Search

In this paper we prove that isometries with respect to the Kobayashi metric between certain domains having boundary points at which the boundary is infinitely flat extend continuously to the boundary. The strategy is to reestablish the Gehring-Hayman-type Theorem for these complex domains. Furthermore, the regularity of boundary extension map is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to compare the effects of different forms of nano-zinc oxide on the growth performance, immune function, and intestinal barrier of weaned piglets. A total of 192 weaned piglets aged 24 days (half in male and female), with an average weight of (7.47 ± 0.62) kg were randomly divided into four groups, with six replicates in each group and eight piglets in each replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the experimental group I, group II and group III were fed with 2 000 mg/kg nano-zinc oxide, 500 mg/kg coated nano-zinc oxide, 1 000 mg/kg coated nano-zinc oxide, respectively. The experiment lasted for 14 days. The results showed that the total effective rate of nano zinc oxide was 7.12%, which was lower than that of coated nano zinc oxide (78.54%). All forms of nano zinc oxide significantly increased the final weight and average daily gain of weaned piglets (P<0.05), and significantly decreased the ratio of feed to gain and diarrhea rate (P<0.05), with the best effects observed in the experiment group III. Compared with the control group, the levels of immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin A in the serum of weaned piglets in all experimental groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the secretion of immunoglobulin in the cecum and colon was significantly elevated in the experiment group I and experiment group III (P<0.05). Different forms of nano zinc oxide significantly decreased the serum diamine oxidase activity and endotoxin content in weaned piglets (P<0.05). The study indicates that dietary supplementation of nano zinc oxide and coated nano zinc oxide of weaned piglets can promote growth, reduce diarrhea rate, enhance immune function, and improve intestinal barrier function. The effects of 1 000 mg/kg of coated nano zinc oxide are better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cinnamomum cassia essential oil has potential insecticidal and antibacterial activities. The addition of cinnamon essential oil to the diet has significant effects on poultry production performance, hypocholesterolemia, antioxidant activity, immunity and microecological balance of intestinal flora. The article reviews the research on the chemical composition of cinnamon essential oil and its clinical application in poultry, so as to provide reference for the research of cinnamon essential oil as feed additive in animal husbandry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents nonreciprocal transmission and nonreciprocal magnon–phonon entanglement in a spinning microwave magnomechanical system. This system consists of microwave photons, magnon modes, and phonons. These are created by the vibrational mode of a yttrium iron garnet sphere. This investigation reveals that nonreciprocity is caused by the light that is circulating in a resonator that is experiencing a Fizeau shift. This leads to a difference in the effective detuning frequency of the photon for forwarding and backward drives. A super‐strong transmission isolation rate (>100 dB) and a strong entanglement isolation rate (≈50 dB) are obtained by applying the experimental parameters. This scheme opens a new route for exploiting a variety of nonreciprocal effects, and it provides the theoretical basis for the design and realization of magnetically controllable isolators and diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Survival of small birds in fluctuating environments is facilitated by seasonal metabolic and morphological flexibility. Chinese bulbuls Pycnonotus sinensis show winter increases in resting metabolic rate (RMR), nutritional organ masses, and liver and muscle cellular aerobic capacity relative to summer. In this study, we build on these findings from previous studies by measuring seasonal adjustments in body mass (Mb), RMR, nutritional and exercise organ masses, and several physiological, biochemical, and hormonal markers over the entire annual cycle in wild-trapped Chinese bulbuls from Wenzhou, China. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationships between variation in organ masses and cellular aerobic capacity and variation in RMR in individual birds. Mb and RMR were higher in spring (March-May) and winter (December-February) than in summer (June-August). The dry masses of several nutritional organs and mitochondrial protein content, state 4 respiration, and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity in liver and muscle were all heightened in winter relative to other seasons. In addition, dry masses of heart and pectoral muscle, but not nutritional organs, and biochemical markers of cellular aerobic capacity in liver and muscle were positively correlated with RMR. Plasma triiodothyronine (T3) concentration was higher in winter and spring than in summer and autumn, and it was positively correlated with RMR, mitochondrial protein content, state 4 respiration, and COX activity in liver and muscle. These results suggest that seasonal changes in nutritional and exercise organ masses and liver and muscle cellular aerobic capacity interact to promote seasonal metabolic flexibility in Chinese bulbuls. T3 appears to promote these seasonal thermoregulatory adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of a highly sensitive terahertz wave detector based on lithium niobate have been investigated using a steady-state theory. The contributions of the low-frequency modes to the dielectric constant of lithium niobate are considered. The intrinsic factors of the LN detector limit its high frequency response to about 4 THz. Temperature dependence of the detector from room temperature to 250°C was also studied. The main factors associated with the temperature variations of the sensitivity of the detector are thermal expansion, the nonlinear coefficient and the refractive index of the crystal. The nonlinear coefficient dominates the temperature dependence of the sensitivity of the detector, while the impact of the refractive indices of the near-infrared lights on the temperature variation of the sensitivity of the detector is negligible. This study provides a useful guide and a theoretical basis for the further improvement of the detection systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Brandt''s voles (Lasiopodomys brandti) exposed to cold (5±1°C) or warm (23±1°C) showed some physiological and biochemical variations which might be important in adaptation to their environments. Cold acclimation induced increases in resting metabolic rate (RMR) and the serum triiodothyronine (T3) level, the state-4 respiration of liver and muscle mitochondria were activated after 7 days when animals exposed to cold, and the activity of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) of liver and muscle mitochondria tended to rise with cold exposure. RMR and T3 level decreased during warm acclimation. The state-4 respiration of liver mitochondria declined after 3 days and muscle after 7 days when animals exposed to warm, and the activities of COX of liver and muscle mitochondria tended to decrease with warm acclimation. The cold activation of liver and muscle mitochondrial respiration (regulated by T3) was one of the cytological mechanisms of elevating RMR. Both state-4 respiration and COX activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) mitochondria increased significantly during cold acclimation and decreased markedly after acclimated to warm. The uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) contents in BAT increased after exposure to cold and decreased after warm acclimation. Nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) plays an important role in the process of thermoregulation under cold acclimation for Brandt''s voles. Changes in thermogenesis is a important way to cold adaptation for Brandt''s voles in natural environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: [1] Seasonal changes in a bird''s physiology and behavior are considered to be a part of an adaptive strategy for survival and reproductive success. To understand modes of metabolic adaptations, the metabolic rate (Vo2), body temperature (T b), and thermal conductance (C) of the Chinese bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis) in the Zhejiang Province of China were determined in the summer and the winter at a temperature range from 5 to 35°C, respectively. [2] The thermal neutral zone (TNZ) of the Chinese bulbul was between 26 and 33°C in the summer and between 25 and 32.5°C in the winter. With a temperature range from 5 to 35°C, the mean T b was 40.3±0.1°C and 40.2±0.1°C, in the summer and in the winter, respectively. Minimum C was 0.24±0.01mlO2 g−1 h−1 °C−1 in the summer and 0.25±0.01mlO2 g−1 h−1 °C−1 in the winter. [3] The mean basal metabolic rate within TNZ was 2.86±0.16mlO2 g−1 h−1 in the summer and 3.36±0.12mlO2 g−1 h−1 in the winter. [4] Chinese bulbuls showed seasonal metabolic acclimatization similar to other temperate wintering passerines. This improved cold tolerance was associated with a significant increase in Vo2 (18%) in the winter relative to the summer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thyroid hormones can increase energy expenditure and stimulate basal thermogenesis by lowering metabolic efficiency. In the present study, we examined the effects of thyroid hormones on basal heat production as well as on several physiological and biochemical measures indicative of thermogenic capacity to test our hypothesis that thyroid hormones stimulate increases in thermogenesis in little buntings. Little buntings that fed on thyroxine (T4)–laced poultry food of 3 and 5ppm concentrations showed increases in basal metabolic rate (BMR) during the 3-week acclimation. At the end, these buntings had lower body weights, higher levels of contents of mitochondrial protein, state 4 respiration and cytochrome c oxidase activity in liver and muscle, and higher concentrations of serum triiodothyronine (T3) and T4 compared to control buntings. These results support the argument that thyroid hormones play an important role in the regulation of thermogenic ability in buntings by stimulating mitochondrial respiration and enzyme activities associated with aerobic metabolism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 1. The thermogenic properties of mitochondria in liver, brown adipose tissue (BAT) and muscle, and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) contents in BAT were studied in field-captured gray red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rufocanus), large Japanese field mouse (Apodemus speciosus) and striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) in summer from the Northeastern China. 2. The mitochondrial respiration capacities in liver, cytochrome c oxidase activities in BAT and muscle, and UCP1 contents in BAT were found to be significantly higher in gray red-backed vole than that in large Japanese field mouse and striped field mouse. 3. High thermogenic capacities in liver, BAT and muscle in gray red-backed vole can enable them to increase survivals. Different strategies were employed by gray red-backed vole, large Japanese field mouse and striped field mouse to adapt their environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Metabolic rate, body temperature, and thermal conductance were determined in the gray red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rufocanus), large Japanese field mouse (Apodemus speciosus) and striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) at a temperature range of 5–32.5°C. Oxygen consumption was measured by using a closed circuit respirometer. The thermal neutral zone of gray red-backed vole, large Japanese field mouse and striped field mouse were 22.5–27.5°C, 25–30°C and 25–27.5°C, respectively. The mean metabolic rates within thermal zone of these species were 3.62±0.18, 2.69±0.08, and 3.29±0.11 ml O2 g−1 h−1, respectively, which are relatively higher than the predicted values based on their body mass. Non-shivering thermogenesis of these animals were 6.76±0.12, 5.56±0.39 and 6.13±0.28 ml O2 g−1 h−1, respectively. Mean body temperature of the three species were 37.1±0.13°C, 36.9±0.2°C, and 37.5±0.2°C, respectively. Mean thermal conductance of the three species were 0.25±0.04, 0.23±0.00 and 0.25±0.00 ml O2 g−1 h−1°C−1, respectively. The ecophysiological properties of these species were: (1) the gray red-backed vole and large Japanese field mouse had high body temperatures and metabolic rates, median non-shivering thermogenesis, relatively wide thermal neutral zones and low lower critical temperatures, and relatively high thermal conductance. All these characteristics might constrain their distribution and extension to extreme desert, low latitudes and hot regions in China. (2) the striped field mouse had high metabolic rate, body temperature and thermal conductance, median non-shivering thermogenesis, a relatively narrow thermal neutral zone and low lower critical temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The parameters of fertilizer-shunted-plate related to uniformity of fertilizing are analyzed. • DEM is used during the study of fertilizing process with EDEM software. • Computer simulation is used in the analysis of the fertilizer particles behavior. • The parameters of fertilizer-shunted-plate are optimized through the DOE. The application of fertilizing machinery is very important especially to the growing of alfalfa. The effect of uniformity is one of the most significant indicators to evaluate the performance of the fertilizing machinery during the fertilizing process. Fertilizer-shunted-plate is the key part, which can achieve the uniformity of fertilizing. The structure parameters optimization of the fertilizer-shunted-plate is a key task for the design of fertilizing machinery. The purpose of this paper is to optimize the structure parameters of fertilizer-shunted-plate through the way of the numerical simulation with EDEM software and orthogonal experiment analysis. The variation coefficient of fertilizing uniformity was regarded as the evaluation index and the single-factor experiments were executed, during which the parameters of the fertilizer-shunted-plate were analyzed according to their performance based on Discrete Element Method with EDEM software, including knob-width, slanting angle, distance from the top side, vertical distance and horizon-distance. Three parameters of them were selected to establish the orthogonal experiments with interaction in order to find their effects to fertilizing uniformity, which were knob-width, slanting angle and horizon-distance. The experiments showed that the parameters of distance from the top side and vertical distance had little effect on the fertilizing uniformity performance. When the parameters of knob-width, slanting angle and horizon-distance were selected as 16 mm, 45° and 27.5 mm respectively, the fertilizing uniformity performance could get a very effective result. The variation coefficients of fertilization uniformity with former fertilizer-shunted-plate and the optimized one were 12.6% and 17.2% respectively. And the field test was carried out with similar result compared to the numerical simulation process. The research shows that Discrete Element Method and EDEM software are powerful tools to analyze the minute particles Kinematic characteristics and orthogonal experiment can be used efficiently to the optimization of the part parameters. The application of modern design methods and computer tools can promote the development of agricultural machinery and reduce the cost of it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the paper, a simple microwave-assisted decomposing reaction in the presence of PEG400 has been successfully developed to synthesize ZnO nanorods with 10–25 nm of diameter and 60–200 nm of length. The product was analyzed and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and HRTEM. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption peak of ZnO nanorods shows a distinct blue shift from that of the bulk and the Photoluminescence (PL) spectrum exhibits a strong near-band-edge emission at 385 nm. Further experiments have also been designed, and the results show that microwave radiation and surfactant PEG400 all played an important role on the formation of ZnO nanorods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A phonon blockade is achieved in a hybrid optomechanical system including an ensemble of two‐level quantum emitters. The introduction of the ensemble of quantum emitters sets up a mechanism of quantum destructive interference within the system, by which the phonon statistical characteristic exhibits strong antibunching under the condition of weak driving and weak coupling. By analyzing the analytic solution of the second‐order correlation function, the optimal parametric condition for ideal phonon blockade effect is obtained. The numerical simulation of the second‐order correlation function perfectly accord with the analytical solution. The validity of the effective Hamiltonian is proved by the numerical simulations with quantum master equation. The proposed scheme provides a possible way to realize the single‐phonon source experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this study we aimed to evaluate the nocebo response rate in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and to explore its influencing factors. Methods: A literature search of the EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted for all articles published up to March 2021. Randomized, parallel‐designed, placebo‐controlled trials on pharmacological interventions for patients with FD were included. A meta‐analysis that utilized random effects to analyze the incidence of adverse events (AEs) among participants who were given placebo was conducted, and the correlation between trial characteristics and the magnitude of the nocebo response rate was analyzed. Results: Altogether, 27 studies including 1866 paitents were deemed eligible and included in the analysis. The total nocebo response rate was 26% (95% confidence interval [CI] 18%–33%). The most frequently reported AEs included nasopharyngitis (9%), constipation (6%), headache (5%), and diarrhea (3%). There were significant differences in nocebo response rates among studies conducted in different country or region, treatment duration, types of medication, sponsorship and different versions of the Rome criteria used for FD diagnosis. While number of centers engaged in the study, types of FD diagnosis and dosing frequency were not significantly associated with the nocebo response rate. Conclusions: Patients with FD exhibit notable nocebo response strength in clinical trials. The researchers should adopt a more careful approach when analyzing the relationships between AEs and interventions in such trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifteen phenolic constituents were isolated from the 80% ethanol extract of Kalimeris shimadae, including two phenolic glycosides (1, 2), six flavonoids (3–8), five phenylpropanoids (9–13), and two lignans (14, 15). Their structures were identified by spectroscopic analysis and comparison with literature data. Compound 1 was a new glucosyringic acid derivative, whereas compounds 2–14 were first discovered from K. shimadae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reversible phenotypic flexibility allows organisms to better match phenotypes to prevailing environmental conditions and may produce fitness benefits. Costs and constraints of phenotypic flexibility may limit the capacity for flexible responses but are not well understood nor documented. Costs could include expenses associated with maintaining the flexible system or with generating the flexible response. One potential cost of maintaining a flexible system is an energetic cost reflected in the basal metabolic rate (BMR), with elevated BMR in individuals with more flexible metabolic responses. We accessed data from thermal acclimation studies of birds where BMR and/or Msum (maximum cold-induced metabolic rate) were measured before and after acclimation, as a measure of metabolic flexibility, to test the hypothesis that flexibility in BMR (ΔBMR), Msum (ΔMsum), or metabolic scope (Msum − BMR; ΔScope) is positively correlated with BMR. When temperature treatments lasted at least three weeks, three of six species showed significant positive correlations between ΔBMR and BMR, one species showed a significant negative correlation, and two species showed no significant correlation. ΔMsum and BMR were not significantly correlated for any species and ΔScope and BMR were significantly positively correlated for only one species. These data suggest that support costs exist for maintaining high BMR flexibility for some bird species, but high flexibility in Msum or metabolic scope does not generally incur elevated maintenance costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Five novel globoscinic acid derivatives, aspergilates A–E (1 – 5) have been isolated from endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. derived from Paeonia ostii. The structures of aspergilates A–E were determined by in-depth analyses of NMR spectra, HRESIMS and CD experiments. The absolute configurations of compounds 2 – 5 were determined by the ECD calculations based on quantum chemistry. Cytotoxic activities against five selected tested tumor cell lines of 1 – 5 were evaluated. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new limonoids, swieteliacates A–E (1–5) and a tirucallane-type triterpenoid, swietesenin (6), together with four known compounds (7–10) were isolated from fruit of Swietenia macrophylla . Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses. The new compounds were tested in vitro for their cytotoxic effects against five human cancer cell lines. Compound 2 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against SW480 and HL-60 cancer cell lines with IC 50 values of 30.6 and 32.9 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) have been found to exhibit a three-phase metabolic change when subjected to prolonged fasting, during which basal thermogenesis is significantly reduced. A study had shown that there is a significant difference in the body temperature between male and female Japanese quails. However, whether female Japanese quails also show the same characteristic three-phase metabolic change during prolonged fasting and the underlying thermogenesis mechanisms associated with such changes are still unclear. In this study, female Japanese quails were subjected to prolonged starvation, and the body mass, basal metabolic rate (BMR), body temperature, mass of tissues and organs, body fat content, the state-4 respiration (S4R) and cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity in the muscle and liver of these birds were measured to determine the status of metabolic changes triggered by the starvation. In addition, the levels of glucose, triglyceride (TG) and uric acid, and thyroid hormones (T 3 and T 4) in the serum and the mRNA levels of myostatin (MSTN) and avian uncoupling protein (av-UCP) in the muscle were also measured. The results revealed the existence of a three-phase stage similar to that found in male Japanese quails undergoing prolonged starvation. Fasting resulted in significantly lower body mass, BMR, body temperature, tissues masses and most organs masses, as well as S4R and CCO activity in the muscle and liver. The mRNA level of av-UCP decreased during fasting, while that of MSTN increased but only during Phase I and II and decreased significantly during Phase III. Fasting also significantly lowered the T 3 level and the ratio of T 3 /T 4 in the serum. These results indicated that female Japanese quails showed an adaptive response in basal thermogenesis at multiple hierarchical levels, from organismal to biochemical, enzyme and cellular level, gene and endocrine levels and this integrated adjustment could be a part of the adaptation used by female quails to survive long-term fasting. [Display omitted] • Body mass, BMR, body temperature, mass of tissues and organs, the S4R and CCO activity in muscle and liver were significantly lower than pre-fasting phase during fasting. • The expression of av-UCP decreased during fasting while the expression of MSTN was higher than the pre-fasting phase during Phase I-II but decreased significantly in Phase III. • The T 3 and the ratio of T 3 /T 4 in plasma were significantly lower during fasting. • Female Japanese quails had three phases under long-term fasting and showed an adaptive response in basal thermogenesis at multiple hierarchical levels, and this integrated adjustment could be a part of the adaptation used by female quails to survive long-term fasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In China, four symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders, postprandial fullness, early satiety, bloating, and abdominal distension are commonly and interchangeably expressed as a single chief complaint, "Zhang". In this study we aimed to explore the most efficient method of determining the characteristics of symptoms in such patients. Methods: Consecutive patients with the chief complaint of abdominal "Zhang" from December 2017 to June 2018 were included. Their symptom patterns were determined by face‐to‐face interviews. Patients with a single symptom (postprandial fullness, early satiety, bloating, or abdominal distension) completed the questionnaire assessing their understanding of the symptoms using three methods including concept terms, pictograms, and verbal descriptions. Results: A total of 230 patients (121 men, 109 women; mean age 43.7 ± 12.6 y) were included. Verbal descriptions were most applicable to identify patients' symptom patterns, followed by concept terms and pictograms. Early satiety was the most difficult to identify (20.9% agreement between patient's understanding and doctor's diagnosis by using concept term), whereas fullness and bloating had apparently higher recognition (70.7% and 72.1% by concept terms). Elder patients (>60 y) and those with more frequent symptom attacks (≥once daily) showed relatively poorer understanding of the symptoms. Conclusions: Early satiety is poorly identified by patients. Existing pictograms fail to show comprehension‐improving features in a Chinese cultural setting. Verbal descriptions may be the best option for diagnosing abdominal "Zhang". More caution is required during the inquiry of medical history from elder patients with frequent symptom attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swietenia macrophylla King (Meliaceae), a valuable tree species, is extensively cultivated in tropical regions, holding significant economic value. The seeds and leaves of S. macrophylla , obtained as a by-product of wood processing, have been demonstrated to possess hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering effects. To further explore their potential applications, eighteen new phragmalin-type limonoids (1 – 18), alongside thirteen known analogues (19 – 31), were isolated from the leaves of Swietenia macrophylla. Swietelactones A (1) and B (2) represent a pair of C-1′ heterotropic isomers characterized by a rare spiro[5,5]undecane moiety and a distinctive C-15 ethyl chain. Swietelactone C (3) is notable as the first identified 2,3- seco phragmalin limonoid, presumably formed via Baeyer-Villiger oxidation. Swietelactones D (4) and E (5) exhibit a stereoscopic configuration that deviates from the typical structure of limonoids, representing the first instance of a 9 β -H limonoid. Compounds 3 , 8 - 13 , 16 , 17 , 20 , 21, 23, 24 demonstrated inhibitory effects on hepatic glucose production in mouse primary hepatocytes (MPH) models and triglyceride production in Hep G2 cells at a concentration of 40 μM. Moreover, compound 21 was found to initiate a cascade reaction, suppressing the expression of PCK1, a crucial gluconeogenic enzyme. This inhibition occurs through the downregulation of PKA-α protein and its downstream phosphorylated CREB protein, ultimately reducing hepatic glucose production. This research may offer valuable insights supporting the potential medical application of S. macrophylla as a natural hypoglycemic agent. [Display omitted] • Eighteen new phragmalin-type limonoids were isolated from the leaves of Swietenia macrophylla. • Compounds 1 - 3 exhibit unique and novel skeleton structures. • These compounds showed great hypoglycemic potential. • This research provided new evidence for the medicinal research of Swietenia macrophylla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic flexibility of various morphological and physiological characters is widespread in animals. Resident endothermic animals of temperate climates provide a natural experiment in phenotypic flexibility. In this study, we took an integrative approach to assess seasonal and geographic influences on metabolism in Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus). We measured resting metabolic rate (RMR), masses of internal organs, mitochondrial respiration capacities in liver and muscle, cytochrome C oxidase (COX) activities in liver and muscle, and circulating levels of plasma triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in summer and winter sparrows at two sites from southeastern (Wenzhou) and northeastern (Qiqihar) China that differ in climate. Body masses of tree sparrows were significantly higher in winter than in summer at both sites but did not differ with latitude. RMRs of tree sparrows varied significantly with both latitude and season, with RMRs of Qiqihar birds being higher than those of Wenzhou birds and with RMRs being higher in winter than in summer. Consistently, dry masses of brain, lung, liver, gizzard, small intestine, rectum, and total digestive tract varied significantly with either latitude or season. State 4 respiration and COX activity in liver and muscle were remarkably higher in Qiqihar and increased significantly in winter. Circulating levels of plasma T3 also showed significant seasonal and latitudinal variation and was higher in Qiqihar in winter than in other groups. These data suggest that tree sparrows mainly coped with cold by enhancing thermogenic capacities through heightened activity of respiratory enzymes and higher levels of plasma thyroid hormones (T3). These results are consistent with a pronounced seasonal and latitudinal phenotypic flexibility mediated through physiological and biochemical adjustments in Eurasian tree sparrows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant Andrographis paniculata has a long history of cultivation in Southeast Asia, especially its extensive anti-inflammatory activity, and the famous natural antibiotic andrographolide comes from this plant. In China, A. paniculata, as the main crop, has become a major source of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the clinical treatment of inflammation. To further explore the diverse diterpene lactones with better anti-inflammatory activity from A. paniculata , twenty-one ent -labdanes, including six undescribed compounds (andropanilides D-I), were isolated. Their structures with absolute configurations were thoroughly determined by comprehensive NMR spectroscopic data, HRESIMS analysis and quantum chemical calculations. All isolated compounds were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activities based on the Griess method. Meanwhile, after structure-activity relationships analysis, the anti-inflammatory activity of andropanilide D (1) (IC 50 = 2.31 μM) was found to be better than that of the positive control drug (dexamethasone, IC 50 = 6.52 μM) and andrographolide (IC 50 = 5.89 μM). Further mechanisms of activity indicated that andropanilide D significantly reduced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β and downregulated the protein expression of COX-2 and iNOS in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner based on Western blot and ELISA experiments. In conclusion, andropanilide D possesses potential medicinal value for the treatment of inflammation and further expands the material basis of the anti-inflammatory effect of A. paniculata. Structurally diverse ent -labdane diterpenoids from Andrographis paniculata and andropanilide D (1) possessed significant anti-inflammatory that was found to be better than that of the positive control drug and andrographolide. [Display omitted] • Twenty-one diterpene derivatives were isolated from Andrographis paniculata. • Six undescribed ent -labdanes were identified for the first time. • The structure-activity relationships of all compounds were summarized. • Andropanilide D (1) significantly reduced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. • Andropanilide D (1) downregulated the expression iNOS and COX-2 proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Gastrointestinal manifestations of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic may mimic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and social distancing measures may affect IBS patients negatively. We aimed to study the impact of COVID‐19 on respondents with self‐reported IBS. Methods: We conducted an anonymized survey from May to June 2020 in 33 countries. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on personal hygiene and social distancing as well as psychological impact of COVID‐19 were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed to determine differences in well‐being and compliance to social distancing measures between respondents with and without self‐reported IBS. Factors associated with improvement or worsening of IBS symptoms were evaluated. Results: Out of 2704 respondents, 2024 (74.9%) did not have IBS, 305 (11.3%) had self‐reported IBS, and 374 (13.8%) did not know what IBS was. Self‐reported IBS respondents reported significantly worse emotional, social, and psychological well‐being compared with non‐IBS respondents and were less compliant to social distancing measures (28.2% vs 35.3%, P = 0.029); 61.6% reported no change, 26.6% reported improvement, and 11.8% reported worsening IBS symptoms. Higher proportion of respondents with no change in IBS symptoms were willing to practice social distancing indefinitely versus those who deteriorated (74.9% vs 51.4%, P = 0.016). In multivariate analysis, willingness to continue social distancing for another 2–3 weeks (vs longer period) was significantly associated with higher odds of worsening IBS. Conclusion: Our study showed that self‐reported IBS respondents had worse well‐being and compliance to social distancing measures than non‐IBS respondents. Future research will focus on occupational stress and dietary changes during COVID‐19 that may influence IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Knowledge and attitude influence compliance and individuals' practices. The risk and protective factors associated with high compliance to these preventive measures are critical to enhancing pandemic preparedness. Objective: This survey aims to assess differences in mental health, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of preventive measures for COVID-19 amongst healthcare professionals (HCP) and non-healthcare professionals. Design: Multi-national cross-sectional study was carried out using electronic surveys between May-June 2020. Setting: Multi-national survey was distributed across 36 countries through social media, word-of-mouth, and electronic mail. Participants: Participants ≥21 years working in healthcare and non-healthcare related professions. Main outcome: Risk factors determining the difference in KAP towards personal hygiene and social distancing measures during COVID-19 amongst HCP and non-HCP. Results: HCP were significantly more knowledgeable on personal hygiene (AdjOR 1.45, 95% CI -1.14 to 1.83) and social distancing (AdjOR 1.31, 95% CI -1.06 to 1.61) compared to non-HCP. They were more likely to have a positive attitude towards personal hygiene and 1.5 times more willing to participate in the contact tracing app. There was high compliance towards personal hygiene and social distancing measures amongst HCP. HCP with high compliance were 1.8 times more likely to flourish and more likely to have a high sense of emotional (AdjOR 1.94, 95% CI (1.44 to 2.61), social (AdjOR 2.07, 95% CI -1.55 to 2.78), and psychological (AdjOR 2.13, 95% CI (1.59–2.85) well-being. Conclusion and relevance: While healthcare professionals were more knowledgeable, had more positive attitudes, their higher sense of total well-being was seen to be more critical to enhance compliance. Therefore, focusing on the well-being of the general population would help to enhance their compliance towards the preventive measures for COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature is an important environmental cue for the regulation of thermogenesis in small birds. We tested the hypothesis that a small passerine, the Chinese bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis can decrease thermogenesis in response to warmer temperatures by decreasing body mass, the organ mass and changing physiological and biochemical processes in the liver and muscle. Captive Chinese bulbuls decreased in body mass and basal metabolic rate (BMR) during 4 weeks of acclimation to 30±1°C. They also showed a decrease in liver, kidney and small intestine mass and reduced mitochondrial state-4 respiration and cytochrome C oxidase (COX) activity in the liver and muscle compared to 10±1°C. Furthermore, BMR was positively correlated with body mass, organ mass (liver, kidney, small intestine and entire digestive tract), and mitochondrial state-4 respiration and cytochrome C oxidase (COX) activity in the liver and muscle. These results indicate that changes in body mass, organ mass and respiratory enzyme activity are mechanisms by which Chinese bulbuls adapt to warmer temperatures. The data support the hypothesis that such physiological flexibility is ubiquitous in birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Acclimatization to different ambient conditions is an essential prerequisite for survival of small passerine birds. Long-distance migration and winter acclimatization induce similar physiological and biochemical adjustments in passerines. To understand metabolic adaptations, the resting metabolic rate (RMR), the thermogenic properties of mitochondria in liver and muscle, and the activity of thyroid hormones were examined in field-captured little buntings (Emberiza pusilla) between Southeastern (Wenzhou) and Northeastern (Qiqihar) China from March to May in 2008 during their migration. Twelve birds were trapped from March to April in Wenzhou region, Zhejiang Province (27°29′N, 120°51′E) and eleven birds originated from April to May in Qiqihar region, Heilongjiang Province (47°29′N, 124°02′E). We found that RMRs of little buntings were significantly higher in Qiqihar than in Wenzhou. Consistently, mitochondrial state-4 respiration capacities and cytochrome c oxidase activities (COX) in liver and muscle, and circulating levels of plasma triiodothyronine (T3) of little buntings were also significantly higher in Qiqihar than in Wenzhou. Variation in metabolic biochemical markers of liver and muscle, such as state-4 respiration and COX, and variation in thyroid hormone levels were correlated with variation in RMR. There was also a positive relationship between T3 and metabolic biochemical markers. Little buntings mainly coped with a cold environment by enhancing thermogenic capacities through enhanced respiratory enzyme activities and plasma T3. These results support the view that the primary means by which small birds meet energetic challenges of cold conditions is through metabolic adjustments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Acclimatization to winter conditions is an essential prerequisite for survival of small passerines of the northern temperate zone. Changes in photoperiod, ambient temperature and food availability trigger seasonal acclimatization in physiology and behavior of many birds. In the present study, seasonal adjustments in several physiological, hormonal, and biochemical markers were examined in wild-captured Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus) from the Heilongjiang Province in China. In winter sparrows had higher body mass and basal metabolic rate (BMR). Consistently, the dry mass of liver, heart, gizzard, small intestine, large intestine and total digestive tract were higher in winter than in that in summer. The contents of mitochondrial protein in liver, and state-4 respiration and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity in liver and muscle increased significantly in winter. Circulating level of serum triiodothyronine (T3) was significantly higher in winter than in summer. Together, these data suggest that tree sparrows mainly coped with cold by enhancing thermogenic capacities through increased organ masses and heightened activity of respiratory enzymes activities. The results support the view that prominent winter increases in BMR are manifestations of winter acclimatization in tree sparrows and that seasonal variation in metabolism in sparrows is similar to that in other small temperate-wintering birds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Colonial morphotype of cyanobacteria is more sensitive to low doses of antibiotics. • Antibiotic contaminants can disturb the colony size of cyanobacteria. • Reducing normal growth rate may magnify the positive impact of antibiotics. • Combining tests with unicellular and colonial morphotypes is recommended. Colonial cyanobacteria have been identified as the primary contributor to the global occurrence of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs), which are further intensified by the presence of "pseudo-persistent" antibiotics. Nevertheless, the impact of antibiotics on the growth and size of colonial cyanobacteria remains unclear. In this study, the response of cyanobacterium Microcystis to varying doses of antibiotics was assessed (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 10, and 50 μg L-1) by comparing the unicellular and colonial morphotypes. Interestingly, the morphological structure of cyanobacteria plays a significant role in their reaction to antibiotics. In comparison to the unicellular morphotype, the colonial morphotype exhibited a greater promotion in growth rate (11 %—22 %) to low doses of antibiotics and was less inhibited (-121 %—-62 %) under high doses. Furthermore, antibiotics may affect the size of cyanobacterial colonies by disrupting the secretion of algal organic matter, which also exhibited a two-phase pattern. This work sheds light on the significance of methodology research involving both unicellular and colonial cyanobacteria. Future research and lake management should prioritize studying the morphological traits of cyanobacteria under different levels of antibiotic exposure. This approach may lead to novel strategies for predicting cyanoHABs under antibiotic pollution more effectively. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian plant Kalimeris shimadai has been used as food and ethnologic medicine for over a thousand years. In this study, we isolated and identified one new lignan, kalshiolin A (1), and 12 known lignans (2–13). The structures were characterized by the comprehensive analyses of spectroscopic data (HR-ESI-MS, IR, 1D, and 2D-NMR) and the absolute configuration of 1 was determined from ECD calculations. The new compound 1 was also screened for cytotoxic activity but did not show significant potency (IC50 35.9–43.3 μM) against A549, MDA-MB-231, MCF7, KB, and KB-VIN cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kalimeris indica (L.) Sch. Bip. is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and a portion of food used for cooking in China. It has been demonstrated that an ethanol extract of K. indica has an anti‐inflammatory effect by inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production on murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction. In this study, the hepatoprotective effects of the total phenolics of K. indica (TPK), the total triterpenes of K. indica (TTK), and the total flavones of K. indica (TFK) from ethanol extracts of K. indica were evaluated in Bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG)/LPS‐induced liver injury in vivo. The treatments of TPK, TTK, and TFK improved liver injury in mice. Additionally, all treatments significantly not only reduced the hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content and hepatic total nitric oxide synthase (tNOS) but also induced the hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity. The treatments of TPK and TTK significantly reduced the hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The treatments of TPK, TTK, and TFK reduced the serum total bilirubin (T‐Bil), and only TFK treatment reduced the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Our results suggest that TPK, TTK, and TFK from ethanol extracts of K. indica might play an essential protective role against BCG/LPS‐induced liver injury in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the association of PRMT1 with ER stress and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), two critical pathogenic mechanisms leading to DN development, in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs). The level of PRMT1 was compared between the serum from DN patients and healthy individuals by ELISA, and between renal tissues of DN mice and normal mice using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Using high-glucose-treated PTEC cell line, HK2 cells as the model system, the significance of PRMT1 in ER stress and EMT was assessed by shRNA targeting PRMT1 (sh-PRMT1) and/or by overexpressing PRMT1. Mechanistic studies focused on three major pathways controlling ER stress: protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK), inositol requiring-1α (IRE1α), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). PRMT1 was up-regulated in the serum of DN patients and renal tissues of DN mice. High glucose administration induced elevation of PRMT1 expression in HK2 cells in vitro , accompanied with ER stress and EMT activation. PRMT1 knockdown attenuated high glucose-induced ER stress and apoptosis by inactivating PERK and ATF6, but not IRE1α. PRMT1 activated ATF6 by recruiting H4R3me2as to the promoter. Furthermore, PRMT1-induced ER stress was concomitant with the activation of an EMT-like state. Specifically, inhibition of ATF6, but not PERK blocked PRMT1-induced EMT in high-glucose-treatment HK2 cells. By activating ER stress, PRMT1 essentially regulates the apoptosis and EMT of PTECs in response to diabetic milieu. Thus, targeting PRMT1 may alleviate both tissue injury and renal fibrosis, and thus benefit the treatment of DN. • PRMT1 was up-regulated in serum of DN patients and renal tissues from DN mice. • PRMT1 mediated high-glucose-induced ER stress, apoptosis, and EMT in HK2 cells. • PRMT1 activated both PERK and ATF6 in high-glucose-treated HK2 cells. • ATF6 essentially regulated PRMT1-induced EMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new 11-methoxyl substituted triterpenoids, named as mimengosides J (1) and K (2), along with seven known compounds, were isolated from the fruits of Buddleja lindleyana. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. In addition, the new ones were evaluated for protective effects against damage of SH-SY5Y cells induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) and the results indicated that those may be one of the candidate compositions of Buddleja lindleyana for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the effects of low ambient temperature and thyroid hormones on the energy metabolism of the striped hamster (Cricetulus barabensis), adult male striped hamsters were kept at 30 °C, or acclimated to 5 °C, for 4 weeks. During this time, hamsters were treated with a synthetic thyroxine, levothyroxine sodium (LTS), the antithyroid drug methimazole, or saline solution (control). Hamster's food intake, basal metabolic rate (BMR), non-shivering thermogenesis (NST), thyroid hormones, body fat content, mitochondrial state-4 respiration, cytochrome c oxidase, and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) gene expression in brown adipose tissue (BAT), were measured. Both acclimation to 5 °C and LTS increased serum levels of triiodothyronine, which was associated with increased food and energy intake and BMR. Interestingly, although acclimation to 5 °C also increased NST and UCP1 gene expression in BAT, and decreased body fat content, these changes were not induced by LTS treatment. Finally, exposure to 5 °C reduced the effects of LTS on energy intake and expenditure in specific metabolic markers and organs. Together, these data illustrate that ambient temperature and thyroid hormones can have both independent, and interactive, effects on the metabolic changes in striped hamsters induced by cold acclimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debonds locating is the difficulty of terahertz (THz) nondestructive detection within a multi-layered structure sample, since the air layer of debond part is too thin to detect. To solve this problem, we propose a wavelet transform method to process the THz detection 3D data, and reconstruct the three-dimensional image of the testing sample by wavelet coefficients. Through these we can clearly identify the debond area and accurately locate it. In order to distinguish the small interface peaks and noise, Lipschitz index was used as the basis, which is a reliable tool. Base on this method, we analysis two samples with debond layer respectively on the upper and lower interface of 2 mm-thick insolation felt, the 3D reconstruction images provides excellent agreement with the actual samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two polymorphs (AM-A and AM-B) of azilsartan medoxomil (AM) and four AM solvatomorphs with toluene (AM-TOL), 1,4-dioxane (AM-DIO), chloroform (AM-TCM) and N , N -dimethylacetamide (AM-DMA) have been prepared by the hydrolysis of azilsartan medoxomil potassium in aqueous-organic solutions. In the crystal structures of two polymorphs and three solvatomorphs (AM-TOL, AM-DIO and AM-TCM), two asymmetric AM molecules form the dimeric cycle-like structures via intermolecular N H⋯N hydrogen bonds in R 2 2 (26) ring, while AM-DMA shows intramolecular N H⋯O hydrogen bond between AM and DMA molecules. The hydrogen bonds (C H⋯O or C H⋯N) and π···π (or C H···π) interactions are helpful to stabilize the conformational diversity of AM. The solvent-induced experiment shows that solvent molecules have great influence on the solvatomorph formation and DIO can form the most steady solvatomorph than other solvents. The thermal study demonstrates that toluene molecules in three solvatomorphs (AM-TOL, AM-DIO and AM-TCM) are the most difficult to remove from the cage. Our results illustrate that the solvent plays significant role in tuning the size of the cage and producing the conformational diversity of AM molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After China announced its commitment to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality around 2060, concerns arose over its CO 2 emission paths. The feasibility of net-zero emission in China has been assessed, yet how emission-driving factors may behave throughout different paths remains explored. Based on the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index decomposition model, the present study examined the driving factors from 2005 to 2016 and applied the artificial neural network for factor prediction from 2016 to 2060. Energy efficiency plays a vital role in reducing CO 2 emissions by 4.90 Gigatons (Gt), while economic growth, as the decisive promoting factor, encourages emissions by 8.58 Gt. In the pre-peak phase 2016–2030, energy intensity is the leading emission counterforce decreasing CO 2 emissions by up to a maximum of 11.3 Gt before sliding to the second position after 2030. During the period of 2030–2060, industrial structure exerts a significant negative effect eliminating up to 6.78–6.87 Gt of CO 2 emissions, meanwhile showing an accelerated increase (0.167–0.172 Gt/yr in 2030–2050, and 0.333–0.352 Gt/yr in 2050–2060). From an economic perspective, negative emission technology shows little advantage before 2030, but thereafter offers a lower-cost emission reduction until 2060. Sustainable scenarios' cumulative emissions are totally 420.1–506.3 Gt CO 2 between 2005 and 2060, with emission peaks at 9.46–11.58 Gt around 2030. Carbon sinks & carbon capture and storage (CCS) and BECCS (biomass energy and CCS) are preferable for China to accomplish carbon neutrality, contributing 1.33–5.09 Gt CO 2 in 2060. Projection of CO 2 emission drivers could highlight the sensitive variables during emission mitigation and neutralization, and benefit global green development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sixteen new and 18 known limonoids from Swietenia macrophylla. • Their structures were determined by by using spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallography. • The cytotoxicities of all the componds were evaluated against four human tumor cell lines (SMMC-7721, SW620, A549, A375). • The inhibitory effects of the new compounds on nitric oxide (NO) production were tested. • Flow cytometric analysis showed that treatment with 19 significantly induced A375 cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Swietelinins A − C (1 – 3) and swieteliacates F − R (4 – 16), sixteen new limonoids and 18 known limonoids (17 – 34) were isolated from Swietenia macrophylla. The absolute configurations of these compounds were defined by using a combination of electronic circular dichroism data analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Swieteliacate J (10) is the first limonoid possessing an unusual 8 β , 9 β -epoxy ring system. All of the compounds were tested for cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines (SMMC-7721, SW620, A549, and A375). Compounds 10 , 11 , and 19 exhibited selectively moderate cytotoxicity against four tumor cell lines, especially 19 exhibited significant cytotoxic effects against A375 with IC 50 an value of 9.8 μM and was more active than the positive control, dacarbazine with an IC 50 value of 22.4 μM. Compound 19 effectively induced apoptosis of A375, which was associated with G2/M−phase cell cycle arrest. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the treatment by 19 significantly induced A375 cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) has been shown to be a highly phenotypic flexibility trait within species. A significant proportion of an individual's energy budget is accounted for by BMR, hence among-individual variation in this trait may affect other energetic processes, as well as fitness. In this study, we measured BMR, organ mass, mitochondrial respiration capacities and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activities in muscle and liver and circulating levels of plasma triiodothyronine (T 3) in Chinese bulbuls (Pycnonotus sinensis) and Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus). Our results showed that heart and kidney mass was positively correlated with BMR in Chinese bulbuls, whereas liver and kidney mass was positively correlated with BMR in Eurasian tree sparrows. Regarding metabolic biochemical markers of tissues, state 4 respiration and COX activity in the muscles of the Chinese bulbuls was correlated with BMR, while state 4 respiration in the muscle and liver was correlated with BMR in Eurasian tree sparrows. T 3 was significantly and positively correlated with BMR in Chinese bulbuls and Eurasian tree sparrows. Consistent with the above results, our findings suggest that T 3 levels play an important role in modulating BMR in Chinese bulbuls and Eurasian tree sparrows. Moreover, individual variation in BMR can be explained partly by morphological and physiological mechanisms. [Display omitted] • BMR, state 4 respiration and COX activities in muscle and liver and serum T 3 in P. sinensis and P. montanus were measured • State 4 respiration in muscle was correlated with BMR in two passerine birds • T 3 was significantly and positively correlated with BMR in two passerine birds • Individual variation in BMR can be explained partly by morphological and physiological mechanisms [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basal thermogenesis of birds is beginning to be viewed as a highly flexible physiological trait influenced by environmental fluctuations, particularly changes in ambient temperature ( T a ). Many birds living in regions with seasonal fluctuations in T a typically respond to cold by increasing their insulation and adjusting their metabolic rate. To understand these metabolic adaptations, body temperature ( T b ), metabolic rate (MR), thermal neutral zone (TNZ) and thermal conductance were measured within a range of temperatures from 5 to 40 °C in free-living Hwamei, Garrulax canorus , in both winter and summer. Body mass was 61.2 ± 0.3 g in winter and 55.5 ± 1.0 g in summer, and mean T b was 41.6 ± 0.1 °C in winter and 42.3 ± 0.1 °C in summer. TNZ was between 28.3 and 35.1 °C in winter and between 28.7 and 33.2 °C in summer. The mean basal metabolic rate (BMR) within TNZ was 203.32 ± 11.81 ml O 2 h − 1 in winter and 168.99 ± 6.45 ml O 2 h − 1 in summer. Minimum thermal conductance was 3.73 ± 0.09 joules g − 1 h − 1 °C − 1 in winter and 3.26 ± 0.06 joules g − 1 h − 1 °C − 1 in summer. Birds caught in winter had higher body mass, MR, and more variable TNZ than those in summer. The increased winter BMR indicates improved ability to cope with cold and maintenance of a high T b . These results show that the Hwamei's metabolism is not constant, but exhibits pronounced seasonal phenotypic flexibility associated with maintenance of a high T b . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The upper limit of absorbance in an ultra-thin (<100nm) a-silicon slab is about 50%. However, by embedding an ultra-thin silver grating into the back side of the a-silicon slab, the absorption can be highly enhanced and the fields would be strongly localized in the vicinity of the hybrid structure. Even though the structure is very thin (<100nm), the absorbance could be very high up to ~98% with weak dependence on the light׳s polarization. Moreover, the angular tolerance of the absorption is very large, especially for TM polarized light with nearly 90° tolerance. Besides, the absorption spectrum can be designed to cover the visible and near infrared (NIR) region. The physical mechanism is ascribed to the high field concentration in the vicinity of the structure, which originates from the cavity-like resonance (for both polarizations) in the a-silicon slab as well as the excitation of semi-bonding SPs modes for TM polarization. These results indicate that the hybrid structure can act as an ultrathin optical absorber and may be integrated into photovoltaic devices because of its compact size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Generation of intense broadband terahertz (THz) waves from gas plasma induced by tri-color ultrashort (fundamental (ω), second harmonic (2ω), and third harmonic (3ω)) laser pulses is theoretically investigated. Simulation results show that the 3ω laser pulse can greatly enhance or suppress the generation of THz wave at different values of relative phase (θ3) between the 3ω and ω fields. Moreover, the polarities of the generated THz waves can be controlled by changing θ3, with the relative phase θ2 (between the 2ω and ω fields) fixed to be a certain value. All of our results show that θ3 plays a key role in the generation process, which promises to control the intensity as well as the polarity of gas plasma-induced THz radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• La microalloying method is proposed for grain refinement and texture weakness for copper tube annealed at high temperature. • Growth of recrystallized grain was effectively inhibited by second phase particles pinning and twin junction boundary drag. • Copper tubes with superior surface quality are successively fabricated with La microalloying method. The effect of La microalloying on microstructure evolution of oxygen-free copper tube annealed at elevated temperature was investigated. Different with the significant grain growth in La-free copper tube, growth behavior of La microalloyed tube is effectively inhibited. Meanwhile, Cu 6 La particles are detected with mainly segregating near annealing twin boundaries but less at grain boundaries. With such experimental observations, a new mechanism for constrained growth of recrystallized grain is proposed with pinning of Cu 6 La particle coupled with annealing twin dragging. Moreover, refined microstructure is maintained for La microalloyed tube after elevated temperature, which greatly improves the surface quality during secondary bending and flattening processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, PLGA, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), and wool keratin were successfully electrospun to generate a series of PLGA/MWNTs/wool keratin membranes. The morphologies, structures, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and bioactivities of the resulting hybrid fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile testing, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The TEM results confirmed that the MWNTs and wool keratin particles were effectively incorporated into the composite fibers. The mechanical properties of the composites were significantly enhanced by the addition of the MWNTs. The PLGA/MWNTs/2.0 % wool keratin composite presented the best values of ultimate strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus. All of the PLGA/MWNTs/wool keratin composites showed high thermal and thermooxidative stabilities. After mineralization, apatite crystals were deposited on the PLGA/MWNTs/wool keratin membranes, suggesting that the composites possess high bioactivity. Thus, these new ternary PLGA/MWNTs/wool keratin membranes show great potential to meet the demand for GBR membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature affects all biological functions and will therefore modulate ecologically significant interactions between animals and their environment. Here, we examined the effect of ambient temperature (Ta) on the thermal biology and energy budget in striped hamsters acclimated to cold (5°C), warm (21°C) and hot temperatures (31°C). Thermoneutral zone (TNZ) was 22.5–32.5°C, 25–32.5°C and 30–32.5°C in the cold-, warm- and hot-acclimated hamsters, respectively. The cold acclimation decreased the lower critical temperature and made the TNZ wider, and hot exposure elevated the lower critical temperature, resulting in a narrow TNZ. Within the TNZ, cold-acclimated hamsters showed a significantly higher rate of metabolism and thermogenesis than those acclimated to hot temperature. Digestive enzymes activities, including intestinal sucrase, maltase, L-alanine aminopeptidase-N and leucine aminopeptidase were higher in the cold than in the hot. The changes in metabolic rate and thermogenesis at different temperatures were in parallel with cytochrome c oxidase activity and uncoupling protein 1 gene expression of brown adipose tissue. This suggests that the shift of the lower critical temperature of TNZ is possibly associated with the rate of metabolism and thermogenesis, as well as with the digestive capacity of the gastrointestinal tract at different Ta. The upper critical temperature of TNZ may be independent of the changes in Ta. The changes of lower critical temperature of TNZ are an important strategy in adaption to variations of Ta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is thought to be a major hub in the network of physiological mechanisms connecting life history traits. Evaporative water loss (EWL) is a physiological indicator that is widely used to measure water relations in inter- or intraspecific studies of birds in different environments. In this study, we examined the physiological responses of summer-acclimatized Hwamei Garrulax canorus to temperature by measuring their body temperature (T b ), metabolic rate (MR) and EWL at ambient temperatures (T a) between 5 and 40°C. Overall, we found that mean body temperature was 42.4°C and average minimum thermal conductance (C) was 0.15ml O2 g−1 h−1 °C−1 measured between 5 and 20°C. The thermal neutral zone (TNZ) was 31.8–35.3°C and BMR was 181.83ml O2 h−1. Below the lower critical temperature, MR increased linearly with decreasing T a according to the relationship: MR (ml O2 h−1)=266.59–2.66 T a . At T a s above the upper critical temperature, MR increased with T a according to the relationship: MR (ml O2 h−1)=−271.26+12.85 T a . EWL increased with T a according to the relationship: EWL (mg H2O h−1)=−19.16+12.64 T a and exceeded metabolic water production at T a >14.0°C. The high T b and thermal conductance, low BMR, narrow TNZ, and high evaporative water production/metabolic water production (EWP/MWP) ratio in the Hwamei are consistent with the idea that this species is adapted to warm, mesic climates, where metabolic thermogenesis and water conservation are not strong selective pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]