Spatiotemporal change characteristics of NDVI and response to climate factors in the Jixi Wetland, Eastern China.

Exploring the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of vegetation in the confluent area of water systems in western Jinan and its response mechanism to climatic factors is of great significance for the scientific evaluation of the benefits of the water system connectivity project and eco-environmental protection and can provide a reference for ecotourism development in the Jixi wetland park. Based on the Landsat series of images and meteorological data, this study used ENVI to interpret the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of the confluent area from 2010 to 2021, and the spatiotemporal change characteristics and trends of NDVI were quantitatively analyzed. The response of the growing-season NDVI (GSN) to climate factors and its time-lag effect were explored. The results showed that the overall change in the interannual NDVI in the confluent area from 2010 to 2021 was stable. The GSN in the confluent area was significantly positively correlated with precipitation, average temperature, and relative humidity in 37.64%, 25.52%, and 20.87% of the area respectively, and significantly negatively correlated with sunshine hours in 15.32% of the area. There was a time-lag effect on the response of the GSN to climate factors; the response to precipitation and sunshine hours lagged by 1 month, and the response to average temperature and relative humidity was longer.

Double C-H Amination of Naphthylamine Derivatives by the Cross-Dehydrogenation Coupling Reaction.

A high-efficiency tandem process has been developed for the formation of two C-N bonds through a cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) amination of spiro[acridine-9,9'-fluorene]s (SAFs) with amines. This method offers a strategically innovative and atom-economical approach to obtaining diamine-substituted SAFs. Notably, the approach eliminates the need for metal catalysts and other additives, relying solely on O2 as the oxidant. A self-activation mechanism has been proposed to elucidate the effective double amination in the CDC process.

Development of a nomogram for predicting liver transplantation prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: At present, liver transplantation (LT) is one of the best treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Accurately predicting the survival status after LT can significantly improve the survival rate after LT, and ensure the best way to make rational use of liver organs. AIM: To develop a model for predicting prognosis after LT in patients with HCC. METHODS: Clinical data and follow-up information of 160 patients with HCC who underwent LT were collected and evaluated. The expression levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin, Golgi protein 73, cytokeratin-18 epitopes M30 and M65 were measured using a fully automated chemiluminescence analyzer. The best cutoff value of biomarkers was determined using the Youden index. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors. A forest model was constructed using the random forest method. We evaluated the accuracy of the nomogram using the area under the curve, using the calibration curve to assess consistency. A decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical utility of the nomograms. RESULTS: The total tumor diameter (TTD), vascular invasion (VI), AFP, and cytokeratin-18 epitopes M30 (CK18-M30) were identified as important risk factors for outcome after LT. The nomogram had a higher predictive accuracy than the Milan, University of California, San Francisco, and Hangzhou criteria. The calibration curve analyses indicated a good fit. The survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of high-risk groups were significantly lower than those of low- and middle-risk groups (P < 0.001). The DCA shows that the model has better clinical practicability. CONCLUSION: The study developed a predictive nomogram based on TTD, VI, AFP, and CK18-M30 that could accurately predict overall survival and RFS after LT. It can screen for patients with better postoperative prognosis, and improve long-term survival for LT patients.

Double-skeleton interpenetrating network-structured alkaline solid-state electrolyte enables flexible zinc-air batteries with enhanced power density and long-term cycle life.

The alkaline solid-state electrolytes have received widespread attention for their good safety and electrochemical stability. However, they still suffer from low conductivity and poor mechanical properties. Herein, we report the synthesis of double-network featured hydroxide-conductive membranes fabricated by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) as the double-skeletons. Then, we implanted quaternary ammonium salt guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (GG) as the OH- conductor for high-performance electrochemical devices. By virtue of the unique stripe-like structure shared from the double skeleton with a high degree of compatibility and stronger hydrogen bond interactions, the polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan-guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (PCG) solid-state electrolytes achieved optimal thermal stability (> 300 °C), mechanical property (∼ 34.15 MPa), dimensional stability (at any bending angle), and high ionic conductivity (13 mS cm-1) and ion mobility number (tion âˆ¼ 0.90) compared with chitosan-guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (CG) and polyvinyl alcohol-guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (PG) electrolyte membrane. As a proof-of-concept application, the "sandwich"-type zinc-air battery (ZAB) assembled using PCG membrane as the electrolyte realized a high open-circuit voltage (1.39 V) and an excellent power density (128 mW cm-2). Notably, in addition to its long-term cycle life (30 h, 2 mA cm-2) and stable discharge plateau (12 h, 5 mA cm-2), it could even enable a flexible ZAB (F-ZAB) to readily power light-emitting diodes (LED) at any bending angle. These merits afford the PCG membrane a promising electrolyte for improving the performance of solid-state batteries.

Molecular characterization and structure basis of a malonyltransferase with both substrate promiscuity and catalytic regiospecificity from Cistanche tubulosa.

Enzymatic malonylation of natural glycosides provides a promising alternative method for drug-like malonylated glycosides supply. However, the catalytic potential and structural basis of plant malonyltransferase are far from being fully elucidated. This work identified a new malonyltransferase CtMaT1 from Cistanche tubulosa. It displayed unprecedented mono- and/or di-malonylation activity toward diverse glucosides with different aglycons. A "one-pot" system by CtMaT1 and a malonyl-CoA synthetase was established to biosynthesize nine new malonylated glucosides. Structural investigations revealed that CtMaT1 possesses an adequately spacious acyl-acceptor pocket capable of accommodating diverse glucosides. Additionally, it recognizes malonyl-CoA through strong electrotactic and hydrogen interactions. QM/MM calculation revealed the H167-mediated SN2 reaction mechanism of CtMaT1, while dynamic simulations detected the formation of stable hydrogen bonds between the glucose-6-OH group and H167, resulting in its high malonylation regiospecificity. Calculated energy profiles of two isomeric glycosides highlighted lower reaction energy barriers towards glucoside substrates, emphasizing CtMaT1's preference for glucosides. Furthermore, a mutant CtMaT1H36A with notably increased di-malonylation activity was obtained. The underlying molecular mechanism was illuminated through MM/GBSA binding free energy calculation. This study significantly advances the understanding of plant acyltransferases from both functional and protein structural perspectives, while also providing a versatile tool for enzymatic malonylation applications in pharmacology.

Clinical and electromyographic signals analysis about the effect of space-adjustment splint on overerupted maxillary molars.

BACKGROUND: Overerupted maxillary molars is common in adults, which can lead to insufficient intermaxillary vertical space ,great difficulty in prosthetic reconstruction ,and cause occlusal interference in movements.To reconstruct occlusal function, it is necessary to prepare enough space for prostheses. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of space-adjustment occlusal splint on overerupted maxillary molars by clinical and electromyographic signals analysis. METHODS: Eighteen patients with overerupted maxillary molars were selected to wear space-adjustment occlusal splint suppressing overerupted maxillary molars for three months. Satisfaction was assessed by 5-point Likert; intermaxillary vertical space and the teeth transportation distance were measured in models; clinical periodontal status were evaluated by periodontal probing depth (PPT) and bleeding index (BI); electromyographic recordings of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles were monitored by Cranio-Mandibular K7 Evaluation System. RESULTS: All the patients were satisfied with the treatment effect (Likert scale ≧ 4). The intermaxillary space in edentulous areas after treatment showed statistically significant increasing when compared with those before treatment. PPT and BI showed no significant difference. No statistically significant differences were found in electromyographic activity of anterior temporal muscles, while a reduction of muscle activity in masseter in the contralateral side were detected in post-treatment evaluations compared with pre-treatment at mandibular rest position. CONCLUSIONS: Space-adjustment occlusal splint is an efficient treatment option on overerupted maxillary molars by intruding the maxillary molar to obtain adequate intermaxillary space for prostheses.

Alleviation of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis in Rats by Ethanolic Reynoutria multiflora (Thunb.) Moldenke Extract.

Secondary osteoporosis is frequently due to the use of high-dose glucocorticoids (GCs). The existing strategy for managing glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is considered insufficient and remains in a state of ongoing evolution. Therefore, it is crucial to develop more precise and effective agents for the treatment of GIOP. The constituents of Reynoutria multiflora (Thunb.) Moldenke, specifically Polygonum multiflorum (PM) Thunb, have previously shown promise in mitigating osteopenia. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of an ethanolic PM extract (PMR30) against GIOP in male rats. Prednisone (6 mg/kg/day, GC) was continuously administered to rats to induce GIOP, and they were subjected to treatment with or without ethanolic PMR30 for a duration of 120 days. Serum was collected for biochemical marker analysis. Bone histomorphometric, histological, and TUNEL analyses were performed on tibia samples. The protein expressions of LC3, Agt5, and Beclin 1 in the femur underwent examination through western blotting. Prolonged and excessive GC treatment significantly impeded bone formation, concomitant with reduced bone mass and body weight. It also suppressed OCN and OPG/RANKL in serum, and decreased Beclin 1 and LC3 in bone. Simultaneously, there was an elevation in bone resorption markers and apoptosis. Treatments with both high dose and low dose of PMR30 alleviated GIOP, stimulated bone formation, and upregulated OCN and OPG/RANKL, while suppressing TRACP-5b, CTX-I, and apoptosis. The impact of PMR30 possibly involves the enhancement of autophagy proteins (LC3, Agt5, and Beclin 1) and the inhibition of apoptosis within the bone. PMR30 holds promise as a prospective therapeutic agent for preventing and treating GIOP.

An innovative exploration to identify and isolate the dominant-flocculated-species from polytitanium chloride synthesized by electrodialysis.

Abundance of dominant-flocculated-species is the key to determine coagulation performance of coagulant. Titanium-based coagulants have garnered considerable attention due to their high coagulation efficiency, but with a current challenge of the identification and isolation of the dominant-flocculated-species. Herein, polytitanium chloride (PTC), enriched with dominant-flocculated-species, was successfully synthesized by electrodialysis through accurate micro-interface control of the reaction among Ti-hydrolyzed-species and OH-. Special attention was paid to a feasible and high-effective strategy to isolate the dominant-flocculated-species from PTC through one-step rapid ultrafiltration. Selective preference was the ultrafiltration membranes (made of polyethersulfone) with a molecular weight cut-off of 5 kDa, which enabled the isolation of the dominant-flocculated-species, named PTC-5k. Results from the electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) proved a large proportion of the small and medium-sized hydrolyzed products as dominant-flocculated-species in PTC-5k, with the main signals concentrated between m/z 100 and 500. This composition achieved approximately 15.0% higher removal of organic matter with a 33.0% reduction in dosage compared to PTC. Unique snowflake-like branched structure of PTC-5k enhanced the coagulation mechanisms of sweeping and adsorption-bridging flocculation. Worth noting was the more compact flocs formed by PTC-5k than PTC, which was the probable reason for the mitigated fouling of ceramic membrane when PTC-5k was utilized as pre-treatment methodology. Continuous operation of ceramic membrane filtration up to 30 h, demonstrated 30% improvement in stable flux compared to PTC. This study provides the strategy for the isolation of Ti-dominant-flocculated-species, and lays the foundation for practical application.

Correction: Zeolitic imidazolate framework-derived composites with SnO2 and ZnO phase components for electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction.

Correction for 'Zeolitic imidazolate framework-derived composites with SnO2 and ZnO phase components for electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction' by Yayu Guan et al., Dalton Trans., 2022, 51, 7274-7283, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2dt00906d.

Research on Classification Algorithm of Silicon Single-Crystal Growth Temperature Gradient Trend Based on Multi-Level Feature Fusion.

In the process of silicon single-crystal preparation, the timely identification and adjustment of abnormal conditions are crucial. Failure to promptly detect and resolve issues may result in a substandard silicon crystal product quality or even crystal pulling failure. Therefore, the early identification of abnormal furnace conditions is essential for ensuring the preparation of perfect silicon single crystals. Additionally, since the thermal field is the fundamental driving force for stable crystal growth and the primary assurance of crystal quality, this paper proposes a silicon single-crystal growth temperature gradient trend classification algorithm based on multi-level feature fusion. The aim is to accurately identify temperature gradient changes during silicon crystal growth, in order to promptly react to early growth failures and ensure the stable growth of high-quality silicon single crystals to meet industrial production requirements. The algorithm first divides the temperature gradient trend into reasonable categories based on expert knowledge and qualitative analysis methods. Then, it fuses the original features of actual production data, shallow features extracted based on statistical information, and deep features extracted through deep learning. During the fusion process, the algorithm considers the impact of different features on the target variable and calculates mutual information based on the difference between information entropy and conditional entropy, ultimately using mutual information for feature weighting. Subsequently, the fused multi-level feature vectors and their corresponding trend labels are input into a Deep Belief Network (DBN) model to capture process dynamics and classify trend changes. Finally, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can effectively predict the changing trend of thermal field temperature gradients. The introduction of this algorithm will help improve the accuracy of fault trend prediction in silicon single-crystal preparation, thereby minimizing product quality issues and production interruptions caused by abnormal conditions.

Fundamental Understanding of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on Zinc Anode Surface: A First-Principles Study.

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has become a key factor affecting the cycling stability of aqueous Zn-ion batteries, while the corresponding fundamental issues involving HER are still unclear. Herein, the reaction mechanisms of HER on various crystalline surfaces have been investigated by first-principle calculations based on density functional theory. It is found that the Volmer step is the rate-limiting step of HER on the Zn (002) and (100) surfaces, while, the reaction rates of HER on the Zn (101), (102) and (103) surfaces are determined by the Tafel step. Moreover, the correlation between HER activity and the generalized coordination number ([Formula: see text]) of Zn at the surfaces has been revealed. The relatively weaker HER activity on Zn (002) surface can be attributed to the higher [Formula: see text] of surface Zn atom. The atomically uneven Zn (002) surface shows significantly higher HER activity than the flat Zn (002) surface as the [Formula: see text] of the surface Zn atom is lowered. The [Formula: see text] of surface Zn atom is proposed as a key descriptor of HER activity. Tuning the [Formula: see text] of surface Zn atom would be a vital strategy to inhibit HER on the Zn anode surface based on the presented theoretical studies. Furthermore, this work provides a theoretical basis for the in-depth understanding of HER on the Zn surface.

Recent Advances in Hepatic Metabolic Regulation by the Nuclear Factor Rev-erbɑ.

Rev-erbɑ (NR1D1) is a nuclear receptor superfamily member that plays a vital role in mammalian molecular clocks and metabolism. Rev-erbɑ can regulate the metabolism of drugs and the body's glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and adipogenesis. It is even one of the important regulatory factors regulating the occurrence of metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes, fatty liver). Metabolic enzymes mediate most drug metabolic reactions in the body. Rev-erbɑ has been recognized to regulate drug metabolic enzymes (such as Cyp2b10 and Ugt1a9). Therefore, this paper mainly reviewed that Rev-erbɑ regulates I and II metabolic enzymes in the liver to affect drug pharmacokinetics. The expression of these drug metabolic enzymes (up-regulated or down-regulated) is related to drug exposure and effects/ toxicity. In addition, our discussion extends to Rev-erbɑ regulating some transporters (such as P-gp, Mrp2, and Bcrp), as they also play an essential role in drug metabolism. Finally, we briefly describe the role and mechanism of nuclear receptor Rev-erbɑ in lipid and glucose homeostasis, obesity, and metabolic disorders syndrome. In conclusion, this paper aims to understand better the role and mechanism of Rev-erbɑ in regulating drug metabolism, lipid, glucose homeostasis, obesity, and metabolic disorders syndrome, which explores how to target Rev-erbɑ to guide the design and development of new drugs and provide scientific reference for the molecular mechanism of new drug development, rational drug use, and drug interaction.

Co-fermentation of titanium-flocculated-sludge with food waste towards simultaneous water purification and resource recovery.

Recovery of resources from domestic sewage and food waste has always been an international-thorny problem. Titanium-based flocculation can achieve high-efficient destabilization, quick concentration and separation of organic matter from sewage to sludge. This study proposed co-fermentation of the titanium-flocculated sludge (Ti-loaded sludge) and food waste towards resource recovery by converting organic matter to value-added volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and inorganic matter to struvite and TiO2 nanoparticles. When Ti-loaded sludge and food waste were co-fermented at a mass ratio of 3:1, the VFAs yield reached 3725.2 mg-COD/L (VFAs/SCOD 91.0%), which was more than 4 times higher than the case of the sludge alone. The 48-day semicontinuous co-fermentation demonstrated stable long-term operation, yielding VFAs at 2529.0 mg-COD/L (VFAs/SCOD 89.8%) and achieving a high CODVFAs/NNH4 of 58.9. Food waste provided sufficient organic substrate, enriching plenty of acid-producing fermentation bacteria (such as Prevotella 7 about 21.0% and Bacteroides about 9.4%). Moreover, metagenomic sequencing analysis evidenced the significant increase of the relative gene abundance corresponding to enzymes in pathways, such as extracellular hydrolysis, substrates metabolism, and VFAs biosynthesis. After fermentation, the precious element P (≥ 99.0%) and extra-added element Ti (≥99.0%) retained in fermented residues, without releasing to VFAs supernatant, which facilitated the direct re-use of VFAs as resource. Through simple and commonly used calcination and acid leaching methodologies, 80.9% of element P and 82.1% of element Ti could be successfully recovered as struvite and TiO2 nanoparticles, respectively. This research provides a strategy for the co-utilization of domestic sludge and food waste, which can realize both reduction of sludge and recovery of resources.

Enhanced Performance and High Resistance to Efficiency Degradation of Blue Quantum-Dot Light-Emitting Diodes Using the Lewis Base Blended Hole-Transporting Layers.

The distinctive characteristics of blue quantum dots (QDs) such as their deep valence band and large bandgap give rise to an elevated hole injection barrier between the hole transport layers (HTLs) and the QD active layer. This results in an imbalance of carrier transport and injection across the device, leading to a degrading performance in QD light-emitting diodes (QLEDs). In this paper, high-efficiency and low-efficiency degradation blue CdSe/CdS/ZnS QLEDs were fabricated by using the Lewis base, 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (DPPE), blended with poly(9-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) (DPPE:PVK) as HTLs. The device performance of blue QLEDs can be finely adjusted by manipulating the blending ratio between DPPE and PVK. When 4 wt % DPPE was blended with PVK (4 wt % DPPE:PVK) as the HTL, the device achieved its optimal performance. Compared to the device with neat PVK as the HTL, the turn-on voltage of blue QLEDs with the 4 wt % DPPE:PVK HTL is reduced from 3.21 to 2.9 V. The maximum current efficiency (CE) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of blue QLEDs increase from 2.92 cd A-1 and 5.89% in neat PVK to 5.75 cd A-1 and 11.75% for the 4 wt % DPPE:PVK HTL. Furthermore, the QLEDs incorporating DPPE:PVK HTLs exhibited exceptional resistance to efficiency degradation (EQE = 8.83%@L = 12,000 cd m-2 for 4 wt % DPPE:PVK as the HTL and EQE = 2.80%@L = 12,000 cd m-2 for neat PVK as the HTL). A more in-depth analysis reveals that enhanced device performance results from the chelating and bridging effect of the bidentate ligand Lewis base DPPE. These effects strengthen the binding of free metal ions in the blue QDs, reduce the charge barriers, enhance the contact between the HTLs and the QD active layer, and ultimately improve hole injection.

Expanding the therapeutic potential of Salvia miltiorrhiza: a review of its pharmacological applications in musculoskeletal diseases.

Salvia miltiorrhiz, commonly known as "Danshen" in Chinese medicine, has longstanding history of application in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, including promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, calming the mind, tonifying the blood, and benefiting the "Qi", recent studies have revealed its significant positive effects on bone metabolism. This potential has garnered attention for its promising role in treating musculoskeletal disorders. Consequently, there is a high anticipation for a comprehensive review of the potential of Salvia miltiorrhiza in the treatment of various musculoskeletal diseases, effectively introducing an established traditional Chinese medicine into a burgeoning field. AIM OF THE REVIEW: Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) present significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated the high efficacy and prospects of Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients for treatment of MSDs. This review aims to illuminate the newfound applications of Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients in the treatment of various MSDs, effectively bridging the gap between an established medicine and an emerging field. METHODS: In this review, previous studies related to Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients on the treatment of MSD were collected, the specific active ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza were summarized, the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients for the treatment of MSDs, as well as their potential molecular mechanisms were reviewed and discussed. RESULTS: Based on previous publications, Salvianolic acid A, salvianolic acid B, tanshinone IIA are the representative active ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Their application has shown significant beneficial outcomes in osteoporosis, fractures, and arthritis. Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients protect against MSDs by regulating different signaling pathways, including ROS, Wnt, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling. CONCLUSION: Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients demonstrate promising potential for bone diseases and have been explored across a wide variety of MSDs. Further exploration of Salvia miltiorrhiza's pharmacological applications in MSDs holds great promise for advancing therapeutic interventions and improving the lives of patients suffering from these diseases.