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Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) has attracted significant attention as a promising light‐emitting technology owing to its simple configuration and solution processability. ECL has wide applications in biological and chemical sensors, lighting, and displays. ECL lighting devices are fabricated as sandwiched structures with a transparent electrode on top, which limits their widespread adoption. Intricate structures with high precision and customizable designs can be directly fabricated using 3D printing. However, 3D printing of ECL devices is challenging because of poor printability and structural integrity of ECL luminophore inks. Here, all‐printed electrically driven lighting is demonstrated using the direct ink writing method. The ECL reactive layer and electrodes are directly printed using a side‐by‐side electrode configuration. A 3D printable ECL ink is developed by incorporating silica nanoparticles as rheological modifiers to realize well‐defined patterns with high structural integrity. Graphene is introduced on Ag multilayer electrodes to embrace both the electrical conductivity and electrochemical stability for efficient ECL operation. This all‐printing approach allows the fabrication of ECL devices with complex designs, such as combs and spirals. Moreover, it facilitates seamless printing on various substrate materials, making this technology an asset in the fields of biology, chemistry, and electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited evidence suggests that stimulating adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) indirectly promotes hair growth. We examined whether bee venom (BV) activated ASCs and whether BV-induced hair growth was facilitated by enhanced growth factor release by ASCs. The induction of the telogen-to-anagen phase was studied in mice. The underlying mechanism was investigated using organ cultures of mouse vibrissa hair follicles. When BV-treated ASCs were injected subcutaneously into mice, the telogen-to-anagen transition was accelerated and, by day 14, the hair weight increased. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed that BV influenced the expression of several molecules, including growth factors, chemokines, channels, transcription factors, and enzymes. Western blot analysis was employed to verify the protein expression levels of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phospho-ERK. Both the Boyden chamber experiment and scratch assay confirmed the upregulation of cell migration by BV. Additionally, ASCs secreted higher levels of growth factors after exposure to BV. Following BV therapy, the gene expression levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1 and 6, endothelial cell growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-C were upregulated. The findings of this study suggest that bee venom can potentially be utilized as an ASC-preconditioning agent for hair regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Svalbard fjords are recognized as hotspots for organic carbon (OC) burial and storage due to their high sedimentation rates, which effectively trap terrestrial sediments and inhibit extensive OC remineralization. In this study, we investigated surface sediments (n = 48) from eight Svalbard fjords, along with bedrock (n = 17), soil (n = 28), and plant (n = 12) samples, to identify the sources of sedimentary OC in these fjords using geochemical parameters. All examined surface sediments from the fjords showed a depletion in 14Corg (− 666.9 ± 240.3‰), indicating that recently fixed terrestrial and marine biomass alone cannot account for the entire sedimentary OC pool. Conventional bulk indicators such as Norg/TOC ratio and δ13Corg were insufficient for fully determining the sources of sedimentary OC. Therefore, we employed a four-end-member approach, using Δ14Corg, δ13Corg, and lignin phenols to assess the relative contributions of petrogenic, soil-derived, plant-derived, and marine OC to the sedimentary OC pool. The analyzed fjord sediments consisted, on average, of 59.0 ± 28.1% petrogenic OC, 16.8 ± 12.1% soil-derived OC, 2.5 ± 2.2% plant-derived OC, and 21.8 ± 18.5% marine OC. This approach highlights the substantial contributions of petrogenic and aged soil-derived OC to present-day sedimentary OC in Svalbard fjords. Considering predicted global warming, accelerated inputs of petrogenic and soil-derived OC into fjords due to rapid glacier retreat may significantly impact the active carbon cycle and potentially contribute to CO2 emissions to the atmosphere, depending on burial efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study used a technique called sequential pattern mining to uncover connections between common internal medicine diseases in dogs. The goal was to understand how these diseases relate to each other over time. Researchers collected medical records from dogs treated at the Konkuk University Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, focusing on their diseases and the time intervals between diagnoses. They also calculated the 3-year risk of developing another disease after the initial diagnosis. This study identified 547 dogs with at least one internal medicine disease. The sequential pattern mining analysis revealed strong associations and time intervals for five of the most common diseases in dogs, including hyperadrenocorticism, myxomatous mitral valve disease, canine atopic dermatitis, chronic kidney disease, and chronic pancreatitis. This research suggests that sequential pattern mining is a useful tool for understanding disease connections and predicting future health issues in dogs. Veterinarians can use these findings to recommend preventive measures and treatments for dogs at risk of developing additional medical conditions, ultimately improving the care and health of canine patients. Sequential pattern mining (SPM) is a data mining technique used for identifying common association rules in multiple sequential datasets and patterns in ordered events. In this study, we aimed to identify the relationships between commonly occurring internal medicine diseases in canine patients. We obtained medical records of dogs referred to the Konkuk University Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital. The data used for SPM included comorbidities and intervals between the diagnoses of internal medicine diseases. Additionally, we estimated the 3-year risk of developing an additional disease after the initial diagnosis of a commonly occurring veterinary internal medicine disease using logistic regression. We identified 547 canine patients diagnosed with ≥ 1 internal medicine disease. The SPM-based analysis assessed comorbidities and intervals for each of the five most common internal medical diseases, including hyperadrenocorticism, myxomatous mitral valve disease, canine atopic dermatitis, chronic kidney disease, and chronic pancreatitis. The highest values of the association rule were 3.01%, 6.02%, 3.9%, 4.1%, and 4.84%, and the shortest intervals were 1.64, 13.14, 5.37, 17.02, and 1.7 days, respectively. This study proposes that SPM is an effective technique for identifying common associations and temporal relationships between internal medicine diseases, and can be used to assess the probability of additional admission due to the development of the subsequent disease that may be diagnosed in canine patients. The results of this study will help veterinarians suggest appropriate preventive measures or other medical treatments for canine patients with medical conditions that have not yet been diagnosed, but are likely to develop in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Svalbard fjords are recognized as hotspots for organic carbon (OC) burial and storage due to their high sedimentation rates, which effectively trap terrestrial sediments and inhibit extensive OC remineralization. In this study, we investigated surface sediments (n = 48) from eight Svalbard fjords, along with bedrock (n = 17), soil (n = 28), and plant (n = 12) samples, to identify the sources of sedimentary OC in these fjords using geochemical parameters. All examined surface sediments from the fjords showed a depletion in 14Corg (− 666.9 ± 240.3‰), indicating that recently fixed terrestrial and marine biomass alone cannot account for the entire sedimentary OC pool. Conventional bulk indicators such as Norg/TOC ratio and δ13Corg were insufficient for fully determining the sources of sedimentary OC. Therefore, we employed a four-end-member approach, using Δ14Corg, δ13Corg, and lignin phenols to assess the relative contributions of petrogenic, soil-derived, plant-derived, and marine OC to the sedimentary OC pool. The analyzed fjord sediments consisted, on average, of 59.0 ± 28.1% petrogenic OC, 16.8 ± 12.1% soil-derived OC, 2.5 ± 2.2% plant-derived OC, and 21.8 ± 18.5% marine OC. This approach highlights the substantial contributions of petrogenic and aged soil-derived OC to present-day sedimentary OC in Svalbard fjords. Considering predicted global warming, accelerated inputs of petrogenic and soil-derived OC into fjords due to rapid glacier retreat may significantly impact the active carbon cycle and potentially contribute to CO2 emissions to the atmosphere, depending on burial efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are inflammatory indicators calculated using blood counts that serve as potential biomarkers in various diseases. This study investigated healthy dogs and those with a common heart disease, myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Dogs with MMVD had higher NLR, MLR, and PLR, which could be useful for diagnosing and predicting this condition. This study investigated the complete blood count (CBC) indices, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and analyzed their correlation with conventional biomarkers, as well as the effect of CBC indices on survival time in dogs with MMVD. Medical records of 75 healthy controls and 249 dogs with MMVD from March 2015 to October 2022 were analyzed. The NLR, MLR, and PLR were calculated by dividing the absolute counts of the CBC parameters. Dogs with MMVD had significantly higher NLR, MLR, and PLR than healthy dogs (all p < 0.0001), especially those in the symptomatic MMVD group with pulmonary edema (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0002, and p = 0.0387, respectively). The NLR and MLR were significantly correlated with N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide levels (both p < 0.0001). The CBC indices showed potential as biomarkers for detecting the presence of MMVD (all p < 0.0001) and severity of MMVD (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p = 0.006, respectively) using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The negative effects of increased NLR, MLR, and PLR on survival were confirmed using Kaplan–Meier curve analysis. In conclusion, NLR, MLR, and PLR could be cost-effective and readily available potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for MMVD in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is known that proper nutrition is effective in managing sarcopenia, the most powerful nutrients have not yet been determined. This study is designed to investigate the effects of various nutritional approaches on muscle mass, muscle strength, and sarcopenia prevention in systematic reviews. In study design, network and pairwise meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials were considered. Clinical studies regarding the nutritional effects associated with the physiological activity of skeletal muscle and management of sarcopenia will be covered. The main outcomes will cover the following five elements: anti-fatigue impact with skeletal muscle, muscle atrophy prevention, differentiation level with skeletal muscular cell, anti-inflammatory effect, and muscle injury prevention. Authors will conduct the study selection, extracting data process, and methodological quality investigation. Systematic review registration OSF registry (ethical approval number: https://osf.io/ye4q7). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies reporting the development and effectiveness of topical agents for alopecia are available. However, it was difficult to demonstrate a direct advantage of subcutaneous injection rather than topical application. Since existing articles lack information, future studies are needed to solve these problems and to narrow the knowledge gap. Aims: Present article is aimed to review of the possible materials used in subcutaneous injection for alopecia with a hope for better guiding the analytic application and further evaluating the effective component for alopecia management. Methods: A wide range of clinical articles was retrieved using electronic databases to determine the possible components used in subcutaneous injection and their potential mechanism of action. Results: Eight components from 19 articles were found to be used for alopecia via subcutaneous administration. Conclusions: The current study illuminated the curative effects of possible substances and discussed the efficacy of subcutaneous injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration of methane-rich fluids at submarine cold seeps drives intense microbial activity and precipitation of authigenic carbonates. In this study, we analyzed microbially derived authigenic carbonate samples recently recovered from active gas hydrate mounds on the southwestern slope of the Chukchi Borderlands (CB), western Arctic Ocean. Our main aim was to characterize the distribution patterns of trace elements in carbonate-hosted lipid fractions to assess metalloenzyme requirements of microbes involved in anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). We measured stable isotopes, trace elements, lipid biomarkers, and genomic DNA, and results indicate the dominance of AOM-related lipid biomarkers in studied carbonate samples, as well as a predominant occurrence of the anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME)-1. We also report evidence for significant preferential enrichments of various trace elements (Li, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, and Mo) in the total lipid fractions of CB carbonates, relative to elemental compositions determined for corresponding carbonate fractions, which differ from those previously reported for other seep sites. We hypothesize that trace element enrichments in carbonate-hosted lipid fractions could vary depending on the type of AOM microbial assemblage. Additional work is required to further investigate the mechanisms of lipid-bound trace elements in cold seep carbonates as potential metalloenzymes in AOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Dual carbon isotope analyses reveal contrasting sources of DOC in closed and open estuaries. • The reactivity of riverine DOC exported to estuaries is related to river hydrology. • Aged DOC is more strongly exported to the open estuary during the base flow season. • Longer water residence time in the closed estuary enhances the autochthonous DOC signal. We investigated the source and reactivity of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in two contrasting Korean estuaries: the Geum, a closed system with a dammed river mouth, and the Seomjin, an open estuary system. The average Δ14C DOC value in the Geum estuary (−101.8 ± 38.0 ‰) was higher than that in the Seomjin estuary (−176.4 ± 101.9 ‰). The depleted 14C signal in the Seomjin estuary appears to be associated with a high average monthly Q90/Q50 ratio, which is an indicator of base water flow, and a low DOC:ΣB + ratio, which is an indicator of groundwater flow. This suggests that groundwater in the Seomjin watershed passed through a deeper soil column compared with the Geum watershed, transferring older DOC to the river during the base flow season and into the estuary. In contrast, the Geum estuary dam appears to be associated with higher Δ14C DOC and the export of younger DOC to the estuary due to enhanced primary productivity in the dam reservoir. Our results suggest that input of aged DOC derived from a deeper soil column influenced the estuarine DOC pool in the open Seomjin estuary, and this effect could be dampened by riverine DOC produced in the dam reservoir of the closed Geum estuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate is changing rapidly, and this may pose a major threat to global biodiversity. One of the most distinctive consequences of climate change is the poleward and/or upward shift of species distribution ranges associated with increasing temperatures, resulting in a change of species composition and community structure in the forest ecosystems. The Baekdudaegan mountain range connects most forests from the lowland to the subalpine zone in South Korea and is therefore recognized as one of the most important biodiversity hotspots. This study was conducted to understand the distribution range of vascular plants along elevational gradients through field surveys in the six national parks of the Baekdudaegan mountain range. We identified the upper and lower distribution limits of a total of 873 taxa of vascular plants with 117 families, 418 genera, 793 species, 14 subspecies, 62 varieties, two forms, and two hybrids. A total of 12 conifers were recorded along the elevational gradient. The distribution ranges of Abies koreana, Picea jezoensis, Pinus pumila, and Thuja koraiensis were limited to over 1000 m above sea level. We also identified 21 broad-leaved trees in the subalpine zone. A total of 45 Korean endemic plant species were observed, and of these, 15 taxa (including Aconitum chiisanense and Hanabusaya asiatica) showed a narrow distribution range in the subalpine zone. Our study provides valuable information on the current elevational distribution ranges of vascular plants in the six national parks of South Korea, which could serve as a baseline for vertical shifts under future climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rDNA clusters and flanking sequences on human chromosomes 13, 14, 15, 21 and 22 represent large gaps in the current genomic assembly. The organization and the degree of divergence of the human rDNA units within an individual nucleolar organizer region (NOR) are only partially known. To address this lacuna, we previously applied transformation-associated recombination (TAR) cloning to isolate individual rDNA units from chromosome 21. That approach revealed an unexpectedly high level of heterogeneity in human rDNA, raising the possibility of corresponding variations in ribosome dynamics. We have now applied the same strategy to analyze an entire rDNA array end-to-end from a copy of chromosome 22. Sequencing of TAR isolates provided the entire NOR sequence, including proximal and distal junctions that may be involved in nucleolar function. Comparison of the newly sequenced rDNAs to reference sequence for chromosomes 22 and 21 revealed variants that are shared in human rDNA in individuals from different ethnic groups, many of them at high frequency. Analysis infers comparable intra- and inter-individual divergence of rDNA units on the same and different chromosomes, supporting the concerted evolution of rDNA units. The results provide a route to investigate further the role of rDNA variation in nucleolar formation and in the empirical associations of nucleoli with pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic graphene composite comprising graphene sheets decorated with magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) is an important material with numerous successful and potential applications in electronics, chemistry, physics, and bio-medicine. The further use of this material relies on the development of an appropriate patterning method for the production of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) magnetic graphene composite objects. This study presents a simple and effective strategy to fabricate 2D and 3D micropatterns of Fe 3 O 4 functionalized graphene-polymer (FGP) nanocomposite using extrusion-based 3D printing with a highly loaded FGP nanocomposite ink. The ink consisted of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs), graphene microflakes (GMFs), and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), and was stable and suitable for 3D printing of FGP objects. Various FGP 3D microarchitectures, including a grid, honeycomb, pyramid, and square, were successfully printed using the layer-by-layer (LbL) printing approach. The printed objects exhibited a conductivity of ∼580 S m−1 and magnetic property of 15.8 emu g−1. Successful demonstrations of electronic devices such as a magnet-guided car, a magnetic switch, and a 3D grid for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding are also described herein. This 3D printing approach was effective for the 2D and 3D patterning of functional nanocomposites and shows promise for advanced printed electronic applications. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the expression patterns and relationships among gonadotropin inhibiting hormone (GnIH), gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) mRNA during early developmental phases of Nile tilapia. GnIH mRNA could be detected immediately after hatching and was maintained until 11 weeks post-hatching (wph), at which time presumptive puberty occurs in this species. Subsequently, levels remained low for up to 24 wph. GnIH expression was relatively high until the onset puberty, and started to decrease when the expression of GnRH1, LH-β, and FSH-β mRNA increased. Expression of GnRH1 was low until 11 wph, but increased significantly at 12 wph. Markedly high of expression occurred at 12 and 24 wph. Results from this study suggest that GnIH is involved in the inhibition of sexual maturation during early development periods until the onset of puberty in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical yolk–shell-structured manganese oxide/nitride composite powders comprising Co-nanoparticle-embedded NCNTs are successfully fabricated as oxygen electrode catalysts for Li–O 2 batteries. The synergetic effect of the unique hierarchical yolk–shell structure, uniformly dispersed NCNTs, and the manganese oxide/nitride catalyst were responsible for the superior performances of the unique-structured powders as the cathode material for Li-O 2 batteries. • Hierarchical yolk–shell structured composite powders with N-doped carbon nanotubes are synthesized. • Synthesized powders exhibit high electrocatalytic activities toward both oxygen reduction and evolution. • Synthesized powders shows excellent catalytic performances for O 2 electrodes of Li–O 2 batteries. An air-electrode catalyst material with a hierarchically porous structure and efficient chemical composition can improve the performances of lithium–oxygen (Li–O 2) batteries. In this study, hierarchically yolk–shell structured manganese oxide/manganese nitride composite powders comprising Co-nanoparticle-embedded N-doped carbon nanotubes (yCo–NCNT–Mn) are successfully fabricated as O 2 -electrode catalysts for Li–O 2 batteries. The as-prepared yCo–NCNT–Mn powders exhibit high electrocatalytic activities toward both oxygen reduction and evolution. The Li–O 2 battery with yCo–NCNT–Mn exhibits a high capacity (22,344 mA h g−1 at 200 mA g−1), low charge overpotential (0.25 V), and long cycling life (227 cycles at 200 mA g−1 and cut-off capacity of 500 mA h g−1). Experimental analyses reveal that the improved electrochemical performance can be attributed to the synergistic advantages of the electrically conductive NCNTs and excellent catalytic activity of the bifunctional catalyst as the composite form of Co, NCNT, MnO, and Mn 4 N. Moreover, the unique hierarchical yolk–shell structure increases the capacity by providing a sufficient space to accommodate Li 2 O 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of a spherical multi-compartment MRI phantom is demonstrated that can be used to validate magnetic resonance (MR)-based susceptibility imaging reconstruction. The phantom consists of a 10 cm diameter gelatin sphere that encloses multiple smaller gelatin spheres doped with different concentrations of paramagnetic contrast agents. Compared to previous multi-compartment phantoms with cylindrical geometry, the phantom provides the following benefits: (1) no compartmental barrier materials are used that can introduce signal voids and spurious phase; (2) compartmental geometry is reproducible; (3) spherical susceptibility boundaries possess a ground-truth analytical phase solution for easy experimental validation; (4) spherical geometry of the overall phantom eliminates background phase due to air-phantom boundary in any scan orientation. The susceptibility of individual compartments can be controlled independently by doping. During fabrication, formalin cross-linking and water-proof surface coating effectively blocked water diffusion between the compartments to preserve the phantom's integrity. The spherical shapes were realized by molding the inner gel compartments in acrylic spherical shells, 3 cm in diameter, and constructing the whole phantom inside a larger acrylic shell. From gradient echo images obtained at 3T, we verified that the phantom produced phase images in agreement with the theoretical prediction. Factors that limit the agreement include: air bubbles trapped at the gel interfaces, imperfect magnet shimming, and the susceptibility of external materials such as the phantom support hardware. The phantom images were used to validate publicly available codes for quantitative susceptibility mapping. We believe that the proposed phantom can provide a useful testbed for validation of MR phase imaging and MR-based magnetic susceptibility reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The motion and added resistance of flexible ships are numerically analyzed using a fluid–structure interaction model. To analyze the interaction model, whole domain is split up into two domains: the fluid and structural domains. The fluid domain is analyzed using a Rankine panel method (RPM) and the structural domain is analyzed using finite element method (FEM). Two domains are coupled using eigenvectors. The added resistance of rigid and flexible ships are computed using two formulas: a direct pressure integration formulation and a momentum conservation formulation. The direct pressure integration formulation of the rigid ship is extended to the flexible ship. The blunt modified Wigley model is selected as a test model. The motion of the flexible ship is compared with the motion of a rigid ship, and the change in motion response is examined. The added resistance of the flexible ship obtained from the two numerical formulations is compared, and the results agreed well. In order to identify the effect on a real ship, the presented formulation is applied to a 18,000 TEU container ship. The flexible deformation and change in added resistance of this ship are small. Compared to a rigid body, a slight decrease of added resistance is observed if wavelength and ship length are similar. Highlights • Numerical computation for added resistance on ship in waves is performed. • The body is assumed flexible, so that the hydroelasticity of ship structure is considered. • Structural hull-girder response is solved using a modal approach and three-dimensional FEM eigen-value analysis. • Fully-coupled fluid–structure analysis is carried out for ship motion and structural response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted in order to improve gene expression efficiency of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-transfected mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using a non-viral carrier and a simplified method of dual gene selection. The therapeutic efficacy of this MSC-based IGF-1/enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) dual gene sorting system was evaluated in a rat myocardial infarction (MI) model. IGF-1 and EGFP genes were expressed in MSCs in vitro. The purity of dual gene-expressing MSCs was 95.1% by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Transfected MSCs injected into rats were identified based on green fluorescence, with an increased signal intensity observed in rats injected with sorted cells, compared with unsorted cells. IGF-1 expression levels were additionally increased in the sorted group, and decreases in infarct size, fibrotic area and fraction of apoptotic cells were observed. These results demonstrated that IGF-1 overexpression protects against fibrosis and apoptosis in the myocardium and reduces infarct size following MI. Additionally, the present vector sorting system may potentially be applied to other types of stem cell-based gene therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing an efficient and effective air electrode catalyst material is the most intrinsic requisite for rechargeable lithium-oxygen (Li-O 2 ) batteries showing long cycling lives and high rate capacities. Here, we present for the first time, hierarchical multiroom-structured molybdenum carbide/carbon composite microspheres grafted with Ni nanoparticle-embedded N-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) (i.e., mNi-NCNT-MoC-C), which are prepared by pilot-scale spray drying and subsequent surface growth of NCNT bundles. The designed mNi-NCNT-MoC-C microspheres show efficient bifunctional catalytic activities toward both oxygen reduction and evolution. In addition, the hierarchical multiroom structure of mNi-NCNT-MoC-C microspheres increases the discharge capacity by providing sufficient space to accommodate Li 2 O 2 , which forms during discharging. A Li-O 2 battery prepared using mNi-NCNT-MoC-C microspheres as an air electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical performances including a long cycle life (199 cycles) and low overpotentials of 0.20 and 0.21 V for charging and discharging, respectively. The synergetic effects of efficient morphology (i.e., the multiroom structure), highly electrocatalytically active materials (i.e., NCNT, Ni, and MoC), and high electrical conductivity (imparted by the NCNTs) is responsible for the superior performance of mNi-NCNT-MoC-C microspheres as an air cathode material for Li-O 2 batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design rules for very large seagoing vessels are undergoing changes owing to the hydroelasticity of the ship. The hydroelasticity of the ship is in the form of wave-induced vibrations such as springing and whipping, which are known to aggravate fatigue and extreme loads. The present study deals with a method for the estimation of extreme loads. The method consists of a preliminary analysis of linear responses of motions and loads, and a sequential analysis of the nonlinear extreme load. First, a full-time series of the linear response is obtained using response amplitude operators and wave spectra. Next, the candidate waves of extreme event are extracted from the full-time series based on the linear response. The linear response may be a motion or a load depending on the target value of the sequential analysis. Finally, the sequential analysis is conducted using a fully coupled model of the three-dimensional Rankine panel method, three-dimensional finite-element method, and two-dimensional generalized Wagner model with the candidate waves. The method is validated for a nonlinear hogging moment in a short-term sea state and applied for a long-term prediction of an extreme hogging moment on an ultra-large containership. The extreme values of linear and nonlinear loads are compared in terms of the most probable value and probabilistic distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gonadal development and sexual maturation of fish are often related to photic conditions. We attempted to utilise the direct application of melatonin to elicit similar effects in the absence of photoperiod manipulation. We found no significant differences in somatic growth between melatonin-treated groups and controls, indicating that melatonin administration did not negatively affect the growth of the experimental fish. Treatment with low-dose melatonin (0.3 mg/kg BW) resulted in a decrease in spawning frequency, number of spawned eggs and gonadosomatic index in female tilapia. In male tilapia, low-dose melatonin was associated with a decrease in sperm count, spermatocrit and spermatozoa activity index, implying that exogenous melatonin might mimic the effects of shortened light photoperiod, which suppresses reproductive activity in this species. These results suggest the possibility that an optimised dose of melatonin treatment could be used to control the spawning behaviour of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long chain alkyl diols (LCDs) have previously been used to develop several diol indices as a proxy for upwelling or stratification conditions and sea surface temperatures. However, there is still a lack of data on the distribution of LCDs in the Pacific Ocean, which calls into question to what extent these diol indices can serve as a proxy in the Pacific Ocean. Hence, we investigated the distribution of LCDs in suspended particulate matter (SPM) samples collected in July 2015 along a south-north transect ranging from the East Sea of Korea to the Bering Sea in the northwestern Pacific region. Our results showed that both saturated and unsaturated C 28 and C 30 1,14-diols were dominant in most SPM samples investigated. The principal component analysis (PCA) results of the SPM data revealed that the C 28:1 and C 30:1 1,14-diols were positively associated with nutrient concentrations. However, only the C 28:1 1,14-diol in addition to the C 28 1,14-diol was positively associated with nutrient concentrations in the global surface sediment data set previously published, while the C 30:1 1,14-diol was related to sea surface temperature (SST). Based on these observations, we defined a new diol index, i.e., the nutrient diol index (NDI), which included the C 28 1,14-diol as well as the C 28:1 1,14-diol in the numerator and all the 1,13-, 1,14-, and 1,15-diols, excluding the C 32 1,15-diol, in the denominator. The NDI was positively associated with the ocean atlas values of surface water phosphate and nitrate concentrations for the SPM and surface sediment data sets. Accordingly, the results of our study showed that the NDI has potential as a quantitative nutrient proxy for estimating sea surface phosphate (or nitrate) changes. Further studies should be undertaken in order to assess the applicability of the NDI as a paleo-nutrient proxy for confidently reconstructing surface water nutrient variations in the past, by analyzing more SPM, surface sediments, and sediment cores collected from various oceanic settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual maturation and gonadal development of fish is greatly influenced by photic information, an external environmental factor, and melatonin mediates this information to regulate gonadotropin (GTH) secretion and gonadal activation. The relationship between gonadotropin inhibiting hormone (GnIH) and melatonin in fish, however, has not been studied to date. Here, the GnIH expression pattern and daily change of melatonin levels were compared to each other in mature tilapia (body length 16.1 ± 0.2 cm, body weight 77.7 ± 3.43 g), and the effect of melatonin injection on GnIH gene expression was investigated. GnIH gene expression increased at night when the secretion of melatonin increased, whereas gene expression decreased during the day when melatonin secretion decreased. Injecting tilapia intraperitoneally with melatonin increased GnIH gene expression and decreased the expression of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and GTH. Furthermore, the injection decreased the 11-KT concentration in male tilapia. These results indicate that melatonin is likely to suppress the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis via the action of GnIH in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Unique-structured (Mn 1/3 Co 2/3 )O-carbon nanotubes (MnCoO-CNT) composite microspheres synthesized by one-pot spray pyrolysis were studied as air electrode for lithium–oxygen (Li-O 2 ) batteries. The (Mn 1/3 Co 2/3 )O nanocrystals were first introduced as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) and oxygen evolution reactions (OERs). In addition, the optimum structure of CNT microspheres was designed as efficient support material for (Mn 1/3 Co 2/3 )O nanocatalysts with high electrical conductivity and high accommodation ability for Li 2 O 2 products. The macroporous MnCoO-CNT composite microspheres exhibited excellent bifunctional oxygen catalytic activities in terms of a positive half-wave potential (0.67 V) for ORRs and high limiting diffusion current (35 mA cm −2 at 1.0 V) for OERs. When applied as a cathode material for Li–O 2 batteries, the MnCoO–CNT microspheres delivered a high discharge capacity (37142 mA h g −1 at 200 mA g −1 ), excellent rate capability (4458 mA h g −1 at 2000 mA g −1 ), and long-term cycle stability (245 cycles at a capacity of 500 mA h g −1 at 200 mA g −1 ). The synergetic effect of macroporous CNT microspheres with high electrical conductivity and high electrocatalytic activities of the (Mn 1/3 Co 2/3 )O nanocatalyst were responsible for the superior performance of MnCoO–CNT composite microspheres as cathode material for Li–O 2 batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Going beyond looking at the direct association between psychological issues (loneliness and ADHD) and problematic use of media (smartphone), the present study examined the covert mechanism connecting the two. NSA (need for social assurance) and NIC (need for immediate connection) were selected as mediating steps between the two. A total of 615 U.S. American participants were recruited nationally for survey participation. Research findings suggest that individuals who are lonely would rely on smartphone hoping to be connected with and get assurance from others, but might end up struggling with problematic use of smartphone. Those with ADHD showed higher levels of loneliness, NSA, NIC, and problematic use of smartphone, and also showed stronger associations linking loneliness, NSA and NIC compared to those without ADHD. Face-to-face (FtF) interaction decreased the association between NSA and NIC for those with ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational design of efficient, affordable, and durable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is essential for rechargeable lithium-oxygen (Li–O 2 ) batteries. We present for the first time hierarchical hollow microspheres grafted with metallic Co-embedded bamboo-like N-doped carbon nanotube bundles (Co-b-NCNTs hollow microspheres) as oxygen electrodes for Li-air batteries. Hierarchical composite microspheres are prepared via a facile two-step process involving synthesis of Co 3 O 4 -MgO hollow microspheres by spray pyrolysis, followed by internal and external growth of bamboo-like NCNTs in the shells. During post-treatment, metallic Co and MgO nanoparticles play key respective roles in catalyzing in-situ growth of NCNTs and maintaining structural integrity of the composites. The hierarchical composite structure with Co and N doping not only provides ample active sites for the OER and ORR, but also sufficient space for storing produced Li 2 O 2 . Thus, Co-b-NCNTs hollow microspheres exhibit high initial round-trip efficiency, long-term cycling and ultrahigh rate performances when applied as oxygen electrodes for Li–O 2 batteries. The initial discharge capacity and round-trip efficiency at a current density of 200 mA g −1 are 28,968 mA h g −1 and 78.2%, respectively. Specific capacities at cutoff capacities of 500 and 1000 mA h g −1 are stable for 201 and 157 cycles, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve subjects wore an N95 filtering facepiece respirator (N95 FFR), one tight-fitting full facepiece powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), two loose-fitting PAPRs, and one elastomeric/PAPR hybrid for 1 hr each during treadmill walking at 5.6 km/hr while undergoing physiological and subjective response monitoring. No significant interaction (p ≥ .05) was noted between the five respirators in heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, transcutaneous carbon dioxide, and perceptions of breathing effort or discomfort, exertion, facial heat, and overall body heat. Respirator deadspace heat/humidity were significantly greater for the N95 FFR, whereas tympanic forehead skin temperatures were significantly greater for the hybrid PAPR. Temperature of the facial skin covered by the respirator was equivalent for the N95 FFR and hybrid PAPR, and both were significantly higher than for the other three PAPRs. Perception of eye dryness was significantly greater for a tight-fitting full facepiece PAPR than the N95 FFR and hybrid PAPR. At a low-moderate work rate over 1 hr, effects on cardiopulmonary variables, breathing perceptions, and facial and overall body heat perceptions did not differ significantly between the four PAPRs and a N95 FFR, but the tight-fitting, full facepiece PAPR increased perceptions of eye dryness. The two loose-fitting PAPRs and the full facepiece tight-fitting PAPR ameliorated exercise-induced increases in facial temperature, but this did not translate to improved perception of facial heat and overall body heat. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: to determine the correlation of umbilical temperatures (Tumb) with simultaneously recorded chest wall temperature (Tchest) and rectal temperature (Trectal) in adults during rest, heat exposure and exercise. Methods: A total of 28 healthy men, wearing different types of clothing (athletic garb, a spandex full body heating garment, firefighter bunker gear) had average and peak umbilical, chest wall and rectal temperature measurements taken during sedentary temperature stabilisation stages, heat exposure periods and active exercise phases. Results: Curvilinear relationships were noted between Tchestand Tumbcompared with Trectal and their association became noticeably positive and linear at approximately 35.5°C. Polynomial regression analysis of Trectal with linear and quadratic forms of Tchest and Tumb indicated an overall R² of 0.657 and 0.767, respectively. Bivariate analysis of a restricted data set (where Tchest and Tumb≥35.5°), indicated that Tumb was significantly associated with Trectal(raverage =0.710, p<0.001; rpeak =0.841, p<0.001) and Tchest was also significantly associated with Trectal, but less so (raverage =0.570, p<0.001; rpeak =0.699, p<0.001). Conclusions: the umbilicus offers a non-invasive, peripheral site for measurement of temperature that more closely correlated with body core temperature than Tchestwhen core temperature was ≥35.5 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a fully coupled fluid–structure interaction model was used to compute the mean drift force on a flexible barge under various wave conditions. The fluid domain was solved using a time domain B-spline 3-D Rankine panel method. The structural domain was modeled using a shell-element-based 3-D finite element model. The fluid model was coupled with the 3-D FE model via eigenvectors. Seakeeping analysis of the flexible body was performed by the fully coupled model. In the computation of drift force, two approaches were employed: a near-field method and a far-field method. The near-field method included an extension of the rigid body formula in the flexible body formula. The far-field method used the same formula for the rigid body and the flexible body. To the knowledge of the authors, it was not easy to find validation data for the mean drift force on a flexible barge. Therefore, an indirect validation was conducted by comparison of numerical results using a different approach. As a test model, a virtual barge model was used. The motion and mean drift force on the rigid barge were compared with the results of a commercial software, WADAM. The mean drift force on the flexible barge was compared to the results of the near-field and far-field methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of the Amazon River is a much-discussed subject, and the timing of the development of a transcontinental system in particular is a matter of some controversy, with estimations varying between the Early Miocene and the Pliocene or even the Pleistocene. To shed further light on this, we studied the sediment provenance of an Oligocene to Late Pleistocene marine sedimentary section from the Ceará Rise (ODP Site 925), a topographic high in the central Atlantic Ocean, using major element concentrations and Nd isotopic composition in 85 samples. In addition, the carbon isotopic composition of bulk organic matter and changes in the distribution of glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) were used to identify periods of increased river outflow. On the basis of these results, we suggest that the history of the development of the Amazon River is characterized by specific steps. During the late Oligocene/Early Miocene (30–18.3 Ma), the terrigenous mass accumulation rates (TARs) were high, and sediment and GDGT compositions suggest that a large river system existed, which at times received weathering products from a younger and probably Andean sediment source. A shift to a younger Andean sediment provenance after 8.7 Ma indicates that the Amazon River became permanently connected with the Andes. Between 18.3 and 4.5 Ma, TARs were generally low, and GDGTs were derived for the most part from in situ production in marine waters. Around 4.5 Ma, the river expanded, probably due to ongoing tectonic activity, and uplift in the Andes increased Andean rock erosion. This led to a strong increase in terrigenous sediment deposition and enhanced organic matter preservation on the Ceará Rise, and the delivery of terrestrial (both soil and riverine) branched GDGTs to the Ceará Rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical-structured SnO-SnO 2 composite powders and SnO nanoplates with some SnO 2 nanorods are prepared by one-pot spray pyrolysis. Dicyandiamide dissolved in the spray solution plays a key role in the preparation of the hierarchical-structured SnO-SnO 2 composite powder and SnO nanoplates. The hierarchical-structured SnO-SnO 2 composite powders, in which the SnO nanoplates are trapped in the porous SnO 2 nanosphere, are prepared by spray pyrolysis at 800 °C. Sufficient conversion of the porous SnO 2 nanospheres to SnO at 900 °C results in aggregation-free SnO 2 nanoplates. SnO 2 nanorods with a spherical nanodroplet at the tip are formed by Ostwald ripening. The hierarchical-structured SnO-SnO 2 composite powder having high structural stability during repeated lithium alloying and dealloying reactions, shows superior discharge capacities and rate performances for lithium-ion storage compared to those of the dense-structured SnO 2 powders. The discharge capacities of the hierarchical-structured SnO-SnO 2 composite powders, SnO nanoplates with SnO 2 nanorods, and dense-structured SnO 2 powders at a current density of 1 A g −1 for the 300th cycle are 561, 504, and 416 mA h g −1 , respectively. The SnO nanoplates with SnO 2 nanorods and hierarchical-structured SnO-SnO 2 powders deliver high reversible discharge capacities of 433 and 379 mA h g −1 at an extremely high current density of 10 A g −1 , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Although antipsychotic treatment often causes weight gain and lipid abnormalities, quantitative analyses of tissue-specific body fat content and its distribution along with adipokines have not been reported for antipsychotic-treated patients. Objectives: The purposes of the present study were to quantitatively assess abdominal and liver fat in patients with schizophrenia on antipsychotic treatment and age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls and to evaluate their associations with plasma leptin and adiponectin levels. Methods: In 13 schizophrenia patients on antipsychotic treatment and 11 age- and BMI-matched controls, we simultaneously quantified visceral and subcutaneous fat content using T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and liver fat content by H magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Associations of tissue-specific fat content with plasma levels of leptin and adiponectin were evaluated. Results: Plasma adiponectin level (μg/mL) was not statistically different between groups (7.02 ± 2.67 vs. 7.59 ± 2.92), whereas plasma leptin level (ng/mL) trended to be higher in patients than in controls (11.82 ± 7.89 vs. 7.93 ± 5.25). The values of liver fat (%), visceral fat (L), and subcutaneous fat (L) were 9.64 ± 8.03 vs. 7.07 ± 7.35, 4.41 ± 1.64 vs. 3.31 ± 1.97, and 8.37 ± 3.34 vs. 7.16 ± 2.99 in patients vs. controls, respectively. Liver fat content was inversely correlated with adiponectin in controls ( r = − 0.87, p < 0.001) but not in patients ( r = − 0.26, p = 0.39). In both groups, visceral fat was inversely associated with adiponectin (controls : r = − 0.66, p = 0.03; patients : r = − 0.65, p = 0.02), while subcutaneous fat was positively correlated with leptin (controls : r = 0.90, p < 0.001; patients : r = 0.67, p = 0.01). Conclusions: These findings suggest that antipsychotic treatment may disrupt the physiological relationship between liver fat content and adiponectin but does not essentially affect the associations of adiponectin and leptin with visceral and subcutaneous compartments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiologic studies have indicated that albuminuria is associated with mortality from all causes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), with substantial heterogeneity. We evaluated if the associations of urine albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) with all-cause and CVD mortality differed depending on serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), strong lipophilic chemical mixtures with very long half-lives, which are recently linked to many degenerative diseases. Study subjects were participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004 who were 60 years or older at baseline (n=1215 and 1067 for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and other POPs, respectively). They were followed-up through 2011 (mean follow-up periods: 8.1 and 8.0 years for OCPs and other POPs, respectively). The associations between the ACR and all-cause mortality significantly differed by the serum levels of POPs, especially organochlorine pesticides (OCPs; P interaction <0.01). Stratified analyses indicated that the associations between ACR and all-cause mortality became stronger as the serum levels of OCPs increased. Among the elderly with the highest tertile of OCPs, the adjusted hazard ratios were 1.0, 1.1, and 2.9 (P trend <0.01) across the categories of ACR (<10, 10–<30, and ≥30 mg/g); however, ACR was not clearly related to mortality among the elderly with the lowest tertile of OCPs. CVD mortality showed similar interactions, as noted for all-cause mortality (P interaction <0.01). The different associations between albuminuria and mortality by the serum OCP levels and the little association among the elderly with low serum OCPs levels suggest that OCPs play an important role in albuminuria-related death risk. However, these findings need to be replicated in other cohort studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long chain alkyl diols are lipids that occur ubiquitously in marine sediments and are used as a proxy for sea surface temperature (SST), using the Long chain Diol Index (LDI), and for upwelling intensity/high nutrient conditions. The distribution of 1,13- and 1,15-diols has been documented in open marine and lacustrine sediments and suspended particulate matter, but rarely in coastal seas receiving a significant riverine, and thus continental organic matter, input. Here we studied the distribution of diols in four shelf seas with major river outflows: the Gulf of Lion, the Kara Sea, the Amazon shelf and the Berau delta, covering a wide range of climate conditions. The relative abundance of the C 32 1,15-diol is consistently higher close to the river mouth and particularly in the suspended particulate matter of the rivers suggesting a terrigenous source. This is supported by statistical analysis which points out a significant positive correlation between the C 32 1,15-diol and the Branched and Isoprenoid Tetraether index, a proxy reflecting soil and riverine input in marine environments. However, the C 32 1,15-diol was not detected in soils and is unlikely to be derived from vegetation, suggesting that the C 32 1,15-diol is mainly produced in rivers. This agrees with the observation that it is a dominant diol in most cultivated freshwater eustigmatophyte algae. We, therefore, suggest that the relative abundance of the C 32 1,15-diol can potentially be used as a proxy for riverine organic matter input in shelf seas. Our results also show that long chain alkyl diols delivered by rivers can substantially affect LDI-reconstructed SSTs in coastal regions close to river mouths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study looks at the interplay between cultural traits (need for uniqueness [NFU] and naïve dialecticism) and situational pressure (majority–minority influence) in explaining decision-making behaviors, specifically choosing one option between two contradictory but equally convincing opinions. A total of 435 participants were recruited nationally both from the US and Korea to participate in an online experiment. Findings suggest that the NFU and disinclination toward ambivalence drive US Americans (Westerners) to move toward extreme opinions (polarize) more than Koreans (East Asians) in the majority condition, whereas naïve dialecticism and reluctance to stand out for the sake of harmony drive Koreans to merge into the middle (compromise) more than US Americans in the minority condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines two possible routes lonely people can take to alleviate their loneliness: One route via escape motivation and smartphone-mediated communication vs. another route via relationship motivation and face-to-face interaction. Two hypothesized path models were tested with a total of 930 U.S. American participants who were nationally recruited through a professional survey company. Those with a high level of loneliness tend to rely more on smartphone-mediated communication, while being reluctant to engage in face-to-face interaction. Such combination of the two increases the possibility of developing problematic use of smartphone but decreases perceived social support from their social networks. Furthermore, a multi-group analysis suggested that young adults of age 31–40 would develop problematic use of smartphone more than adolescents of age 13–18. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated molecular distributions and stable carbon isotopic compositions (δ 13 C) of sedimentary n -alkanes (C 15 C 35 ) in the riverbank and marine surface sediments to trace natural and anthropogenic organic carbon (OC) sources in the eastern Yellow Sea which is a river dominated marginal sea. Molecular distributions of n -alkanes are overall dominated by odd-carbon-numbered high molecular weight n -C 27 , n -C 29 , and n -C 31 . The δ 13 C signatures of n -C 27 , n -C 29 , and n -C 31 indicate a large contribution of C 3 gymnosperms as the main source of n -alkanes, with the values of −29.5 ± 1.3‰, −30.3 ± 2.0‰, and −30.0 ± 1.7‰, respectively. However, the contribution of thermally matured petroleum-derived OC to the sedimentary OC pool is also evident, especially in the southern part of the study area as shown by the low carbon preference index (CPI 25-33 , <1) and natural n -alkanes ratio (NAR, <−0.6) values. Notably, the even-carbon-numbered long-chain n -C 28 and n -C 30 in this area have higher δ 13 C values (−26.2 ± 1.5‰ and −26.5 ± 1.9‰, respectively) than the odd-carbon-numbered long-chain n -C 29 and n -C 31 (−28.4 ± 2.7‰ and −28.4 ± 2.4‰, respectively), confirming two different sources of long-chain n -alkanes. Hence, our results highlight a possible influence of petroleum-induced OC on benthic food webs in this ecosystem. However, the relative proportions of the natural and petroleum-derived OC sources are not calculated due to the lack of biogeochemical end-member data in the study area. Hence, more works are needed to constrain the end-member values of the organic material supplied from the rivers to the eastern Yellow Sea and thus to better understand the source and depositional process of sedimentary OC in the eastern Yellow Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) supported anatase TiO 2 nanostructures were designed for sodium ion battery anode application, which were prepared by simple one-step technique spray pyrolysis, in order to inhibit the aggregation of TiO 2 nanoparticles and to improve the electrochemical performance. The as-prepared TiO 2 -RGO nanostructured composites had high surface area, massive pores, and excellent structural stability, which were highly adequate for application in sodium ion batteries. It showed high initial discharge and charge capacities of 506 and 225 mAh g −1 , respectively, at a current density of 168 mA g −1 . However, pure anatase TiO 2 was lower initial discharge and charge capacities of 60 and 14 mAh g −1 . The discharge capacities of the TiO 2 -RGO composite for the 500 th cycle was still maintained as 148 mAh g −1 with coulombic efficiency of above 98%. Therefore, the results demonstrate that the TiO 2 -RGO composite will be expected to be a promising anode material for sodium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel series of aryl(1,5-disubstituted pyrazol-3-yl)methyl sulfonamide derivatives was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for T-type calcium channel (α 1G and α 1H ) inhibitory activity. We identified several compounds, 9a , 9b , 9g , and 9h that displayed good T-type channel inhibitory potency with low hERG channel and CYP450 inhibition. Among them, 9a and 9b exhibited neuropathic pain alleviation effects in mechanical and cold allodynia induced in the SNL rat model. Compounds 9a and 9b displayed better efficacy than mibefradil and gabapentin against cold allodynia. In particular, compound 9a seemed to be valuable as shown fast acting performance in mechanical neuropathic pain model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of aryls, including benzo[ d ]imidazole/isoxazole/pyrazole, conjugated to 3 N -substituted-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane derivatives were designed and synthesized as inhibitors of T-type calcium channels. Among the synthesized compounds, 3 N - R -substituted azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane carboxamide derivatives containing 5-isobutyl-1-phenyl-pyrazole ring exhibited potent and selective T-channel inhibition and good metabolic stability without CYP450 inhibition. Compounds 10d and 10e contained hydrophobic substituents at the 3 N -position and exhibited potent in vitro efficacy, as well as neuropathic pain alleviation in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2(15d-PGJ2), a representative J-series cyclopentenone prostaglandin, has biphasic roles in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) regulates expression of various genes involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis. In the present study, treatment of human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells with 15d-PGJ2resulted in the accumulation of the α-subunit of HIF-1. Pretreatment with zinc protoporphyrin IX, a pharmacological inhibitor of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), as well as siRNA knockdown ofHO-1gene in MCF-7 cells attenuated 15d-PGJ2-mediated HIF-1α accumulation. 15d-PGJ2treatment increased intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was mediated by HO-1 induction. Preincubation of MCF-7 cells with trolox, a water-soluble form of vitamin E, attenuated 15d-PGJ2-induced HIF-1α expression although HO-1 expression was unchanged. This finding suggests that ROS accumulated as a consequence of HO-1 up-regulation can enhance HIF-1α expression in MCF-7 cells treated with 15d-PGJ2. Alternatively, 15d-PGJ2was found to covalently bind to HIF-1α prolyl-4-hydroxylase 2 (PHD2) in MCF-7 cells, which hampers the proline hydroxylation of HIF-1α, thereby disrupting ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation of this transcription factor. Pretreatment with thiol reducing agents blunted 15d-PGJ2-induced HIF-1α stabilization, indicative of a cysteine residue as a direct target of 15d-PGJ2. Molecular docking analysis suggests that 15d-PGJ2preferentially binds to PHD2 in the vicinity of the Cys201residue based on binding energies and carbon–sulfur distances. In summary, 15d-PGJ2stabilizes HIF-1α in MCF-7 cells through HO-1 induction with subsequent ROS generation and also through direct modification of PHD2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple two-step method involving a large-scale spray drying process is developed to synthesize metal selenide-amorphous carbon (AC) composite powders (on a kilogram scale) for use as anodes in sodium-ion batteries. The composite powders of iron salt, dextrin, and H 2 SeO 3 are generated in a spray drying process to form the FeSe 2 -AC composite powders by a one-pot post-treatment process under a reducing atmosphere. The ultrafine FeSe 2 single crystals with sizes below 20 nm are uniformly dispersed within the amorphous carbon in the FeSe 2 -AC composite powders prepared from the spray solution with 30 g L − 1 dextrin. The discharge capacities of the powders prepared from spray solutions with 0, 10, 20, and 30 g L − 1 dextrin for the 150th cycle at a current density of 0.5 A g − 1 are 85, 194, 203, 379 mA h g − 1 , respectively; their corresponding capacity retentions measured from the second cycle are 19%, 40%, 46%, and 99%. The spherical shape of the FeSe 2 -AC composite powders is maintained even after 100 cycles. The FeSe 2 -AC composite powders maintain a high structural stability during repeated sodium insertion and desertion processes, and show superior cycling and rate performances compared to those of the bare FeSe 2 powders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall understanding of the molecular etiologies of intellectual disability (ID) and developmental delay (DD) is increasing as next-generation sequencing technologies identify genetic variants in individuals with such disorders. However, detailed analyses conclusively confirming these variants, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms explaining the diseases, are often lacking. Here, we report on an ID syndrome caused by de novo heterozygous loss-of-function (LoF) mutations in SON . The syndrome is characterized by ID and/or DD, malformations of the cerebral cortex, epilepsy, vision problems, musculoskeletal abnormalities, and congenital malformations. Knockdown of son in zebrafish resulted in severe malformation of the spine, brain, and eyes. Importantly, analyses of RNA from affected individuals revealed that genes critical for neuronal migration and cortex organization ( TUBG1 , FLNA , PNKP , WDR62 , PSMD3 , and HDAC6 ) and metabolism ( PCK2 , PFKL , IDH2 , ACY1 , and ADA ) are significantly downregulated because of the accumulation of mis-spliced transcripts resulting from erroneous SON-mediated RNA splicing. Our data highlight SON as a master regulator governing neurodevelopment and demonstrate the importance of SON-mediated RNA splicing in human development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the source, composition and reactivity of sedimentary organic carbon (OC) in a river-dominated continental marginal sea, the eastern Yellow Sea. A multi-proxy approach was applied to 9 riverbank sediments and 69 marine surface sediments, combining bulk and molecular organic parameters. The riverbank sediments ( n = 9 ) have on average low C/N ratio (4.8±0.5) and enriched δ 13 C TOC values (–21.5±0.6%) while the BIT index is on average 0.27. The sedimentary OC in the marine surface sediments appears to have a predominantly marine origin (on average C/N ratio=7.0±0.6 and δ 13 C TOC =–21.9±0.5%, n = 69 ) with minor contribution of continental (i.e. soil- and lake/river-derived) OC (on average BIT index=0.00±0.01, n = 69 ). However, the Δ 14 C values were depleted (on average –227±53%, n = 8 ). Accordingly, our results highlight that fossil OC, potentially derived from erosion of sedimentary bedrocks in the catchment areas and/or human activities is being contributed to the sedimentary OC pool in the eastern Yellow Sea. More work is needed to better constrain the source, composition, and age of the organic material supplied to the eastern Yellow Sea, given the lack of biogeochemical data from the Korean rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated surface sediments collected along a Mackenzie Trough transect during the R/V Araon expeditions (ARA04C, ARA05C, and ARA08C) in the Beaufort Sea in 2013, 2014, and 2017. We applied various inorganic and organic geochemical tools (major elements, carbon and nitrogen contents, stable carbon and radiocarbon isotope compositions, and molecular biomarkers) in combination with sedimentological measurements (mineral surface area (SA) and grain size) to assess the source and burial characteristics of organic carbon (OC). In general, the sediment mean grain size decreased with water depth whereas the SA increased, resulting in a decrease in the OC loading and the burial efficiency of terrestrial OC. The sedimentary OC was further influenced by the loss of terrestrial OC and replacement with marine OC with increasing water depth. Accordingly, our results suggest that hydrodynamic sorting and degradation of terrestrial OC co-occurred together with the enrichment of marine OC with distance offshore. Such processes controlled the burial and reactivity of terrestrial OC along the Mackenzie Trough transect. [Display omitted] • The OC loading and burial efficiency of terrestrial OC decreased with distance offshore. • The contribution of marine OC to sedimentary OC increased with water depth. • Hydrodynamic sorting and degradation of terrestrial OC occurred during transport. • The change of the relative contribution of terrestrial and marine OC controlled the composition of sedimentary OC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with a benchmark test on the performance of seakeeping analysis codes, which was carried out as part of the 2nd ITTC–ISSC joint workshop in 2014. Eleven institutes participated in the benchmark test with seventeen analysis codes. The target ship was the 6750-TEU containership, and the test of its flexible scale model was conducted by KRISO. A test matrix was composed of one condition for linear responses and three conditions for nonlinear responses. Participants were requested to conduct computational simulations and submit their heave, pitch, and vertical bending moment results in head regular waves. The computational results obtained are compared with each other using statistical analysis. The comparison reveals the performances and trends of the computational results. In addition, all the model data is included in the paper in order to encourage readers to participate in the benchmark test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Dysregulation of MLL complex-mediated histone methylation plays a pivotal role in gene expression associated with diseases, but little is known about cellular factors modulating MLL complex activity. Here, we report that SON, previously known as an RNA splicing factor, controls MLL complex-mediated transcriptional initiation. SON binds to DNA near transcription start sites, interacts with menin, and inhibits MLL complex assembly, resulting in decreased H3K4me3 and transcriptional repression. Importantly, alternatively spliced short isoforms of SON are markedly upregulated in acute myeloid leukemia. The short isoforms compete with full-length SON for chromatin occupancy but lack the menin-binding ability, thereby antagonizing full-length SON function in transcriptional repression while not impairing full-length SON-mediated RNA splicing. Furthermore, overexpression of a short isoform of SON enhances replating potential of hematopoietic progenitors. Our findings define SON as a fine-tuner of the MLL-menin interaction and reveal short SON overexpression as a marker indicating aberrant transcriptional initiation in leukemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In some studies based on social identity perspectives, identification with others and conformity to a majority opinion have been indisputable outcomes when individuals involved all look alike. In contrast, another group of studies suggests individuals in a visually deindividuated condition are reluctant to agree with a majority opinion. To investigate such inconsistency, we set up and tested a hypothesized model that compares two processes that provide competing predictions about the effect of uniform visual cue on conformity: the social identification process derived from the social identity model of deindividuation effects (SIDE) and the compensatory nonconformity process derived from optimal distinctiveness theory (ODT). We also investigate how changes in the visual cue conditions affect those two processes. Implications are discussed regarding the comparison of two models and the investigation of conditions under which either process is more or less operant during group interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-modified zeolite was prepared by ion-exchange of zeolite with ferric chloride and calcination, for effective spin conversion of ortho- to-para-hydrogen. Studies carried out using BET, SEM, EDS, and VSM techniques. Results indicated that spin conversion rate showed great dependence on magnetic properties of the composite according to calcination temperature change. For lower sintering temperatures, the samples showed more paramagnetic behavior. As sintering temperature increased, ferromagnetic state increase, while paramagnetic states decreased. The highest spin conversion was observed at paramagnetic state, comparing with ferromagnetic, at lower calcination temperature. Moreover, Fe-modified zeolite showed a superior hydrodynamic property such as the pressure drop ratio of composite to a commercial iron oxide. These composites can be applied in more efficient hydrogen liquefaction processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, mesoporous Cr 2 O 3 catalysts are prepared by use of the hard template method using mesoporous silica (SBA-15) as template, the prepared catalysts were characterized, and investigated for ortho to para hydrogen. The Cr 2 O 3 catalysts at post-treated temperature at 150 °C have the largest BET surface area of 230 m 2 g −1 , and the length and diameter of the particles are 2 μm and 5 nm, respectively. The highest spin conversion from ortho to para hydrogen was observed for the mesoporous Cr 2 O 3 catalysts with the largest surface area post-treated at 150 °C in the range from 150 to 300 °C. The nanowire array morphology of the powders was maintained at the post-treatment temperature ranges of 150 and 200 °C. However, when temperature increased up to 300 °C, the nanowire array morphology disappeared. It was showed that the spin conversion process was strongly dependent on various factors such as BET surface area, calcination temperature and morphology of mesoporous Cr 2 O 3 catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]