Multiple optical path length reflections enhancement based on balloon-type photoacoustic cell for trace gas sensing.

A novel balloon-type photoacoustic cell (BTPAC) is proposed to facilitate the detection limitations of acetylene (CH) gas achieving ppb level. Here, an ellipsoidal photoacoustic cavity is employed as the platform for gas-light interaction. By strategically directing the excitation source towards the focal point of the ellipsoidal cavity, ensuring its trajectory traverses the focal point upon each reflection from the interior walls.

Synaptic Targets and Cellular Sources of CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor and Vesicular Glutamate Transporter-3 Expressing Nerve Terminals in Relation to GABAergic Neurons in the Human Cerebral Cortex.

Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) regulates synaptic transmission through presynaptic receptors in nerve terminals, and its physiological roles are of clinical relevance. The cellular sources and synaptic targets of CB1-expressing terminals in the human cerebral cortex are undefined. We demonstrate a variable laminar pattern of CB1-immunoreactive axons and electron microscopically show that CB1-positive GABAergic terminals make type-2 synapses innervating dendritic shafts (69%), dendritic spines (20%) and somata (11%) in neocortical layers 2-3.

Prevalence of congenital heart defects in people with Down syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHD) in Down syndrome (DS) varies considerably across studies (from 16% to 84%). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CHD in people with DS (CHD-DS).

Methods: PubMed, Web of Science and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched through to 5 January 2023.

Superior Multimodal Luminescence in a Stable Single-Host Nanomaterial with Large-Scale Synthesis for High-Level Anti-Counterfeiting and Encryption.

Multimode luminescent materials exhibit tunable photon emissions under different excitation or stimuli channels, endowing them high encoding capacity and confidentiality for anti-counterfeiting and encryption. Achieving multimode luminescence into a stable single material presents a promising but remains a challenge. Here, the downshifting/upconversion emissions, color-tuning persistent luminescence (PersL), temperature-dependent multi-color emissions, and hydrochromism are integrated into Er ions doped CsNaYbCl nanocrystals (NCs) by leveraging shallow defect levels and directed energy migration.

Research on the driving mechanism of tourists' ecological protection behavior in intangible cultural heritage sites.

Despite the increasing focus on intangible cultural heritage tourism, there is a lack of research on the ecological protection behaviors of tourists in these contexts. With UNESCO's continuous refinement of the World Heritage system, intangible cultural heritage has gradually become a focal point for tourism development and protection. While such tourism can promote the preservation and transmission of heritage, it also introduces ecological environmental issues that need to be addressed.

Optimizing the Coordination Energy of Co-N Sites by Co Nanoparticles Integrated with Fe-NCNTs for Boosting PEMFC and Zn-Air Battery Performance.

Enhancing the catalytic performance and durability of M-N─C catalyst is crucial for the efficient operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and Zn-Air batteries (ZABs). Herein, an approach is developed for the in situ fabrication of a MOFs-derived porous carbon material, co-loaded with Co nanoparticles (NPs) and Co-N sites and integrated onto Fe-doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs), named Co-NC/Fe-NCNTs. Incorporating polymer-wrapped CNTs improves MOFs dispersion annealing at high temperature, which amplifies the three-phase boundary (TPB) by generating much more mesopores and exposing additional active sites within the catalysts layer.

Association Between Serum Levels of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Dental Floss Use: The Double-Edged Sword of Dental Floss Use-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Although evidence suggests that dental floss contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), it is still uncertain whether the use of dental floss contributes to an increased risk of PFAS exposure.

Methods: We analysed data on serum PFAS concentrations and dental floss usage in a cohort of 6750 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2020. In our study, we used logistic regression, a survey-weighted linear model, item response theory (IRT) scores, inverse probability weights (IPWs) and sensitivity analysis to assess the potential impact of dental floss usage on human serum PFAS levels.

An Autonomous Positioning Method for Drones in GNSS Denial Scenarios Driven by Real-Scene 3D Models.

Drones are extensively utilized in both military and social development processes. Eliminating the reliance of drone positioning systems on GNSS and enhancing the accuracy of the positioning systems is of significant research value. This paper presents a novel approach that employs a real-scene 3D model and image point cloud reconstruction technology for the autonomous positioning of drones and attains high positioning accuracy.

Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking Performance Characterization in Cislunar Relay Communication Architecture.

Future 7G/8G networks are expected to integrate both terrestrial Internet and space-based networks. Space networks, including inter-planetary Internet such as cislunar and deep-space networks, will become an integral part of future 7G/8G networks. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication networks will also be a significant component of 7G/8G networks.

Epilepsy Prediction and Detection Using Attention-CssCDBN with Dual-Task Learning.

Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders characterized by epileptic seizures, and it affects tens of millions of people worldwide. Currently, the most effective diagnostic method employs the monitoring of brain activity through electroencephalogram (EEG). However, it is critical to predict epileptic seizures in patients prior to their onset, allowing for the administration of preventive medications before the seizure occurs.

Traditional Knowledge and Efficacy Analysis of an Emerging Medicinal Food Plant: .

(Hua) Engl. ex K. Krause, locally known as (bitter greens) or , is a widely consumed wild vegetable and traditional herbal medicine in western Yunnan.

Mechanism of THBS1 Regulation of MDCK Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis Through TGF-β/Smad Signalling.

Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells are a key cell line for influenza vaccine production, due to their high viral yield and low mutation resistance. In our laboratory, we established a tertiary cell bank (called M60) using a standard MDCK cell line imported from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) in the USA. Due to their controversial tumourigenicity, we domesticated non-tumourigenic MDCK cells (named CL23) for influenza vaccine production via monoclonal screening in the early stage of this study, and the screened CL23 cells were characterised based on their low proliferative capacity, which had certain limitations in terms of expanding their production during cell resuscitation.

Aldose Reductase: A Promising Therapeutic Target for High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, famously known as the "Roof of the World", has witnessed a surge in individuals traveling or working there. However, a considerable percentage of these individuals may suffer from acute mountain sickness (AMS), with high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) being a severe and potentially life-threatening manifestation. HAPE disrupts the balance of intrapulmonary tissue fluid, resulting in severe lung function impairment.

Amelioration of Inflammation in Rats with Experimentally Induced Asthma by Trimen Polyphenols via the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease that affects millions globally and poses a serious public health challenge. Current therapeutic strategies, including corticosteroids, are constrained by variable patient responses and adverse effects. In this study, a polyphenolic extract derived from the Tibetan medicinal plant Trimen (SRT) was employed and shown to improve experimentally (ovalbumin + cigarette smoke, OVA + CS) induced asthma in rats.

Phytic Acid Delays the Senescence of Fruit by Regulating Antioxidant Capacity and the Ascorbate-Glutathione Cycle.

fruit has a short postharvest shelf life, with rapid declines in quality and antioxidant capacity. This research assessed how phytic acid affects the antioxidant capacity and quality of fruit while in the postharvest storage period and reveals its potential mechanism of action. The findings suggested that phytic acid treatment inhibits the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhances the activities and expressions of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) while decreasing the generation of superoxide anions (O) and hydrogen peroxide (HO).

Non-Structural Protein V of Canine Distemper Virus Induces Autophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway to Facilitate Viral Replication.

Canine distemper (CD) is a highly infectious disease of dogs which is caused by canine distemper virus (CDV). Previous studies have demonstrated that CDV infection can induce autophagy in cells. However, the mechanism underlying CDV-induced autophagy remains not fully understood.

Comprehensive Analysis of β-1,3-Glucanase Genes in Wolfberry and Their Implications in Pollen Development.

β-1,3-Glucanases (Glu) are key enzymes involved in plant defense and physiological processes through the hydrolysis of β-1,3-glucans. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the β-1,3-glucanase gene family in wolfberry (), including their chromosomal distribution, evolutionary relationships, and expression profiles. A total of 58 genes were identified, distributed across all 12 chromosomes.

Effects of Dietary Protein Levels on Digestion, Metabolism, Serum Biochemical Indexes, and Rumen Microflora of Lanzhou Fat-Tailed Sheep.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of varying levels of dietary protein on digestion, metabolism, serum biochemical indexes, and rumen microflora in Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep. A total of twenty 8-month-old healthy rams with an initial average body weight (BW 25.16 ± 1.

Construction of non-noble decorated Z-scheme Bi-BiVO-BiTiO for enhanced full solar-spectrum driven photocatalytic activity.

Currently, to deal with the increasingly severe energy crisis and environmental consequences, photocatalytic technology is considered as a promise solution, and the construction of Z-scheme heterostructures are important strategies to maximize the utilization of solar energy and improve photocatalytic performance. Herein, a novel full spectrum-responsive Z-scheme Bi-BiVO-BiTiO heterojunction was constructed by a facile hydrothermal method without any templates or surfactants. A series of detailed analyses revealed that the novel Bi-BiVO-BiTiO heterojunction catalyst were prepared successfully.

Novel Co-MOF-doped gelatin/agar intelligent film for beef freshness visual tracking based on the structural change of ZIF-67 under ammonia etching effect.

It is an important task to construct intelligent packaging for meat freshness monitoring with good color stability and indication function. Herein, cobalt-based metal-organic framework nanomaterials (Co-MOF, ZIF-67) with antimicrobial and ammonia-sensitive properties were successfully synthesized and added into gelatin/agar (GA) matrix to develop highly stable intelligent films (GA/ZIF67). The incorporation of ZIF-67 nanoparticles enhanced the hydrophobicity (water contact angle >90°) and UV-blocking properties (close to 0.

Process optimization, structural characterization, and biological activity of Siraitia grosvenorii polysaccharides by ultrasonic aqueous two-phase extraction.

In this research, ultrasound-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction (UA-ATPE) was utilized to isolate polysaccharides from Siraitia grosvenorii (SGPs). Based on the results of model optimization experiments, the extraction parameters were determined. The total extraction rate of SGPs was 25.

Biochemical characterization of the catalytic domain from a novel hyperthermophilic β-glucanase and its application for KOS production.

Konjac oligosaccharide (KOS) exhibits various biological activities, and hyperthermophilic β-glucanases offer many advantages for KOS production from konjac glucanmannan (KGM). In this study, a novel β-glucanase, EG003, belonging to the glycosyl hydrolase (GH) subfamily 5_1, was predicted from the genome of the a Thermus strain. The recombinant EG003 and its catalytic domain, EG003A, were successfully expressed and characterized.

High-selenium exposure is associated with modulation of serum lipid metabolism.

At present, there is no consensus on the relationship between selenium (Se) exposure and human serum lipid metabolism. The etiological role of high-Se exposure in lipid markers, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) remains unclear. We used serum untargeted metabolomics analysis to evaluate whether high-Se exposure is cross-sectionally associated with lipid metabolism in adults from high-Se exposure area (n = 112) and control area (n = 101) in Hubei Province, China.

Exploration and computational assessment of ochrocephalamine G from as an anti-HBV candidate.

Three compounds, including a novel quinolizidine alkaloid, ochrocephalamine G (), were isolated from . Structural elucidation was achieved through spectroscopic analysis and electronic circular dichroism. Biological assays showed that ochrocephalamine G (100 μM) inhibited HBsAg and HBeAg by 8.