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A nanodrug delivery system of paclitaxel-mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a core-shell structure (PAC-csMSN) was used to increase the dissolution of paclitaxel (PAC) and improve its treatment of lung cancer. PAC was loaded into the core-shell mesoporous silica nanoparticles (csMSN) by the adsorption equilibrium method and was in an amorphous state in terms of its mesoporous structure. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that csMSN increased the dissolution rate of PAC and improved its lung absorption. The area under concentration-time curve (AUC) value of PAC-csMSN used for pulmonary delivery in rabbits was 2.678-fold higher than that obtained with the PAC. After continuous administration for 3 days, a lung biopsy showed no signs of inflammation. Cell apoptosis results obtained by flow cytometry indicated that PAC-csMSN was more potent than pure PAC in promoting cell apoptosis. An absorption investigation of PAC-csMSN in A549 cells was carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). The obtained results indicated that the cellular uptake was time-dependent and csMSN was uptaken into the cytoplasm. All these results demonstrate that csMSN have the potential to achieve pulmonary inhalation administration of poorly water-soluble drugs for the treatment of lung cancer.

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The effect of biochar application on photosynthetic traits and yield in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is not well understood. A 2-year field experiment was conducted in Northwest Liaoning, China to evaluate the effect of biochar application [0, 10, 20, and 40 t ha−1 (B0, B10, B20, and B40)] on leaf gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and yield of peanut. B10 improved photochemical quenching at flowering and pod set and reduced non-photochemical quenching at pod set, relative to B0. B10 and B20 increased actual photochemical efficiency and decreased regulated energy dissipated at pod set, relative to B0. B10 significantly increased net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency at flowering and pod set, relative to B0. Compared with B0, B10 significantly improved peanut yield (14.6 and 13.7%) and kernel yield (20.2 and 14.4%). Biochar application increased leaf nitrogen content. B10 and B20 significantly increased plant nitrogen accumulation, as compared to B0. The net photosynthetic rate of peanut leaves had a linear correlation with plant nitrogen accumulation and peanut yield. The application of 10 t ha−1 biochar produced the highest peanut yield by enhancing leaf photosynthetic capacity, and is thus a promising strategy for peanut production in Northwest Liaoning, China.

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Greenhouses are widely used in agricultural and horticultural production. With the characteristics of lightweight, small stiffness and high flexibility, greenhouses are sensitive to wind loads. In the calculation of wind loads, the wind pressure coefficient (Cp) is essential. The rationality of the value directly affects the safety and economy of greenhouses. Therefore, the Cp values estimation is one of the most important issues in the design of greenhouses. In order to make full use of the existing research results, in this study, three main methods for estimating Cp values were analyzed, namely, full-scale field experiment, wind tunnel experiment and numerical simulation. Five factors influencing the Cp values were then reviewed including greenhouse design parameters, greenhouse group, overhanging eaves, ventilation and wind direction. Based on the existing researches, suggestions for future development and research work were also put forward. Owing to the flexibility and deformability of greenhouses, the fluid-solid coupling method should be used to analyze the effects of vibrations on wind pressures. The interaction of building parameters (such as the number of spans, ridge height, roof shape and slope angle) and terrain around the greenhouse should be taken into consideration comprehensively. The destructive vortices occurred on the greenhouse should be further investigated.

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Featured Application: This research enhanced the significance of the intermediate-service value of a wetland system, which can draw the government or researchers to pay more attention to wetland management for the sustainability of wetland systems. Abstract:The functions and services of wetland ecosystems to human society have been generally recognized. Currently, most evaluations of wetlands are a comprehensive evaluation of their ultimate value. It is rare to discuss for energy and matter lost and transferred. In this study, emergy theory was used to assess the ultimate and intermediate service values of the Liaohe estuarine wetland ecosystem. Results show that its ultimate service value was $28.2 million, and its intermediate service value was $35,614.03 million. The 1263 time difference between intermediate and ultimate value shows that much server value was dissipated in the form of energy. In the ultimate service value, the value of adjusting the atmosphere was $8.02 million, accounting for 28.45% of the total value, and flood diversion and storage value was $6.98 million, accounting for 24.75%. These results illustrate that the most important service value of the Liaohe estuarine wetland ecosystem is to adjust the atmosphere and divert and store floods. In intermediate service value, maintaining-biodiversity value was $34,182 million, accounting for 95.98% of total value, showing that the Liaohe estuarine wetland plays an important role in species resources and regional seed banks.