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Robust contact schemes that boost stability and simplify the production process are needed for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). We code posited perovskite and hole-selective contact while protecting the perovskite to enable deposition of SnOx/Ag without the use of a fullerene. The SnOx, prepared through atomic layer deposition, serves as a durable inorganic electron transport layer. Tailoring the oxygen vacancy defects in the SnOx layer led to power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of >25%. Our devices exhibit superior stability over conventional p-i-n PSCs, successfully meeting several benchmark stability tests. They retained >95% PCE after 2000 hours of continuous operation at their maximum power point under simulated AM1.5 illumination at 65°C. Additionally, they boast a certified T97 lifetime exceeding 1000 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adverse events of the fractured vertebra (AEFV) post-percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) can lead to recurrent pain and neurological damage, which considerably affect the prognosis of patients and the quality of life. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors of AEFV and develop and select the optimal risk prediction model for AEFV to provide guidance for the prevention of this condition and enhancement of clinical outcomes. Methods: This work included 383 patients with primary osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) who underwent PKP. The patients were grouped based on the occurrence of AEFV postsurgery, and data were collected. Group comparisons and correlation analysis were conducted to identify potential risk factors, which were then included in the five prediction models. The performance indicators served as basis for the selection of the best model. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the following independent risk factors for AEFV: kissing spine (odds ratio (OR) = 8.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46–49.02), high paravertebral muscle fat infiltration grade (OR = 29.19, 95% CI 4.83–176.04), vertebral body computed tomography value (OR = 0.02, 95% CI 0.003–0.13, P < 0.001), and large Cobb change (OR = 5.31, 95% CI 1.77–15.77). The support vector machine (SVM) model exhibited the best performance in the prediction of the risk of AEFV. Conclusion: Four independent risk factors were identified of AEFV, and five risk prediction models that can aid clinicians in the accurate identification of high-risk patients and prediction of the occurrence of AEFV were developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When tunnel boring machines (TBMs) excavate through jointed rock masses, the cutting efficiency is strongly affected by the shear strength of joints, the mechanism of which, however, remains poorly understood. In this study, a series of disc-cutter indentation tests were conducted on granite rock mass specimens with different joint shear strengths. During the indentation, the cracking process was recorded by a digital image correlation (DIC) system. The deformation and strength of specimens, cracking behavior, rock breakage mode and cutting efficiency were quantitatively investigated. In addition, to investigate the combined effects of joint shear strength, orientation and spacing on the rock breakage mechanism, numerical rock mass models were established based on a particle flow code PFC2D. Experimental results reveal that the cracking of primary and secondary cracks changes from the mixed shear-tensile to tensile mode in the initial stage, while the joint shear strength does not affect the cracking mode in the subsequent propagation process. The rock breakage mode is classified to an internal block breakage mode, a cross-joint breakage mode and a cutters-dependent breakage mode. The cross-joint breakage mode is optimal for improving the cutting efficiency. Numerical simulation results reveal that the increase in the joint shear strength changes the internal block breakage mode to cross-joint breakage mode for rock masses of particular ranges of joint orientation and spacing. These findings provide basis for improving the TBM cutting efficiency through jointed rock masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we revisit the classical energy transport equation for pure tidal flows in estuaries by including the effects of residual water level and freshwater discharge. Starting from the one-dimensional mass and momentum conservations, we derive analytical expressions for energy flux and its dissipation, which can be used to explore the interaction between tide and river from an energy perspective. It has been shown that the potential energy flux is dominant over the kinetic energy flux, and the energy contribution made by tide-river interaction is negligible compared with that due to tidal flow and freshwater discharge. A critical position corresponding with zero energy flux can be identified, reflecting a balance between along-channel tidal amplitude and residual water level. Assuming the variation of system energy tends to zero, we derive the long-term equilibrium bed profile with a convex-up shape, where we identify the location of a second estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) at a position determined by the balance between river- and tide-induced energy flux. The dynamic response of tidal propagation extent and critical position with zero energy flux are shown to adjust to reflect seasonal changes towards the formation of a bed profile that is in dynamic equilibrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, with the increasing number of terminal connections, high-density deployment scenarios have become important scenarios for future wireless networks. Ultra-high throughput (EHT) in high density deployment scenarios is the technical goal of IEEE 802.11be, the next-generation wireless local area network (WLAN) standard. However, in a high-density deployment scenario, interference suppression between BSSs is serious, which seriously affects the throughput of a WLAN. And the resources available are limited. Therefore, for the next generation WLAN standard, this paper proposes a downlink transmission scheme based on AP coordination and the orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) protocol and the non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) protocol, named Co-OFDMA–NOMA scheme. The core idea is to transform the interference and suppression relationship between neighboring BSSs into the relationship of mutual coordination and assistance through the Co-OFDMA–NOMA protocol proposed in this paper. Firstly, a downlink transmission scheme named the Co-OFDMA–NOMA protocol is designed. In addition, the protocol and its framework structure have good backward compatibility. Theoretical analysis shows that the proposed Co-OFDMA–NOMA protocol has significant performance gain, and simulation results prove the effectiveness of the scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy serves as a crucial input in almost every sector of the economy and thus contributes significantly to the development of an economy. However, energy is obtained chiefly from fossil fuels, the world's biggest source of carbon emissions and climate change. Therefore, transforming the energy sector by promoting energy innovation is crucial and requires massive financial support from financial institutions beyond borders. In this regard, an international collaboration between the financial sectors of various economies can increase the availability of funds for investment in energy innovation. Therefore, this study intends to investigate the role of financial openness in promoting energy innovation in different regions of the world, such as Asia, America, and Europe. For regression analysis, the study employs the linear and non‐linear CS‐ARDL methods of estimations. The key outcomes of the long‐run linear analysis suggest that financial openness promotes energy innovation in all regions. In the non‐linear analysis, the positive change in financial openness increases long‐run energy innovation in all regions, while a negative change in financial openness reduces energy innovation in Global and Asia models. These findings imply that policymakers across the globe should focus on collaboration between the financial sectors to promote investment in energy innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective • The primary objective of this study was to investigate the current state of online recruitment intention among hospitals and identify its key influencing factors. This research aims to provide valuable insights that can guide the development of recruitment and employment strategies for hospital departments and student management. Methods • This study employed a cross-sectional survey approach involving 543 hospitals. Data collection utilized both convenient offline recruitment methods and online recruitment information platforms. A total of 543 questionnaires were distributed, resulting in the collection of 543 valid responses. The participating hospitals comprised 225 tertiary hospitals and 318 secondary hospitals. Additionally, the sample included 430 general hospitals, 113 psychiatric hospitals, dental hospitals, and 406 specialized hospitals. Geographically, 137 hospitals were located in urban counties or towns. Furthermore, 333 hospitals targeted undergraduate graduates, while 210 focused on graduate students. Results • The analysis of the data revealed several significant findings. Among the included hospitals in the sample, 19.71% expressed online recruitment intention for candidates with neurasthenia. Factors contributing to a higher online recruitment intention among hospitals included a preference for recruiting undergraduates (P = .011), the belief that online recruitment is suitable for clinical positions (P = .002), challenges in assessing candidates’ expertise online (P = .002), concerns about dishonesty in online recruitment (P = .028), and the perception that online recruitment requires less technical expertise for hospitals (P < .001). Conclusions • This study highlights the multifaceted nature of online recruitment intention within hospitals. The identified influential factors emphasize the need for customized strategies in recruitment and employment. Medical university recruitment and employment departments should adopt tailored measures that align with the unique dynamics of online recruitment to address these factors effectively. In this way, hospitals can enhance their recruitment processes and ensure the selection of candidates that meet their specific requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient: Female, 70-year-old Final Diagnosis: Chemical burn in the oral cavity Symptoms: Heightened salivation * intense burning sensation * oral edema Clinical Procedure: -- Specialty: Dentistry Objective: Rare disease Background: Chemical burns in the oral cavity, although rare, cause more severe tissue damage than thermal burns, continuing tissue destruction even after removing the causative substance. Prompt identification of the substance, exposure extent, time from injury to treatment, and the injured area are imperative for effective management. This report details severe oral burns in an elderly woman from accidental NaOH ingestion. Case Report: A 70-year-old female patient was presented to our hospital approximately 15 h after inadvertent consumption of approximately 20 ml of NaOH (sodium hydroxide) solution. This incident led to oral discomfort and restricted mouth opening. The ingested solution, erroneously assumed to be a beverage, was later identified as a potent alkaline substance typically employed in grease removal. Initial manifestations included intense burning sensation, oral edema, and heightened salivation, which exacerbated on the following day, adversely impacting her alimentation and verbal communication. Clinical examination disclosed extensive damage to the oral mucosa. The diagnosis encompassed a chemical burn in the oral cavity coupled with chronic gastritis. The treatment regimen comprised dietary limitations, administration of famotidine for gastric acid suppression, intravenous hydration, nutritional support, oral care with Kangfuxin liquid, and nebulization therapy. Six months after therapy, she exhibited complete recovery, with the absence of discomfort and restored normal oral functions. Conclusions: Timely and targeted treatment strategies, particularly nebulization medication and Kangfuxin liquid, are effective in managing chemical burns in the oral cavity, promoting wound healing, and preventing complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordinated carbon and nitrogen metabolism is crucial for bacteria living in the fluctuating environments. Intracellular carbon and nitrogen homeostasis is maintained by a sophisticated network, in which the widespread signaling protein PII acts as a major regulatory hub. In cyanobacteria, PII was proposed to regulate the nitrate uptake by an ABC (ATP-binding cassette)-type nitrate transporter NrtABCD, in which the nucleotide-binding domain of NrtC is fused with a C-terminal regulatory domain (CRD). Here, we solved three cryoelectron microscopy structures of NrtBCD, bound to nitrate, ATP, and PII, respectively. Structural and biochemical analyses enable us to identify the key residues that form a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic cavity along the substrate translocation channel. The core structure of PII, but not the canonical T-loop, binds to NrtC and stabilizes the CRD, making it visible in the complex structure, narrows the substrate translocation channel in NrtB, and ultimately locks NrtBCD at an inhibited inward-facing conformation. Based on these results and previous reports, we propose a putative transport cycle driven by NrtABCD, which is allosterically inhibited by PII in response to the cellular level of 2-oxoglutarate. Our findings provide a distinct regulatory mechanism of ABC transporter via asymmetrically binding to a signaling protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On-line monitoring of membrane fouling is essential in the water treatment process. Drawbacks such as low-sensitivity and off-line limitations limit the application of existing methods. An on-line monitoring method based on Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) sensors is put forward in this paper. The Particle Swarm Optimization with Simulated Annealing (PSO-SA) algorithm is used in optimizing the topologies of finite element models in order to decrease the ill-posedness of sensitivity matrices. The deep denoising extreme learning machine with an auto-encoder model and the K-singular value decomposition algorithm are used in ERT reconstruction to improve imaging quality. The lift-wavelet is adopted in measuring the permeate flux to improve measuring accuracy. The ERT pixel values of the membrane module and the result of flux are used to analyze the fouling status. The results of membrane fouling experiments demonstrate the following: (1) Based on the local ERT pixels, the "two stage" phenomenon of membrane fouling can be observed. (2) In the early stage, the fouling distribution of the localized membrane module is consistent with its ERT pixels. (3) The deposition process of foulants for the localized membrane module is synchronized with the variation of ERT pixels. (4) The integrity of the membrane module can be detected according to the ERT pixels. Therefore, the novel method can effectively reflect the membrane fouling process, especially in the early stages of membrane fouling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Control of spatial electromagnetic (EM) waves has always been an attractive prospect, especially with the emergence of metasurfaces, which introduce additional manipulating methods and degrees of freedom. In this paper, a design is proposed to realize reconfigurable and programmable space channels for non‐reciprocal transmissions of EM waves through the use of active metasurface. The layout of the chessboard pattern is preferred for constructing the metasurface, which is composed of two kinds of meta‐atoms. One type of meta‐atom is independently controlled for the transmission gain, attenuation, and phase shift, while the other type is independently controlled for the transmission attenuation and phase shift only. The use of power amplifiers (PAs) to achieve transmission gain in the meta‐atoms can actualize the performance of non‐reciprocal transmissions. The programmable operations of phase shift and attenuation in meta‐atoms can dynamically establish varied spatial channels. A prototype of the active metasurface is fabricated and measured. In the measurements, multiple types of reconfigurable and programmable non‐reciprocal transmission channels are observed clearly, verifying the validity of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A monostable piezoelectric vibration energy harvester (VEH) model subject to Gaussian colored noise is studied in this paper. With the help of energy balance method, a concise expression of the transient frequency which is determined by transient amplitude is used in the stochastic averaging process. Then an Itô stochastic differential equation is obtained. The new expression of frequency can lead to pretty good probability density function (PDF) of the displacement, PDF of output electric voltage of the VEH model, even if the nonlinear stiffness coefficient is very large. The influence of the nonlinear stiffness coefficient on the PDFs and on the output electric voltage is detailed and discussed. It is found that the larger nonlinear stiffness coefficient is, the smaller motion range and smaller mean square value of electric voltage it will result in. Furthermore, the larger time delay coefficient of the colored noise is, the larger mean square value of electric voltage it will lead to. Numerical simulations verified the accuracy of this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contributions of deeply subducted slabs to post-collisional magmatism are poorly constrained. Here, we present a study of the post-collisional, Early Permian (ca. 279 Ma), Hamisite basalts from the Western Tianshan NW China to trace the geochemical fingerprints of deeply subducted slab. The Hamisite basalts have arc-like trace element patterns but high Nb/Ta ratios (18.4-23.0). They have slightly enriched Sr--Nd isotopic compositions (87Sr/86Sr = 0.7048-0.7052; εNd[t] = 2.02--3.85), which indicates that the basalts were derived from an enriched mantle source. Extremely low δ7Li values (-5.76‰ to 0.20‰) imply the involvement of a deeply subducted slab (i.e., eclogites) in the source. Correlations among Nb/Ta and (Dy/Yb)N ratios, and rare earth element contents, indicate that the deeply subducted slab contained residual rutile and garnet but no epidote. Given that melting of eclogites requires an anomalously hot mantle source, we propose that mantle upwelling during post-collisional extension triggered melting of the deeply subducted slab. Our results indicate that melting of a deeply subducted slab can generate a metasomatized mantle source with high Nb/Ta ratios, which could be a hidden, high-Nb/Ta reservoir on Earth. Low δ7Li values and high Nb/Ta ratios could be a fingerprint of recycling of a deeply subducted slab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is considerable research on China's community healthcare, but little examining its delivery from a nurse perspective. This article, set in the context of Shenzhen, elicits community nurses' views on barriers to healthcare delivery, providing an initial evidence framework to improve community nursing practice at organizational and policy levels. Methods: We used qualitative methods. Data from semi-structured interviews with 42 community nurses in Shenzhen underwent inductive content analysis. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research were consulted to structure our reporting. Results: Our analysis suggests four elements discouraging community nurses in care delivery: lack of equipment, stressful work environments, staff incompetence, and patient distrust. Centralized means of procurement, management indifference to nurses' well-being, unsystematic training and reluctance to enter the community healthcare sector, and public prejudices against nursing contributed to these constraints, preventing community nurses from performing patient-centred care, devoting energy to caring, freeing themselves from heavy workloads, and building trust-based care relationships. Conclusions: Delivery barriers devalued community health services systematically and undermined nurses' professional advancement and psychological well-being. Targeted management and policy inputs are necessary to reduce caring barriers and enhance the ability of community nursing to safeguard population health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of organosilicon-polyurea composites were synthesized with hydroxy silicone oil (PDMS), coupling agent KH902, hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and polyaspartate resin F420. The properties of the composites were characterized by tensile strength, adhesion, water absorption and thermogravimetric analysis. The effects of silicone modification conditions and silicone content on the properties of the composites were investigated. The results showed that the adhesion, water resistance and thermal stability of the composites were improved with the introduction of organosilicon. When the content of hydroxy silicone oil was 20%, the tensile strength of the composite was 37.614Mpa, the elongation at break was 20.13%, the adhesion to cement mortar was 4.68 Mpa, and the water absorption was only 1.35%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inaccurate positioning of a cable-stayed bridge’s cable duct can lead to the contact between the stay cable and the conduit’s cable outlet and difficulties in the installation of the built-in damper. In turn, this can change the stress state of the stay cable and affect the test of the effective cable force, causing serious security risks to the entire structure. In order to analyze the law of the cable duct inclination angle and reveal the influencing factors of such an angle, an improved method for accurately calculating the inclination angle was proposed based on the influence of several factors, namely, segmental construction, second-stage load, concrete shrinkage and creep, and stay cable sag effect. Referring to the theory of elastic mechanics and concrete geometric nonlinearity, a calculation model was established considering the construction process, secondary load, concrete shrinkage and creep, and the sag effect of the cable stay. Furthermore, the influence of the cable stay duct’s inclination angle was analysed. Thereafter, an improved method for calculating the inclination angle of cable-stayed cable ducts was proposed and the correctness of this improved method was verified through the construction of three different types of cable-stayed bridges. Results demonstrate that, the correction value of the cable duct inclination angle caused by the sag effect is negatively correlated with the cable length, and such value controls the trend of the inclination angle correction. The influence of factors such as segmental construction and secondary load cannot be ignored when correcting the cable duct inclination angle of an extradosed cable-stayed bridge. The correction of the cable duct inclination angle of the side span of a high-tower cable-stayed bridge far away from the cable tower can ignore the influence of shrinkage and creep. The correction of the cable duct inclination angle of a single inclined pylon cable-stayed bridge should focus on the influence of the tilt shape of the main tower and the shrinkage and creep. The study results provide a certain reference for the correction of the cable duct inclination angles of cable-stayed bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to examine the burden of uterine fibroids at global, regional and national levels in terms of age and the Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Material and methods: Data were extracted from the GBD 2019 dataset. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to assess the incidence of uterine fibroids, and trends in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were examined. All measures examined were stratified by region, country, age and SDI to assess the effects of these variables on the incidence of uterine fibroids. Results: The global age-standardized incidence rate of uterine fibroids increased from 1990 to 2019, with an EAPC of 0.25 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.24 to 0.27). In contrast, the global age-standardized DALY rate decreased from 1990 to 2019, with an EAPC of -0.27 (95% CI: -0.31 to -0.23). High and low-middle SDI regions experienced significantly higher age-standardized incidence rates. Moreover, in 2019, low and low-middle SDI regions had significantly higher age-standardized DALY rates due to uterine fibroids than other SDI regions. Regionally, Eastern Europe had the highest age-standardized incidence rate of uterine fibroids in 2019, and Tropical Latin America experienced the greatest increase in age-standardized incidence rates from 1990 to 2019. Nationally, Brazil (EAPC = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.35-1.57) and India (EAPC = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.94-1.25) experienced the most significant increases in age-standardized uterine fibroid incidence. Age-standardized DALY rates increased the most in Tropical Latin America, high-income North America and Oceania. Conclusions: Globally, the age-standardized incidence of uterine fibroids has been increasing in recent years. In contrast, age-standardized DALY rates have exhibited a decreasing trend. Eastern Europe, Tropical Latin America, Brazil and India experience the greatest uterine fibroid burden. Globally, women aged 35-39 years and older have an increased risk of uterine fibroids, as reflected in the higher incidence rates among these age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this paper is to develop a comprehensive dynamic modeling and analysis method based on the absolute node coordinate method to predict the impact of the member flexibility on the dynamic performance of scissor deployable structure under the framework of flexible multi-body dynamics. In the process, three locking problems in the classical plane shear beam element are reviewed and discussed. Then a novel non-locking planar beam element is proposed to solve the element locking problem, and the dynamic model of the scissor deployable structure is established. Next, the cantilever beam, simply supported beam and flexible simple pendulum are respectively used to verify the correctness of the proposed non-locking beam element from the static and dynamic perspectives. Finally, the simulation and experiment results show that the proposed new non-locking element and normal matrix modeling method can effectively evaluate the dynamic performance of deployable structure and improve the computational efficiency. This study not only provides theoretical guidance for the dynamic behavior analysis and prediction of scissor deployable structure, but also offers reference for the layout and design of same type mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has enabled the deployment of various systems based on it. However, many current AI systems are found vulnerable to imperceptible attacks, biased against underrepresented groups, lacking in user privacy protection. These shortcomings degrade user experience and erode people's trust in all AI systems. In this review, we provide AI practitioners with a comprehensive guide for building trustworthy AI systems. We first introduce the theoretical framework of important aspects of AI trustworthiness, including robustness, generalization, explainability, transparency, reproducibility, fairness, privacy preservation, and accountability. To unify currently available but fragmented approaches toward trustworthy AI, we organize them in a systematic approach that considers the entire lifecycle of AI systems, ranging from data acquisition tomodel development, to system development and deployment, finally to continuous monitoring and governance. In this framework, we offer concrete action items for practitioners and societal stakeholders (e.g., researchers, engineers, and regulators) to improve AI trustworthiness. Finally, we identify key opportunities and challenges for the future development of trustworthy AI systems, where we identify the need for a paradigm shift toward comprehensively trustworthy AI systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold production is a challenge in the case of heavy oil because of its high viscosity and poor fluidity in reservoir conditions. Alkali--cosolvent--polymer flooding is a type of microemulsion flooding with low costs and possible potential for heavy oil reservoirs. However, the addition of polymer may cause problems with injection in the case of highly viscous oil. Hence, in this study the feasibility of alkali--cosolvent (AC) flooding in heavy oil reservoirs was investigated via several groups of experiments. The interfacial tension between various AC formulations and heavy crude oil was measured to select appropriate formulations. Phase behavior tests were performed to determine the most appropriate formulation and conditions for the generation of a microemulsion. Sandpack flooding experiments were carried out to investigate the displacement efficiency of the selected AC formulation. The results showed that the interfacial tension between an AC formulation and heavy oil could be reduced to below 10-3 mN/m but differed greatly between different types of cosolvent. A butanol random polyether series displayed good performance in reducing the watereoil interfacial tension, which made it possible to form a Type III microemulsion in reservoir conditions. According to the results of the phase behavior tests, the optimal salinity for different formulations with four cosolvent concentrations (0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt%, and 3 wt%) was 4000, 8000, 14000, and 20000 ppm, respectively. The results of rheological measurements showed that Type III microemulsion had a viscosity that was ten times that of water. The results of sandpack flooding experiments showed that, in comparison with waterflooding, the injection of a certain AC formulation slug could reduce the injection pressure. The pressure gradient during waterflooding and AC flooding was around 870 and 30e57 kPa/m, respectively. With the addition of an AC slug, the displacement efficiency was 30%e50% higher than in the case of waterflooding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The active structural change of actin cytoskeleton is a general host response upon pathogen attack. This study characterized the function of the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) actin-binding protein VILLIN2 (GhVLN2) in host defense against the soilborne fungus Verticillium dahliae. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that GhVLN2 possessed actin-binding,-bundling, and -severing activities. A low concentration of GhVLN2 could shift its activity from actin bundling to actin severing in the presence of Ca2+. Knockdown of GhVLN2 expression by virus-induced gene silencing reduced the extent of actin filament bundling and interfered with the growth of cotton plants, resulting in the formation of twisted organs and brittle stems with a decreased cellulose content of the cell wall. Upon V. dahliae infection, the expression of GhVLN2 was downregulated in root cells, and silencing of GhVLN2 enhanced the disease tolerance of cotton plants. The actin bundles were less abundant in root cells of GhVLN2-silenced plants than in control plants. However, upon infection by V. dahliae, the number of actin filaments and bundles in the cells of GhVLN2-silenced plants was raised to a comparable level as those in control plants, with the dynamic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton appearing several hours in advance. GhVLN2-silenced plants exhibited a higher incidence of actin filament cleavage in the presence of Ca2+, suggesting that pathogen-responsive downregulation of GhVLN2 could activate its actin-severing activity. These data indicate that the regulated expression and functional shift of GhVLN2 contribute to modulating the dynamic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton in host immune responses against V. dahliae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical Health is an important part of health education and health promotion in our country. Strengthen the research on the comprehensive evaluation of college students' physical health, establish a representative, scientific, practical and operable index system, provide simple evaluation methods, scientifically evaluate the physical and health status of college students, and promote the scientific development of college students. Effective physical exercise, the development of good physical exercise habits and the promotion of school physical education teaching reform are of great significance. The physical health evaluation of College students is frequently viewed as the multiple attribute decision making (MADM) issue. In this paper, the generalized Heronian mean (GHM) operator and generalized weighted Heronian mean (GWHM) operator with fuzzy number intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (FNIFNs) is extended to build fuzzy number intuitionistic fuzzy GHM (FNIFGHM) operator and fuzzy number intuitionistic fuzzy GWHM (FNIFGWHM) operator. Then we depicted the FNIFWHM operator on the strength of this technique. In the rear, a case in point for Physical health evaluation of College students is described to prove the built methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering a highly tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoplatform toward effective chemotherapy has always been a challenge in targeted cancer treatment. Metal-organic frameworks are a promising delivery system to reformulate previously approved drugs for enhanced chemotherapy, such as disulfiram (DSF). Herein, a tumor microenvironment-activated metal-organic framework--based nanoplatform DSF@MOF-199@FA has been fabricated to realize amplified oxidative stress--induced enhanced chemotherapy. Our results unveil that the copper ions and DSF released by DSF@MOF-199@FA in an acidic environment can be converted into toxic bis(N, Ndiethyl dithiocarbamate) copper and then induce cell apoptosis. Simultaneously, we determined that the apoptosis outcome is further promoted by amplified oxidative stress through effective generation of reactive oxygen species and GSH elimination. In conclusion, this work provides a promising platform for effective anticancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open innovation (OI) has received significant attention from practices and theories over the past decades. This paper investigates the role of OI and personalized patterns in firms at home and abroad, and then measures the risks involved. Firstly, this paper reviews the definition of OI, the business model innovation characteristics, and the facing problems in practice. Based on the existing literature, we illustrate the openness and challenges of business OI. By introducing bibliometrics, this paper presents a whole research framework. Based on keywords cooccurrence analysis and clustering analysis, we locate the current research hotspots and potential research opportunities from a comprehensive perspective. According to the analysis results, five clusters are obtained, including resource management and value creation; collective innovation and form sustainability; innovation management, intellectual property management, and crossborder cooperation; knowledge management and knowledge sharing; innovation ecosystem, big data, and policy-level innovation. Taking Huawei as an example, its typical business OI model is studied from the perspectives of organizational, project-related, marketing and consumer-based, and summaries the facing challenges and risks. We illustrate its financial performance, innovation performance, and development prospects. We found that, during the implementation of OI practical activities and theoretical exploration, the risks and opportunities facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are multiple dimensional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphogenesis of active shells such as cells is a fundamental chemomechanical process that often exhibits three-dimensional (3D) large deformations and chemical pattern dynamics simultaneously. Here, we establish a chemomechanical active shell theory accounting for mechanical feedback and biochemical regulation to investigate the symmetry-breaking and 3D chiral morphodynamics emerging in the cell cortex. The active bending and stretching of the elastic shells are regulated by biochemical signals like actomyosin and RhoA, which, in turn, exert mechanical feedback on the biochemical events via deformation-dependent diffusion and inhibition. We show that active deformations can trigger chemomechanical bifurcations, yielding pulse spiral waves and global oscillations, which, with increasing mechanical feedback, give way to traveling or standing waves subsequently. Mechanical feedback is also found to contribute to stabilizing the polarity of emerging patterns, thus ensuring robust morphogenesis. Our results reproduce and unravel the experimentally observed solitary and multiple spiral patterns, which initiate asymmetric cleavage in Xenopus and starfish embryogenesis. This study underscores the crucial roles of mechanical feedback in cell development and also suggests a chemomechanical framework allowing for 3D large deformation and chemical signaling to explore complex morphogenesis in living shelllike structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical Health is an important part of health education and health promotion in my country, and the health literacy level of students majoring in physical education in colleges and universities is an important factor in the development of health education in primary and secondary schools, and also directly affects the implementation of school health education in the future. The physical health evaluation of College students is frequently viewed as the multiple attribute decision making (MADM) issue. In our article, we combine the geometric Heronian mean (GHM) operator, generalized weighted Heronian mean (GWHM) operator with 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic numbers (2TLNNs) to propose the generalized 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic geometric HM (G2TLNGHM) operator and generalized 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic weighted geometric HM (G2TLNWGHM) operator. Meanwhile, some ideal properties of built operator are studied. Then, the G2TLNWGHM operator is applied to deal with the MADM problems under 2TLNNs. Finally, an example for Physical health evaluation of College students is used to show the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Elevating dietary calcium (Ca) intake can reduce metal(loid)oral bioavailability. However, the ability of a range of Ca minerals to reduce oral bioavailability of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) from indoor dust remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the ability of Ca minerals to reduce Pb, Cd, and As oral bioavailability from indoor dust and associated mechanisms. METHODS: A mouse bioassay was conducted to assess Pb, Cd, and As relative bioavailability (RBA) in three indoor dust samples, which were amended into mouse chow without and with addition of CaHPO4, CaCO3, Ca gluconate, Ca lactate, Ca aspartate, and Ca citrate at 200–5,000 μg/g Ca. The mRNA expression of Ca and phosphate (P) transporters involved in transcellular Pb, Cd and As transport in the duodenum of mice was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], parathyroid hormone (PTH), and renal CYP27B1 activity controlling 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis were measured using ELISA kits. Metal(loid) speciation in the feces of mice was characterized using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. RESULTS: In general, mice exposed to each of the Ca minerals exhibited lower Pb-, Cd-, and As-RBA for three dusts. However, RBAs with the different Ca minerals varied. Among minerals, mice fed dietary CaHPO4 did not exhibit lower duodenal mRNA expression of Ca transporters but did have the lowest Pb and Cd oral bioavailability at the highest Ca concentration (5,000 μg/g Ca; 51%-95% and 52 -74% lower in comparison with the control). Lead phosphate precipitates (e.g., chloropyromorphite) were observed in feces of mice fed dietary CaHPO4. In comparison, mice fed organic Ca minerals (Ca gluconate, Ca lactate, Ca aspartate, and Ca citrate) had lower duodenal mRNA expression of Ca transporters, but Pb and Cd oral bioavailability was higher than in mice fed CaHPO4. In terms of As, mice fed Ca aspartate exhibited the lowest As oral bioavailability at the highest Ca concentration (5,000 μg/g Ca; 41%-72% lower) and the lowest duodenal expression of P transporter (88% lower). The presence of aspartate was not associated with higher As solubility in the intestine. DISCUSSION: Our study used a mouse model of exposure to household dust with various concentrations and species of Ca to determine whether different Ca minerals can reduce bioavailability of Pb, Cd, and As in mice and elucidate the mechanism(s) involved. This study can contribute to the practical application of optimal Ca minerals to protect humans from Pb, Cd, and As coexposure in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in female patients with high morbidity and mortality. Multi-drug chemotherapy has significant advantages in the treatment of malignant tumors, especially in reducing drug toxicity, increasing drug sensitivity and reducing drug resistance. The objective of this research is to fabricate lipid nanoemulsions (LNs) for the co-delivery of PTX and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with folic acid (FA) decorating (PTX/DHA-FA-LNs), and investigate the antitumor activity of the PTX/DHA-FA-LNs against breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. PTX/DHA-FA-LNs showed a steady release of PTX and DHA from the drug delivery system (DDS) without any burst effect. Furthermore, the PTX/DHA-FA-LNs exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxicity and a higher rate of apoptosis as compared with the other groups in MCF-7 cells. The cellular uptake study revealed that this LNs were more readily uptaken by MCF-7 cells and M2 macrophages in vitro. Additionally, the targeted effect of PTX/DHA-FA-LNs was aided by FA receptor-mediated endocytosis, and its cytotoxicity was proportional to the cellular uptake efficiency. The anti-tumor efficiency results showed that PTX/DHA-FA-LNs significant inhibited tumor volume growth, prolonged survival time, and reduced toxicity when compared with the other groups. These results indicated that DHA increases the sensitivity of tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages (ATM2) to PTX, and synergistic effects of folate modification in breast cancer treatment, thus PTX/DHA-FA-LNs may be a promising nanocarrier for breast cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T cells are potent at eliminating pathogens and playing a crucial role in the adaptive immune response. T cell receptor (TCR) convergence describes T cells that share identical TCRs with the same amino acid sequences but have different DNA sequences due to codon degeneracy. We conducted a systematic investigation of TCR convergence using single-cell immune profiling and bulk TCRß-sequence (TCR-seq) data obtained from both mouse and human samples and uncovered a strong link between antigen-specificity and convergence. This association was stronger than T cell expansion, a putative indicator of antigen-specific T cells. By using flow-sorted tetramer+ single T cell data, we discovered that convergent T cells were enriched for a neoantigen-specific CD8+ effector phenotype in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, TCR convergence demonstrated better prediction accuracy for immunotherapy response than the existing TCR repertoire indexes. In conclusion, convergent T cells are likely to be antigen-specific and might be a novel prognostic biomarker for anti-cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filling of gangue formed in coal mining is an effective means to realize green mining in coal mine. The key of gangue filling mining is to accurately understand the breaking mechanism and pore evolution of gangue under load. Therefore, in this paper, firstly, the yield criterion of granular materials based on radius of curvature and contact stress is built, which concluded that the change of grain size during the process of gangue compression is the main factor affecting the crushing characteristics of gangue. Secondly, the numerical simulation method which can simulate the loading of gangue is put forward, and realize the re-crushing of gangue under compression and the influence of particle shape on the compression and crushing of gangue. Finally, the calculation method of breaking rate based on single particle is given, and the influence of the location of gangue particle on the breaking rate of rock sample is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the physicochemical properties and lodging index of different stem internodes and the yield of direct-seeded rice. Two treatments of wheat straw returning (returning and non-returning) and five potassium application rates of 0, 62.5, 125, 187.5, and 250 kg ha-1 were applied. Wheat straw returning combined with a potassium application rate of 125 kg ha-1 significantly promoted potassium accumulation, increased total soluble sugar and lignin contents, improved breaking moment, reduced the flattening rate and lodging resistance index of different internode stems, and increased the yield. Correlation analysis revealed that compared with those of the 4th and 5th internodes, potassium content and accumulation and total soluble sugar and lignin contents of the 3rd internode were significantly positively correlated with yield (r = 0.85**-0.93**) and negatively correlated with the stem flat rate and lodging index (r = -0.67*– -0.79**), which improved lodging resistance in collaboration with the 4th and 5th internodes (r = 0.82**-0.95**). Increasing potassium accumulation, total soluble sugar and lignin content, and reducing stem flatness of the 3rd stem internodes are important factors for improving lodging resistance of direct-seeded rice and may provide a basis for improving the 4th and 5th stem internodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study a class of dynamic games consisting of finite agents under a stochastic growth model with jumps. The jump process in the dynamics of the capital stock of each agent models announcements regarding each agent in the game occur at Poisson distributed random times. The aim of each agent is to maximize her objective functional with mean-field interactions by choosing an optimal consumption strategy. We prove the existence of a fixed point related to the so-called consistence condition as the number of agents goes large. Building upon the fixed point, we establish an optimal feedback consumption strategy for all agents which is in fact an approximating Nash equilibrium which describes strategies for each agent such that no agent has any incentive to change her strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertain switched systems are a significant type of hybrid systems disturbed by subjective uncertainty. Stability and attractivity have been widely investigated, while few results related to property analysis for uncertain switched systems were published before. Therefore, based on optimistic value criterion, stability and attractivity of such systems are proposed and analyzed in this work. By uncertainty theory and the feature of switched systems, corresponding theorems to judge these properties are obtained concerning linear uncertain switched systems in infinite-time horizon. For nonlinear uncertain switched systems, the relationship between stability in optimistic value and stability in measure (or stability in mean) is discussed in depth, and the connection among different attractivities is also revealed. An example about attractivity in optimistic value is provided to illustrate the validness of the results derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial robots play an important role in the transformation and upgrading of aviation manufacturing technology by their advantages of high flexibility, high efficiency, and low costs compared to the conventional computerised numerical control machine. However, due to the serial structure design of the main body, the industrial robot has low absolute positional accuracy, which limits its popularization and application in the field of high-precision manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to develop a robot accuracy improvement method using feedforward compensation and joint closed-loop feedback correction considering the influence of joint backlash. The experimental results show that the positional error of the compensated robot by the proposed method is reduced from 0.76 mm to 0.18 mm under no-load conditions, and the hole's positional accuracy is to 0.25 mm in the robotic drilling experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mazus danxiacola, a new species endemic to Danxia landform in east Jiangxi Province, eastern China, is described and illustrated. The systematic placement of this new species was confirmed by molecular phylogenetic analyses based on four plastid markers (matK, rbcL, rps16 and trnL-trnF) and nuclear ribosome ITS sequence, and its specific relationships within Mazus were discussed. Morphologically, the new species is clearly different from other Mazus species by having a series of uncommon traits, i.e., annual habit, without stolons and basal leaves, single, erect and unbranched stems, long petiolate leaves abaxially grayish green to silver gray, truncate to broadly cuneate leaf bases, racemes extremely elongated up to 35 cm long, white corolla, and palate densely covered by conspicuous clavate gland-like hairs. The new species is assigned to Critically Endangered (CR) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica crops, which are of worldwide importance, provide various oil, vegetable and ornamental products, as well as feedstocks for animal husbandry and biofuel industry. Cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR) is the entry point to the lignin pathway and a crucial locus in manipulation of associated traits, but CCRassociated metabolism and traits in Brassica crops have remained largely unstudied except in Arabidopsis thaliana. We report the identification of 16 CCR genes from Brassica napus and its parental species B. rapa and B. oleracea. The BnCCR1 and BnCCR2 subfamilies displayed divergent organ-specificity and participation in the yellow-seed trait. Their functions were dissected via overexpression of representative paralogs in B. napus. BnCCR1 was expressed preferentially in G- and H-lignin biosynthesis and vascular development, while BnCCR2 was expressed in S-lignin biosynthesis and interfascicular fiber development. BnCCR1 showed stronger effects on lignification-related development, lodging resistance, phenylpropanoid flux control, and seed coat pigmentation, whereas BnCCR2 showed a stronger effect on sinapate biosynthesis. BnCCR1 upregulation delayed bolting and flowering time, while BnCCR2 upregulation weakened the leaf vascular system in consequence of suppressed G-lignin accumulation. BnCCR1 and BnCCR2 were closely but almost oppositely linked with glucosinolate metabolism via inter-pathway crosstalk. We conclude that BnCCR1 and BnCCR2 subfamilies offer great but differing potential for manipulating traits associated with phenylpropanoids and glucosinolates. This study reveals the CCR1-CCR2 divergence in Brassicaceae and offers a resource for rapeseed breeding for lodging resistance, yellowseed traits, and glucosinolate traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dielectric elastomer (DE) vibrates and resonates mechanically under an alternating voltage and the vibrations undergo a transition from the in-plane to the out-of-plane state. In this study, a phase diagram was established experimentally to illustrate this transition and an electromechanical model was proposed to predict the transition using the boundary conditions. The resonance frequencies were calculated and were shown to be consistent with the experimentally obtained values. A novel vibration-driven robotic cube was then designed and powered by the dielectric elastomer at the 1st order out-of-plane resonance. The agile robotic cube is ultralight and demonstrated a speedy response of 125mm/s (1.8 body length/s), which is superior to the locomotive dynamics of the existing DE-based robotic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between insomnia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as the related influencing factors. Methods: A total of 910 T2DM patients treated in our multicenter from January 2022 to December 2022 were enrolled in this study. General information (gender, age, smoking and drinking history, exercise, course of disease, treatment and complications), HbA1c, Athens Insomnia Scale(AIS) scores and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale(GSRS) scores of patients were collected. The differences of sleep and gastrointestinal symptoms between groups were analyzed, and the correlation between the differences and HbA1c was analyzed. Furthermore, the risk factors for non-standard HbA1c were analyzed. Results: The AIS score and GSRS score in the HbA1c control group were less than those in the non-standard group (P<0.01). Insomnia was reported by 37.0% of T2DM patients, and the HbA1c level in the insomnia group was significantly higher than that in the non-insomnia group (10.00%±2.38% vs. 8.26%±1.73%, P<0.01). Gastrointestinal symptoms were present in 57.5% of T2DM patients, and the HbA1c levels in the group with gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly higher than those in the group without gastrointestinal symptoms (9.26%±2.23% vs. 8.43%± 1.98%, P<0.01). Furthermore, 26.3% of T2DM patients experienced both insomnia and gastrointestinal symptoms. Remarkably, the HbA1c levels in the group with both insomnia and gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly higher than those in the group without either condition (10.18%±2.44% vs. 8.45%±1.86%, P<0.01). Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant association between sleep quality, gastrointestinal function, and HbA1c levels (P<0.01). The logistic regression analysis result revealed that age, GSRS score, AIS score, and the presence of insomnia combined with gastrointestinal symptoms were independent risk factors for predicting HbA1c≥6.5% (P<0.01). Having both insomnia and gastrointestinal symptoms concurrently was the strongest risk factor for substandard HbA1c control, and the risk of blood sugar control may increase about 5 times when both appear together. Conclusion: Insomnia and gastrointestinal symptoms are common comorbidities in T2DM patients, showing a cross-interfering relationship, and they appear together with poor blood sugar control, interact causally, and amplify each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a shuttle-shaped buckling restraint brace (SS-BRB) with the uniform core and the peripheral restraint system that consists of uniform cross-section tube at its mid span and tapering sections at its two ends. This type of BRB maned as SS-BRB-UCS adopts circular steel tubes in the core and the peripheral restraint system. An isolation system is strategically positioned between the core and the peripheral restraint system to effectively transmit lateral loads. Obviously, this type of the optimizing peripheral restraint system could reduce material utilization with an economic design and beautiful appearance. First, the finite element (FE) model of the SS-BRB-UCS is established, then the elastic buckling performance investigation is carried out to determine the elastic buckling load formula through fitting techniques of numerical results, so as to obtain the formula of the restraint ratio. Additionally, an elastic-plastic stability bearing capacity analysis is conducted for the SS-BRB-UCS to assess its load-bearing capabilities, and the corresponding relationships between stability coefficient (φ) and the restraint ratio (ζ) is established to determine the lower restraint ratio (namely threshold) for static load-bearing capacity BRB design. Finally, the hysteretic responses of SS-BRB-UCSs subjected to axial compressive-tensile cyclic loads are studied numerically, and the corresponding lower limit of restraining ratio of SS-BRB-UCSs is proposed for their energy-dissipation design. Those two lower limits of restraining ratios of the SS-BRB-UCSs obtained in this study provide fundamentals for preliminary static and seismic designs of SS-BRB-UCSs. • The formula for the elastic buckling load of SS-BRB-UCSs is derived and verified to define its restraining ratio. • SS-BRB-UCS with parameter α = 0.3–0.5 exhibits optimal economic design. • Load resistance and hysteretic responses of the SS-BRB-UCSs are investigated by adopting Finite Element Model (FEM). • Two lower limits of restraining ratios corresponding to load-carrying and energy-dissipating types are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A vertically oriented double corrugated steel plate shear wall is proposed. • The elastic buckling behavior of the wall is affected by the bolt spacing. • The compressive and shear stability coefficients are established. • The stability of the wall affects the correlation curve of N/N u - V / V u. As a novel structural component, the Double Corrugated Steel Plate Shear Wall (DCSPSW) is formed by interlocking two corrugated steel plates using high-strength bolts. This paper investigates the global stability design methods for DCSPSWs under combined shear and compression loads. Firstly, this paper examines the elastic buckling performance of DCSPSWs under horizontal shear loads and vertical compression loads separately. A bolt spacing factor (η) is introduced to reflect the influence of bolt spacing on the elastic buckling stress of DCSPSWs. Then, based on extensive finite element analysis (FEA), this paper investigates the elastoplastic buckling behavior of DCSPSWs under shear loads and compression loads and establishes the corresponding stability curves to predict ultimate load-bearing capacity. It is found that the stability coefficients (φ s and φ c) are closely related to the normalized slenderness ratios (λ ns and λ nc). A smaller bolt spacing allows the DCSPSWs to exhibit improved elastic and elastoplastic stability. Finally, this study investigates the load-bearing performance of DCSPSWs under combined shear and compression loads and proposes the design formulas. The results show that the correlation curve of N / N u - V / V u can provide a conservative and accurate design. The research findings of this paper are advantageous for promoting the application of the innovative DCSPSWs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional direct reduction-separation approach used to economically and effectively treat copper slag (CS) or phosphate rock (PR) encounters challenges, such as low metal recovery, high cost, and high additive requirements. In this paper, an ecofriendly process for synchronously utilizing CS and PR by compound modification and coreduction, accompanied by magnetic separation, is proposed to resolve these limitations. In this approach, use graphite as a reductant toreduce Fe and the CaO in the PR catalyzed the reduction of fayalite in the CS, thereby enhancing Fe formation. Owing to its low melting point, CS generated a liquid phase and improved the growth of particles, which was beneficial for producing ferrophosporus (Fe-P) alloys. The Fe-P and slag were separated and recovered, owing to their melting point and density differences, thereby highlighting the efficiency of the proposed method. After comprehensive consideration, a crude Fe-P alloy containing 82.31% Fe and 13.65% P was prepared under optimal conditions and suitable for the production of battery grade iron phosphate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Further enhancing the performance and stability of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is crucial for their commercialization. We report that the functionalization of multication and halide perovskite interfaces with an organometallic compound, ferrocenyl-bis-thiophene-2-carboxylate (FcTc2), simultaneously enhanced the efficiency and stability of inverted PSCs. The resultant devices achieved a power conversion efficiency of 25.0% and maintained >98% of their initial efficiency after continuously operating at the maximum power point for 1500 hours under simulated AM1.5 illumination. Moreover, the FcTc2-functionalized devices passed the international standards for mature photovoltaics (IEC61215:2016) and have exhibited high stability under the damp heat test (85°C and 85% relative humidity). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A NACA0025 coflow jet airfoil model, including the inner and outer airfoils, was designed and manufactured through 3D printing technology. Using the duct connecting the leading- and trailing-edge slots formed by the inner and outer airfoils, eight plasma actuators are arranged in the duct and synchronously driven by two high-voltage alternating-current sources to realize the plasma coflow jet (PCFJ) flow control technique. The test angle of attack range is 8-30°, and the Reynolds number is 68,000. The induced airflow characteristics were studied, and the flow control mechanism of the PCFJ airfoil was explored using the detailed two-component particle image velocimetry technique. The results in the quiescent air show that in addition to the injection at the leading-edge slot and the suction at the trailing-edge slot, the actuators on the upper surface of the inner airfoil provide local flow acceleration and momentum injection. The results in the wind tunnel show that the PCFJ airfoil has a better performance in delaying flow separation, and its time-averaged flow separation position is delayed by 46% compared with the baseline airfoil. The mixing shear layer that becomes turbulent in advance and the subsequent coherent vortex structures, the injection at the leading edge and suction at the trailing edge, and local flow acceleration and momentum injection of the plasma actuators are the key factors for the mechanism of separation delaying of the PCFJ flow control technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high diversity of bacterial antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the different health risks due to their association with different bacterial hosts require environmental ARG risk assessment to have capabilities of both high throughput and host differentiation. Current whole genome sequencing of cultivated isolates is low in throughput, while direct metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) of environmental samples is nonselective with respect to bacterial hosts. This study introduced a population metagenomic approach that combines isolate library construction and mNGS of the population metagenomic DNA, which enables studying ARGs and their association with mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in a specific bacterial population. The population metagenomic approach was demonstrated with the E. coli population in cattle manure, which detected the co-location of multiple ARGs on the same MGEs and their correspondence to the prevalence of resistance phenotypes of the E. coli isolates. When compared with direct mNGS of the cattle manure samples, the E. coli population metagenomes exhibited a significantly different resistome and an overall higher relative abundance of ARGs and horizontal gene transfer risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To observe effects of Broncho-Vaxom immunotherapy combined with trelegy ellipta on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its influence on inflammation-related cells that can be detected in blood routine. 120 patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were selected and divided into observation group and control group, with 60 cases in each group. The control group was given Trelegy Ellipta alone and the observation group was given Trelegy Ellipta combined with Broncho-Vaxom immunotherapy. After 3 mo of treatment, the blood routine, immune function, lung function and clinical scores were compared between the two groups and the adverse effects of drugs were recorded. After 12 mo of follow-up, the number of acute exacerbations in patients was statistically analyzed. During treatment, the total incidence rate of adverse reactions showed no statistical difference between the two groups of patients (p>0.05). Within 12 mo of follow-up, the number of acute exacerbations was (0.41±0.12) times in the observation group, which was lower than (0.61±0.25) times in control group (p<0.05). The application of Broncho-Vaxom immunotherapy combined with Trelegy Ellipta on patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can lower the level of eosinophil in peripheral blood, regulate the immune function, improve the lung function, enhance the quality of their life and reduce the number of acute exacerbations, as well as with good safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on thermostable ionizable lipid-like nanoparticle (iLAND) as small interfering RNA (siRNA) treatment for hyperlipidemia. It rationally designs a series of ionizable lipid-like materials; and fabricated and evaluated four panels of lipid formulations in four representative structures. It concludes that siRNA@iLAND with thermostable A1-D1-5 offers value for siRNA delivery, hyperlipidemia therapy and prevention of metabolic diseases.

Oxidative stress injury (OSI) is involved in brain injury induced by cardiac arrest (CA)/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is closely related to OSI. Mild hypothermia (MT) has been used to treat different kinds of brain injury but the mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of MT on OSI in a rat model of CA/CPR and determine the relationship between MT and ERS. The rats were divided into the sham, nonhypothermia (NT), and MT groups, which were then each divided into two subgroups consisting of rats that were sacrificed at 4.5 h and 24 h after the return of spontaneous circulation, respectively (NT-4.5, NT-24, MT-4.5, and MT-24 subgroups) (n = 6). A CA/CPR model was established by asphyxiation in the NT and MT groups, and MT was administered to rats in the MT group. Roughly 73% (24/33) of the rats survived until the end of the study. Compared with the sham group, the neurological deficit score (NDS) decreased, and the OSI, apoptosis, water content increased after model establishment (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the NT-4.5 and NT-24 groups, rats in the MT-4.5 and MT-24 groups showed improved NDS (65.3 ± 5.1 vs. 52.8 ± 4.7; 59.7 ± 6.0 vs. 50.5 ± 5.4), lower MDA activity (4.7 ± 0.3 vs. 6.5 ± 0.6; 5.1 ± 0.4 vs. 7.7 ± 0.6) (nmol mg-1 protein), higher SOD (84.7 ± 5.2 vs. 67.4 ± 5.8; 73.9 ± 6.4 vs. 55.8 ± 4.1) (U mg-1 protein) and CAT activities (83.1 ± 6.9 vs. 77.2 ± 6.5; 71.9 ± 3.6 vs. 62.7 ± 4.9) (U mg-1 protein), lower water content (79.2 ± 1.1% vs. 80.6 ± 0.8%; 81.0 ± 0.9% vs. 83.7 ± 1.7%), and lower expression of the ERS-related proteins GRP78, CHOP, caspase-12, and cleaved-caspase-3 (p < 0.05). The results also showed that after the MT was stopped, the effects were maintained for a period of time. In conclusion, MT protected against brain injury induced by CA/CPR by decreasing OSI by inhibiting of ERS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Long-segment fusion in adult spinal deformity (ASD) is often needed, but more focal surgeries may provide significant relief with less morbidity. The minimally invasive spinal deformity surgery (MISDEF2) algorithm guides minimally invasive ASD surgery, but it may be useful in open ASD surgery. We classified ASD patients undergoing focal decompression, limited decompression and fusion, and full correction according to MISDEF2 and correlated outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study of ASD patients treated by 2 surgeons at our hospital was performed. Inclusion criteria were: age > 50, minimum 2-year follow-up, and open ASD surgery. Tumor, trauma, and infections were excluded. Patients had open surgery including focal decompression, short segment fusion, or full scoliosis correction. All patients were categorized by MISDEF2 into 4 classes based upon spinopelvic parameters. Perioperative metrics were assessed. Radiographic correction, complications and reoperation were recorded. Results: A total of 136 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 46 ± 15.8 months (range, 24-118 months). Forty-seven underwent full deformity correction, 71 underwent short segment fusion, and 18 underwent decompression alone. There were 24 cases of class I, 66 cases of class II, 23 cases of class III, and 23 cases of class IV patients. Patients in class I and II had perioperative complication rates of 0% and 16.7% and revision rates of 8% and 21.2% when undergoing focal decompression or limited fusion. However, class II patients undergoing full correction had higher perioperative complications rate (p = 0.03) and revision surgery rates (p = 0.047). This difference was not seen in class III patients (p > 0.05). All class IV patients underwent full correction, but they had higher perioperative complication rates (p < 0.019), comparable revision surgery rates (p = 0.27), and better radiographic realignment (p < 0.001). In addition, full deformity correction was associated with longer length of stay, increased blood loss, and longer operative time (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The MISDEF2 algorithm may help guide ASD surgical decision making even in open surgery, with focal treatment used in class I and II patients as a viable alternative and full correction implemented in class IV patients because of severe malalignment. However, class II patients with ASD undergoing full deformity correction do have higher complication rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]