Peak Time Research Articles

Enhancing flood event predictions: Multi-objective calibration using gauge and satellite data

Rainfall-runoff models are widely used for predicting watershed runoff. The accuracy of the predictions heavily relies on effective model calibration, which is majorly influenced by the employed objective functions that measure the agreement between predictions and real-world observations. In this study, we propose a novel multi-objective calibration approach with the aim of improving the flood event predictions of a conceptual rainfall-runoff model applied to a catchment in the Austrian Alps. To achieve this, we include a total of five carefully selected objective functions into calibration. Three of these objective functions can be regarded as more classical and are roughly based on comparing absolute deviations, square of the residuals, as well as bias, correlation and variability of the flow. Another objective function relies on remote observations of the snow covered area, for which the MODIS Terra (MOD10A1.061) and Aqua (MYD10A1.061) datasets are used. The final objective function measures the differences in peak magnitude and timing for the largest events in the observation period. To showcase the proposed approach’s effectiveness, we compare the calibration and validation results with those obtained by a model that was only calibrated for two runoff objective functions and to carefully selected benchmark cases. The presented study reveals that our approach enhances the model’s capacity to depict snow cover dynamics, a crucial factor in accurately predicting snow-driven flooding events. Additionally, the results underscore that incorporating an error metric targeting magnitude and timing errors of large flood events can enhance the model’s ability to predict peak runoff. The results of this study further suggest that in general a more robust model can be obtained by incorporating additional error metrics that specifically target physical states and individual parts of the runoff curve into model calibration.

Modeling Urban Railway Passengers’ Willingness to Wait Based on Latent Class Analysis

Overcrowding in confined spaces, like inside trains, is a social issue that, in the long-term, could lead to accidents. To alleviate congestion in trains, a reduction in train headways is planned, made possible by technological advances such as the introduction of advanced autonomous trains (e.g., 60-s headway). However, simply reducing a train’s headway may be challenging because this does not consider the travel behavior of passengers who engage in the disruptive act of excessively boarding trains, thereby causing delays in their departure. Furthermore, the behavior of passengers may vary depending on an individual’s latent preferences, however, there is insufficient research that reflects these latent preferences. In this study, a survey was conducted with 971 urban rail passengers in the Seoul Metropolitan Area of Korea to identify their latent preferences using latent class analysis, resulting in a four-type classification: a congestion avoidance type, a time-sensitive type, a subway-preference type, and a type that does not prefer public transportation. Based on this, willingness to wait (WTW; i.e., waiting for the next less crowded train to reduce passenger discomfort) according to their latent preferences, was calculated. WTW was found to increase as the headway of the train was reduced. Choice modeling was conducted based on variables, including socioeconomic variables, to suggest effects related to WTW. The results indicated demand dispersion effects according to the headway reduction at peak times for various types of people. This study’s findings could be utilized to offer less crowded and safer train operations.

Comparative Analysis of Different Accessibility to Transportation Stations Gap Indices

In this paper, an analytical methodology is presented for computing the accessibility of transportation stations gap (ATSG) using differences between the accessibility indices for the public and private stations within a certain travel time thresholds in the city of Mashhad, Iran. Analyzing the conceptual differences among current modal accessibility methods of transportation stations can help to evaluate ATSG more accurately and minimizes the number of gaps between the private and public transportation stations. To address this need, we conducted a comparative analysis of the different accessibility methods and developed a novel approach based on spatio-temporal analysis. Three accessibility models were analyzed—contour (cumulative) (CN), potential access (PA), and gravity metric (GM)—considering three spatial factors (land use, transportation infrastructure, and population densities). Temporal factors including three travel time thresholds (3, 15, and 60 min) and three peak time periods (morning, noon, and afternoon) were analyzed to calculate the ATSG values for the private and public modes. Resulted ATSG values indicated superior accessibility for private cars in all three time thresholds applying three methods. However, our subsequent in-depth analysis of results determined that the ATSG values fluctuated as the time thresholds changed in the CN and PA methods. In the GM method, these values systematically increased as the time thresholds increased. The consequences of the GM method were more in line with reality and showed higher accuracy compared with others.

Highly Sensitive Early Diagnosis of Kidney Damage Using Renal Clearable Zwitterion-Coated Ferrite Nanoprobe via Magnetic Resonance Imaging In Vivo.

Iron oxide nanoprobes exhibit substantial potential in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of kidney diseases and can eliminate the nephrotoxicity of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). Nevertheless, there is an extreme shortage of highly sensitive and renal clearable iron oxide nanoprobes suitable for early kidney damage detection through MRI. Herein, a renal clearable ultra-small ferrite nanoprobe (UMFNPs@ZDS) is proposed for highly sensitive early diagnosis of kidney damage via structural and functional MRI in vivo for the first time. The nanoprobe comprises a ferrite core coated with a zwitterionic layer, and possesses a high T1 relaxivity (12.52 mm-1s-1), a small hydrodynamic size (6.43nm), remarkable water solubility, excellent biocompatibility, and impressive renal clearable ability. In a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), the nanoprobe-based MRI can not only accurately visualize the locations of renal injury, but also provide comprehensive functional data including peak value, peak time, relative renal function (RRF), and clearance percentage via MRI. The findings prove the immense potential of ferrite nanoprobes as a superior alternative to GBCAs for the early diagnosis of kidney damage.

The decay curves of luminescence from Eu2+ in β-SiAlON are effectively analyzed using the general-order kinetics formula

Defects in phosphors affect not only luminescence intensity but also emission peak width, decay time, and afterglow. The green phosphor β-SiAlON:Eu2+ exhibits the green emission of Eu2+ at 520 nm and the blue emission of nitrogen vacancies at 460 nm in time-resolved fluorescence measurements. The decay time of the intrinsic Eu2+ transition is 0.7 μs, but afterglow is detected from 50 μs to 0.01 s. This afterglow decay curve is the same for the green emission of Eu2+ and the blue emission of nitrogen vacancies, suggesting that the defect levels of the nitrogen vacancies affect the Eu2+ transition. The afterglow decay curves were analyzed using the formula of the general-order kinetics, 1+t/τB−n , where n is the decay power and τB is the decay time. This equation is generally used when analyzing afterglow on the order of seconds to hours but has not been examined systematically applied in samples with different concentrations of Eu2+ and temperatures on the order of nanoseconds to milliseconds. The decay power n is approximately 1 for all Eu2+ concentrations (x = 0.001–0.3) and undoped β-SiAlON. The decay time τB is correlated with the density of the nitrogen vacancies determined by electron spin resonance. Furthermore, the value of n is approximately 1 for 50 μs to 0.01 s and 0.3 for 1–1000 s. Thus, the luminescence mechanism of Eu2+ can be discussed by comparing n and τB obtained from the decay curves. In addition, several different Eu2+-doped phosphors, namely SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+, CaAlSiN3:Eu2+, and CaS:Eu2+, Tm3+, are studied.

Assessment of Nutritional and Functional Properties of Complementary Food from Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato, Soybean and Tropical Almond Seed Composite Flour

The study evaluated the quality characteristics of complementary food produced from Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato, soybean, and tropical almond seed composite. The sample formulation was in ratios of 100:0:0, 90:5:5, 80:15:5, and 70:25:5 for Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato, soybean, and tropical almond seed composite, respectively. A commercial complementary food was used as a control sample. A commercially available complementary food served as the control sample. The samples underwent analysis for nutritional, functional, and pasting properties using established standard methods. The obtained data were subsequently analyzed utilizing SPSS version 25. Significance was approved at p<0.05. The proximate composition of the complementary food ranged as follows: moisture (4.58-6.55%), fats (1.39-3.61%), Protein (3.67-14.15%), ash (1.94-2.78%), crude fibre (1.67-3.48%), carbohydrates (69.53-87.09%), and energy values (364.89-375.55 kcal/100 g). The micronutrients ranged as follows: calcium (0.62-4.98 mg/100 g), magnesium (1.54-2.25 mg/100 g), potassium (11.23-23.28 mg/100 g), sodium (1.24-6.42 mg/100 g), iron (3.01-8.00 mg/100 g), zinc (1.24-2.75 mg/100 g), beta carotene (6.65-27.61 mg/100 g), vitamin C (0.30-1.54 mg/100 g), vitamin B1 (0.65-1.39 mg/100 g), and vitamin E (0.72-4.29 mg /100 g). The functional properties ranged as follows; bulk density (0.50-0.85 g/mL), swelling capacity (1.52-3.19%), water absorption capacity (3.64-4.93 mL/g), oil absorption capacity (0.61-1.88 mL/g), and gelatinization temperature (57.5-66.0 °C). The pasting properties ranged as follows: peak viscosity (143.67-296.67 RVU), Trough viscosity (55.47-94.04 RVU), breakdown viscosity (87.11-202.63 RVU), setback viscosity (702.87-2642.29 RVU), final viscosity (758.33-2736.33 RVU), peak time (4.10-5.37 min), and pasting temperature (72.40-79.47 °C). The composite flour herein produced Substantially (p<0.05) enhanced the nutritional, functional, and pasting characteristics of the complementary food contrast to the control sample.

Redefining left bundle branch block from high-density electroanatomical mapping

BackgroundThe existing ECG criteria for diagnosing left bundle branch block (LBBB) are insufficient to distinguish between true and false blocks accurately. MethodsWe hypothesized that the notch width of the QRS complex in the lateral leads (I, avL, V5, V6) on the LBBB-like ECG could further confirm the diagnosis of true complete left bundle branch block (t-LBBB). We conducted high-density, three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping in the cardiac chambers of 37 patients scheduled to undergo CRT. These patients' preoperative electrocardiograms met the ACC/AHA/HRS guidelines for the diagnosis of complete LBBB. If the left bundle branch potential could be mapped from the base of the heart to the apex on the left ventricular septum, it was defined as a false complete left bundle branch block (f-LBBB). Otherwise, it was categorized as a t-LBBB. We conducted a comparative analysis between the two groups, considering the clinical characteristics, real-time correspondence between the spread of ventricular electrical excitation and the QRS wave, QRS notch width of the lateral leads (I, avL, V5, V6), and the notch width/left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (Nw/LVd) ratio. We performed the ROC correlation analysis of Nw/LVd and t-LBBB to determine the sensitivity and specificity for diagnostic authenticity. ResultsTwenty-five patients were included in the t-LBBB group, while 12 patients were assigned to the f-LBBB group. Within the t-LBBB group, the first peak of the QRS notch correlated with the depolarization of the right ventricle and septum, the trough corresponded to the depolarization of the left ventricle across the left ventricle, and the second peak aligned with the depolarization of the left ventricular free wall. In contrast, within the f-LBBB group, the first peak coincided with the depolarization of the right ventricle and a majority of the left ventricle, the second peak occurred due to the depolarization of the latest, locally-activated myocardium in the left ventricle, and the trough was a result of delayed activation of the left ventricle that did not align with the usual peak timing. The QRS notch width (45.2 ± 12.3 ms vs. 52.5 ± 9.2 ms, P < 0.05) and the Nw/LVd ratio (0.65 ± 0.19 ms/mm vs. 0.81 ± 0.17 ms/mm, P < 0.05) were compared between the two groups. After conducting the ROC correlation analysis, a sensitivity of 56% and a specificity of 91.7% for diagnosing t-LBBB using Nw/LVd were obtained. ConclusionBy utilizing the current diagnostic criteria for LBBB, an increased Nw/LVd value can enhance the effectiveness of diagnosing LBBB.

Evaluation of Radiological Health Hazard Indices Arising from Diagnostic X-Ray Rooms

The effective dose of selected health care workers who are constantly exposed to X-ray radiation was measured using thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD) placed over the lead apron at the chest region in all categories of medical personnel investigated. The objective is to conduct radiation measurements in various chosen hospitals to determine the level of exposure from X-ray machines precisely at a distance of 1 meter from the primary source. The work was carried out within a year in each of the selected centers. The personnel examination records containing the type of examination each day, peak tube voltage, tube current, and exposure time, including the actual number of films used, were obtained. A total of 40 personnel were examined in the Government Hospital, Agbor, 21 in Central Hospital Owa Alero and 18 in Okonye Hospital. The method used here has also been used by other researchers. Findings showed that the results obtained from the three hospitals investigated in this work were found to conform with the recommendations of the National Commission on Radiological and Protection {NCRP} 70 and 116 protocols. The Radiologists in the three study areas have the highest dose level, but of particular note is the dosage of the radiologists in Okonye hospital. This, as observed, is because the protective shielding parameters were inadequate and this could result in severe health consequences over time.

Process-based classification of Mediterranean cyclones using potential vorticity

Abstract. Mediterranean cyclones (MCs) govern extreme weather events across the Euro-African Basin, affecting the lives of hundreds of millions. Despite many studies addressing MCs in the last few decades, their correct simulation and prediction remain a significant challenge to the present day, which may be attributed to the large variability among MCs. Past classifications of MCs are primarily based on geographical and/or seasonal separations; however, here we focus on cyclone genesis and deepening mechanisms. A variety of processes combine to govern MC genesis and evolution, including adiabatic and diabatic processes, topographic influences, land–sea contrasts, and local temperature anomalies. As each process bears a distinct signature on the potential vorticity (PV) field, a PV approach is used to distinguish among different “types” of MCs. Here, a combined cyclone-tracking algorithm is used to detect 3190 Mediterranean cyclone tracks in ECMWF ERA5 from 1979–2020. Cyclone-centered, upper-level isentropic PV structures in the peak time of each cyclone track are classified using a self-organizing map (SOM). The SOM analysis reveals nine classes of Mediterranean cyclones, with distinct Rossby-wave-breaking patterns, discernible in corresponding PV structures. Although classified by upper-level PV structures, each class shows different contributions of lower-tropospheric PV and flow structures down to the surface. Unique cyclone life cycle characteristics, associated hazards (precipitation, winds, and temperature anomalies), and long-term trends, as well as synoptic, thermal, dynamical, seasonal, and geographical features of each cyclone class, indicate dominant processes in their evolution. Among others, the classification reveals the importance of topographically induced Rossby wave breaking to the generation of the most extreme Mediterranean cyclones. These results enhance our understanding of MC predictability by linking the large-scale Rossby wave formations and life cycles to coherent classes of under-predicted cyclone aspects.

Nonstationary Seasonal Design Flood Estimation: Exploring Mixed Copulas for the Nonmonotonic Dependence between Peak Discharge and Timing

Nonstationary Seasonal Design Flood Estimation: Exploring Mixed Copulas for the Nonmonotonic Dependence between Peak Discharge and Timing

Optimal scheduling for wind-solar-hydro hybrid generation system with cascade hydropower considering regulation energy storage requirements

Large-scale integration of renewable energy into the grid can lead to significant changes in the net load, peak-to-valley difference, peak and valley occurrence time of the power system. As a result, the power of hydropower plants must take a rapid adjustment response. Aiming at the coordinated operation of multiple energy sources, such as wind power, solar power, cascade hydropower station and energy storage pumping station, a coordinated scheduling model is proposed which can fully improve the consumption capacity of wind and solar power by aiming at the maximum power generation, minimum net load fluctuation and minimum wind and solar abandonment. Through the configuration of three different pumping station capacities, the influence of energy storage pumping station capacity on the complementary power generation system is analyzed. When the pumping station capacity is large enough, the output of the wind and solar can be completely consumed. The studies show that the cascade power station and pump energy storage regulation have a strong net load filling valley effect, which can effectively reduce the impact of wind and solar access on system operation, maintain the efficient and stable operation of the unit, and ensure the absorption rate of renewable energy.

Observations of Geomagnetic Crochet at High‐Latitudes Due To X1.5 Class Solar Flare on 3 July 2021

AbstractOn 3 July 2021, an X1.5 solar flare from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration solar Active Region AR12838 (24°N, 88°W) occurred at 14:18 UT, peaked at 14:29 UT, and decayed at 14:34 UT. The study of this X1.5 solar flare is significant due to its unique geomagnetic crochet feature at high latitudes and its effective signature on Earth. The study examined X‐rays, the extreme ultraviolet spectrum, ionospheric equivalent current (IEC), and geomagnetic field components. The study reveals a sudden increase in IEC during the X1.5 flare episode, forming a zonal current region and producing a geomagnetic crochet signature in geomagnetic field components at high latitudes (50°–80°N) along the 11°–26°E longitude sector during the flare peak time. All three geomagnetic field components show different sensitivity to the solar flare effect (sfe), and the amplitude and phase of the geomagnetic crochet across latitudes (for a given longitude) are consistent with the variations in the IEC. The present study is the first to appraise geomagnetic crochets of low magnitude (8–40 nT) and short duration (10–15 min) at high latitudes, particularly in the polar cusp region, during the X‐class limb flare.

Panic consumption under public health emergencies: The mediating role of risk perception

Abstract Aim The primary objective of this study was to examine and explain the public panic consumption model based on the stimulus–organism–response theory, during the peak time period of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Subject and methods The research data were collected through the questionnaires adapted for the purpose of this survey, which included a total of 408 participants (33% female) from the global population. The stepwise regression analysis has been conducted. Results The results have shown that both physical social networks and online social networks have a significant positive impact on infection risk perception, but the impact of physical social networks has proved to be a better predictor. Infection information obtained from physical social networks affects conformity buying and uncontrolled self-medication if the perceived risk perception is higher. When it comes to the impact of risk perception on conformity buying, health change has a significant negative regulatory effect. In the impact of risk perception on the uncontrolled self-medication, health change has no significant regulatory effect. Conclusions During the recent epidemic states, it is noticeable that public panic consumption has aggravated the difficulty of emergency management. Especially when it comes to the management of medical materials and medicines. In order to tackle this challenge in the future, the trigger mechanisms behind panic consumption are revealed.

A novel ionospheric TEC mapping function with azimuth parameters and its application to the Chinese region

The ionospheric mapping function (MF) for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a mutual projection method for the slant total electron content (STEC) and vertical total electron content, is one of the significant factors affecting the performance of ionospheric models. The commonly used MF assumes isotropic TEC variations and takes into account only the satellite elevation angle, which may result in significant ionospheric projection errors, especially at low elevation angles. Based on the single-layer model, we propose an additional azimuth parameter mapping function (APMF). The APMF was estimated and evaluated by the NeQuick model during the periods of January 2014 and January 2022 from the aspect of simulation and measured STEC during the periods of 2014 and 2022 from the aspect of actual measurements over China, respectively. Compared to the modified single-layer model mapping function (MSLM-MF), the experimental results indicate that (1) The APMF can significantly reduce the ionospheric projection error, and the fluctuation in errors with different azimuth angles is small. (2) According to the evaluation based on the NeQuick simulation during the TEC peak time, when the ionosphere is quite active, the upper and lower quartiles of the absolute projection error boxplot of the APMF relative to the MSLM-MF in January 2014 are reduced by 56.1% and 60.0%, respectively, and in January 2022, they are reduced by 67.7% and 65.2%, respectively. Similarly, the upper whiskers in the boxplot are reduced by 54.7% and 67.5% in January 2014 and January 2022, respectively; the APMF performance in terms of the root mean square error (RMSE) is improved by 47.0% in January 2014 and 58.3% in January 2022. (3) According to the evaluation based on the measured STEC from GNSS raw data during the TEC peak time, the upper and lower quartiles of the absolute mapping error boxplot of the APMF relative to the MSLM-MF in 2014 are reduced by 48.9% and 46.9%, respectively, while in 2022, they are reduced by 48.3% and 41.2%, respectively. The upper whiskers in the boxplot are reduced by 41.8% and 35.2% in 2014 and 2022, respectively; the APMF performance in terms of RMSE is improved by 44.6% in 2014 and 39.2% in 2022.

Intercultural capital and ambiguous loss in in-between space: a digital ethnography of Anglo-Sino academic families amid China’s transformation into the post-pandemic era

ABSTRACT This study presents a digital ethnography of the Anglo-Chinese academic family community (ASAFC) amid China’s transformation into the post-pandemic era. The ASAFC members are men from Anglophone countries married to Chinese women. Thus, two American male authors and one Chinese male author observed WeChat group texts shared by 64 individuals from Anglophone countries between 16 November 2022, and 31 January 2023, and in turn, triangulated their field notes to analyse the experiences of the ASAFC. By underpinning the concepts of intercultural capital and ambiguous loss within the context of in-between space, this study promoted scholarly conversations about the life stories of the ASAFC during the rapid public policy paradigm shift and the peak time of the COVID-19 infection. Overall, this study discusses China’s transformation into the post-pandemic era, culminating with an overview of the most overarching challenges in recent history.

Designing Gender-Specific Toilet and Urinal Needs Calculation Templates for Rural and Urban Schools: Lessons from the Republic of Benin

Gender equity, quality education, and sanitation in rural and urban areas are widely considered development imperatives. Therefore, many developed countries have scientifically and technically developed norms for the calculation and the design of toilet and urinal needs of their students, which is not yet the case in most developing countries, including the Republic of Benin, that lack socio-culturally adapted gender-specific toilets and urinal needs calculation and design norms. This paper fills this scientific and gender-specific norms gap, by discussing the process and the results of the design of school toilet and urinal needs calculation templates and norms in the Republic of Benin. The study that led to this design took place between June 2013 and October 2015 and consisted mainly of observing and recording defecation and urination needs satisfaction in toilets and open spaces by 8,160 female and 13,263 male students of 13 schools purposively selected in four agroecological and sociocultural areas of Benin. The main data recorded related, among other data, to the start and end times of the use of the toilets and open spaces; the needs satisfied; the peak times and durations of breaks and of toilet needs satisfaction; the numbers of female and male students and non-students who use and who can potentially use the toilets and urinals. These raw data were processed to infer and calculate eight parameters used in each template. This process led to the design of eight area-, gender-, and disability-specific templates and norms in use since 2016, in the target areas. Further studies will assess and report on the performance of these templates and norms.

Development of a minimal PBPK-QSP modeling platform for LNP-mRNA based therapeutics to study tissue disposition and protein expression dynamics

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic models have gained significant recognition as effective mathematical models that enable deeper mechanistic investigation of drug delivery and tissue disposition. Here we describe the development of a platform PBPK-quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model to study tissue delivery of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) based mRNA therapeutics. The model is calibrated to published data in the context of Crigler-Najjar syndrome. Sensitivity analyses were performed to explore factors that influence protein expression and pharmacodynamic response following LNP-mRNA liver disposition. The most sensitive determinants of protein exposures were mRNA stability, translation, and cellular uptake rate, while the liver influx rate of lipid nanoparticle did not appreciably impact protein expression. Indeed, protein expression level may be tuned by modulation of mRNA degradation rate. However, simulations predicted that when the intrinsic half-life of the translated protein falls below a certain threshold, lowering mRNA degradation rate may not rescue protein exposure, a design feature that should be considered in optimal design of mRNA therapeutics. Additionally, interplay of LNP degradation rate and mRNA escape rate from endosomes was found to be crucial in modulation of protein expression. Simulations predicted that at a given LNP degradation rate, protein exposure varied linearly with mRNA escape rate. We further extended the model by incorporating LNP recycling to identify conditions necessary for observing a second peak in mRNA pharmacokinetics (PK). Simulations predict that with a fast recycling and slow tissue re-uptake rates, a robust second peak is observed in the plasma mRNA concentration curve. The amplitude and timing of the second peak could be tuned with recycling and re-uptake rates. Modeling results indicate that within the context of non-secreted mRNA mediated enzyme replacement therapy, recycling may depress or improve protein exposure depending on the re-uptake rate of the recycled LNP. The model is subsequently used to generate virtual animal cohorts to investigate optimal dosing and schedule of the compound. Virtual instances of the model were then employed to identify design principles that potentially reduce dosing frequency while maintaining efficacy. This study demonstrates the potential applications of coupled PBPK-QSP model for LNP based mRNA therapeutics as a translational platform.

Simulating the impact of optimized prevention and control measures on the transmission of monkeypox in the United States: A model-based study.

This study aimed to develop a modified susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered (SEIR) model to evaluate monkeypox epidemics in the United States and explore more optimized prevention and control measures. To further assess the impact of public health measures on the transmission of monkeypox, different intervention scenarios were developed based on the classic SEIR model, considering reducing contact, enhancing vaccination, diagnosis delay, and environmental transmission risk, respectively. We evaluated the impact of different measures by simulating their spread in different scenarios. During the simulation period, 8709 people were infected with monkeypox. The simulation analysis showed that: (1) the most effective measures to control monkeypox transmission during the early stage of the epidemic were reducing contact and enhancing vaccination, with cumulative infections at 51.20% and 41.90% of baseline levels, respectively; (2) shortening diagnosis time would delay the peak time of the epidemic by 96 days; and (3) the risk of environmental transmission of monkeypox virus was relatively low. This study indirectly proved the effectiveness of the prevention and control measures, such as reducing contact, enhancing vaccination, shortening diagnosis time, and low risk of environmental transmission, which also provided an important reference and containment experience for nonepidemic countries.

Introduction of soybean into maize field reduces N2O emission intensity via optimizing nitrogen source utilization

The application of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer has increased anthropogenic N2O emission in global croplands. Due to the advantage of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), the introduction of legume may lessen N2O emission intensity (emission/yield) in cereal field. Yet, this speculation lacks strong evidences and the relevant mechanistic explanations. A two-year field study was conducted using static chamber method (15N isotope labeling in fertilizer) in the mono- and inter-cropping fields with soybean introduced in maize field in semiarid rainfed Loess Plateau. The results indicated that maize-soybean intercropping showed 13 % lower N2O emission intensity than monocropping, attributed to 14 % and 20 % lower annually N2O emissions in intercropped zone than that of sole maize and soybean zones respectively. Also, a 15 % higher grain yield was observed in intercropped maize relative to that in sole maize. Particularly, during the peak time of emission following N fertilization and BNF within growing season, soybean introduction reduced 25 % and 24 % of N2O emissions in intercropped zone than sole maize and soybean zone respectively. It also favored maize plant with an additional 17 % more fertilizer-derived N, 21 % less soil-derived N and 30 kg N ha−1 soybean transferred-N from BNF. The contributions of N fertilization, BNF and soil initial organic N to N2O production were lessened in intercropping. In this case, the capacity of substrates N transformation into N2O emissions was lowered. Critically, soybean introduction reduced soil ammonia oxidation (as evidenced from amoA AOA and AOB gene abundance) in intercrops’ rhizosphere, and increased soil nitrite reduction (nirS and nirK gene abundance) in maize rhizosphere, and improved soil N2O reduction to N2 (nosZ gene abundance) in soybean rhizosphere. Therefore, soybean introduction optimized N source use for lower N2O emission intensity, via reducing the transformation of substrate N into N2O, and modifying the expression of nitrification and denitrification functional genes.

2-Deoxyglucose and hydroxychloroquine HPLC-MS-MS analytical methods and pharmacokinetic interactions after oralco-administration in male rats.

Our previous work has shown a synergistic tumoricidal efficacy of combining the hexokinase (HK) inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) and the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) through intraperitoneal injections on HK2-addicted prostate cancers in animal models. The pharmacokinetic (PK) behaviors of these oral drugs after simultaneous oral administration have not been reported. We developed high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS-MS) analytical methods for 2-DG and the clinically favored drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for sera samples. Using a jugular vein-cannulated male rat model with serial blood collection before and after a single gavage dose of each drug alone or in combination, we examined their PK metrics for drug-drug interactions. The data demonstrated a rapid and complete separation of 2-DG from common monosaccharides by HPLC-MS-MS multi-reaction monitoring. Application of the HPLC-MS-MS 2-DG and HCQ methods to sera samples of nine rats showed a peak time (Tmax ) for 2-DG of 0.5 h after 2-DG alone or with HCQ and identical post-peak half-life of approximately 1 h. With a seemingly bi-modal time course for HCQ, the Tmax for HCQ alone (1.2 h) was faster than that for the combination (2 h; p = .017). After combination dosing, the peak concentration (Cmax ) and area under the curve (AUC0-4h ) of 2-DG were decreased by 53.8% (p = .0004) and 53.7% (p = .0001), whereas AUC0-8h for HCQ was decreased by 30.8% (p = .0279) from the respective single dosing. Without changing the mean residence time (MRT0-∞ ) of each drug, the combination affected the apparent volume of distribution (Vd ) and clearance (CL) of 2-DG, and CL for HCQ without affecting its Vd . We observed significant negative PK interactions, probably at the intestinal absorption level, between 2-DG and HCQ taken simultaneously by mouth. Future optimization efforts are warranted for their combination regimen for clinical translation.