Search

We present an approximate analytical approach to the adsorption problem of ABA triblock copolymers confined between two parallel plates in a θ solvent and give the expression of the propagator q(x, t) as a piece-wise function by solving the modified diffusion equation. In this way, the role of separation between the two plates, adsorption energy and block lengths on segment concentration profile, chain conformations, and interaction potential is then investigated, which agrees well with the numerical results. It is demonstrated that there are parallels between lengthening adsorbing A blocks and increasing surface affinity: strong adsorption and long adsorbing blocks favor the formation of loops and bridges, whereas more tails and free chains exist in the case of weak adsorption and short A blocks at large separations. For moderate and strong adsorptions, the bridging fraction begins to plummet at a separation larger than the end-to-end distance of non-adsorbing B block RB and becomes negligible at above 2RB owing to the entropy effect. The depth of the potential well in the interaction potential profile depends on the adsorption energy and A block length, while the location of the potential minimum corresponds to the onset of the sharp decrease in bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a primary endocrine disorder affecting premenopausal women involving metabolic dysregulation. We aimed to screen serum biomarkers in PCOS patients using untargeted lipidomics and ensemble machine learning. Serum from PCOS patients and non-PCOS subjects were collected for untargeted lipidomics analysis. Through analyzing the classification of differential lipid metabolites and the association between differential lipid metabolites and clinical indexes, ensemble machine learning, data preprocessing, statistical test pre-screening, ensemble learning method secondary screening, biomarkers verification and evaluation, and diagnostic panel model construction and verification were performed on the data of untargeted lipidomics. Results indicated that different lipid metabolites not only differ between groups but also have close effects on different corresponding clinical indexes. PI (18:0/20:3)-H and PE (18:1p/22:6)-H were identified as candidate biomarkers. Three machine learning models, logistic regression, random forest, and support vector machine, showed that screened biomarkers had better classification ability and effect. In addition, the correlation of candidate biomarkers was low, indicating that the overlap between the selected biomarkers was low, and the combination of panels was more optimized. When the AUC value of the test set of the constructed diagnostic panel model was 0.815, the model's accuracy in the test set was 0.74, specificity was 0.88, and sensitivity was 0.7. This study demonstrated the applicability and robustness of machine learning algorithms to analyze lipid metabolism data for efficient and reliable biomarker screening. PI (18:0/20:3)-H and PE (18:1p/22:6)-H showed great potential in diagnosing PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating ultrasonic frequency pulsed current (UFPC)-assisted welding is crucial owing to its significant advantages over traditional welding methods, including enhanced weld quality, reduced defects, and increased efficiency. This study elucidated the generation mechanism of arc ultrasonic waves influenced by UFPC through theoretical derivation. A microscopic model of arc plasma under the influence of UFPC was developed, and the equations governing the thermophysical properties of the plasma were theoretically derived and calculated. A three-dimensional numerical simulation model was developed to analyze the dynamic behavior of arc plasma and molten metal in UFPC-assisted gas metal arc welding (UFPC-GMAW). The simulation results revealed that the incorporation of UFPC increased both the maximum arc temperature and plasma velocity, resulting in a conical shape of the arc. Additionally, the maximum arc temperature amplitude decreased from 13.6% in conventional GMAW (C-GMAW) to 9.6% in UFPC-GMAW, indicating improved arc stability. The increase in electromagnetic force led to a higher droplet transfer frequency. Moreover, the weld pool in UFPC-GMAW exhibited greater weld penetration than in C-GMAW. Notably, the variations in maximum arc temperature and velocity were synchronized with UFPC, resulting in localized thermal contraction and expansion within the arc. These changes affected the arc volume and shape, leading to the excitation of ultrasonic waves. The calculated droplet size and transfer frequency were consistent with the experimental results, confirming the reliability of the models. These simulation results provide valuable guidance for engineers in designing UFPC-GMAW technology to achieve high-quality welds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusions\nImplications for rehabilitationWe investigated the effect of exercise combined with cognitive dual-task training on the improvement of cognitive function in stroke patients by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of current relevant studies.Four electronic databases, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase, were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of exercise combined with cognitive dual-task training on cognitive function in patients with stroke that were publicly available from the starting year of the databases to 10 July 2024.A total of 14 RCTs were included. Statistical results showed that exercise combined with cognitive dual-task training had a small effect size improvement in cognitive function for stroke patients (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI: [0.26, 0.57], p = 0.00). Moreover, persistent effects on cognitive functioning were observed after the end of the intervention (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI: [0.05, 0.43], p = 0.01). Subgroup analyses revealed that working memory, cognitive flexibility, total execution function, and total cognitive function had significant improvements in the cognitive function dimension group. Subgroup analyses of different exercise modalities, intervention periods, and different forms of control revealed significant differences within each subgroup.Exercise combined with cognitive dual-task training significantly improves cognitive function in stroke patients with favorable sustained effects.Exercise combined with cognitive dual-task training improves cognitive function in stroke patients with good sustained effects.Exercise combined with cognitive dual-task training was more significant if the intervention lasted longer than four weeks and the frequency of the intervention was three times per week.Rehabilitation professionals may consider exercise combined with cognitive dual-task training as a good choice of modality to improve cognitive functioning in stroke patients, which has good sustained results.Exercise combined with cognitive dual-task training improves cognitive function in stroke patients with good sustained effects.Exercise combined with cognitive dual-task training was more significant if the intervention lasted longer than four weeks and the frequency of the intervention was three times per week.Rehabilitation professionals may consider exercise combined with cognitive dual-task training as a good choice of modality to improve cognitive functioning in stroke patients, which has good sustained results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT School violence and bullying, cyberbullying, and cyber‐deviance have become subject matters of great concern for various disciplines, such as social work, criminology, psychology, education, medicine, public health, and nursing. In the past years, scholars in different countries have adopted the theoretical perspectives developed in their respective disciplines to separately examine issues of school violence and bullying, cyberbullying, and cyber deviance. For example, researchers in the field of social sciences tend to adopt psychosocial theories and perspectives, while public health scholars tend to adopt medical‐ or health‐related theories. There is a call for the international and interdisciplinary perspectives to examine these topics and their potential interconnectedness. There is also an urgent need to systematic strategies, policies, and intervention to tackle school violence and bullying, cyberbullying, and cyber deviance. The purpose of this special issue is to deepen our understanding of issues related to school violence and bullying, cyberbullying, and cyber‐deviance, to expand our cross‐disciplinary and integrated perspectives on these topics, and to provide potential legal strategies, policy, and intervention to tackle these social problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three dinuclear dysprosium complexes 1–3 with structural formulas [Dy2(bptz)(tta)6]·2CH2Cl2 (1), [Dy2(H2bmtz)(tta)6] (2) and [Dy2(H2bmtz)(hfac)6(H2O)2] (3) (bptz = 3,6-di(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, H2bmtz = 3,6-di(2-pyrimidyl)-1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, tta = 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate, hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate) were synthesized by the use of two tetrazine derivative ligands containing six and eight nitrogen atoms in combination with β-diketonate co-ligands, which are a good research platform to study the synergistic influence of the local coordination environment and magnetic interaction on magnetic relaxation. Complexes 1 and 2 possess the same peripheral co-ligands and nearly the same coordination environment (approaching an ideal triangular dodecahedron), but different multi-nitrogen bridges involving N6 (bptz) and N8 (H2bmtz) tetrazine derivatives. The structural difference leads to distinct magnetic relaxation properties with a hysteresis temperature of 2.5 K and 5.5 K at a rate of 200 Oe s−1 in 1 and 2, respectively, which is most likely due to the different magnetic coupling transmitted by H2bmtz and bptz in the direction close to the vertical magneto axis. Combined with a suitable local coordination environment, the energy barrier of complex 2 bridged by H2bmtz can reach three times that of complex 3. Considering the local ligand field, the important influence of this multi-nitrogen bridge transmitting magnetic coupling on the SMM properties is demonstrated with the aid of ab initio calculations. Also of note is that complexes 2 and 3 are the first reported lanthanide SMMs constructed from dihydro-tetrazine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA mixture analysis poses a significant challenge in forensic genetics, particularly when dealing with degraded and trace amount DNA samples. Multi-SNPs (MNPs) are genetic markers similar to microhaplotypes but with smaller molecular sizes (< 75 bp), making them theoretically more suitable for analyzing degraded and trace amount samples. In this case report, we investigated a cold case involving a campstool stored for over a decade, aiming to detect and locate the suspect's DNA. We employed both conventional capillary electrophoresis-based short tandem repeat (CE-STR) analysis and next-generation sequencing-based multi-SNP (NGS-MNP) analysis. The typing results and deconvolution of the mixed CE-STR profiles were inconclusive regarding the presence of the suspect's DNA in the mixed samples. However, through NGS-MNP analysis and presence probability calculations, we determined that the suspect's DNA was present in the samples from Sect. 4−1 with a probability of 1-8.41 × 10− 6 (99.999159%). This evidence contradicted the suspect's statement and aided in resolving the case. Our findings demonstrate the significant potential of MNP analysis for examining degraded and trace amount DNA mixtures in forensic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite contradictory empirical evidence, some suggest that physical exercise is directly related to bullying perpetration. Moreover, the quality of social relationships between adolescents and their parents, peers, and teachers has been proposed as a crucial mediator in the relationship between physical exercise and bullying perpetration. However, few empirical studies have examined such hypotheses. This study used data obtained from the 2014–2015 China Education Panel Survey to examine the direct association between physical exercise and bullying behaviors, as well as the indirect pathways from physical exercise to bullying that are mediated by teenagers' social relationship quality. The results showed no significant direct relationship between physical exercise and bullying behaviors. However, physical exercise has indirect associations with bullying behaviors mediated through social relationship quality, with peer relationships having the strongest mediating effect. The findings indicate that social relationships could mediate the association between physical exercise and bullying behaviors. The study suggests that future prevention and intervention programs should promote adolescents' participation in physical exercise and their social interactions with parents, peers, and teachers to reduce bullying perpetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A link between parental involvement in school and student victimization in school is often assumed, but empirical studies have shown inconsistent results. Research suggests that the quality of student‐teacher relationships could potentially serve as a crucial mediating factor in the link between parental school involvement and student victimization in school. However, the proposition in question lacks sufficient empirical evidence to substantiate it. This paper examines how parental school involvement indirectly influences student victimization by peers and teachers in school mediated via the quality of student‐teacher relationships. Additionally, it further investigates sex differences in the patterns of relationships among parental school involvement, quality of student‐teacher relationships, and student victimization by peers and teachers in school. Data were derived from a nationally representative sample of 934 junior high school students and their parents/caregivers in Taiwan. The results revealed that parental school involvement had a nonsignificant direct association with school victimization by peers and teachers, but a significant indirect association with both types of school victimization mediated via the quality of student‐teacher relationships. These findings are applicable to both boys and girls. To reduce school victimization, policies and intervention programs could consider promoting parental school involvement and the quality of student‐teacher relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim s : The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between caregiving burden and pre‐death grief, with a specific focus on adult‐child caregivers in mainland China. Additionally, the study explored whether coping strategies played a mediating role in this correlation. Methods: A convenience sample of 320 adult‐child caregivers of older parents with dementia from Kunming, mainland China, was recruited for the study. Data were collected using the Chinese version of the Marwit‐Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory‐Short Form, the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers, and the Ways of Coping Checklist‐Revised. Results: Results using linear regression and multiple mediation analysis with Hayes' process model indicated that caregiving burden was positively related to pre‐death grief and that active coping mediated the relationship between them. In the female group, active coping partially mediated the association between caregiving burden and pre‐death grief, but in the male group, this mediating effect did not exist. Conclusion: The study found evidence supporting the link between caregiving burden and pre‐death grief among adult‐child caregivers of older parents with dementia in mainland China. Furthermore, the caregiving burden prevented the use of active coping, and this decrease in coping increased the perception of pre‐death grief. These associations only existed in the female group. Implications: This paper presented the importance of active coping skills in the dementia caregiving process. Impact: The findings of this study emphasize the necessity for health practitioners to provide targeted interventions regarding pre‐death grief among dementia caregivers and strengthen caregivers' active coping strategies to reduce their pre‐death grief. Community‐based and personal care support services should be promoted to alleviate their caregiving burden. Reporting Method: We have adhered to the transparent reporting of evaluations with quantitative design statements and the corresponding checklist was followed. Patient or Public Contribution: 'No patient or public involvement'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reveal the connections between the 2024 moment magnitude (Mw) 7.5 Noto earthquake in Japan and the seismicity swarms that preceded it, we investigated its rupture process through near-source waveform analysis and source imaging techniques, combining seismic and geodetic datasets. We found notable complexity in the initial rupture stages. A strong fault asperity, which remained unbroken in preceding seismic swarms, slowed down the rupture. Then, a second rupture initiated at the opposite edge of the asperity, and the asperity succumbed to double-pincer rupture fronts. The failure of this high-stress drop asperity drove the earthquake into a large-scale event. Our observations help unravel the crucial role of fault asperities in controlling swarm migration and rupture propagation and underscore the need for detailed seismological and interdisciplinary studies to assess seismic risk in swarm-prone regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element which impacts on biological systems and ecosystems. Because the toxicity of Hg species is highly dependent on their concentration levels and chemical forms, the sensitive identification of the chemical forms of Hg—i.e., Hg speciation—is of major significance in providing meaningful information about the sources of Hg exposure. In this study, a microfluidic-based device made of high-clarity poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was fabricated. Then, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2s) were attached to the treated channel's interior with the aid of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC). After coupling the nano-TiO2-coated microfluidic-based photocatalyst-assisted reduction device (the nano-TiO2-coated microfluidic-based PCARD) with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), a selective and sensitive, hyphenated system for Hg speciation was established. Validation procedures demonstrated that the method could be satisfactorily applied to the determination of mercury ions (Hg2+) and methylmercury ions (CH3Hg+) in both human urine and water samples. Remarkably, the zeta potential measured clearly indicated that the PDADMAC-capped nano-TiO2s with a predominance of positive charges indeed provided a steady force for firm attachment to the negatively charged device channel. The cause of the durability of the nano-TiO2-coated microfluidic-based PCARD was clarified thus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two lanthanide complexes with formulae [DyIII(LN5)(pentafluoro-PhO)3] (1) and [DyIII(LN5)(2,6-difluoro-PhO)2](BPh4) (2) (LN5 = 2,14-dimethyl-3,6,10,13,19-pentaazabicyclo[13.3.1]nonadecal (19),2,13,15,17-pentaene) were structurally and magnetically characterized. DyIII ions lie in the cavity of a five coordinate nitrogen macrocycle, and in combination with the introduction of multi-fluorinated monodentate phenoxyl coligands a high axiality coordination symmetry is built. Using the pentafluorophenol co-ligand, complex 1 with a D2d coordination environment, is obtained and displays moderate single-molecule magnets (SMMs) behavior. When difluorophenol co-ligands were used, a higher local axisymmetric pentagonal bipyramidal coordination geometry was observed in complex 2, which displays apparent slow magnetic relaxation behavior with a hysteresis temperature of up to 5 K. Further magnetic studies of diluted samples combined with ab initio calculations indicate that the high axiality plays a crucial role in suppressing quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) and consequently results in good slow magnetic relaxation behavior. Different fluoro-substituted phenoxyl co-ligands have phenoloxy oxygen atoms with different electrostatic potentials as well as a different number of phenoloxy coligands along the magnetic axis, resulting in different ligand field strengths and coordination symmetries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research article, we explore the complex dynamics of a quantum Stackelberg game and its chaos control involving players with heterogeneous expectations. We utilize the Iqbal & Toor scheme to quantize the classical Stackelberg game and observe that the first mover advantage is diminished in the quantum version of the game. By examining the game from an evolutionary perspective, where the leader firm employs bounded rational expectations and the follower firm adopts adaptive expectations, we discover that the quantum Stackelberg game exhibits complex behaviors, such as cyclic and chaotic states. The local stability of the quantum game depends on the initial state of the game. Additionally, the occurrence of chaos is delayed in the quantum game. To further investigate, we implement the time-delayed feedback method to control the chaos in the quantum game and demonstrate that the techniques used for controlling the classical game are still effective in the quantum game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the double-difference tomography (tomoDD) method is applied to jointly invert the three-dimensional (3-D) crustal velocity structure and earthquake locations in the Maduo area based on automatically and manually picked seismic phase data. The results show that: (1) We speculated that the seismogenic fault is the Kunlun Pass–Jiangcuo Fault based on the spatial distributions of the aftershocks and surface rupture and the strike slip nature of the fault and the mainshock. In addition, a continuous northwest-trending branch fault may exist on the north side of the western section of the Maduo aftershocks. (2) We speculated that the Maduo earthquake was a bilateral rupture based on the media strength of the upper crust and near the surface and the seismic distribution. The findings also provide evidence for the large-scale rupture of the Maduo earthquake. In addition, the high-velocity body to the upper right of the mainshock satisfactorily explains the unobvious rupture above the mainshock. The late weak seismicity indicates that the energy released during the earthquake rupture was sufficient, and it is concluded that the short-term seismic hazard is insignificant. (3) The low S-wave velocity and high wave ratio reflect the existence of crustal fluids in the Maduo area based on the results of previous studies. The Maduo earthquake occurred on the side of the biased high-velocity body in the high-low velocity transition zone, where the stress easily accumulates and is easily released. Therefore, we conclude that the Maduo earthquake accumulated significant stress in the source area. The crustal fluids encountered a hard slope-type high-velocity body and flowed upward into the seismogenic fault, weakening the seismogenic fault. The combined effect of both processes finally triggered the Maduo MS7.4 earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining the relationship between the responses of a number of different cognitive trainings on cognitive functioning in middle-aged and elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. Randomized controlled experimental studies published publicly from the time of inception to October 30, 2023 were searched through Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases. Traditional and network meta-analyses were performed using Stata 17.0 software. Fifty papers on 4 types of cognitive training were included. Traditional meta-analysis showed that virtual reality training (SMD = 0.53, 95% CI : [0.36,0.70], P = 0.00), neuropsychological training (SMD = 0.44, 95% CI : [0.18,0.70], P = 0.00), cognitive strategy training (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI : [0.16,0.36], P = 0.00), and cognitive behavioral therapy (SMD = 0.25, 95% CI : [0.08,0.41], P = 0.00) all had significant improvement effects on the cognitive function of middle-aged and elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. Network meta-analysis revealed neuropsychological training as the best cognitive training, and subgroup analysis of cognitive function subdimensions showed that neuropsychological training had the best effects on working memory, lobal cognitive function, memory, and cognitive flexibility improvement. Meanwhile, virtual reality training had the best effects on processing speed, verbal ability, overall executive function, spatial cognitive ability, and attention improvement. Cognitive training can significantly improve the cognitive function of middle-aged and elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment, and neuropsychological training is the best intervention, most effective in interventions lasting more than 8 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma (PLELC) is a subtype of lung carcinoma associated with the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). The clinical predictive biomarkers of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in PLELC require further investigation. Methods: We prospectively analysed EBV levels in the blood and immune tumor biomarkers of 31 patients with ICB‐treated PLELC. Viral EBNA‐1 and BamHI‐W DNA fragments in the plasma were quantified in parallel using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Progression‐free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in EBNA‐1 high or BamHI‐W high groups. A longer PFS was also observed in patients with both high plasma EBNA‐1 or BamHI‐W and PD‐L1 ≥ 1%. Intriguingly, the tumor mutational burden was inversely correlated with EBNA‐1 and BamHI‐W. Plasma EBV load was negatively associated with intratumoral CD8+ immune cell infiltration. Dynamic changes in plasma EBV DNA level were in accordance with the changes in tumor volume. An increase in EBV DNA levels during treatment indicated molecular progression that preceded the imaging progression by several months. Conclusions: Plasma EBV DNA could be a useful and easy‐to‐use biomarker for predicting the clinical activity of ICB in PLELC and could serve to monitor disease progression earlier than computed tomography imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we investigate the horse racing game, a two-player game with six strategies. Our objective is to develop a theoretical framework for the game by employing the process of quantization. The Nash equilibrium (NE) of the quantum horse racing game is analyzed through an examination of the payoff matrix, and the results are compared to those of the classical horse racing game. Our findings demonstrate that the quantum horse racing game features both pure and mixed strategy NE, whereas the classical horse racing game possesses only mixed strategy NE. Additionally, our results indicate that the quantum horse racing game can mitigate the risks associated with the zero-sum game while outperforming the classical game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the transient transport phenomena of the arc and molten metal during gas metal arc welding (GMAW) using shielding gas mixtures ranging from 100% Ar + 0% CO2 to 80% Ar + 20% CO2. The thermophysical parameters of the Ar–CO2 mixtures, considering the presence of metal vapor, were calculated as a function for a temperature range of 1000–30 000 K. The influence of metal vapor content and CO2 proportion on the thermophysical properties of the mixed gas was discussed in detail. As the CO2 content increased from 0 to 20%, the shape of the arc changed from a bell to a cone due to the increase in mass density, specific heat, and thermal conductivity. The maximum arc temperature and velocity decreased with increasing CO2 content, resulting in larger droplets and a lower droplet transfer frequency. Although the change in electrical conductivity did not affect the arc shape, it did influence the arc temperature by altering the distribution of current density. Experiments of droplet transfer and arc behavior were carried out, and the results showed that the simulated droplet size, transfer frequency, and arc temperature distribution agreed well with the experimental values. These findings could serve as a theoretical tool for better understanding the underlying physical mechanisms of the GMAW process using different shielding gases, ultimately aiming to achieve high weld quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study published in Global Change Biology explores the sources of soil organic matter (SOM) and challenges prevailing methodologies for tracing these sources. The study by Chang et al. applies a two-pool mixing model based on ecological stoichiometry principles to quantify plant and microbial contributions to mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) in diverse ecosystems. Contrary to previous understanding, their results suggest more balanced contributions from plant and microbial sources to MAOM. However, the study has limitations, such as overlooking dissolved organic carbon as a major carbon source in MAOM and assuming constant carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratios over time. The authors propose a Bayesian mixed modeling framework that incorporates dynamic C:N ratios and emphasizes the importance of large-scale spatial sampling to overcome these limitations. They also highlight the need for further research to refine the accuracy and applicability of the stoichiometric approach. The study's findings have implications for understanding soil carbon and nitrogen cycling and can contribute to ecosystem management for climate mitigation and sustainable agriculture. [Extracted from the article]

This paper proposes a heat source model for dissimilar Al/Cu friction stir welding (FSW). First, tool torques of various welding parameters are real-time monitored and then analyzed for plunging, dwelling, welding and cooling stages of the FSW process. Second, total heat input is obtained based on the measured tool torque and is utilized to establish a combined heat source model of the four stages during Al/Cu FSW. In the model, heat distribution on the shoulder and the pin is regarded as planar and volumetric heat flux, respectively. Finally, the temperature distribution and evolution in dissimilar Al/Cu FSW are calculated by developing a numerical model, and the results are found to be in good agreement with the experimental observations. The present work avoids the complexity of determining different contact variables at the tool-workpiece interface and also provides an effective method for a quick prediction of the thermal responses during the full process of dissimilar materials FSW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of sensorless control for a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), the flux observer algorithm is widely recognized. However, the estimation accuracy of rotor position is adversely impacted by the interference from DC bias and high-order harmonics. To address these issues, an advanced flux observation method, second-order generalized integrator flux observer extend (SOGIFO-X), is introduced in this paper. The study begins with a theoretical analysis to establish the relationship between flux observation error and rotor position error. The SOGIFO-X method, developed in this study, is compared with traditional methods such as the Low Pass Filter (LPF) and second-order generalized integrator flux observer (SOGIFO), employing mathematical rigor and Bode plot analysis. The emphasis is on the methodology and the general performance improvements SOGIFO-X offers over conventional methods. Simulations and experiments were conducted to assess the impact of SOGIFO-X on the steady-state and dynamic performances of sensorless control. Findings indicate that SOGIFO-X demonstrates significant enhancements in terms of reducing the reduced flux observation error, contributing to the advancement of position estimation accuracy and sensorless motor control technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of vanadium addition on the solidification microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–4Ni alloy were investigated via thermodynamic computation, thermal analysis, microstructural observations, and mechanical properties testing. The results show that the nucleation temperature of primary α-Al increased with increased vanadium addition. A transition from columnar to equiaxed growth took place when adding vanadium to Al–4Ni alloys, and the average grain size of primary α-Al was reduced from 1105 μm to 252 μm. When the vanadium addition was 0.2 wt%, the eutectic nucleation temperature increased from 636.2 °C for the Al–4Ni alloy to 640.5 °C, and the eutectic solidification time decreased from 310 s to 282 s. The average diameter of the eutectic Al3Ni phases in the Al–4Ni–0.2V alloy reduced to 0.14 μm from 0.26 μm for the Al–4Ni alloy. As the vanadium additions exceeded 0.2 wt%, the eutectic nucleation temperature had no obvious change and the eutectic solidification time increased. The eutectic Al3Ni phases began to coarsen, and the number of lamellar eutectic boundaries increased. The mechanical properties of Al–4Ni alloys gradually increased with vanadium addition (0–0.4 wt%). The Al–4Ni–0.4V alloy obtained the maximum tensile strength and elongation values, which were 136.4 MPa and 23.5%, respectively. As the vanadium addition exceeded 0.4 wt%, the strength and elongation decreased, while the hardness continued to increase. Fracture in the Al–4Ni–0.4V alloy exhibited ductile fracture, while fracture in the Al–4Ni–0.6V alloy was composed of dimples, tear edges, and cleavage planes, demonstrating mixed ductile–brittle fracture. The cleavage planes were caused by the primary Al10V and coarse Al3Ni phases at the boundary of eutectic cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mo-substituted VO 2 material (0.5-Mo-VO 2) exhibits high capacity and strong stability as an advanced cathode for aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) as a result of optimizing the intrinsic electronic structure and micromorphology of VO 2 by the introduction of Mo. [Display omitted] Recently, vanadium dioxide (VO 2) has been recognized as one of the most prospective cathodes for aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) for its high reversible specific capacity; nevertheless, its Zn2+ diffusion kinetics and cycling stability have not yet met expectations. Herein, Mo ions are introduced into VO 2 to optimize the intrinsic electronic structure and micromorphology of VO 2 , achieving significantly enhanced zinc-ion storage. It is found that the substitution of Mo for V narrows the band gap of VO 2 and thus enhances the conductivity of the material, while VO 2 nanorods are transformed into VO 2 nanoflowers which are self-assembled from ultra-thin nanosheets after the introduction of Mo, exposing much more active sites to enhance the migration kinetics of Zn2+. Consequently, the Mo-substituted VO 2 (0.5-Mo-VO 2) exhibits excellent electrochemical properties, presenting a high initial capacity of 494.5 mAh/g at 0.5 A/g, excellent rate capability of 336 mA h g−1 at 10 A/g and brilliant cycling stability with the capacity retention of 82% over 2000 cycles at 10 A/g. This work provides significant guidance for the design of advanced cathodes for AZIBs by optimizing the electronic structure and tailoring morphology of V-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of yttrium (Y) addition on nonmetallic inclusions in FeCrAl alloys, a series of laboratory experiments and thermodynamic calculations are carried out as a function of reaction time and Y addition amount. Without Y addition, the main inclusion in FeCrAl alloys is AlN, and only a small amount of Al2O3 inclusions is evident. The higher content of Cr in FeCrAl alloy promotes the formation of Al2O3. Y addition can effectively modify Al2O3 inclusions to YAlO3 or YS inclusions. With the addition of 0.0046 wt% Y, the evolution route of inclusions in FeCrAl alloys with reaction time is Al2O3 → YAlO3‐Al2O3 → YAlO3. The variation in Al2O3 inclusions with increasing Y content is Al2O3 →YAlO3 → YS. The experimental results are consistent well with the thermodynamic calculation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The hypoxia-responsive long non-coding RNA, RP11-367G18.1, has recently been reported to induce histone 4 lysine 16 acetylation (H4K16Ac) through its variant 2; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. Methods: RNA pull-down assay and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were performed to identify RP11-367G18.1 variant 2-binding partner. The molecular events were examined utilizing western blot analysis, real-time PCR, luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and chromatin isolation by RNA purification assays. The migration, invasion, soft agar colony formation, and in vivo xenograft experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of RP11-367G18.1 variant 2–YY1 complex on tumor progression. Results: In this study, RNA sequencing data revealed that hypoxia and RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 co-regulated genes were enriched in tumor-related pathways. YY1 was identified as an RP11-367G18.1 variant 2-binding partner that activates the H4K16Ac mark. YY1 was upregulated under hypoxic conditions and served as a target gene for hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 colocalized with YY1 and H4K16Ac in the nucleus under hypoxic conditions. Head and neck cancer tissues had higher levels of RP11-367G18.1 and YY1 which were associated with poor patient outcomes. RP11-367G18.1 variant 2–YY1 complex contributes to hypoxia-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition, cell migration, invasion, and tumorigenicity. YY1 regulated hypoxia-induced genes dependent on RP11-367G18.1 variant 2. Conclusions: RP11-367G18.1 variant 2–YY1 complex mediates the tumor-promoting effects of hypoxia, suggesting that this complex can be targeted as a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite its proposed benefits, laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) has not been widely adopted due to its technical complexity and steep learning curve. The aim of this study was to report a single surgeon's experience in the stepwise implementation of LPD and evolution of technique over a nine‐year period in a moderate‐high volume unit. Methods: Carefully selected patients underwent LPD initially by hybrid approach (laparoscopic resection and open reconstruction), which evolved into a total LPD (laparoscopic resection and reconstruction). Data was prospectively collected to include patient characteristics, intraoperative data, evolution of technique and postoperative outcomes. Results: A total of 25 patients underwent hybrid LPD (HLPD) and 20 patients underwent total LPD (TLPD). There was no 90‐day mortality. Three patients developed a postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), all of which occurred in patients undergoing HLPD. There was no POPF in 20 consecutive TLPD. There was no evidence of anastomotic strictures in the hepaticojejunostomy in patients undergoing TLPD at long term follow up. Conclusion: A gradual and cautious progression from HLPD to TLPD is essential to ensure safe implementation into a unit. LPD should only be considered in carefully selected patients, with outcomes subjected to regular and rigorous independent audit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study aims to examine the age differences in state anxiety (i.e., anxiety triggered toward specific situations) as well as its relationship to the reading comprehension of Chinese students with and without dyslexia across school ages. In total, 131 typically developing students and 81 students with dyslexia in primary and secondary schools were recruited in Taiwan. Our results indicate that students with versus those without dyslexia have different patterns of state anxiety across the three age levels. In addition, we found similar patterns between students with dyslexia and those without across the three age levels in the effects of state anxiety on reading comprehension. However, the contributions of state anxiety to reading comprehension tended to decline as typically developing students matured, while they remained relatively constant for students with dyslexia across the three age levels. These results may have implications for teaching activities or examinations for students whose state anxiety has a significant impact on their reading comprehension skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a hypothesized link between family conflict and school bullying perpetration, previous findings on the direct association have been inconsistent. It has been argued that affiliation with delinquent peers may be a potential psychosocial mechanism mediating the relationships between family conflict and school perpetration. However, such a proposition has not been examined employing longitudinal panel data. Using longitudinal panel data (two waves with a 9-month interval) from Hong Kong collected from 424 lower secondary students (grades 7–9), this study examined how affiliation with delinquent peers mediates the relationships between family conflict and adolescent school perpetration. The results of the half-longitudinal mediation model indicated no significant link between family conflict at T1 and school bullying perpetration at T2. However, family conflict at T1 was indirectly linked to school bullying perpetration at T2 through affiliation with delinquent peers. The findings imply that affiliation with delinquent peers mediates the association between family conflict and adolescent school bullying perpetration. The findings provide insights into the future development of policies and interventions to reduce school bullying perpetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation agriculture is often assumed to reduce soil N2O emissions. Yet, studies analyzing the specific effect of conservation agriculture practices on N2O emissions give contradictory results. Herein, we synthesized a comprehensive database on the three main conservation agriculture practices (cover crops, diversified crop rotations, and no-till and/or reduced tillage (NT/RT)) to elucidate the role of conservation practices on N2O emissions. Further, we used a random meta-forest approach to identify the most important predictors of the effects of these practices on soil N2O emissions. Averaged across all comparisons, NT/RT significantly decreased soil N2O emissions by 11% (95% CI: –19 to –1%) compared to conventional tillage. The reductions due to NT/RT were more commonly observed in humid climates and in soils with an initial carbon content < 20 g kg–1. The implementation of cover crops and diversified crop rotations led to variable effects on soil N2O emissions. Cover crops were more likely to reduce soil N2O emissions at neutral soil pH, and in soils with intermediate carbon (~20 g kg–1) and nitrogen (~3 g kg–1) contents. Diversified crop rotations tended to increase soil N2O emissions in temperate regions and neutral to alkaline soils. Our results provide a comprehensive predictive framework to understand the conditions in which the adoption of various conservation agriculture practices can contribute to climate change mitigation. Combining these results with a similar mechanistic understanding of conservation agriculture impacts on ecosystem services and crop production will pave the way for a wider adoption globally of these management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Full‐color LED display requires Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) 1931 coordinates of (0.14, 0.08), based on the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) blue standard. However, such deep‐blue perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) still lag far behind in terms of device efficiency. Moreover, spectral stability remains a big challenge. To settle these issues, a kind of deep eutectic solvent (DES) is introduced as the perovskite precursor solvent additive, which is formed from a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) choline chloride and a hydrogen bond donor (HBD) urea via the hydrogen bond interaction. The incorporation of DES has multiple advantages, shown as follows: 1) improves the solubility of CsCl to yield dense perovskite morphology, 2) inhibits the growth of the perovskite crystal to achieve low‐n phases with narrow distribution, and 3) stabilizes the halide anions in the lattice to ensure stable electroluminescence (EL) spectra. As a result, the as‐prepared PeLED shows the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 2.71% with a CIE coordinate of (0.134, 0.055). With the increase in the DES concentration, the spectra stability is also obviously enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the associations between adolescent psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and somatization), school violence, and cyberbullying have been examined using cross-sectional data, little evidence from longitudinal panel data exists to determine the temporal association. A two-wave longitudinal panel data with a 10-month interval were obtained from a random sample of 487 Chinese junior high school students (grades 7–9) in Tianjin in Mainland China. The cross-lagged panel analysis showed that adolescent psychological distress in the first wave of the survey was significantly associated with subsequent school violence against peers and teachers in the second wave but not in the opposite direction. Student psychological distress in the first wave of the survey was not significantly associated with cyberbullying perpetration in the second wave and vice versa. The findings suggested that adolescent psychological distress was a risk factor rather than the consequence of violence against peers and teachers in school. However, the temporal associations between adolescent psychological distress and cyberbullying perpetration were non-significant. These findings were relevant to both sex groups. The findings may imply that potential interventions and policies to prevent students from committing school violence should consider reducing students' psychological distress as one of the core elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: As the largest terrestrial carbon (C) pool, soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a critical role in the global C cycle. Particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) are currently popular methods for the fractionation and analysis of SOC. Nitrogen (N) addition affects SOC dynamics. However, the characteristics of POC and MAOC and their potential drivers under N (inorganic and organic N) addition remain unclear. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis based on data from 50 studies on terrestrial ecosystems in China to investigate the responses of SOC, POC, and MAOC to N addition, and to reveal the factors influencing POC and MAOC. Results: The results showed that organic N addition significantly increased the SOC (effect size: 0.35), POC (effect size: 0.68), and MAOC (effect size: 0.20), whereas inorganic N addition significantly increased SOC (effect size: 0.10) and POC (effect size: 0.21). POC and MAOC concentrations increased with fertilization duration (years); however, the physical stability of SOC remained unchanged. No correlation was observed between the SOC sequestration rate and duration of fertilization under inorganic N addition, whereas the SOC sequestration rate showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with organic N addition. Conclusions: The main factors affecting POC and MAOC were microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and soil pH, and the driving factors of POC and MAOC were different under inorganic and organic N additions. Additionally, N addition may decrease the stability of the SOC pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of electrode positive/electrode negative (EP/EN) ratio on cold metal transfer advance-based wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process for Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy was studied in this paper. The process stability was investigated via analysing electrical waveforms and arc/metal transfer images concurrently. A high EP/EN ratio (≥ 13:7) was beneficial to decrease abnormal long wait phase duration of current and spatter of droplet, which improved the stability of WAAM process. The forming accuracies of the samples increased first and then decreased with the increase of EP/EN ratio due to the incompatibility of the heat input and molten pool flow. The average width and effective width coefficient showed a positive correlation with EP/EN ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction:  Suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior, as the most severe psychological and behavioral problems among adolescents, bring not only significant damage to individual social functioning but also cause enormous economic and social pressure, which will ultimately be detrimental to social development and social stability. This paper aimed to explore the potential relationship between teacher discrimination behavior, peer bullying victimization, anxiety disorders, and adolescent suicidal ideation based on the Vulnerability-Stress Model.Methods:  From September to November 2022, our research team surveyed 21,017 junior high school students from 12 secondary schools in ten cities in China. Mplus 8.3 software was used to analyze the pathways of teacher discrimination behavior on adolescent suicidal ideation.Results:  The results showed that teacher preference had a significant negative effect on suicidal ideation, and teacher prejudice significantly positively affected suicidal ideation. Mediation test results indicated that there were significant independent mediating effects of peer bullying victimization and anxiety disorders between teacher discrimination behavior and adolescents' suicidal ideation, as well as significant chain mediating effects. Conclusion:  Secondary school teachers should improve their self-quality and pay more attention to adolescents' suicidal ideation. Teachers are expected to put love into their education, respect and trust each student, and attend to their emotional needs unbiasedly. Educators should develop targeted prevention and intervention measures according to the actual situation of school bullying and also strengthen adolescents' life-value education to improve the psychological quality of adolescents and create a healthy campus atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexually exploited adolescent girls are disproportionately affected by adverse psychosocial conditions, such as intra-familial child physical and sexual abuse, extra-familial violence and sexual assault, alcohol and drug use, and suicide. Syndemic theory suggests that these adverse psychosocial or syndemic conditions are concentrated and co-occurring in socially marginalized populations, including sexually exploited adolescents, and increase their sexual health risks, including pregnancy, abortion, and the acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To examine clusters of syndemic conditions, latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted to classify 335 sexually exploited girls in Taiwan into subgroups based on their probability of experiencing each syndemic condition. We used syndemic class membership to predict their sexual health outcomes, specifically pregnancy, abortion, and the acquisition of STDs. The results of LCA revealed three classes, which were "low-risk syndemic," "moderate-risk syndemic," and "high-risk syndemic." The risk of acquisition of STDs among sexually exploited girls in the "high-risk syndemic class" and "moderate-risk syndemic class" was 239% and 135% higher, respectively, than the risk of acquisition of STDs among sexually exploited girls in the "low-risk syndemic class." Differences between these three classes in pregnancy and abortion were not significant. Our findings support the syndemic theory that a pattern of syndemic conditions is associated with an increased risk of acquiring STDs. Interventions aimed at reducing the acquisition of STDs among sexually exploited girls in Taiwan should adopt a comprehensive approach to address co-occurring conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanthanide-based single-molecule magnets (SMMs) have captivated the attention of researchers due to their great potential application in quantum information processing, storage, spintronics etc. Recent years have witnessed continuous breakthroughs in the field of SMMs, which make them very promising to be used in future practical functional applications. However, there remain formidable obstacles involving suppression of the quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) to maximize magnetic anisotropy, integrating and applying them in devices etc. Meanwhile, multifunctional 4f-based SMMs, which combine optical and electronic properties, are attracting increasing attention. This will provide a new perspective for future multifunctional device applications and deep insight into understanding the magnetic relaxation behavior as well. In this frontier article, we highlight the research that recently emerged involving 4f-based SMMs in combination with luminescence thermometry and photochromic and ferroelectric properties, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We tried to show the effect of sinomenine (SIN) in diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) and the related underlying mechanism. Methods: Network pharmacological analysis and bioinformatics analysis were carried out for identification of the active ingredients of Sinomenium acutum and the related genes. The DPNP rat model was constructed and primary rat spinal cord microglial cells were isolated for in vitro cell experiments. The therapeutic role of SIN in DPNP was determined in vivo and in vitro through analysis of microglial cell activation and inflammatory response. Results: Therapeutic role of S. acutum in DPNP was mainly achieved by regulating 14 key genes, among which the target gene prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) of SIN might be the key gene. An in vivo experiment showed that SIN inactivated the inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 alpha–X‐box binding protein 1 pathway by downregulating PTGS2, which relieved pain symptoms in DPNP rats. It was confirmed in vivo that SIN inhibited the pathway through PTGS2 to alleviate the activation of spinal cord microglial cells and inflammatory response. Conclusion: SIN decreases the expression of PTGS2 to inactivate the inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 alpha–X‐box binding protein 1 signaling pathway, which inhibits microglial activation, as well as the release of inflammatory factors, thus alleviating DPNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Temperature changes cause up to 20% error in VWSM accuracy with standard methods • Linear fitting reduces VWSM error to below 5% when temperature varies by over 10°C • VWSM tests on concrete show peak mean relative errors at a 5°C temperature gap • In constant-temperature load tests, VWSMs' measurements show mean errors below 5% Vibrating wire stress meters (VWSMs) are widely applied in civil engineering for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. However, existing literature often overlooks their applicability, limitations, and measurement accuracy, especially when embedded in concrete. The deviations between the measurement values obtained using traditional calculation methods and the actual values can range from 10.0 % to 20.0 %. This study enhances the accuracy of VWSMs through controlled temperature and load tests. Results indicate that for a constant load of −1.5 kN, keeping temperature variations below 10.0 °C limits measurement deviations to under 5.0 %. When temperature differences exceed 10.0 °C, linear fitting of stress calculation formulas is required. Tests on concrete columns reveal that temperature fluctuations significantly impact measurements, with peak mean relative errors of 16.09 % at −1.5 kN and 20.18 % at −10.0 kN. This research underscores the nonlinear effects of temperature and load on VWSMs' measurement accuracy, offering essential insights for improving precision in engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of Zr and Ti alloying on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of an Al-4Ni-0.4V alloy at elevated temperatures was investigated. The results showed that the coarsening rate of the eutectic Al 3 Ni phase in the Al-4Ni-0.4V-0.2Zr-0.2Ti alloy decreased from 21.1 nm3/s in the Al-4Ni-0.4V alloy to 7.4 nm3/s after annealing at 350 °C for 0 h to 120 h. The tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation at room temperature of the annealed Al-4Ni-0.4V-0.2Zr-0.2Ti alloy (350 °C, 8 h) were 181 MPa, 108 MPa, and 27.2 %, respectively. After tensile test at 350 °C, these values of the annealed Al-4Ni-0.4V-0.2Zr-0.2Ti alloy were 108 MPa, 72 MPa, and 29.8 %, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy results revealed the precipitation of the L1 2 ordered structure of the Al 3 M (M = Zr, V, Ti) phase, approximately 2 nm in size, in the α-Al after annealing. These phases exhibited excellent lattice matching with the α-Al and considerable precipitation strengthening. Segregation of Zr, V, and Ti elements at the α-Al/Al 3 Ni interface hindered Ni diffusion in the matrix, thereby reducing Al 3 Ni phase coarsening. Moreover, the Al 3 M phase precipitated at the interface exhibited favorable matching with the lattice planes of the α-Al and Al 3 Ni phase, which improved the thermal stability of the eutectic structure and the mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. • Zr /Ti effects on Al-4Ni-0.4 V microstructure/properties at high temperature studied. • Al-4Ni-0.4V-0.2Zr-0.2Ti alloy exhibited enhanced room temp tensile and yield strength. • TEM revealed 2 nm Al 3 M (M = Zr, V, Ti) phase precipitation, reinforcing alloy. • L1 2 -Al 3 M phase precipitation aligned with α-Al lattice, improving mechanical strength. • Zr/ Ti addition enables applications of Al-Ni alloys in high temperature conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Efficient co-leaching of gallium and rare earth elements was achieved through hydrochloric acid. • Ga was separated with Fe (III) by reducing the Fe (III) to Fe (II). • Low content of Ga was enriched and extracted from the complicated system. • Countercurrent extraction was design to obtain high purity products. • An innovative process was proposed to realized high value utilization of NdFeB. NdFeB waste serves not only as a crucial resource for the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) but also as an underutilized source of gallium (Ga). In this work, to simultaneously extract REEs and Ga from NdFeB waste, an efficient and novel method was developed, which involved the process of leaching, reduction, solvent extraction, precipitation, and calcination. Initially, the Pr, Nd, and Ga were co-leached with 5 mol/L HCl and liquid-solid ratio (mL/g) of 5:1 at 90 °C for 150 min, resulting in the leaching rate of Pr, Nd, and Ga were 98 %, 99 %, and 98 %, respectively. Secondly, to mitigate the interference of Fe (III) on the extraction process, Fe (III) was reduced to Fe (II) completely using Fe powder for 10 min, given that the excess iron powder factor was 1.2. Then, the tributyl phosphate (TBP) was chosen as the extractant for Ga due to its high selectivity. Under the optimal conditions, three-stage counter-current extraction achieved an extraction efficiency of 99 % for Ga, with the addition of 10 % isodecanol to eliminate the third phase. The gallium was completely stripped by water at a phase ratio (O/A) of 2:1. Subsequently, di-2-ethylhexylphosphoric acid was selected as the Pr and Nd extractant because of its high separation ability between REEs and Fe (II). The extraction efficiency of Pr and Nd achieved more than 99 % through three-stage counter-current extraction and the entire stripping of Pr and Nd was realized by 1.8 mol/L HCl. Additionally, a significant amount of Fe (II) in the raffinate was treated via adding oxalic acid to obtain FeC 2 O 4 ⋅ 2H 2 O. Finally, the Ga 2 O 3 and Nd 2 O 3 (PrO 2) were prepared from the stripping solution. According to the whole process, the yield of Ga, Pr, and Nd was 93.4 %, 97 %, and 98 %, with the purity of Ga 2 O 3 and Nd 2 O 3 (PrO 2) being 98.6 % and 98.4 %, respectively. The results suggested that the stepwise recovery of REEs and Ga from NdFeB waste can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A great species diversity of Dichaetophora was discovered from Asia. • A total of 144 species were delimited with molecular and morphological evidence. • Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed a speciose lineage called "pan- Dichaetophora ". • Some taxonomical problems have been uncovered in the "pan- Dichaetophora ". • Taxonomy of "pan- Dichaetophora " is to be revised under the phylogenetic framework. Our intensive surveys of wild drosophilids in East and Southeast Asia discovered a great species diversity (more than 100 putatively new species) of the genus Dichaetophora , which is currently comprised of 67 formally described species assigned into five species groups, i.e., agbo , tenuicauda , acutissima , sinensis and trilobita. In the present study, we delimited species from a huge amount of samples of Dichaetophora and allied taxa (the genus Mulgravea and the subgenus Dudaica of Drosophila) collected from a wide range of the Oriental and east Palearctic regions. We first sorted all specimens into morpho-species, and representative specimen(s) selected from each morpho-species were subjected to barcoding of COI (the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene) sequences. The applied ASAP (Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning) analysis estimated a total of 166 to 168 MOTUs (molecular operational taxonomic units). Integrating this result with morphological evidence from re-examined, detailed structures of male terminalia, we recognized a total of 144 (109 new and 35 known) species in our sample. Out of them, 83 species representing the supraspecific taxa of Dichaetophora , Mulgravea and Dudaica were selected, along with 33 species from major genera and subgenera of Drosophila in the tribe Drosophilini, as in-group and four species from the tribe Colocasiomyini as out-group for phylogenetic reconstruction based on 12 nuclear gene markers. In the trees constructed by the maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods, the three focal taxa (i.e., Dichaetophora , Mulgravea and Dudaica) formed a clade provisionally called the "pan- Dichaetophora ". Within this large clade, the agbo , tenuicauda , sinensis and trilobita groups of Dichaetophora , Mulgravea and Dudaica were recovered as monophyletic groups, but Dichaetophora and its acutissima group were regarded as paraphyletic. In addition, two clusters were recognized among ungrouped species of Dichaetophora. Thus, the present study has uncovered some issues concerning the taxonomy of the pan- Dichaetophora. Such issues will be addressed elsewhere in the phylogenetic reclassification of the pan- Dichaetophora , along with descriptions/redescriptions of a large number of new/known species delimited in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrolytic efficiency in magnesium (Mg) production by molten salt electrolysis is mainly affected by the chloride content, which is determined by the metal content in the cooled molten salt. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a potential element detection method in cooled molten salt element detection. However, the cooled molten chloride salt is easily deliquescent, which greatly affects the LIBS detection results. To solve the problem, a liquid-phase precipitation method based on the addition of a dispersant named as controlled uniform precipitation (CUP) method was proposed to pretreat the samples. Compared with the conventional powder compacting method and precipitation method, the CUP obtained the highest spectral stability and detection accuracy. The average relative standard deviation (ARSD) of Mg, Ca, and Na decreased from the 51.80%, 77.04%, and 44.01% to 6.77%, 6.27%, and 29.97%, the determination coefficient of the calibration curve (R2) increased from 0.044, 0.084, and -0.109 to 0.974, 0.954, and 0.802, and the average relative error (ARE) decreased from 58.49%, 52.46%, and 99.78% to 8.58%, 11.28%, and 29.38%, respectively, compared with the powder compacting method. Further investigation showed that the CUP method suppressed the sample deliquescence and the coffee ring effect, leading to the performance improvement of LIBS quantitative detection. The CUP provided an effective method of detecting metal elements for deliquescent samples and showed applied potential for other precipitable elements detection. [Display omitted] • A new sample pretreatment method named controlled uniform precipitation (CUP) is first proposed in LIBS. • A comprehensive sample analysis combining SEM images and LIBS mapping. • Outstanding quantitative detection thanks to the addition of dispersant in CUP method. • The CUP method significantly suppressed the coffee ring effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conceptual framework proposes that soil N SB 2 sb O emissions are more likely related to microbial functional gene abundances based on laboratory experiments than in-situ observations. Further results indicated that poor relationships between in-situ soil N SB 2 sb O emissions and functional gene abundances could be attributed to the complexity of both N SB 2 sb O emissions and environmental conditions in the field. Before the observations can inform N SB 2 sb O modeling and support sustainable nitrogen management, however, some additional efforts are needed to revisit the relationships between in-situ soil N SB 2 sb O emissions and functional gene abundances. [Extracted from the article]

For securing more water resources, traditional solutions including seawater desalination are limited due to high cost and restricted operating conditions. Thus, acoustic stimulation of rainfall is a potential alternative method due to its low cost and convenient operation. Low-frequency acoustic fields can be used to stimulate rainfall through evoking wavy motion of air particles in clouds which will significantly enhance the process of collision coalescence of cloud droplets and lead to their volume increase. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of rational methods to evaluate the effect of acoustic enhancement of rainfall in field experiments. To this end, in this study, nearly two-month field experiments of acoustic rainfall enhancement with 39 trials were carried out by our research team in the Tibetan Plateau. Statistical analysis was applied to evaluate the effect of acoustic wave on precipitation stimulation. The results of average rainfall intensity distribution using ordinary least square analysis disclose that acoustic interference has a considerable effect on rainfall enhancement. Such a rainfall enhancement effect increases significantly along with the increase of rainfall duration which is the index of cloud precipitation potential. For rainfall events with the duration more than two hours, the average rainfall intensity was improved by 72% with the acoustic wave effect at the experiment site. The phenomena are consistent with the fact that clouds with larger precipitation potential contain more cloud droplets which are beneficial to the acoustic coagulation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microbiology has entered into the big data era, but the challenges in bridging laboratory‐, field‐, and model‐based studies of ecosystem functions still remain. Indeed, the limitation of factors in laboratory experiments disregards interactions of a broad range of in situ environmental drivers leading to frequent contradictions between laboratory‐ and field‐based studies, which may consequently mislead model development and projections. Upscaling soil microbiology research from laboratory to ecosystems represents one of the grand challenges facing environmental scientists, but with great potential to inform policymakers toward climate‐smart and resource‐efficient ecosystems. The upscaling is not only a scale problem, but also requires disentangling functional relationships and processes on each level. We point to three potential reasons for the gaps between laboratory‐ and field‐based studies (i.e., spatiotemporal dynamics, sampling disturbances, and plant–soil–microbial feedbacks), and three key issues of caution when bridging observations and model predictions (i.e., across‐scale effect, complex‐process coupling, and multi‐factor regulation). Field‐based studies only cover a limited range of environmental variation that must be supplemented by laboratory and mesocosm manipulative studies when revealing the underlying mechanisms. The knowledge gaps in upscaling soil microbiology from laboratory to ecosystems should motivate interdisciplinary collaboration across experimental, observational, theoretic, and modeling research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has suggested that psychological distress (i.e., anxiety, depression, and somatization) is associated with student victimization by teachers. The direction and causality of this relationship have not yet been empirically supported. This study examined longitudinal associations between adolescent psychological distress (anxiety, depression, and somatization) and student victimization by teachers among 419 adolescents in grades 7–9 of secondary schools in Hong Kong. A self-administered questionnaire was conducted to collect student self-reported information about their experiences of victimization by teachers and their psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and somatization, at two time points separated by a 9-month interval. A cross-lagged panel analysis provided evidence for the contribution of depression, anxiety, and somatization to later victimization by teachers. These findings were also relevant for male and female adolescents. The findings suggest that psychological distress, such as depression, anxiety, and somatization, is a risk factor predicting student victimization by teachers rather than the consequences of exposure to teacher violence. The results support the importance of reducing adolescent depression, anxiety, and somatization symptoms in future intervention programs to prevent them from being victimized by teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much attention is currently devoted to developing diagnostic classifiers for mental disorders. Complementing these efforts, we highlight the potential of machine learning to gain biological insights into the psychopathology and nosology of mental disorders. Studies to this end have mainly used brain imaging data, which can be obtained noninvasively from large cohorts and have repeatedly been argued to reveal potentially intermediate phenotypes. This may become particularly relevant in light of recent efforts to identify magnetic resonance imaging–derived biomarkers that yield insight into pathophysiological processes as well as to refine the taxonomy of mental illness. In particular, the accuracy of machine learning models may be used as dependent variables to identify features relevant to pathophysiology. Moreover, such approaches may help disentangle the dimensional (within diagnosis) and often overlapping (across diagnoses) symptomatology of psychiatric illness. We also point out a multiview perspective that combines data from different sources, bridging molecular and system-level information. Finally, we summarize recent efforts toward a data-driven definition of subtypes or disease entities through unsupervised and semisupervised approaches. The latter, blending unsupervised and supervised concepts, may represent a particularly promising avenue toward dissecting heterogeneous categories. Finally, we raise several technical and conceptual aspects related to the reviewed approaches. In particular, we discuss common pitfalls pertaining to flawed input data or analytic procedures that would likely lead to unreliable outputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive and molecularly heterogeneous non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The B cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway in DLBCL emerges as a new drug target. Protein phosphatase SHP-1 negatively regulates several oncogenic tyrosine kinases and plays a tumor suppressive role. Methods: The direct SHP-1 agonists were used to evaluate the potential therapeutic implication of SHP-1 in DLBCL. Immunohistochemical staining for SHP-1 was quantified by H-score. The SHP-1 phosphatase activity was determined using tyrosine phosphatase assay. In vitro studies, including MTT, western blot analysis and cell apoptosis, were utilized to examined biological functions of SHP-1. Results: Oral administration of SHP-1 agonist showed the potent anti-tumor effects compared to a selective Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib in mice bearing U2932 xenografts. SHP-1 agonist increased SHP-1 activity as well as downregulated p-Lyn in vivo. Here, we demonstrated that immunohistochemical staining for SHP-1 expression was positive in 76% of DLBCL samples. SHP-1 agonist exerted anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects compared with ibrutinib in DLBCL cells. Mechanistically, SHP-1 agonist decreased BCR signaling, especially p-Lyn, and led to apoptosis. Conclusions: These data suggest that SHP-1 negatively regulates phosphorylation of Lyn, and targeting SHP-1/p-Lyn using SHP-1 agonist has therapeutic potential for treatment of DLBCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mirror-image aptamers made from chirally inverted nucleic acids are nuclease-resistant and exceptionally biostable, opening up opportunities for unique applications. However, the directed evolution and selection of mirror-image aptamers directly from large randomized l-DNA libraries has, to our knowledge, not been demonstrated previously. Here, we developed a 'mirror-image selection' scheme for the directed evolution and selection of biostable l-DNA aptamers with a mirror-image DNA polymerase. We performed iterative rounds of enrichment and mirror-image polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of l-DNA sequences that bind native human thrombin, in conjunction with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to isolate individual aptamers and l-DNA sequencing-by-synthesis to determine their sequences. Based on the selected l-DNA aptamers, we designed biostable thrombin sensors and inhibitors, which remained functional in physiologically relevant nuclease-rich environments, even in the presence of human serum that rapidly degraded d-DNA aptamers. Mirror-image selection of biostable l-DNA aptamers directly from large randomized l-DNA libraries greatly expands the range of biomolecules that can be targeted, broadening their applications as biostable sensors, therapeutics and basic research tools. Mirror-image PCR and l-DNA sequencing-by-synthesis enable the directed evolution and selection of functional l-DNA aptamers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]