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In this work, a double tubular structure consisting of auxetic tubular structures and aluminum foam was proposed. The mechanical properties of the aluminum foam-filled auxetic tubular structures and aluminum foam-filled conventional tubes under uniaxial compression were compared numerically and experimentally. Compared with conventional aluminum foam-filled tubular structures (FFT), aluminum foam-filled auxetic double tubular structures (FFADT) have stable compression deformation and superior energy absorption because of stronger interaction between the aluminum foam and the auxetic tube. Although the FFADT exhibits lower bearing capacity but overcomes the shortcomings of larger peak force and larger load fluctuation that usually occurs in conventional tubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ductal carcinoma in situ within a breast fibroadenoma is a rare malignancy with an incidence of only 0.02– 0.125%. Imaging of low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ within a breast fibroadenoma shows no specific presentation. Therefore, pathology and immunohistochemistry are required for definitive diagnosis. Surgery is currently considered to be an effective treatment. There is no uniform clinical standard for postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. Case Summary: A 60-year-old female patient underwent excisional biopsy on October 19, 2022. Pathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ within the fibroadenoma. Subsequently, breast-conserving surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy were performed under general anesthesia with tracheal intubation, and no cancer metastasis was observed in the sentinel lymph nodes or incisional margins. Conclusion: Low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ within a breast fibroadenoma is an extremely rare malignancy, and clinicians should be familiar with its clinicopathological features and treatment methods. Multidisciplinary joint treatment is recommended to maximize the benefits to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Macrophages display remarkable plasticity and can interact with surrounding cells to affect hepatic immunity and tissue remodelling during the progression of liver diseases. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) plays a critical role in macrophage maturation, polarization and metabolism. In this study, we investigated the role of PPARγ in macrophage–hepatic stellate cell (HSC) interaction during non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) development. Methods: Wild‐type, Ppargfl/fl and PpargΔLyz2 mice were fed a methionine‐ and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet to induce NASH. Depletion of macrophages was performed using an injection of gadolinium chloride intraperitoneally. PPARγ‐overexpressing or PPARγ‐knockout macrophages were stimulated with saturated fatty acid (SFA) and cocultured with HSCs in a conditioned medium or the transwell coculture system. Results: Depletion of macrophages inhibited HSC activation and ameliorated NASH progression in MCD diet‐fed mice. Coculturing HSCs with macrophages or culturing HSCs in a macrophage‐conditioned medium‐facilitated HSC activation, and this effect was magnified when macrophages were metabolically activated by SFA. Moreover, the absence of PPARγ in macrophages enhanced metabolic activation, promoting the migration and activation of HSCs through IL‐1β and CCL2. In contrast, overexpression of PPARγ in macrophages obtained the opposite effects. In vivo, macrophage‐specific PPARγ knockout affected the phenotype of hepatic macrophages and HSCs, involving the MAPK and NLRP3/caspase‐1/IL‐1β signalling pathways. Infiltrating hepatic monocyte‐derived macrophages became the predominant macrophages in NASH liver, especially in PpargΔLyz2 mice, paralleling with aggravated inflammation and fibrosis. Conclusions: Regulating macrophage PPARγ affected the metabolic activation of macrophages and their interaction with HSCs. Macrophage‐specific PPARγ may be an attractive therapeutic target for protecting against NASH‐associated inflammation and fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-entropy oxides Hf 0.25 Zr 0.25 Ce 0.25 Gd 0.125 X 0.125 O 2-δ (X = Ca, Ti or Si) have been fabricated via solid-state reactions, in which the co-stabiliser X was intentionally chosen for its significant atomic mass and size difference from Gd. The single phase of these cubic fluorite oxides with dense microstructures has been confirmed by XRD, EDS and TEM characterizations. These phases are thermally stable without the appearance of secondary phase and phase separation within the temperature range studied (up to 1200 °C). Compared to yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ), which is used in the current commercial thermal barrier coatings, these fluorite oxides have higher coefficients of thermal expansion and lower thermal conductivities. They also exhibit comparable Young's modulus and hardness with other reported high-entropy fluorite oxides. The fluorite oxides reported in this study are promising to improve the thermal expansion matching between ceramic topcoat and metal substrates for thermal barrier coating applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The proposed auxetic honeycomb possesses more excellent auxetic behavior and specific energy absorption than the conventional honeycomb. • The interaction between the structural parameters is analyzed. • The multi-objective optimization of the enhanced auxetic honeycomb (EAH) was investigated. • The theoretical model and Box-Behnken Design model were used to predict the mechanical properties of EAH. In response to the challenge of low stiffness and energy absorption capacity, various designs of negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) structures have emerged. However, these designs often lack a comprehensive analysis of other mechanical properties, leading to subpar mechanical performance. Previous studies have explored the mechanical properties response of enhanced re-entrant honeycombs (ERH) under impact conditions, revealing limitations in optimizing the structure's performance with a single objective. Therefore, this study aims to enhance ERH structural parameters to achieve superior mechanical performance through theoretical derivations and geometric optimizations. The results demonstrate that the proposed theoretical model is consistent with finite element analysis and response surface (RS) predictions. Expressions for Young's modulus, specific energy absorption, and compressive strength are proposed, facilitating the identification of structural parameters that meet specific requirements during reverse design. Furthermore, a multi-objective optimization approach optimizes the geometric parameters based on maximum energy absorption and compressive strength. The mechanical behavior of the optimized ERH is investigated using the finite element method, revealing the energy absorption capacity of 13.78 J/g while maintaining Poisson's ratio at -1.06. Additionally, the deformation mode of the optimized structure showcases enhanced stability compared to traditional honeycomb structures. The theoretical model and RS method were used to guide the design of ERH and promote the application of NPR structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandwich structures are widely used in engineering as lightweight and high-strength materials. In recent years, there has been increasing attention toward new design ideas aimed at improving the adaptability and variability of sandwich structures for broader applications. This paper proposes a new stretchable sandwich structure. Experiments and finite element methods are conducted to provide the influence of stretchable design on the mechanical properties of traditional sandwich structures. Then, three novel stretchable sandwich structures with 3D lattice core layers are also designed to explore the applicability of this method. The results demonstrate that the stress and energy absorption capacity of stretchable lattice sandwich structures remains essentially constant. In addition, stretchable sandwich structures possess the capability of in-plane deformation and active bending. By combining the functional characteristics of sandwich structures and rotating polygons, stretchable sandwich structures can adjust their surface area, porosity, and in-plane negative Poisson's ratio effect while maintaining bearing capacity. This study suggests improvements in the utilization and adaptive capacity of sandwich structures in defense engineering and other applications by overcoming the problem of limited deformation faced by traditional sandwich structures. [Display omitted] • A new stretchable sandwich structure and its design method is proposed. • Three lattice sandwich structures (LSSs) are also designed to explore the applicability of this method. • The surface area of the structure can be adjusted. • The LSSs do not reduce energy absorption during in-plane deformation. • The sandwich structures have in-plane auxetic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Chronic inflammation links closely to insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Macrophage M1 activation plays an important role in the initiation and continuing of pro‐inflammatory response of NAFLD. Our study was to investigate whether macrophage M1/M2 polarization switching would affect hepatic inflammation and lipid metabolism through modulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma (PPAR‐γ) activity in vivo and in vitro. Methods: RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with different fatty acids, and cell culture supernatants were collected to prepare conditioned media (CM). Different co‐culture systems between primary hepatocytes and CM from macrophages were established. A PPAR‐γ agonist or antagonist was administered to regulate PPAR‐γ activity and macrophage polarization. M1/M2 phenotype markers, inflammatory signaling pathway, and lipid‐related genes expression were determined. Wild‐type C57BL/6 mice were fed a high‐fat diet to induce NAFLD and given rosiglitazone to regulate PPAR‐γ activity in vivo. Results: Saturated fatty acids induced M1‐polarized macrophages while polyunsaturated fatty acids induced M2‐polarized macrophages. M1‐polarized macrophages significantly promoted lipid synthesis and accumulation in primary hepatocytes through upregulation of a toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF‐κB signaling pathway. The PPAR‐γ agonist made lipid‐induced M1‐polarized macrophages switch to an M2‐predominant phenotype, while PPAR‐γ antagonist had the opposite effect. Macrophage polarization shifting subsequently affected lipid metabolism in primary hepatocytes. Administration of rosiglitazone improved high‐fat diet induced hepatic steatosis and lipid metabolism through reducing hepatic TLR4/NF‐κB expression and M1‐polarized Kupffer cells. Conclusions: Lipid‐induced macrophage M1 polarization promoted hepatic lipid metabolism. Modulation of PPAR‐γ activity could shift macrophage polarization and subsequently affect lipid metabolism. Upregulation of the TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway is closely linked to dysregulated lipid metabolism in NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: By comparing the three lateral approaches to thyroidectomy, the feasibility and clinical effects were analyzed, and the advantages of the lateral approach were summarized. Methods: From January 2022 to January 2023, 52 patients with thyroid cancer admitted to our department were selected and subjected to Lateral approach for thyroidectomy. Among them, 31 patients underwent thyroidectomy via the supraclavicular approach, 13 patients underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy via the subclavicular approach, and 8 patients underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy via the axillary approach. The basic conditions, surgical conditions, complications, postoperative pain scores and postoperative satisfaction of patients in the three approach surgery groups were recorded and analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences among the three approach groups in terms of patient characteristics, number of central lymph node dissections, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, duration of drainage tube placement, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, satisfaction, and complications. However, the operation time was longest in the subclavicular approach group, followed by the axillary approach group, and shortest in the supraclavicular approach group. The total hospitalization cost was highest in the axillary approach group, followed by the subclavicular approach group, and lowest in the supraclavicular approach group. Conclusion: The lateral approach for thyroidectomy is deemed a safe and effective method. The three different approach paths gradually increase in length, allowing for the accumulation of anatomical experience. This approach has a shorter learning curve for clinical doctors and is a favorable choice for patients seeking aesthetic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) plays crucial roles in metabolic homeostasis and inflammatory response. Altered metabolic function in macrophages could modulate their activation and immune phenotype. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of TREM2 in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to clarify the underlying mechanism of TREM2 on macrophages lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. Methods: Hepatic TREM2 expression and its relationship with NAFLD progression were analyzed in patients with NAFLD and mice fed a high‐fat diet. Lipid metabolism and oxidative stress were investigated in macrophages from NAFLD mice or stimulated with saturated fatty acids. Knockdown and overexpression of TREM2 were further explored. Results: Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2+ macrophages were increased along with NAFLD development, characterized by aggravated steatosis and liver damage in humans and mice. TREM2 expression was upregulated and lipid metabolism was changed in macrophages from NAFLD mice or metabolically activated by saturated fatty acid in vitro, as demonstrated by increased lipid uptake and catabolism, but reduced de novo synthesis of fatty acids (FAs). Regulation of TREM2 expression in lipid‐laden macrophages reprogrammed lipid metabolism, especially the fatty acid oxidation capacity of mitochondria. TREM2 knockdown promoted oxidative stress by aggravating FAs deposition in mitochondria. Intervention of mitochondrial FAs transport in lipid‐laden macrophages alleviated FA deposition and reactive oxygen species production induced by TREM2 knockdown. Conclusions: Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 expression was associated with the lipid metabolic profile and reactive oxygen species production in macrophages. High expression of TREM2 in macrophages may protect the liver from oxidative stress in NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel auxetic honeycomb (NAH) combined with chiral and re-entrant was proposed. • The EA and SEA of NAH are improved under Quasi-static compression and impact. • Under high-velocity impact, the EA of NAH is better than hexagonal honeycomb. • NAH with thickness gradient shows obvious auxetic behavior under high-velocity impact. Auxetic metamaterials as a cutting-edge field have attracted extensive attention from researchers because of their peculiar deformation mode and excellent mechanical properties. However, the unstable deformation and low stiffness of auxetic structure limit their potential development. To address these limitations, a novel auxetic honeycomb (NAH) has been proposed by combining an original re-entrant hexagonal honeycomb (RH) with cross-chiral honeycomb (CH). The proposed structure has higher stiffness than RH, and more stability than CH. Additionally, the stiffness, densification point, and auxetic behavior can be adjusted by the angle of cell ribs (θ). In this study, the static mechanical properties and deformation behavior of NAH are investigated experimentally and numerically. Furthermore, the energy absorption and deformation behavior of NAH under different impact loadings (low-, medium- and high-velocity) are investigated numerically. Finally, a series of functionally graded NAHs with varying thicknesses are studied to improve the impact resistance of NAH. The results show that NAH has better specific energy absorption than RH and CH under static compression. Moreover, NAH with θ < 90 ° exhibits greater energy absorption capacity compared to NAH with " θ > 90°" at high-velocity impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) often causes irreversible vision impairment. Prevention of RGC degeneration can prevent or delay the deterioration of visual function. The present study aimed to investigate retinal metabolic profiles following optic nerve transection (ONT) injury and identify the potential metabolic targets for the prevention of RGC degeneration. Retinal samples were dissected from ONT group and non-ONT group. The untargeted metabolomics were carried out using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The involved pathways and biomarkers were analyzed using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and MetaboAnalyst 5.0. In the ONT group, 689 disparate metabolites were detected, including lipids and lipid-like molecules. A total of 122 metabolites were successfully annotated and enriched in 50 KEGG pathways. Among them, 'sphingolipid metabolism' and 'primary bile acid biosynthesis' were identified involved in RGC degeneration. A total of five metabolites were selected as the candidate biomarkers for detecting RGC degeneration with an AUC value of 1. The present study revealed that lipid-related metabolism was involved in the pathogenesis of retinal neurodegeneration. Taurine, taurochenodesoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid (TCA), sphingosine, and galabiosylceramide are shown as the promising biomarkers for the diagnosis of RGC degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysigenous aerenchyma is formed through programmed cell death (PCD) in Typha angustifolia leaves. However, the genome and transcriptome data for this species are unknown. To further elucidate the molecular basis of PCD during aerenchyma formation in T. angustifolia leaves, transcriptomic analysis of T. angustifolia leaves was performed using Illumina sequencing technology, revealing 73,821 unigenes that were produced by assembly of the reads in T1, T2 and T3 samples. The important pathways, such as programmed cell death (PCD), aerenchyma formation, and ethylene responsiveness were regulated by these unigenes. 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase ( ACS ) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase ( ACO ) were highly up-regulated as key enzymes for ethylene synthesis, along with respiratory burst oxidase homolog ( RBOH ), metallothionein , calmodulin-like protein ( CML ), and polygalacturonase ( PG ), may collectively explain the PCD involved in T. angustifolia aerenchyma formation. We hypothesize that fermentation, metabolism and glycolysis generate ATP for PCD. We searched the 73,821 unigenes against protein databases, and 24,712 were annotated. Based on sequence homology, 16,012 of the 73,821 annotated unigenes were assigned to one or more Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Meanwhile, a total of 9537 unigenes were assigned to 126 pathways in the KEGG database. In summary, this investigation provides important guidelines for exploring the molecular mechanisms of aerenchyma formation in aquatic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Memory and learning, as the core brain function, shows controversial results across studies focusing on aging and dementia. One of the reasons is because of the multi-faceted nature of memory and learning. However, there is still a dearth of comparable proxies with psychometric and morphometric portrait in clinical and non-clinical populations.Objective: We aim to investigate the proxies of memory and learning function with direct and derived measures and examine their associations with morphometric features in senior adults with different cognitive status.Methods: Based on two modality-driven tests, we assessed the component-specific memory and learning in the individuals with high performing (HP), normal aging, and neurocognitive disorders (NCD) (n = 488). Structural magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure the regional cortical thickness with surface-based morphometry analysis in a subsample (n = 52).Methods: Compared with HP elderly, the ones with normal aging and minor NCD showed declined recognition memory and working memory, whereas had better learning performance (derived scores). Meanwhile, major NCD patients showed more breakdowns of memory and learning function. The correlation between proxies of memory and learning and cortical thickness exhibited the overlapped and unique neural underpinnings.Conclusions: The proxies of memory and learning could be characterized by component-specific constructs with psychometric and morphometric bases. Overall, the constructs of memory are more likely related to the pathological changes, and the constructs of learning tend to reflect the cognitive abilities of compensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trapa plants (Trapaceae) have an inflated leaf petiole called a spongy airbag. The aims of this study were to assess the involvement of programmed cell death (PCD) in the process of inflated leaf petiole morphogenesis. In this paper, light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate cytological events and the development of inflated leaf petiole. During this process, the inflated leaf petiole of Trapa pseudoincisa L. undergoes a developmental process, changing from solid to hollow phase. Debris from the degraded cells was seldom observed in the transverse sections of leaf petioles, but some degraded cells with an abnormal morphology were observed in longitudinal sections. Cytoplasmic changes, such as disrupted vacuoles, degraded plastids, and the emergence of secondary vacuoles were observed during leaf petiole morphogenesis. In addition, gel electrophoresis and TUNEL assays were used to evaluate DNA cleavage during petiole morphogenesis. DNA internucleosomal cleavage and TUNEL-positive nuclei indicate that the typical PCD features of DNA cleavage occurred early in the process. These results revealed that PCD plays a critical role in inflated leaf petiole morphogenesis. Additionally, a trans-disciplinary systems approach is required that recognises the necessity for integration of cytological and molecular characteristics for identification of aerenchyma type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The gas space of Typha angustifolia leaves is lysigenous aerenchyma. [•] The lysigenous aerenchyma is caused by apoptotic-like PCD. [•] The degradation of calcium oxalate crystals were observed during the PCD process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Melanocortins (MSH''s) are three structurally related peptides derived from proopiomelanocortin. They regulate several physiologic functions including energy metabolism, appetite, and inflammation. Recent work in rodents has also identified important effects of MSH''s, particularly γ-MSH, on sodium metabolism and blood pressure regulation. Normal rats and mice respond to a high sodium diet with an increase in the plasma concentration of γ-MSH, and remain normotensive, while those with genetic or pharmacologic γ-MSH deficiency become hypertensive on a high sodium diet. This hypertension is corrected by exogenous administration of the peptide. Mice lacking the γ-MSH receptor (the melanocortin 3 receptor, Mc3r) also become hypertensive on a high sodium diet but remain so when administered γ-MSH, and infusions of physiologic levels of the peptide stimulate urinary sodium excretion in normal rats and mice, but not in mice with deletion of Mc3r. The salt-sensitive hypertension in rodents with impaired γ-MSH signaling appears due to stimulation of noradrenergic activity, since plasma noradrenaline is increased and the hypertension is rapidly corrected with infusion of the α-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine. In contrast to the antihypertensive property of physiologic levels of γ-MSH, intravenous or intracerebroventricular injections of high levels of the peptide raise blood pressure. This occurs in mice lacking Mc3r, indicating an interaction with some other central receptor. Finally, the salt-sensitive hypertension in rodents with disruption of γ-MSH signaling is accompanied by insulin resistance, an observation which offers a new window into the study of the association of salt-sensitive hypertension with insulin resistance and type II diabetes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pregnancy is characterized by plasma volume expansion and renal sodium retention with loss of natriuretic response to atrial natriuretic peptide due to increased medullary phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5). Here, we determined whether natriuretic responses to nitric oxide (NO) are also blunted in pregnancy due to increased PDE5. Anesthetized 16-day pregnant and virgin rats were studied at baseline and during intrarenal infusion of the NO donor spermine NONOate (2.5 nmol/min), the PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil (SILD; 0.5 µg/min), or a combination. The right (nonin fused) kidney served as a control. Intrarenal NONOate had no effect on mean arterial pressure (MAP); however, SILD reduced MAP in virgin rats, and the combination of NONOate+SILD reduced MAP in both virgin and pregnant rats. Neither NONOate nor SILD altered glomerular filtration rate. NONOate and SILD each stimulated sodium excretion (UNaV) and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) in virgin rats, but the combination did not result in an additional natriuretic response. However, NONOate infusion did not increase UNRV or FENa, in pregnant rats, but the natriuretic response to NONOate was restored with SILD, and SILD alone produced a natriuresis during pregnancy. Sodium nitroprusside (10-4 mol/I)-stimulated cGMP ac cumulation from inner medullary collecting duct cells was blunted in cells from pregnant vs. virgin or postpartum rats and was restored by treatment with the PDE5 inhibitor DMPPO (10-7 mol/I). Therefore increased intrarenal PDE5 mediates the blunted natriuretic response to NO, and loss of responsiveness to the cGMP-dependent, natriuretic agents may contribute to volume expansion during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A close association between salt-sensitive hypertension and insulin resistance has been recognized for more than two decades, although the mechanism(s) underlying this relationship have not been elucidated. Recent data in mice with genetic disruption of the γ-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (γ-MSH) system suggest that this system plays a role in the pathophysiological relationship between hypertension and altered glucose metabolism during ingestion of a high-sodium diet (8% NaCl, HSD). We tested the hypothesis that these two consequences of interrupted γ-MSH signalling were the result of sympathetic activation by studying rats treated with the dopaminergic agonist bromocriptine (5 mg kg−1i.p., daily for 1 week; Bromo) to cause relative γ-MSH deficiency. Bromo-treated rats fed the HSD developed hypertension and also exhibited fasting hyperglycaemia ( P < 0.005) and hyperinsulinaemia ( P < 0.025). Furthermore, Bromo-treated rats on the HSD had impaired glucose tolerance and blunted insulin-mediated glucose disposal. Intravenous infusion of γ2-MSH, or of the α-adrenergic receptor antagonist phentolamine, to Bromo–HSD rats lowered both mean arterial pressure (MAP) and blood glucose to normal after 15 min ( P < 0.001 versus control), but had no effect in rats receiving vehicle and fed the HSD; γ2-MSH infusion also reduced the elevated plasma noradrenaline to control levels in parallel with the reductions in MAP and blood glucose concentration. Infusion of hydralazine to Bromo–HSD rats lowered MAP but had only a trivial effect on blood glucose. We conclude that rats with relative γ-MSH deficiency develop abnormal glucose metabolism, with features of insulin resistance, in association with hypertension when ingesting the HSD. Elevated plasma noradrenaline concentration in Bromo–HSD rats is normalized by γ2-MSH infusion, suggesting that an adrenergic mechanism may link the salt-sensitive hypertension and the impaired glucose metabolism of relative γ-MSH deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Houttuynia cordata Thunb., traditionally used as a therapeutic plant in folk medicine, has shown antioxidant and anticancer activities. The species, as a core component of paleoherbs, is normally characterized based on the presence of different types of secretory tissue: oil cells, three types of secretory cells and glandular hairs. The aim of this work was to study the structural, componential, and the functional characteristics of the secretory tissues in both the floral and vegetative parts. The results indicate that oil cells and secretory cells are distributed in all organs of the plant, while glandular hairs are situated on the aerial stems and leaves. Both oil cells and glandular hairs initiate from the protoderm, but their developmental processes are different. Although three types of secretory cells initiate from different primary meristems, the developmental patterns of different secretory cells are the same. Also, although the origins of secretory cells are different from oil cells, their early developmental processes are the same. Histochemical results show that oil cells, secretory cells and glandular hairs produce flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, lipids, aldehyde and ketone-compounds. In addition, there are terpenoids and pectic-like substances in oil cells, alkaloids in secretory cells of aerial stems, and terpenoids and alkaloids in glandular hairs. These compounds play very important roles in protecting plants from being eaten by herbivores (herbivory) and infected by microbial pathogens. The oil cell and secretory cell, as unicellular secretory tissues, are intermediates between the primitive surface glandular and secretory cavity and canal during the evolution of secretory structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gamma-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (gamma-MSH) is a natriuretic peptide derived from the N-terminal region of proopiomelanocortin (POMC). Evidence suggests that it may be part of the coordinated response to a low-sodium diet (LSD). We tested the effect of the HSD (8% NaCl) compared with LSD (0.07%) on mean arterial pressure (MAP) in mice with targeted disruption of the PC2 gene (PC2(-/-)), necessary for processing of POMC into gamma-MSH, or the melanocortin receptor 3 gene (Mc3r(-/-); the receptor for MSH). In wild-type mice, HSD for 1 week did not alter MAP versus LSD mice, but plasma gamma-MSH immunoreactivity was more than double the LSD value. In contrast, in PC2(-/-) mice, MAP on the LSD was not greater than in wild-type mice, but plasma gamma-MSH was reduced to one-seventh the wild-type value. On the HSD, MAP rose to a markedly hypertensive level while plasma gamma-MSH concentration remained severely depressed. Intravenous infusion of gamma-MSH (0.2 pmol/min) for 30 min to PC2(-/-) mice after 1 week of HSD lowered MAP from hypertensive levels to normal; infusion of alpha-MSH at the same rate had no effect. Injection of 60 fmol of gamma-MSH into the lateral cerebral ventricle of hypertensive mice also lowered MAP to normal. Administration of a stable analogue of gamma-MSH intra-abdominally by microosmotic pump to PC2(-/-) mice prevented the development of hypertension when ingesting the HSD. In mice with targeted disruption of the Mc3r gene, the HSD also led to marked hypertension accompanied by elevated plasma levels of gamma-MSH; infusion of exogenous gamma-MSH to these mice had no effect on MAP. These results strongly suggest that PC2-dependent processing of POMC into gamma-MSH is necessary for the normal response to the HSD. gamma-MSH deficiency results in marked salt-sensitive hypertension that is rapidly improved with exogenous gamma-MSH through a central site of action. alpha-MSH infused at the same rate had no effect on MAP, indicating that the hypertension is a specific consequence of impaired POMC processing into gamma-MSH. Absence of Mc3r produces gamma-MSH resistance and hypertension on the HSD. These findings demonstrate a novel pathway mediating salt-sensitivity of blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased cGMP phosphodiesterase activity mediates renal resistance to ANP in rats with bile duct ligation. Background. Liver disease resulting from common bile duct ligation (CBDL) causes abnormal sodium metabolism that is manifested by resistance to the natriuretic action of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). This resistance is corrected both in vitro and in vivo by zaprinast, a selective inhibitor of a guanosine cyclic-3′-5′-monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE5). Several other PDEs with affinity for cGMP are expressed in kidney and could also be involved in this response. Methods. We measured cGMP hydrolysis in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cell homogenates from kidneys of sham-operated and CBDL rats and quantitated the amount of PDE5 protein by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation studies. We also characterized ANP responsiveness in vivo of kidneys of anesthetized sham and CBDL rats by measuring sodium excretion before and after volume expansion (VE). Results. Kinetic analysis of PDE5 activity in homogenates of IMCD cells isolated from kidneys of sham-operated rats indicated a Vmax of 85.3 ± 1.7 versus 157 ± 2.9 pmol/mg/min from CBDL rats (P < 0.01), without a difference in Km . Enzyme activity was inhibited competitively by 1,3-dimethyl-6-(2-propoxy-5-methanesulfonylamidophenyl)pyrazol[3,4d]-pyrimidin-4-(5H)-one (DMPPO), a potent and specific inhibitor of PDE5, with an apparent Ki of 4.5 ± 0.7 and 4.9 ± 0.7 nmol/L and an IC50 of 6.1 ± 0.8 and 8.7 ± 0.7 nmol/L in sham and CBDL rats, respectively (P = NS). DMPPO exhibited very poor inhibitory activity against the calcium-calmodulin–dependent PDE1 in IMCD homogenates from sham rats (Ki 1.3 ± 0.1 μmol/L and IC50 1.9 ± 0.2 μmol/L). Western analysis using an antiserum made against bovine lung PDE5 revealed a twofold increase in PDE5 protein in cytosolic extracts from IMCD of CBDL rat kidneys compared with sham-operated controls, and immunoprecipitation studies indicated that the increase in PDE5 protein accounted for the observed increase in cGMP hydrolysis. DMPPO (10 nmol/L) normalized the blunted ANP-dependent cGMP accumulation by IMCD cells from CBDL rats in vitro. Intrarenal infusion of DMPPO (0.5 nmol/min) in CBDL rats corrected both the impaired natriuretic response to VE and the blunted VE-related increase in urinary cGMP excretion from the infused, but not the contralateral kidney. Conclusion. These results demonstrate that renal resistance to ANP in CBDL rats is accompanied by heightened activity of PDE5, which is due largely to an increase in PDE5 protein. Other PDEs could contribute only a minor part to the enhanced cGMP hydrolysis observed in kidneys of CBDL rats. This PDE5-dependent ANP resistance may represent an important contributor to the sodium retention of liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the roles of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and oxytocin in postnephrectomy natriuresis. Information on the methodology used for the study; Discussion on the results of the study; Findings on the role of MSH in postnephrectomy natriuresis.

Presents information on methods which can be used to prevent reflex natriuresis after acute unilateral nephrectomy by melanocortin receptor antagonists. Reference to the role of acute unilateral nephrectomy; Identification of melanocortin receptors; Results of studies conducted.

Wearable metabolite sensors are often limited by easily denaturable enzymes that only allow short‐duration monitoring. Although encapsulating enzymes in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) shows promise of long‐term enzyme protection, it is typically accompanied by significantly decreased activity due to increased diffusion barrier, steric hindrance for enzyme‐substrate binding, and poor enzyme‐electronic interface. Herein, the co‐encapsulation of enzymes and ultrasmall arginine‐derived carbon dots (Argdot) into a mesoporous Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐8 (mZIF‐8) matrix and the enhancement effect of Argdot on enzyme stability and activity, which consequently improves the electrochemical sensor's long‐term sensitivity are investigated. Specifically, the glucose oxidase (GOx)‐Argdot@mZIF‐8 nanocomposite consistently exhibits 40% higher electrochemical sensitivity compared to control GOx@mZIF‐8, an improvement similarly demonstrated with another model enzyme lactate oxidase (LOx). Furthermore, GOx‐Argdot@mZIF‐8 displays excellent stability, retaining 100% of initial sensitivity over 30 days of repeated testing at 37 °C. A touch‐based glucose sensor prototype is demonstrated as an excellent reusable sensor to monitor finger‐tip sweat glucose levels over one month at room temperature. This enzyme encapsulation strategy is not only useful for developing reusable sweat sensors with long‐term monitoring capability, but also promising to expand the industry use of enzymes under harsh conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, auxetic metamaterials have turned into an area of growing interest, because of their deformation uniqueness, design flexibility, and functional diversity. To achieve their programmable design of densification and energy absorption, the variable stiffness factor method (VSF) emerged. However, the energy absorption capacity of the metamaterials designed by this method has a significant reduction. In this work, to remedy this defect, several different lightweight specimens are proposed and fabricated to extend the stage of energy absorption and retain the tunability. Then quasi-static compression tests and finite element methods are carried out to analyze the mechanical properties of the designed boundary-constrained structure (BCS) and X-shape constrained structure (XCS). The accuracy of the densification points and energy absorption capacity of the two structures at different VSF values are also studied. The results show that the densification points of the designed structures can be adjusted quantitatively, and their deformation modes are more stable than conventional structures during compression. Furthermore, their specific energy absorption is four and five times higher than that of non-lightweight structures with VSF = 40%, respectively. These findings contribute to advancing the implementation of auxetics in applications of multistage protective structures. • A lightweight metamaterial based on the variable stiffness factor (VSF) method is proposed. • The proposed structures realize multi-level energy absorption and stable deformation. • The SEA of proposed structures was 4 and 5 times higher than that of VSF = 40% structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. As a central nervous system disease, migraine often coexists with gastrointestinal disorders, which suggests a disruption of brain-gut regulation. Clinical studies have confirmed that acupuncture and flunarizine not only alleviate migraine attacks but also substantially inhibit accompanying gastrointestinal symptoms. However, it is still not clear how acupuncture and flunarizine regulate the interactions of brain, gut, and microbiome. Therefore, this study will combine neuroimaging technology and gut microbiota detection technology to explore and compare the effects and brain-gut modulating mechanisms of acupuncture and flunarizine for migraine. Methods. This randomized clinical trial will recruit 66 patients with migraine without aura. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1 : 1 ratio to an acupuncture group or a control group. The acupuncture treatment strategy is based on experience from our previous study and consensus meetings with clinical experts. Patients will receive 12 sessions of manual acupuncture treatment (once every other day to a total of three times per week, followed by a 2-day break). Flunarizine will be administered at a dose of 5 mg daily in the control group. Participants in both groups will receive treatment for a period of 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in frequency of migraine attacks, and the secondary outcomes include the changes in migraine days (days on which migraine attacks occurred), average migraine severity, gastrointestinal symptoms, psychiatric symptoms, and quality of life. Fresh stool samples will be collected, and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing analysis will be used for gut microbiota. Magnetic resonance imaging will be applied to detect between-group changes in brain function. The abovementioned indicators will be collected at baseline, after a 4-week intervention, and at the 12-week follow-up. Discussions. From the perspective of brain-gut regulatory mechanisms, we will combine brain neuroimaging and gut microbiological data to partially reveal the similarities and differences of acupuncture and flunarizine on the treatment of migraine. The trial is registered with ChiCTR2000034417. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cranial appendage (headgear) is an iconic structure of modern ruminants, and four of the five extant pecoran families display morphological and physiological specialties. They probably share one origin from the same genetic basis, whereas the evolution of the cranial appendages is still debatable, especially in consideration of fossil taxa lacking headgear. Amphimoschus is an enigmatic pecoran that comprises no more than two species, mainly known from the late early/early middle Miocene of Western and Central Europe and considered not to possess any cranial appendages. Here, we present Amphimoschus xishuiensis sp. nov. , discovered in the Tabenbuluk area, Gansu Province, China. The new species reveals the first evidence of cranial ornamentations in the genus, including a supraorbital bump, an antorbital protuberance and frontal thickening. In our phylogenetic analysis the genus was inferred as a basal member of the Bovoidea, and thus the cranial ornamentations of A. xishuiensis might provide insight into the early evolution of cranial appendages in Bovoidea. They could be interpreted as weapons to defend territories in intense intraspecific or interspecific competition during the late early Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O -Alkylation of 7,15,23-tri- tert -butyl-25,26,27-trihydroxy-2,3,10,11,18,19-hexahomo-3,11,19-trioxacalix[3]arene ( 1 H 3 ) with 9-chloromethylanthracene 5 was carried out under different reaction conditions. Variation of the number of anthrylmethyl group introduced at the phenolic rim of hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene 1 H 3 was achieved through selective O -alkylation using stoichiometric amounts of 9-chloromethylanthracene 5 in acetone to afford the mono- O -alkylated product 2 H 2 An, the di- O -alkylated product 3 HAn 2 and the tri-O -alkylated product partial-cone- 4 An 3 , respectively. Interestingly, by using an acetone/benzene (1:1 v/v) mixed solvent system, the cone - 4 An 3 was successfully synthesized. These results suggest that the solvent can also control the conformation of the O -alkylation products. The possible reaction routes of the cone- 4 An 3 and partial-cone - 4 An 3 are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • (a) In both physiological and pathological conditions, nicotine stimulation induces cardiac fibrosis and injury. • (b) Nicotine induces cardiac fibrosis by directly binding to LDHA. • (c) Nicotine induces autophagy flux impairment in cardiac fibroblasts through LDHA-mediated AMPK/mTOR/TFEB signaling pathway and the decreased activity of CTSB. Cardiac fibrosis is a typical feature of cardiac pathological remodeling, which is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and has no effective therapy. Nicotine is an important risk factor for cardiac fibrosis, yet its underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. This study aimed to identify its potential molecular mechanism in nicotine-induced cardiac fibrosis. Our results showed nicotine exposure led to the proliferation and transformation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) into myofibroblasts (MFs) by impairing autophagy flux. Through the use of drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assay, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology, it was discovered that nicotine directly increased the stability and protein levels of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) by binding to it. Nicotine treatment impaired autophagy flux by regulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, impeding the nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB), and reducing the activity of cathepsin B (CTSB). In vivo, nicotine treatment exacerbated cardiac fibrosis induced in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and worsened cardiac function. Interestingly, the absence of LDHA reversed these effects both in vitro and in vivo. Our study identified LDHA as a novel nicotine-binding protein that plays a crucial role in mediating cardiac fibrosis by blocking autophagy flux. The findings suggest that LDHA could potentially serve as a promising target for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The star-shaped tubular structures of STL structures were designed, manufactured and studied. • The proposed structures exhibited two distinct deformation modes. • The STL structure has a better auxetic behavior with different materials under quasi-static uniaxial compression. • The auxetic effect of STL structures were investigated under different load direction. A majority of tubular structures have been widely studied due to their superior mechanical performance. Existing works on star-shaped tubular structures have focused on improving their stability and energy absorption performance. This paper proposes a novel star-shaped tubular lattice structure (STL), which not only possesses excellent mechanical properties but also exhibits exceptional auxetic effect. In addition, such structures exhibited two distinct deformation modes under different loading directions. Numerical and experimental studies of the mechanical behavior of the star-shaped tubular structure demonstrated low peak stresses under lateral loading and superior bearing capacity and stability under axial compression. Most importantly, the structure embodied a significant auxetic effect under the direction of both loads. The mechanical performance of the star-shaped tubular structures was investigated by changing wall thickness and angles, which can realize the optimal design. This study enriches the research on star-shaped tubular structures and provides a new perspective and reference for the design of auxetic tubular metamaterials in the future. Furthermore, the star-shaped tubular structure with auxetic behavior has considerable potential for applications in civil engineering and protective fields. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A hybrid design for metamaterial with tailorable thermal expansion is proposed. • The design combination with zero coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is obtained. • The tailorable CTE range is improved three times more than the triangle pattern. • The tailorable smoothness, continuity, and flexibility of CTE are improved. In this work, a novel metamaterial with an enhanced programmable CTE range is proposed by combing the bi-material bending-dominated chiral unit cell and stretching-dominated triangle unit cell. In the design process, the three sides of the original triangle unit cell are replaced using bi-material anti-chiral unit cells with positive CTE or negative CTE. The materials with high CTE (Nylon) and low CTE (PVE) are selected to realize thermal deformation. Four models with a chiral block size of 80 × 80 mm2, namely NTE#1, NTE#2, NTE#3, and NTE#4, are designed, analyzed, and discussed. To examine the tailorable CTE range and zero CTE, the parameter analyses are comprehensively carried out using the verified finite element models. The results demonstrate a more than threefold enhancement in the CTE range of the initial triangle metamaterial, accompanied by substantial improvements in its design smoothness, continuity, and flexibility. The combination design extended the tailorable CTE range to −710 ∼ 818 ppm/°C when the temperature increases from 30 °C to 60 °C. In addition, the curve of zero CTE with different parameter combinations is obtained. The aim of this work is to construct a new metamaterial with enhanced thermal–mechanical stability to balance the interface thermal deformation of composites in engineering devices, e.g., aerospace and precision instruments. Based on these findings, the structural stiffness and temperature range are still limited and worth studying further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Poisson's ratio is completely opposite when the metamaterial stress is kept constant. • Poisson's ratio can exceed ± 1 , realize out-of-plane deformation rate exceeds in-plane. • Adjustable resistance to the ball passing through the tubular structure. • Parametric results improve its stress, Poisson's ratio, deformation mode and energy absorption. In this study, a three-dimensional compression-torsion coupled negative Poisson structure was designed by combining the perforated plate with the inclined rod out of the plane. This structure can realize the selection of the positive and negative Poisson's ratio of the three-dimensional structure by changing the direction of the inclined rod. The absolute value of the Poisson's ratio of the two structures is close to the same but the positive and negative are opposite. Both structures maintain close to the same stress–strain curve. This structural characteristic can realize the selection of an ideal Poisson's ratio without changing the mechanical properties of the structure. Two 3D compression-torsion coupling structures were printed using metal 3D printing technology, and compression tests were carried out in the axial and transverse directions. Then, parametric analysis was carried out under axial compression, including energy absorption and specific energy absorption analyses. The results show that the experimental and finite element results are in good agreement and the finite element simulation is accurate. The Poisson's ratio of this negative Poisson's ratio metamaterial is selectable under both axial and lateral pressure conditions, so the structure has the excellent characteristics of selectable Poisson's ratio in three mutually perpendicular axes. The results show that the absolute value of Poisson's ratio exceeds 1 when the structure is under lateral compression, which indicates that the lateral deformation rate of the structure is greater than the axial deformation rate under this compression form. Finally, two tubular structures with different arrangements were designed by using these two structural cells, and the ball passing test was carried out. The results show that different arrangements will cause the balls to experience different resistances when passing through different positions in the tube. Research shows that the structure has potential applications in energy absorption, biomechanical devices, smart actuators, and devices with special requirements for Poisson's ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel sandwich panel is designed, manufactured and tested. • Parametric study is conducted for structural optimization. • The area of the structure surface is adjustable and controllable. • Appropriate cuts on the structure are conducive to improving energy absorption. • The sandwich panels have auxeticity, synclastic curvature, and conformability. Sandwich panels find use as energy-absorbing devices and protective structures in various fields. However, due to their mostly rigid surfaces, they might not meet the protection requirements in complex conditions like non-Euclidean geometries of protected objects. To address this issue, a novel sandwich panel structure inspired by the synclastic curvature behavior of auxetic metamaterial was proposed. The surface of the proposed sandwich panel features rotating squares that allow for horizontal stretching, resulting in an improvement in controllability, auxeticity, flexibility, and synclastic curvature compared to traditional sandwich panels. Experimental and numerical methods were used to compare the similarities and differences between the novel and traditional sandwich panels under uniaxial compression. Additionally, different rotation angles and numbers of unit cells were simulated to examine their mechanical properties. The study also explored the auxeticity, stretchability, synclastic curvature, and potential applications of the novel sandwich panel. It was found that appropriate cuts on the sandwich panel can enhance energy absorption. These findings could pave the way for new opportunities in the application and basic research of sandwich panels while providing ideas for enhancing the survivability of panel structures in complex conditions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two different assembled honeycomb structures were designed and studied. • The structures can be transformed by changing the length of connection plates. • The energy absorption capacity of re-entrant honeycomb was investigated. • Re-entrant honeycomb has higher energy absorption than hexagonal honeycomb. Fabricating auxetic metamaterials via an assembling process is a novel and economic method. In this work, an assembled structure that could realize the conversion of positive and negative Poisson's ratio by changing the length of the connection plates was proposed. Two different honeycomb structures of the assembled re-entrant honeycomb (ARH) and assembled hexagonal honeycomb (AHH) were designed, manufactured and studied numerically and experimentally. Dimensions of the two assembled honeycomb structures are consistent. The nominal stress–strain curves of the two assembled honeycombs have similar initial peak stresses, but the assembled re-entrant honeycomb has a higher bearing capacity and shorter stress plateau. Subsequently, the mechanical properties of ARH were studied by changing the three parameters of corrugated plates. Besides, the energy absorption and specific energy absorption of the assembled re-entrant honeycomb were investigated through the numerical method. Finally, the assembled honeycomb structure with the suitable parameter was determined. Tunable mechanical properties of the assembled auxetic structures can be obtained by varying the length of the connection plates. This strategy of assembly can reduce the costs of manufacturing and improve transportation efficiency. The proposed assembled structures are promising in civil and protective engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The metamaterial has two very smooth stress plateaus and the plateau stress is not very large. • The metamaterial maintains an obvious auxetic effect under large compressive strains. • Lightweight metamaterials have extremely high specific energy absorption under large strains. • The optimized metamaterial possesses better compressive stability, specific energy absorption and auxetic effect. Auxetic materials and structures have received extensive attention due to their unusual behavior. As one of the structures that can realize the auxetic effect, the elliptic perforated structure has been recently developed, but the previous research on the elliptic perforated is limited to the small deformation stage. At the end of the small deformation stage, the elliptic perforated structure becomes dense and loses the auxetic effect. The available compression stroke is very short and therefore the structure has relatively lower specific energy absorption (SEA). In order to make better use of material, through the buckling of lightweight perforated plates, a newly designed re-entrant elliptical perforated structure is proposed in this work. The re-entrant cells rotate and move inward (the first stage), and finally be compressed by neighbor ones (the second stage). Therefore, the structure undergoes rotational deformation in stage one same as previous perforated plates but specific re-entrant deformation in the second stage, thereby realizing the auxeticity in large deformation. Experimental and numerical results show that the stress–strain curve exhibits double platforms, and the novel structure possesses the auxetic effect throughout the whole compression process. Subsequently, a parametric analysis of the re-entrant distance and the ratio of horizontal and vertical wall thickness was carried out for obtaining greater auxetic effect and better stability of the novel re-entrant elliptic perforated structure. The material utilization rate of the re-entrant elliptic perforated plate was greatly improved, and the application prospect of the re-entrant elliptic perforated was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel high entropy ceramic with hybrid mixing of Si and metal atoms was proposed. • Hf 0.25 Zr 0.25 Ce 0.25 Y 0.125 Si 0.125 O 2-δ was synthesized and its single phase was confirmed. • This Si-stabilized fluorite oxide has high thermal stability, good mechanical, and thermal properties, promising for aerospace applications. We design and synthesise a new high-entropy ceramic Hf 0.25 Zr 0.25 Ce 0.25 Y 0.125 Si 0.125 O 2-δ through a hybrid mixing of non-metal and metal atoms. First-principles calculations predict the thermal stability of the single-crystal phase at high temperatures. XRD and EDS mapping confirm a single cubic fluorite phase with a uniform elemental distribution. In-situ high-temperature XRD shows that the phase is stable with no phase separation or secondary phases. The measured mechanical and thermal properties are comparable with reported high-entropy fluorite oxides. Our results add to the compositional space of high-entropy ceramics for a wide range of applications from thermal insulators to electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Among the 14small mammal species from the early Miocene locality of the northern area of the Junggar basin (northern Xinjiang, China), four species are cricetids (Rodentia): unnamed species of Cricetodon and Eumyarion, and two new species, Karydomys debruijni nov. sp. and Megacricetodon beijiangensis nov. sp. Some aspects of the morphology of Cricetodon sp. are shared by Eucricetodon from the late Oligocene, suggesting that these specimens could be of intermediate form between Eucricetodon and Cricetodon. One tooth of Eumyarion sp. was found, making its determination uncertain, but its morphology is clearly differentiated from the one of Cricetodon sp. The species K. debruijni nov. sp. is established based on its primitive features compared to the species known in Europe and Anatolia, and its specific association of characters compared to Karydomys dzerzhinskii. M. beijiangensis nov. sp. shows many plesiomorphic features compared to the species already described in the middle Miocene of China. Based on both the whole assemblage of rodents and the species of cricetids, the biochronologic position and the age of the locality are discussed. The locality appears to be biochronologically very close to the fauna from the Chul’adyr Formation in Aktau Mountains, but we propose an age slightly older than the one proposed for this fauna, probably equivalent to the MN3 biozone in Europe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Anatomical, histochemical and phytochemical methods were used to investigate the structure, the localization and content changes of total saikosaponin and saikosaponin-a of the roots of Bupleurum chinense DC. at different developmental stages. Results showed that saikosaponin was mainly distributed in pericycle and primary phloem in the young root; but in the mature root, it was mainly distributed in vascular cambium and secondary phloem. During the whole growth period from the pre-blossom, blossom, fruit, and fruit mature periods until the pre-withering period, it was in the fruit mature period that both the total saikosaponin content and the saikosaponin-a content reached the highest level. So the last 20 d of October was considered as the right collecting season for the drug of B. chinense. In addition, the quality of 1-year-old drug was better than that of 2-year-old drug due to its higher saikosaponin content. On the other hand, judging from the external characteristics of the drug, the one with an acerose taproot and more lateral roots was of better quality. The results offered theoretical bases for selecting medicinal material of high quality and determining the most appropriate harvesting stage and part of B. chinense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]