Aortic Dissection Research in China:Analysis of Studies Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China

Objective The National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)has made great progress in promoting the development of aortic dissection research in recent years.This study aimed to examine the development and research status of aortic dissection research in China so as to provide references for future research.Methods The NSFC projects data from 2008 to 2019 were collected from the Internet-based Science Information System and other websites utilized as search engines.The publications and citations were retrieved by Google Scholar,and the impact factors were checked by the InCite Journal Citation Reports database.The investigator’s degree and department were identified from the institutional faculty profiles.Results A total of 250 grant funds totaling 124.3 million Yuan and resulting in 747 publications were analyzed.The funds in economically developed and densely populated areas were more than those in underdeveloped and sparsely populated areas.There was no significant difference in the amount of funding per grant between different departments’investigators.However,the funding output ratios of the grants for cardiologists were higher than those for basic science investigators.The amount of funding for clinical researchers and basic scientific researchers in aortic dissection was also similar.Clinical researchers were better in terms of the funding output ratio.Conclusion These results suggest that the medical and scientific research level of aortic dissection in China has been greatly improved.However,there are still some problems that urgently need to be solved,such as the unreasonable regional allocation of medical and scientific research resources,and the slow transition from basic science to clinical practice.

Naturally derived anti-hepatitis B virus agents and their mechanism of action

Despite that some approved drugs and genetically engineered vaccines against hepatitis B virus(HBV)are available for HBV patients,HBV infection is still a severe public health problem in the world.All the approved therapeutic drugs(including interferonalpha and nucleoside analogues)have their limitations.No drugs or therapeutic methods can cure hepatitis B so far.Therefore,it is urgently needed to discover and develop new anti-HBV drugs,especially nonnucleoside agents.Naturally originated compounds with enormous molecular complexity and diversity offer a great opportunity to find novel anti-HBV lead compounds with specific antiviral mechanisms.In this review,the natural products against HBV are discussed according to their chemical classes such as terpenes,lignans,phenolic acids,polyphenols,lactones,alkaloids and flavonoids.Furthermore,novel mode of action or new targets of some representative anti-HBV natural products are also discussed.The aim of this review is to report new discoveries and updates pertaining to anti-HBV natural products in the last 20years,especially novel skeletons and mode of action.Although many natural products with various skeletons have been reported to exhibit potent anti-HBV effects to date,scarcely any of them are found in the list of conventional anti-HBV drugs worldwide.Additionly,in anti-HBV mechanism of action,only a few references reported new targets or novel mode of action of antiHBV natural products.

Electroencephalogram evidence for the activation of human mirror neuron system during the observation of intransitive shadow and line drawing actions

Previous studies have demonstrated that hand shadows may activate the motor cortex associated with the mirror neuron system in human brain. However, there is no evidence of activity of the human mirror neuron system during the observation of intransitive movements by shadows and line drawings of hands. This study examined the suppression of electroencephalography mu waves （8-13 Hz） induced by observation of stimuli in 18 healthy students. Three stimuli were used： real hand actions, hand shadow actions and actions made by line drawings of hands. The results showed significant desynchronization of the mu rhythm （＂mu suppression＂） across the sensodmotor cortex （recorded at C3, Cz and C4）, the frontal cortex （recorded at F3, Fz and F4） and the central and right posterior parietal cortex （recorded at Pz and P4） under all three conditions. Our experimental findings suggest that the observation of ＂impoverished hand actions＂, such as intransitive movements of shadows and line drawings of hands, is able to activate widespread cortical areas related to the putative human mirror neuron system.

Theory of pleiotropic action of biologically active compounds and medicines—Basic principles and practical application

This article represents the main positions of the theory of pleiotropic action of biologically active compounds (BACs) and medicines, which has been designed by the author based on her own experimental researches. The term “pleiotropy” means the ability of the BACs and medicines to implement more than one mechanism of action resulting in the specific biological (pharmacological) effect. The interaction of these mechanisms forms a distinct pattern of biological response (pleiotropic pattern), which reflects the change in his character with the increased dose (concentration)-dependent efficacy of BACs and medicines. The article consists of description of different pleiotropic patterns established in experiments on the model of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by macrophages dependent on activity of specialized enzyme called Nox2-NAD(P)H oxidase (Nox2, EC 1.6.3.1). Moreover, it consists of explanation of pharmacodynamic nature of pleiotropic patterns by means of application Chou-Talalay median effect equalization and combination index (CI) theory. The novel theory explains unsolved until now universal aspects of activity BACs and medicines, such as slope angles of “dose-effect” dependences in the conditions relevant in vivo, and it is of fundamental interest. However, it has applications in experimental pharmacology, as it allows defining the choice of the individual compounds and combinations, modulating the trust effect selectively and efficiently. This knowledge opens up new approaches to medicines discovery and evaluation, their rational dosing and combining.

Ethics as an Active Self-construction of the Human

This paper will attempt to clarify the clear tendency, in our contemporary world, to look at ethics as something that ＂cures＂ all wrongs, all unbalance, and all evils from the political, environmental, to the business ones. For this reason, there is nothing better than to turn to ethics in order to ＂moralise＂ the system and the world, when the numerous news of fraud, injustice, and scandals are a part of everyday life in the business world and in our society. But, is this the role of ethics？ Can we reduce the aim of ethics to a mere technique？ In this paper, it is argued that ethics needs to be replaced in the epistemological scale of knowledge, where until now it has occupied a place at the top. Ethics needs to be repositioned in a different level of knowledge where we may find the roots of its foundation. It is also discussed that it is at the core of being that the experience of the action takes place and develops and in it, ethics takes root. Furthermore, it is suggested that understanding ethics from this point of view presupposes a new ethos around a relational poietics which privileges inter-subjectivity, self-creation, and an active and dynamic construction of the human and of the world.

Analysis of the Strategies of the 'Replacement of Coal and Oil' with Natural Gas in Sichuan Province

Sichuan Province boasts rich clean energy such as natural gas and hydroelectricity. In order to realize the blueprint of a beautiful China, it is both necessary and feasible for Sichuan Province to ＂replace coal and oil＂ with natural gas. Based on the actual situation of Sichuan Province, through research and investigation, rational thinking and summarization, this paper analyzes the current demand for energy supply in Sichuan, defines the development goals and ideas concerning Sichuan＇s ＇replacement of coal and oil＂ with natural gas, examines the action plan related to such replacement and puts forward relevant policies and suggestions.

Radiotherapy in combination with systemic therapies for brain metastases:current status and progress

Brain metastases(BMs)are the most common cause of intracranial neoplasms in adults with poor prognosis.Most BMs originate from lung cancer,breast cancer,or melanoma.Radiotherapy(RT),including whole brain radiotherapy(WBRT)and stereotactic radiation surgery(SRS),has been widely explored and is considered a mainstay anticancer treatment for BMs.Over the past decade,the advent of novel systemic therapies has revolutionized the treatment of BMs.In this context,there is a strong rationale for using a combination of treatments based on RT,with the aim of achieving both local disease control and extracranial disease control.This review focuses on describing the latest progress in RT as well as the synergistic effects of the optimal combinations of RT and systemic treatment modalities for BMs,to provide perspectives on current treatments.

Collective Action in Common Pool Resource Management, Including Heterogeneity of Opportunities and Exit Options

The mechanism through which exit options and outside opportunities affect cooperation outcomes has not been well studied in the resource management literature, since a deep analysis of the concepts of “exit options” and “outside opportunities” is missing. This article analyzes these concepts across the common pool resource management literature, investigates the factors that underlie “opting out” decisions, and reviews potential ways to operationalize these concepts for empirical analysis. It also explores how the relationship of cooperation and exit options may be influenced by broad economic processes, such as economic integration.

Discovery for New Herbicide Sites of Action by Quantification of Plant Primary Metabolite and Enzyme Pools

No herbicide with a new molecular site of action(SOA)has been introduced since the 1980s.Since then,the widespread evolution of resistance of weeds to most commercial herbicides has greatly increased the need for herbicides with new SOAs.Two untried strategies for the discovery on new herbicide SOAs are discussed.Some primary metabolism intermediates are phytotoxic(e.g.,protoporphyrin IX and sphingoid bases),and,because of this,the in vivo concentrations of these compounds are maintained at very low levels by plants.The determination of all primary metabolite phytotoxicities and pool sizes will identify targets of interest.Targeting SOAs that result in accumulation of phytotoxic compounds is the first novel approach to herbicide discovery.The second approach is to identify potential SOAs with very low in vivo enzyme levels.We know that higher numbers of enzyme molecules for a SOA requires more herbicide to kill a plant.Modern proteomic methods can identify low enzyme level SOAs for biorational herbicide discovery.These approaches might be useful in discovery of herbicides more closely related to natural compounds and that can be used in lower doses.

Anticancer Activities and Mechanism of Action of Nagilactones, a Group of Terpenoid Lactones Isolated from Podocarpus Species

Nagilactones are tetracyclic natural products isolated from various Podocarpus species.These lactone-based compounds display a range of pharmacological effects,including antifungal,anti-atherosclerosis,anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities reviewed here.The most active derivatives,such as nagilactones C,E and F,exhibit potent anticancer activities against different cancer cell lines and tumor models.A comprehensive analysis of their mechanism of action indicates that their anticancer activity mainly derives from three complementary action:(i)a drug-induced inhibition of cell proliferation coupled with a cell cycle perturbation and induction of apoptosis,(ii)a blockade of the epithelial to mesenchymal cell transi-tion contributing to an inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion and(iii)a capacity to modulate the PD-L1 immune checkpoint.Different molecular effectors have been implicated in the antitumor activity,chiefly the AP-1 pathway blocked upon activation of the JNK/c-Jun axis.Nag-C is a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis binding to eukaryotic ribosomes and inhibition of different protein kinases,such as RIOK2 and JAK2,has been postulated with Nag-E.The literature survey on nagilactones highlights the therapeutic potential of these little-known terpenoids.The mechanistic analysis also provides useful information for structurally related compounds(podolactones,oidiolactones,inumakilactones)isolated from Podo-carpus plants.

Hinokiflavone and Related C-O-C-Type Biflavonoids as Anti-cancer Compounds:Properties and Mechanism of Action

Biflavonoids are divided in two classes:C-C type compounds represented by the dimeric compound amentoflavone and C-O-C-type compounds typified by hinokiflavone(HNK)with an ether linkage between the two connected apigenin units.This later sub-group of bisflavonyl ethers includes HNK,ochnaflavone,delicaflavone and a few other dimeric compounds,found in a variety of plants,notably Selaginella species.A comprehensive review of the anticancer properties and mechanism of action of HNK is provided,to highlight the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic activities of HNK and derivatives,and HNK-containing plant extracts.The anticancer effects rely on the capacity of HNK to interfere with the ERK1-2/p38/NFκB signaling pathway and the regulation of the expression of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9(with a potential direct binding to MMP-9).In addition,HNK was found to function as a potent modulator of pre-mRNA splicing,inhibit-ing the SUMO-specific protease SENP1.As such,HNK represents a rare SENP1 inhibitor of natural origin and a scaffold to design synthetic compounds.Oral formulations of HNK have been elaborated to enhance its solubility,to facilitate the compound delivery and to enhance its anticancer efficacy.The review shed light on the anticancer potential of C-O-C-type biflavonoids and specifically on the pharmacological profile of HNK.This compound deserves further attention as a regu-lator of pre-mRNA splicing,useful to treat cancers(in particular hepatocellular carcinoma)and other human pathologies.

Dynamic simulation of hydrodynamic model of drum level wave action and sloshing

In order to build the model of the drum level wave action and sloshing, based on the method of modularization modeling, the hydrodynamic model of drum level wave action and sloshing was developed, and dynamic simulation researches were carried out based on the model. The results indicate that both drum level and drum length have functional relations with period of drum level wave action and sloshing. When the drum level decreases or drum length increases, the period of drum level wave action and sloshing increases, density of liquid and number of sub-module division have little influence on the period of drum level wave action and sloshing. The model was validated by the analytical solution theory of liquid’s wave action and sloshing in cuboid container, and the 3D graphics of drum level wave action and sloshing was also obtained. The model can dynamically reflect the rules of wave action and sloshing of water in the container exactly.

Research Progress of Natural Active Components against Damage from UV Radiation

The sun's ultraviolet(UV)rays are extremely harmful to the skin.In addition to causing sunburn and aging,excessive UV radiation can also lead to benign or malignant skin tumors.This paper reviews the researches on natural active components against damage from UV radiation,and summarizes the types of compounds,research methods and mechanisms of action.Moreover,the main problems in current research are put forward,and the possible development direction in the future is discussed.

Chronic training status affects muscle excitation of the vastus lateralis during repeated contractions

This study examined electromyographic amplitude(EMGRMS)-force relationships during repeated submaximal knee extensor muscle actions among chronic aerobically-(AT),resistance-trained(RT),and sedentary(SED)individuals.Fifteen adults(5/group)attempted 20 isometric trapezoidal muscle actions at 50%of maximal strength.Surface electromyography(EMG)was recorded from vastus lateralis(VL)during the muscle actions.For the first and last successfully completed contractions,linear regression models were fit to the log-transformed EMGRMS-force relationships during the linearly increasing and decreasing segments,and the b terms(slope)and a terms(antilog of y-intercept)were calculated.EMGRMS was averaged during steady force.Only the AT completed all 20 muscle actions.During the first contraction,the b terms for RT(1.3010.197)were greater than AT(0.9100.123;p?0.008)and SED(0.9120.162;p?0.008)during the linearly increasing segment,and in comparison to the linearly decreasing segment(1.0180.139;p?0.014),respectively.For the last contraction,the b terms for RT were greater than AT during the linearly increasing(RT?1.3730.353;AT?0.8830.129;p?0.018)and decreasing(RT?1.5260.328;AT?0.9700.223;p?0.010)segments.In addition,the b terms for SED increased from the linearly increasing(0.9680.144)to decreasing segment(1.2680.126;p?0.015).There were no training,segment,or contraction differences for the a terms.EMGRMS during steady force increased from the first-([64.0851.68]μV)to last-contraction([86.7349.55]μV;p?0.001)collapsed across training statuses.The b terms differentiated the rate of change for EMGRMS with increments in force among training groups,indicating greater muscle excitation to the motoneuron pool was necessary for the RT than AT during the linearly increasing and decreasing segments of a repetitive task.

Transforming Data into Actionable Insights with Cognitive Computing and AI

How organizations analyze and use data for decision-making has been changed by cognitive computing and artificial intelligence (AI). Cognitive computing solutions can translate enormous amounts of data into valuable insights by utilizing the power of cutting-edge algorithms and machine learning, empowering enterprises to make deft decisions quickly and efficiently. This article explores the idea of cognitive computing and AI in decision-making, emphasizing its function in converting unvalued data into valuable knowledge. It details the advantages of utilizing these technologies, such as greater productivity, accuracy, and efficiency. Businesses may use cognitive computing and AI to their advantage to obtain a competitive edge in today’s data-driven world by knowing their capabilities and possibilities [1].

2023年度工程与材料科学部基金项目评审工作综述

本文总结了2023年度国家自然科学基金委员会工程与材料科学部项目评审工作情况,对各类项目申请、受理、评审和资助情况进行了整理及分析,重点回顾了本年度工程与材料科学部深化科学基金改革新举措及实施成效,并提出了下一年度评审工作的思路及建议,以进一步提高工程与材料科学基础研究资助质量。

2023年度国家自然科学基金委员会化学工程与工业化学领域科学基金项目申请与评审工作综述

总结了2023年度国家自然科学基金委员会化学工程与工业化学(B08)领域科学基金各类项目的申请、受理和资助概况,对B08下属16个二级代码的各类项目申请与资助情况进行了分析,为下一年度国家的项目申报提出了建议。

基础研究原始创新的政策探索:从非共识创新到原创探索计划

国家自然科学基金委员会(以下简称“自然科学基金委”)自成立以来,在推动我国基础研究发展、支持基础研究原始创新中发挥了重要作用。在广泛系统收集和分析档案、文献、访谈和统计数据等资料的基础上,本文回顾了自然科学基金委资助基础研究原始创新的政策探索历程,考察了相关资助政策设立的初衷及其历史背景,理清了政策演进脉络。研究发现:自然科学基金委资助基础研究原始创新起步较早(1987年),起始于建委之初,通过妥善处理申请人“申述”资助非共识创新研究;在政策供给方面,先后探索了非共识创新项目(1987年至今)、小额项目(2001—2018年)和原创探索计划项目(2019年至今)3种途径;政策走向经历了从缘起与初探(1987—1991年)、同行评议下的保护(1992—2017年)到专设资助计划下的激励(2018年至今)三个阶段的演进历程。回顾38年来,自然科学基金委资助基础研究原始创新的政策探索、发展及成效,有助于研究人员深入理解自然科学基金委相关资助政策,是新时期基础研究原始创新资助政策优化的重要参考。

植物天然产物的神经保护机制及其靶向递送研究进展

神经退行性疾病给人们的健康和生活带来很大的不良影响。随着世界人口老龄化程度的加深,其发病率逐年攀升。植物天然产物种类丰富、来源广泛且安全性高,许多表现出抗氧化、抗炎、调节自噬等多种生物活性。随着对植物中天然产物提取方法、组成结构及功能活性研究的不断深入,发现其中许多物质,如黄酮、多糖、多肽等可以通过缓解氧化应激,调节细胞因子水平,调节自噬流量,抑制兴奋性毒性等来改善脑缺血、中风、阿尔兹海默、脊髓小脑萎缩等多种神经退行性疾病,在细胞及动物水平研究中表现出显著的神经保护作用,可作为预防和缓解神经系统疾病的潜在神经保护剂。然而,由于大多数植物天然产物的生物利用度低,血脑屏障通透性差,不能有效渗透血脑屏障靶向特异性区域,未达到发挥功效的浓度,因此需要借助外泌体、纳米颗粒等载体将其递送到大脑特定区域发挥作用。本文围绕食品中植物天然产物的神经保护机制及其靶向递送系统展开论述,以期为植物天然产物的进一步研究与应用提供帮助。

2023年度国家自然科学基金土壤学项目受理与资助分析

本文分析了2023年度国家自然科学基金土壤学的项目受理与资助情况,以环境地球科学学科土壤学有关的D0701环境土壤学、D0709基础土壤学、D0710土壤侵蚀与土壤肥力等三个申请代码为重点,对面上、青年科学基金、地区科学基金、国家杰出青年科学基金、优秀青年科学基金和重点等类别的项目的申请、受理、评议、资助立项、研究队伍、分类属性、关键词数据云等方面进行了统计与分析,旨在指导今后的土壤科学基金申请。