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The construction of the SCF3‐containing 1,1‐diaryl tertiary carbon stereocenters with high enantioselectivities is reported via a nickel‐catalyzed asymmetric C−C coupling strategy. This method demonstrates simple operations, mild conditions and excellent functional group tolerance, with newly designed SCF3‐containing synthon, which can be easily obtained from commercially available benzyl bromide and trifluoromethylthio anion in a two‐step manner. Further substrate exploration indicated that the reaction system could be extended to diverse perfluoroalkyl sulfide (SC2F5, SC3F7, SC4F9, SCF2CO2Et)‐substituted 1,1‐diaryl compounds with excellent enantioselectivities. The synthetic utility of this transformation was further demonstrated by convenient derivatization to optical SCF3‐containing analogues of bioactive compounds without an apparent decrease in enantioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of the SCF3‐containing 1,1‐diaryl tertiary carbon stereocenters with high enantioselectivities is reported via a nickel‐catalyzed asymmetric C−C coupling strategy. This method demonstrates simple operations, mild conditions and excellent functional group tolerance, with newly designed SCF3‐containing synthon, which can be easily obtained from commercially available benzyl bromide and trifluoromethylthio anion in a two‐step manner. Further substrate exploration indicated that the reaction system could be extended to diverse perfluoroalkyl sulfide (SC2F5, SC3F7, SC4F9, SCF2CO2Et)‐substituted 1,1‐diaryl compounds with excellent enantioselectivities. The synthetic utility of this transformation was further demonstrated by convenient derivatization to optical SCF3‐containing analogues of bioactive compounds without an apparent decrease in enantioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Si-capped Ge quantum dot sample was self-assembly grown via Stranski-Krastanov mode in a molecular beam epitaxy system with the Si capping layer deposited at 300 °C. After annealing the sample in an oxygen atmosphere at 1000 °C, a structure, namely two layers of quantum dots, was formed with the newly formed Ge-rich quantum dots embedded in the oxidized matrix with the position accurately located upon the as-grown quantum dots. It has been found that the formation of such nanostructures strongly depends upon the growth temperature and oxygen atmosphere. A growth mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of the nanostructure based on the Ge diffusion from the as-grown quantum dots, Ge segregation from the growing oxide, and subsequent migration/agglomeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the association between hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and risk of cognitive decline. Methods: Electronic databases such as PubMed and EMBASE were searched for prospective cohort studies that involved the relationship between HHcy and risk of cognitive decline. Adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by Review Manager 5.2.7. Subgroup analyses were conducted on stratification of some important variables. Results: Fourteen publications were included in the analysis. The pooled RR was 1.53 (95% CI, 1.23-1.91; p = 0.0002) for patients with HHcy compared to subjects without HHcy. Subgroup analyses indicated that the pooled RRs were 1.51 (95% CI, 1.10-2.05; p = 0.01) for more than five-year follow-up studies and 1. 56 (95% CI, 1.13-2.14; p = 0.007) for less than five-year follow-up studies. The pooled RRs were 1.66 (95% CI, 1.21-2.26; p = 0.001) for studies excluding the confounder of B vitamins and 1.34 (95% CI, 1.08-1.66; p = 0.008) for non-excluded studies. In terms of region, the pooled RR was 1.60 (95% CI, 1.21-2.13; p = 0.001) for European and American countries, while the pooled RR was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.02-1.59; p = 0.03) for other regions. Conclusion: As one of the independent risk factors, HHcy was associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence has pointed to the direct inhibitory action of lithium, an anti-depressant, on GSK-3β. The present study investigated further insight into lithium signaling pathways. In the cell-free assay Li2CO3 significantly inhibited phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-mediated phosphorylation of Akt1 at Ser473, but Li2CO3 did not affect PI3K-mediated PI(3,4,5)P3 production and 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1)-mediated phosphorylation of Akt1 at Thr308. This indicates that lithium could enhance GSK-3β activity by suppressing Akt-mediated Ser9 phosphorylation of GSK-3β in association with inhibition of PI3K-mediated Akt activation. There was no direct effect of Li2CO3 on Akt1-induced phosphorylation of GSK-3β at Ser9, but otherwise Li2CO3 significantly reduced GSK-3β-mediated phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser33/37 and Thr41. This indicates that lithium directly inhibits GSK-3β in an Akt-independent manner. In rat hippocampal slices Li2CO3 significantly inhibited phosphorylation of Akt1/2 at Ser473/474, GSK-3β at Ser9, and β-catenin at Ser33/37 and Thr41. Taken together, these results indicate that lithium exerts its potentiating and inhibiting bidirectional actions on GSK-3β activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy Internet is expected to solve the problem of environmental pollution. This paper first analyzes the emission reduction mechanism of the time-of-use tariff on the regional Energy Internet, and then establishes a calculation model of regional Energy Internet emission reduction considering time-of-use tariff. Finally, a small-scale regional Energy Internet is simulated and calculated, and it is found that the carbon emission under the time-of-use tariff is reduced by 0.95% and the cost is reduced by 0.28%compared with that under the fixed electricity price. The results show that the system operation cost and pollutant emissions are lower under time-of-use tariff, and time-of-use tariff is more conducive to emission reduction. Moreover, it is also found that when the time-of-use tariff fluctuation ratio is less than 1, and the peak-to-valley electricity price ratio is between 2-3, the energy conservation and emission reduction is better, which provides a basis for the formulation of green electricity price. The innovations of this paper mainly include: 1) Research from a new perspective that time-of-use tariff affect the demand side and thus the supply side. 2) Establish a calculation model of regional Energy Internet emission reductions under time-of-use tariff. 3) Study the peak-to-valley electricity price ratio, the fluctuation ratio of time-of-use tariff, and the impact of the two on the carbon emissions of the regional Energy Internet. • A calculation model of Energy Internet emission reduction under time-of-use tariff. • The dynamic impact of time-of-use tariff on energy demand. • The relationship between time-of-use tariff and pollutant emissions. • Impacts of the peak-to-valley ratio and price fluctuation ratio on emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Amorphous SiOx nanowires, with diameters of ∼20nm and lengths of tens of μm, were grown from self-organized GeSi quantum dots or GeSi alloy epilayers on Si substrates. The morphologies and yield of these amorphous nanowires depend strongly upon the synthesis temperature. Comparative experiments indicate that the present SiOx nanowires are induced by metallic Ge as catalysts via the solid liquid solid growth mechanism. Two broad peaks centered at 410nm and 570nm were observed in photoluminescence spectrum, indicating that such SiOx nanowires have the potential applications in white light-emitting diodes, full-colour display, full-colour indicator and light sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To reduce the occurrence of information loss and distortion in image style transfer, a method is proposed for researching and designing image style transfer technology based on multi‐scale convolutional neural networks (CNNs) feature fusion. Initially, the VGG19 model is designed for coarse and fine‐scale networks to achieve multi‐scale CNN feature extraction of target image information. Subsequently, while setting the corresponding feature loss function, an additional least‐squares penalty parameter is introduced to balance the optimal total loss function. Finally, leveraging the characteristics of stochastic gradient descent iteration, image features are fused and reconstructed to obtain better style transfer images. Experimental evaluations utilize peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index (SSIM), information entropy (IE), and mean squared error (MSE) as metrics for assessing the transferred images, comparing them with three typical image style transfer methods. Results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves optimal performance across all metrics, realizing superior image style transfer effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To understand the distribution, serotype, and drug resistance of Salmonella in domestic sewage in Jining city, and to analyze the whole genome sequencing so as to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of Salmonella. Methods From February to March in 2023, two samples of sewage from the intake of 3 urban sewage plants with 500 ml each were collected continuously for 7 weeks. A total of 42 sewage samples were collected for culture, isolation, and identification of Salmonella. The isolated Salmonella was tested for serum agglutination test and fluorescent quantitative PCR serotyping. In total 41 strains of Salmonella were tested for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 17 drugs in 9 classes by microbroth dilution method, followed by genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results The isolation rate of Salmonella from domestic sewage in Jining city was high. Among 24 positive samples, 41 strains of Salmonella were isolated, belonging to 9 serotypes, mainly S.Agona and S.Kentucky. Liying and Jidong sewage treatment plants had their own unique serotypes. Only one strain of S.Give was not resistant, and the other 40 strains of Salmonella were multi-drug resistant. The resistance rates to sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, ampicillin, and streptomycin were more than 90%, and the resistance rate to ampicillin/sulbactam was more than 80%. There were 19 kinds of drug resistance spectra, of which SXT-TET-STR-AMP-AMS ranked the first place. The resistance spectra of different serotypes of Salmonella were different. S.Kentucky, S.Gold Coast, and S.Infant were multi-drug resistant seriously. The resistance spectrum of the same serotype was also inconsistent in different sewage plants, and the resistance was the most serious in Liying sewage plant. The CARD database was used to prediet drug resistance genes, mainly predicting 18 drug resistance genes in 8 types of drug resistance families, and the drug resistance phenotypes and drug resistance genes were almost all consistent. The ST types of different serotypes of Salmonella were different, and ST13 S.Agona was dominant. The phylogenetic tree was divided into 6 clusters, and strains in different sewage plants were in different branches, indicating that their genomes were different and had different sources. Conclusion There are various serotypes of salmonella in domestic sewage in Jining city, suggesting that they might have exist and spread in the population. Almost all strains are multi-drug resistant bacteria, carrying resistance genes extensively. Some types of strains live persistently and distribute across regions, leading to the potential risk to population. It is necessary to carry out continuous monitor, and scientific prevention and control measures need to be formulated to control the epidemic of salmonella and the aggravation of drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock bridges are commonly encountered in incipiently jointed rock masses and rock engineering practices, which play a significant role in the stabilization of rock masses. Although the effect of joint length, as a key influence factor on mechanical properties of rock bridges, has been extensively studied, the influence of joint dip angle and aperture on fractured rock properties has rarely been investigated. In this study, we carried out an investigation on a new conceptual model of fractured rock bridges, based on the evaluation of a pre-existing transfixion joint in the middle and two rock bridges of equal length on both sides. The specimens with four different joint dip angles and apertures were investigated using uniaxial compression-shear experiments, in which the surface deformation was monitored by the particle image velocimetry (PIV) method. The experimental results demonstrated that the maximum failure load of rock bridges decreased as the joint aperture and dip angle increased, and can be described using a linear and a first-order exponential decay functions, respectively. The rock bridge failure along the projection line of the pre-existing transfixion joint, a dense displacement contours region, was formed along with the formation of new fractures. It was found that the tensile failure effect increases as the aperture increases, and compression failure effect increases with the fracture dip angle decrease. A new method to test rock cohesive c and internal friction angle φ is also provided based on the new conceptual model of artificial rock bridges. The present study helps improve our knowledge of the effect of rock bridges and will contribute to the development of shear strength criteria and test methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "[Retracted] Potentiation of the antitumor activity of adriamycin against osteosarcoma by cannabinoid WIN-55,212-2" was published in Oncology Letters in 2015. However, it has since been retracted by the editor due to concerns raised by a reader regarding anomalous features in the scratch-wound assay data presented in Figure 2. The authors were asked for an explanation but did not respond. The editor apologizes for any inconvenience caused. [Extracted from the article]

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a type of hemorrhagic stroke that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. New effective treatments are needed to improve outcomes. The pathophysiology of SAH is complex and includes early brain injury and delayed cerebral ischemia, both of which are characterized by blood–brain barrier (BBB) impairment. We isolated brain endothelial cells (BECs) from mice subjected to SAH by injection of blood into the prechiasmatic cistern. We used gene expression profiling to identify 707 unique genes (2.8% of transcripts, 403 upregulated, 304 downregulated, 24,865 interrogated probe sets) that were significantly differentially expressed in mouse BECs after SAH. The pathway involving prostaglandin synthesis and regulation was significantly upregulated after SAH, including increased expression of the Ptgs2 gene and its corresponding COX-2 protein. Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, limited upregulation of Ptgs2 in BECs. In this study, we have defined the gene expression profiling of BECs after experimental SAH and provide further insight into BBB pathophysiology, which may be relevant to other neurological diseases such as traumatic brain injury, brain tumours, ischaemic stroke, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A high-resolution and non-contact method for measuring the thickness of the insulating ceramic coating. • Analysis of the chromatic confocal sensor's geometric light path. • Simulation of the eddy-current sensor with COMSOL software. • Real-time displaying of insulating coating thickness and 3D surface reconstruction. A high-resolution and non-contact method for measuring the thickness of the insulating ceramic coating is proposed. The measurement system consists of a chromatic confocal sensor, eddy-current sensor, prism, mirror, and high-precision rotatable and liftable platform. The chromatic confocal sensor can obtain the distance from the outer surface of the insulating coating, and the eddy-current sensor can get the distance from the inner surface of the insulating coating. The coating thickness can be obtained from the two sensors' data combination and calculation. The geometrical optical path is analyzed to study the effect of the prism and mirror on the confocal sensor. The eddy-current sensor is simulated by COMSOL software with electromagnetic theories to explore the relationship between its output response and the measured surface's curvature. The sensing parameters of the two sensors are calibrated and optimized through simulation and experimental validation. Measurement software is developed by Labview to display the coating thickness in real time and reveal its distribution by 3D surface reconstruction. The measuring system's performance is tested by an insulating bearing with a 60 mm outer radius. The results show that the axial resolution of the measuring system is 0.1 μm, the repeatable linearity is less than 3 μm, the dynamic measuring linearity relative to the mean value of the coating's thickness is less than 8 μm, the detection speed is about 50 points/min. It has the advantages of high precision, non-contact, quick speed, stability, and visual display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following cerebral infarction, activated microglia cells can release a large amount of inflammatory cytokines, thereby exacerbating neuronal damage. It has been demonstrated that the long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) exerts a protective effect against cerebral infarction. However, its specific role in cerebral infarction and underlying mechanism have yet to be fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the SNHG1 and microRNA (miR)-329-3p in cerebral infarction and to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms. An in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model was established using the BV-2 microglial cell line. The mRNA expression levels of SNHG1 and miR-329-3p were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and the protein expression levels of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-3 were detected using western blotting. The binding relationship between SNHG1 and miR-329-3p was predicted using starBase and verified using a dual luciferase reporter assay. The release of TNF-α and nitric oxide, as well as caspase-3 activity, were detected using appropriate commercial kits. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to measure cell apoptosis. The results of the present study revealed that the expression levels of SNHG1 were upregulated in the OGD-induced BV-2 cell model. miR-329-3p was discovered to directly target SNHG1, and its mRNA expression levels were downregulated in the OGD-induced BV-2 cell model. The SNHG1-plasmid downregulated miR-329-3p expression levels, while this effect was reversed by transfection with the miR-329-3p mimic. The overexpression of SNHG1 or knockdown of miR-329-3p inhibited OGD-induced BV-2 cell activation. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that SNHG1 may reduce microglial cell activity by regulating the expression of miR-329-3p, indicating its potential protective role in cerebral infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The effectiveness of neuroprotective agents is still unclear. Here we analyzed the clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with human urinary kallidinogenase (HUK) or edaravone (Eda) combined with butylphthalide (NBP). Methods: From January 2016 to December 2017, a total of 165 AIS patients were enrolled in this open‐label, randomized controlled clinical study. Patients were randomly allocated into HUK group and Eda group in a ratio of 2:1. All the patients received basic treatments and NBP (200 mg p.o. qid) while HUK group received 0.15 PNA unit of HUK injection (ivgtt. qd) and Eda group received 30 mg Eda (ivgtt. bid) for 14 consecutive days. Independency rate [12‐month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤ 1] and related factors were compared between the two groups. Results: Twelve‐month mRS score of the HUK group (1, IQR 0~1) was significantly lower compared with Eda group (2, IQR 1~3, p <.0001). The HUK treatment achieved an independency rate of 79.1% while the Eda treatment only had 45.3% (p <.0001). Further binary logistic regression showed that recurrent stroke (RR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.0~0.1, p =.038) and HUK treatment (RR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.1~16.5, p =.041) could significantly affect patients' 12‐month outcomes. Conclusion: Human urinary kallidinogenase combined with NBP can enhance AIS patients' long‐term independency rate, and the effectiveness of HUK combined therapy is better than Eda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]