Search

Background and aims: Phytolith analysis is a promising tool for paleovegetation reconstruction. However, compared with grass phytoliths, there are few studies that have classified the phytoliths of trees. Therefore, reliable definitions of phytolith types in woody plants and studies of representative woody phytoliths in soils are needed to provide an improved basis for reliable phytolith-based vegetation reconstruction. Methods: To explore the morphology of woody phytoliths and their preservation in soils, we described the phytolith morphology of 60 common broadleaved woody plants in the mid-subtropical zone of China, based initially on anatomical origin, and then on shape and finally on texture. We also for the first time established an index (R value) to explore the preservation of broadleaved woody phytoliths in soil in this region. Results: We divided the phytoliths of broadleaved woody plants into 6 major types and 35 sub-types. The 6 major types are: Epidermal Cell, Silicified stomata, Tracheary, Favose, Haircell, and Others. We found some degree of correspondence between different phytolith types and the parent plants. Fagaceae, Lauraceae, Magnoliaceae, Rosaceae, Anacardiaceae and Euphorbiaceae could be clearly distinguished from other families based on phytoliths. Only eight types of broadleaved woody phytoliths were present in the soils. Elongate attenuate, Elongate entire, and Polyhedral were better preserved in soils than the other types (Elongate entire attenuate, Tabular sinuate, Hair, Sclereid, and Favose). Conclusion: Our results provide a more accurate reference for broadleaved wood phytoliths in interpreting paleovegetation in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted passivation of defects in perovskite is the primary consideration in the design of additives containing functional groups. However, the precise modulation of electron structure in functional groups and the structure‐activity relationship between electronic configuration and performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) still need to be explored. In this study, 5‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypyridine derivatives with –NH2 (HNCLP) and –F (HFCLP) end groups are selected to realize the push‐pull electronic structure configuration. Density functional theory demonstrates that, compared with HFCLP, HNCLP with the electron‐donating terminal of –NH2 has a long dipole moment and immobilize the interstitial I3−, and the N side of pyridine with high‐density electron cloud enables strong passivation with undercoordinated Pb2+ ions. The experimental results confirm that HNCLP with optimized electronic configuration emerges strong passivation ability, greatly suppresses the nonradiative recombination of perovskite absorber, and remarkably improves the film crystal quality along with the extraction and transfer process of photogenerated carriers. The HNCLP‐contained PSC exhibits a remarkable efficiency of 24.47%, and HNCLP helps to enhance the moisture‐proof of perovskite film and device storage stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of additives mainly involves selection of functional groups with coordination relationships with defects in perovskite materials. However, it is particularly important to further adjust the geometrical configuration and electronic structure of an additive. Here, the nicotinamide (NA) and its derivative 6‐Methylnicotinamide (CNA) with electron‐donor functional groups are comparatively analyzed to investigate the effect of molecular dipole and electronic configuration on the defect passivation of perovskite absorbers and the photovoltaic properties of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the CNA molecule with its large molecular dipole combine with the undercoordinated Pb2+ ions in perovskite to form a higher binding energy, which is beneficial to improve the formation energy of Pb‐related defects. Experimental characterization confirms that the CNA molecule significantly enhances the coordination effect between acylamino and undercoordinated defective Pb2+ cations, which is conducive to obtain high‐quality, low‐defect density of state, large grain size, and smooth surface perovskite absorbers. Thanks to the electronic configuration and electronic cloud distribution of CNA molecules, the PSCs yield impressive efficiency as high as 24.33% with excellent environmental storage, heat, and light stabilities. This research provides a research basis for designing additives with steric‐charge‐dependence to assist perovskite photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral reefs provide refuge for prey and are important for the preservation of an oceanic ecosystem. However, they have been experiencing severe destruction by environmental changes and human activities. In this paper, we propose and analyze a tri-trophic food chain model consisting of coral, Crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS), and triton in deterministic and stochastic environments. We investigate the effects of harvesting in the deterministic system and environmental noises in the stochastic system, respectively. The existence of possible steady states along with their stability is rigorously discussed. From the economic perspective, we examine the existence of the bionomic equilibrium and establish the optimal harvesting policy. Subsequently, the deterministic system is extended to a stochastic system through nonlinear perturbation. The stochastic system admits a unique positive global solution initiating from the interior of the positive quadrant. The long-time behaviors of the stochastic system are explored. Numerical simulations are provided to validate and complement our theoretical results. We show that over-harvesting of triton is not beneficial to coral reefs and modest harvesting of CoTS may promote sustainable growth in coral reefs. In addition, the presence of strong noises can lead to population extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials with photothermal combined chemodynamic therapy (PTT‐CDT) have attracted the attention of researchers owing to their excellent synergistic therapeutic effects on tumors. Thus, the preparation of multifunctional materials with higher photothermal conversion efficiency and catalytic activity can achieve better synergistic therapeutic effects for melanoma. In this study, a Cu–Zn bimetallic single‐atom (Cu/PMCS) is constructed with augmented photothermal effect and catalytic activity due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. Density functional theory calculations confirmed that the enhanced photothermal effect of Cu/PMCS is due to the appearance of a new d‐orbital transition with strong spin‐orbit coupling and the induced LSPR. Additionally, Cu/PMCS exhibited increased catalytic activity in the Fenton‐like reaction and glutathione depletion capacity, further enhanced by increased temperature and LSPR. Consequently, Cu/PMCS induced better synergistic anti‐melanoma effects via PTT‐CDT than PMCS in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, compared with PMCS, Cu/PMCS killed bacteria more quickly and effectively, thus facilitating wound healing owing to the enhanced photothermal effect and slow release of Cu2+. Cu/PMCS promoted cell migration and angiogenesis and upregulated the expression of related genes to accelerate wound healing. Cu/PMCS has potential applications in treating melanoma and repairing wounds with its antitumor, antibacterial, and wound‐healing properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the efficiency of perovskite solar cell has skyrocketed to as high as 25.7%, their stability has become the biggest obstacle to commercialization. Preliminary analyses suggest that additive engineering may be effective in improving both solar cell efficiency and its stability. Herein, the plant‐derived natural green additive of l‐Theanine (Thea) is selected to improve the crystal quality of the perovskite absorber and obtain high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with ultraviolet/ozone (UV/O3) resistance. The characterization results reveal that the CO group in Thea can effectively inhibit the precipitation of metal Pb0, passivate undercoordinated Pb2+ ions, and promote the nucleation and crystallization of perovskite. In addition, the combination of the NH group and I− in the form of a hydrogen bond cooperatively reduce the probability of nonradiative recombination of photogenerated carriers and effectively improves the extraction ability of carriers from perovskite absorber. With the cooperation of CO and NH2 groups in Thea, the champion efficiency is improved from 22.29% in the control device to 24.58%. More importantly, Thea significantly alleviates the perovskite phase transition and film decomposition induced by UV/O3 treatment. The study provides exploratory research for the application of plant‐derived green additives in the UV/O3 resistance field of perovskite photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has concentrated on the effect of partial substitution of MnO for MgO on the crystallization, physicochemical and dielectric properties of mica glass-ceramics. The results showed that MnO acted as a network modifier to diminish the network integrity. Fluorphlogopite (KMg 3 (Si 3 AlO 10) F 2) phase, as the dominant crystal phase, suggested that Mn2+ ions did not participate in forming the mica phase. The crystallinity achieved the maximum (67.96%) at a MnO doping of 4 mol%. From SEM images, the conclusion that appropriate MnO doping could promote the formation of nuclei and refine the grains can be obtained. When the doping of MnO was 4 mol%, the Vickers hardness (4.59 GPa) of mica glass-ceramics was the lowest, while the bending strength (136.84 MPa) and chemical stability reached the best. The dielectric constant was about 7–8 at 1 MHz, and the dielectric loss remained relatively low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the discovery of 1970s, bioactive glass has been a hot topic of research because of its excellent biological activity, which makes it a material that can repair and replace human bone tissue organs. In this work, the bioactive glasses in the system SiO 2 –P 2 O 5 –Na 2 O–CaO–F with different amounts of strontium oxide (SrO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were prepared by the conventional melt quenching technology. The hydroxyapatite (HA) forming ability, ion release and antibacterial activity of these prepared glasses were investigated and the obtained results illustrated that SrO-doped samples had a better ability to form HA in modified simulated body fluid (MSBF) than ZnO-doped samples. As the immersion time of the sample in MSBF increased, the content of HA phase gradually increased. In the same immersion time, the formation ability of HA and the variation of SrO substitution amount showed a non-linear trend, which is mainly related to the influence of SrO content on the glass network structure. The results of ion concentration showed that the formation of HA was the result of the comprehensive action of various ions in the solution, especially the release rate of Si4+ ions, which had a direct impact on the formation ability of HA. The antibacterial test illustrated that the difference in antibacterial activity of bacteria solution at different sample concentrations may be related to the high pH environment and the osmotic effects caused by the non-physiological concentration of ions in the solution. The glass sample contained 4 wt% SrO showed the minimum bactericidal concentration at 64 mg/mL. The glass samples prepared in this experiment had good biological activity and antibacterial effect, making them suitable for using in dentistry and orthopedic applications, as well as providing a valuable composition reference for the preparation of bioactive glass with excellent comprehensive properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, phospho-silicate glasses with SiO 2 –P 2 O 5 –Na 2 O–F-MO (M = Ca, Sr, Zn) composition were prepared by using the conventional melt quenching technology. Structural, physical, and chemical property tests were used to analyze the effects of different SrO and ZnO content on the structure and properties of the glasses. The results showed that the glass stability varied nonlinearly as CaO was replaced by SrO, which was mainly related to the different positions of Sr2+ and Ca2+ ions breaking the network connection in the network structure, and the substitution of ZnO for CaO led to a continuous decrease in the stability of the glasses. The immersion experiment showed that SrO doping was more feasible than ZnO doping to improve the biological activity of the glasses, and the doping of ZnO promoted the dissolution of ions in the glasses. The obtained results indicated that the glass samples prepared in this paper have potential biological activity, which has potential applications in dental treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a common surgery outcome affecting up to a third of the elderly patients, and it is associated with high morbidity and increased risk for Alzheimer's disease development. PND is characterized by cognitive impairment that can manifest acutely in the form of postoperative delirium (POD) or after hospital discharge as postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Although POD and POCD are clinically distinct, their development seems to be mediated by a systemic inflammatory reaction triggered by surgical trauma that leads to dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier and facilitates the occurrence of neuroinflammation. Recent studies have suggested that the gut microbiota composition may play a pivotal role in the PND development by modulating the risk of neuroinflammation establishment. In fact, modulation of gut microbiome composition with pre- and probiotics seems to be effective for the prevention and treatment of PND in animals. Interestingly, general anesthetics seem to have major responsibility on the gut microbiota composition changes following surgery and, consequently, can be an important element in the process of PND initiation. This concept represents an important milestone for the understanding of PND pathogenesis and may unveil new opportunities for the development of preventive or mitigatory strategies against the development of these conditions. The aim of this review is to discuss how anesthetics used in general anesthesia can interact and alter the gut microbiome composition and contribute to PND development by favoring the emergence of neuroinflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, CuO-doped MgO-Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 based glasses have been synthesized successfully through conventional melt quenching method, and the effect of CuO content on the structure and properties of the glasses was investigated. The results revealed that CuO could act as a glass modifier to depolymerize the silicate network and its effect was superior to that of MgO. In addition, the main crystalline phase was α-cordierite (Mg 2 Al 4 Si 5 O 18), indicating that copper ions did not participate in the formation of the crystalline phase, and still existed in the interstitial position. The characteristic absorption band around 750 nm owing to the 2B 1g →2B 2g transition of Cu2+ ions appeared on the optical transmittance spectra, which confirmed the existence of Cu2+ ions in the tetragonally distorted octahedral sites. The luminescence center was caused by Cu+ ions, and the luminescence lifetime decreased with the addition of CuO. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss increased with the increase of CuO content, indicating an increase in the insulation performance. Finally, the obtained chromaticity coordinate parameters indicate that the prepared CuO-doped magnesium aluminosilicate-based glasses can be applied in optical and electrical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing use is being made of phytoliths for quantitative palaeovegetation and palaeoclimatic reconstruction, and consequently studies of phytolith transport are attracting increasing attention. In this context, we conducted a detailed study of factors affecting the soil phytolith transport in six representative natural soil types in Northeast China. We define a phytolith transport index (T) which indicates that transport rates are the lowest in chernozem and chestnut soils, intermediate in dark brown and albic soils, and obviously higher in black and alluvial soils. Additionally, there are differences in the vertical transport of different phytolith types in the soils; however, the transport characteristics are essentially the same among the different soil types. Transport rates are lowest for tabular and blocky phytoliths, followed by bulliform phytolith. By contrast, the rates for short cell, lanceolate and elongate phytoliths are significantly higher, and, notably, these phytolith types have different size and aspect ratios. The transport of phytoliths is also mainly influenced by mean annual precipitation (MAP), soil pH and soil clay content. Climatic factors, especially MAP, are a more significant factor for phytolith transport than phytolith size and aspect ratio. Overall, our findings are significant for the palaeoenvironmental interpretation of soil phytolith assemblages in topsoils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of pulmonary surfactant to reduce alveolar surface tension requires adequate levels of surfactant protein B (SP-B). Dexamethasone (DEX) increases human SP-B expression, in part, through increased SP-B mRNA stability. A 30-nt-long hairpin element (RBE) in the 30 -untranslated region of human SP-B mRNA mediates both DEX-induced and intrinsic mRNA stabilities, but the mechanism is unknown. Proteomic analysis of RBE-interacting proteins identified a primate-specific protein, RNA-binding motif X-linked-like-3 (RBMXL3). siRNA directed against RBMXL3 reduces DEX-induced SP-B mRNA expression in human bronchoalveolar cells. Human SP-B mRNA stability, measured by our dual cistronic plasmid assay, is unaffected by DEX in mouse lung epithelial cells lacking RBMXL3, but DEX increases human SP-B mRNA stability when RBMXL3 is expressed and requires the RBE. In the absence of DEX, RBE interacts with cellular proteins, reducing intrinsic SP-B mRNA stability in human and mouse lung epithelial cells. RBMXL3 specifically binds the RBE in vitro, whereas RNA immunoprecipitation and affinity chromatography analyses indicate that binding is enhanced in the presence of DEX. These results describe a model where intrinsic stability of human SP-B mRNA is reduced through binding of cellular mRNA decay factors to RBE, which is then relieved through DEXenhanced binding of primate-specific RBMXL3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoliths can act as efficient carriers of information about palaeovegetation and palaeoclimatic conditions, but the representativeness of soil phytoliths from palaeoecological sediments has not been fully understood. In this study, phytolith assemblages in topsoils and associated plant communities at 55 sites in Northeast China were compared. The results indicate that samples from herbaceous and woody communities could be reliably differentiated by topsoil phytoliths. Notably, different phytolith types exhibit varying degrees of representational bias in terms of the aboveground plant community. Some morphotypes (e.g., bilobate, rondel and lanceolate) over‐represent the richness of the corresponding plant; some morphotypes, including microhair, conical epidermal, silicified stomata and epidermal phytoliths, under‐represent the parent plant abundance; additional morphotypes (e.g., elongate, saddle and trapeziform sinuate) are consistent with the changes of associated plants. Based on the representational bias, we calibrated the percentages of topsoil phytoliths and established a phytolith‐based transfer function for precipitation in Northeast China. A palaeoclimate reconstruction in the Changbai Mountains (in the eastern part of Northeast China) based on the above phytolith‐based transfer function for precipitation shows that the region has gone through continuous climatic changes since the late glacial period: from cold and dry conditions to warm and dry conditions, then to warm and wet conditions, and finally to cool and dry conditions. The phytolith‐based reconstructed climate changes since the late glacial period correspond well to those reconstructed by other records from the same stratigraphic profile, and our phytolith‐based climatic reconstruction also confirms the reliability of abrupt cold climatic shifts at 8.2, 6.8, 5.6, 4.6 and 4.2 ka. In conclusion, our results provide the basis for the reliability of phytoliths for reconstructing climatic changes in the northern temperate region. Highlights: Calibrating soil phytolith assemblages for any quantitative palaeovegetation reconstruction using phytoliths is necessary.Phytolith morphotypes in topsoils may over‐ or under‐represent or agree with the abundance of modern plant taxa.Phytolith‐based climatic reconstruction corresponds well with the abrupt climate changes evident since the Late Glacial period and other proxy records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the improvements in our knowledge of the phytolith morphology of different Poaceae subfamilies and even different species, phytolith records in paleosols provide valuable information on past vegetation in situ, especially for herbaceous plants. Nevertheless, the reliability of phytolith records for the reconstruction of forest vegetation needs to be further verified, and it needs to be assessed before they can be used in palaeoecological contexts. In this study we analyzed the topsoil phytolith assemblages of 39 sampling sites and established a modern soil phytolith reference dataset for five plant communities in the mid-subtropical zone of China. We then used the phytolith reference dataset to analyze a stratigraphic sequence of fossil phytolith assemblages from the same region. The results show that the topsoil phytolith assemblages and phytolith indices (Ic and Iph) vary substantially among different plant communities, and that there is a good correlation with the aboveground vegetation composition. This shows that modern soil phytoliths are reliable analogues for reconstructing the paleovegetation. The results of a paleovegetation reconstruction based on the modern phytolith reference dataset show that the SWGT region has experienced substantial vegetation changes during the Holocene—from evergreen and deciduous broadleaved mixed forest to evergreen broadleaved forest, and finally to evergreen broadleaved forest with occasional shrub and herbaceous communities. The phytolith-based Holocene vegetation types are consistent with those reconstructed by a pollen record from the same stratigraphic profile. Moreover, the phytolith reconstruction also records changes in the understory herbaceous plants and C 3 /C 4 grasses, which supplements the results of the pollen-based paleovegetation reconstruction. Overall, our results confirm the reliability of phytolith analysis for interpreting the entire vegetation landscape and forest composition in the mid-subtropical zone of China. They also provide a new perspective for the application of phytoliths to the study of forest dynamics in this region. • Topsoil phytolith assemblages and indices exhibit notable differences among the five vegetation types, and they agree well with the vegetation characteristics defined in the field. • Topsoil phytolith assemblages beneath different modern vegetation types can be used as analogues for paleovegetation reconstruction using a stratigraphic sequence of phytoliths. • SWGT section record a process of substantial vegetation changes during the Holocene—from evergreen and deciduous broadleaved mixed forest to evergreen broadleaved forest, and finally to evergreen broadleaved forest with occasional shrub and herbaceous communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levels of intestinal toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) impact inflammation in the neonatal gastrointestinal tract. While surfactant protein A (SP-A) is known to regulate TLR4 in the lung, it also reduces intestinal damage, TLR4 and inflammation in an experimental model of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonatal rats. We hypothesized that SP-A-deficient (SP-A−/−) mice have increased ileal TLR4 and inflammatory cytokine levels compared to wild type mice, impacting intestinal physiology. We found that ileal TLR4 and proinflammatory cytokine levels were significantly higher in infant SP-A−/− mice compared to wild type mice. Gavage of neonatal SP-A−/− mice with purified SP-A reduced ileal TLR4 protein levels. SP-A reduced expression of TLR4 and proinflammatory cytokines in normal human intestinal epithelial cells (FHs74int), suggesting a direct effect. However, incubation of gastrointestinal cell lines with proteasome inhibitors did not abrogate the effect of SP-A on TLR4 protein levels, suggesting that proteasomal degradation is not involved. In a mouse model of experimental NEC, SP-A−/− mice were more susceptible to intestinal stress resembling NEC, while gavage with SP-A significantly decreased ileal damage, TLR4 and proinflammatory cytokine mRNA levels. Our data suggests that SP-A has an extrapulmonary role in the intestinal health of neonatal mice by modulating TLR4 and proinflammatory cytokines mRNA expression in intestinal epithelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to observe the protective effect of rapamycin on cognitive dysfunction induced by sevoflurane in aged rats and its effect on autophagy-related proteins, and to investigate the regulatory mechanism of the Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation primary response 88/nuclear factor-κB (TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB) signaling pathway. Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a control group, a sevoflurane group, a rapamycin pretreatment group, a TLR4 inhibitor group and a 3MA autophagy inhibitor group. A water maze test was used to evaluate the cognition and memory of rats. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to observe pathological changes of brain tissue. A TUNEL assay was used to detect the apoptosis of brain tissue. ELISA was used to assess changes in brain injury markers and inflammatory factors. A western blot assay or quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) were performed to determine the expression of autophagy-related proteins and the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in brain tissue. The results revealed that rapamycin could improve cognitive dysfunction of aged rats induced by sevoflurane. Rapamycin was identified to play a therapeutic role, including mitigating brain tissue damage, inhibiting apoptosis, and activating autophagy in a sevoflurane-treated aged rat model. This function of rapamycin was demonstrated to depend on the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Critically ill old patients sometimes require repeated surgical interventions, and thus it is important to determine the influence of repeated exposure to anesthetics on learning and memory. Sevoflurane, a widely used inhalation anesthetic, has few neurological adverse effects and offers a rapid return to consciousness. But the long-term influence of sevoflurane exposure and the effect of repeated sevoflurane exposure on cognition have rarely been reported, and available studies are contradictory. Materials and methods In the present study, the Morris water maze test was employed to investigate the long-term influence of single (4 h) or repeated (2 h daily for 5 consecutive days) exposure to 1.5% or 2.5% sevoflurane on the learning ability and memory of old (16–18 months old) male rats. Testing was performed from 1 day to 4 weeks after the last exposure. In the hippocampus, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), NF-κB mRNA, and apoptosis rate were also examined to determine whether cellular biochemical changes related to cognition and memory occurred after single or repeated exposure to sevoflurane. Key findings Repeated exposure to 2.5% sevoflurane decreased hippocampal levels of BDNF protein, enhanced hippocampal levels of NF-κB mRNA, and increased the apoptosis rate of pyramidal cells. Single exposure to 2.5% sevoflurane, and repeated exposure to either 1.5% or 2.5% sevoflurane significantly compromised learning and memory of old male rats. Significance Repeated exposure to sevoflurane impaired the learning and memory of old male rats, an impairment that was accompanied by cognition-related biochemical changes in the hippocampus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern process research on phytoliths, including on the characteristics and spatial distribution of phytoliths assemblages and their relationship with environmental factors, is the basis of the use of phytoliths in paleoenvironmental reconstruction. We collected 54 surface soil samples along the isohyet of 600 mm in Northeast China in order to determine the relationship between modern phytoliths distributions and temperature. These were comprised by 20 samples from Xiaoxing'an Mountains, 32 samples from Songliao Plain, and 2 samples from Liaoxi Hills. The main phytoliths types were elongate and lanceolate, followed by short cell phytoliths, blocky, tabular and cuneiform; the percentages of the other types were all less than 1% and only occurred sporadically. There were significant differences in phytoliths assemblages among Xiaoxing'an Mountains, Songliao Plain, and Liaoxi Hills. Discriminant analysis was conducted using phytoiths assemblages, the samples from these three regions could be separated with a total accuracy of 96.30%. Elongate, lanceolate and pteridophyte‒type on average made up the largest proportion in Xiaoxing'an Mountains and the smallest in Liaoxi Hills, whereas saddle, bilobate and papillae showed the inverse trend; the proportions of blocky, tabular and cuneiform were the largest in Songliao Plain. The percentages of these types abovementioned were significantly different among the three regions. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the percentages of elongate, lanceolate and pteridophyte‒type and mean annual temperature (MAT), while there was a significant positive correlation between the percentages of blocky, tabular, cuneiform, saddle, bilobate, papillae and MAT. There was no significant relationship between rondel, trapeziform sinuate, conduit, carinate, sclereid, silicified stomata and MAT. A phytoliths index (C/W) based on the common phytoliths types in the surface soil samples which had a significant correlation with MAT was built. C/W = (elongate + lanceolate)/(elongate + lanceolate + blocky + tabular + cuneiform + saddle + bilobate). The values of C/W in Northeast China varied from 0.14 to 0.91, with an average of 0.67. The accuracy of the C/W index indicating climatic trends was significantly higher than the previously established Ic (climate index) and Iw (warm index). Overall, our results contribute to an improved understanding on the environmental significance of various phytoliths morphotypes, and provide a modern process foundation for phytoliths–based paleoclimatic reconstruction in the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by both white and jump noises, a stochastic delayed model with two competitive species in a polluted environment is proposed and investigated. By using the comparison theorem of stochastic differential equations and limit superior theory, sufficient conditions for persistence in mean and extinction of two species are established. In addition, we obtain that the system is asymptotically stable in distribution by using ergodic method. Furthermore, the optimal harvesting effort and the maximum of expectation of sustainable yield (ESY) are derived from Hessian matrix method and optimal harvesting theory of differential equations. Finally, some numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking the stochastic effects on growth rate and harvesting effort into account, we propose a stochastic delay model of species in two habitats. The main aim of this paper is to investigate optimal harvesting and dynamics of the stochastic delay model. By using the stochastic analysis theory and differential inequality technology, we firstly obtain sufficient conditions for persistence in the mean and extinction. Furthermore, the optimal harvesting effort and the maximum of expectation of sustainable yield (ESY) are gained by using Hessian matrix, the ergodic method, and optimal harvesting theory of differential equations. To illustrate the performance of the theoretical results, we present a series of numerical simulations of these cases with respect to different noise disturbance coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoliths have proved to be reliable indicators of environmental conditions both at present and in the past, and can provide evidence for the distribution of taxa or vegetation. Understanding the environmental significance of phytoliths within plants helps in drawing more reliable inferences about palaeovegetation and in reconstructing the palaeo-environment. The present study examined the relationship between phytoliths and environmental factors to assess the environmental significance of different types of phytoliths. Phytoliths were extracted from Phragmites communis growing in xerophytic and aquatic habitats at twelve sampling sites in north-eastern China and their implications for the environment were assessed using quantitative data mainly including phytolith concentration and environmental factors and statistical analyses. Principal component analysis (PCA) of several environmental factors (including the climate, micro terrain, and the physicochemical properties of soils) revealed that other factors being constant, P. communis phytolith concentrations were influenced largely by the average annual temperature and precipitation. Orthogonal experiment analysis and three-way analyses of variance of the concentrations confirmed the reliability of the results of the PCA. More specifically, the concentrations of the saddle and rondel types of phytoliths (the short-cell phytoliths) were closely linked to the average annual temperature whereas those of the elongate, lanceolate, and bulliform phytoliths (the non-short-cell phytoliths) were more sensitive to the variations in water status. The results contribute to further confirming the major environmental implications of phytoliths and, in turn, providing a reference for growth and development of wetland plants. Our findings also provide critical information that could help managers and policymakers assess and modify ecological restoration practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, all solid waste-based glass-ceramics with 55% steel slag and 45% coal gangue were prepared by the conventional melt-quenching and two-step heat treatment methods. The effect of the heat treatment on the crystallization, microstructure, physical properties and stabilization behavior of the heavy metal ions for the glass-ceramics was researched by DSC, XRD, SEM and ICP-OES. Augite was the dominant crystal phase with a crystallinity about 94%. With a heat treatment of 750°C/6 h+900°C/2h, the flexural strength (328 MPa) and Vickers hardness (9.59 GPa) of the prepared glass-ceramic reached the optimal. The immobilization efficiencies of the glass-ceramics for the heavy metal ions almost reached above 90%. The above results suggest that the use of all-solid waste for the preparation of glass-ceramics may be a feasible way to achieve the immobilization of heavy metal ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accuracy of paleovegetation reconstruction and understanding of phytolith formation would both be improved by further study of phytolith size in the Phragmites australis under different environmental conditions. Leaves of P. australis were collected from 11 sampling sites in northeast China with differences in temperature, precipitation and habitat. Principal component analysis of environmental factors (climatic and edaphic) indicated that the annual averages of temperature and precipitation were the main factors influencing phytolith size. Moreover, three-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) further showed that phytolith size differed significantly under conditions of different temperature or precipitation gradients, whereas habitat differences had little effect. The changes in phytolith size with temperature differed in the humid, semi-humid and semi-arid areas of northeast China. In the humid and semi-humid areas, moving from the temperate to the warm temperate zone, increasing temperature reduced phytolith size; whereas in the semi-arid area, phytolith became larger with increasing temperature. In the warm temperate and temperate zones, the changes of phytolith size with precipitation showed the same trend—moving from the semi-arid to semi-humid to humid areas, as precipitation increased, phytolith grew larger. Finally, ANOVA revealed that phytoliths were also sensitive to habitat. These findings demonstrated that the size of P . australis phytoliths was sensitive to environmental factors: for regional research, the annual averages of temperature and precipitation were the major factors influencing size, but in the same climate district, habitat differences seemed to also have a significant impact on phytolith size. Consequently, phytolith analysis has potential utility in the study of global climate change, palaeoenvironment reconstruction, and environmental conservation and restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaporin 1(AQP1) and AQP5 have an important role in eliminating extravascular lung water, an increase of which contributes to lung injury in patients with sepsis and its consequent mortality. It has been reported that hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) has protective effects against sepsis-related lung injury. In this study, we hypothesized that the protective effect occurred by preserving the expression of AQP1 and AQP5. To test this hypothesis, male Sprague–Dawley rats received intratracheal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) followed by intraperitoneal injection of HRS. Lung function, wet-to-dry weight ratio, and histopathology scores were determined. The expression of AQP1 and AQP5 at the messenger RNA and protein levels, as well as the involved pathways, was explored by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. LPS significantly impaired lung function and downregulated the expression of AQP1 and AQP5 in the rat lung, all of which were attenuated by HRS treatment. Moreover, HRS treatment inhibited LPS-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and jun N-terminal kinase, which is associated with LPS-induced downregulation of AQP1 and AQP5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the widespread distribution and abundant phytoliths produced by Phragmites communis, phytoliths of P. communis in northeast China were investigated to identify the primary influencing factors on phytolith size using an orthogonal experimental method. Temperature and precipitation were found to be the prominent factors influencing the sizes of short-cell phytoliths including the saddle and the rondel morphotypes, whereas there were no obvious variations in the width-to-length ratios of short-cell phytoliths in response to environmental factors. These results indicate that short-cell phytoliths are genetically stable, confirming that they can be used for the classification of grasses. Moreover, precipitation was the main factor influencing the sizes of the lanceolate phytoliths and silicified stomata, and their width-to-length ratios changed significantly in response to precipitation and habitat differences. These findings reveal that lanceolate and silicified stomata phytoliths are sensitive to environmental changes, indicating their usefulness for palaeoenvironment reconstruction. Moreover, variations in their width-to-length ratios and their sizes may provide some information for plant classification, even at species level. Finally, the results of a principal component analysis of the sizes of P. communis phytoliths further verify the reliability of the orthogonal experiment results, in that temperature and precipitation were the prominent factors influencing the size of all P. communis phytoliths except for the length of saddle and width of the saddle morphotypes. This research into the primary environmental significance of the sizes of P. communis phytoliths may contribute to improving the precision of plant classification and the model for quantitative reconstruction of the palaeoenvironment to aid in reconstructions of palaeovegetation and palaeoclimate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Leaves of Phragmites communis were collected from five sampling sites distributed across three climatic zones in NE China, each zone representing a different level of humidity. A total of 4372 phytolith particles were counted from the leaves and classified into six types. The types of phytoliths are saddle, lanceolate, bulliform, and rondels, elongated, favose. Phytoliths in P. communis are sensitive to change in humidity. The main types from the five sampling sites are identical. The proportion of saddle phytoliths is greater than other phytoliths types. However, the quantity of phytoliths in P. communis differs markedly across the five sampling sites. In Shalan, Changchun, and Changling, the corresponding proportions of the saddle type are 28.1%, 25.4%, and 37.6%. In samples representing the aquatic, seasonal waterlogged, and mesic sampling sites from Nanhu Lake in Changchun, the corresponding proportions for saddle phytoliths are 32.6%, 20.6%, and 23.0%. The size of phytoliths, tested by CA, VA and PCA, to some extent indicates that the humidity is the main factor affecting the phytoliths. In Shalan, Changchun, and Changling, as humidity decreases, the phytoliths grow larger. In Nanhu Lake, as humidity decreases, the phytoliths grow smaller. The result reveals that phytoliths in P. communis are both sensitive to temperature and humidity. For regional research, temperature is the most important factor in the formation of phytoliths. Lanceolate phytoliths are sensitive to habitat change, and the saddle phytoliths are also sensitive to regional differences. Compared with the long cell phytoliths, short cell phytoliths as a proxy indicator of paleoclimate are more convincing. Overall, the results confirm that humidity is one of the dominant variables controlling the formation of phytoliths, which provides a new thinking for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Deregulated expression of the MYC oncoprotein contributes to the genesis of many human tumours, yet strategies to exploit this for a rational tumour therapy are scarce. MYC promotes cell growth and proliferation, and alters cellular metabolism to enhance the provision of precursors for phospholipids and cellular macromolecules. Here we show in human and murine cell lines that oncogenic levels of MYC establish a dependence on AMPK-related kinase 5 (ARK5; also known as NUAK1) for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and for cell survival. ARK5 is an upstream regulator of AMPK and limits protein synthesis via inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin 1 (mTORC1) signalling pathway. ARK5 also maintains expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes and respiratory capacity, which is required for efficient glutamine metabolism. Inhibition of ARK5 leads to a collapse of cellular ATP levels in cells expressing deregulated MYC, inducing multiple pro-apoptotic responses as a secondary consequence. Depletion of ARK5 prolongs survival in MYC-driven mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma, demonstrating that targeting cellular energy homeostasis is a valid therapeutic strategy to eliminate tumour cells that express deregulated MYC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To gain a better understanding of the incidence and risk of hypokalemia in patients who received cetuximab-based therapy. Databases, including Pubmed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, annual meeting of American Society of Clinical Oncology (2000–2008), and Web of science were searched to identify relevant studies. Eligible studies were prospective phase II–III clinical trials of patients with cancer assigned cetuximab at the dose of 400 mg/m2 IV on day 1 and 250 mg/m2 weekly thereafter. The primary endpoint was incidence of hypokalemia. Eleven clinical reports were identified which included a total of 2,254 patients who were available for analysis, with 1,324 patients assigned cetuximab-based treatment. The results showed high incidence of grade 3 and 4 hypokalemia [6.2% (95% CI 4.9–7.7)] and high incidence of all-grade hypokalemia [8.0% (95% CI 4.5–13.9)] associated with cetuximab-based therapy for advanced cancer. Compared with non-cetuximab therapy, cetuximab-based therapy has higher risk of grade 3 and 4 hypokalemia [1.81 (95% CI 1.12–2.93)]. Cetuximab-based therapy is associated with a significant risk of hypokalemia. Early monitoring and effective management of hypokalemia is important for patients that received cetuximab-based therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spatial distribution patterns of surface soil phytoliths under the single factor of precipitation were studied at the regional scale. • This study provides an improved understanding of the response of various phytolith morphotypes to precipitation. • A modern process basis for future phytolith–based paleoclimatic reconstruction in Northeast China is delivered. • An index applicable for reflecting changes in environmental humidity in Northeast China is built. The characteristics of topsoil phytolith assemblages can reflect the local vegetation and climatic conditions. We collected 53 topsoil samples along an isotherm corresponding to a mean annual temperature (MAT) of 4 °C in Northeast China, 20 samples were from the Daxing'an Mountains (DXAM), 18 samples from the Songnen Plain (SNP), and 15 samples from the Changbai Mountains (CBM). The phytoliths were classified into 13 morphological categories. We observed significant differences between the phytoliths assemblages from the DXAM, SNP, and CBM, and they could be statistically discriminated with a total accuracy of 81.1 %. ELONGATE percentages were more sensitive to MAT than to mean annual precipitation (MAP). There was a significant positive correlation between the percentages of ELONGATE, PTERIDOPHYTE-TYPE, PAPILLATE and MAP; and a significant negative correlation between the percentages of BILOBATE and MAP. We constructed a phytolith index (D/W) based on the common phytolith types, which reflects changes in environmental humidity: D/W = BILOBATE / (BILOBATE + ELONGATE); the higher the value of D/W the drier the environment, and vice versa. In Northeast China, D/W varied from 0.0 to 0.6, with the average of 0.3. D/W < 0.3 corresponded to a relatively humid climate, and D/W > 0.3 corresponded to a relatively dry climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The job crafting literature has not devoted much attention to the effects of specific forms of job crafting, particularly cognitive crafting. The present study builds on Conservation of Resources theory to explain how cognitive crafting might influence work meaningfulness for employees, and in turn, increase their experienced thriving at work. Moreover, we hypothesise that the impact of cognitive crafting on these outcomes is influenced by two motivational job characteristics: skill variety and job autonomy. To test our hypotheses, we collected three‐wave survey data from 223 employees employed in a variety of occupations and industries in China. Results indicate that engaging in cognitive crafting enhances employees' work meaningfulness, resulting in thriving at work. Furthermore, skill variety and job autonomy are crucial moderators of these relationships. Specifically, when employees perceived low levels of skill variety or job autonomy, engaging in cognitive crafting was more likely to lead to enhanced work meaningfulness, which in turn resulted in higher levels of thriving at work. Implications for research, theory and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary surfactant protein-A (SP-A) is expressed by lung alveolar and bronchiolar epithelial cells and plays a critical role in innate immunity of the lung. Exposure of the lung to various environmental insults alters SP-A homeostasis. To investigate the cellular mechanisms involved in these alterations, we added the FLAG octapeptide (DYKDDDDK) to the carboxy-terminus (SP-A/C-FLAG) or near the amino-terminus (SP-A/N-FLAG) of mouse SP-A (WT-SP-A) to tag specific pools of protein. We hypothesized that addition of FLAG would have negligible effects on SP-A expression, oligomerization and secretion. Analysis of Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing these proteins indicated that tagged SP-A mRNA could be distinguished from WT-SP-A by northern analysis and RT-PCR using sequence-specific oligonucleotides. Tagged SP-A protein could be differentiated from WT-SP-A by western analysis using antibodies specific for the FLAG epitope. Subcellular fractionation and immunocytochemistry indicated the majority of each protein was present in punctuate (presumably endocytic) vesicles, and all forms of SP-A protein were secreted. These results suggest that a FLAG epitope added to the carboxy-terminus or inserted into the amino-terminus of the mature SP-A protein has little effect on its expression and cellular processing. However, disruptions of the amino-terminal end of SP-A prevents proper oligomerization, suggesting that this region of mature SP-A is critical in proper oligomeric assembly and is not useful for studies intended to define mechanisms underlying SP-A homeostasis. • Monomers of SP-A trimerize via collagen-like domains; 6 trimers form a multimeric oligomer through cysteine crosslinking. • A FLAG motif placed at the SP-A carboxy terminus has little impact on formation of mature SP-A compared to wild-type SP-A. • An internal FLAG motif placed near the amino terminus impacts oligomerization, but not trimerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There is a correspondence between phytolith morphotypes from topsoil and communities. • ~31% of phytoliths are transported from the soil profile in the forested region. • ~19% of phytoliths are transported from the soil profile in the grassland region. • R and T values are a promising approach for revising soil phytolith preservation. The reliability of soil phytoliths within representatives of past phytolith assemblages in archaeological and palaeoecological contexts needs to be improved. In this study, we investigated soil phytolith representation by comparing phytoliths from plant communities with those from paired topsoils and those subjected to vertical translocation at 54 sites in Northeast China. With respect to soil phytolith preservation in the soil-plant system, there is a reasonable correspondence between phytolith morphotypes from forested topsoil (or grassland topsoil) and those from the associated communities. But the comparison and contrast between phytoliths from topsoil and communities indicates that different phytolith morphotypes also exhibit different degrees of representational bias (R values). Additionally, for the vertical translocation of soil phytoliths, together with a phytolith translocation index (T), ~31% and 19% of the phytoliths are transported below the surface of the studied soil profiles in the forested and grassland regions, respectively. The translocation rates of different phytolith morphotypes in the forested samples are all larger than those in the grassland samples. Based on R and T values, the changes of revised topsoil phytolith indices are moderately in accord with actual plant richness and climatic changes. These results we show that the R and T values are effective parameters indicating the degree of soil phytolith preservation and can be used in future studies for developing training sets of modern phytolith assemblages. The results of our study provide a methodological template to investigate the extent to which phytolith assemblages in palaeoenvironmental contexts satisfy the criteria necessary to justify their use as a meaningful proxy of past ecological and climatic change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Compound K could attenuate POCD caused by partial hepatectomy in mice. • LXRα pathway is a potential new therapeutic target for POCD. • Hippocampus inflammation is more important than systemic inflammation in POCD. Post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) occurs after major surgery in elderly patients and affects the quality of patients' lives. The present study aims to explore the protective effects and possible mechanisms of compound K in old mice with POCD caused by partial hepatectomy. Sixteen month-old mice were administered different doses of compound K from the 8th day to 14th day after partial hepatectomy. Cognitive function was subsequently measured with a Morris water-maze (MWM) test. Serum inflammatory cytokine levels were measured by magnetic bead panel; levels of cytokines in the hippocampus were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. The mRNA levels of target genes were measured using real-time PCR. Compared with the model group, MWM scores were significantly attenuated at days 10 and 14 post-surgery in mice receiving compound K (10, 30 mg/kg) in a dose-dependent manner. Both systemic and local cytokine levels were reduced after treatment of compound K. The alterations in serum lipids were independent of the attenuation of POCD syndrome. An inhibitor of liver X receptor-α (LXRα), GGPP, reversed the effects of compound K. The results provide evidence for an alleviation of POCD by compound K via local inflammation inhibition in hippocampus tissue; furthermore, the data suggests the mechanism involves the LXRα pathway. The present study supports further evaluation of compound K as a potential effective modulator for POCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the aluminosilicate glass was subjected to ion-exchange using the KNO 3 -AgCl mixed molten salt in order to strengthen the glass while imparting antimicrobial properties. The concentration distribution of K+ ions and Ag+ ions of the ion-exchanged glasses was characterized by EDS, the effects of ion-exchange temperature (460-500 °C), ion-exchange time (0.5-3 h) and AgCl concentration (0–2.5 wt%) in the mixed molten salt on the strengthening effect and properties of the glass were investigated. The results showed that Ag+-Na+ ion-exchange, K+-Na+ ion-exchange existed simultaneously, and Ag+-Na+ ion-exchange occurred preferentially. Due to the presence of metallic silver, the appearance of the Ag+ ion-exchanged glass was light yellow and its transmittance showed a decrease. The surface compressive stress trended up and then down with increasing temperature and time because of the stress relaxation effect. The Vickers hardness of ion-exchanged glass increased by 15%, and the densities and chemical stability were also increased. Ions leaching experiments showed that the Ag+ ions release concentration of silver-loaded glass in aqueous environment can reach the bactericidal level. It has been shown that ion-exchange of glass in KNO 3 -AgCl mixed molten salts allowed the glass to be strengthened and incorporated with antimicrobial active ions, its chemical stability was improved, too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on phytolith morphology and the preservation of phytoliths in soils provides the theoretical basis for reconstructing shifts in forest–grassland ecotones and the evolution of plant communities. Based initially on anatomical origin, then shape and finally texture, phytoliths in broad-leaved trees were divided into six major types, 10 types and 33 sub-types, respectively; and correspondingly phytoliths in coniferous trees were divided into seven major types, 9 types and 20 sub-types. Results of detrended correspondence analysis showed that broad-leaved trees were characterized by epidermal phytoliths, hair, hair base, sclereid, elongate attenuate, stomate and tracheids; while the main coniferous phytoliths were elongate, tabular, blocky and margin-cuneiform. In Pinaceae, Larix closely corresponded to elongate and margin-cuneiform; Picea and Abies to blocky scrobiculate, stomate and tracheids; while Pinus corresponded well with epidermal, blocky and tabular. Only five kinds of broad-leaved phytoliths and seven kinds of coniferous phytoliths appeared in soils. The preservation degree of different phytolith types was determined by comparing the contents of the same phytoliths in plants and soils. Evidence showed that coniferous phytoliths were better preserved than broad-leaved ones. Among coniferous phytoliths, the cubic, tabular echinate and elongate cavate phytoliths were better preserved than other types. Among broad-leaved phytoliths, sclereid and blocky facetate showed the best preservation. Overall, this research will support the more accurate use of tree phytoliths in interpreting paleo-environments and paleo-vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For sake of enhancing dependability and broadening application of medical packing glass, this work is designed to develop a new-type aluminoborosilicate neutral glass and optimize its main performances by adjusting CaO, BaO and ZnO amounts. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and performances analysis, the different effects of BaO, CaO and ZnO were interpreted. The partial replacing BaO with CaO facilitated formation of [AlO 4 ] and thermal stability, while entirely substitution of CaO impaired the Si group network connectivity and chemical stability. The ZnO was testified as a weak network former which reversely hindered [BO 4 ] and [AlO 4 ] formations, and boosted the water resistance specifically. In summary, a series of neutral glasses fulfilled requirements for medical packing material was prepared, and improved thermal and chemical properties were obtained whilst BaO/CaO mixed ratio reached about 0.8; the ZnO bearing glasses showed higher water resistance but faintly weaker thermal and partial chemical performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment and calibration of representational bias in modern soil phytolith assemblages provide the basis for improving interpretation of fossil phytolith assemblages. We studied soil phytolith representation by comparing phytoliths from living plant communities with those from paired surface soils, representing 39 plant communities in Northeast China. Together with the use of representation indices, the 34 and 30 soil morphotypes observed in forest and grassland samples, respectively, were both classified into the following four groups: “Associated types” were similarly represented in soils and in the corresponding species inventory data; “Over-represented types” and “Under-represented types” were respectively over- and under-represented in soils compared to the inventory data; and, in the case of “Special types,” the relationship with the parent plants was unclear. In addition, the diagnostic types exhibited different degrees of representation, while the most common morphotypes were equally represented between grassland samples and forest samples. On this basis, a comparison between the original and corrected soil phytolith indices of the additional 29 soil samples was conducted. The soil phytoliths frequencies corrected by R-values differed between plots with differing plant compositions, and were moderately consistent with actual plant richness in the plot inventory data. We therefore confirmed that R-values are a promising means of correcting soil phytoliths for representational bias in temperate regions. The corrected soil phytoliths can be used to reliably reflect vegetation variability. Overall, our study provides an improved understanding of soil phytolith representation and offers a potential method for improving the accuracy of paleovegetation reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese urban planning has recently begun an institutional revolution that seeks to integrate plans drawn up by several ministries. Aimed at giving more coherence to public action, the process of integration, already technically complex, is confronted with a power struggle between administrations, making duoguiheyi difficult to implement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La planification urbaine chinoise fait l'objet d'une révolution institutionnelle récente visant à l'intégration des plans élaborés par plusieurs ministères. Avec pour objectif de donner plus de cohérence à l'action publique, ce processus d'intégration déjà complexe techniquement se heurte à une lutte de pouvoirs entre les administrations, rendant difficile la mise en application du duoguiheyi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper formulates an infected predator-prey model with Beddington-DeAngelis functional response from a classical deterministic framework to a stochastic differential equation (SDE). First, we provide a global analysis including the global positive solution, stochastically ultimate boundedness, the persistence in mean, and extinction of the SDE system by using the technique of a series of inequalities. Second, by using Itô's formula and Lyapunov methods, we investigate the asymptotic behaviors around the equilibrium points of its deterministic system. The solution of the stochastic model has a unique stationary distribution, it also has the characteristics of ergodicity. Finally, we present a series of numerical simulations of these cases with respect to different noise disturbance coefficients to illustrate the performance of the theoretical results. The results show that if the intensity of the disturbance is sufficiently large, the persistence of the SDE model can be destroyed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To investigate the relationship between the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and autophagy in lung tissue cells in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice. Materials and methods Thirty-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to four different treatment groups: control (C), LPS (L), rapamycin (R), and LPS + rapamycin (LR). Optical and electron microscopy were used to detect lung injury and autophagy. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, and p62 in lung tissues and IgM concentrations and total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. LC3Ⅱ, LC3Ⅰ, ribosomal protein p70S6 kinase1 (p70S6K1), and phosphorylation of ribosomal protein p70S6 kinase1(P-p70S6K1) in lung tissues were measured by Western blot. Results The L group had an increased ALI index ( P < 0.05) compared with the C group, but there were no differences between the L and the LR groups or the C and R groups (all P > 0.05). According to the index of autophagy, the L, the R and C groups, the level of autophagy were in descending order ( P < 0.05), there were no differences between the L and the LR groups ( P > 0.05). The expression of P-p70S6K1 declined after rapamycin treatment, showing that the signaling pathway of mTOR is inhibited by rapamycin. Conclusions LPS could trigger the mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy of lung tissue cells in LPS-induced ALI in mice; The mTOR signaling pathway did not play a major role in lung injury and autophagy of lung tissue cells induced by LPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoliths as a climate proxy are one of the most important and effective tools for reconstruction of paleoenvironment. In this paper, twelve Gramineae species of the subfamilies Panicoideae, Pooideae and Arundinoideae from the Changbai Mountains were selected, and 3698 phytoliths were counted. We measured six parameters of dumbell, elongate, lanceolate, crenate, saddle and silicified stomata. The seven shape factors of different types of phytoliths were deduced by the six parameters measured above and analyzed by nonparametric testing and discriminant analysis. The nonparametric testing indicated that the average value of the shape factor SF 4 among the three subfamilies was obviously different. Discriminant analysis for the three subfamilies, also revealed that the discriminant accuracy was high (89.81%). Total discriminant accuracy using shape factors of dumbell phytoliths of Panicoideae was 73.12%. Discriminant accuracies using shape factors of elongate, lanceolate and crenate phytoliths of Pooideae were respectively 60.87, 59.21 and 87.07%. The discriminant accuracies using shape factors of saddle phytoliths and silicified stomata of Arundinoideae were 59.06 and 71.77%. At the same time, the shape factors of phytoliths from Setaria viridis and Leymus chinensis were used to test whether the discriminant functions established at the subfamily level were effective or not. Results showed discriminant functions precisely classify them, thus verified discriminant functions were useful. In conclusion, using the seven shape factors of phytoliths not only may improve the accuracy of classifying Gramineae, but also provides basis reference data for better understanding the presence and function of Gramineae plants at archaeological sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A karst cave monitoring work about δ18O with the designment of precipitation-soil water-drip water in Southern China. • Deep soil water is mainly supplied by the rainy season precipitation with light δ18O value. • The condition inside cave and overlying soil could affect the drip δ18O signature. Understanding the modern transport processes of δ18O between different waters in cave systems can provide a basis for the paleoenvironmental interpretation of records of stalagmite δ18O. We conducted monthly in-situ monitoring of local precipitation, soil water at three different soil depths, five drip water sites and environmental parameters in Remi cave, Western Hunan Province, Central China, from December 2020 to January 2024. During the monitoring period, due to differences in geological structure and ventilation effect at different locations within the cave, cave air temperature and relative humidity gradually remained constant from the cave entrance to the deep parts of the cave. On intra-annual timescales, precipitation δ18O p were depleted in the wet season and enriched in the dry season, which were mainly controlled by changes in moisture sources, upstream convective activity, and rainout effects. With the increasing thickness of the soil layer above the cave, soil water δ18O soil gradually became negative and leveled off, possibly because shallow soil water responded sensitively to local year-round precipitation, accompanied by surface evaporation. While, deep soil water with more negative δ18O, may be mainly replenished by heavy precipitation during the wet season, but the effect of water retained in the soil from preceding years couldn't be excluded and would be needed to verify by conducting more monitoring studies on the variation of δ18O soil covering the long period. The mean δ18O values of drip water at sites D1 and D2 near the cave entrance were heavier than that of shallow soil water and precipitation, possibly due to evaporation from the thin overlying soil layer, together with ventilation effect. There were seasonal variations of δ18O d values at site D5 in the deep parts of the cave, which may be associated with the seasonal variation of drip rate at this site. Due to the smoothing effect of soil layer and epikarst zone, there were no seasonality in δ18O d values at sites D3 and D4, in the middle and deep parts of the cave. The mean δ18O d at these two sites were lighter than amount-weighted annual mean δ18O p , and close to the deep δ18O soil and the wet-season amount-weighted mean δ18O p values. This suggests that the thick soil layer overlying the cave raises the precipitation threshold, causing these sites to be mainly recharged by heavy rainfall in the wet season. Therefore, the δ18O of stalagmites growing under these drip sites may mainly inherit the wet-season δ18O p signal. The short monitoring period of this study (three years) and the lack of modern calcite δ18O data, mean that caution is need in interpreting stalagmite δ18O on a timescale longer than that of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the evolutionary impacts of size-selective harvesting and size-dependent competition in predators on an evolving trait of predator individuals (e.g. body size and maturation age) in a predator–prey model. By using population dynamics and adaptive dynamics, we obtain the evolutionary conditions allowing for evolutionary branching and continuously stable strategy under asymmetric competition in predators for natural selection and size-dependent harvesting for artificial selection. The evolution of polymorphism is explored by numerical analysis and simulations. It is shown that high levels of sequence polymorphism may work up during adaptive evolution that leads to biological diversity. First, increase in competition among predators can result in rapid evolution towards larger body size or maturation age, but harvesting has an opposite effect. Second, competition can make for evolutionary branching, while harvesting can go against evolutionary branching and promote evolutionary stability. Last, from an evolutionary point of view, that competition can promote species diversity among predator populations, however, harvesting has an opposite effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-six ambient air samples were collected around a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) in the summer and winter using polyurethane foam passive air samplers, and analyzed to assess the spatial and seasonal distributions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Three stack gas samples were also collected and analyzed to determine PCDD/F (971pgm−3 in average) and PCB (2671pgm−3 in average) emissions from the MSWI and to help identify the sources of the pollutants in the ambient air. The total PCDD/F concentrations in the ambient air samples were lower in the summer (472-1223fgm−3) than the winter (561-3913fgm−3). In contrast, the atmospheric total PCB concentrations were higher in the summer (716-4902fgm−3) than the winter (489-2298fgm−3). Principal component analysis showed that, besides emissions from the MSWI, the domestic burning of coal and wood also contributed to the presence of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in the ambient air. The PCDD/F and PCB spatial distributions were analyzed using ordinary Kriging Interpolation and limited effect was found to be caused by emissions from the MSWI. Higher PCDD/F and PCB concentrations were observed downwind of the MSWI than in the other directions, but the highest concentrations were not to be found in the direction with the greatest wind frequency which might be caused by emissions from domestic coal and wood burning. We used a systemic method including sampling and data analysis method which can provide pioneering information for characterizing risks and assessing uncertainty of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in the ambient air around MSWIs in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the alkali-free aluminoborosilicate glass substrate was successfully prepared by the traditional melt quenching method, and the effect of boron oxide replacing alumina on the structure and properties of glass substrate was studied. DSC, FTIR and XPS results were used to analyze the physical-chemical properties and thermal properties of the materials in detail. The results show that when boron oxide replaces alumina to 8 wt%, unconventional boron-aluminum anomaly (aluminum oxide tetrahedron was increased to 97.67%, and the boroxy tetrahedron appeared with a relative content of boroxide triangulation of 21.14%) leads to a more stable structure of glass network and extreme performance. This phenomenon is caused by the mixed alkaline earth effect resulting from the change in the ratio of alkaline earth metal oxides. In this study, most of the properties of glass have met industrial standards, and the theoretical analysis has reference significance for industrial production. [Display omitted] • Unconventional boron aluminum anomaly phenomenon caused by mixed alkaline earth effect was found. • Under the mixed alkaline earth effect, the performance of glass substrate is significantly improved. • The changes of glass structure were analyzed in detail with FTIR and XPS. • A matching glass network structure model is established. • The structural changes caused by mixed alkaline earth effect are described in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results from globally distributed surface soils and surface lake and peat sediments indicate that brGDGTs (branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers), derived from bacteria, have the potential to reconstruct the history of land temperature changes. Studies of brGDGTs in China have been conducted on a large spatial scale, but the proposed brGDGTs-based land Holocene temperature records show contrasting temporal patterns. In this study, we used modern observations of brGDGTs combined with the analysis of other modern climate data and paleoclimate records to re-evaluate the proposed brGDGTs-based land Holocene paleotemperature records from China. Our findings indicate that: (i) the proposed brGDGTs-based Holocene paleotemperature records from Chinese loess deposits are more possibly indicative of humidity changes. (ii) brGDGTs in lake sediments are significantly influenced not only by air/water temperatures but also by water depth, salinity, seasonal freezing and so on, and therefore the paleoclimatic significance of individual brGDGTs-based Holocene climate records from Chinese lakes needs to be carefully evaluated. The long-term Holocene warming trend indicated by brGDGTs-based records from most shallow, freshwater Chinese lakes without surface freezing are relatively dependable. (iii) Given modern observations of brGDGTs are rarely conducted in peatlands in Northeast China, we therefore suggest the long-term Holocene warming trend indicated by brGDGTs-based records from the 5 peatlands along the transect from Southeast to Northwest China is more reliable than the long-term Holocene cooling trend indicated by brGDGTs-based records from the two peatlands in Northeast China. Therefore, currently, we are roughly incline to believe the long-term Holocene warming trend in some of the Chinese lake and peat brGDGTs-based records. As our knowledge of the environmental significance of brGDGTs continues to increase, we anticipate that they can make a substantial contribution to resolving the "Holocene temperature conundrum". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]