proving the universal applicability of the equation given in this work for predicting the focusing position, when the assumption of constancy of the cross-flow velocity at the membrane, which underlies this equation, is fulfilled. Additionally, it is notable that this theoretical expression is suitable for different models of AF4 channel and not peculiar to specific suppliers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Many studies have reported increased intimal thickness around the catheter tip after catheterization. Caveolin-1 is a protein in the endothelial cell that acts as a shear sensor causing vascular remodeling. This study aimed to elucidate the suitability of different catheter locations and determine the role of caveolin-1 in canine models.Materials and Methods: Tunneled silicone 14.5-F catheters were inserted into the left jugular vein and right femoral vein in 8 dogs. The dogs were separated into 2 groups by catheter location and were followed up for 28 days. All dogs underwent extracorporeal circulation 3 times a week. After animal sacrifice, histological and immunohistochemical assays were performed to measure specific cell populations.Results: There were higher catheter dysfunction rates and lower blood flow rates in the right femoral vein group compared to the left jugular vein group. There was intimal hyperplasia around the catheter tip in both groups with no significant difference between the two groups. There were caveolin-1 expression in the intimal layer of venous wall around the catheter tip location sites in both groups.Conclusions: These findings indicate that different catheter tip locations may influence catheter function and specific targeting of caveonlin-1 could be a strategy of possible future novel therapies for catheter-related vein stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is universally utilized in cruciferous vegetables. However, the Chinese cabbage hau CMS lines, obtained by interspecific hybridization and multiple backcrosses of the Brassica juncea (B. juncea) CMS line and Chinese cabbage, show obvious leaf etiolation, and the molecular mechanism of etiolation remains elusive. Here, the ultrastructural and phenotypic features of leaves from the Chinese cabbage CMS line 1409A and maintainer line 1409B are analyzed. The results show that chloroplasts of 1409A exhibit abnormal morphology and distribution. Next, RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) is used to identify 485 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 1409A and 1409B, and 189 up-regulated genes and 296 down-regulated genes are found. Genes that affect chloroplasts development, such as GLK1 and GLK2, and chlorophyll biosynthesis, such as PORB, are included in the down-regulated DEGs. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis validate that the expression levels of these genes are significantly lower in 1409A than in 1409B. Taken together, these results demonstrate that leaf etiolation is markedly affected by chloroplast development and pigment biosynthesis. This study provides an effective foundation for research on the molecular mechanisms of leaf etiolation of the hau CMS line in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a case of hemodialysis catheter that appeared to be encased in a sleeve-shaped fibrous sheath with calcification. Ectopic calcification is a serious complication in hemodialysis patients with calcium-phosphorus metabolism disorder. Clinical awareness and understanding of this condition is imperative to the prevention and management of ectopic calcification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presence of the Suginome reagent (PhMe2Si-Bpin), a large panel of electron-withdrawing alkenes was successfully converted into the hydrosilylated product in good to excellent yields. This direct electrochemical hydrosilylation does not require exogenous oxidants and catalysts. Preliminary mechanistic study supported the involvement of a silyl radical, which reacted on the alkene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim An arteriovenous fistulae ( AVF) is the preferred vascular access for maintenance haemodialysis patients. Its dysfunction is often due to venous stenosis, which is mainly caused by neointimal hyperplasia. Additionally, haemodynamic forces, especially wall shear stress ( WSS), as a mechanical stimuli to venous wall have a significant role in neointimal hyperplasia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between WSS and neointimal hyperplasia. Methods An 'end-to-side' AVF was created between the right femoral artery and vein of canines. Canines were killed at 7 and 28 days post-surgery. The velocity and WSS in the three-dimensional computational model of AVF were simulated using computational fluid dynamics ( CFDs). The four typical sites of the vein evaluated in this study, chosen according to the haemodynamic analysis, included the arteriovenous anastomosis ( A-V), the juxta-anastomotic segment ( J-V), the juxta-ligation segment ( L-V) and the proximal vein ( P-V). The specimens were haematoxylin-eosin stained and the intima-media thickening was then measured. Results Neointimal hyperplasia was more obvious in the inner wall of the J-V and L-V (low-and-disturbed WSS) sites compared with the P-V and A-V sites, and the outer wall of the L-V and J-V segments (high or laminar WSS) ( P < 0.01). Conclusion In this study, we described the haemodynamic condition in the AVF and found that neointimal hyperplasia predisposed to occur in the inner wall of venous segment near the anastomosis. We also found that not only the neointimal hyperplasia has a strong inverse correlation with WSS levels, but also is related to flow patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface engineering is crucial in the colloidal stability and biocompatibility of nanoparticles (NPs). Protein silk fibroin (SF), which gained interest in biomaterial and regenerative medicine, was used in this study to stabilize gold (Au) NPs. Characterization results from UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed that SF-capped Au NPs (SF-Au NPs) possessed remarkable colloidal stabilities in the pH range of 2 to 11 and salt concentration range of 50 mM to 1000 mM. In addition, dried particle samples were resuspended after lyophilization without aggregation. The results indicated that the steric hindrance rather than the electrostatic repulsion of SF-Au NPs was essential for colloidal stability. The SF-Au NPs manifested improved cytocompatibility compared with bare Au NPs, which was attributed to the inherent non-cytotoxicity of SF and the good colloidal stability of the NPs. The proposed method was simpler, more efficient, and more cost effective than the conventional modification strategies for Au NPs; thus, SF-Au NPs can be potentially used in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dynamic transition theory is used on couple-stress fluid saturated porous media convection problem. • Complete description of the global dynamics on and during the onset of convection is obtained. • Approximate bifurcated solutions are given and corresponding roll structures are visualized. • Transition types are determined during the onset of convection. In this article, we study the stability and transition of couple stress fluid saturated porous media, heated from below and cooled from above by employing a thermal non-equilibrium model. Careful analysis shows that the thermal non-equilibrium model has a global attractor, and the global attractor only consists of the basic solution if the Rayleigh number is equal or below a threshold. In generic case where the transitioning eigenvalue has multiplicity one, we show that the transition involved is of continuous type, and the basic solution will be bifurcated to two stable convection solutions which attract globally. If the leading eigenvalue multiplicity is two, the transition is also continuous and a global attractor homeomorphic to the unit circle bifurcates. The attractor then contains four steady-state convection solutions, two of which are stable while the other two are unstable. Further numerical works give more details in the transition process including the bifurcated roll structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a label-free fluorescent sensor for probing the interaction between heparin and protein was reported. Heparin, the bioactive polyanions, formed supramolecular assemblies with cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The environment-dependent dye pyrene, encapsulated in hydrophobic interiors of the supramolecular assemblies worked as the fluorescence probe. Once the heparin-binding protein was added, competing interactions of protein with heparin would weaken the interaction between CTAB and heparin. As a result, the noncovalently sequestered pyrene would be released upon disassembly and the fluorescence of the released pyrene was subsequently decreased. The binding events were exemplified by protamine and Tat peptide, these processes were also verified by DLS and TEM. Such a strategy is appealing as organic synthesis was traded off against supramolecular assembly. This label-free fluorescent system is simple, selective, convenient, and can serve as a good complement to other existing methods, also this method has the potential for preprimary drug screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface waters from three catchments having contrasting land-uses (forested, agricultural, and urban) were sampled monthly and analysed for nanoparticulate titanium dioxide (NPs-TiO 2) by single particle ICPMS and electron microscopy. We report one-year of data for NPs-TiO 2 having average number and mass concentrations of 9.1 × 108 NPs-TiO 2 particles L-1 and 11 µg NPs-TiO 2 L-1 respectively. An increase in concentration during warmer months is observed in the forested and agricultural catchments. Both concentrations of NPs-TiO 2 are within the range of recently reported values using similar analytical approaches. The positive correlations for NPs-TiO 2 mass concentration or particle number with the concentration of some trace elements and DOC in the forested and agricultural catchments suggest the detected NPs-TiO 2 in these two systems are mostly from geogenic origin. Additionally, microscopy imaging confirmed the presence of NPs in the three catchments. Furthermore, the land-area normalized annual flux of NPs-TiO 2 (1.65 kg TiO 2 year-1 km-2) was highest for the agricultural catchment, suggesting that agricultural practices have a different impact on the NPs-TiO 2 dynamics and exports than other land-uses (urban or forestry). A similar trend is also found by the reanalysis of recent literature data. [Display omitted] • The land-use has an impact on the TiO 2 nanoparticle concentrations, biogeochemistry, dynamics and exports rates. • Higher amounts of small sized TiO 2 nanoparticles are detected by sp-ICPMS. • Ti speciation varies with the type of soils and land-use. • DOM controls the number of TiO 2 nanoparticles in surface water samples. • Land-use impacts TiO 2 nanoparticles concentrations, dynamics and exports rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, buried bellows have often had safety accidents such as pipeline bursts and ground subsidence due to the lack of adequate mechanical properties and other quality problems. In order to improve the mechanical properties of bellows, fly ash (FA) was used as a reinforced filler in high density polyethylene (HDPE) to develop composites. The FA was surface treated with a silane coupling agent and HDPE-g-maleic anhydride was used as compatibilizer. Dumbbell-shaped samples were prepared via extrusion blending and injection molding. The cross-section morphology, thermal stability and mechanical properties of the composites were studied. It was observed that when 10% modified FA and 5% compatibilizer were added to HDPE, the tensile yield strength and tensile breaking strength of the composites were nearly 30.2% and 40.4% higher than those of pure HDPE, respectively, and the Young's modulus could reach 1451.07 MPa. In addition, the ring stiffness of the bellows was analyzed using finite element analysis. Compared with a same-diameter bellows fabricated from common commercially available materials, the ring stiffness increased by nearly 23%. The preparation method of FA/HDPE is simple, efficient, and low-cost. It is of great significance for the popularization of high-performance bellows and the high value-added utilization of FA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic degradation is one of the recent advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and proven to be effective for removing low-concentration organic pollutants from aqueous solutions. In this study, removal of fuchsin basic from aqueous solutions by ultrasound was investigated. The effects of operating parameters such as ultrasound power (200W-500W), initial pH (3-6.5), and temperature (15, 22, 35, and 60°C) on the ultrasonic degradation were studied. The degradation of fuchsin under ultrasound irradiation basic was found to obey pseudo first-order reaction kinetics. Addition of catalyst Fe(II) had a markedly positive effect on degradation. 84.1% extent of degradation was achieved at initial dye concentration 10 μmol L-1, ultrasound power 400W, ultrasound frequency 25 kHz, dosage of Fe(II) 4mg L-1, initial pH 6.5, and temperature 22°C. But addition of heterogeneous catalyst TiO2 affected degradation slightly. Addition of radical scavenger suppressed fuchsin basic degradation significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surfaces with high reactivity usually have a low area percentage, which greatly limits the efficiency of surface reactivity. In this Letter we demonstrate a generic way of increasing the percentage of the highly reactive surface by using external strain. Bulk and surface elastic properties of TiO2 are studied via density functional theory calculations. The equilibrium shape of anatase Ti02 under applied strain is discussed based on the elastic properties. We find that when 5% compressive strain is applied biaxially along [100] and [010]; directions, the area percentage of the anatase (001) surface can be increased by ~5 times in comparison with the case when no strain is applied. Since the moderate strain does not introduce extrinsic defects into the material, we propose that it is an ideal way to increase the reactivity of titanium dioxide crystallites by applying biaxial compressive external strain along the a axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel fiber-optic sensor structure fabricated by cascading two optical microfiber knot resonators (MKRs) is proposed and demonstrated in this paper. A theoretical model for describing the principle of the sensing structure is given and its temperature responses are characterized experimentally. Experimental results show that high-precision and simultaneous multi-point temperature sensing in micro-scale can be achieved. Such a sensing structure also has the potential for achieving dual-parameter measurement to eliminate the cross-talk between two parameters in micro-scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Phosphorylcholine (PC)-functionalized poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers were prepared and used as both reducing and stabilizing agents for synthesis of highly stable and reactive gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). Biomimetic PC-functionalized PAMAM dendrimers-stabilized gold nanoparticles (Au DSNPs) were formed by simply mixing the PC modified amine-terminated fifth-generation PAMAM dendrimers (G5-PC) with AuCl ions by controlling the pH, no additional reducing agents or other stabilizers were needed. The obtained Au DSNPs were shown to be spherical, with particle diameters ranging from 5 to 12 nm, the sizes and growth kinetics of Au DSNPs could be tuned by changing the pH and the initial molar ratio of dendrimers to gold as indicated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-Vis data. The prepared Au DSNPs showed excellent stability including: (1) stable at wide pH (7-13) values; (2) stable at high salt concentrations up to 2 M NaCl; (3) non-specific protein adsorption resistance. More importantly, surface functionalization could be performed by introducing desired functional groups onto the remained reactive amine groups. This was exemplified by the glucose conjugation. The glucose conjugated Au DSNPs showed bio-specific interaction with Concanavalin A (Con A), which induced aggregation of the Au NPs. Colorimetric detection of Con A based on the plasmon resonance of the glucose conjugated Au DSNPs was realized. A limit of detection (LOD) for Con A was 0.6 μM, based on a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 3. These findings demonstrated that the PC modified Au DSNPs could potentially serve as a versatile nano-platform for the biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Biomimetic acryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (APC) was used to react with generation 5 poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers (G5) via the Michael addition reaction between primary amino group of PAMAM dendrimers and acrylic functional group of APC. FTIR and 1H NMR confirmed the success of surface modification of G5. The primary amino and phosphorylcholine (PC) group numbers of the surface engineered PAMAM dendrimers (G5-PC) were calculated to be 56 and 50 via 1H NMR and potentiometric titration. Cell viability and cell morphology studies indicated that biomimetic phosphorylcholine surface engineering successfully lowered the cytotoxicity of G5 PAMAM dendrimers. The hydrophobic interior of G5-PC was used to incorporate anti-cancer drug Adriamycin (ADR) and the G5-PC showed sustained releasing behavior for ADR. Cell morphology and viability tests indicated that the drug-loaded G5-PC conjugate could effectively enter the cancer cells and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Biomimetic phosphorylcholine surface engineered PAMAM dendrimers with lowered cytotoxicity and high cellular penetrating ability showed great potential for the biomedical applications as nanocarrier system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Invariant natural killer T cells are a unique lymphocyte subtype that can recognize lipid antigens presented by CD1d and release pro-atherogenic cytokines such as interferon-gamma. We studied the importance of iNKT cells, other lymphocyte cell types and CD11b in the peripheral blood of patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) before and after primary coronary stenting. Lymphocyte population profiles and CD11b were compared between patients with AMI and healthy control subjects using flow cytometry. Both the absolute number and cell fractions of iNKT, CD3+CD4+ lymphocytes were significant lower in AMI patients than health controls. The cell fraction of NK cells was also reduced, while there was a significant increase in the cell fractions and absolute numbers of CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and mean fluorescence intensity values of labeled CD11b. The number of iNKT cells was significantly and positively correlated with cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels in blood samples from AMI patients before primary coronary stenting. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the absolute number of iNKT cells was a significant independent predictor for restenosis during the 243day post-operative follow-up. This study demonstrates that iNKT cell number may be a useful predictor of clinical outcome in AMI patients with primary coronary stenting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVES: This study examines growth in the primary care physician workforce for children and examines the geographic distribution of the workforce. METHODS: National data were used to calculate the local per-capita supply of clinically active general pediatricians and family physicians, measured at the level of primary care service areas. RESULTS: Between 1996 and 2006, the general pediatrician and family physician workforces expanded by 51% and 35%, respectively, whereas the child population increased by only 9%. The 2006 per-capita supply varied by >600% across local primary care markets. Nearly 15 million children (20% of the US child population) lived in local markets with <710 children per child physician (average of 141 child physicians per 100 000 children), whereas another 15 million lived in areas with >4400 children per child physician (average of 22 child physicians per 100 000 children). In addition, almost 1 million children lived in areas with no local child physician. Nearly all 50 states had evidence of similar extremes of physician maldistribution. CONCLUSIONS: Undirected growth of the aggregate child physician workforce has resulted in profound maldistribution of physician resources. Accountability for public funding of physician training should include efforts to develop, to use, and to evaluate policies aimed at reducing disparities in geographic access to primary care physicians for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly soluble fluorescent pyrene derivative with substantially improved fluorescence intensity in aqueous buffer was obtained viaPEGylation strategy. The highly soluble PEGylated pyrene (PEO-Py) non-covalently adsorbed onto the surface of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) to form dyads with quenched fluorescence due to highly efficient energy transfer between PEO-Py and Au NPs. The PEO-Py/Au NPs dyads were used for the sensitive turn-on fluorescent detection of biothiols. The fluorescence of PEO-Py was restored by the addition of cysteine (Cys), indicating that Cys can modulate the energy transfer between PEO-Py and Au NPs. This phenomenon then allowed for the sensitive detection of Cys with a limit of detection (LOD) of 11.4 nM. The linear range of determination of Cys was from 1.25 × 10−8to 2.25 × 10−7M. None of the other amino acids found in proteins showed obvious interference with the determination. It was important to note that the detection sensitivity of the PEO-Py/Au NPs system was more than 5-fold improved compared with the Py/Au NPs system. In addition, other biothiol molecules, such as glutathione, could also be detected by this sensor system. The method was also successfully applied to the determination of the total content of aminothiols in human plasma. Therefore an easily prepared, inexpensive, high solubility fluorescent probe has been realized and is also expected to detect other biological analytes of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly soluble fluorescent pyrene derivative with substantially improved fluorescence intensity in aqueous buffer was obtained viaPEGylation strategy. The highly soluble PEGylated pyrene (PEO-Py) non-covalently adsorbed onto the surface of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) to form dyads with quenched fluorescence due to highly efficient energy transfer between PEO-Py and Au NPs. The PEO-Py/Au NPs dyads were used for the sensitive turn-on fluorescent detection of biothiols. The fluorescence of PEO-Py was restored by the addition of cysteine (Cys), indicating that Cys can modulate the energy transfer between PEO-Py and Au NPs. This phenomenon then allowed for the sensitive detection of Cys with a limit of detection (LOD) of 11.4 nM. The linear range of determination of Cys was from 1.25 × 10−8to 2.25 × 10−7M. None of the other amino acids found in proteins showed obvious interference with the determination. It was important to note that the detection sensitivity of the PEO-Py/Au NPs system was more than 5-fold improved compared with the Py/Au NPs system. In addition, other biothiol molecules, such as glutathione, could also be detected by this sensor system. The method was also successfully applied to the determination of the total content of aminothiols in human plasma. Therefore an easily prepared, inexpensive, high solubility fluorescent probe has been realized and is also expected to detect other biological analytes of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyse the spectral lag evolution of γ-ray burst (GRB) pulses with observations by CGRO/BATSE. No universal spectral lag evolution feature and pulse luminosity-lag relation within a GRB is observed. Our results suggest that the spectral lag would be due to radiation physics and dynamics of a given emission episode, possibly due to the longer lasting emission in a lower energy band, and the spectral lag may not be an intrinsic parameter to discriminate the long and short GRBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GRB 100418A is a long burst at z = 0.624 without detection of associated supernova (SN). We present a detailed analysis on this event and discuss possible origins of its multi-wavelength emission. The temporal features of this event is similar to GRB 060614, a well-known nearby long GRB without SN association (possibly a Type I GRB), indicating that the two events may be cosmic twins. However, both the circum-burst medium density and the GRB classification based on the gamma-ray energy and spectrum suggest that GRB 100418A would be a Type II GRB. These results make a great puzzle on the progenitors of this kind of events, if they belong to the same population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An alkaline phosphatase activity detection system was constructed based on the different quenching effect of the enzyme substrate and product on the β-CD-functionalized CdTe QDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers surfaces were modified by complexing tannic acid (TA)-iron ions (Fe3+) to form a metal skeleton structure on the fibers. In this system a large number of phenolic hydroxyl groups, epoxy groups and other active groups on the fibers surfaces can stabilize the metal skeleton structure and enhance the interfacial peeling performance between the fibers and the composite rubber matrix. The modified PET fibers were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and mechanical properties. The results showed that the peeling strength between the modified fibers and the rubber matrix was increased 45%. This method has the advantages of simple operation, mild conditions and low cost, which provides a new idea for the preparation of rubber/polyester fiber composites with excellent mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on surface waters from three small creeks, within the Seine River watershed, which are characterized by different land-uses, namely forested, agricultural and urban. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) in these waters were detected and quantified by single-particle ICPMS during one-year of monthly sampling. Their temporal and spatial variations were investigated. Ag-NPs, in the three types of surface water, were found to range from 1.5 × 107 to 2.3 × 109 particles L−1 and from 0.4 to 28.3 ng L−1 at number and mass concentrations, respectively. These values are in consistent with the very few previous studies. In addition, the role of factors driving process and potential sources are discussed with correlations between Ag-NPs concentrations and biogeochemical parameters, like dissolved organic carbon concentration and divalent cations concentrations. For the forested watershed NOM controls the stability (number and mass) of the Ag-NPs as recently observed in the field in lake water in Germany. In the case of the agricultural and urban watersheds major cations such as Ca would control the number and mass of Ag-NPs. Dilution processes are rejected as conductivity and Cl− ions do not show significant correlations with Ag-NPs or other major geochemical parameters. The specific exportation rates of Ag-NPs for artificial, agricultural and forested areas were calculated based on the monthly data for the full year and are equal to 5.5 ± 3.0, 0.5 ± 0.3 and 0.2 ± 0.2 gy−1km−2, respectively. These data suggest a constant release of Ag-NPs from consumer products into freshwaters in artificial areas, for instance, from textiles, washing machines, domestic tap-water filters, outdoor paints. These first data of Ag-NPs fluxes in surface waters of France enlarge the very limited database of field measurements. Moreover, for the first time, the influence of time, land-use and aquatic geochemistry parameters on Ag-NPs in real natural water samples is reported. It is also helpful to further understand the fate and the process of Ag-NPs in natural waters, as well as to the ecotoxicity studies in real-world environment. • In a one-year study we report Ag-NPs occurrence in 3 watersheds with different land-uses. • Concentrations range from 1.5 × 107 to 2.3 × 109 particles L−1 and from 0.4 to 28.3 ng L−1. • There is a strong correlation between DOC and Ag-NPs concentrations in forested water. • An annual export rate of 2.3 ± 1.3 g/year/km2 is obtained for the urban watershed. • Agricultural and forested watersheds have smaller rates: 0.3 ± 0.3 g/year/km2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a kind of waterborne polyurethane coating material with excellent water resistance performance has been prepared through the cross-linking of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) with a combination of multiple blocking agents applied. And then, with modified SiO 2 aerogel (SSA) added into the water-resistant waterborne polyurethane (FWPU), the highly water-resistant transparent waterborne polyurethane thermal insulation coating material was obtained. Basically, the addition of SSA has no impact on the water resistance performance of FWPU. Furthermore, through the proper addition of SSA, the adhesive force and heat insulation performance of the composite coating material can be improved. When the SSA content accounts for a 15 % solid content of FWPU, the composite coating present the best comprehensive performance. This highly water-resistant transparent waterborne polyurethane thermal-insulation coating material has the prospect of being used as thermal insulation surface coating on transparent materials such as building glass. • The synergy of multiple self-crosslinking on improving water resistance of waterborne polyurethane coatings were studied. • Thermal insulation performance of waterborne polyurethane coatings are improved by adding SiO 2 aerogel. • Hardness and adhesion of waterborne polyurethane coatings are also improved by control the amount of SiO 2 aerogel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and development of complex diseases. Predicting potential lncRNA–disease associations can improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of human diseases and help identify biomarkers for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Previous research methods have mostly integrated the similarity and association information of lncRNAs and diseases, without considering the topological structure information among these nodes, which is important for predicting lncRNA–disease associations. We propose a method based on information flow propagation and convolutional neural networks, called LDAPred, to predict disease-related lncRNAs. LDAPred not only integrates the similarities, associations, and interactions among lncRNAs, diseases, and miRNAs, but also exploits the topological structures formed by them. In this study, we construct a dual convolutional neural network-based framework that comprises the left and right sides. The embedding layer on the left side is established by utilizing lncRNA, miRNA, and disease-related biological premises. On the right side of the frame, multiple types of similarity, association, and interaction relationships among lncRNAs, diseases, and miRNAs are calculated based on information flow propagation on the bi-layer networks, such as the lncRNA–disease network. They contain the network topological structure and they are learned by the right side of the framework. The experimental results based on five-fold cross-validation indicate that LDAPred performs better than several state-of-the-art methods. Case studies on breast cancer, colon cancer, and osteosarcoma further demonstrate LDAPred's ability to discover potential lncRNA–disease associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER), characterized by a four‐electron transfer kinetic process, represents a significant bottleneck in improving the efficiency of hydrogen production from water electrolysis. Consequently, extensive research efforts have been directed towards identifying single‐atom electrocatalysts with exceptional OER performance. Despite the comprehensive understanding of the OER mechanism, its application to other valuable synthetic reactions has been limited. Herein, we leverage the MOOH intermediate, a key species in the Mn−N−C single‐atom catalyst (Mn‐SA@NC), which can be cyclically delivered in the OER. We exploit this intermediate' s capability to facilitate electrophilic transfer with silane, enabling efficient silane oxidation under electrochemical conditions. The SAC electrocatalytic system exhibits remarkable performance with catalyst loadings as low as 600 ppm and an exceptional turnover number of 9132. Furthermore, the catalytic method demonstrates stability under a 10 mmol flow chemistry setup. By serving as an OER electrocatalyst, the Mn‐SA@NC drives the entire reaction, establishing a practical Mn SAC‐catalyzed organic electrosynthesis system. This synthesis approach not only presents a promising avenue for the utilization of electrocatalytic OER but also highlights the potential of SACs as an attractive platform for organic electrosynthesis investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER), characterized by a four‐electron transfer kinetic process, represents a significant bottleneck in improving the efficiency of hydrogen production from water electrolysis. Consequently, extensive research efforts have been directed towards identifying single‐atom electrocatalysts with exceptional OER performance. Despite the comprehensive understanding of the OER mechanism, its application to other valuable synthetic reactions has been limited. Herein, we leverage the MOOH intermediate, a key species in the Mn−N−C single‐atom catalyst (Mn‐SA@NC), which can be cyclically delivered in the OER. We exploit this intermediate' s capability to facilitate electrophilic transfer with silane, enabling efficient silane oxidation under electrochemical conditions. The SAC electrocatalytic system exhibits remarkable performance with catalyst loadings as low as 600 ppm and an exceptional turnover number of 9132. Furthermore, the catalytic method demonstrates stability under a 10 mmol flow chemistry setup. By serving as an OER electrocatalyst, the Mn‐SA@NC drives the entire reaction, establishing a practical Mn SAC‐catalyzed organic electrosynthesis system. This synthesis approach not only presents a promising avenue for the utilization of electrocatalytic OER but also highlights the potential of SACs as an attractive platform for organic electrosynthesis investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the world's most important corn pests. FAW larval dispersal is a major factor contributing to local spread and damage by this pest. In this study, we investigated the crawling and ballooning dispersal characteristics of FAW larvae in the laboratory and found that airflow was an important factor influencing larval ballooning and, thereby, the long-distance dispersal of FAW larvae. These results provide scientific information for field monitoring and control strategies against FAW. The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major pest of corn worldwide. FAW larval dispersal is an important life strategy that influences FAW population distribution in corn fields and subsequent plant damage. We studied FAW larval dispersal in the laboratory with sticky plates placed around the test plant and a unidirectional airflow source. Crawling and ballooning were the main dispersal means of FAW larvae both within and between corn plants. All larval instars (1st–6th) could disperse by crawling, with crawling being the only dispersal mechanism for 4th–6th instars. By crawling, FAW larvae could reach all aboveground parts of a corn plant as well as adjacent corn plants where leaves overlapped. Ballooning was used primarily by 1st-3rd instar larvae, and the proportion of these larvae that used ballooning decreased with age. Ballooning was largely governed by the larva's interaction with airflow. Airflow influenced the direction and distance of larval ballooning. With an airflow speed of about 0.05 m/s, 1st instars could travel up to 196 cm from the test plant, indicating that long-distance FAW larval dispersal depends on ballooning. These results increase our understanding of FAW larval dispersal and provide scientific information for the development of FAW monitoring and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimally invasive liver resection of the posterosuperior region is considered a challenging procedure due to poor exposure and difficult bleeding control. A robotic approach is supposed to be advantageous in posterosuperior segmentectomy. Its benefits over laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) remain undetermined. This study compared robotic liver resection (RLR) and LLR in the posterosuperior region performed by a single surgeon. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive RLR and LLR performed by a single surgeon between December 2020 and March 2022. Patient characteristics and perioperative variables were compared. A 1:1 propensity score matched (PSM) analysis was performed between both groups. Results: The analysis included 48 RLR and 57 LLR procedures in the posterosuperior region. After PSM analysis, 41 cases of both groups were retained. In pre-PSM cohort, the operative time in the RLR group was significantly shorter than in the LLR group (160 vs. 208 min, P = 0.001), especially in radical resection of malignant tumors (176 vs. 231 min, P = 0.004). The total Pringle maneuver duration was also markedly shorter (40 vs. 51 min, P = 0.047), and the estimated blood loss in the RLR group was lower (92 vs. 150 mL, P = 0.005). The postoperative hospital stay (POHS) in the RLR group was significantly shorter (5.4 vs. 7.5 days, P = 0.048). In PSM cohort, operative time in the RLR group was also significantly shorter (163 vs. 193 min, P = 0.036), and the estimated blood loss was lower (92 vs. 144 mL, P = 0.024). However, the total Pringle maneuver duration and POHS showed no significant difference. The complications were similar between two groups in both pre-PSM and PSM cohorts. Conclusion: RLR in the posterosuperior region was as safe and feasible as LLR. RLR was associated with reduced operative time and blood loss than LLR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silica nanotubes were prepared using the gelatin nanofibers as novel sacrificed template via a sol-gel route with a subsequent calcination process. FT-IR spectrum showed that the siloxane bonds (Si-O-Si) were involved in the silica nanotubes. SEM observations showed that the silica nanotubes had an average diameter of 742 ± 82 nm with a hollow cavity of 513 ± 68 nm. The formation of the tubular hollow structure was attributed to the removal of gelatin template. After soaked in the solution of tetracycline hydrochloride (TH, one of the representative antibiotics) as model drug, the silica nanotubes favored the adsorption of TH with the loading efficiency of 38%. A sustained release behavior of TH was observed as the TH-loaded silica nanotubes were soaked in the phosphate buffer saline. The released TH was biologically active to strongly inhibit the growth of bacterial E. coli . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cover page of the "Chinese Journal of Chemistry" is presented.

Simple Summary: Health promotion is important in older adults. However, aging-induced frailty results in poor muscle activity in the upper limbs, leading to activity impairments. Fortunately, recent studies report that vibration is a safe approach for improving muscular function; however, different frequencies and directions of vibrations can result in inconsistencies in muscle function improvement, and further investigation is needed. We developed a handheld vibrator to determine the effect of vibration frequency and direction on upper-limb muscle activation. Nineteen qualified participants were exposed to vertical and horizontal vibrations with 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 Hz frequencies for 60 s each. Surface electromyography measured the activities of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU), extensor carpi radialis (ECR), biceps, triceps, and deltoid anterior muscles. Muscle activity was significantly induced under vibration conditions in both vertical and horizontal directions. The 45-Hz horizontal vibration induced maximum muscle activations for the FDS, ECR, ECU, biceps, and triceps. The 60-Hz vertical and 30-Hz horizontal vibrations facilitated maximum muscle activations for the FCR and deltoid anterior, respectively. We therefore suggest different protocols of vibration for specific weak muscles to improve muscle function in the upper limbs of older adults. We aimed to determine the effect of vibration frequency and direction on upper-limb muscle activation using a handheld vibrator. We recruited 19 healthy participants who were instructed to hold a handheld vibrator in their dominant hand and maintain the elbow at 90° flexion, while vertical and horizontal vibrations were applied with frequencies of 15, 30, 45, and 60 Hz for 60 s each. Surface electromyography (EMG) measured the activities of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU), extensor carpi radialis (ECR), biceps, triceps, and deltoid anterior muscles. EMG changes were evaluated as the difference in muscle activity between vibration and no-vibration (0 Hz) conditions. Muscle activity was induced under vibration conditions in both vertical and horizontal (p < 0.05) directions. At 45 Hz, FDS and FCR activities increased during horizontal vibrations, compared with those during vertical vibrations. ECU activity significantly increased under 15-Hz vertical vibrations compared with that during horizontal vibrations. Vibrations from the handheld vibrator significantly induced upper-limb muscle activity. The maximum muscle activations for FDS, ECR, ECU, biceps, and triceps were induced by 45-Hz horizontal vibration. The 60-Hz vertical and 30-Hz horizontal vibrations facilitated maximum muscle activations for the FCR and deltoid anterior, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]