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Background: The triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) is recognized as a reliable surrogate for evaluating insulin resistance and an effective predictor of cardiovascular disease. However, the link between TyG-BMI index and adverse outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients remains unclear. This study examines the correlation of the TyG-BMI index with long-term adverse outcomes in HF patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: This single-center, prospective cohort study included 823 HF patients with CHD. The TyG-BMI index was calculated as follows: ln [fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)/2] × BMI. To explore the association between the TyG-BMI index and the occurrences of all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization, we utilized multivariate Cox regression models and restricted cubic splines with threshold analysis. Results: Over a follow-up period of 9.4 years, 425 patients died, and 484 were rehospitalized due to HF. Threshold analysis revealed a significant reverse "J"-shaped relationship between the TyG-BMI index and all-cause mortality, indicating a decreased risk of all-cause mortality with higher TyG-BMI index values below 240.0 (adjusted model: HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86–0.93; Log-likelihood ratio p = 0.003). A distinct "U"-shaped nonlinear relationship was observed with HF rehospitalization, with the inflection point at 228.56 (adjusted model: below: HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91–0.98; above: HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03–1.13; Log-likelihood ratio p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study reveals a nonlinear association between the TyG-BMI index and both all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization in HF patients with CHD, positioning the TyG-BMI index as a significant prognostic marker in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand-wrist radiography is the most common and accurate method for evaluating children's bone age. To reduce the scattered radiation of radiosensitive organs in bone age assessment, we designed a small X-ray instrument with radioprotection function by adding metal enclosure for X-ray shielding. We used a phantom operator to compare the scattered radiation doses received by sensitive organs under three different protection scenarios (proposed instrument, radiation personal protective equipment, no protection). The proposed instrument showed greater reduction in the mean dose of a single exposure compared with radiation personal protective equipment especially on the left side which was proximal to the X-ray machine (≥80.0% in eye and thyroid, ≥99.9% in breast and gonad). The proposed instrument provides a new pathway towards more convenient and efficient radioprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent suicide has become an increasingly serious social problem in China. Bullying victimization was found to be an influential factor of suicidal tendency, but less attention has been paid to the internal mechanisms of the relationship. This paper examined the relationship between adolescents' bullying victimization and suicidal tendency, and the mediating effects of internalizing problems and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Generalized Structural Equation Model was employed to a sample of 3,575 Chinese secondary school students. Bullying victimization has a direct positive impact on adolescents' suicidal tendency, but also has an indirect impact on suicidal tendency through three paths: the independent mediating role of internalizing problems and NSSI, and the chain mediating role of internalizing problems and NSSI. The results suggested that students who are bullied tend to have a higher risk of suicidal tendency, and internalizing problems and NSSI are usually the prelude to suicidal behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that the feasibility of electron transfer reactions and the thermodynamic relationship between radicals and anions are highly dependent on the standard redox potentials. However, due to experimental limitations on the measurement of irreversible redox reactions, it is often difficult or even impossible to obtain reliable oxidation or reduction potential data. In this study, we assessed the performance of different theoretical methods and solvation models for predicting standard oxidation potentials ( E ox o ) of 33 representative anions including alcoholate, phenolate, and carboxylate anions in aprotic polar solvents. The density functional theory (DFT) M06-2X method and the composite procedure CBS-QB3 both achieved ideal precision for predicting adiabatic ionization potentials (IPs) in the gas phase, with a mean absolute deviation (MAD) value of 0.06 eV and 0.08 eV, respectively. As for solvation contributions, the SMD (solvation model density) model performed better than the latest uESE (Universal Easy Solvation Energy Evaluation) model for this kind of radical/anion couple. We suggest the optimal combination of M06-2X/ma-TZVP for IPs, and the SMD solvation model at M05-2X/6-31G(d) level is suitable for predicting E ox o , with an average error of 0.08 V. This assessment provides an alternative and reliable theoretical procedure to predict the oxidation potential and other related thermodynamic properties of O-centered organic anions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but devastating complication of radiofrequency ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) and is associated with high mortality rates. Whereas most cases of AEF are treated by emergency surgical interventions, we report a case of paroxysmal AF with AEF after combined therapy of catheter ablation and percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), which was treated successfuly without major surgery or esophageal stenting. He was presented 18 days after the procedure, suffering chest pain, fever, and a transient loss of consciousness. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest disclosed a small accumulation of air in the region of the left atrium adjacent to the esophagus, suggesting AEF. Supported by early aggressive antibiotic therapy, pericardial drainage and a fasting state with adequate parenteral nutrition, resulted in improvement of his condition with no recurrence of symptoms. Subsequent chest CT scans confirmed disappearance of the leaked air and the patient was discharged home 28 days after admission with no neurological compromise. Early detection, rapid treatment and constant awareness of potential fatal consequences are prerequisites for successful treatment of this complication and prevention of fatal outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery (STA–MCA) bypass is a common surgery in treating moyamoya disease (MMD) with occluded MCA. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation might provide a simple, non-invasive, and low-cost tool to evaluate the efficacy of STA–MCA surgery. Aim: We aim to quantitatively investigate the treatment efficacy of STA–MCA surgery in improving the blood flow of MMD patients using CFD simulation. Methods: This retrospective study included 11 MMD patients with occlusion around proximal MCA who underwent STA–MCA bypass surgery. CFD simulation was performed using patient-specific blood pressure and postoperative artery geometry. The volumetric flow rates of STA and the bypass, average flow velocity in the proximal segment of transcranial bypass, transcranial pressure drop, and transcranial flow resistance were measured and compared with a postoperative increment of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in MCA territories derived from perfusion imaging. Per-branch pressure drop from model inlet to bypass branch outlet was calculated. Results: The volumetric flow rates of STA and the bypass were 80.84 ± 14.54 mL/min and 46.03 ± 4.21 mL/min. Average flow velocity in proximal bypass, transcranial pressure drop, and transcranial flow resistance were 0.19 ± 0.07 m/s, 3.72 ± 3.10 mmHg, and 6.54 ± 5.65 10−8 Pa s m−3. Postoperative mean increment of CBF in MCA territories was 16.03 ± 11.72 mL·100 g−1·min−1. Per-branch pressure drop was 10.96 ± 5.59 mmHg and 7.26 ± 4.25 mmHg in branches with and without stenosis. Conclusions: CFD simulation results are consistent with CBF observation in verifying the efficacy of STA–MCA bypass, where postoperative stenosis may influence the hemodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chest radiography is commonly performed as a diagnostic tool of neonatal diseases. Contact-based radiation personal protective equipment (RPPE) has been widely used for radiation protection, but it does not provide full body protection and it is often shared between users, which has become a major concern during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To address these issues, we developed a novel trolley to protect radiographers against X-ray radiation by reducing scatter radiation during neonatal radiographic examinations. We measured the scatter radiation doses from a standard neonatal chest radiograph to the radiosensitive organs using a phantom operator in three protection scenarios (trolley, radiation personal protective equipment [RPPE], no protection) and at three distances. The results showed that the scatter radiation surface doses were significantly reduced when using the trolley compared with RPPE and with no protection at a short distance (P<0.05 for both scenarios in all radiosensitive organs). The novel protective trolley provides a non-contact protective tool for radiographers against the hazard of scatter radiation during neonatal radiography examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing demand for quality control in the traditional Chinese medicine industry, there is a need for the development of quality markers and a quick, non-destructive technique for the discrimination of related species. In our previous study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was used for the simultaneous determination of five compounds, including three alkaloids (nitidine chloride, chelerythrine, and magnoflorine), one flavonoid (aurantiamarin), and one lignan (sesamin). In this study, the simultaneous quantification of the above-mentioned compounds could be used to discriminate the powders of roots from those of stems. To further test the reliability of the five compounds, seventy-two batches of wild and seventy-five batches of cultivated Zanthoxylum nitidum samples collected from Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian provinces in China were analyzed by UPLC and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). In general, the quantitative results of UPLC were consistent with those of NIRS, and cultivated Z. nitidum has similar major bioactive compounds as the wild one, as supported by principal component analysis. Consequently, these five major bioactive compounds are suggested as potential quality markers. In addition, the NIRS method with discriminant analysis successfully differentiated Z. nitidum from three related species (Z. avicennae, Z. scandens and Toddalia asiatica) of the Rutaceae family. In summary, this study provides a method for the rapid identification of Z. nitidum and discrimination of root and stem powders, and suggests five compounds as quality markers for the evaluation of Z. nitidum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in surface sediments were investigated from the Bering Sea, the Chukchi Sea and adjacent Arctic Ocean in 2010. Total concentrations (dry weight) of Σ 14 PFAS in surface sediments (0.85 ± 0.22 ng g−1) of the Bering Sea were lower than that in the Chukchi Sea and adjacent Arctic Ocean (1.27 ± 0.53 ng g−1). Perfluoro-butanoic acid (PFBS) and perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA) were the dominant PFAS in these areas. The concentrations of Σ 15 OCPs in the sediment of the Bering Sea (13.00 ± 6.17 ng g−1) was slightly higher than that in the Chukchi and Arctic Ocean (12.05 ± 2.27 ng g−1). The most abundant OCPs were hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites. The composition patterns of HCHs and DDTs indicated that they were mainly derived from the early residues via river runoff. Increasing trends of PFAS, HCHs and DDTs in surface sediments from the Bering Sea to the Arctic Ocean were found, indicating oceanic transport. In summary, the concentrations of OCPs were orders of magnitude greater than the observed PFAS concentrations, and the concentrations of PFAS and OCPs in surface sediments from the Bering Sea to the Chukchi Sea and adjacent Arctic Ocean are at the low to moderate levels by comparing with other coastal and marine sediments worldwide. • PFAS and OCPs were determined in surface sediments of the adjacent Arctic Ocean. • OCPs were orders of magnitude greater than the observed PFAS. • PFOA was the main compound, and the most abundant OCPs were HCHs and DDTs. • Industrial activities may be responsible for high levels of PFAS in the Bering Sea. • An increasing latitudinal trend of OCPs were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines perceptions of living and working with toxic pollution in two periurban petrochemical areas in Nanjing, China, a heavily polluted megacity on the Yangtze River. Despite the concentrated geography of the petrochemical industry in Nanjing, protests over pollution have been small scale and highly localized, paralleling dynamics in many "cancer villages" of rural China. This contrasts with high-profile anti-PX (paraxylene) protests that have happened in Xiamen, Dalian, and other cities in China over the past decade. This article draws on twenty-five semistructured interviews and participant observation with workers and residents in both petrochemical areas. We extend the idea of the "hidden injuries of class" (Sennett and Cobb 1972) to analyze the cumulative effects of social and environmental inequalities in China, contributing to interdisciplinary debates about environmental justice and health, environmental pollution in China, and the lived experiences of toxic geographies. We argue that people living and working with petrochemical pollution in Nanjing, China, experienced accumulated injuries of environmental injustice: multilayered and intersecting effects on health and well-being, which reflect social inequalities between different populations. Accumulated injuries of environmental injustice emerged in interrelated ways: epistemic injustices about toxic exposures; unequal and inadequate compensations for environment harm; and collective frustrations over political powerlessness. The research has wider implications for analyzing the complex social effects of living and working with environmental injustice in different places around the world. Key Words: China, environmental health, environmental justice, petrochemical industry, toxic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riverine runoff is one of the most important pathways of pollutants entering the oceans. To study the seasonal variations, spatial transports, sources and mass fluxes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the subtropical Jiulong River watershed to estuary, water samples were collected in wet and dry seasons. PAH concentrations showed significant temporal-spatial variations (ANOVA, p < 0.05). In the watershed, PAH concentrations in wet season (48.6 ± 18.2 ng L−1) were significantly lower than in dry season (90.3 ± 18.5 ng L−1). In contrast, estuarine PAH concentrations in wet season (67.1 ± 24.6 ng L−1) were significantly higher than in dry season (27.4 ± 10.6 ng L−1) (p < 0.0001). The spatial variations of PAH concentrations in wet and dry seasons reflected positive and restricted transport processes occurred in the river. These findings might be subjected to seasonal changes in precipitation, water discharge, hydrodynamic conditions, and human activities. The compositional patterns of PAHs illustrated that fluorene and phenanthrene were the dominant compounds in the watershed, while phenanthrene was predominant in the estuary. Source analysis by molecular diagnostic ratios and PMF model indicated that fossil fuel and biomass combustion and petroleum both contributed to the presence of PAHs, and the high contributions of pyrogenic PAHs might be related to urban rainstorm runoff in winter and atmospheric inputs in winter. Although the estimated flux of PAHs from watershed to estuary was about 676 kg yr−1 with a low level by comparing the data obtained in the worldwide, continue concern of PAHs in the Jiulong River is recommended due to the intense human activities. • PAH concentrations displayed significant temporal and spatial variations. • Compositional patterns of PAHs were different between watershed and estuary. • Combustion and petroleum both contributed to the presence of PAHs. • Fluvial transport of riverine PAHs was dominate in summer than in winter. • Flux of riverine PAHs transported to the estuary was at a low level globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On July 27, 2003, a spill of approximately 31,000 tons of Iranian light crude oil affected the coast of Karachi, Pakistan. Approximately 11 years after the spill, we analyzed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their alkylated homologues (alkyl-PAHs) as the indicators to evaluate the residual effect of oil spill to the sediment along the Karachi coast. The total concentrations (dry weight) of parent PAHs and alkyl-PAHs ranged from 121.9 to 735.4 and 42.3–1149.9 ng/g, respectively. The estuary and harbor were the two regions with the highest levels of PAHs in the sediment. Conversely, sedimentary PAHs in the oil spill areas and remote coastal areas showed significantly lower levels. Although the results of the source identification indicated the up to 75.2% of the contribution from petroleum and its derivatives, this could only reflect the direct impact of the Karachi city on the presence of PAHs in the coastal sedimentary environment and did not indicated that the oil spill continues to stay 11 years later. Compared with 11 years ago, the sharply reduced PAH content, great changed composition, and the degradation driven trend of diagnostic ratios all indicated a sharp decrease in the influence of PAHs caused by the oil spill. Finally, the ecological risk caused by the PAH residual in the marine sedimentary ecosystem had disappeared along the Karachi coasts, Pakistan. • The concentrations of ∑ 16 PAHs in sediment was decreased 11 years after oil spill. • ΣP-PAHs and ∑alkyl-PAHs provided better information to evaluate oil spill. • PCA-MLR was employed to identify the petroleum-related sources of PAHs in sediment. • PAHs would be unlikely to cause adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal variations and spatial distributions of fifteen perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were investigated in the water of the subtropical Jiulong River Estuary (JRE) in Fujian, China. The concentrations and composition profiles of PFASs showed significant seasonal variations. ∑PFASs concentrations ranged from 4.8 to 37.6 ng L −1 , 12.2 to 110 ng L −1 and 3.3 to 43.0 ng L −1 in the dry, medium and wet seasons, respectively. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was found to be the most abundant PFAS in the dry season, with a composition of 33% ± 5%, Perfluorohexanoic acid PFHxA (47% ± 13%) and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) (52% ± 15%) were the dominant compounds in the medium and wet seasons, respectively. Seasonal and spatial distributions of ∑PFASs were different in the upstream and downstream sections. High concentration of PFHxA occurred in the medium season, and showed a linear decreasing trend from upstream to downstream. The majority of other PFASs did not show clear seasonal variation. Composition profiles indicated that the JRE was mainly contaminated by short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), shipbuilding industry, multiple wastewater and river runoff were identified as major potential sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Biofilter efficiently removes acetochlor at low temperature. • Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria are key to drive acetochlor degradation. • DO and temperature have the largest influence on microbial communities in biofilters. Northeast China has a large area of cultivated land, and the application of various chemical herbicides is very high. As a high-efficiency herbicide widely used in dry fields, its residue in the environment is also concern. Therefore, low-cost and high efficient control measures are urgently needed. Twelve Biofilter simulation devices were designed to investigate the efficiency and mechanism of removing acetochlor under low-temperature conditions. Biochar (Bio-BF), ceramsite (CER-BF), and gravel (GRA-BF) were chosen to be substrates to compare the effect of substrate type on the removal of acetochlor. The results showed that the biochar (Bio-BF) treatment had the shortest onset time (<1 h), The gravel (GRA-BF) treatment had the longest onset of action (more than 8 h), but the removal effect was essentially the same as the biochar treatment. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results revealed that different bacterial communities are formed due to different substrates. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria are the dominant phyla in the three biofilters. Four metabolites, 2-ethyl-6-methyl-N-(ethoxymethyl) acetanilide, N-(2-ethyl-6-methyl phenyl) acetamide, N-(2-ethyl-6-methyl phenyl) formamide, and (2-ethyl-6-methyl phenyl) carbamic acid, were identified using gas phase mass spectrometry. The analysis and prediction of the degradation pathways of acetochlor revealed that Ferribacterium , Klebsiella , and Comamonadaceae belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria and Rhodococcus belonging to the phylum Actinobacteria were the key microorganisms involved in the degradation of acetochlor in the biofilter. Redundancy analysis (RDA) further indicates that dissolved oxygen and temperature are key environmental factors affecting the development of key microbial communities within the biofilter, and that future design of biofilters in Northeast China should focus on how to improve oxygen content and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-catalytic and in-situ catalytic co-pyrolysis of Huadian oil shale (OS) and microalgal powder (MP) were performed using a modified aluminum retort. By comparing the product yields and compositions for non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolyses, the catalytic effect of several additives, including MgO, CaO, ZrO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , zeolite Y, and zeolite ZSM-5, was investigated. This study focused on the deoxygenation performance of the pyrolytic oil. The oil yield increased with increasing MP addition in non-catalytic co-pyrolysis trials. At the OS/MP blending ratio of 3/1, the oil yield was 12.42 wt %, and the oxygen content and H/C ratio of oil were 11.54 wt % and 1.571, respectively. Both CaO and Al 2 O 3 significantly decreased the oxygen content of the oil to <7 wt % with less oil loss (<1 wt %). CaO catalysis facilitated the dehydrogenation of free radicals to release H 2 , thereby increasing alkene formation and decreasing the H/C ratio of the oil to 1.441. Al 2 O 3 catalysis increased the H/C ratio to 1.656 and improved the oil quality. ZSM-5 preferentially catalyzed the reaction between n -alkenes and nitrogenates to yield nitriles, and the catalytic performance for deoxygenation was negligible. Hence, Al 2 O 3 was selected as the most suitable additive for the co-pyrolysis of OS and MP. • CaO and Al 2 O 3 decrease the oxygen content of the oil with less oil loss. • CaO facilitates the dehydrogenation of free radicals to release H 2. • Al 2 O 3 increases the H/C ratio of the oil and improved the oil quality. • ZSM-5 catalyzes the reaction between n-alkenes and nitrogenates to yield nitriles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicological effects of sulfamethazine (SM 2 ) have garnered increasing concern due to its wide applications in aquaculture and persistence in the aquatic environment. Most studies have main focused on freshwater fish (i.e. zebrafish), while information regarding effects of SM 2 on marine species is still scarce. Here, the hepatotoxicities in marine medaka ( Oryzias melastigma ) with an increasing SM2 concentration exposures (0.01 mg/L, 0.1 mg/L and 1 mg/L) were assessed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOF/MS) based metabolomics. Significant metabolites belonging to different metabolites classes were identified by multivariate statistical analysis. The increases levels of amino acids including alanine, asparagine, ornithine, proline, threonine, glutamic acid, lysine, tyrosine and phenylalanine were found in at least two exposure levels. Pathway analysis revealed that amino acids played important biological roles during SM 2 exposure: up-regulation of high energy-related amino acids for energy alteration; immune function disorder, oxidative stress and corresponding toxicities defenses. The down regulations of sugar and fatty acid metabolism were observed with an increasing level of SM2 exposure, suggesting that extra energy for cellular defense and detoxification was demanded in terms of different stress request. This study provided an innovative perspective to explore possible SM2 induced hepatic damages at three exposure levels on a nontarget aquatic specie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation characteristics of Tebuconazole degrading bacterium Serratia marcescens strain B1 in both contaminated soil and culture were investigated in this study. In the liquid mineral salt medium, the optimal temperature, pH value, and inoculation (v/v) for degradation by strain B1 were 30 °C, 7.0, and 4.0%, respectively. When the initial concentration of Tebuconazole was 200 mg L −1 , the degradation rate of Tebuconazole was 94.05% in 8 h. As the initial concentrations of Tebuconazole were higher than 300 mg L −1 , the biodegradation rates declined as the Tebuconazole concentrations raised. As the concentration was 500 mg L −1 , the Tebuconazole was degraded at a rate of only 64.11%. Degradation fit well with the kinetic equation of pesticide degradation as the initial concentrations of Tebuconazole were between 50 and 500 mg L −1 . When strain B1 (cultured at 3 × 10 14 CFU mL −1 ) was mixed with the soil contaminated with tebuconzole (200 mg L −1 and the concentration of strain B1 of 3 × 10 7 CFU g −1 dry soil), the Tebuconazole was degraded at a rate of 96.46% in 30 days, while the control soil (with the absence of strain B1) achieved a degradation rate of only 70.42%. These results demonstrate that in contaminated soil, the strain B1 can substantially increase the degradation rate of Tebuconazole. Results of the greenhouse and field experiments indicate that the strain B1 can remove the residues of Tebuconazole in contaminated soil and Chinese cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the influence of overexpression HGF on the healing of traumatic ulcer of oral mucosa of mice. Material and methods Mice were divided into two groups: wild type C57BL6(WT) and HGF high expression transgenic (HGF-Tg) mice. Traumatic ulcer of all mice were made by number 15 scalpel blade. Mice were sacrificed after 5 days and the inflammation score and expression of TNFα, IFNγ, c-Met, apoptosis (TUNEL) and 40 serum inflammation cytokines were estimated. Results HGF-Tg mice presented a lower inflammation score (p = 0.011), Serum TNFα expression in HGF-Tg ulcers is 1.3 times than WT ulcer and the difference is statistical significance ( t test, p = 0.003). Serum c-Met protein in HGF-Tg mice were significantly higher than WT mice ( t test, p = 0.004). No statistical difference was observed in the serum IFNγ between WT ulcer and HGF-Tg ulcer ( t test, p = 0.268). TNFα positive cytoplasm expression cells in connective tissue of HGF-Tg mice is significantly lower than that of WT group ( t test, p = 0.029). C-Met positive cytoplasm expression cells in both epithelium and connective tissue of HGF-Tg group is significantly higher than that of WT group ( t test, p = 0.040, p = 0.000). Samples in HGF-Tg group showed a lower number of positive cells of epithelium TUNEL staining compared with that in the WT group ( t test, p = 0.035). Conclusions HGF exhibited anti-inflammatory potential in oral traumatic ulcer through the reduction of epithelial apoptosis, connective tissue TNFα expression and induction of c-Met expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mie scattering lidar is widely used in the detection of atmospheric aerosol optical properties, however, the inversion algorithm is lack of accuracy, which is mainly caused by the inaccurate calibration of reference condition in Fernald inversion. Here, we propose a multi-wavelength aerosol backscattering ratio parameterized-calibration method (MABP-CM) based on parameterized equations for reference condition calibration of Fernald inversion. The aerosol backscatter ratios at 355 nm, 532 nm, and 1064 nm wavelengths are respectively calculated from the aerosol size distribution of aerial survey data. We find that there is a positive correlation between the backscatter ratios at different wavelengths, and the parameterized equations are established. The parameterized equations can be used as conversion factors of aerosol backscatter ratio at different wavelengths, which is beneficial to improving the calibration accuracy of multi-wavelength backscatter ratios at reference height in Fernald inversion. The Raman inversion is used to retrieve the 355 nm aerosol backscattering coefficient and aerosol backscatter ratio. Then, combined with MABP-CM, the 532 nm and 1064 nm aerosol backscatter ratios at reference height are respectively derived, to obtain the backscattering coefficients with Fernald backward integration equation. With the improved method, the reference height is allowed not to be at clear atmosphere, and the reference condition can still be accurately calibrated. Simulation verification of multi-wavelength backscattering coefficients is carried out with aerial survey data. Our simulation suggests that MABP-CM can reduce the error of 532 nm backscattering coefficient to ± 20%, and reduce the error of 1064 nm backscattering coefficient to ± 40%. Multi-wavelength aerosol backscattering coefficients can be simultaneously retrieved with high accuracy on cloudy and heavily haze days with MABP-CM. Finally, the multi-wavelength Raman–Mie lidar is used to observe the short-term and long-term changes of aerosol backscattering coefficient on clear and cloudy days. • A parameterized calibration method of backscatter ratio is proposed to improve the inversion accuracy of Fernald method. • Parameterized mathematical model of aerosol backscattering ratio between different wavelengths is established. • Multi-wavelength aerosol backscattering coefficients can be retrieved with high accuracy on cloudy and heavily haze days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Right heart failure is the major cause of death among patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Understanding the biology of the right ventricle (RV) should help developing new therapeutic strategies. Rats subjected to the injection of Sugen5416 (an inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor) plus the ovalbumin immunization had increased pulmonary arterial pressure and severe vascular remodeling. RVs of these rats were hypertrophied and had severe cardiac fibrosis. No apoptosis was, however, detected. Metabolomics analysis revealed that oxidized glutathione, xanthine and uric acid had increased in PAH RVs, suggesting the production of reactive oxygen species by xanthine oxidase. PAH RVs were also found to have a 30-fold lower level of α-tocopherol nicotinate, consistent with oxidative stress decreasing antioxidants and also demonstrating for the first time that the nicotinate ester of vitamin E is endogenously expressed. Oxidative/nitrosative protein modifications including S-glutathionylation, S-nitrosylation and nitrotyrosine formation, but not protein carbonylation, were found to be increased in RVs of rats with PAH. Mass spectrometry identified that S-nitrosylated proteins include heat shock protein 90 and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase. These results demonstrate that RV failure is associated with the promotion of specific oxidative and nitrosative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, the relationship between gender role conflict, professional role confidence, and intentional persistence was examined using data from a survey of male and female Chinese engineering students. Intentional persistence was significantly associated with gender role conflict and professional role confidence; however, the pattern of associations differed for males and females. For male students, gender role conflict and professional role confidence were associated with intentional persistence; however, for female students, the association between professional role confidence and intentional persistence was moderated by gender role conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lagotis integra W. W. Smith (L. integra W. W. Smith) is an important origin plant of the famous Tibetan medicine HERBA LAGOTIS. It was documented to treat "Chi Ba" disease clinically, the symptoms of which are similar to ulcerative colitis (UC). To screen out the active components and study the mechanisms of L. integra W. W. Smith treating UC. The components of L. integra W. W. Smith were comprehensively analyzed using UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS method. The mechanisms were investigated using network pharmacology method including target prediction, protein-protein interaction network analysis and gene enrichment analysis. Then, the mechanisms were verified using Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced UC model. Finally, the core active components were further screened out through molecular docking. The results showed that 32 major components were identified including 8 flavonoids, 9 phenylpropanoid glycosides, 13 iridoid glycosides and 1 phenolic acid. 76 potential core therapeutic targets and top 5 key targets, which were AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and caspase-3 (CASP3), were screened out according to network pharmacology analysis. Animal experiments confirmed that those compounds could downregulate the expression levels of the 5 key target proteins in colonic tissue of mice to exert excellent anti-UC effect. Molecular docking results showed that the main active components were echinacoside, hemiphroside B, plantamajoside, plantainoside D, 10-O-trans-isoferuloyl catalpol and scutellarioside II. For the first time, our study provides insights into the effective materials and molecular mechanisms of L. integra W. W. Smith treating UC, which contributes to the understanding of its pharmacodynamics. [Display omitted] • The main active ingredients of L. integra W. W. Smith treating UC are screened out and validated by animal experiment. • AKT1, VEGFA, TNF-α, EGFR and CASP3 are the main therapeutic targets of L. integra W. W. Smith. • This study contributes to understanding the therapeutic mechanism of L. integra W. W. Smith and protecting its resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antibiotic sulfamethazine (SM 2 ) is commonly used in agriculture and livestock for its broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. Due to its widespread application, SM 2 is frequently detected in surface water and sediments. The objective of this study was to investigate the bioconcentration, distribution and biomarker responses of SM 2 and its main metabolite, acetylated sulfamethazine (N-SM 2 ) in medaka ( Oryzias melastigma ). Two treated groups of medaka were exposed to concentrations of 40 μg/L and 200 μg/L of SM 2 for 24 h to simulate the habitual use of those antibiotics in aquiculture activities. SM 2 and its main metabolite, N-SM 2 , were measured in several tissues during the 24 h uptake period by UPLC/MS/MS. The bile exhibited the highest SM 2 concentration followed by the liver, gonad, gills, and muscle and the bioconcenration factor (BCF) was 10.69–42.95 in female fish and 2.78–145.36 in male fish. N-SM 2 showed a different distribution pattern from the parent compound, accumulating mainly in the gonad, and its BCF was much higher in the male group. Gender-related differences were also observed in the bioconcentration, transform rate and biomarkers of SM 2 . Biomarkers (SOD, CAT) in the liver changed significantly after 2, 12, and 24 h of exposure ( P < 0.05), and presented a double-peak phenomenon. These results indicated that SM 2 can be absorbed and metabolized through multiple routes by fish in a short time. Interactions between biological systems and SM 2 or its metabolites may induce biochemical disturbances in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the cases of Liu Xiaobo and Xu Zhiyong, this article reviews the Court judgments and discussions about the criminal charges of "inciting subversion of state power" and "disrupting public order" used against Liu Xiaobo and Xu Zhiyong respectively. Through a review of the discourses of Chinese legal scholars surrounding the two cases, we focus on the conflicting arguments regarding the Chinese Constitution and the Constitutional right to freedom of expression. This article concludes with an analysis of the political meaning of the two cases by revisiting the debate about the implementation of a Constitutional review and by reflecting upon the political contention between the government's recent re-ideologisation of the Constitution and the growing calls of Chinese citizens who advocate Constitutionalism as a proxy for political reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to investigate the potential association of the NLRP3 rs10754558 and CARD8 rs2043211 polymorphisms with the occurrence and prognosis of CAD. Gene polymorphisms were analyzed using the ABI PRISM-Snapshot multiplex method in 515 CAD patients and 401 control subjects. The serum level of IL-1β was investigated by ELISA assays. The clinical endpoints were evaluated during a median follow-up period of 32 months. The NLRP3 rs10754558 gene polymorphism was significantly associated with the occurrence of CAD, while the CARD8 rs2043211 gene polymorphism was not involved. Patients carrying G allele of NLRP3 rs10754558 had more severe coronary artery stenosis. Multivariable analysis revealed a significant association of the G allele with major adverse cardiac event. The serum IL-1β concentrations in patients with GG genotype were significantly increased compared with those in the patients with CC genotype. Our findings for the first time show that the NLRP3 rs10754558 polymorphism is involved in the occurrence of CAD in the Chinese Han population; and G allele can effectively predict clinical outcome of CAD. The G allele susceptibility to CAD is maybe associated with the increased level of serum IL-1β. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes the fairly recent phenomenon of citizens and organizations requesting disclosure of environmental information in China. Chinese citizens and organizations are invoking the new open government information regulations to push government agencies, particularly environmental protection agencies, to fulfill their legal obligation of information disclosure. By requesting that government agencies disclose environmental information, citizens and organizations have turned themselves into active agents pushing forward the implementation of the new regulations. The findings of this article suggest that a bottom-up legal mobilization in the field of environmental information disclosure, though still with a limited scope, has been happening and endeavoring to make social and political changes in China. Furthermore, this legal mobilization can be seen as an important part of emerging civil society activities in contemporary China. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is characterized by a high rate of local recurrence (LR) even when the surgical margins are considered histopathologically 'normal'. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between early tumor-related markers detected in histologically normal margins (HNM) and LR as well as disease-free survival in OSCC.Methods: The loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of markers on 9p21 (D9s1747, RPS6, D9s162) and 17p13 (TP53) and the immunostaining results of the corresponding mutant P53, P14, P15, and P16 proteins were assessed and correlated with LR and disease-free survival in 71 OSCC patients who had HNM.Results: Fifteen of 71 patients with HNM developed LR. The presence of the following molecular markers in surgical margins was significantly correlated with the development of LR: LOH on chromosome 9p21 (D9s1747 + RPS6 + D9s162), any LOH, P16, and P53 (chi-square test, P < 0.05). The presence of TP53 LOH, 9p21 LOH, any LOH, P15, P16, P53, P16 + D9s1747, and P53 + TP53 had a significant effect on LR (Kaplan-Meier analysis, P < 0.05). P16 + D9s1747 was the most predictive factor using multivariate Cox analyses.Conclusions: Detection of tumor-related markers in histologically 'normal' resection margins may be a useful method for assessing LR in OSCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourteen novel 14,15- diseco -18- nor -pregnane-type steroidal glycosides, mooreanoside A–C ( 1–3 ) and mooreanoside F–P ( 6–16 ) and two new 14,15- diseco -pregnane-type steroidal glycosides, mooreanoside D–E ( 4–5 ) were isolated from the roots of Cynanchum mooreanum Hemsl. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical analysis. Compounds 1 – 6 , 8 – 10 , 12 – 14 and 16 were tested for their immunological activities in vitro against Con-A induced proliferation of mice splenocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The relationship between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and the extent of coronary artery stenosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains uncertain. The present study aimed to assess the correlation of HbA1c level with angiographic coronary atherosclerosis. Methods. 292 consecutive ACS patients were enrolled and stratified into three groups according to HbA1c levels (group 1: <6.0%, n=137; group 2: 6.0–6.4%, n=67; group 3: ≥6.5%, n=88). The severity of coronary arteriosclerosis was assessed by Gensini score. The relationship between HbA1c and Gensini score was analyzed by multiple variables analysis. Results. HbA1c level was not associated with the severity of CAD assessed by Gensini score in patients with ACS, even after the adjustment for other risk factors. However, NT-proBNP, ApoA1 and LVEF levels were independent predictors for CAD severity. Moreover, HbA1c level was not associated with the risk of high Gensini score (>40) by logistic regression analysis. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and LVEF levels were two independent risk factors for high Gensini score. Conclusions. HbA1c level is not a significant and independent marker for the severity of angiography in ACS patients, even in high-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The active antitussive and expectorant MPF were screened. • The active MPF may be the active forms of the platycosides. • The multi-constituents and multi-targets effects of platycosides were explained. A new method involving gut microbiota biotransformation, spectrum-effect relationship analysis and metabolomics analysis was developed to study the antitussive and expectorant microbial metabolites of platycosides fraction (MPFs) of Platycodonis Radix. Furthermore, their possible metabolic mechanisms were studied for the first time. The findings showed that the antitussive and expectorant effects of the platycosides fraction (PF) were significantly enhanced by the gut microbiota biotransformation. 11 active antitussive microbial metabolites and 12 active expectorant microbial metabolites, which shared 8 components, were successfully screened out via spectrum-effect relationship analysis. The prototypes of the active microbial metabolites could be reversely traced according to the gut microbiota biotransformation pathways. It was found out that one platycoside could produce several active microbial metabolites and several different platycosides could produce the same active microbial metabolite. In addition, the metabolomics analysis showed that both the PF and its active microbial metabolites could regulate the same metabolomic pathways of Linoleic acid metabolism, Arachidonic acid metabolism and Glycerophospholipid metabolism to exert antitussive activity, and regulate the same metabolomic pathway of Arachidonic acid metabolism to exert expectorant activity. These findings suggested the microbial metabolites may be the active forms of the platycosides. Overall, the proposed approach was useful in screening the active microbial metabolites; this work explained the in vivo antitussive and expectorant metabolic mechanisms of multi-constituents, multi-targets and synergistic effects of PF of Platycodonis Radix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an active component in many plants, chlorogenic acid (CA) received extensive attention, for it possess lots of pharmacological activities and biological activities. Selection of suitable extraction solvent, extraction method and technological parameters is an important step to further purification and application of CA. The extraction efficiency of organic solvent in extraction of CA from Crataegus Pinnatifida Bge (CPB) is higher than that of water, but it is restricted for its toxicity causing damage to the human body and the environment. As a green and environmentally friendly solvent, ionic liquid was attracting increasing attention in the field of extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) method with the advantages of easy-operating, time-saving, energy-efficient and high efficiency was widely applied. Extraction of CA from CPB using ionic liquids as the solvent with UAE method was studied in this paper. Firstly, ionic liquid was selected from seven kinds of ionic liquids in the study, then the single factor experiments provided the extraction efficiencies of three main factors involving the concentration of ionic liquid, extraction time and solid-liquid ratio; furthermore, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the three parameters of extraction. The content of CA was confirmed by fluorescence spectrometer with standard curve method. The results showed that ionic liquid, [EIm]Cl, was selected as the suitable solvent, and the optimum conditions were [EIm]Cl concentration of 1.19 mol/L, solid-liquid ratio of 19.67 g/mL and extraction time of 42.83 min, which obtained a theoretical CA content of 4 179.48 μg/g. Under the optimum conditions, the verification experiment of the extraction of CA was carried out with the result of CA content of 4 128.28 μg/g, which was agreed well with the regression model. In addition, separation of ionic liquid and CA was finished due to that the ionic liquid is expensive, difficult to degrade and has unpredictable toxicity. Under acidic condition, CA in the ionic liquid was extracted using ethyl acetate as the extraction agent, in which yield of CA was 96.3% of that in the extract; while the purification of ionic liquid was operated by reduced pressure distillation in the rotary evaporator, then dried at 65°C in the vacuum drying oven, and the extraction efficiency of CA reached 92.96% when it was recycled for extraction of CA. Moreover, the comparison between the ionic liquid and traditional solvent by experimental investigation indicated that ionic liquid has obvious advantages in the extraction efficiency and recycling, and is a kind of high efficient, green extraction solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatigue problem of hangers is fatal for the safety of the whole bridge structure. The objective of this study is to present a strain monitoring-based method to assess the fatigue performance of stiff hangers in highway arch bridges and predict their remaining life. A vehicle–bridge interaction system was constructed to analyze the dynamic behavior in the area close to the key welding line where the hanger was connected to the deck slab. Then, the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) algorithm and rain-flow counting algorithm were used in signal preprocessing and statistical analysis of field monitoring data. Finally, the fatigue life was assessed according to the standards in the Chinese Code for the Design of Steel Structures, as well as the Eurocode 3 and AASHTO codes. Differences were found in the fatigue behavior of hangers, and the shortest hanger was shown to surfer more serious fatigue damage. The influence of vehicle volume growth and low-stress amplitude on the fatigue performance was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-based composite coatings reinforced with TiC particles were prepared by laser surface engineering from precursor of ferrotitanium and graphite. Microstructure of the composite coatings was comprised of dendritic TiC dispersed in a ferrite matrix. In situ dendritic TiC was formed by mechanism of precipitating from the liquid Fe-Ti-C alloy system. Composite coatings showed a substantial increase in microhardness in comparison to that of the substrate. Dry sliding wear tests performed at room temperature revealed that the in situ composite coating possessed a considerably reduced wear volume loss owing to the presence of in situ synthesized TiC. A relatively smooth surface was observed for in situ TiC/Fe composite coating due to its high resistance to ploughing and adhesion, which is caused by the uniformly dispersed TiC reinforcement with high volume fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The extensive use of pesticides has promoted the agricultural production, but a series of subsequent environmental issues have drawn the concern of governments and people worldwide, such as groundwater and surface water pollutions. In order to remove these pollutants, photocatalysis has emerged as a powerful method. In this paper, the photocatalytic degradation of an organophosphorus pesticide malathion was investigated using an Au–Pd co-modified TiO2 nanotube film (Au–Pd–TiO2). This film was fabricated by simultaneously photo-depositing Au and Pd precursors on a self-organized TiO2 nanotube film. Its morphology and structures were well characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic experiments revealed that the malathion elimination rate increased by 172% when the photocatalyst of the naked TiO2 nanotube film was replaced by Au–Pd–TiO2. Additionally, the amount of H2O2 yielded on the Au–Pd–TiO2 film in 60min was 2.89 times that on the naked TiO2. The enhanced photocatalytic performance could be attributed to both the effective separation of photo-generated charge carriers and the higher synthesis rate of H2O2. The possible photocatalytic mechanism was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, in situ multiple carbides reinforced Fe-based surface composite coatings were fabricated successfully by laser cladding a precursor mixture of graphite, ferrotitanium (Fe–Ti) and ferromolybdenum (Fe–Mo) powders. The results showed that (Ti, Mo)C particles with flower-like and cuboidal shapes were in situ formed during the solidification and most shapes of (Ti, Mo)C particles were diversiform according to different contents of Fe–Mo powder in the Fe–Ti–Mo–C system. The growth morphology of the reinforcing (Ti, Mo)C carbide has typically faceted features, indicating that the lateral growth mechanism is still predominant growth mode under rapid solidification conditions. Increasing the amount of Fe–Mo in the reactants led to a decrease of carbide size and an increase of volume fraction of carbides. The coatings had good cracking resistance when the amounts of Fe–Mo were controlled within a range of 15wt%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, female and male Thais clavigera whelks were exposed to aqueous and dietary (using oysters as the prey) tributyltin (TBT) for up to 45 days, followed by a 30-day depuration, in order to examine the gender differences in TBT accumulation and transformation. The metabolites of TBT [dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT)] were also measured in different tissues of the whelks (digestive, reproductive and remaining organs) during the exposure and depuration periods. By the end of the exposure period, all of the female whelks developed imposex after TBT exposure, and both the relative penis size index and the vas deferens sequence index were positively correlated with the tissue burden of TBT. However, biomagnification of TBT did not occur in the whelks. TBT was rapidly accumulated in their digestive and reproductive organs from both routes of exposure, and both elimination and biotransformation of TBT were also rapid. The redistribution of TBT among tissues was obvious during the exposure period but negligible during depuration. MBT was generally the major metabolite in each tissue, indicating a significant metabolism of TBT by the whelks. Accumulation, transformation, as well as elimination, were more significant following dietary exposure than following aqueous exposure. In particular, we observed gender-related differences in the biokinetics of TBT. Rapid biotransformation and elimination of TBT were detected in the male whelks, while the female whelks had higher bioaccumulation but lower elimination of TBT in their reproductive organs. Internal remobilization of TBT from digestive to reproductive organs was also more obvious in the females, indicating that the reproductive organs of females were the main targets of TBT accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study: Lubricating gut pill (LGP), a traditional Chinese formula, was widely used for the treatment of chronic constipation, especially in the elderly, in China. However, it is unclear whether LGP-induced laxative and/or lubricating effect is involved in water and electrolytes transport in distal colonic epithelium. Materials and methods: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of LGP on Cl− secretion across rat distal colonic epithelium mounted in Ussing chambers, and on a rat constipation model induced by loperamide, respectively. Results: Application of LGP in the apical side elicited a sustained increase in short circuit current (I SC) response in a concentration-dependent manner. Evidence that LGP-stimulated I SC was due to Cl− secretion is based on inhibition of current by (a) a Na+–K+–2Cl− cotransporter inhibitor bumetanide, (b) removal of Cl− ions in bath solution, and (c) the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl− channel blocker DPC, suggesting that a apical cAMP-dependent Cl− channel was activated. LGP-stimulated I SC was also strongly inhibited by pretreatment with clotrimazole, indicating that the basolateral K+ channel was also involved in maintaining this cAMP-dependent Cl− secretion. Pretreatment of tissues with indomethacin, but not atropine, tetrodotoxin or hexamethonium, inhibited LGP-induced response. In a rat constipation model, oral administration with LGP was significantly restored number of fecal pellets, water content and mucus secretion compared with loperamide-treated group alone. Conclusions: LGP enhances Cl− secretion that is mostly mediated through the release of cyclooxygenase metabolites, by which provided an osmotic force for the subsequent laxative action observed in the rat constipation model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive exergy analysis of three circuits and whole system of a ground-source heat pump (GSHP) for both building heating and cooling modes. The purpose is to search out the key potential energy saving components. The analytical formulae of exergy loss, exergy efficiency, exergy loss ratio, exergy loss coefficient and thermodynamic perfect degree are derived, respectively. The results show that these exergy indexes should be used integratively, and in the whole system the location of maximum exergy loss ratio is the compressor, while the location of minimum exergy efficiency and thermodynamic perfect degree is the ground heat exchanger, so that the compressor and the ground heat exchanger should be primarily improved. The results also indicate that the exergy loss of a GSHP system for building heating mode is bigger than that of cooling mode, and the exergy efficiency of a whole GSHP system is obviously lower than those of its components for both building heating and cooling modes. Therefore, a comprehensive exergy analysis of a GSHP should be paid more attention to. The results may provide guidelines for the design and optimization of GSHP systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) at five different doses from 10 to 1000 mg kg−1 soil on biological properties were investigated over a period of 56 days. Meanwhile, the dissipation of DEHP was also monitored. The results indicated that the microbial biomass C (C mic) fluctuated at around 70 mg kg−1 soil for the control, whereas the C mic varied significantly for the soil samples contaminated by DEHP. The catalase activities in all five treatments were stimulated at most time, and the activities of phosphatase in the soils treated by DEHP with 500 mg kg−1 or 1000 mg kg−1 were significantly higher than the other treatments from the 20th day. Urease was more sensitive and inhibited significantly during the initial period of incubation. Additionally, the dose–response relationship of invertase was presented in the later phase of incubation. The activities of urease and invertase might indicate soil perturbations caused by the introduction of DEHP. The dissipation of DEHP was found to follow the pseudo first-order kinetics behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, different hardfacing layers were produced by shield manual arc welding (SMAW) process in which a bare electrode of H08A was coated with fluxes, to which different measures of ferrotitanium (Fe–Ti), ferrovanadium (Fe–V), ferromolybdenum (Fe–Mo) and graphite had been added. The influence of added alloy elements on the microstructure and wear properties of the Fe-based hardfacing layers was investigated. The results showed that complex carbides of TiC–VC–Mo2C were synthesized via metallurgic reaction during welding. Carbides are uniformly dispersed in the matrix. The addition of graphite and ferromolybdenum can enhance macro-hardness and wear resistance of the hardfacing layer significantly, but increase the crack sensitivity of the hardfacing layer. With the increasing of the additions of Fe–Ti and Fe–V, the macro-hardness and wear resistance of the hardfacing layers increased. A good resistance to cracking and wear resistance of the hardfacing layer could be obtained, when the amounts of graphite, Fe–Ti, Fe–V and Fe–Mo were controlled within a range of 8–10%, 12–15%, 10–12% and 2–4%, respectively. The wear resistance of the deposited layer surfaced by Fe–Ti–V–Mo–C hardfacing alloy possesses a higher wear resistance and less friction coefficient than that of the deposited layer surfaced by EDRCrMoWV-A3-15 hardfacing alloy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: To assess the difference in genetic aberration patterns among the invasive tumor front (ITF), center/superficiality and the stroma adjacent to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), we studied loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and microsatellite instability (MI) at chromosome 9p21 and 17p13 on the three regions by combining laser capture microdissection (LCM) and PCR. We studied 20 OSCC patients with TP53 on chromosome 17p13 and RPS6 on chromosome 9p21. Genomic DNA samples from the ITF, center/superficial and stromal cells adjacent to the tumor were prepared from cryosections using laser-assistant microdissection, then LOH and MI were determined. Cells at the ITF, center/superficiality and stroma showed a high frequency of LOH and MI on chromosomes 17p13 (TP53) and 9p21 (RPS6). Comparison of the patterns of allelic loss and MI encountered at the ITF, center/superficial and stromal cells revealed no concordance. The frequency of RPS6 and TP53 aberration at the epithelial compartment (both ITF and center, 64.7%, 11/17; 70.6%, 12/17) was statistically higher than the stroma (23.5%, 4/17; 43.8%, 7/16) (p <0.05). Furthermore, for the epithelial compartment, the aberrations proportions of TP53 rose from 60.0% (9/15) to 64.7% (11/17) between the center/superficial part and ITF. Also the rate of RPS6 increased from 29.4% (5/17) to 58.8% (10/17) between the center/superficial parts and ITF. The overall frequency of the two markers was statistically higher at the ITF (20/32) than the center/superficial part (15/34) (p <0.05). The current study revealed that intratumor genetic heterogeneity exists in the different histological areas of OSCCs and some particular tumor cell genotypes have correlation with histological patterns. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The microstructure and wear behavior of WC–8TiC–3TaC–8Co cemented carbide and CuZnNi alloy composite strengthening materials have been investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron dispersion X-ray analysis (EDAX) and wear test. Effect of applied load and sliding distance on the wear behavior of the strengthening materials are also studied in this paper. The results show that the cemented carbide particles are surrounded by the α+β phases in the hardfacing layers. There exists an inter-diffusion zone at the interface of the cemented carbides and Cu-based matrix due to the mutual diffusion of elements. The wear volume of both the WC–8TiC–3TaC–8Co/CuZnNi and WC–8Co/CuZnNi composite strengthening layers increased with the increasing of applied load. The WC–8TiC–3TaC–8Co/CuZnNi hardfacing layers exhibited lower wear volume loss than that of WC–8Co/CuZnNi. According to the results of engineering application, the working efficiency and employing life of the milling shoes, which were strengthened by WC–8TiC–3TaC–8Co/CuZnNi composite materials, is by approximately two to three times the milling tools strengthened by WC–8Co/CuZnNi. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The microstructure and wear behavior of WC–TiC–Co/CuZnNi composite surface coating has been investigated by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron dispersion X-ray analysis (EDXA) and wear test. The oxidation behavior of WC–8TiC–8Co and WC–8Co hard metal in the temperature range between 600 and 1000°C was also researched. The oxidation mass gain of WC–8TiC–8Co hard metal is less than the WC–8Co hard metal. The particle of hard metal is surrounded by the α-Cu+β-Zn phase in the surface coating. The size of hard metal is almost unchanged from its original one. There exists an inter-diffusion zone at the interface of the hard metals and Cu-based matrix. The wear volume of both the WC–8TiC–8Co/CuZnNi and WC–8Co/CuZnNi composite surface coatings increased with the increasing of applied load. However, the composite surface coating of WC–8TiC–Co/CuZnNi exhibited lower wear volume than that of WC–8Co/CuZnNi composite surface coating. According to the results of engineering application, the working efficiency and employing life of milling tools, which were surfaced WC–8TiC–8Co/CuZnNi surface coating, is by approximately 2–3 times the milling tools surfaced WC–8Co/CuZnNi surface coating. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper studied the induction kinetics of the enzyme 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase in the liver of the marine fish, Acanthopagrus schlegeli following the exposure to benzo (a)pyrene for up to 14 days at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0,5.0 µg l - 1 . The results demonstrated a dose-response relationship between hepatic enzyme activities induction and benzo(a)pyrene concentration. Hepatic enzyme activities were significantly induced by the second day with exposure to the lower concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene (0.5 µg l -1 and 1.0 µ g l - 1 ), and at 12 hours of exposure for the higher concentrations (2.0 l -1 and 5.0 µ g l - 1 ). After 7 days depuration, the activities of the enzyme of fish returned to the control level. This indicated that while benzo(a)pyrene has an effect on the hepatic enzyme activity, the fish can eliminate a major part of BaP metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The microstructure and wear behavior of WC–8TiC–3TaC–8Co cemented carbide and Cu–Zn–Ni alloy composite strengthening materials have been investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron dispersion X-ray analysis (EDAX) and wear test. Effect of applied load and sliding distance on the wear behavior of the strengthening materials are also studied in this paper. The results show that the cemented carbide particles are surrounded by the α-Cu+β-Zn phases in the hardfacing layers. There exists an inter-diffusion zone at the interface of the cemented carbides and Cu-based matrix due to the mutual diffusion of elements. The wear volume of both the WC–8TiC–3TaC–8Co/CuZnNi and WC–8Co/CuZnNi composite strengthening layers increased with the increasing of applied load. The WC–8TiC–3TaC–8Co/CuZnNi hardfacing layers exhibited lower wear volume loss than that of WC–8Co/CuZnNi. According to the results of engineering application, the working efficiency and employing life of the milling shoes, which were strengthened by WC–8TiC–3TaC–8Co/CuZnNi composite materials, is by approximately two to three times the milling tools strengthened by WC–8Co/CuZnNi. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

TiC particle reinforced Ni-based alloy composite coatings were clad to AISI 4140 chromium molybdenum alloy steel substrate using a laser. The microstructure and tribological behavior of coatings were studied experimentally by means of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and wear tests. Partial solution of TiC particles occurs in the laser melting pool during the heating stage. Twins and dislocations were observed at the interface of TiC particles and the matrix. The wear resistance was found to correlate with the load and amount of the TiC particles present in the clad layer. By adding La2O3, the hardness of clad coatings was significantly increased, and the wear resistance of clad coatings was enhanced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Based on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of sixteen Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) with GC and GC-MSD, the concentrate distribution and transportation characteristics of PAHs in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and surface sediments (SS) from the Pearl River Estuary were studied. Whether in SPM or in SS, the concentration distribution of PAHs were characterized by acenaphthene (mean 55.5 µg/g in SPM, 226 ng/g in SS) with subordinate amounts of the tri- and tetra-cycle PAHs such as fluorene, fluoranthene, phenaphene and pyrene. However, PAHs had different composition and concentration in SPM and SS. Pentacyclic PAHs appeared in SS and seldom in SPM because of their low solubility and high molecular weight. The concentrations of the tri-, tetracyclic PAHs in SPM were 100–300 times higher than those in SS. The total PAHs varied from 12–281 µg/g (mean 77 µg/g) in SPM and 208–1849 ng/g (mean 537 ng/g) in SS respectively. There were similar correlations between the concentrations of PAHs in SPM and salinity, and between the distance of the stations from the river outlet moving seawards and the concentrations of PAHs. These indicated that PAHs were degraded or transported along with the salinity gradient in SPM and the distance from the river outlet in SS. It was also suggested that the sources of these PAHs are from sewage and shipping discharge-pollutants. Pearl River Estuary had been lightly contaminated by PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a highly parallel method is developed for simulating the elastodynamics of a four-chamber human heart with patient-specific geometry. The heterogeneous hyperelastic model is discretized by a finite element method in space and a fully implicit adaptive method in time, and the resulting nonlinear algebraic systems are solved by a scalable domain decomposition algorithm. The deformations of the cardiac muscles are quite complex due to the realistic geometry, the heterogeneous hyperelasticity of the cardiac tissue, and the myocardial fibers with active stresses. Moreover, the deformations in different chambers and at different phases of the cardiac cycle are very different. To simulate all the muscle movements including the atrial diastole, the atrial systole, the isovolumic contraction, the ventricular ejection, the isovolumic relaxation, and the ventricular filling, the temporal-spatial mesh needs to be sufficiently fine, but not too fine so that the overall computing time is manageable, we introduce a baseline mesh in space and a two-level time stepping strategy including a uniform baseline time step size to obtain the desired time accuracy and an adaptive time stepping method within a baseline time step to guarantee the convergence of the nonlinear solver. Through numerical experiments, we investigate the performance of the proposed method with respect to the material coefficients, the fiber orientations, as well as the mesh sizes and the time step sizes. For an unstructured tetrahedral mesh with more than 200 million degree of freedoms, the method scales well for up to 16,384 processor cores for all steps of an entire cardiac cycle. • Introduce a highly parallel method for simulating elastodynamics of a human heart. • A 4-chamber patient-specific heart is modeled by heterogeneous material with fibers. • A fully unstructured finite element method is used for the complex geometry. • A nonlinear domain decomposition algorithm is developed for the algebraic systems. • A 2-level adaptive time integration scheme is introduced for accuracy and robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass surgery has been widely adopted in treating moyamoya disease (MMD). Geometric variations including high tortuosity and stenosis exist in many cases, but the hemodynamic effects have not been comprehensively evaluated. We aim to evaluate the hemodynamic effects of bypass geometry variations based on patient-specific data. In total, 17 patients with MMD who underwent STA-MCA bypass surgery with highly tortuous bypass geometry were included. For each patient, the original 3-dimensional structure of STA-MCA bypass was reconstructed from clinical imaging data. The bypass structure was virtually improved by removing the tortuosity and stenosis. Computational fluid dynamics simulation was performed on both bypass structures under identical patient-specific condition. The simulated hemodynamic parameters of the bypass and its distal branches were compared between the original and virtually improved bypass geometries in all cases using paired t -test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The changes of hemodynamic parameters were compared between the cases with and without mild-to-moderate stenosis (44.0–70.3% in diameter) in the bypass using t -test or Mann-Whitney U test. The virtual improvement of bypass geometry significantly increased the flow rate of the bypass and its distal branches (P < 0.05) and decreased the transcranial flow resistance (P < 0.05). The hemodynamic changes in cases with stenosis removal were significantly greater than those without stenosis (P < 0.05). High tortuosity and stenosis can significantly change the hemodynamics of STA-MCA bypass, and the optimization of bypass geometry deserves further consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thirty-five wild Z. nitudum samples from different growing sites were collected and attributed to four types. • Five active compounds including three alkaloids, one linnan, and one flavonoid were characterized by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography. • The nine transcriptome libraries of type III and three libraries of type I were performed. • 77 candidate unigenes involved in biosynthesis pathway of five active compounds were identified. • Providing us insight into resource preservation and the potential of molecular breeding for improving the quality of Z. nitidum. The dried roots of Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC have been widely used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, toothache, stomach ache, bruises, and snakebites. Alkaloid content, particularly for nitidine chloride (NC), is a crucial indicator of herb quality. Abuse of plant sources of Z. nitidum , such as the usage of NC content not adhering to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia specification, has appeared in herb markets. Thus, a distribution survey was conducted on wild samples from 35 sites grown in 5 provinces, including the evaluation of morphological and phytochemical differences (three alkaloids, one flavonoid, and one lignin). Consequently, the surveyed plants were attributed to four types: three species (type I, II, and III) and one variety (type IV). The NC content of most type I, II, and III plants met quality guidelines, however, all three type IV plants from Guangxi Province exhibited low NC content; the use of plants from that area should be carefully considered. To identify the biosynthetic pathway of NC and other active compounds, nine transcriptomes of type III (root, stem and leaf, three replicates for each tissue) and three of type I (three leaf replicates) were performed to mine candidate unigenes. A set of 505,386 unigenes with an average length of 866 bp were identified. Coexpression analysis of tissue expression patterns were used to narrow down the candidate genes. Consequently, 23 candidate unigenes involved in the alkaloid biosynthesis pathway, 38 unigenes in the lignan biosynthesis pathway, and 16unigenes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were screened. The distribution survey and phytochemical and transcriptome analyses conducted in this study provided valuable insights into resource preservation and the potential of molecular breeding to improve the quality of Z. nitidum products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]