The location of the Continent–ocean boundary (COB) between the Palawan continent block (PCB) and the central oceanic basin remains controversial. There are more than 100 km difference among the ...scholars' view about the specific positions of the COB. To obtain a more reasonable location of the COB in the PCB, a comprehensive interpretation was conducted based on new shipborne geophysical data, including bathymetry, gravity, magnetic and reflection seismic data. In particular, upward continuation was applied to the new stern-towing magnetic data, and analytical signal analysis (ASA) processing was adopted for the total field magnetic anomalies, including both the public and stern-towing magnetic data. The most reasonable COB of PCB is just identified with the geophysical data based on the comprehensive structures' anomalies, such as the foot of massif slope and the magmatic volcanoes in topographic data, and the gentle gradient of the free-air and Bouguer gravity anomalies, and the clear dividing boundary in magnetic ASA sharp anomaly, and the seismic profiles structure's display in the Continent–ocean transition (COT). Meanwhile, structural modeling along the seismic profiles are used to constrained the identification. The refined convex–concave's COB is distributed at the seaward limit of the continental crust along the foot of northwest Palawan slope with a hyper-extended thinner crust, seaward-dipping listric faults, and is reasonably located between the extensive thinned continental crust and expansive subducting oceanic crust.
•The COB of PCB is reasonably delineated at the foot of massif slope in topography, and obvious dividing boundary in magnetic ASA data.•The COT in PCB is characterized with a hyper-extended thinner continental crust, and seaward-dipping listric faults, as well as the outcropped igneous volcanoes.
Turbidity currents can be characterized as net-erosive, net-depositional or net-bypassing. Whether a flow is erosive, depositional or bypasses depends on the flow velocity, concentration and size but ...these can also be impacted by external controls such as the degree of confinement, slope gradient and substrate type and erodibility. Our understanding of the relative importance of these controls comes from laboratory experiments and numerical modelling, as well as from field data due to the proliferation of high-resolution 3D seismic and bathymetric data, as well as the outcrop and rock record. In this study, based on extensive multibeam and seismic reflection surveys in combination with International Ocean Discovery Program cores from the South China Sea, we document a new mechanism of turbidity current transformation from depositional to erosive resulting in channel incision. We show how confinement by seamounts and bedrock highs of previously unconfined turbidity currents has resulted in the development of seafloor channels. These channels are inferred to be the result of confinement of flows, which have traversed the abyssal plain, leading to flow acceleration allowing them to erode the seafloor substrate. This interpretation is further supported by the coarsening of flow deposits within the area of the seamounts, indicating that confinement has increased flow competency, allowing turbidity currents to carry larger volumes of coarse sediment which has been deposited in this region. This basin-scale depositional pattern suggests that pre-established basin topography can have an important control on sedimentation which can impact characteristics such as potential hydrocarbon storage.
•A downstream abyssal plain transition from deposition to channels is documented•This is a new example of turbidity current re-channelization.•The setting is a flat, open plain, upstream of an area of seamounts and ridges.•Turbidity currents traversing this terrain transition from depositional to erosive flows.•This confinement results in an increase in coarse sediment content in abyssal plain.
Coronary inflammation causes significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in diabetic patients. This study investigated the relationship between coronary local inflammation, detected ...by pericoronary fat attenuation index (FAI), and different blood glucose control levels in low-risk acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with or without diabetes.BackgroundCoronary inflammation causes significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in diabetic patients. This study investigated the relationship between coronary local inflammation, detected by pericoronary fat attenuation index (FAI), and different blood glucose control levels in low-risk acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with or without diabetes.A total of 309 patients with low-risk ACS were classified into three groups: non-diabetes, well-regulated diabetes, and poorly regulated diabetes. Pericoronary FAI around the proximal or left anterior descending artery (LAD), left circumflex artery (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA), were evaluated by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), and systemic inflammatory variables and other biochemical indicators were detected by flow cytometry.MethodsA total of 309 patients with low-risk ACS were classified into three groups: non-diabetes, well-regulated diabetes, and poorly regulated diabetes. Pericoronary FAI around the proximal or left anterior descending artery (LAD), left circumflex artery (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA), were evaluated by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), and systemic inflammatory variables and other biochemical indicators were detected by flow cytometry.Pericoronary FAI values around the proximal LAD, LCX, and RCA in poorly regulated diabetes were significantly higher than those in well-regulated diabetes and non-diabetes, whereas those in well-regulated diabetes were not statistically different from those in non-diabetes. Further, plasma glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was positively correlated with the pericoronary FAI values in LAD, LCX, and RCA. However, no significantly increased systemic inflammatory mediators were found in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control.ResultsPericoronary FAI values around the proximal LAD, LCX, and RCA in poorly regulated diabetes were significantly higher than those in well-regulated diabetes and non-diabetes, whereas those in well-regulated diabetes were not statistically different from those in non-diabetes. Further, plasma glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was positively correlated with the pericoronary FAI values in LAD, LCX, and RCA. However, no significantly increased systemic inflammatory mediators were found in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control.Diabetic patients with poor glycemic control may have higher coronary local inflammation as detected by pericoronary FAI surrounding the three major coronary arteries.ConclusionsDiabetic patients with poor glycemic control may have higher coronary local inflammation as detected by pericoronary FAI surrounding the three major coronary arteries.NCT05590858.Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT05590858.
The North Palawan Canyon is a large, previously undescribed submarine canyon that incises the continental shelf and slope of the southern South China Sea. Using multibeam bathymetric data and ...two-dimensional seismic reflection data, we have characterized current canyon morphology and documented lower-canyon migration in cross-section since the middle Miocene. We have also explored possible causes for the ancient migrations. The 175 km modern canyon is flanked by sediment waves outside its northern bank, and depositional lobes fan out from the canyon mouth. Over the past 15 million years, at least 20 cycles of significant canyon incising and infilling have occurred, along with significant canyon migration. This migration, as recorded in the sedimentary (seismic) record near a leftward bend in the canyon's lower reach, can be divided into three stages: southward migration during the middle Miocene (averaging 1.24 km/m.y.), northward migration during the late Miocene (1.34 km/m.y.), and stationarity since the Pliocene. The overall zigzagging pattern of the canyon thalweg (as seen in cross-section through time) results from lateral and downstream migration in an aggradational environment. The early (middle to late Miocene) rapid zigzagging migration of the lower main channel, first southward and then northward, was probably associated with the strong collision of the North Palawan Block with the Philippine Mobile Belt, which would have triggered submarine instabilities and deformed the seafloor. The more recent (Pliocene and later) slowing or cessation of canyon migration is likely the result of the now quieter tectonic setting and long-term climatic cooling and drying.
Multi-device video streaming applications enable seamless playback across various devices, including large-screen TVs, tablets, and smartphones, revolutionizing digital content consumption and ...enhancing user experience. However, ensuring consistently high quality of experience (QoE) across these heterogeneous devices remains a substantial challenge due to intrinsic differences in screen sizes and viewing conditions. In this paper, we first build an open-source, multi-device, and time-continuous QoE dataset named <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">MCQoE</tex-math> </inline-formula> by conducting a large-scale subjective experiment to analyze QoE variations among different screen-size devices. Then, we thoroughly investigate the dataset and observe that video quality and rebuffering impact on TVs is more significant than on other devices, such as middle-size PC monitors and small-screen smartphones, emphasizing the importance of building specific QoE models for different devices. Furthermore, we propose a novel low-complexity but effective QoE model denoted as <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">LiteDC</tex-math> </inline-formula>, integrating a temporal dilated convolution network with a targeted pruning technique to align with the computational constraints of embedded platforms. Extensive results show that compared to a state-of-the-art baseline algorithm, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">LiteDC</tex-math> </inline-formula> achieves a remarkable 20.9-fold improvement in execution speed while increasing prediction accuracy by 6.4%. The <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">MCQoE</tex-math> </inline-formula> dataset is available for download at https://github.com/yanghaocuc/mcqoe.
•Biocompatible AgNPs were synthesized using epigallocatechin gallate as reducing agent and chitosan as capping agent.•The growth of biofilm on dentine surface can be effectively inhibited by silver ...nanoparticles without significant colour change.•The developed silver nanoparticles can be potentially useful in dentistry.
To develop silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and evaluate its biocompatibility and inhibition effect on Streptococcus mutans biofilm growth.
AgNPs were synthesized using EGCG as a reducing agent. Cytotoxicity was assessed using half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against human gingival fibroblast (HGF-1) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Antibacterial properties were evaluated with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against S. mutans. Dentine blocks were treated with AgNPs, silver nitrate (AgNO3), or water before being incubated with S. mutans. The kinetics, morphology and viability of the biofilm at different time points were assessed by colony-forming units (CFUs), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), respectively. Lactic acid and polysaccharide production of the biofilm were also investigated.
Spherical AgNPs with diameter 17 ± 7 nm were developed. The IC50 of AgNPs and AgNO3 against HGF-1 were 44.88 ± 11.39 μg/mL and 11.53 ± 6.96 μg/mL, respectively (p < 0.001), whereas those against SHED were 68.02 ± 24.48 μg/mL and 9.54 ± 6.63 μg/mL, respectively (p = 0.02). The MIC of AgNPs and AgNO3 were 32.22 ± 7.34 μg/mL and 48.89 ± 15.11 μg/mL, respectively (p = 0.01), whereas their MBC was 63.33 ± 11.73 μg/mL and 85.00 ± 20.77 μg/mL, respectively (p = 0.02). Log CFUs of the AgNPs group were the lowest among the groups (p < 0.001). SEM and CLSM found a confluent biofilm in AgNO3 and water groups but not in AgNPs group. Biofilms in AgNPs group was revealed with lowest level of acidic acid and polysaccharides production (p < 0.001).
This study developed biocompatible AgNPs which inhibited the growth of a cariogenic biofilm.
Overflows through oceanic gateways govern the exchange of water masses in the world's ocean basins. These exchanges also involve energy, salinity, nutrients, and carbon. As such, the physical ...features that control overflows can exert a strong influence on regional and global climate. Here, we present the first description of sedimentary processes generated by the overflow of Pacific Deep Water (OPDW). This mass flows southward at approximately 2000–3450 m water depth within the Luzon Trough (gateway) from the Pacific Ocean into the South China Sea. OPDW can be divided into: a) a lower, denser layer (including an associated weak counter-current), which has generated a large contourite depositional system (CDS-1) that includes large erosional (channel and moat), depositional (mounded and plastered drift), and mixed (terrace) contourite features along the trough bottom and walls, and b) an upper mixing layer, which has not generated any significant depositional or erosional contourite features. Where OPDW does not reach the seafloor, it is underlain by bottom water that circulates more sluggishly but has generated a second contourite depositional system (CDS-2) made of a large sheet-like drift. The OPDW flow has generally enhanced since the middle to late Miocene, except in the shallower northernmost corridor. In the deeper main trough, reductions in width and depth of the gateway by Taiwan orogenic events have likely accelerated the overflow. The latest significant enhancening may promote widespread development of contourite depositional systems along the South China Sea's lower continental slope and adjacent deeper areas. This work highlights the importance of gateway-confined overflows in controlling the morphology and sedimentary evolution of adjacent deep marine sedimentary systems. A clear understanding of overflow processes and their products is essential for decoding tectonic control in oceanographic or paleoceanographic processes.
•Multidisciplinary study of the overflow of Pacific Deep Water along the Luzon Trough.•The overflow overlies a more sluggish layer at depth greater than 3450 m.•The overflow lower layer has formed a contourite depositional system.•The upper (mixing) layer of the overflow has not generated significant contourite features.•Gateway and overflow have influenced South China Sea morphology and sedimentary evolution.
Clonorchiasis caused by
is a mainly foodborne parasitic disease. It can lead to hepatobiliary duct inflammation, fibrosis, obstructive jaundice, liver cirrhosis, and even cholangiocarcinoma. ...Interleukin (IL)-10 is an immune-regulatory cytokine which plays an immunosuppressive role during infection. Our previous study found that IL-10 was increased in mice with
infection. However, the role and mechanism of IL-10 playing in hepatobiliary injury induced by
infection remain unknown. Herein,
mice and
C57BL/6J mice were infected with
. It was found that IL-10 deficiency aggravated biliary hyperplasia and exacerbated periductal fibrosis induced by
infection. Moreover, IL-10 deficiency increased CD4
T cells and CD8
T cells but not macrophages in the liver of mice with infection. There were no apparent differences in Th1 and Treg cells between
and
mice infected with
. However, the proportion of Th17 cells in CD4
T cells in
infected mice was significantly higher than that in
infected mice. IL-10 deficiency also enhanced the increase of Th17 cells induced by ESPs stimulation
. Taken together, our results suggest that IL-10 plays a protective role in hepatobiliary injury in C57BL/6J mice induced by
infection
inhibiting Th17 cells, which could deepen our understanding of the immunopathology of clonorchiasis.
In this study, changes of carotenoids in breast milk were observed longitudinally for up to one year. Our study aimed to analyze the profile of carotenoids in breast milk and maternal/cord plasma and ...its correlation with dietary intake in Guangzhou. Plasma and breast milk samples of five stages during lactation (i.e., colostrum; transitional milk; and early, medium, and late mature milk) were collected from lactating mothers. The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used for collecting data on dietary intake in the corresponding stages. Levels of lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene, and lycopene were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. We found that the total carotenoid level decreased gradually with the extension of lactation and eventually stabilized. Among them, the content of lutein increased from colostrum to transitional milk and decreased thereafter until it plateaued in the mature milk. Furthermore, lutein was reported as the dominant nutrient in maternal plasma, cord plasma, transitional milk, and mature milk at up to 400 days postpartum, while beta-carotene was predominant in colostrum. The content of β-carotenoid in middle and late mature breast milk was related to dietary intake (r = 1.690, p < 0.05). Carotenoid level in cord blood was lower than that in the mother’s plasma and was related to the carotenoid intake in the mother’s diet. Correlation of carotenoids between maternal and umbilical cord blood, breast milk, and maternal blood could well reflect the transport of carotenoids. These findings may help to guide mothers’ diets during breastfeeding.
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