Geometric series exists in nature: Evidence from sorted area sequences of floral parts and leaves.

The concept of a geometric series (GS) plays an important role in mathematics. However, it has been neglected in describing biological size series. Herein, we show that a GS describes the nonreproductive (perianth) parts of the flowers of four Magnoliaceae species and two Rosaceae species and the leaves of 60 Alangium chinense and 60 Shibataea chinensis shoots.

Scaling relationships of lamina mass per unit area, mean thickness, and leaf bulk tissue density across nine diverse species.

Premise: Although previous studies have reported a positive correlation between leaf dry mass per unit area (LMA) and mean leaf thickness (LT), the LMA versus LT scaling relationship has not been determined due to limited sample sizes, despite its importance in estimating leaf bulk tissue density (mass per unit volume).

Methods: This issue was addressed using between 174 and 185 leaves from each of nine phylogenetically diverse species to investigate the LMA vs. LT scaling relationship.

Perinatal maternal depression and the risk of childhood asthma in offspring: A meta-analysis.

Background: Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the link between maternal perinatal depression and asthma in children. To provide a clearer understanding of this relationship, a comprehensive meta-analysis was carried out to evaluate the association mentioned above.

Methods: A comprehensive review of observational studies was conducted by searching electronic databases including Medline, Embase, and Web of Science.

Comparison of five equations in describing the variation of leaf area distributions of (Lour.) Harms.

Previous studies have validated a performance equation (PE) and its generalized version (GPE) in describing the rotated and right-shifted Lorenz curves of organ size (e.g., leaf area and fruit volume) distributions of herbaceous plants.

Comparison between computer recognition and manual measurement methods for the estimation of leaf area.

Background And Aims: Leaf area (A) is a crucial indicator of the photosynthetic capacity of plants. The Montgomery equation (ME), which hypothesizes that A is proportional to the product of leaf length (L) and width (W), is a valid tool for non-destructively measuring A for many broadleaved plants. At present, the methods used to compute L and W for the ME can be broadly divided into two kinds: using computer recognition and measuring manually.

[Characterization of Metal Pollution of Regional Atmospheric PM and Its Sources Based on the PMF Model].

As important components of PM, metal elements are extremely harmful to people and also have source specificity. Understanding the characteristics of PM metal pollution in the two different types of cities can help adjust the layout of regional industrial structure and improve the environment. PM samples during haze/non-haze periods were collected in Chengdu City and Renshou County.

[Comparative Analysis of Pollution Characteristics of Carbonaceous Aerosol Components in the Atmosphere Between Urban and Suburban Areas].

To compare the pollution characteristics of carbonaceous aerosol components in the atmosphere between urban and suburban areas, Chengdu City and Renshou County were selected as study areas from which 88 samples of PM during haze and non-haze periods were collected and analyzed. Quantification of mass concentrations of PM, carbonaceous aerosol components[organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and secondary organic carbon (SOC)], along with correlation analysis of OC and EC, and principal component analysis (PCA) of carbon components were carried out. The results show that pollutant concentrations during the haze period were higher than those during the non-haze period.

MicroRNA‑143 increases cell apoptosis in myelodysplastic syndrome through the Fas/FasL pathway both in vitro and in vivo.

Whilst the role of microRNA‑143 (miR‑143) in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) remains unclear, abnormally expressed microRNA‑143 has been detected in many types of cancer tissues. In this study, we describe a cohort study for the verification of miR‑143 expression, as well as the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of miR‑143 in MDS/acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In a series of experiments, miR‑143 recombinant lentiviral vectors transformed into SKM‑1 cells were either overexpressed or knocked down, and the results illustrated that the overexpression of miR‑143 inhibited SKM‑1 cell growth, arrested the SKM‑1 cells in the G0/G1 phase, interfered with cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis via the Fas/FasL pathway.

Association between serum leptin levels and breast cancer risk: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Many studies have indicated that leptin is correlated with breast cancer occurrence and tumor behavior. However, this issue remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted an updated meta-analysis to investigate the role of leptin in breast cancer.

[A new method for the preparation of potassium ferrate and spectroscopic characterization].

Calcium hypochlorite was used as the raw material for preparation of the high purity potassium ferrate. The study includes the effects of reaction temperature, recrystallization temperature, reaction time, Ca(ClO)2 dosage, and the amount of calcium hypochlorite on the yield. It was determined that when the reaction temperature was 25 degrees C, recrystallization temperature 0 degree C and reaction time 40 min, the yield was more than 75%.

[Removal of arsenic (II) by ferrate oxidation-coagulation from drinking water].

Ferrate is multi-function agent in water treatment and shows great oxidizing ability and excellent purifying effect. This experiment evaluated the performance of ferrate for arsenic removal. Experimental results show that the best rate of ferrate and arsenic (III) is 15:1, the efficiency of As removal can be achieved 98%, and the residual concentration of As3 + is < 0.