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Abstract We aimed to investigate the feasibility of the sandwich technique to treat pectus carinatum combined with Harrison sulcus. We retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 38 paediatric patients with pectus carinatum combined with Harrison sulcus treated from June 2015 to October 2022. All the patients underwent surgery using the sandwich technique. The surgical conditions and postoperative outcomes of the patients and the satisfaction score of family members were analysed. Overall, the patients had a mean duration of surgery of 179.05 ± 36.01 min, intraoperative blood loss of 10.03 ± 2.77 mL, postoperative hospital stay of 6.89 ± 0.73 days, and postoperative satisfaction score of 89.4 ± 4.6. The incidence of surgical complications was 7.89%. The internal fixation stents were removed in 22 patients, and there was no recurrence during a follow-up 371.4 ± 6.3 days post-stent removal. These results were satisfactory. The use of the sandwich technique to treat this condition does not reduce the volume of the thorax after the procedure and results in an aesthetically pleasing incision, less complications, and fast postoperative recovery. Thus, it is a safe and effective method that is worthy of being promoted for clinical application.

ObjectiveThe brain-computer interface (BCI) systems based on rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) have been widely utilized for the detection of target and non-target images. Collaborative brain-computer interface (cBCI) effectively fuses electroencephalogram (EEG) data from multiple users to overcome the limitations of low single-user performance in single-trial event-related potential (ERP) detection in RSVP-based BCI systems. In a multi-user cBCI system, a superior group mode may lead to better collaborative performance and lower system cost. However, the key factors that enhance the collaboration capabilities of multiple users and how to further use these factors to optimize group mode remain unclear.ApproachThis study proposed a group-member selection strategy to optimize the group mode and improve the system performance for RSVP-based cBCI. In contrast to the conventional grouping of collaborators at random, the group-member selection strategy enabled pairing each user with a better collaborator and allowed tasks to be done with fewer collaborators. Initially, we introduced the maximum individual capability and maximum collaborative capability (MIMC) to select optimal pairs, improving the system classification performance. The sequential forward floating selection (SFFS) combined with MIMC then selected a sub-group, aiming to reduce the hardware and labor expenses in the cBCI system. Moreover, the hierarchical discriminant component analysis (HDCA) was used as a classifier for within-session conditions, and the Euclidean space data alignment (EA) was used to overcome the problem of inter-trial variability for cross-session analysis.Main resultsIn this paper, we verified the effectiveness of the proposed group-member selection strategy on a public RSVP-based cBCI dataset. For the two-user matching task, the proposed MIMC had a significantly higher AUC and TPR and lower FPR than the common random grouping mode and the potential group-member selection method. Moreover, the SFFS with MIMC enabled a trade-off between maintaining performance and reducing the number of system users.SignificanceThe results showed that our proposed MIMC effectively optimized the group mode, enhanced the classification performance in the two-user matching task, and could reduce the redundant information by selecting the sub-group in the RSVP-based multi-user cBCI systems.

Goethe hat 1827 in seiner Überarbeitung des Originalmanuskripts vom Helena-Akt in Faust II das Leben, das Schicksal und die Persönlichkeit von Helena erweitert und ihr Würde und Menschlichkeit verliehen. Inzwischen befasste sich Goethe mit der Lektüre der klassischen chinesischen Literatur, was zur Schaffung von seinem Werk Chinesisches führte. Goethe stattete die klassischen Schönheiten mit einem vergleichbaren Schicksal und ähnlichen ästhetischen Eigenschaften aus wie die Helena. In seiner Rekonstruktion von Helena und den chinesischen klassischen Schönheiten schwächte Goethe deren nationale literarische Identität und betont die Universalität der Menschheit. Die Tatsache, dass der Helena-Akt schließlich zu einer ästhetischen Tragödie wird, die die allgemeine menschliche Situation widerspiegelt, ist im Wesentlichen auf die Perspektive der Weltliteratur zurückzuführen, die Goethe in seinen späteren Jahren im Zuge der Aufarbeitung des klassischen Ideals entwickelte.

Abstract Objectives Enhanced neuroinflammation is an important mechanism underlying perioperative neurocognitive disorders. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in regulating systemic immune responses. The present study was aimed to investigate the participation of Tregs in the development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Methods Surgery-associated neurocognitive disorder was induced in 18-month-old mice subjected to internal fixation of tibial fracture. Morris water maze was used to examine mice cognitive function. Splenic Tregs were collected for RNA sequencing and flow cytometry. Levels of inflammatory factors in the circulation and hippocampus were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein presences of tight junction proteins were detected by immunofluorescence. Results Surgery of internal fixation of tibial fracture induced cognitive impairment in aged mice, accompanied by elevated plasma levels of inflammatory factors and increased circulating Tregs. Transfusion of Tregs from young mice partially restored the structure of the blood–brain barrier and alleviated POCD in aged mice. Compared with young Tregs, differentially expressed genes in aged Tregs were enriched in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway and cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction. Flow cytometry revealed that aged Tregs had blunted functions under basal and stimulated conditions. Blockade of the CD25 epitope protected the blood–brain barrier structure, reduced TNF-α levels in the hippocampus, and improved surgery-associated cognition in aged mice. Conclusions Blocking peripheral regulatory T cells improves surgery-induced cognitive function in aged mice. Therefore, aged Tregs play an essential role in the occurrence of POCD.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a key role in promoting tumor malignant progression. Suppression of hyperactivated STAT3 signaling has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for many cancer types. In this study, the effect of 6-ethoxydihydrosanguinarine (6-EDS), a secondary transformation product formed from dihydrosanguinarine, isolated from Macleaya (Papaveraceae), was evaluated in gastric cancer (GC). We demonstrated that 6-EDS inhibited the survival, migration, and invasiveness of GC cells in vitro. Moreover, 6-EDS inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and transcriptional activity, thus suppressing the mRNA expression of downstream target genes associated with the malignant survival, migration, and invasiveness of GC cells. Molecular docking indicated that 6-EDS directly bound the SH2 domain of STAT3. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that 6-EDS inhibited the binding of phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated STAT3 to target DNA. Cellular thermal-shift assays and microscale thermophoresis further confirmed the direct binding of 6-EDS to STAT3. Site-directed mutagenesis indicated that the S611 residue in the SH2 domain of STAT3 is critical for 6-EDS binding. In vivo, 6-EDS decreased tumor growth in xenografted nude mice by blocking STAT3 signaling. These findings indicated that 6-EDS, a direct STAT3 inhibitor, may be a potent anticancer candidate for GC therapy.

Die früheste Rezeption des chinesischen Romans Geschichte der Drei Reiche in Deutschland lässt sich auf das Jahr 1856 datieren. In diesem Beitrag wird auf die Rezeption der Geschichte der Drei Reiche durch Schriftsteller und Sinologen in deutschsprachigen Ländern im Zeitraum von 1856 bis 1940 eingegangen. Durch eine Einteilung der Rezeption in drei Epochen kommt der Beitrag schließlich zu dem Ergebnis, dass die Rezeption des Romans Geschichte der Drei Reiche in deutschsprachigen Ländern von den politischen und kulturellen Kontexten verschiedener historischer Epochen geprägt war. Die Gemeinschaft der deutschen Übersetzer haben einen bemerkenswerten Beitrag zur Verbreitung und Rezeption des Romans in Deutschland geleistet und eine positive und aktive Rolle gespielt, um die kulturelle Interaktion und das gegenseitige Verständnis zwischen China und Deutschland zu fördern.

Abstract When studying the harm of geomagnetic storms to the power system, the focus is often placed on the influence of transformers reactive power loss (GIC‐Q) caused by geomagnetic induced current (GIC) on voltage fluctuation. GIC‐Q, as a reactive load, can cause power flow changes, and the small disturbance stability is affected by the power flow distribution before disturbance, so GIC‐Q connects geomagnetic storms with small disturbance stability. In this study, the probability distribution function of induced geoelectric fields is established, and the sample data is obtained by sampling. Combined with the GIC benchmark network model, multiple sets of GIC‐Q in each substation are calculated and added to the system one by one to study the influence of geomagnetic storms on the oscillation characteristic parameters and establish the risk index of small disturbance instability. The result shows that the risk index value of oscillation instability in the occurrence of geomagnetic storms increases both in the AC system and the AC/DC hybrid system, but the increased range of risk value of local oscillation instability decreases with the addition of DC systems. The research results can provide a reference for evaluating the influence of geomagnetic storms on the stable operation of power systems.

To determine the estimated pertussis incidence in adults and the need for a booster dose by detecting pertussis and diphtheria antibody levels in adults in Shaanxi province, China. Blood samples were collected from healthy individuals aged 18–59 years in Shaanxi province in 2017. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against pertussis toxin (PT) and diphtheria toxin (DT) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The data on reported pertussis cases in Shaanxi province were collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention and compared with the results of this study. A total of 4307 subjects were enrolled. The mean concentration of anti-PT IgG was 19.6 IU/mL (95% CI = 18.9–20.3), and the positive rate (≥40 IU/mL) was 11.0% (474/4307), of which recent infections (≥100 IU/mL) accounted for 1.2% (53/4307). Only one adult case of pertussis was reported in 2017, which is much lower than the results of this study. The mean concentration of anti-DT IgG was 0.04 IU/mL (95% CI = 0.04–0.05), and the positive rate (≥0.01 IU/mL) was 82.3% (3543/4307). The mean concentration of anti-DT IgG decreased from 0.07 IU/mL in the 18–29 year-old group to 0.03 IU/mL in the 50–59 year-old-group, and the positivity rate decreased from 86.7% to 78.7%. Our study suggests that pertussis is not uncommon among adults. The existing surveillance system might have underestimated the true incidence of pertussis. The diphtheria antibody levels decreased with age. Booster vaccination against pertussis should be considered for adolescents and young adults.

Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modification triggers malignant behavior in tumor cells, which promotes malignant progression and migration of gastric cancer (GC). Nevertheless, studies on the prognostic value of m6A-related long non-coding RNA (MRlncRNA) in GC remain quite restricted. The study aimed to develop a reasonable predictive model to explore the prognostic potential of MRlncRNAs in predicting the prognosis of GC patients and monitoring the efficacy of immunotherapy.Methods: Transcriptomic and clinical data for GC were derived from TCGA. Next, univariate Cox, LASSO and multivariate Cox regression analyses were next used to identify prognostic MRlncRNAs, calculate risk scores and build risk assessment models. The predictive power of the risk models was then validated by Kaplan-Meier analysis, ROC curves, DCA, C-index, and nomogram. We attempted to effectively differentiate between groups in terms of immune cell infiltration status, ICI-related genes, immunotherapy responses, and common anti-tumor drug sensitivity.Results: A risk model based on 11 MRlncRNAs was developed with an AUC of 0.850, and the sensitivity and specificity of this model in predicting survival probability is satisfactory. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the low-risk group in the model had a significantly higher survival rate, and the model was highly associated with survival status, clinical features, and clinical stage. Furthermore, the model was verified to be an independent prognostic risk factor, and the low-risk group in the model had a remarkable positive correlation with a variety of immune cell infiltrates. The expression levels of ICI-related genes differed significantly between the different groups. Lastly, immunotherapy responses and common anti-tumor drug sensitivity also differed significantly between different groups.Conclusion: The risk model on the basis of 11-MRlncRNAs can serve as independent predictors of GC prognosis and may be useful in developing personalized treatment strategies for patients.

Objectives: Diabetes is an independent risk factor for dementia. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a critical player in diabetes and diabetic complications. The present study aimed to investigate the role of mitochondrial dynamic changes in diabetes-associated cognitive impairment.Methods: Cognitive functions were examined by novel object recognition and T-maze tests. Mice hippocampi were collected for electron microscopy and immunofluorescence examination. Neuron cell line HT22 and primary hippocampal neurons were challenged with high glucose in vitro. Mitotracker-Red CM-H2X ROS was used to detect mitochondrial-derived free radicals.Results: Diabetic mice exhibited memory loss and spatial disorientation. Electron microscopy revealed that diabetic mice had larger synaptic gaps, attenuated postsynaptic density and fewer dendritic spines in the hippocampus. More round-shape mitochondria were observed in hippocampal neurons in diabetic mice than those in control mice. In cultured neurons, high glucose induced a high phosphorylated level of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) and increased oxidative stress, resulting in cell apoptosis. Inhibition of mitochondrial fission by Mdivi-1 and metformin significantly decreased oxidative stress and prevented cell apoptosis in cultured cells. Treatment of Mdivi-1 and metformin restored cognitive function in diabetic mice.Conclusion: Metformin restores cognitive function by inhibiting mitochondrial fission, reducing mitochondrial-derived oxidative stress, and mitigating neuron loss in hippocampi of diabetic mice. The protective effects of metformin shed light on the therapeutic strategy of cognitive impairment.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive and lethal malignancy with a limited response to current therapies. Novel and effective treatment is urgently needed. Herein, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK92 cell line, with an interleukin (IL)-15Rα-sushi/IL-15 complex and a Programmed cell death-1(PD1) signal inverter was constructed and named SP (Sushi-IL15-PD1). We showed that CAR expression enabled SP cells to proliferate independently of IL-2 and became more resistant to nutrition starvation-induced apoptosis. Meanwhile, SP cells were more effective than NK92 in PDAC cell killing assays in vitro and in vivo, and there was a positive correlation between the killing capability of SP cells and PD-L1 expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Based on the synergistic and comprehensive effects of the special CAR structure, the adhesion, responsiveness, degranulation efficiency, targeted delivery of cytotoxic granule content, and cytotoxicity of SP cells were significantly stronger than those of NK92. In conclusion, the SP cell line is a promising adoptive immunotherapy cell line and has potential value as an adjuvant treatment for pancreatic cancer, especially in patients with high PD-L1 expression.

Abstract Self-assembled nanostructure arrays integrating the advantages of the intrinsic characters of nanostructure as well as the array stability are appealing in advanced materials. However, the precise bottom-up synthesis of nanostructure arrays without templates or substrates is quite challenging because of the general occurrence of homogeneous nucleation and the difficult manipulation of noncovalent interactions. Herein, we first report the precisely manipulated synthesis of well-defined louver-like P-doped carbon nitride nanowire arrays (L-PCN) via a supramolecular self-assembly method by regulating the noncovalent interactions through hydrogen bond. With this strategy, CN nanowires align in the outer frame with the separation and spatial location achieving ultrastability and outstanding photoelectricity properties. Significantly, this self-assembly L-PCN exhibits a superior visible light-driven hydrogen evolution activity of 1872.9 μmol h−1 g−1, rendering a ~ 25.6-fold enhancement compared to bulk CN, and high photostability. Moreover, an apparent quantum efficiency of 6.93% is achieved for hydrogen evolution at 420 ± 15 nm. The experimental results and first-principles calculations demonstrate that the remarkable enhancement of photocatalytic activity of L-PCN can be attributed to the synergetic effect of structural topology and dopant. These findings suggest that we are able to design particular hierarchical nanostructures with desirable performance using hydrogen-bond engineering.

The study aims to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against tetanus among healthy people aged 1–59 years old in Shaanxi province. IgG against tetanus in serum samples were detected by ELISA. 6,439 subjects were enrolled. The positive rate (≥0.01 IU/mL) was 84.39% and GMC was 0.03 IU/mL. There were significant differences in positive rates (χ2 = 308.944, p < 0.01) and GMC (Z = 5,200,000, p < 0.01) among different age groups. The positive rates (χ2 = 304.3, p < 0.01) and GMCs (χ2 = 146.417, p < 0.01) showed regional differences. Both full protection rate (≥0.1 IU/mL) (χ2 = 36.834, p < 0.01) and GMC (Z = 688,000, p < 0.01) increased with the doses of tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccines (TTCVs) administered. The positive rate (χ2 = 54.136, p < 0.01) and GMC (Z = 140,200, p < 0.01) decreased gradually with the time interval after full immunization with TTCVs. The full protection rate (≥0.1 IU/mL) (χ2 = 176.201, p < 0.01) and GMC (Z = 629,900, p < 0.01) decreased with the interval (years) since the last dose of TTCVs. There were significant differences in the positive rates and GMCs for different ages, regions, immunization histories of TTCVs, and doses of TTCVs administered. The full protection rate and GMC decreased with the interval following full immunization with TTCVs and the interval since the last dose of TTCVs. The importance of using tetanus booster doses should be emphasized in adolescents and adults.

Modified Huangqi Chifeng decoction (MHCD) has been used to reduce proteinuria in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) for many years. Previously, we have demonstrated its protective role in glomerular mesangial cells. Podocyte injury, another key factor associated with proteinuria in IgAN, has also attracted increasing attention. However, whether MHCD can reduce proteinuria by protecting podocytes remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of MHCD against podocyte injury in a rat model of IgAN. To establish the IgAN model, rats were administered bovine serum albumin, carbon tetrachloride, and lipopolysaccharide. MHCD in three doses or telmisartan was administered once daily for 8 weeks (n = 10 rats/group). Rats with IgAN developed proteinuria at week 6, which worsened over time until drug intervention. After drug intervention, MHCD reduced proteinuria and had no effect on liver and kidney function. Furthermore, MHCD alleviated renal pathological lesions, hyperplasia of mesangial cells, mesangial matrix expansion, and podocyte foot process fusion. Western blot analysis revealed that MHCD increased the expression of the podocyte-associated proteins nephrin and podocalyxin. Additionally, we stained podocyte nuclei with an antibody for Wilms’ tumor protein one and found that MHCD increased the podocyte number in rats with IgAN. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that MHCD attenuates proteinuria by reducing podocyte injury.

The human kinome comprises 538 kinases playing essential functions by catalyzing protein phosphorylation. Annotation of subcellular distribution of the kinome greatly facilitates investigation of normal and disease mechanisms. Here, we present Kinome Atlas (KA), an image-based map of the kinome annotated to 10 cellular compartments. 456 epitope-tagged kinases, representing 85% of the human kinome, were expressed in HeLa cells and imaged by immunofluorescent microscopy under a similar condition. KA revealed kinase family-enriched subcellular localizations and discovered a collection of new kinase localizations at mitochondria, plasma membrane, extracellular space, and other structures. Furthermore, KA demonstrated the role of liquid-liquid phase separation in formation of kinase condensates. Identification of MOK as a mitochondrial kinase revealed its function in cristae dynamics, respiration, and oxidative stress response. Although limited by possible mislocalization due to overexpression or epitope tagging, this subcellular map of the kinome can be used to refine regulatory mechanisms involving protein phosphorylation.

Beijing-Tianjin High Speed Railway is the first high-speed railway in China. The Beijing section of it runs through areas affected by subsidence which threaten its safe operation. This study develops a new time series fusion method based on the minimum gradient difference of a fitting curve to produce time series subsidence along this section. Through blending Envisat ASAR and TerrSAR-X time series, the InSAR-derived subsidence and its spatial–temporal development was analyzed along the railway. The relationship between subsidence and its causes was then explored using a maximum entropy model. The study reveals that: (1) The subsidence dynamics identified using the new fusion method agrees with the ground deformation measurements; (2) The sections of most severe subsidence occur between kilometer point KP 11 and KP 21; and (3) The main hydrogeological factors affecting subsidence are the compressible deposit thickness and the groundwater level in the second confined aquifer. The new fusion method proposed improves the accuracy and reliability of subsidence time series. It extends the time span of subsidence monitoring. The approach is mainly applicable to areas with significant vertical deformation, and is particularly suitable for integrating multi-platform data with overlapping in time or with a short time gap.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common subtype of hematological malignancy in humans, and its incidence increases with age. The treatment of AML still faces challenges. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more effective targeted therapies. The receptor tyrosine kinase C-KIT confers critical proliferative signals to AML. Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) is an endogenous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which promotes the growth and transformation of various solid tumors. These actions make CIP2A a promising target for tumor treatment. Here, we reported the effects and underlying mechanisms of a natural compound, cucurbitacin B (CuB), on AML. We reported that CuB suppressed growth and induced apoptosis in AML cells. The inhibition of growth and activation of apoptosis were mediated through CuB-induced downregulation of the CIP2A/PP2A/C-KIT signal pathway. Furthermore, CuB inactivated the JAK2 and STAT3 molecules downstream of C-KIT via the downregulation of CIP2A. These results advance our understanding of CuB-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis and support further investigation of CuB as a CIP2A inhibitor for AML therapies. Keywords: Cucurbitacin B, Acute myeloid leukemia, CIP2A, C-KIT, PP2A

The inaccuracy of the geoelectric structure model is the main reason for the low accuracy of the evaluation of the impact of the ground-return current (GRC) of ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) on the AC power grid. Given insufficient raw data of soil resistivity, the Kriging method combined with the original data of magnetotelluric sounding (MT) is proposed to predict the soil resistivity in the unknown area and form the Kriging soil electrical structure model. In view of the high cost and slow speed of large-scale earth surface potential (ESP) calculation, it is proposed to separate the small-scale resistivity mutation region in the Kriging soil electrical structure model from the large-scale model, and use the Dirichlet Neumann (DN) iterative algorithm to calculate the ESP in parallel for multiple sub-regions. Based on the measured data of the bias current of each substation around the Zhalute grounding electrode of ± 800 kV Zhalute-Qingzhou UHVDC transmission project, it is proved that the accuracy of using the data obtained by Kriging method to establish the soil electrical structure model.

Ethoxysanguinarine (Eth) is a benzophenanthridine alkaloid extracted from Macleaya cordata (Willd) R. Br. It possesses antibacterial and antiviral activities and offers therapeutic benefits for the treatment of respiratory syndrome virus-induced cytopathic effects. However, the effect of Eth on human tumors and its pharmacological effects remain to be elucidated, together with its cellular target. Here, we examined the effects of Eth on breast cancer (BC) cells. We found that at low doses, Eth strongly inhibited the viability of BC cell lines and induced autophagy. Mechanistic studies showed that Eth induced autophagy by upregulating the activity of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The AMPK inhibitor compound C significantly attenuated Eth-induced autophagy and inhibited proliferation. Meanwhile, the AMPK activator metformin significantly enhanced Eth-induced autophagy and inhibited proliferation. Computational docking and affinity assays showed that Eth directly interacted with the allosteric drug and metabolite site of AMPK to stabilize its activation. AMPK was less activated in tumor samples compared to normal breast tissues and was inversely associated with the prognosis of the patients. Moreover, Eth exhibited potent anti-BC activity in nude mice and favorable pharmacokinetics in rats. These characteristics render Eth as a promising candidate drug for further development and for designing new effective AMPK activators.

The hydropower system in the Upper Yellow River (UYR), one of the largest hydropower bases in China, plays a vital role in the energy structure of the Qinghai Power Grid. Due to management difficulties, there is still considerable room for improvement in the joint operation of this system. This paper presents a general LINGO-based integrated framework to study the operation of the UYR hydropower system. The framework is easy to use for operators with little experience in mathematical modeling, takes full advantage of LINGO's capabilities (such as its solving capacity and multi-threading ability), and packs its three layers (the user layer, the coordination layer, and the base layer) together into an integrated solution that is robust and efficient and represents an effective tool for data/scenario management and analysis. The framework is general and can be easily transferred to other hydropower systems with minimal effort, and it can be extended as the base layer is enriched. The multi-objective model that represents the trade-off between power quantity (i.e., maximum energy production) and power reliability (i.e., firm output) of hydropower operation has been formulated. With equivalent transformations, the optimization problem can be solved by the nonlinear programming (NLP) solvers embedded in the LINGO software, such as the General Solver, the Multi-start Solver, and the Global Solver. Both simulation and optimization are performed to verify the model's accuracy and to evaluate the operation of the UYR hydropower system. A total of 13 hydropower plants currently in operation are involved, including two pivotal storage reservoirs on the Yellow River, which are the Longyangxia Reservoir and the Liujiaxia Reservoir. Historical hydrological data from multiple years (2000-2010) are provided as input to the model for analysis. The results are as follows. 1) Assuming that the reservoirs are all in operation (in fact, some reservoirs were not operational or did not collect all of the relevant data during the study period), the energy production is estimated as 267.7, 357.5, and 358.3×108 KWh for the Qinghai Power Grid during dry, normal, and wet years, respectively. 2) Assuming that the hydropower system is operated jointly, the firm output can reach 3110 MW (reliability of 100%) and 3510 MW (reliability of 90%). Moreover, a decrease in energy production from the Longyangxia Reservoir can bring about a very large increase in firm output from the hydropower system. 3) The maximum energy production can reach 297.7, 363.9, and 411.4×108 KWh during dry, normal, and wet years, respectively. The trade-off curve between maximum energy production and firm output is also provided for reference.

With the implementation of mumps virus (MuV) vaccination in the expanded program on immunization (EPI) in mainland China since 2008, the incidence of mumps has decreased, and the natural epidemic pattern of mumps has slightly changed during 2013-2015. The two epidemic peaks (April-July and November-December) became less obvious than those observed from 2004 to 2012. Children and adolescents younger than 15, particularly in the five-to-nine-year-old age group, remain the target group and should be the focus of high-quality immunization activities in mainland China. However, it was also found that the incidence and reported cases of mumps decreased in each age group during 2013-2015, particularly in the five-to-nine-year-old and ten-to-fourteen-year-old age groups. The proportion of mumps cases among adults in some provinces also increased. Unlike the changes in the epidemiological characteristics of mumps affected by vaccination, the data of MuV virology surveillance indicated that most of the MuV transmission chains have not yet been effectively interrupted, and MuV remains a natural epidemic pattern in mainland China. In the MuV virology surveillance, 194 MuV strains during 2013-2015 were isolated from 10 of 31 provinces in mainland China. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of the small hydrophobic (SH) gene, both genotype F (99.0%) and G (1.0%) were identified, and genotype F was still the predominant genotype continuously circulating in mainland China. Representative genotype F and G strains isolated in China from 1995 to 2012 were selected for further analysis. The results indicated that there were multiple transmission chains within genotype F, with no obvious geographical or time differences. The high genetic diversity of genotype F strains could be a result of the continuous transmission and evolution of the MuV in mainland China. Genotype G was also detected in four provinces in mainland China. Because of the limited epidemiological data, it was uncertain whether the genotype G MuV strains found in 2011 and 2013 were imported from other countries. Therefore, combined high-quality epidemiological and virological surveillance is necessary for mumps control; it can also be used to observe the changes in epidemiological characteristics and viral transmission of mumps over time after mumps-containing vaccine (MuCV) implementation and to provide a comprehensive epidemiological and genetic baseline for mumps elimination in mainland China.

Natural daphnane diterpenoids, mainly distributed in plants of the Thymelaeaceae and Euphorbiaceae families, usually include a 5/7/6-tricyclic ring system with poly-hydroxyl groups located at C-3, C-4, C-5, C-9, C-13, C-14, or C-20, while some special types have a characteristic orthoester motif triaxially connectedat C-9, C-13, and C-14. The daphnane-type diterpenoids can be classified into five types: 6-epoxy daphnane diterpenoids, resiniferonoids, genkwanines, 1-alkyldaphnanes and rediocides, based on the oxygen-containing functions at rings B and C, as well as the substitution pattern of ring A. Up to now, nearly 200 daphnane-type diterpenoids have been isolated and elucidated from the Thymelaeaceae and Euphorbiaceae families. In-vitro and in-vivo experiments of these compounds have shown that they possess a wide range of biological activities, including anti-HIV, anti-cancer, anti-leukemic, neurotrophic, pesticidal and cytotoxic effects. A comprehensive account of the structural diversity is given in this review, along with the cytotoxic activities of daphnane-type diterpenoids, up to April 2019.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients carrying an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation are initially sensitive to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) treatment, but soon develop an acquired resistance. The treatment effect of EGFR-TKIs-resistant NSCLC patients still faces challenges. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a triterpene hydrocarbon compound isolated from plants of various families and genera, elicits anticancer effects in a variety of cancer types. However, whether CuB is a viable treatment option for gefitinib-resistant (GR) NSCLC remains unclear. Here, we investigated the anticancer effects and underlying mechanisms of CuB. We report that CuB inhibited the growth and invasion of GR NSCLC cells and induced apoptosis. The inhibitory effect of CuB occurred through its promotion of the lysosomal degradation of EGFR and the downregulation of the cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A/protein phosphatase 2A/Akt (CIP2A/PP2A/Akt) signaling axis. CuB and cisplatin synergistically inhibited tumor growth. A xenograft tumor model indicated that CuB inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Immunohistochemistry results further demonstrated that CuB decreased EGFR and CIP2A levels in vivo. These findings suggested that CuB could suppress the growth and invasion of GR NSCLC cells by inducing the lysosomal degradation of EGFR and by downregulating the CIP2A/PP2A/Akt signaling axis. Thus, CuB may be a new drug candidate for the treatment of GR NSCLC.

Little is known about the associations of FADS1 genetic variants with circulating levels of PUFA and lipids in Asian populations who have a different dietary pattern and dyslipidemia prevalence compared with Western populations. In a population-based sample of 3,210 unrelated Han Chinese living in Beijing and Shanghai, we examined a FADS1 genetic variant, rs174550, in relation to blood PUFA and lipid levels. C-allele of rs174550 was significantly associated with levels of erythrocyte PUFAs in upstream and downstream pathways of delta-5 desaturase (D5D) (P ≤ 0.003). Moreover, rs174550 C-allele was associated with a lower HDL cholesterol level (P = 0.02) in total population and a higher triglyceride level (P = 0.0002) in Beijing residents. Interestingly, erythrocyte levels of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3 modified the effect of rs174550 on HDL cholesterol level: stronger associations between rs174550 C-allele and lower HDL cholesterol levels were exhibited when erythrocyte 18:2n-6 or 18:3n-3 level was low (P for interaction = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). These data suggested that FADS1 genetic variant was associated with circulating PUFA and lipid levels and that its effect on HDL cholesterol might depend on PUFA status in the Han Chinese population.

Land subsidence is the disaster phenomenon of environmental geology with regionally surface altitude lowering caused by the natural or man-made factors. Beijing, the capital city of China, has suffered from land subsidence since the 1950s, and extreme groundwater extraction has led to subsidence rates of more than 100 mm/year. In this study, we employ two SAR datasets acquired by Envisat and TerraSAR-X satellites to investigate the surface deformation in Beijing Plain from 2003 to 2013 based on the multi-temporal InSAR technique. Furthermore, we also use observation wells to provide in situ hydraulic head levels to perform the evolution of land subsidence and spatial-temporal changes of groundwater level. Then, we analyze the accumulated displacement and hydraulic head level time series using continuous wavelet transform to separate periodic signal components. Finally, cross wavelet transform (XWT) and wavelet transform coherence (WTC) are implemented to analyze the relationship between the accumulated displacement and hydraulic head level time series. The results show that the subsidence centers in the northern Beijing Plain is spatially consistent with the groundwater drop funnels. According to the analysis of well based results located in different areas, the long-term groundwater exploitation in the northern subsidence area has led to the continuous decline of the water level, resulting in the inelastic and permanent compaction, while for the monitoring wells located outside the subsidence area, the subsidence time series show obvious elastic deformation characteristics (seasonal characteristics) as the groundwater level changes. Moreover, according to the wavelet transformation, the land subsidence time series at monitoring well site lags several months behind the groundwater level change.

The Heihe River Basin, the second largest inland river basin in China, plays a vital role in the ecological sustainability of the Hexi Corridor. However, the requirements for regional economic development and ecological balance cannot be fully met due to water resource shortage and overexploitation induced by an extremely dry climate and population growth, especially in the middle and lower basins. Thus, environmental conservation projects that reallocate water resources have been planned and implemented step by step since 2001. The aim of this study is to evaluate ecosystem restoration benefits by identifying vegetation dynamics and sensitivities. The MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and its derivative indices, coupled with Geographic Information System (GIS), are introduced to explore ecosystem evolution at the pixel level, based on the hydrological and meteorological data in the whole region at varying temporal and spatial scales. Results indicate there are slight vegetation restoration trends in the upper, middle, and lower basin; the results of correlation analyses between vegetation and runoff into the lower basin suggest that the impact of a water supplement lasts at most three years, and engineering or nonengineering measures should be maintained for permanent ecosystem recovery.

Pure In2O3 nanoparticles are prepared by a facile precipitation method and are further modified by Ag. The synthesized samples are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman and UV-Vis spectra. The results show the successful heterojunction formation between Ag and In2O3. Gas sensing property measurements show that the 5 mol % Ag-modified In2O3 sensor has the response of 67 to 50 ppm ethanol, and fast response and recovery time of 22.3 and 11.7 s. The response is over one magnitude higher than that of pure In2O3, which can be attributed to the enhanced catalytic activity of Ag-modified In2O3 as compared with the pure one. The mechanism of the gas sensor can be explained by the spillover effect of Ag, which enhances the oxygen adsorption onto the surface of In2O3 and thus give rise to the higher activity and larger surface barrier height.

The incidence of measles in China from 1991 to 2008 was reviewed, and the nucleotide sequences from 1507 measles viruses (MeV) isolated during 1993 to 2008 were phylogenetically analyzed. The results showed that measles epidemics peaked approximately every 3 to 5 years with the range of measles cases detected between 56,850 and 140,048 per year. The Chinese MeV strains represented three genotypes; 1501 H1, 1 H2 and 5 A. Genotype H1 was the predominant genotype throughout China continuously circulating for at least 16 years. Genotype H1 sequences could be divided into two distinct clusters, H1a and H1b. A 4.2% average nucleotide divergence was found between the H1a and H1b clusters, and the nucleotide sequence and predicted amino acid homologies of H1a viruses were 92.3%-100% and 84.7%-100%, H1b were 97.1%-100% and 95.3%-100%, respectively. Viruses from both clusters were distributed throughout China with no apparent geographic restriction and multiple co-circulating lineages were present in many provinces. Cluster H1a and H1b viruses were co-circulating during 1993 to 2005, while no H1b viruses were detected after 2005 and the transmission of that cluster has presumably been interrupted. Analysis of the nucleotide and predicted amino acid changes in the N proteins of H1a and H1b viruses showed no evidence of selective pressure. This study investigated the genotype and cluster distribution of MeV in China over a 16-year period to establish a genetic baseline before MeV elimination in Western Pacific Region (WPR). Continuous and extensive MeV surveillance and the ability to quickly identify imported cases of measles will become more critical as measles elimination goals are achieved in China in the near future. This is the first report that a single endemic genotype of measles virus has been found to be continuously circulating in one country for at least 16 years.