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Objective To investigate the effect of TRPC5 on intermittent hypoxia-induced myocardial pyroptosis. Methods TRPC5 knock out (TRPC5-/-) and SD rats were each randomly divided into chronic intermittent hypoxia group (CIH group) and normoxia group (Control group) (n = 6 for each group). The myocardial fibrosis in rats was visualized by Masson staining, the levels of serum inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA and the relative expression levels of TRPC 5 and pyroptosis-related proteins were determined by Western blotting. Results Masson staining showed that the collagen volume fraction in the TRPC5-/--CIH group was higher than that in the TRPC5-/--Control group and lower than that in the WT-CIH group. The ELISA results showed that the serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, and TGF- β in the TRPC5-/--CIH group were higher than those in the TRPC5-/--Control group and lower in the WT-CIH group. Western blotting results showed that the relative expression levels of pyroptosis related proteins caspase-1, NLRP3, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N in the TRPC5-/--CIH group were higher than those in the TRPC5-/--Control group and lower than those in the WT-CIH group. Conclusion TRPC5 deficiency alleviates myocardial pyroptosis and myocardial fibrosis induced by hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Letter investigates the effect of barrier regulation by changing compliance current (CC) on resistance switching (RS) modes. The device exhibits bipolar resistive switching (BRS) with low CCs (1, 3, 7, and 12 mA) and complementary resistive switching (CRS) without CC. By analyzing the current conduction mechanism, the variation law of Schottky barrier height under different CCs is studied, and the different RS modes are explained by the degree of nitrogen enrichment in the non-inert electrode. This paper further explores the correlation between BRS and CRS. Endurance tests in different modes show that the device is expected to achieve a multi-mode RS design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P‐type organic electrode materials are known for their high redox voltages and fast kinetics. However, single‐electron p‐type organic materials generally exhibit low capacity despite high operating voltage and stability, while some multi‐electron p‐type organic materials have high theoretical capacity but low stability. To address this challenge, we explore the possibility of combining single‐electron and multi‐electron units to create high‐capacity and stable p‐type organic electrodes. We demonstrate the design of a new molecule, 4,4′‐(10H‐phenothiazine‐3,7‐diyl) bis (N,N‐diphenylaniline) (PTZAN), which is created by coupling the triphenylamine molecule and the phenothiazine molecule. The resulting PTZAN||Zn battery shows excellent stability (2000 cycles), high voltage (1.3 V), high capacity (145 mAh g−1), and energy density of 187.2 Wh kg−1. Theoretical calculations and in/ex situ analysis reveal that the charge storage of the PTZAN electrode is mainly driven by the redox of phenothiazine heterocycles and triphenylamine unit, accompanied by the combination/release of anions and Zn2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P‐type organic electrode materials are known for their high redox voltages and fast kinetics. However, single‐electron p‐type organic materials generally exhibit low capacity despite high operating voltage and stability, while some multi‐electron p‐type organic materials have high theoretical capacity but low stability. To address this challenge, we explore the possibility of combining single‐electron and multi‐electron units to create high‐capacity and stable p‐type organic electrodes. We demonstrate the design of a new molecule, 4,4′‐(10H‐phenothiazine‐3,7‐diyl) bis (N,N‐diphenylaniline) (PTZAN), which is created by coupling the triphenylamine molecule and the phenothiazine molecule. The resulting PTZAN||Zn battery shows excellent stability (2000 cycles), high voltage (1.3 V), high capacity (145 mAh g−1), and energy density of 187.2 Wh kg−1. Theoretical calculations and in/ex situ analysis reveal that the charge storage of the PTZAN electrode is mainly driven by the redox of phenothiazine heterocycles and triphenylamine unit, accompanied by the combination/release of anions and Zn2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic p‐type cathode materials have recently attracted increasing attention due to their higher redox potentials and rate capabilities in comparison to n‐type cathodes. However, most of the p‐type cathodes based on one‐electron redox still suffer from limited stability and low specific capacity (<150 mAh g−1). Herein, two polymers, conjugated poly(diethyldihydrophenazine vinylene) (CPP) and non‐conjugated poly(diethyldihydrophenazine ethylidene) (NCPP) containing two‐electron redox dihydrophenazine, have been developed as p‐type cathode materials. It is experimentally and theoretically found that the conjugated linkage among the redox centers in polymer CPP is more favorable for the effective charge delocalization on the conjugated polymer backbone and the sufficient oxidation in the higher potential region (3.3–4.2 V vs. Li/Li+). Consequently, the CPP cathode displays a higher reversible specific capacity of 184 mAh g−1 with excellent cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic p‐type cathode materials have recently attracted increasing attention due to their higher redox potentials and rate capabilities in comparison to n‐type cathodes. However, most of the p‐type cathodes based on one‐electron redox still suffer from limited stability and low specific capacity (<150 mAh g−1). Herein, two polymers, conjugated poly(diethyldihydrophenazine vinylene) (CPP) and non‐conjugated poly(diethyldihydrophenazine ethylidene) (NCPP) containing two‐electron redox dihydrophenazine, have been developed as p‐type cathode materials. It is experimentally and theoretically found that the conjugated linkage among the redox centers in polymer CPP is more favorable for the effective charge delocalization on the conjugated polymer backbone and the sufficient oxidation in the higher potential region (3.3–4.2 V vs. Li/Li+). Consequently, the CPP cathode displays a higher reversible specific capacity of 184 mAh g−1 with excellent cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the prosperity of global trade and maritime transportation, dry port is playing a significant role in freight transport industry through relieving seaport congestion and facilitating improved logistics solutions. This article studies the rail shuttle service pricing and scheduling problem in a dry port system with one dry port and multiple shippers. Bilevel models are developed to address the interaction between the dry port and shippers, with the dry port as the leader and individual shippers as followers. The optimal properties of the proposed bilevel model are analyzed, and a solution procedure is proposed to obtain the global optimal solution. Numerical studies are carried out to investigate the sensitivity of optimal decisions, and performance of both parties with respect to various system parameters. This study shows that offering a higher storage price could not always bring higher profit for the dry port. An extremely high storage price will reduce shippers’ total costs, especially for shippers with high production rates. If the seaports’ cutoff time is short, shippers with low production rates would have to bear high expenses. It is also found that low setup costs at shippers will bring not only cost savings for shippers, but also profit improvement for the dry port. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the enhancement of China's comprehensive national power and the improvement of people's living standards, health has become the goal that people pursue. While people are thirsty for extensive knowledge and a healthy body, they also pay more attention to the cultivation of elegant temperament and the enjoyment of beauty, and aerobics has become a hot spot for national fitness with its advantages of coordinated and beautiful movements, bright and cheerful rhythm and obvious fitness effects. Aerobics is a new popular fitness sports, from the beginning of development by most fitness enthusiasts, especially it is a women's favorite. To this end, the characteristics, value, status, and role of aerobics in the public health of all people are discussed, and the problems of poor recognition effect in the existing aerobics difficulty aerobics action recognition methods are proposed to apply the graph convolutional neural network to the aerobics difficulty aerobics action recognition. The video of aerobics is divided into several images, and the background of the aerobics difficult aerobics action image is eliminated, and the gray scale co-generation matrix is set to estimate the local area blur kernel of the difficult action image to correct the visual error of the difficult action image. "change to" The aerobics action is divided into several difficult action images, and the gray-scale symbiosis matrix is set to estimate the local area fuzzy core of the difficult action image, and correct the visual error of the difficult action image. On this basis, the graph convolutional neural network is pre-trained to construct a human-directed spatial-temporal skeleton map, and the human-directed spatial-temporal map representation is modeled with temporal dynamic information to achieve aerobics difficult aerobics action recognition. The experimental results show that the recognition time of the difficult aerobics movements based on the graph convolutional neural network is shorter and the number of false recognitions is less in complex and simple backgrounds, which proves that the proposed method improves the recognition of difficult aerobics movements to achieve the goal of promoting the development level of aerobics and improving the public health of all people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the flotation of semi-soluble minerals such as calcite and fluorite, Ca2+ is one of the common dissolved components influencing the collector adsorption behaviors on the mineral surfaces. However, there is very limited research focusing on how the dissolved Ca2+ affects the separation of fluorite and calcite. In the study, with sodium oleate (NaOL) as a collector and tannic acid (TA) as a depressant, a flotation test, zeta potential measurement, and adsorption experiment in the presence of Ca2+ were conducted. Flotation tests indicated that in the presence of Ca2+, fluorite and calcite were both significantly depressed by TA, leading to difficulty in the separation of the two minerals. It was also found that the depression effect on fluorite flotation was minimized with a high concentration of NaOL. Zeta potential measurement and the adsorption experiment results are consistent with the flotation results, revealing that it is only in the low concentration of NaOL that the flotation of fluorite was depressed by TA in the presence of Ca2+. Specifically, in the low concentration of NaOL, TA adsorbed on the fluorite surface and depressed the flotation of fluorite due to the preferential interaction between NaOL and Ca2+ in the solution leading to a shortage in the effective NaOL in the solution. In the high concentration of NaOL, the adsorbed TA on the fluorite surface was displaced by the excessive NaOL in the solution; hence, the flotation of fluorite was recovered. In contrast, TA always hinders the interaction of NaOL with calcite regardless of the presence and absence of Ca2+ and NaOL, hence, depressing the flotation of calcite. The study presented that a high concentration of NaOL may mitigate the negative effect of Ca2+ on the fluorite surface and improve the separation of fluorite from calcite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dichoptic training has emerged as a promising rehabilitation approach for improving binocular visual function in patients with strabismus. A prospective observational study design was employed to assess the effectiveness of online video game-based dichoptic training in rehabilitating binocular visual function in patients who had undergone an operation for intermittent exotropia.A total of 64 patients who had undergone an operation for intermittent exotropia were recruited and divided into the training group and the control group based on whether they would receive the dichoptic training. The dichoptic training was conducted for 3 months in the training group and the control group would not accept any form of orthoptic therapy. Assessments of binocular visual functions and deviation were conducted at baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow-up.Twenty-nine participants in the training group (mean 9.69 ± 2.66 years old) and 26 participants in the control group (mean 8.41 ± 2.64 years old) completed follow-up. At both 3- and 6-month follow-ups, the training group showed superior distance stereopsis compared to the control group, with near stereopsis only showing significant difference at the 6-month follow-up. Additionally, the training group exhibited significantly less distance exo-deviation drift than the control group at these times, and no significant difference was observed in near exo-deviation drift between the groups. The control group had a significantly higher rate of suboptimal surgical outcomes at both the 3- and 6-month follow-up. However, no significant differences were observed in simultaneous perception and fusion functions between the two groups.Online video game-based dichoptic training has the potential to become a novel postoperative rehabilitation strategy for patients with intermittent exotropia.Methods: Dichoptic training has emerged as a promising rehabilitation approach for improving binocular visual function in patients with strabismus. A prospective observational study design was employed to assess the effectiveness of online video game-based dichoptic training in rehabilitating binocular visual function in patients who had undergone an operation for intermittent exotropia.A total of 64 patients who had undergone an operation for intermittent exotropia were recruited and divided into the training group and the control group based on whether they would receive the dichoptic training. The dichoptic training was conducted for 3 months in the training group and the control group would not accept any form of orthoptic therapy. Assessments of binocular visual functions and deviation were conducted at baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow-up.Twenty-nine participants in the training group (mean 9.69 ± 2.66 years old) and 26 participants in the control group (mean 8.41 ± 2.64 years old) completed follow-up. At both 3- and 6-month follow-ups, the training group showed superior distance stereopsis compared to the control group, with near stereopsis only showing significant difference at the 6-month follow-up. Additionally, the training group exhibited significantly less distance exo-deviation drift than the control group at these times, and no significant difference was observed in near exo-deviation drift between the groups. The control group had a significantly higher rate of suboptimal surgical outcomes at both the 3- and 6-month follow-up. However, no significant differences were observed in simultaneous perception and fusion functions between the two groups.Online video game-based dichoptic training has the potential to become a novel postoperative rehabilitation strategy for patients with intermittent exotropia.Results: Dichoptic training has emerged as a promising rehabilitation approach for improving binocular visual function in patients with strabismus. A prospective observational study design was employed to assess the effectiveness of online video game-based dichoptic training in rehabilitating binocular visual function in patients who had undergone an operation for intermittent exotropia.A total of 64 patients who had undergone an operation for intermittent exotropia were recruited and divided into the training group and the control group based on whether they would receive the dichoptic training. The dichoptic training was conducted for 3 months in the training group and the control group would not accept any form of orthoptic therapy. Assessments of binocular visual functions and deviation were conducted at baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow-up.Twenty-nine participants in the training group (mean 9.69 ± 2.66 years old) and 26 participants in the control group (mean 8.41 ± 2.64 years old) completed follow-up. At both 3- and 6-month follow-ups, the training group showed superior distance stereopsis compared to the control group, with near stereopsis only showing significant difference at the 6-month follow-up. Additionally, the training group exhibited significantly less distance exo-deviation drift than the control group at these times, and no significant difference was observed in near exo-deviation drift between the groups. The control group had a significantly higher rate of suboptimal surgical outcomes at both the 3- and 6-month follow-up. However, no significant differences were observed in simultaneous perception and fusion functions between the two groups.Online video game-based dichoptic training has the potential to become a novel postoperative rehabilitation strategy for patients with intermittent exotropia.Conclusions: Dichoptic training has emerged as a promising rehabilitation approach for improving binocular visual function in patients with strabismus. A prospective observational study design was employed to assess the effectiveness of online video game-based dichoptic training in rehabilitating binocular visual function in patients who had undergone an operation for intermittent exotropia.A total of 64 patients who had undergone an operation for intermittent exotropia were recruited and divided into the training group and the control group based on whether they would receive the dichoptic training. The dichoptic training was conducted for 3 months in the training group and the control group would not accept any form of orthoptic therapy. Assessments of binocular visual functions and deviation were conducted at baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow-up.Twenty-nine participants in the training group (mean 9.69 ± 2.66 years old) and 26 participants in the control group (mean 8.41 ± 2.64 years old) completed follow-up. At both 3- and 6-month follow-ups, the training group showed superior distance stereopsis compared to the control group, with near stereopsis only showing significant difference at the 6-month follow-up. Additionally, the training group exhibited significantly less distance exo-deviation drift than the control group at these times, and no significant difference was observed in near exo-deviation drift between the groups. The control group had a significantly higher rate of suboptimal surgical outcomes at both the 3- and 6-month follow-up. However, no significant differences were observed in simultaneous perception and fusion functions between the two groups.Online video game-based dichoptic training has the potential to become a novel postoperative rehabilitation strategy for patients with intermittent exotropia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to reveal the underlying genetic defect in a multigenerational Chinese family with autosomal dominant concomitant strabismus complicated by multiple ocular developmental abnormalities. Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were performed in 14 patients and 24 healthy family members. Whole exome sequencing was performed, and Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the probable mutation in all the family members. Concomitant strabismus was the predominant phenotype in the affected family members, although the patients also exhibited variable phenotypes, including nystagmus, mild iris abnormalities, myopia, cataract, and coloboma. An R208W mutation in PAX6 was identified as the pathogenic mutation in the affected family members. We recommend considering PAX6 as a candidate gene in the diagnostic screen for familial concomitant strabismus in order to avoid missed diagnosis of the mild ocular abnormalities. Careful examinations of mild ocular phenotypes are necessary for an accurate diagnosis of varied ocular abnormalities in the families with the PAX6 mutation, and proper diagnosis can facilitate genetic and clinical counseling for affected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Coronary artery disease (CAD) and associated comorbidities such as heart failure (HF) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, attributed to, at least partially, the lack of biomarkers for efficient disease diagnosis. The study intended to explore potential biomarkers for predicting the presence of HF in CAD patients. Methods. According to the presence of HF, 83 CAD patients with HF were assigned to the AHF group and 52 CAD patients without HF to the CAD group. Additionally, healthy controls (n = 52) were those who had received physical examinations at the same period. The serum levels of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricle-end diastolic volume (LVEDV), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were detected 3 times by color Doppler ultrasound. The predictive values of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin methods were compared by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Results. Increased levels of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin were noted in the AHF group than in the control and CAD groups (p < 0.001); the CAD group showed higher levels of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin than the control group (p < 0.001). Based on the NYHA classification, there were 33 cases with grade II, 28 cases with grade III, and 22 cases with grade IV among 83 CAD patients with HF. It was found that the serum levels of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin were higher in the AHF-IV group than in the AHF-III and AHF-II groups (p < 0.001); these levels were also higher in the AHF-III group than in the AHF-II group (p < 0.001). The periostin level was positively correlated with the levels of IL-13 (r = 0.458) and TGF-β1 (r = 0.569) in CAD patients with AHF. Besides, the serum levels of periostin (r = -0.425), IL-13 (r = -0.341), and TGF-β1 (r = -0.435) were negatively correlated with the LVEF of CAD patients with AHF, respectively. When IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin levels were used to predict the presence of AHF in CAD patients in combination, the sensitivity and specificity were 75.9% and 90.38%, respectively, with the AUC of 0.906 (95% CI: 0.912–0.996). Conclusion. These data reveal that IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin levels might be associated with the occurrence of AHF in CAD patients and their combination shows the predictive value for the presence of AHF in CAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Coronary artery disease (CAD) and associated comorbidities such as heart failure (HF) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, attributed to, at least partially, the lack of biomarkers for efficient disease diagnosis. The study intended to explore potential biomarkers for predicting the presence of HF in CAD patients. Methods. According to the presence of HF, 83 CAD patients with HF were assigned to the AHF group and 52 CAD patients without HF to the CAD group. Additionally, healthy controls (n = 52) were those who had received physical examinations at the same period. The serum levels of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricle-end diastolic volume (LVEDV), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were detected 3 times by color Doppler ultrasound. The predictive values of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin methods were compared by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Results. Increased levels of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin were noted in the AHF group than in the control and CAD groups (p < 0.001); the CAD group showed higher levels of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin than the control group (p < 0.001). Based on the NYHA classification, there were 33 cases with grade II, 28 cases with grade III, and 22 cases with grade IV among 83 CAD patients with HF. It was found that the serum levels of IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin were higher in the AHF-IV group than in the AHF-III and AHF-II groups (p < 0.001); these levels were also higher in the AHF-III group than in the AHF-II group (p < 0.001). The periostin level was positively correlated with the levels of IL-13 (r = 0.458) and TGF-β1 (r = 0.569) in CAD patients with AHF. Besides, the serum levels of periostin (r = -0.425), IL-13 (r = -0.341), and TGF-β1 (r = -0.435) were negatively correlated with the LVEF of CAD patients with AHF, respectively. When IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin levels were used to predict the presence of AHF in CAD patients in combination, the sensitivity and specificity were 75.9% and 90.38%, respectively, with the AUC of 0.906 (95% CI: 0.912–0.996). Conclusion. These data reveal that IL-13, TGF-β1, and periostin levels might be associated with the occurrence of AHF in CAD patients and their combination shows the predictive value for the presence of AHF in CAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to undesired Zn corrosion and the formation of Zn dendrites in aqueous electrolytes, most of the examples of aqueous Zn batteries with reported excellent performance are achieved with low Zn‐utilization (<0.6 %) in the anode and low mass‐loading (<3 mg cm−2) in the cathode. Herein, we propose a new organic electrolyte for Zn batteries, which contains a zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate (Zn‐TFMS) salt and a mixed solvent consisting of propylene carbonate (PC) and triethyl phosphate (TEP). We demonstrate that this electrolyte with an optimized PC/TEP ratio not only exhibits high ionic conductivity and a wide stable potential window, but also facilitates dendrite‐free Zn plating/stripping. In particular, the TEP solvent makes the electrolyte nonflammable. Finally, a 2 V Zn//polytriphenylamine composite (PTPAn) battery is fabricated with the optimized electrolyte; it shows a high rate and a long lifetime (2400 cycles) even with a high mass‐loading (16 mg cm−2) of PTPAn in the cathode and with a high Zn‐utilization (3.5 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to undesired Zn corrosion and the formation of Zn dendrites in aqueous electrolytes, most of the examples of aqueous Zn batteries with reported excellent performance are achieved with low Zn‐utilization (<0.6 %) in the anode and low mass‐loading (<3 mg cm−2) in the cathode. Herein, we propose a new organic electrolyte for Zn batteries, which contains a zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate (Zn‐TFMS) salt and a mixed solvent consisting of propylene carbonate (PC) and triethyl phosphate (TEP). We demonstrate that this electrolyte with an optimized PC/TEP ratio not only exhibits high ionic conductivity and a wide stable potential window, but also facilitates dendrite‐free Zn plating/stripping. In particular, the TEP solvent makes the electrolyte nonflammable. Finally, a 2 V Zn//polytriphenylamine composite (PTPAn) battery is fabricated with the optimized electrolyte; it shows a high rate and a long lifetime (2400 cycles) even with a high mass‐loading (16 mg cm−2) of PTPAn in the cathode and with a high Zn‐utilization (3.5 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn‐based aqueous supercapacitors are attracting extensive attention. However, most of the reported long‐life and high‐power performances are achieved with low Zn‐utilization (<0.6 %) and low mass loading in cathode (<2 mg cm−2). And, many obtained high energy densities are generally evaluated without considering the mass of Zn‐anode. Herein, we propose a Zn‐based hybrid supercapacitor, involving a metal organic framework derived porous carbon cathode, a Zn‐anode and an N, N‐dimethylformamide (DMF)‐based electrolyte containing Zn2+. We demonstrate that the charge storage of cathode mainly occurs in macropores, showing high rate performance at high mass loading (40 mg cm−2). Furthermore, the aprotic nature of electrolyte and formation of Zn2+‐DMF complex avoid the Zn‐corrosion and dendrite formation. Therefore, the supercapacitor shows a long‐life (9,000 cycles) with a high Zn‐utilization (2.2 %). When calculated with the total mass of cathode (40 mg cm−2) and Zn‐anode, the energy density reaches 25.9 Wh kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn‐based aqueous supercapacitors are attracting extensive attention. However, most of the reported long‐life and high‐power performances are achieved with low Zn‐utilization (<0.6 %) and low mass loading in cathode (<2 mg cm−2). And, many obtained high energy densities are generally evaluated without considering the mass of Zn‐anode. Herein, we propose a Zn‐based hybrid supercapacitor, involving a metal organic framework derived porous carbon cathode, a Zn‐anode and an N, N‐dimethylformamide (DMF)‐based electrolyte containing Zn2+. We demonstrate that the charge storage of cathode mainly occurs in macropores, showing high rate performance at high mass loading (40 mg cm−2). Furthermore, the aprotic nature of electrolyte and formation of Zn2+‐DMF complex avoid the Zn‐corrosion and dendrite formation. Therefore, the supercapacitor shows a long‐life (9,000 cycles) with a high Zn‐utilization (2.2 %). When calculated with the total mass of cathode (40 mg cm−2) and Zn‐anode, the energy density reaches 25.9 Wh kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-stroke spasm is currently a complex clinical problem that remains to be resolved. Due to its excellent efficacy and few side effects, clinicians have used fire acupuncture to treat post-stroke spasticity in China. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of fire acupuncture compared with conventional acupuncture to treat post-stroke spasms and provide a detailed summary of the commonly used acupoints. Methods: Eight databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane database, EMBASE, CBM, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from database inception through August 30, 2020. RCTs that compared fire acupuncture with conventional acupuncture as a treatment intervention for patients with spasticity after stroke were included. Revman 5.3 software was used to calculate risk ratios (RR) and standard mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Methodological evaluation or critical appraisal of the included articles was assessed using RoB-2. Results: Sixteen studies with a total of 1,118 patients were included. Although according to the standards of the Rob 2.0 tool, most studies are considered to have some problems. Comprehensive analysis of the results revealed a consistent trend indicating several advantages of using fire needles compared to conventional acupuncture in treating post-stroke spasms, including the effective rate, recovery rate, and improvement of multiple scales represented by MAS. Concerning secondary outcomes, using the scales of FMA, BI, or NDS in this random model meta-analysis, fire acupuncture exhibited better performance compared to acupuncture [SMD = 2.27, 95%CI [1.40,3.13 (random-effects model) ], [SMD = 1.46,95% CI [1.03,1.90 (random-effects model)], and [SMD = 0.90, 95%CI [0.44,1.35 (random-effects model)], respectively, with moderately high heterogeneity. When the effective rate was used as an outcome in the subgroup analysis, fire needles performed better than conventional acupuncture with respect to damage to the upper or lower limbs, and the thickness and depth of acupuncture. When the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) was used as the outcome, and the damage occurred in the lower extremity, the acupuncture depth exceeded 15mm, or the duration of stroke was longer than six months, the fire needles did not perform better than conventional acupuncture, [SMD = 0.01, 95%CI [-0.47,0.48 (fix-effects model)], [SMD = 0.21 [-0.51,0.93(random-effects model)], and [SMD = 0.76, 95%CI [-0.08,1.60 (random-effects model)], respectively. The acupoints identified with the highest frequencies in this study were Yang-meridian, including LI11-Quchi (nine times), LI4-Hegu (seven times), and ST36-Zusanli (five times). Moreover, no serious adverse effects were reported in any of the studies included in this analysis. Conclusions: Despite several limitations, this was the first meta-analysis to focus on the treatment of post-stroke spasticity using fire needle acupuncture compared with conventional acupuncture. Our results confirmed that fire needles could provide a better clinical effect than conventional acupuncture, which will help standardize fire needle treatment strategies for post-stroke spasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generation of large amounts of genomic data is now feasible and cost-effective with improvements in next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq) is becoming the preferred method for comprehensively characterising global transcriptome activity. Unique to cytoreductive surgery (CRS), multiple spatially discrete tumour specimens could be systematically harvested for genomic analysis. To facilitate such downstream analyses, laser capture microdissection (LCM) could be utilized to obtain pure cell populations. The aim of this protocol study was to develop a methodology to obtain high-quality expression data from matched primary tumours and metastases by utilizing LCM to isolate pure cellular populations. We demonstrate an optimized LCM protocol which reproducibly delivered intact RNA used for RNA sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). After pathologic annotation of normal epithelial, tumour and stromal components, LCM coupled with cDNA library generation provided for successful RNA sequencing. To illustrate our framework's potential to identify targets that would otherwise be missed with conventional bulk tumour sequencing, we performed qPCR and immunohistochemical technical validation to show that the genes identified were truly expressed only in certain sub-components. This study suggests that the combination of matched tissue specimens with tissue microdissection and NGS provides a viable platform to unmask hidden biomarkers and provides insight into tumour biology at a higher resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An auxiliary electrode electrospinning method is proposed to deposit N-octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NOCA) medical glue fibrous membrane on kidney for in-situ fast hemostasis. A metal electrode equipped to the spinning needle is used to confine the divergence angle of jet. Compared to the conventional electrospinning method, the fiber deposition area has reduced by 2.5 times, and it can achieve in-situ accurate deposition. Moreover, it reduces both the external dimension and over-reliance on electricity, which is superior to previous air-flow assisted electrospinning method. In addition, in situ accurate deposition of NOCA on the kidney exhibits fast hemostasis within 10 s, confirming that this auxiliary electrode method can be applied in outdoors for fast hemostasis. Further pathological studies indicate that this auxiliary electrode method can reduce the inflammatory response of tissues due to the better accurate deposition. This portable hand-held device with the auxiliary electrode method may have potential application in fast hemostasis for outdoors due to its accurate deposition and portability characteristics. • A new portable e-spinning device. This handheld e-spinning device has three advantages: (1) precise deposition; (2) small volume and lightness; (3) independent of urban electricity supply to be portable. • Better orientated deposition. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments show this electrode aided e-spinning exhibit better precise deposition. • Mechanism Analysis of this Precise Deposition. Finite element analysis method (COMSOL Multiphysics 5.0 software) was used to find the mechanism of this new e-spinning technology is attributed to the electric field assist. • In Situ Rapid Hemostasis on kidney. This electric-field assisted e-spinning was further used to deposit medical glue onto the kidney resection site, and a rapid hemostasis was achieved within 10 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two 6‐week growth trials and a digestibility trial were conducted to evaluate the effects of brewer's yeast in practical shrimp feeds. In the first growth trial, graded levels (0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 g/kg) of a brewer's yeast (BY50) were used to replace fishmeal and soybean meal, referred to as Diet DBY0, DBY6, DBY12, DBY18, DBY24 and Diet LFM0, LFM6, LFM12, DBY18 and LFM24, respectively. The results showed that there were no significant differences in final biomass, survival, protein retention efficiency and feed conversion ratio; however, limited differences in final weight and weight gain were shown in the FM replacement series. There was no significant difference on the growth performance in the SBM replacement series. The second growth trial was conducted with Diet DBY0, DBY12, DBY18, DBY24, LFM0 and a low‐FM diet containing 20 g/kg of BY with 700g/kg (?) protein (Diet DBY70). Shrimp fed with Diet DBY0 exhibited significantly higher final mean weight and weight gain than those offered the Diet DBY24. Nutrient availability of BY50 and BY70 was similar to SBM and significantly higher than FM. Results indicated that 180–240 g/kg BY50 can be effectively used in shrimp diets as a replacement for FM, or up to 240 g/kg when replacing SBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of E-Commerce Logistics (ECL) has become a major success factor for e-commerce companies in the competitive marketplace nowadays. However, the operation of ECL is complex and vulnerable to many risks, which would severely threaten its performance. A clear understanding of these risks would benefit a lot for conducting targeted measures to effectively mitigate their adverse effects. Therefore, this paper proposes a quantitatively analysis approach for operational risks in ECL based on extensive historical e-commerce transaction data. More specifically, the typical operation process of ECL is extracted through sequential analysis of key activities. After that, taking operation time as the key performance indicator, the performance patterns of different operation phases are analyzed. Then, considering the diverse distributions of operation time in different phases, especially the multimodal distribution of transportation time, a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) based risk analysis approach is proposed. Finally, an experimental case study is provided to measure the operational risks using real-life ECL data, and several managerial implications are also discussed based on the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solvent extracted soybean meal (SBM) is generated using different varieties of soybeans grown under a range of conditions and then processed at different crushing plants. Due to its competitive cost and availability, it is a popular plant‐based protein source for shrimp feed formulations. However, there is limited information about effects of variations in the nutritional composition of soybean meal have on performances of shrimp. Hence, the present study was designed to determine the effects of different soybean sources on the growth performances of Litopenaeus vannamei. Two growth trials were conducted with iso‐nitrogenous and iso‐lipidic (350 g/kg protein and 80 g/kg lipid) test diets formulated with 25 sources of soybean meal. Trial one incorporated 14 treatments including a soy‐based diet containing 517 g/kg SBM (eight replicates) and this soy source was then replaced with 13 different soybean sources (four replicates per treatment). The second trial used the same basal diet and 11 different sources of soybean meal (Total 12 diets) with five replicates per treatment. Both growth trials were conducted with a stocking density of 10 shrimps/aquarium in a semi‐closed recirculating system and the initial weight of shrimps for trials 1 and 2 were 0.23 g ± 0.02 and 0.67 g ± 0.02 respectively. During the two trials, shrimp were fed four times/day assuming a FCR of 1.8, over 42 days for trial 1 and 35 days for trial 2. Results indicated that there are differences among sources of soybean meal for standardized percentage TGC. Diet 21 that contained SBM4550 had the largest value for TGC whereas the lowest value for TGC was observed for shrimp fed diet 17 that contained SBM45536. According to the statistical analysis that was used to interpret the growth performance data from the complete chemical profile of the SBM, phosphorous, phytate‐phosphorous and total phytic acid levels had positive correlations (p < 0.005) with TGC whereas raffinose (p = 0.086) had a negative correlation with TGC. Results of this work indicates phosphorous, phosphorous in phytic acid and total phytic acid and raffinose are important components in SBM that may have significant effects on the growth performances of pacific white shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A quantity discount rail transport pricing problem is studied in a dry port system. • We develop a Stackelberg game model under the single breakpoint pricing scheme. • We analyze the optimal properties and propose algorithms to solve the model optimally. • The pricing scheme increase dry port's profit while leaving shippers no worse off. • Shippers with high production rates are more likely to save costs. Abstract A dry port is an inland intermodal terminal connected to a seaport via railways. This paper studies a rail transportation pricing problem with quantity discounts in a dry port system consisting of one dry port and multiple shippers. This problem is modeled as a Stackelberg game where the dry port is the leader and the shippers are followers. An all-units quantity discount pricing scheme with a single breakpoint is adopted. Optimal properties are analyzed and the global optimal solution is derived. Numerical studies are conducted to examine the effectiveness of quantity discount pricing under various scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the utility of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure ZnT8A for diagnosing type 1 diabetes among Chinese people. We recruited a group of 95 patients with type 1 diabetes, 130 patients with type 2 diabetes, and 110 subjects without diabetes. We measured ZnT8A level by ELISA and glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA) level by radioimmunoassay. We collected data on their history-based variables, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and lipid levels. 24.2% were positive for ZnT8A in type 1 diabetics, compared to 0.0% in type 2 diabetics and 0.9% in the participants without diabetes (both p < 0.001). And the type 1 diabetics had higher ZnT8A level compared with the latter two groups (both p < 0.001). The frequency of ZnT8A in the "classical" type 1 diabetics was higher than that in patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (45.0 vs. 18.7%, p < 0.05). The frequency/level of ZnT8A was higher in the youngest group (all p < 0.05). The ROC curve area was 0.892. The combination of ZnT8A and GADA increased the diagnostic sensitivity. The ZnT8A level was correlated with the GADA level. ZnT8A-positive type 1 diabetics had younger age at diagnosis (p = 0.022), lower BMI scores (p = 0.016), and more frequent ketosis (p = 0.034) and needed more insulin (p = 0.041) than ZnT8A-negative type 1 diabetics. This study demonstrated the value of ZnT8A in addition to GADA for the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Dysfunctional vascular smooth muscle (VSM) plays a vital role in the process of atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) can prevent the altered VSM induced by diabetes. However, the precise mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of ALA is not well understood. This study aimed to determine whether ALA ameliorates VSM function by elevating hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) level in diabetes and whether this effect is associated with regulation of autophagy of VSM cells (VSMCs). We found decreased serum H 2 S levels in Chinese patients and rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). ALA treatment could increase H 2 S level, which reduced the autophagy-related index and activation of the 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, thereby protecting vascular function in rats with T2DM. Propargylglycine (PPG), a cystathionine-γ-lyase inhibitor, could weaken the ALA effect. In cultured VSMCs, high glucose level also reduced H 2 S level, upregulated the autophagy-related index and activated the AMPK/mTOR pathway, which were reversed by concomitant application of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, an H 2 S donor) or ALA. The protective effect of NaHS or ALA was attenuated by rapamycin (an autophagy activator), 5-amino-1-β-d-ribofuranosyl-imidazole-4-carboxamide (an AMPK activator) or PPG. In contrast, Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) enhanced the effect of ALA or NaHS. ALA may have a protective effect on VSMCs in T2DM by elevating H 2 S level and downregulating autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. This study provides a new target for addressing diabetic macroangiopathy. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Alpha-lipoic acid elevates serum H 2 S level in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. • Alpha-lipoic acid protects VSMCs under diabetic conditions by elevating H 2 S level. • Alpha-lipoic acid downregulates autophagy of VSMCs by elevating H 2 S level. • Alpha-lipoic acid downregulates AMPK/mTOR pathway in VSMCs by elevating H 2 S level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dry port system consists of a dry port and a number of shippers, where shippers enjoy the public logistics and auxiliary services provided by the dry port. This paper studies the shared transportation services in this system. The interaction between a dry port and shippers is modeled as a bi-level program. The optimal properties of the model are analyzed analytically and an enumeration algorithm is proposed to solve the model. Furthermore, a bi-level model is developed for the direct transportation system. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in transportation are calculated under two scenarios: with and without sharing transportation. Numerical studies are conducted to investigate the sensitivity of the economic and environmental value of sharing with respect to various system parameters. The studies show that sharing transportation service could bring significant profit improvement to the dry port and cost savings to shippers in most circumstances. It is found that carbon emissions are not always mitigated when the distance between shippers is too long, or the dry port is located too close to shippers. When the total distance traveled in the direct transportation system is longer than that in the shared one, the analysis reveals that carrying lighter cargoes could generate more significant CO2 emissions savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Belt and Road initiative is a novel exploration of China towards strategic collaboration with Eurasia countries to an extent of a larger scale with higher and deeper level of cooperation. To meet the growing global demand of transportation, increasing numbers of liner shipping companies collaborate and form alliances to share vessel capacity and reduce capital costs. Effective liner shipping vessel sharing is essential for the Belt and Road initiative in terms of building efficient maritime transport networks. In promoting environmental development, shipping companies are required to attain higher environmental standards. However, limited literature relates vessel sharing to environmental performance. This paper studies the impacts of liner vessel sharing from the economic and environmental perspectives. Two container allocation models are developed for the two scenarios: with and without vessel sharing. The carbon emissions in transportation are calculated under both scenarios. Numerical studies are carried out using services along the China-Indochina Peninsula Economic (CIPE) Corridor. Liner shipping companies could benefit from vessel sharing in terms of significant profit improvement. Vessel sharing could also benefit the environment by reducing the CO2 emissions dramatically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a high protein distiller's dried grains (HPDDG) product in practical shrimp feed formulation. In the three growth trials, the basal diet (35% crude protein, 8% lipid) consisted primarily of fish meal (FM), soybean meal (SBM), whole wheat, and corn starch. In trial 1 and trial 2, test diets were produced by supplementing the basal diet with 10, 20, and 30% HPDDG as a replacement for SBM or a combination of FM and SBM, respectively. In trial 1, shrimp (0.18 initial mean weight, 10 shrimp/tank, n = 5) were offered diets for six weeks. No significant differences were detected in the growth and feed conversion ratio (FCR). In trial 2, shrimp (1.24 initial mean weight, 30 shrimp/tank, n = 4) were offered diets over seven weeks. Significant reductions in growth and FCR were observed when shrimp were fed with diets containing > 20% HPDDG. To explore the upper inclusion limit of this product a third trial was conducted for which the basal diet was modified to contain 6, 12, 18, and 24% HPDDG. Shrimp (0.25 initial mean weight, 10 shrimp/tank, n = 4) were offered diets over six weeks. Significant reduced growth and increased FCR as well as enhanced iron and copper contents of whole body were detected in treatment containing 24% HPDDG. Apparent net sulfur, calcium, iron, copper, and zinc retention were also significantly affected by different HPDDG inclusions levels. Apparent digestibility coefficients of energy, protein, and amino acid (AA) for the meal were determined using chromic oxide as an inert marker and the 70:30 replacement technique. Generally, nutrients availability of HPDDG were similar to that of FM, while significantly lower than SBM that were evaluated at the same time. Result of this study indicate that HPDDG is a good plant based ingredient and can be included up to 30% as a replacement of SBM without compromising growth of shrimp. When HPDDG was utilized to replace a combination of SBM and FM, an upper limit of 18% of the diet should be recommended in shrimp feed formulation. The growth depression observed at high levels of inclusion is not likely due to digestibility but a limitation of some nutrients (e.g. marginal amino acids). Palatability shifts or unidentified factors could also be factors influencing the negative effects at high levels (≥ 18% of the diet). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although most modern dolomites occur in hypersaline environments, the effects of elevated salinity on the microbial mediation of dolomite precipitation have not been fully evaluated. Here we report results of dolomite precipitation in association with a batch culture of Haloferax volcanii DS52, a halophilic archaeon, under various salinities (from 120‰ to 360‰) and the impact of salinity on microbe-mediated dolomite formation. The mineral phases, morphology and atomic arrangement of the precipitates were analyzed by XRD, SEM and TEM, respectively. The amount of amino acids on the archaeal cell surface was quantified by HPLC/MS. The XRD analysis indicated that disordered dolomite formed successfully with the facilitation of cells harvested from cultures with relatively high salinities (200‰ and 280‰) but was not observed in association with cells harvested from cultures with lower salinity (120‰) or the lysates of cells harvested from extremely high salinity (360‰). The TEM analysis demonstrated that the crystals from cultures with a salinity of 200‰ closely matched that of dolomite. Importantly, we found that more carboxyl groups were presented on the cell surface under high salinity conditions to resist the high osmotic pressure, which may result in the subsequent promotion of dolomite formation. Our finding suggests a link between variations in the hydro-chemical conditions and the formation of dolomite via microbial metabolic activity and enhances our understanding about the mechanism of microbially mediated dolomite formation under high salinity conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the variability in recommendations for essential amino acid (EAA) and the use of amino acids supplements in shrimp diets, this study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of crystalline amino acids (CAA) in practical shrimp feeds. The basal diet was designed to contain 30% protein and 6% lipid. The primary protein source of the basal diet included: 5% fishmeal, 37% soybean, and 5% gelatin. The intact protein was incrementally reduced to produce diets with 28%, 26%, 24%, and 22% protein. In a second series of diets, CAA were supplemented to the reduced protein diets to return the diets to 30% crude protein. Thus, producing a series of diets containing 30% protein with 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% crystalline amino acids. The trial was conducted twice to confirm results. Data within treatments for both trials were variable, resulting in limited statistical differences. From a biological standpoint, percentage weight gain (PWG) and mean final weight (MFW) appeared to decrease with intact protein level of the diet (R2 value [PWG], trial 1: 0.30, trial 2: 0.34, R2 value, [MFW] trial 1: 0.44, trial 2: 0.38). None of the diets with supplemented CAA appeared to have reached the same MFW or PWG as the basal diet. Another trial was run using a fishmeal-based diet (30% CP), which in theory should be replete in all essential amino acids, and a soybean meal-based diet at two different protein levels (30% and 35% CP). The soybean meal-based diets were supplemented with essential CAA in one set and only methionine in another to reach the same level as a percent protein, compared to the fishmeal-based diet. No significant differences were observed between the diets in terms of PWG. However, the fishmeal-based diet seemed to outperform most of the other diets in terms of protein retention efficiency. Based on the results of these trials, it is questionable whether CAA are sufficiently utilized by shrimp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous Zn batteries are attracting extensive attentions, but their application is still hindered by H2O‐induced Zn‐corrosion and hydrogen evolution reactions. Addition of organic solvents into aqueous electrolytes to limit the H2O activity is a promising solution, but at the cost of greatly reduced Zn anode kinetics. Here we propose a simple strategy for this challenge by adding 50 mM iodine ions into an organic‐water (1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME)+water) hybrid electrolyte, which enables the electrolyte simultaneously owns the advantages of low H2O activity and accelerated Zn kinetics. We demonstrate that the DME breaks the H2O hydrogen‐bond network and exclude H2O from Zn2+ solvation shell. And the I− is firmly adsorbed on the Zn anode, reducing the Zn2+ de‐solvation barrier from 74.33 kJ mol−1 to 32.26 kJ mol−1 and inducing homogeneous nucleation behavior. With such electrolyte, the Zn//Zn symmetric cell exhibits a record high cycling lifetime (14.5 months) and achieves high Zn anode utilization (75.5 %). In particular, the Zn//VS2@SS full cell with the optimized electrolyte stably cycles for 170 cycles at a low N : P ratio (3.64). Even with the cathode mass‐loading of 16.7 mg cm−2, the full cell maintains the areal capacity of 0.96 mAh cm−2 after 1600 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous Zn batteries are attracting extensive attentions, but their application is still hindered by H2O‐induced Zn‐corrosion and hydrogen evolution reactions. Addition of organic solvents into aqueous electrolytes to limit the H2O activity is a promising solution, but at the cost of greatly reduced Zn anode kinetics. Here we propose a simple strategy for this challenge by adding 50 mM iodine ions into an organic‐water (1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME)+water) hybrid electrolyte, which enables the electrolyte simultaneously owns the advantages of low H2O activity and accelerated Zn kinetics. We demonstrate that the DME breaks the H2O hydrogen‐bond network and exclude H2O from Zn2+ solvation shell. And the I− is firmly adsorbed on the Zn anode, reducing the Zn2+ de‐solvation barrier from 74.33 kJ mol−1 to 32.26 kJ mol−1 and inducing homogeneous nucleation behavior. With such electrolyte, the Zn//Zn symmetric cell exhibits a record high cycling lifetime (14.5 months) and achieves high Zn anode utilization (75.5 %). In particular, the Zn//VS2@SS full cell with the optimized electrolyte stably cycles for 170 cycles at a low N : P ratio (3.64). Even with the cathode mass‐loading of 16.7 mg cm−2, the full cell maintains the areal capacity of 0.96 mAh cm−2 after 1600 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Carbonyl groups and closed micropores are together introduced to regulate the microstructure. • Carbonyl groups contribute to the sloping capacity while closed microvoids promote sodium ion storage in the plateau region. • HC-1300 exhibits the largest reversible capacity of 348.5 mAh/g and initial Coulombic efficiency of 84.1%. Hard carbon materials with long low-voltage plateau have been used as the anode materials for sodium ion batteries which are considered to be one of the most potential large-scale energy storage systems. Herein, carbonyl groups and closed micropores are introduced into bamboo-derived hard carbon materials simultaneously to enhance the sodium ion storage performance. The carbonyl groups are demonstrated to enhance the reversible Na adsorption in the sloping region and closed micropores are beneficial to sodium ion storage in the low-voltage plateau region. Moreover, the introducing carbonyl groups improve the reversible sloping capacity not at the expense of increasing specific surface area and deteriorating the initial Coulombic efficiency. The hard carbon carbonized at 1300 °C delivers a high reversible specific capacity of 348.5 mAh g−1 at a current density of 30 mA g−1 with a charge/discharge Coulombic efficiency of 84.1 %, and keeps a specific capacity of 295.9 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention of 91.6 % at a current density of 300 mA g−1 after 500 cycles. This work provides a novel strategy to precisely regulate the microstructure for biomass-derived hard carbon for superior sodium ion storage performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Supply Hub in Industrial Park (SHIP) is a third-party business entity that leases storage space and logistics services among manufacturers located in the same industrial park. Manufacturers may hire warehouses outside the park if SHIP's storage price is exorbitant. This paper discusses how SHIP and manufacturers interact to optimize their decisions on storage pricing, replenishment, and delivery. A dynamic storage pricing strategy depending on storage length is adopted. This problem is modeled as a bilevel program where the SHIP is the leader and manufacturers are followers. Based on further assumptions, the proposed bilevel model is solved in closed-form. A series of sensitivity analyses are conducted to examine the influences of major cost parameters. The results show that SHIP's delivery charge has little impact on the total cost of large manufacturers, and its increase will not always bring profit improvement to SHIP. Contrary to intuition, the SHIP could attract more space demands from large manufacturers when charging higher in delivery or when the public warehouse's delivery charge is lower, and more space demands from small manufacturers when the market storage price is lower. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An extensive array of 4 H-pyrido[1,2- a]pyrimidin-4-ones have been synthesized from commercially available 2-aminopyridines and β-oxo esters with excellent yields under solvent-free conditions. The reaction, catalyzed by cheap and nontoxic BiCl3, proceeds with short reaction times under mild conditions and normal atmosphere. Only water and alcohol are formed as co-products in this green reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and versatile synthetic route is develped to modulate the growth and distribution of MOF–graphene oxide (GO) nanohybrid materials, achieving dense and ordered MOFs featuring different sizes and morphologies on GO. After pyrolysis, the resulting metal-containing/rGO nanomaterials demonstrate a superior catalytic activity in organic transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Changes in the cytoskeletal organization of the human trabecular meshwork (HTM) is thought to be responsible for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) pathologies. Cdc42 is a Rho GTPase; Rho GTPases are important modulatory agents of the cytoskeleton. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dexamethasone (DEX) on Cdc42 in a transformed HTM cell line, TM-1 to understand the molecular pathologies underlying POAG. Methods: TM-1 cells were cultured in vitro. The cultures were treated with DEX at 10−6 and 10−7 M for 1-4 days. Cdc42 was silenced using small interfering RNA (siRNA). The expression levels of Cdc42 in the TM-1 cells were measured using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, western blotting analysis and immunofluorescence. Its downstream effectors, p21-activated kinase phosphorylation (phospho-PAK) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), were measured using western blotting analysis. In addition, the F-actin of TM-1 cells was stained using phalloidin. Results: The mRNA and protein levels of Cdc42 showed an increase in TM-1 cells with DEX treatment and a decrease in TM-1 cells transfected with Cdc42 siRNA. Moreover, phospho-PAK levels increased, whereas MLCK levels appeared to decrease, with DEX treatment. The F-actin of DEX-treated TM-1 cells displayed a rearrangement. Cdc42 siRNA decreased the expression of Cdc42 and its related proteins, resulting in an attenuation of the effects of DEX on Cdc42 and F-actin organization in TM-1 cells. Conclusions: DEX increases Cdc42 expression in TM-1. This may represent a potential mechanism of DEX-induced HTM cytoskeletal rearrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serving as a potential solution for seaport congestion and capacity limitation, dry port development is increasingly popular in the freight transport industry. This paper pioneers the research on dry port operations by modelling the storage pricing problem for outbound containers. The interaction between a dry port and multiple shippers is modelled as a bilevel program. The optimal properties of the proposed model under certain conditions are derived analytically, from which a closed-form solution is obtained. Contrary to intuition, the increase of container delivery frequency from shippers may lead to the reduction of dry port’s profit according to model outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We devised an aerosol based demethylation therapy to achieve therapeutic efficacy in premalignant or in situ lesions of lung cancer, without systemic toxicity. Optimum regimens of aerosolized azacytidine (Aza) were designed and used in orthotopic human non-small cell lung cancer xenograft models. The therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of aerosol Aza were compared with intravenously administered Aza. We observed that 80% of the droplets of the aerosol Aza measured ∼0.1–5 microns, which resulted in deposition in the lower bronchial airways. An animal model that phenocopies field carcinogeneisis in humans was developed by intratracheal inoculation of the human lung cancer cells in mice, thus resulting in their distribution throughout the entire airway space. Aerosolized Aza significantly prolonged the survival of mice bearing endo-bronchial lung tumors. The aerosol treatment did not cause any detectable lung toxicity or systemic toxicity. A pre-pharmacokinetic study in mice demonstrated that lung deposition of aerosolized Aza was significantly higher than the intravenous route. Lung tumors were resected after aerosol treatment and the methylation levels of 24 promoters of tumor-suppresser genes related to lung cancer were analyzed. Aerosol Aza significantly reduced the methylation level in 9 of these promoters and reexpressed several genes tested. In conclusion, aerosol Aza at non-cytotoxic doses appears to be effective and results in DNA demethylation and tumor suppressor gene re-expression. The therapeutic index of aerosol Aza is >100-fold higher than that of intravenous Aza. These results provide a preclinical rationale for a phase I clinical trial of aerosol Aza to be initiated at our Institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this paper is to precisely classify surface and subsurface cracks and cavities using a feature-based giant magnetoresistive pulsed eddy-current (PEC) sensor. Based on the author’s previous work involving amplitude spectral analysis combined with wavelet decomposition, the power spectral density analysis of the direct differential PEC response, and the reconstructed approximate and detail components of wavelet transform are performed to extract the defect feature. Principal component analysis (PCA) is designed to eliminate the dimensional method, which is identified with the ability to supply the low-dimensional feature. PCA confused linear discriminant analysis and the Bayesian classifier are both applied for defect classification. The experimental results reveal that cracks and cavities on the surface and subsurface can be classified satisfactorily by the proposed methods that have the potential for gauging automatic in situ inspection for PEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the combined effects of organic acid and phytase on the digestibility coefficients, growth performance, body composition, vertebral and serum mineral contents, and liver and serum antioxidant properties in juvenile yellow catfish. This experiment was conducted using 900 juvenile yellow catfish in a completely randomized design with a 3×2 factorial arrangement (0, 2, and 4gkg−1 feed organic acid and 0 and 0.2gkg−1 feed (1000IUkg−1 feed) phytase). Triplicate groups of 50 fish per tank were fed dietary treatments for eight weeks. Phytase addition increased the apparent digestibilities of dry matter, protein, and P; final body weight; specific growth rate; body crude ash; body crude protein; body P and Ca contents; and vertebral P and Ca contents; but decreased the fecal P content and feed conversion ratio. However, organic acid did not affect these parameters. Both dietary phytase and organic acid significantly reduced the blood reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and catalase (CAT) activity. The addition of 4gkg−1 organic acid to the diet supplemented with 1000IUkg−1 phytase caused a significant interaction on the increments of blood ROS content and serum SOD and CAT activities, which indicated increasing oxidative stress (P<0.05). Phytase and organic acid showed no significant interaction on growth performance, body composition, and utilization of efficiency of plant-protein-source P in juvenile yellow catfish (P>0.05). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Plantar pressure is a key factor for predicting ulceration in the foot of a diabetes patient. Subjects and Methods: We recruited a group of 100 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes and an age-, sex-, weight-, and height-matched group of 100 Chinese subjects without diabetes. We obtained plantar pressure data using a Footscan® gait system (RsScan International, Olen, Belgium) when the subjects with and without diabetes walked barefoot across a sensor platform. We recorded the maximum force, maximum pressure, impulse, pressure-time integral, and loading rate from 10 regions of the foot. We collected the data of 11 history-based variables, 10 anthropometric variables, and three metabolic variables regarding the clinical characteristics of the diabetes patients. Results: Weight was identified as a determining factor for high plantar pressure. Height, the Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS), and ankle-brachial index (ABI) were correlated positively with plantar pressure measurements, respectively. The sex, history of ulcer and callus, intima-media membrane of the lower limb blood vessels, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) could also explain a portion of the variability of the plantar pressure measurements. However, the correlations were low or weak. Conclusions: High plantar pressure in diabetes patients could be predicted, in part, based on weight, height, NSS, ABI, sex, history of ulcer and callus, intima-media membrane of the lower limb blood vessels, and FBG. Therefore, interventions should be taken specifically before high plantar pressure emerges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barge hinterland transport is playing an increasingly important role in freight transport industry through reducing carbon emission, relieving traffic congestion, and providing high capacity and reliable transport service. This paper studies the barge service pricing and scheduling problem in a hinterland transport system under multiple planning horizons. The problem is modeled as a Stackelberg game with the hinterland container operator as the leader and consignees as followers. Counter intuitively, we find that it is optimal for the hinterland container operator to charge the barge service higher than the trucking service when the sea terminal's free storage time is short. High barge service price could still attract consignees because long transportation time by barge benefits consignees by reducing their storage costs at the inland terminal. We also find that increasing carbon emission price could not reduce the emission quantity when the shipping quantity is high. • We study the barge service pricing and scheduling problem in hinterland transport. • We obtain optimal solutions in multiple planning horizons by proposing an algorithm. • We find the barge service price could be charged higher than trucking service price. • We find increasing emission price could not always reduce the emission quantity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An enriched environment has been shown to enhance learning and memory and to induce morphological changes in the hippocampus. In the present study, 14-month (middle-aged) female and male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into enriched environment (EE) rats and standard environment (SE) rats. EE rats were reared in an enriched environment and SE rats were reared in a standard environment for 4months. The spatial learning capacity was assessed with Morris water maze. The hippocampus and the myelinated fibers in the rat hippocampus were quantitatively investigated with a transmission electronic microscope technique and stereological methods. The female rats housed in an enriched environment showed improved performance in the Morris water maze. There was no significant difference in the total volume of hippocampus between SE rats and EE rats. The total length and total volume of the myelinated fibers in the hippocampus of the female and male EE rats were significantly increased, respectively, when compared to the female and male SE rats. The increase of the total length of the myelinated nerve fibers in the hippocampus was mainly due to the increase of the myelinated fibers with diameters from 0.5 to 0.9μm. Our results showed that a 4month enriched environment had significant effects on the spatial learning capacity and the myelinated fibers in the hippocampus of middle-aged rats. The present study might provide an important theoretical basis for searching for an ethological strategy to delay the progress of brain aging in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to characterize the physiological response of Synechococcus elongatus, a brackish-water cyanobacterium, to salt stress. S. elongatus was grown in artificial sea water medium with different salinities. The response was measured by analysis of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and membrane lipids. The EPS yields were positively correlated (r2 = 0.99) with the salinity. The ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids (U/S) increased with salinity in the range of 2.1‰ to 31.5‰ and decreased at 52.5‰. A positive linear correlation (r2 = 0.92) was observed between the average chain length (ACL) of fatty acids and the salinity. These data indicate that S. elongatus adapted to salt stress by the secretion of EPS and by adjusting the membrane fluidity through the changes in ACL or desaturation of fatty acids. These variations in EPS and fatty acids may be used as geochemical biomarkers in sediments to unravel changes in the salinity of ancient evaporative environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There has been no study investigating the effects of enriched environment on the capillaries of cortex with new stereological methods. In the present study, both 14 month female and male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into enriched environment (EE) rats and standard environment (SE) rats. EE rats were reared in enriched environment and SE rats were reared in standard environment for 4 months. The effects of short-term enriched environment on the cortex volume and on the total volume, total length, total surface area and mean diameter of the capillaries in the cortex of mid-aged Sprague-Dawley rats were quantitatively investigated with immunohistochemistry technique and unbiased stereological methods. There were no significant differences in the cortex volume, the total length and total surface area of the capillaries in the cortex between EE rats and SE rats. The total volume of the capillaries in the cortex of female EE rats and male EE rats was significantly increased when compared to female SE rats and male SE rats. The mean diameter of the capillaries in the cortex of female EE rats was significantly decreased when compared to that in female SE rats, but there was no significant difference in the mean diameter of the capillaries in the cortex between male EE rats and male SE rats. The present results indicate that enriched environment had a positive effect on the capillaries in the cortex of middle-aged rats. The present study might provide an important morphological basis for searching the ethology strategy to delay the progress of brain aging in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The formation, crystal structure and properties of five copper(II) coordination compounds with the angular ligand, 4,4′-dipyridyl sulfide (dps) are described, {[Cu3(μ-dps)4(μ-SO4)2(SO4)(H2O)5]·10H2O}∞ (1 ·10H2O), [Cu(dps)4(H2O)2]·(ClO4)2 ·H2O (2 ·H2O), {[Cu(μ-dps)2(DMF)2](ClO4)2}∞ (3), {[Cu(μ-dps)2(H2O)2]·(NO3)2 ·2H2O}∞ (4 ·2H2O) and {[Cu3(μ-dps)6(DMF)2(H2O)4]·(NO3)6 ·(DMF)·6H2O}∞ (5 ·DMF·6H2O). The topological architectures of all these coordination compounds are strongly dependent on the counteranions, with the aid of guest solvents, and include a chiral 3D non-interpenetrated structure for 1, an acentric mononuclear structure for 2, acentric 2D undulating networks for 3 and 5, and a chiral 1D double-stranded chain for 4. In particular, all these acentric or chiral coordination architectures are generated from an achiral ligand as a building unit, and their second-order non-linear optical (NLO) properties are also studied in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two novel Pb(II) complexes, {[Pb(hca)2·DMF]·DMF} ∞ and [Pb(hca)2(phen)·DMF]2 (hca=trans-4-hydroxycinnamic group), were obtained by solid-phase reactions of PbAc2 and Hhca and PbAc2, Hhca, and phen, respectively, and characterized by spectroscopy. X-ray crystallography analysis reveals that complex 1, {[Pb(hca)2·DMF]·DMF} ∞ , adopts a 2-dimensional structure through the weak interactions of Pb and O atoms and that complex 2, [Pb(hca)2(phen)·DMF]2, shows a discrete dimeric structure, in which hydrogen bonds link the dimers into a 2D network. Both complexes 1 and 2 show visible fluorescence and the intensity is stronger than that of the ligand. More interestingly, the intensity of emission was increased at least fivefolds when the pH of the solution was adjusted to alkalinity. This can be attributed to that the deprotonization of phenolic group enhancing the conjugation of the ligand hca. These results indicate that this method may be an effective way to increase the emission intensity of similar complexes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: Previous studies have performed integrative analyses of genomic aberrations in soft tissue sarcomas. Utilising clinical information, groups have proposed nomograms for prediction of survival and recurrence in retroperitoneal sarcomas. Expanding on clinical nomogram prediction models with molecular classification of tumours may allow us to further identify clinical phenotypes within this heterogeneous group. We showed that a five-gene molecular prognostic panel can provide additional prognostic information in patients with retroperitoneal DDLS, independent of clinical features. A combined clinical and molecular prediction model may offer the best way to prognosticate patients for patient counselling and therapeutic decision making. Up to 10% of well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLS) progress to dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLS). We aimed to identify gene expression changes associated with dedifferentiation and whether these were informative of tumour biology of DDLS. We analysed datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO, ID = GSE30929) database to identify differentially expressed genes between WDLS (n = 52) and DDLS (n = 39). We validated the signature on whole and laser-capture microdissected samples from patients with tumours consisting of mixed WDLS and DDLS components. A subset of this signature was applied to an independent dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, n = 58 DDLS) database to segregate samples based on gene expression and compared for recurrence and overall survival (OS). A 15-gene signature consisting of genes with increased expression in DDLS compared to WDLS was generated. This signature segregated WDLS and DDLS samples from patients with mixed component tumours and across multiple recurrences. A further subset of this signature, consisting of five genes (AQP7, ACACB, FZD4, GPD1, LEP), segregated DDLS in a TCGA cohort with a significant difference in OS (p = 0.019) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.061). The five-gene model stratified DDLS into prognostic groups and outperformed clinical factors in existing models in retroperitoneal DDLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]