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A novel metal-free synthesis of 3-substituted isocoumarins through a sequential O-acylation/Wittig reaction has been established. The readily accessible (2-carboxybenzyl)-triphenylphosphonium bromide and diverse chlorides produced various 1H-isochromen-1-one in the presence of triethylamine, employing sequential O-acylation and an intramolecular Wittig reaction of acid anhydride. Reactions using these facile conditions have exhibited high functional group tolerance and excellent yields (up to 90%). Moreover, the fluorescence properties of isocoumarin derivatives were evaluated at the theoretical and experimental levels to determine their potential application in fluorescent materials. These derivatives have good photoluminescence in THF with a large Stokes shift and an absolute fluorescence quantum yield of up to 14%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dye/salt separation has gained increasing attention in recent years, prompting the quest to find cost-effective and environmentally friendly raw materials for synthesizing high performance nanofiltration (NF) membrane for effective dye/salt separation. Herein, a high-performance loose-structured NF membrane was fabricated via a simple vacuum filtration method using a green nanomaterial, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxide radical (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCNF), by sequentially filtrating larger-sized and finer-sized TOCNFs on a microporous substrate, followed by crosslinking with trimesoyl chloride. The resulting TCM membrane possessed a separating layer composed entirely of pure TOCNF, eliminating the need for other polymer or nanomaterial additives. TCM membranes exhibit high performance and effective dye/salt selectivity. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis shows that the TCM membrane with the Fine-TOCNF layer has a tight layered structure. Further characterizations via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of functional groups and chemical bonds of the crosslinked membrane. Notably, the optimized TCM-5 membrane exhibits a rejection rate of over 99% for various dyes (Congo red and orange yellow) and 14.2% for NaCl, showcasing a potential candidate for efficient dye wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous observational studies have demonstrated a connection between the risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and gastrointestinal problems brought on by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. However, little is understood about how these factors impact on T2DM. Method: This study used data from the GWAS database on H. pylori antibodies, gastroduodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, gastric cancer, T2DM and information on potential mediators: obesity, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood glucose levels. Using univariate Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariate MR (MVMR) analyses to evaluate the relationship between H. pylori and associated gastrointestinal diseases with the risk of developing of T2DM and explore the presence of mediators to ascertain the probable mechanisms. Results: Genetic evidence suggests that H. pylori IgG antibody (P = 0.006, b = 0.0945, OR = 1.0995, 95% CI = 1.023–1.176), H. pylori GroEL antibody (P = 0.028, OR = 1.033, 95% CI = 1.004–1.064), gastroduodenal ulcers (P = 0.019, OR = 1.036, 95% CI = 1.006–1.068) and chronic gastritis (P = 0.005, OR = 1.042, 95% CI = 1.012–1.074) are all linked to an increased risk of T2DM, additionally, H. pylori IgG antibody is associated with obesity (P = 0.034, OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.002–1.055). The results of MVMR showed that the pathogenic relationship between H. pylori GroEL antibody and gastroduodenal ulcer in T2DM is mediated by blood glucose level and obesity, respectively. Conclusion: Our study found that H. pylori IgG antibody, H. pylori GroEL antibody, gastroduodenal ulcer and chronic gastritis are all related to t T2DM, and blood glucose level and obesity mediate the development of H. pylori GroEL antibody and gastroduodenal ulcer on T2DM, respectively. These findings may inform new prevention and intervention strategies for T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We combined the CRISPR-Cas13a system with CMC chemical labeling, developing an approach that enables precise identification of pseudouridine (Ψ) sites at specific loci within ribosomal RNA (rRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA) and small nuclear RNAs (snRNA). This method, with good efficiency and simplicity, detects Ψ sites through fluorescence measurement, providing a straightforward and fast validation for targeted Ψ sites of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Col5a1 +/- corneas heal poorly after incisional injuries with persistence of open wounds and larger scars. • Col5a1 +/− myofibroblasts failed to activate latent TGF-β1 in vitro. • In vivo , after full thickness corneal wounds, Smad4 failed to translocate to the nucleus in Col5a1 +/− cells when compared to Col5a1 +/+. • A disorganized collagen matrix with undulated/wavy fibrils is formed in Col5a1 +/- corneas that contain 50 % collagen V. Patients with classical Ehlers Danlos syndrome (cEDS) suffer impaired wound healing and from scars formed after injuries that are atrophic and difficult to close surgically. Haploinsufficiency in COL5A1 creates systemic morphological and functional alterations in the entire body. We investigated mechanisms that impair wound healing from corneal lacerations (full thickness injuries) in a mouse model of cEDS (Col5a1 +/−). We found that collagen V reexpression in this model is upregulated during corneal tissue repair and that wound healing is delayed, impaired, and results in large atrophic corneal scars. We noted that in a matrix with a 50 % content of collagen V, activation of latent Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) β is dysregulated. Corneal myofibroblasts with a haploinsufficiency of collagen V failed to mechanically activate latent TGF β. Second harmonic imaging microscopy showed a disorganized, undulated, and denser collagen matrix in our Col5a1 +/- model that suggested alterations in the extracellular matrix structure and function. We hypothesize that a regenerated collagen matrix with only 50 % content of collagen V is not resistant enough mechanically to allow adequate activation of latent TGF β by fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unparalleled copper(I)-catalyzed synthesis of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles from tertiary amines in one step has been described. The one-pot reactions involving (N-isocyanimine)triphenylphosphorane, tertiary amines, and carboxylic acids resulted in the formation of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles in moderate to good yields through a consecutive oxidative Ugi/aza-Wittig reaction, enabling the direct functionalization of sp3 C-H bonds adjacent to the nitrogen atom. This method offered several notable advantages, including ligands-free, exceptional productivity and a high functional group tolerance. The preliminary biological evaluation demonstrated that compound 4f inhibited hepatoma cells efficiently, suggesting potentially broad applications of the approach for synthesis and medicinal chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, our primary objective is to delve into the intricacies of an extended nonlinear Schrödinger equation. To achieve this, we commence by deriving a dynamical system tightly linked to the equation through the Galilean transformation. We then employ principles from planar dynamical systems theory to explore the bifurcation phenomena exhibited within this derived system. To investigate the potential presence of chaotic behaviors, we introduce a perturbed term into the dynamical system and systematically analyze the extended nonlinear Schrödinger equation. This investigation is further enriched by the presentation of comprehensive two- and 3D phase portraits. Moreover, we conduct a meticulous sensitivity analysis of the dynamical system using the Runge–Kutta method. Through this analytical process, we confirm that minor fluctuations in initial conditions have only minimal effects on solution stability. Additionally, we utilize the complete discrimination system of the polynomial method to systematically construct single traveling wave solutions for the governing model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate whether functional electrical stimulation (FES) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) enhanced the effect of occupational therapy (OT) on post-stroke limb functional recovery and quality of life, using direct and network meta-analysis. Methods: A computerized search was conducted in databases such as Medline, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang Data, and VIP Information for prospective randomized controlled trials on OT, FES, and tDCS for improving post-stroke limb motor function and quality of life, with the search cutoff date of July 1, 2023. Results: Following the screening process, a total of 8 research articles were incorporated, encompassing 358 participants. Among these, 177 individuals underwent OT exclusively, while 181 individuals underwent a combined regimen of OT alongside electromagnetic therapy. In terms of the intervention methods, the control group received OT treatment only, while the experimental group employed tDCS in 5 studies and FES in 3 studies. Within these investigations, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scores were reported in 8 studies. The aggregated mean difference (MD) for FMA scores was 5.08 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.46, 7.71), with a specific MD of 2.77 (95% CI: 1.46, 4.09) for the tDCS subgroup and 9.04 (95% CI: 5.34, 12.73) for the FES subgroup. Notably, FES combined with OT exhibited significant advantages in enhancing FMA scores when compared to the combination of tDCS and OT. Furthermore, four studies provided data on modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores, yielding a collective MD of 7.20 (95% CI: 4.44, 9.95). Conclusion: In patients with stroke, both FES combined with OT and tDCS combined with OT exhibit substantial enhancements in limb function and quality of life compared to OT alone. Notably, FES combined with OT yields superior clinical benefits when compared to the amalgamation of tDCS and OT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although public service employee promotive voice has recently attracted more attention from scholars, the link between negative public sector leadership (e.g., leadership ostracism) and employee promotive voice has not been fully explored in the extant literature. In a time-lagged study of 226 public sector employee–leader pairs in China, we explored the mechanism behind leadership ostracism and employee promotive voice. We argued that public service motivation would have its dark side in the relationship between leadership ostracism and promotive voice; thus, we examined the moderating effect of public service motivation in this setting. Results indicated that leadership ostracism had a significant negative impact on employees' promotive voice, and public service motivation positively moderated this relationship. The stronger the public service motivation of ostracized employees, the weaker was their promotive voice. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, and directions for future research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy of stock index prediction is of great significance to national economic development. However, because of the nonlinearity and long-term dependence of stock index data, effective prediction of future stock index price becomes a challenge. In order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes a research method of stock index time series prediction based on ensemble learning model. This method first uses an Adaboost.R2 algorithm to iteratively train multiple LSTM models and then integrates these LSTM models based on the parameters obtained by iterative training. Finally, it uses the ensemble model to predict stock index time series data. This paper uses the Shanghai Composite index, CSI 300 index and Shenzhen Composite index as experimental data sets, and uses the BP model, CNN model and LSTM model as comparative models to conduct an experimental analysis. The experimental results show that the new ensemble learning model proposed in this paper has certain advantages in the research of stock index time series prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperature inhibits the growth and development of maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. The current study attempts to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of exogenous trehalose for the improvement of maize and wheat responses to heat stress. Results show that, in maize seedlings, exogenously-supplied trehalose was able to effectively elevate the capacity of photosynthetic carbon assimilation and improve the carbohydrate content via up-regulating the transcript levels of key enzymes including phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), NADP-malate dehydrogenase (NADP-MDH), NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME), pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK) and Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit. Besides, it was also able to improve C4 pathway enzyme activities, including PEPC, NADP-MDH, NADP-ME and Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RUBPCase). In wheat seedlings, exogenously-supplied trehalose promoted photosynthetic carbon assimilation by elevating the activity of RUBPCase. These results show that exogenous trehalose improved photosynthetic carbon assimilation capacities in maize and wheat seedlings under heat stress through different mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-angle optical reflectance measurements such as those from the NASA moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) are sensitive to forest 3D structures, potentially serving as a useful proxy to estimate forest structural variables such as aboveground biomass (AGB)—a potential theoretically recognized but rarely explored. In this paper, we examined the effectiveness of the reconstructed MODIS typical-angle reflectances—reflectances observed from the hotspot, darkspot, and nadir directions—for estimating forest AGB from both theoretical and practical perspectives. To gain theoretical insights, we first tested the sensitivities of typical-angle reflectances to forest AGB through simulations using the 4-scale bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) model. We then built statistical models to fit the relationship between MODIS multi-angle observations and field-measured deciduous-broadleaf/mixed-temperate forest AGB at five sites in the eastern USA, assisted by a semivariogram analysis to determine the effect of pixel heterogeneity on the MODIS–AGB relationship. We also determined the effects of terrain and season on the predictive relationships. Our results indicated that multi-angle reflectances with fewer visible shadows yielded better AGB estimates (hotspot: R2 = 0.63, RMSE = 54.28 Mg/ha; nadir: R2 = 0.55, RMSE = 59.95 Mg/ha; darkspot: R2 = 0.46, RMSE = 65.66 Mg/ha) after filtering out the effects of complex terrain and pixel heterogeneity; the MODIS typical-angle reflectances in the NIR band were the most sensitive to forest AGB. We also found strong sensitivities of estimated accuracies to MODIS image acquisition dates or season. Overall, our results suggest that the current practice of leveraging only single-angle MODIS data can be a suboptimal strategy for AGB estimation. We advocate the use of MODIS multi-angle reflectances for optical remote sensing of forest AGB or potentially other ecological applications requiring forest structure information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examines the practical prescribed-time bipartite synchronization problem of some interacting neural networks under the leaderless and leader-follower framework, respectively, where the topological structure follows certain signed graph. By applying a feedback controller with well-designed high-gain function, the practical bipartite synchronization is proved to be achievable when time approaches certain prescribed-time. Our theorems provide simple criteria for designing the control parameters and reveal the impact of the underlying network. An interesting finding is that, under a leader-follower framework, bipartite synchronization is unachievable under the conventional pinning controller if the followers that can reach the leader belong to different sets of the signed graph. Furthermore, despite the use of increasing control gain, the control signals are shown to remain bounded. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to show the theoretical result's validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the increasing number of internet users, it becomes feasible to identify individuals at high risk of suicide and then carry out online suicide prevention. At the same time, online suicide prevention volunteers may encounter moral distress, which requires more attention. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experience of moral distress in online suicide prevention. Method: The study was carried out as a qualitative study following the method of phenomenology. 11 interviewers were recruited through the purposive sampling method. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews. Colaizzi's phenomenological framework was used for data analysis. Results: All participants reported they encountered moral distress during online suicide prevention. Four themes were condensed, including: "constraints from the surrounding," "be cruel to be kind," "baby spoiled by free milk," and "when face death and depression" Participants also described their emotional experiences and response when they encountered moral distress. Conclusion: Moral distress in the process of online suicide prevention exists. More attention should be paid to the moral distress and ethical issues in online suicide prevention as the internet gradually becomes a brand-new way to prevent suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to design organic small molecule fluorescent materials with multiple sensing, a bibranched -NH2 modified cyanostilbene derivative (AM) was synthesized. It exhibits solvent and aggregation-induced emission effects, with a solid-state quantum yield of 28%, which is seven times higher than that in THF. The synthesized sample AM demonstrated high sensitivity to trace water via a fluorescence “turn-off” response, achieving a low detection limit of 0.41 µM in THF and 0.80 µM in EtOH. AM also exhibits a “turn-off” response to picric acid, attributed to the photo-induced electron transfer effect it induces. The recognition of picric acid by AM demonstrates specificity and resistance to interference from nitro explosives, with a detection limit of 300 ppb and a linear relationship (R2 = 0.9981) at the range of 0–4 equivalents AM. Such acid recognition can facilitate the design of qualitative test papers and safety inks. Additionally, AM can function as a temperature sensor with a linear relationship (R2 = 0.9976) within the temperature range of 25–110 °C. Leveraging these unique characteristics, a series of methods were proposed for the direct quantitative determination of trace water in nonaqueous solvents, picric acid, and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Preparation of composite adsorbents for rapid adsorption of gaseous iodine. • The adsorption capacity at 95 °C is 1.29 g g−1. • Adsorption rate increased by 2.3–10.1 times. • The dynamic maximum iodine adsorption capacity reached 1077 mg g−1. • Prediction of adsorption properties using the Levenberg-Marquardt neural network. In addressing the urgent challenge of mitigating gaseous iodine, a highly volatile and hazardous element in nuclear incidents, this study synthesized composite adsorbents with diverse C/Zn molar ratios using MOF and carbon powder. The saturated iodine adsorption at 75 °C exhibited the sequence: CZ-3 (1.15 g g−1) > CZ-2 (1.08 g g−1) > CZ-1 (0.93 g g−1) > C (0.79 g g−1), displaying 2.3–10.1 times increase in adsorption rate compared to carbon powder and Zn-MOF-2. At an elevated temperature of 95 °C, it achieved saturated adsorption of 1.29 g g−1(CZ-3). The adsorbed iodine primarily manifested in the forms of I 2 , I 3 -, and I 5 -. The dynamic maximum iodine adsorption capacity under specific conditions (75 °C, 300 ppm, 100 mL min−1, 0.5 MPa, 4 cm column length, and 6 mm diameter) reached 1077 mg g−1. Leveraging the Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation neural network (LM-BPNN) algorithm, a superior fit was achieved. This research provides a theoretical foundation for the rapid and efficient treatment of gaseous iodine in nuclear scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The dynamic game model of multi-oligarchs in regional power market are established. • The factors of macro policies are considered in the game. • Information asymmetry has different effects on players whereas a depraved impact on the stability. • A partial-shared mitigation mechanism based on signal transmission under macro-control is creatively proposed. • Policy recommendations are given to the management of players. Renewable portfolio standard and tradable green certification have become key policies for China to achieve carbon neutralization, which pose new challenges to strategies of players in the actual power market. A multi-oligarch dynamic electricity sales game model in regional power supply market is established, which consists of a renewable energy power enterprise, a traditional enterprise and an energy storage enterprise. The stability conditions of the system together with the effects of the macro-policies and information asymmetry on the game are further analyzed. According to the strategic interaction of stakeholders, the results demonstrate that, compared with the market transaction price weight, the marginal profit weight of energy storage enterprise has a significant impact on strategies of players, while information asymmetry has a depraved impact on the stability. Further, through the proposition of a partially shared signal transmission mitigation mechanism under macro-control, it is evidenced to effectively cushion the bad impact of information asymmetry on the stability of Nash equilibrium. Finally, the implementation of renewable portfolio standard and tradable green certification in the long run, will improve the stability of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common degenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) after Alzheimer's disease. In addition to the typical motor symptoms, the clinical manifestations of patients with PD include gastrointestinal symptoms, which even precede the motor symptoms. Recent research has found that the gut microbiota regulates the brain–gut axial interaction through immune, endocrine, and direct neural mechanisms, supporting the hypothesis that the pathological process of PD spreads from the gut to the brain. In this review article, we highlight the landmark findings in the field of PD, with particular attention to the brain–gut–microbiota axis. We summarize the changes and their clinical effects on the gut microbiota and metabolites observed in PD. The intestinal microbiota may contain appropriate targets for the prevention and treatment of PD. Clinical cohort studies suggest that certain intestinal microbes have protective or pathogenic effects on the progression of PD. A better understanding of the interaction between the gut–brain axis, the gut microbiota, and PD has the potential to lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Animal experiments suggest that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is helpful for treating PD, and FMT is expected to be an effective treatment for PD in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The different reconstruction parameters of CT imaging lead to domain shifts, which limits the generalization of deep learning models and their applications in computer-aided diagnosis systems. In this paper, we investigate the multi-source domain generalization (DG) problem in the context of lung nodule detection from CT images. We first identify the reconstructed convolution kernel as the key parameter leading to domain shifts. Accordingly, we reorganize the public LUNA16 dataset into a domain generalization benchmark, i.e.,, LUNA-DG. Then, we propose a novel DG method by adversarial frequency alignment (AFA). Specifically, we devise an adaptive transition module (ATM) to learn a frequency attention map that can align different domain images in a common frequency domain. For this purpose, a fidelity discriminator and a multi-domain discriminator are used to train the ATM alternately and adversarially. In addition, to mitigate the issue of ineffective gradient back-propagation in naive multi-domain adversarial learning, we propose a novel random domain adversarial learning (RDAL) strategy that can back-propagate effective gradient signals and gradually reduce the gap between multiple domains. The ATM can be combined with nodule detection models through differentiable Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and inverse FFT, allowing end-to-end training. Experimental results on both LUNA-DG and our in-house datasets validate the superiority of AFA over representative DG methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the synchronization problem of dynamical networks with delayed nodal dynamics under a leader-following framework, where the topological structure is directed, and the inter-couplings are allowed to be intermittent. By tailoring certain simple triggering condition, an event-triggered control protocol is designed to reduce the redundant execution of the control, and some sufficient conditions in terms of the time average of the control gain over one single period are established for reaching synchronization despite the intermittency of the inter-coupling. Moreover, the largest admissible delay is estimated. Interestingly, our theoretical result is applicable to situations with typical coupling strength functions for delayed nodal dynamics, such as the piece-wise linear function and quadratic function. Some numerical examples are finally given to demonstrate the validity of the theoretical result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The dicyanovinyl-modified monophenyl functional fluorescence derivative TSH was synthesized via Vilsmeier and Knoevenagel reactions. • TSH exhibits solvatochromic behavior, shifting from blue to orange due to the intramolecular charge transfer. • TSH can achieve dual-channel recognition of acids and amines by modulating the ICT effect. • TSH can be utilized in fabricating yellow light-emitting diode device with high color purity (91 %). The dicyanovinyl-modified monophenyl derivative TSH was synthesized via Vilsmeier and Knoevenagel reactions. TSH has photoluminescence in both solution and solid. It exhibits solvatochromic behavior, shifting from blue to orange due to the intramolecular charge transfer. TSH can undergo a reversible protonation/deprotonation reaction with trifluoroacetic acid/triethylamine, leading to acidochromism. Additionally, TSH reacts with aliphatic primary amines, causing fluorescence changes from yellow to blue for specific recognition of aliphatic primary amines. The fluorescence changes resulting from the recognition of acid and aliphatic primary amines are related to the change of intramolecular charge transfer. The two recognition phenomena are different, allowing for the design of various fluorescent anti-counterfeiting measures. Moreover, TSH can be utilized in fabricating yellow light-emitting diode device with high color purity (91 %). [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarifying the relationship between new energy and economic growth is an essential prerequisite for achieving the goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. This paper utilizes a combination of nonlinear analysis methods, including transfer entropy, Bai–Perron (BP) structure point breakpoint detection, and complex network theory, to examine the coupling relationship between China's new energy and economy across different stages and sectors. An analysis of the network's topological properties shows that a complex coupling driving relationship exists between the new energy industry and the other 11 economic sectors. In particular, the agricultural sector exerts a significant driving force on the new energy industry, with the most extended duration of influence. Besides, the IT and construction industries also play a driving role in the new energy industry, and the latter's impact is earlier than that of the IT industry. The empirical results can guide the government and makers to formulate long-term sustainable action plans for different economic sectors. • Transfer entropy, BP structure break point detection and complex network are used. • 33 net transfer entropy symbol mode complex networks are constructed. • The coupling relationship between China's new energy and economy is complicated. • The agriculture industry has a large driving force on new energy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies have identified an association between the gut microbiome and post-stroke depression(PSD), and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection cause significant alterations in the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome. However, evidence regarding the role of the H. pylori infection in promoting PSD is still lacking. Here, we conducted a retrospective study to explore risk factors associated with PSD. Methods: Patients with cerebral infarction were consecutively enrolled from December 2021 to October 2022. The diagnosis of PSD is based on the DSM-V criteria, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD) was used to identify patients with PSD. White matter lesions were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and H. pylori infection was detected by 13C-urea breath test. Further, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to evaluate the changes in gut microbiota composition of fecal samples from PSD patients. The concentration of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry(GC–MS). Results: Multivariate regression analysis showed that deep white matter lesions(DWMLs) [odds ratio(OR) 3.382, 95% confidence interval(CI) 1.756–6.512; P = 0.001] and H. pylori infection(OR 2.186, 95% CI 1.149–4.159; P = 0.017) were the independent risk factors for PSD. Patients with H. pylori infection had more severe depressive symptoms than patients without infection. Intestinal microbiota was significantly different between H. pylori -positive PSD[ H. pylori (+)] patients and H. pylori -negative PSD[ H. pylori (−)] patients. Fecal SCFAs concentrations were significantly reduced in the H. pylori (+) group compared to the negative ones. Conclusion: DWMLs and H. pylori infection may play important roles in the development of PSD. H. pylori infection is likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of PSD by altering the intestinal flora. • Helicobacter pylori infection, an independent risk factor for post-stroke depression. • Deep white matter lesions were another risk factor for post-stroke depression. • Gut microbiota imbalance was detected in Helicobacter pylori positive patients. • Fecal short-chain fatty acids significantly reduced in infection group. • The changes of intestinal flora were involved in the pathological process of PSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Against the background of a changing climate, the responses of functional traits of plateau wetland plants to increasing temperatures and CO2 concentrations need to be understood. Hydraulic traits are the key for plants to maintain their ecological functions and affect their growth and survival. However, few studies have comprehensively considered the response strategies of wetland plants' hydraulic traits to environmental changes in the context of water and matter transport, loss, and retention. According to the latest IPCC prediction results, we performed experiments under increased temperature (2 °C) and CO2 levels (850 μmol/mol) in an artificial Sealed-top Chamber (STC) to investigate the responses of the hydraulic characteristics of Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, the dominant species in plateau wetlands in China. Results: Compared with the CK group, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal length, cuticle thickness, vascular bundle length, vascular bundle width, and vascular bundle area of S. tabernaemontani in the ET group were significantly reduced, whereas stomatal density and vein density increased significantly. Compared with the CK group, the hydraulic traits of S. tabernaemontani in the EC group were reduced considerably in stomatal length and cuticle thickness but increased dramatically in stomatal density, and there were no significant differences between other parameter values and the control group. Net photosynthetic rate was significantly positively correlated with stomatal length, cuticle thickness, and vascular bundle length, and stomatal conductance was significantly positively correlated with cuticle thickness. The transpiration rate was significantly positively correlated with cuticle thickness, epidermal cell area, vascular bundle length, vascular bundle width, and vascular bundle area. Regarding the hydraulic traits, there was a significant negative correlation between stomatal density and stomatal length, or cuticle thickness, and a significant positive correlation between the latter two. The epidermal cell area was significantly positively correlated with epidermal thickness, vascular bundle length, vascular bundle width, and vascular bundle area. Conclusions: Increased temperature and CO2 levels are not conducive to the photosynthetic activity of S. tabernaemontani. Photosynthetic rate, stomatal density and size, vein density, epidermal structure size, and vascular bundle size play an essential role in the adaptation of this species to changes in temperature and CO2 concentration. In the process of adaptation, hydraulic traits are not isolated from each other, and there is a functional association among traits. This study provide a scientific basis for the management and protection of plateau wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the initial-boundary value problem of the one-dimensional full compressible nematic liquid crystal flow problem. The initial density is allowed to touch vacuum, and the viscous and heat conductivity coefficients are kept to be positive constants. Global existence of strong solutions is established for any H 2 initial data in the Lagrangian flow map coordinate, which holds for both vacuum and non-vacuum case. The key difficulty is caused by the lack of the positive lower bound of the density. To overcome such difficulty, it is observed that the ratio of ρ 0 (y) ρ (t , y) is proportional to the time integral of the upper bound of temperature and vector director field, along the trajectory. Density weighted Sobolev type inequalities are constructed for both temperature and director field in terms of ρ 0 (y) ρ (t , y) and small dependence on their dissipation estimates. Besides this, to deal with cross terms arising due to liquid crystal flow, higher order priori estimates are established by using effective viscous flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Utilization of basic public health services (BPHS) allows for disease prevention and management and is an essential component for protecting health. Disparities in utilization exist between rural-to-urban migrants and their local counterparts in China. This study sought to determine the frequency of BPHS utilization and whether social support, discrimination, and sociodemographic features were risk factors for low BPHS utilization by Chinese female migrants.Methods: Data were derived from a survey of female rural-to-urban migrants at nine work sites in Changsha, China. The association between social support, discrimination, sociodemographic factors and BPHS utilization was obtained using Chi-square and logistic regression analysis.Results: Between December 2017 and April 2018, 307 female participants completed the survey. A total of 24.7% reported having had health education, 26.1% had breast and cervical cancer screening, 27.2% had established a health care record, and 40.9% had received basic contraceptive services. Two factors were associated with the reduced likelihood of BPHS utilization: Length of migration and health record establishment (OR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.31, 0.92) and years of education and basic contraceptive service use (OR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.20, 0.67). The remaining six factors were associated with an increased likelihood of BPHS utilization: Living circumstances and health record establishment (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.17, 3.80), health education (OR = 2.71; 95% CI = 1.51, 4.87) and cancer screening (OR = 2.38; 95% CI = 1.30, 4.36). Utilization of social support was associated with health record establishment (OR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.44), basic contraceptive service use (OR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.42) and cancer screening (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.10, 1.51). Objective social support was associated with health education utilization (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.26), while subjective social support was associated with basic contraceptive service use (OR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.05, 1.18) and cancer screening (OR = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.17). Family location was associated with basic contraceptive service use (OR = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.12, 3.44) and migration time in Changsha was associated with basic contraceptive service use (OR = 2.24; 95% CI = 1.18, 4.27).Conclusions: Overall, there was low utilization rate for four BPHS by Chinese female migrants, and social support appears to be an important factor in this setting. Government, community, and workplace education efforts for enhancing BPHS utilization among female rural-to-urban migrants are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the effect of servant leadership on service attitude to understand its mediation mechanism, on the basis of self-determination theory. We used valid, reliable scales to measure servant leadership and basic needs satisfaction, and a self-designed scale to measure service attitude among 160 public servant–citizen paired dyads from the Chinese Government Affairs Center. Results show that servant leadership had a positive influence on service attitude, and that the basic needs of autonomy and competence played mediating roles, but the basic need of relatedness did not. Our results affirm self-determination theory and empirically show the different roles of psychological needs satisfaction. Future research prospects and implications for civil service reforms are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen V (Col5) is a quantitatively minor component of collagen fibrils comprising tendon, however, plays a crucial role in regulation of development and dynamic healing processes. Clinically, patients with COL5a1 haploinsufficiency, known as classic Ehlers‐Danlos Syndrome (cEDS), present with hyperextensible skin, joint instability and laxity, with females more likely to be affected. Previous studies in Col5‐deficient mice indicated that reduced Col5a1 expression leads to a reduction in stiffness, fibril deposition, and altered fibril structure. Additionally, Col5‐deficient male tendons demonstrated altered healing compared to wild‐type tendons, however female mice have not yet been studied utilizing this model. Along with clinical differences between sexes in cEDS patient populations, differences in hormone physiology may be a factor influencing tendon health. Therefore, the objective of this study was to utilize a Col5a1+/− female mouse model, to determine the effect of Col5 on tendon cell morphology, cell density, tissue composition, and mechanical properties throughout healing. We hypothesized that reduction in Col5 expression would result in an abnormal wound matrix post‐injury, resulting in reduced mechanical properties compared to normal tendons. Following patellar tendon surgery, mice were euthanized at 1, 3, and 6‐week post‐injury. Col5‐deficient tendons demonstrated altered and decreased healing compared to WT tendons. The lack of resolution in cellularity by 6‐week post‐injury in Col5‐deficient tendons influenced the decreased mechanical properties. Stiffness did not increase post‐injury in Col5‐deficient mice, and collagen fiber realignment was delayed during mechanical loading. Therefore, increased Col5a1 expression post‐injury is necessary to re‐establish matrix engagement and cellularity throughout tendon healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonlinear dynamical problems, characterized by unpredictable and chaotic changes among variables over time, pose unique challenges in understanding. This paper explores the coupled nonlinear (2+1)-dimensional complex modified Korteweg-de-Vries (cmKdV) equation-a fundamental equation in applied magnetism and nanophysics. The study focuses on dynamic behaviors, specifically examining bifurcations and equilibrium points leading to chaotic phenomena by introducing an external term to the system. Employing chaos theory, we showcase the chaotic tendencies of the perturbed dynamical system. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis using the Runge-Kutta method reveals the solution's stability under slight variations in initial conditions. Innovatively, the paper utilizes the planar dynamical system technique to construct various solitons within the governing model. This research provides novel insights into the behavior of the (2+1)-dimensional cmKdV equation and its applications in applied magnetism and nanophysics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is devoted to the consensus problem of networked nonlinear agents with multiple self-delays and time-varying coupling. We first establish a generalized Halanay’s inequality based on comparison theorem, and then convert the consensus problem into a stability problem of retarded differential equation with time-varying coefficients, from which sufficient conditions for consensus are derived. Our results manifest that the time-average of coupling strength over intervals of certain length, together with the underlying topology and the values of self-delays, plays a crucial role in guaranteeing consensus. Based on the theoretical analysis, an estimation of the largest admissible delay is also available. This paper provides a general framework for achieving consensus in agents with time-varying coupling, such as coupling with external perturbations, intermittent control in on–off fashion, or pulse-modulated coupling strength, etc. Furthermore, useful criteria are given for various applications which have also been verified with numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicant testing is a major component of the environmental solution testing program. This test system aims to evaluate the sensitivity of the test species, evaluate comparability between laboratory test results, and classify possible variability sources such as healthy organisms, organism batches, laboratory water, and food quality changes. For the continuous assessment of sensitivity and accuracy of laboratory toxicity tests, control charts are often used. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) charting structure is a popular monitoring tool that is often used due to its outstanding ability in recognizing small‐to‐moderate unusual changes in process parameters. The CUSUM control charts have now been widely accepted/applied for monitoring the process dispersion under the assumption that the process does not have outliers. In practice, most of the processes have outliers. Therefore, the use of the interquartile range (IQR) as a plotting statistic is an attractive choice for dispersion monitoring. Hence, in this study, the CUSUM control chart with auxiliary information‐based IQR estimators is proposed and employed to monitor dispersion or variation in the variable LC50 by using quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) aquatic toxicity data set. The proposed IQR‐CUSUM charts are compared to its counterparts by using a variety of main output run‐length functions, such as average run length (ARL), standard deviation of run length (SDRL), and extra quadratic loss (EQL), derived from the distribution of run‐length. Further, results revealed that the proposed CUSUM charts have better detection ability as compared to existing counterpart charts, both in theoretical and practical considerations. Control charts are often used for process monitoring. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) charts are popular monitoring tool. The use of the interquartile range (IQR) as a plotting statistic is an attractive choice for dispersion monitoring. In this study, the CUSUM control chart with auxiliary information‐based IQR estimators is proposed and employed to monitor dispersion or variation in LC50 by using quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) aquatic toxicity data set. The results revealed that the proposed charts outer performed as compared to existing counterpart charts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one-pot protocol for the synthesis of 5-(1,2,3,4-tetra-hydroisoquinolin-1-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles via DEAD-mediated oxidative Ugi/aza-Wittig reaction has been developed. The reaction of (N -iso-cyanimine)triphenylphosphorane, carboxylic acids, and N -aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines produced polysubstituted 5-(1,2,3,4-tetra-hydroisoquinolin-1-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles directly in good yields in the presence of DEAD as an oxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Conditional Col11a1 mouse models were created and characterized. • Col11a1 mouse models were used to define the regulatory roles of collagen XI in establishing tendon structure and function. • Tendon-targeted knockout of Col11a1 resulted in abnormal in collagen fibril structure and organization. • The principal regulatory function of Col11a1 expression occurs in the developing tendon. • Abnormal tendon structure acquired in the absence of Col11a1 during development influences the structure and function of the mature tendon. • Collagen XI regulates acquisition of fibrillar structure and mechanical properties in the tendon. Collagen XI is a fibril-forming collagen that regulates collagen fibrillogenesis. Collagen XI is normally associated with collagen II-containing tissues such as cartilage, but it also is expressed broadly during development in collagen I-containing tissues, including tendons. The goals of this study are to define the roles of collagen XI in regulation of tendon fibrillar structure and the relationship to function. A conditional Col11a1 -null mouse model was created to permit the spatial and temporal manipulation of Col11a1 expression. We hypothesize that collagen XI functions to regulate fibril assembly, organization and, therefore, tendon function. Previous work using cho mice with ablated Col11a1 alleles supported roles for collagen XI in tendon fibril assembly. Homozygous cho/cho mice have a perinatal lethal phenotype that limited the studies. To circumvent this, a conditional Col11a1flox/flox mouse model was created where exon 3 was flanked with loxP sites. Breeding with Scleraxis-Cre (Scx-Cre) mice yielded a tendon-specific Col11a1 -null mouse line, Col11a1Δten/Δten. Col11a1flox/flox mice had no phenotype compared to wild type C57BL/6 mice and other control mice, e.g., Col11a1flox/flox and Scx-Cre. Col11a1flox/flox mice expressed Col11a1 mRNA at levels comparable to wild type and Scx-Cre mice. In contrast, in Col11a1Δten/Δten mice, Col11a1 mRNA expression decreased to baseline in flexor digitorum longus tendons (FDL). Collagen XI protein expression was absent in Col11a1Δten/Δten FDLs, and at ~50% in Col11a1+/Δten compared to controls. Phenotypically, Col11a1Δten/Δten mice had significantly decreased body weights (p < 0.001), grip strengths (p < 0.001), and with age developed gait impairment becoming hypomobile. In the absence of Col11a1 , the tendon collagen fibrillar matrix was abnormal when analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. Reducing Col11a1 and, therefore collagen XI content, resulted in abnormal fibril structure, loss of normal fibril diameter control with a significant shift to small diameters and disrupted parallel alignment of fibrils. These alterations in matrix structure were observed in developing (day 4), maturing (day 30) and mature (day 60) mice. Altering the time of knockdown using inducible I- Col11a1−/− mice indicated that the primary regulatory foci for collagen XI was in development. In mature Col11a1Δten/Δten FDLs a significant decrease in the biomechanical properties was observed. The decrease in maximum stress and modulus suggest that fundamental differences in the material properties in the absence of Col11a1 expression underlie the mechanical deficiencies. These data demonstrate an essential role for collagen XI in regulation of tendon fibril assembly and organization occurring primarily during development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Duopoly providers with bounded rationality are proposed from the grid background. • The providers can trade with each other and have different evolutionary structures. • Information asymmetry has different effects on heterogeneous players. • The information asymmetry increases the stability region of the proposed system. • Policy recommendations are given to the management of providers. In the power market, each entity is not completely rational when generate strategy, and the market information held by each entity is not exactly the same. In this paper, duopoly power providers with different selling adjustment structures are simplified from the actual grid background, where one provider can sell part of its power to another at contract price to store the power. Each provider is trying to maximize its profit by adjusting its power selling strategy. The process of evolutionary game with multi-periods bounded rational is established. One provider adjusts its selling strategy through the multi-periods market price and another through its multi-periods marginal profit. The quantity of power sold by each provider will tend to Nash equilibrium and how information asymmetry affects the stability of Nash equilibrium is analyzed through comparing dynamic power selling with and without information asymmetry. Information asymmetry has a great impact on one provider but not another. The numerical simulations also show that the information asymmetry will increase the stability region of the system. Different adjustment suggestions are proposed for different providers when information asymmetry occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduced a novel method to investigate the information flows from the international carbon trading market to the market for renewable energy stocks. The method combined the advantages of wavelet decomposition, transfer entropy, and complex network, which defined multiscale, directional, and dynamic flows of information. This analysis selected the daily futures prices of the EUA futures and the daily spot prices of the S&P Global Clean Energy Index (S&P GCE) as sample data and decomposed the bivariate time series into seven sequences for various time–frequency domains by maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform. Transfer entropy has been used to measure the process of transmission of information from the carbon trading market to the renewable energy stock market. The transfer entropies were transformed into four symbols and constructed directed and weighted complex networks of the transfer entropy fluctuation mode sequence in different time–frequency domains according to the concept of coarse graining. The findings showed that the carbon market information flows to the renewable energy stock market varied at different scales. In the short to medium term (2–16 days), there were a lot of information flows from EUA to S&P GCE. The information flow of EUA to S&P GCE is the most stable at scale d2 (4–8 days), but the volatility of the carbon market has not affected the clean energy market at scales d5–d6 (32–128 days). These findings provided the requisite reference for investors in carbon finance and policy-makers who support clean energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal contamination is a major environmental and human health hazard in many areas of the world. Organic acids sequester heavy metals and protect plant roots from the effects of toxicity; however, it is largely unknown how these acids are regulated in response to heavy metal stress. Here, protein kinase SOS2L1 from apple was functionally characterized. MdSOS2L1 was found to be involved in the regulation of malate excretion, and to inhibit cadmium uptake into roots. Using the DUAL membrane system in a screen of an apple cDNA library with MdSOS2L1 as bait, a malate transporter, MdALMT14, was identified as an interactor. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation, pull-down, and co-immunoprecipitation assays further indicated the interaction of the two proteins. Transgenic analyses showed that MdSOS2L1 is required for cadmium-induced phosphorylation at the Ser358 site of MdALMT14, a modification that enhanced the stability of the MdALMT14 protein. MdSOS2L1 was also shown to enhance cadmium tolerance in an MdALMT14-dependent manner. This study sheds light on the roles of the MdSOS2L1–MdALMT14 complex in physiological responses to cadmium toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the location and distribution patterns of neurovascular structures and determine the effective injection point in the tarsal tunnel for heel pain. Methods: Fifteen adult non-embalmed cadavers with a mean age of 71.5 years were studied. The most inferior point of the medial malleolus of the tibia (MM) and the tuberosity of the calcaneus (TC) were identified before dissection. A line connecting the MM and TC was used as a reference line. The reference point was expressed in absolute distance along the reference line using the MM as the starting point. For measurements using MRI, the depth from the skin was measured to inferior at an interval of 1 cm from the MM. Results: The posterior tibial artery, lateral plantar nerve, and medial plantar nerve were located from 29.0 to 37.3% of the reference line from the MM. The distribution frequencies of the medial calcaneal nerve on the reference line from the MM were 0%, 8.60%, 37.15%, 37.15%, and 17.10%, respectively. The mean depth of the neurovascular structures was 0.3 cm. Discussion: This study recommended an effective injection site from 45.0 to 80.0% of the reference line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are applied in different fields, no EPS has been used to protect human skin cells against UV-induced oxidative stress. The EPS produced by the Arctic bacterium Polaribacter sp. SM1127 has high moisture-retention ability and antioxidant activity, suggesting its good industrial potentials. In this study, we improved the EPS production of SM1127 and evaluated its protective effect on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) against UV-induced oxidative stress. With glucose as carbon source, the EPS yield was increased from 2.11 to 6.12 g/L by optimizing the fermentation conditions using response surface methodology. To lower the fermentation cost and decrease corrosive speed in stainless steel tanks, whole sugar, whose price is only 8% of that of glucose, was used to replace glucose and NaCl concentration was reduced to 4 g/L in the medium. With the optimized conditions, fed-batch fermentation in a 5-L bioreactor was conducted, and the EPS production reached 19.25 g/L, which represents the highest one reported for a polar microorganism. Moreover, SM1127 EPS could maintain the cell viability and integrity of HDFs under UV-B radiation, probably via decreasing intracellular reactive oxygen species level and increasing intracellular glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity. Therefore, SM1127 EPS has significant protective effect on HDFs against UV-induced oxidative stress, suggesting its potential to be used in preventing photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. Altogether, this study lays a good foundation for the industrialization of SM1127 EPS, which has promising potential to be used in cosmetics and medical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leaf water conservation and pseudobulb water storage are two of the strategies commonly employed by epiphytic plants to adapt to dry environments. During the flowering period, a great deal of water transpires through the flowers, which then influences water-related processes. However, there is little research on the coordinated relationship between the different structures of epiphytes. Our study explored the phylogenetic conservation and evolutionary correlations between structural traits of 8 species in the genus Dendrobium by using phylogenetic independent contrast (PIC) analysis. Results: Leaf dry mass, leaf water content, leaf dry matter content, specific leaf area, stomatal density, stomatal area index, pseudobulb length, pseudobulb width, and flower dry mass show strong phylogenetic signals. Pseudobulb length is significantly positively correlated with stomatal volume but significantly negatively correlated with mesophyll thickness according to both species mean values and PIC values. Pseudobulb internode length is also positively correlated with stomatal volume but negatively correlated with stomatal density according to PIC values. Pseudobulb width is significantly positively correlated with leaf dry mass, stomatal density, stomatal area index, flower petal vein number and flower dry mass but negatively correlated with specific leaf area according to species mean values. However, these correlations are insignificant when PIC values are analyzed. Stomatal volume is positively correlated with flower dry mass, and after phylogeny is considered, this correlation is still significant. Leaf dry mass is positively correlated with flower petal vein number according to species values. Flower number per pseudobulb is negatively correlated with upper epidermal cell size according to species values but negatively correlated with stomatal area index according to PIC values. There are no correlations between pseudobulb and flower water-related traits according to PIC values. Conclusions: A trade-off should exist in epiphytic plants between the two drought-tolerant strategies of pseudobulb storage and leaf water retention. Plants possessing thick blades with a few large stomata tend to use the pseudobulb water storage strategy to adapt to drought. Small flowers and low flower dry mass should be associated with the leaf water retention strategy. In addition, flowers and leaves exhibit an obvious water balance and should share common selection pressures. The present study provides a case with which to understand the coordinated adaptation of different structures in epiphytic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate the maximal sectional area (SA) of the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPmi) muscle and its potential correlation with to be named ligament (TBNL) in the suboccipital area using 3D MR imaging.Methods: A total of 365 subjects underwent sagittal 3D T2WI MR imaging of the RCPmi and TBNL. Among them, 45 subjects were excluded due to a particular clinical history or poor image quality. Finally, 320 subjects met the inclusion criteria, including 138 men and 182 women. The 624 RCPmi muscles were classified into positive and negative groups according to their attachment to the TBNL. Two experienced radiologists manually measured the maximum SA of the RCPmi muscle on the parasagittal image with a 30° deviation from the median sagittal plane. The correlations between the SA and the subject's age, height, BMI, gender, handedness, and age-related disc degeneration were tested by Spearman analysis. The SA differences between different groups were compared using independent samples t-test.Results: A total of 123 RCPmi-TBNL attachments were identified in the positive group, while 501 RCPmi muscles were identified in the negative group. The SA of the 624 RCPmi muscles was 62.71 ± 28.72 mm2 and was poorly correlated with the subject's age, BMI, or handedness, with no correlation with age-related disc degeneration. A fair correlation was found between the SA and the body height in the whole group, and poor correlation in each male/female group. The SA of the RCPmi muscle in males was significantly bigger than that in women ([75.54 ± 29.17] vs. [52.74 ± 24.07] mm2). The SA of RCPmi muscle in the positive group was significantly smaller than that in the negative group ([55.95 ± 26.76] mm2 vs. [64.37 ± 28.97] mm2).Conclusions: Our results revealed a significantly smaller SA of the RCPmi in subjects with RCPmi-TBNL attachment. Besides, a larger SA of the RCPmi was correlated with the male gender. These findings suggest that the SA of the RCPmi ought to be interpreted with care for each patient since there could be considerable variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the presence of methods evaluating drug resistance during chemotherapies, techniques, which allow for monitoring the degree of drug resistance in early chemotherapeutic stage from single cells in their native microenvironment, are still absent. Herein, we report an analytical approach that combines single cell mass spectrometry (SCMS) based metabolomics with machine learning (ML) models to address the existing challenges. Metabolomic profiles of live cancer cells (HCT-116) with different levels (i.e., no, low, and high) of chemotherapy-induced drug resistance were measured using the Single-probe SCMS technique. A series of ML models, including random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN), and penalized logistic regression (LR), were constructed to predict the degrees of drug resistance of individual cells. A systematic comparison of performance was conducted among multiple models, and the method validation was carried out experimentally. Our results indicate that these ML models, especially the RF model constructed on the obtained SCMS datasets, can rapidly and accurately predict different degrees of drug resistance of live single cells. With such rapid and reliable assessment of drug resistance demonstrated at the single cell level, our method can be potentially employed to evaluate chemotherapeutic efficacy in the clinic. Image 1 • Single cell metabolomics was incorporated with machine learning models to predict different degrees of drug resistance. • Rapid and reliable predictions were achieved in the testing set and validation set. • Our proof-of-concept research demonstrated potentials towards future point-of-care diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the causal link amid economic growth, fossil fuel energy consumption, carbon emissions and oil price was empirically tested from 1990 to 2015 by using a panel of 22 African countries. The sample of African countries was divided into two subgroups namely; Oil exporters and Non-oil exporters. Using the PMG panel ARDL and panel econometric methods, heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence were considered to examine the long and short-term dynamic relationships as well as validity of a proposed model. Findings from the Pesaran-Yamagata homogeneity test, Pesaran CD test, CIPS and CADF panel unit root tests and Westerlund-Edgerton bootstrap panel cointegration indicated, the panel time series data has heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence, analysed variables are stationary and cointegrated respectively. With respect to the PMG panel ARDL estimation method it was evidenced that there exist, (i) a bilateral causal link flanked by fossil fuel energy consumption and economic growth as well as fossil fuel energy consumption and carbon emissions in long and shot-terms for all panels, (ii) a unilateral causality from carbon emissions to economic growth in long-term and short-term for non-oil exporters nonetheless a bilateral causal relationship only in long-term for oil exporting countries, and (iii) a unilateral cause-and-effect link from oil prices to economic growth, energy consumption (fossil fuel) and carbon emission across all country groups in long and short-terms. Policy recommendations are further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the changes in serum miR-124 levels in patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) and elucidate the underlying mechanism by a dynamic monitor. Methods: Fifty-four patients with ACI and 51 healthy controls were included in our study. Baseline characteristics and blood samples were collected for further analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the serum miR-124 levels. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to evaluate the effect of miR-124 on iASPP, a protein that inhibits apoptosis stimulating proteins in the p53 family. Results: Compared with normal controls, the miR-124 levels in the ACI group rapidly decreased at phase 1 (within 24 h after ischemia) (p < 0.001) and then gradually increased at phase 2 (48 ∼ 72 h after ischemia) (p < 0.001) and phase 3 (the 7th day after ischemia) (p < 0.001). The dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-124 down-regulates iASPP expression in 293T cells. Conclusion: The miR-124 levels are down-regulated in ACI patients. The dynamic changes of miR-124 might provide a possible method for the detection of ischemic stroke. The difference in miR-124 expression levels between ACI patients and normal controls. Dynamic changes of miR-124 expression levels in ACI patients. The down-regulation of miR-124 upon iASPP expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new facile preparation of furan-2(3 H)-ones and 2,3,5-trisubstituted furans by a sequential O-acylation/Wittig(/O-acylation) reaction has been developed. The easily accessible 2-(triphenylphosphoranylidene)-succinic acid 1-ester 3 reacted with acid chloride produced furan-2(3 H)-ones 4 in good yields in the presence of DMAP via sequential O-acylation and intramolecular Wittig reaction of acid anhydride. Subsequently, the 2,3,5-trisubstituted furans 5 were prepared from furan-2(3 H)-ones 4 and diverse aryl chlorides in presence of triethylamine through further O-acylation. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new compound model to investigate the dynamic linkage mechanism between the natural gas and crude oil markets from the multi-scale perspective. In the proposed model, two main steps are involved: multi-scale analysis and network research. Based on the bivariate empirical mode decomposition (BEMD) and Fine-to-Coarse algorithm, the multi-scale analysis ensures the relationship between price fluctuations can be studied under three different time-scales, which corresponding to market disequilibrium, significant events, and long term trend. By integrating the grey correlation degree and Coarse-Gaining algorithm, the network research reveals the dynamic spillover effects of the two markets at different time-scales. To capture the different linked characteristic in different periods, the sample data of Henry Hub and WTI spot prices from 1997 to 2017 is divided into three periods. We transfer the daily correlations between the price fluctuations with specific time-scale into the correlation patterns and establish the network based on their transmission relations. The crucial correlation patterns and the significant transmission relations are revealed by some network indicators. And the proposed approach in this paper can be applied to other field of research. • A new compound model is proposed based on multi-scale analysis and complex network. • The spillover effects of the two markets under three inner factors are studied. • The linkage mechanisms of the two markets at different time-scales are varying. • The important correlation patterns and transmission relations are revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: What is known and objective: An imbalance in the genetically controlled pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine production could potentially promote ongoing low‐grade inflammation following an episode of acute gastroenteritis and, subsequently, could result in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; post‐infectious IBS, PI‐IBS). Since there is very little known on the impact of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) on IBS, we conducted the present study with aims of determining the correlation between TNF‐α gene polymorphisms (‐308 G > A and ‐238 G > A) and susceptibility to IBS and drug efficacy in children. Methods: Diarrhoea‐predominant IBS patients and healthy subjects were recruited for DNA extraction. The genotypes were tested using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. In addition to conventional symptomatic treatments, Live Combined Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus Powder and Montmorillonite Powder were administered to all the patients participating in the study for consecutive 4 weeks. The efficacy was evaluated 2 weeks after the withdrawal of the drugs. The association between gene polymorphism and drug efficacy was analysed by means of binary logistic regression analysis. Results: Patients in the IBS group were susceptible to IBS with GA genotype and A allele of ‐308 G > A so were those with AA genotype and A allele of ‐238 G > A. The symptoms were also alleviated following treatment. The cure rate of patients with GA genotype of ‐308 G > A and AA genotype of ‐238 G > A was low. These findings suggested that the haplotype AA could potentially be associated with the cure rate of IBS patients. GA genotype of ‐308 G > A, AA genotype of ‐238 G > A, enterobacteria and 5‐hydroxytryptamine in serum may act adversely, whereas bifidobacterial may be beneficial to the efficacy of IBS treatment. What is new and conclusion: The above findings evidently suggest that the frequency of TNF‐α gene ‐308 G > A carrying GA genotype and A allele and ‐238 G > A carrying AA genotype and A allele is higher in children with IBS. Additionally, GA genotype of ‐308 G > A and AA genotype of ‐238 G > A may act adversely to the efficacy of IBS treatment, which may be a reference index for predicting the curative effect of IBS. The frequency of TNF‐α gene ‐308 G > A carrying GA genotype and A allele and ‐238 G > A carrying AA genotype and A allele is higher in children with IBS. Additionally, GA genotype of ‐308 G > A and AA genotype of ‐238 G > A may act adversely to the efficacy of IBS treatment, which may be a reference index for predicting the curative effect of IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stressors that negatively affect crop growth and yield. Salt stress can regulate antioxidants and the accumulation of osmoprotectants. In the study, a sucrose transporter MdSUT2.2 was identified in apple. Overexpression of MdSUT2.2 gene increased salt tolerance in the transgenic apple, compared with the WT control "Gala." In addition, it was found that protein MdSUT2.2 was phosphorylated at Ser254 site in response to salt. A DUAL membrane yeast hybridization system through an apple cDNA library demonstrated that a protein kinase MdCIPK13 interacted with MdSUT2.2. A series of transgenic analysis in apple calli showed that MdCIPK13 was required for the salt‐induced phosphorylation of MdSUT2.2 protein and enhanced its stability and transport activity. Finally, it was found that MdCIPK13 improved salt resistance in an MdSUT2.2‐dependent manner. These findings had enriched our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying abiotic stress. Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stressors that negatively affect crop growth and yield. In the study, transgenic plants MdCIPK13 increased sugar content and improved salt resistance in an MdSUT2.2‐dependent manner. These findings had enriched our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying abiotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]