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Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) is a malignant tumor of head and neck. It was verified that circ0005027 was downregulated in HSCC tissues. Here, we aimed to investigate the function and specific regulatory mechanism of circ0005027 in HSCC. Ten pairs tissues of HSCC and adjacent para-cancer were collected. Reverse-transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) measured circ0005027, miR-548c-3p, and Cadherin 1 (CDH1) mRNA expression. CCK-8 analyzed cell proliferation viability. Flow cytometry assay detected cell cycle and apoptosis rate. Clonal formation assay measured the clonal ability. Transwell detected cell invasion ability. Western blot was performed to detect CDH1, LAST1, p-LAST1, MST1, p-MST1, YAP1, p-YAP1, TAZ and p-TAZ protein level. Dual-luciferase, RIP and RNA pull-down assay identified the target relationship among circ0005027, miR-548c-3p and CDH1. circ0005027 was decreased in tissues and FaDu cells of HSCC. Overexpression of circ0005027 inhibited cell viability, G1-S transition, clonal formation, and invasion and increased cell apoptosis. circ0005027 acted as a ceRNA and decreased circ0005027 enhanced the malignant process of FaDu cells through sponging miR-548c-3p and inhibiting CDH1 expression. Overexpression of CDH1 activated YAP1/TAZ pathway and inhibited the growth of HSCC in vitro. circ0005027 might act as a potential biomarker for the progression and prognosis prediction in HSCC by regulating miR-548c-3p/CDH1/ YAP1/TAZ signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chorusing animals constantly face the challenge of overcoming background noises. To minimize the masking of their own calls by conspecific or heterospecific calls, plasticity in call timing serves as an alternative tactic for chorusing animals. We examined how male rhacophorid treefrogs, Zhangixalus prasinatus , adjust their call timing in response to various noisy environments. When exposed to periodic white noise disturbances with brief silent intervals, the frogs accurately avoided overlapping with the noise and delivered their calls in the silent gaps. Moreover, they delivered long calls earlier than short calls during the silent periods to accommodate the longer duration within a brief silent gap. When exposed to noises of varying frequencies, the frogs specifically avoided medium-frequency noise, which closely matched their own call frequency. This phenomenon was also observed in experiments testing the aggregating behaviour of male frogs; they ceased to aggregate towards conspecific calls when interfered with by medium-frequency noise, whereas high-frequency and low-frequency noise interferences did not elicit the same behaviour. Compared to high-quality males, frogs with low SM i (scaled mass index) exhibited greater plasticity in call timing, indicating a condition-dependent tactic for energy allocation. Such behavioural plasticity in call timing was reflected in natural soundscape recordings. Our recordings revealed that, as a result of these adaptive strategies, males tended to avoid overlapping their calls with background noises in their natural habitats. Our research provides evidence that call plasticity is an effective strategy for chorusing animals to respond to noise at both individual and population levels. Furthermore, our study suggests that plasticity in call timing is a complex decision-making behaviour involving the consideration of noise properties and an individual's body condition. • Medium frequency interferes with frog calls and stops their aggregation behaviour. • Male treefrogs skillfully avoid noise interruption by adjusting call timing. • Low-quality frogs' calls are more plastic, revealing a condition-dependent tactic. • Call-timing plasticity effectively counters noise for individuals and populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social interactions are inevitable in the lives of most animals, since most essential behaviours require interaction with conspecifics, such as mating and competing for resources. Non-avian reptiles are typically viewed as solitary animals that predominantly use their vision and olfaction to communicate with conspecifics. Nevertheless, in recent years, evidence is mounting that some reptiles can produce sounds and have the potential for acoustic communication. Reptiles that can produce sound have an additional communicative channel (in addition to visual/olfactory channels), which could suggest they have a higher communicative complexity, the evolution of which is assumed to be driven by the need of social interactions. Thus, acoustic reptiles may provide an opportunity to unveil the true social complexity of reptiles that are usually thought of as solitary. This review aims to reveal the hidden social interactions behind the use of sounds in non-avian reptiles. Our review suggests that the potential of vocal and acoustic communication and the complexity of social interactions may be underestimated in non-avian reptiles, and that acoustic reptiles may provide a great opportunity to uncover the coevolution between sociality and communication in non-avian reptiles. This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of microstructure on the corrosion behaviors of ultralow‐carbon bainitic (ULCB) steel in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution is discussed. Four ULCB steel specimens with different microstructures are designed via controlling the cooling routes after austenization, namely, furnace cooling (FC), air cooling (AC), oil cooling (OC), and water cooling (WC). Their corrosion behaviors are investigated by alternating immersion test (including weight loss and rust layer observation) and electrochemical tests (including polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurements). Results show that the corrosion resistance of ULCB steel specimens decreases with increase of cooling rate, that is, in the following sequence: FC > AC > OC > WC. Furthermore, the electron backscatter diffraction characterization and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy are performed to build the relationship between microstructure and corrosion behaviors of ULCB steels. The reduced corrosion resistance of ULCB steels results from the increased number of microgalvanic couples because of the significantly increased density of grain boundaries with increase of cooling rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many geological hazards, such as landslides, a large number of irregular blocks start moving. Their interaction on the way down renders prediction of disaster scopes difficult. To study this process and to provide a novel method for validation and calibration of numerical tools for its simulation, a cube movement test is designed. The goal of this research is to obtain patterns of movement of cubes, starting from different initial stacking arrangements. Cubes of four sizes are inserted into a hollow cylinder. Their distribution after lifting the cylinder is determined. Three categories of tests refer to three different strategies of filling the cubes into the cylinder. In order to simulate cube movement tests, a numerical tool is developed in the framework of the continuum–discontinuum element method (CDEM). The contact between the individual cubes is modeled by the contact‐pairs‐based algorithm. Both the contact state and type are detected by determining the half‐space relation between contact pairs. The final positions of the cubes are strongly related to their initial arrangement. The latter is different in every test, even if the same strategy is used to fill the cubes into the cylinder. It is found that at least 20 experiments/simulations are required to obtain statistically representative results. The new test provides valuable data for validation of numerical tools used for the simulation of mass movement processes. The proposed numerical method captures the complicated movements of blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) represents a subtype of ovarian epithelial carcinoma (OEC) known for its limited responsiveness to chemotherapy, and the onset of distant metastasis significantly impacts patient prognoses. This study aimed to identify potential risk factors contributing to the occurrence of distant metastasis in OCCC. Methods: Utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we identified patients diagnosed with OCCC between 2004 and 2015. The most influential factors were selected through the application of Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB) and Adaboost machine learning algorithms, employing a Venn test for further refinement. Subsequently, six machine learning (ML) techniques, namely XGBoost, LightGBM, Random Forest (RF), Adaptive Boosting (Adaboost), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), were employed to construct predictive models for distant metastasis. Shapley Additive Interpretation (SHAP) analysis facilitated a visual interpretation for individual patient. Model validity was assessed using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, F1 score, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: In the realm of predicting distant metastasis, the Random Forest (RF) model outperformed the other five machine learning algorithms. The RF model demonstrated accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, F1 score, and AUC (95% CI) values of 0.792 (0.762–0.823), 0.904 (0.835–0.973), 0.759 (0.731–0.787), 0.221 (0.186–0.256), 0.974 (0.967–0.982), 0.353 (0.306–0.399), and 0.834 (0.696–0.967), respectively, surpassing the performance of other models. Additionally, the calibration curve's Brier Score (95%) for the RF model reached the minimum value of 0.06256 (0.05753–0.06759). SHAP analysis provided independent explanations, reaffirming the critical clinical factors associated with the risk of metastasis in OCCC patients. Conclusions: This study successfully established a precise predictive model for OCCC patient metastasis using machine learning techniques, offering valuable support to clinicians in making informed clinical decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reinforced concrete structures experience crack propagation, bond‐slip, and accompanied stress redistributions when subjected to high loading levels, as a typical continuous–discontinuous process. This work proposes a numerical system composed of discrete blocks, springs, and one‐dimensional bolt elements within the continuous–discontinuous element method (CDEM) framework. This hybrid finite‐discrete element method is enhanced by explicit integration. By simulating the pull‐out tests, the mechanical interactions between bars and concrete are determined. Numerical studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in capturing the process of multiple crack propagation and bond‐slip in three‐dimensional reinforced concrete structures, such as columns and beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP)-typed models are used to elucidate certain shallow water waves that arise in plasma physics, marine engineering, ocean physics, fluid dynamics, etc. In this paper, we investigate a (3+1)-dimensional KP equation for the shallow water waves: (1) Via some exchange formulae, a bilinear Bäcklund transformation and the corresponding soliton-like solutions are constructed. (2) Via symbolic computation, fission/fusion solutions are derived with some parameter conditions in the N-soliton solutions, which are different from those in the existing literature, where N is a positive integer. We graphically display the spatial structures of the fission/fusion waves to supplement the existing literature. (3) Periodic-wave solutions are worked out via the Hirota-Riemann method. Via the asymptotic properties, relation between the periodic-wave and one-soliton solutions is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the behavioral and cognitive traits that best predict invasion success. Evidence is mounting that cognitive performance correlates with survival and fecundity, two pivotal factors for the successful establishment of invasive populations. We assessed the quantity discrimination ability of the globally invasive red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). We further compared it to that of the native stripe-necked turtle (Mauremys sinensis), which has been previously evaluated for its superior quantity discrimination ability. Specifically, our experimental designs aimed to quantify the learning ability as numerosity pairs increased in difficulty (termed fixed numerosity tests), and the immediate response when turtles were presented with varied challenges concurrently in the same tests (termed mixed numerosity tests). Our findings reaffirm the remarkable ability of freshwater turtles to discern numerical differences as close as 9 vs 10 (ratio = 0.9), which was comparable to the stripe-necked turtle’s performance. However, the red-eared slider exhibited a moderate decrease in performance in high ratio tests, indicating a potentially enhanced cognitive capacity to adapt to novel challenges. Our experimental design is repeatable and is adaptable to a range of freshwater turtles. These findings emphasize the potential importance of cognitive research to the underlying mechanisms of successful species invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unbalanced power structures can lead to an inequitable distribution of the supply chain's profits, creating unstable supply chain relationships and serious social problems. This paper builds a two-tier newsvendor model composed of a single supplier and a single retailer and introduces Nash bargaining as a reference for fairness. We investigate (1) the impact of fairness concerns on the performance of a retailer-dominated supply chain and a manufacturer-dominated supply chain; (2) how demand uncertainty affects the inequitable state; and (3) how overestimated and underestimated values of fairness concerns affect supply chain performance when fairness concerns are private information. After solving the equilibrium solution of the Stackelberg game and Nash-bargaining games and numerical analyses, it is shown that unilateral fairness concerns by the Stackelberg leader or follower can motivate the leader to sacrifice its profit to reduce their income inequality by offering a coordinating wholesale price. Of course, it is also effective for both participants to be fair-minded as soon as their fairness sensitivity is moderate enough. However, followers' fairness concerns are more effective at decreasing inequity, while leaders can improve social welfare, i.e., increase the entire supply chain's efficiency as well as market scale. We also find that in a more uncertain market, fewer fairness-concerned participants are supposed to reach a relatively fair condition. In addition, we conclude that sometimes asymmetric information about fairness concerns can improve the profit share of the disadvantaged and even channel efficiency. This paper extends the study of Nash-bargaining fairness concerns to retailer-dominated newsvendor models and enriches the field, when fairness concerns are asymmetric information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemophilia comprises a continuum of blood disorders that often include joint and muscular dysfunction, which may lead to a constellation of activity limitations and participation restrictions. However, there is scant research incorporating functional assessment scales into the common language provided by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). This study aims to identify the ICF categories to include in an item bank of functioning aspects relevant for haemophilia. A systematic search was carried out in July 2021 based on the PubMed MEDLINE, CLINICAL, and Cochrane databases for qualified articles, investigating haemophilia-specific scales and the scales recommended by the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) linked to ICF categories between 2001 and 2021. Well-trained healthcare professionals in the haemophilia field and ICF evaluation conducted group discussions to determine the ICF items for haemophilia. A total of 112 out of 176 items measuring function were collected for the haemophilia ICF item bank, including 32 items for body function (b), 45 items for activity and participation (d), 27 items for environmental factors (e), and 8 items for body structure(s). We recommend that future haemophilia research use the haemophilia-specific ICF item bank, which could capture a whole spectrum of functional measurements and facilitate multidisciplinary and worldwide communication. This study also indicates that further development and analysis of the psychometric properties of the 112 haemophilia-related ICF items is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new composite material made from mica and a metal–organic framework (MOF) has been developed to improve the anticorrosive capabilities of epoxy resin coatings. The layered mica was loaded with denser and more uniform UIO-66 nanoparticles after modifying the composite with polyethyleneimine (PEI). The composites were used as fillers to prepare epoxy coatings that exhibited long-lasting active (labyrinth effect produced by mica) and passive (pH-sensitive release of corrosion inhibitors) corrosion protection. Settling experiments showed that polyethyleneimine improved the composites' compatibility in epoxy resin. After being immersed in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution for 60 days, the adhesion of PMC–UIO@MBT/EP increases to 9.01 MPa, while the water absorption rate only reaches 2.57%. It indicates that the coating has good barrier properties and stability. After being soaked in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution for 60 days at pH = 7, PMC–UIO@MBT/EP exhibits high low-frequency impedance (8.30 × 108 Ω), as demonstrated by the electronic impedance spectrum (EIS). In addition, the coating also exhibited the highest low-frequency impedance after 30 days in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at pH = 11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The sutureless valve has gained popularity for degenerative aortic valve stenosis but not congenital bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) due to anatomical challenges. We reviewed our modified implant techniques for patients with BAV. Methods From June 2015 to June 2019, 66 patients with aortic valve stenosis were treated with the Perceval sutureless valve, 20 of whom had BAV. The demographics, type of BAV (the Sievers classification), and associated pathologies, surgical outcomes, and midterm hemodynamics were recorded. Results The median age was 64 (range: 49–81) years and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 2.186 (range: 0.407–6.384). Annular plication was performed in 9 (75%) of 12 type 0 and 3 (37.5%) of 8 type I, with implanted valve sizes of M, L, and XL in 6, 10, 4 cases, respectively. Three patients, all type 0 in the initial learning periods, required intraoperative redeployment due to malposition of the valve. The final implant was successful in all without conversion to traditional prosthesis. The median extubation time was 4 hours and the durations of intensive care unit and hospital stay were 1 and 6 days. At a median follow-up of 46 (23–72) months, there was one late mortality due to hemorrhagic stroke sequel. The last echo revealed none had more than mild paravalvular leakage and the mean transvalvular pressure gradient remained stable at 9.70 (range: 6.94–15.0) mm Hg. Conclusion The sutureless valve can achieve satisfactory outcomes in BAV without paravalvular leakage and excellent hemodynamics. It may serve as the benchmark for transcatheter aortic valve implantation in this unique population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in the working environment have necessitated greater requirements in terms of the long−term anti−corrosion ability of metal anti−corrosion coatings, and the emergence of intelligent coatings has met this demand. A nanocontainer with a hydrophobic inner cavity and hydrophilic outer cavity called β−cyclodextrin (β−CD) was grafted onto the surface of hydroxyapatite (HAp) with a silane coupling agent, encapsulating benzotriazole (BTA) and embedded in epoxy resin to improve the coating anticorrosion performance. The excellent corrosion resistance of the coating in immersion and scratch experiments was derived from the inert protective layer formed by the reaction of the rapidly released corrosion inhibitor with the corrosion products on the metal surface. After 30 days of immersion experiment, the coating could still maintain the low−frequency impedance value of 6.28 × 107 Ω cm2. In this work, the enhancement of the physical barrier function of HAp nanoparticle and the pH−response function conferred by β−cyclodextrin provided the coating with good passive and active acting abilities in corrosive environments, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the continuous development and maturity of intelligent manufacturing and intelligent logistics, it has been observed that the majority of vehicle maintenance in EMU trains still relies on traditional methods, which are characterized by excessive manual intervention and low efficiency. To address these deficiencies, the present study proposes the integration of Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to improve the traditional maintenance processes, thereby enhancing the efficiency and quality of vehicle maintenance. Specifically, this research focuses on the scenario of the maintenance workshop in EMU trains and investigates the task allocation problem for multiple AGVs. Taking into consideration factors such as the maximum load capacity of AGVs, remaining battery power, and task execution time, a mathematical model is formulated with the objective of minimizing the total distance and time required to complete all tasks. A multi-population genetic algorithm is designed to solve the model. The effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm is validated through simulation experiments, considering both small-scale and large-scale scenarios. The results indicate that the multi-population genetic algorithm outperforms the particle swarm algorithm and the genetic algorithm in terms of stability, optimization performance, and convergence. This research provides scientific guidance and practical insights for enterprises adopting task allocation strategies using multiple AGVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the potential bias of foreign language effect (FLE) on moral judgment by considering the confounding influence of perverse responses. A perverse response is a reaction that contradicts both norms and consequences, that is, participants choose to take action (or inaction) when both norms and consequences require inaction (or action). We predicted that using a foreign language, compared to a native language, would elicit more perverse responses, thereby confounding the participants’ moral judgments. To test our prediction, we distinguished between active and inhibitory perverse responses and re-analyzed the raw data from a previous FLE study using four approaches: the traditional dilemma paradigm, the process dissociation model, the consequence-norm-generalised inaction/action (CNI) model, and the consequence-overall action/inaction-norm (CAN) algorithm. The results of the mediation analyses consistently showed that active and inhibitory perverse responses mediate the effects of foreign/native language on moral decisions in all the four approaches. The results suggest that individuals using a foreign language tend to exhibit more active and inhibitory perverse responses, which in turn influence their moral decisions. Addressing this issue could help clarify the FLE on moral decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sustained, chronic activation of β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) signaling leads to cardiac arrhythmias, with exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (Epac1 and Epac2) as key mediators. This study aimed to evaluate whether CD44, a transmembrane receptor mediating various cellular responses, participates in Epac-dependent arrhythmias. Methods: The heart tissue from CD44 knockout (CD44−/−) mice, cultured HL-1 myocytes and the tissue of human ventricle were used for western blot, co-immunoprecipitaiton and confocal studies. Line-scanning confocal imaging was used for the study of cellular Ca2+ sparks on myocytes. Optical mapping and intra-cardiac pacing were applied for arrhythmia studies on mice's hearts. Results: In mice, isoproterenol, a β-AR agonist, upregulated CD44 and Epac1 and increased the association between CD44 and Epac1. Isoproterenol upregulated the expression of phospho-CaMKII (p-CaMKII), phospho-ryanodine receptor (p-RyR), and phospho-phospholamban (p-PLN) in mice and cultured myocytes; these effects were attenuated in CD44−/− mice compared with wild-type controls. In vitro, isoproterenol, 8-CPT-cAMP (an Epac agonist), and osteopontin (a ligand of CD44) significantly upregulated the expression of p-CaMKII, p-RyR, and p-PLN; this effect was attenuated by CD44 small interfering RNA (siRNA). In myocytes, resting Ca2+ sparks were induced by isoproterenol and overexpressed CD44, which were prevented by inhibiting CD44. Ex vivo optical mapping and in vivo intra-cardiac pacing studies showed isoproterenol-induced triggered events and arrhythmias in ventricles were prevented in CD44−/− mice. The inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) was attenuated in CD44−/− HF mice compared with wild-type HF controls. In patients, CD44 were upregulated, and the association between CD44 and Epac1 were increased in ventricles with reduced contractility. Conclusion: CD44 regulates β-AR- and Epac1-mediated Ca2+-handling abnormalities and VAs. Inhibition of CD44 is effective in reducing VAs in HF, which is potentially a novel therapeutic target for preventing the arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in patients with diseased hearts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrial fibrosis is an essential contributor to atrial fibrillation (AF). It remains unclear whether atrial endocardial endothelial cells (AEECs) that undergo endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) are among the sources of atrial fibroblasts. We studied human atria, TGF-β-treated human AEECs, cardiac-specific TGF-β-transgenic mice, and heart failure rabbits to identify the underlying mechanism of EndMT in atrial fibrosis. Using isolated AEECs, we found that miR-181b was induced in TGF-β-treated AEECs, which decreased semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and increased EndMT markers, and these effects could be reversed by a miR-181b antagomir. Experiments in which Sema3A was increased by a peptide or decreased by a siRNA in AEECs revealed a mechanistic link between Sema3A and LIM-kinase 1/phosphorylated cofilin (LIMK/p-cofilin) signaling and suggested that Sema3A is upstream of LIMK in regulating actin remodeling through p-cofilin. Administration of the miR-181b antagomir or recombinant Sema3A to TGF-β-transgenic mice evoked increased Sema3A, reduced EndMT markers, and significantly decreased atrial fibrosis and AF vulnerability. Our study provides a mechanistic link between the induction of EndMT by TGF-β via miR-181b/Sema3A/LIMK/p-cofilin signaling to atrial fibrosis. Blocking miR-181b and increasing Sema3A are potential strategies for AF therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through filling CS 2 into the core, a liquid-core photonic crystal fiber(LCPCF) with a fully circular air hole structure was designed. The finite element method(FEM) and numerical analysis are combined to simulate the structure and optimize the parameters of the fiber. When λ = 1550 nm ,the geometric optimal parameters are Λ = 0.75 μ m, d 1 / Λ = 0.86 , d 2 / Λ = 0.96 , and d 3 / Λ = 0.20 . Meanwhile, the LCPCF can achieve a large negative dispersion of - 2697.06 ps/nm/km and a high nonlinearity of 50677.77 W - 1 km - 1 . The numerical aperture and light acceptance are 0.674 and 65.37%, respectively. By comparison, we believe that this LCPCF has obvious advantages in optical communication compensation and supercontinuum generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that each compact connected orientable 3-manifold M with boundary admits an H′-splitting H1 ∪FH2, where F is a compact connected orientable surface properly embedded in M and splits M into two handlbodies H1 and H2. In this paper, we show that a non-completely L-reducible and minimal H′-splitting surface for a compact connected irreducible orientable anannular Seifert 3-manifold with boundary is horizontal, and give a necessary and sufficient condition for an amalgamation of two compact connected orientable 3-manifolds along a compact connected surface to be a Seifert manifold with boundary, and describe a characteristic of some H′-splittings to denote a Seifert 3-manifold with boundary. For a compact connected orientable Seifert manifold M with a semi-bundle structure M1 ∪FM2, we give an upper bound of the genus of the base surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-API standard series of oil country tubular goods (OCTG) have been developed rapidly to meet the increasing demand of the oil and gas fields, while the frequent accidents of non-API OCTG still occur due to the lack of a perfect quality management system. In this paper, the main types, service conditions, and the current status of quality evaluation technology of non-API OCTG at home and abroad were introduced. For the quality problems of non-API OCTG during the domestic application, the needs of the industry development needs and continuous improvement of quality management system were taken into consideration. Based on the working conditions, the quantitative evaluation method of quality grading was built by the grading idea represented by capability maturity model integration (CMMI) based on the field working conditions. And an evaluation method, including process maturity level, items, indexes and procedures, was proposed and verified. The results showed that the average value and level of quantitative evaluation results of quality grading were 81.5 and C, respectively, which was in good accordance with the current status of non-API product management. The evaluation method is more quantitative and targeted, which would provide for the completeness of the non-API product quality management system with methodological support and theoretical reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: There is scant research investigating the user‐friendly functional assessment tool conceptualized by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) among persons with haemophilia (PWH). This study aims to accomplish two goals: (1) quantifying comprehensive functioning measures of haemophilia through Item Response Theory (IRT); (2) discussing patient‐centred care based on the Wright map of personal ability and item difficulty. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was carried out in 70 PWH (mean age, 33.09 ± 11.04) via convenience sampling. All patients completed the 45 ICF categories of haemophilic‐specific activity and participation. Psychometric properties of the categories were examined using Mokken scale analysis and parametric item response modelling. Results: We extracted a unidimensional scale with 31 categories, and constructed a Rasch model with good fitness. The Cronbach's α of the scale was.9713, with the Guttman's λ2 =.9730, Molenaar Sijtsma ρ =.9802, and latent class reliability coefficient =.9769, indicating great internal reliability. The estimated individual social competence by the Rasch model was highly related to the index score of the three‐level EuroQol five‐dimensional questionnaire (EQ‐5D‐3L) (p <.001, r =.62), and had a moderate correlation (p <.001, r =.54) with the score of Haemophilia Activities List (HAL). Conclusions: The ICF scale of haemophilic activity and participation with 31 categories (HAPPY‐ICF) has good construct validity and internal consistency. The person‐item threshold distribution map might be helpful in research and clinical practices for patient‐oriented care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unclear whether the state of boredom is related to morality. The present study investigated how state boredom influenced cheating behaviors on task performance. In Study 1 (N = 104), participants were induced to feel bored, and then reported whether they had finished an anagram task (two sentences in the task were unsolvable). The results found that people with higher boredom showed more cheating behaviors than those with lower boredom on task performance. In Study 2 (N = 139), participants completed the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale, and then completed the same anagram task as in Study 1, as well as a state self-efficacy scale. The results revealed that state self-efficacy mediated the effect of state boredom on cheating behaviors on task performance. In other words, a higher level of state boredom leads to a lower level of state self-efficacy, and the lower state self-efficacy then results in more cheating behaviors. The present study provides empirical evidence that state boredom has its moral function through state self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) deposited as a thin film is an attractive material, both technologically and from a scientific viewpoint, due to its unique combination of properties. However, because many applications require the PCD to have a high quality surface finish, efficient and cost-effective polishing has become a critical and limiting step in advancing the more widespread use of PCD. The most widely-used processes for the polishing of PCD make use of synergies that can be achieved through applying a combination of chemical and mechanical inputs. This paper reviews the current state-of-the-art of such processes, which are mainly represented by chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) technology, for the polishing of PCD. An in-depth and informative literature survey is presented of the effects of the PCD characteristics and process-dependent factors such as polishing slurry composition, polishing pad/plate material, and polishing parameters, on the polishing/material removal rate and surface quality. Particular attention is given to the underlying mechanisms governing the material removal during polishing, which are complex and vary depending on the process, and are still unclear. Three main routes to material removal during the polishing of diamond are identified and summarized based on experimental results, chemical characterizations and computational simulations: interfacial mechanochemical removal, chemically-stimulated mechanical removal, and mechanochemical transformation of diamond. Finally, more recently developed polishing methods that make use of ultraviolet and plasma irradiations are introduced, and the limitations of existing research and future research directions are discussed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Brain activity is suppressed at the gamma-band level in children with autism. • Distribution and intensity of the information flow in autistic children's brain network is aberrant. • Connectivity of right Heschl's gyrus is associated with clinical manifestations in children with autism. Resting gamma-band brain networks are known as an inhibitory component in functional brain networks. Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is considered as with imbalanced brain networks, the inhibitory component remains not fully explored. The study reported 10 children with ASD and 10 typically-developing (TD) controls. The power spectral density analysis of the gamma-band signal in the cerebral cortex was performed at the source level. The normalized phase transfer entropy values (nPTEs) were calculated to construct brain connectivity. Gamma-band activity of the ASD group was lower than the TD children. The significantly inhibited brain regions were mainly distributed in the bilateral frontal and temporal lobes. Connectivity analysis showed alterations in the connections from key nodes of the social brain network. The behavior assessments in the ASD group revealed a significantly positive correlation between the total score of Childhood Autism Rating Scale and the regional nPTEs of the right transverse temporal gyrus. Our results provide strong evidence that the gamma-band brain networks of ASD children have a lower level of brain activities and different distribution of information flows. Clinical meanings of such imbalances of both activity and connectivity were also worthy of further explorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DISCUSSION Effectiveness of PAs with different baselines Our results suggested that 170 of the 338 PAs (50.30%) had significant positive effects, including 150 PAs with low HPI baselines, 12 PAs with medium HPI baselines, and 8 PAs with high HPI baselines (Figure 2b). Our previous studies also showed that unlike PAs with high HPI or medium HPI baselines, PAs with low HPI baselines are more likely to have effective management if they have good patrol and surveillance, which helps control illegal threats in PAs (Wang et al., 2021). Compared with PAs with low HPI and medium HPI baselines, the area of forests in PAs with high HPI baselines of built-up area was relatively higher (Appendix S2). From 2010 to 2020, the rate of forest area decrease was the fastest for PAs with high HPI baselines, followed by PAs with medium HPI baselines and PAs with low HPI baselines (Figure 4a). [Extracted from the article]

To analyse the feasibility of the low-grade highway as a launch site in military applications and improve the pavement crushing technology in civilian applications, this study investigates the evolution characteristics of a low-grade highway under impact load, including deflection, crack, and energy, via the continuum–discontinuum element method (CDEM). To this end, this paper proposes an energy statistics algorithm, and the correctness is verified. Then, a quarter three-dimensional numerical model of an asphalt concrete highway is established, and the effectiveness of CDEM in simulating the deflection of the highway under impact load is validated. Finally, an existing asphalt concrete highway structure is selected to study the evolution characteristics via numerical simulation. The results demonstrate the consistency between the variations of deflection at the load centre and the impact load. The deflection is primarily caused by the compressive deformation of subgrade. Crack planes mainly occur when the impact load increases rapidly. The variation of various constituent energies is different but closely related to the change in impact load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultured meat aims to solve the current sustainability and environmental issues of conventional livestock husbandry by converging tissue engineering practices with food innovation science to recapitulate the components and structure of animal-derived meat. To this end, various scaffolding technologies were adopted and developed to support the cultivation, expansion, and differentiation of cells using edible, low-cost, and sustainable materials and methods. The cell-scaffold constructs can benefit different processing strategies that include structuring approaches and additives to generate final cultured meat products. In this paper, we elaborate on the main considerations for the design of scaffolds for cultured meat applications, review the leading scaffolding technologies, and discuss their current or potential application for the engineering of cultured meat. The extensive research efforts in recent years attest to the boundless potential of novel cultured meat scaffolds. Moreover, different scaffolding technologies originally developed for tissue engineering can be adapted to cultured meat by using edible materials and avoiding toxic crosslinkers and reagents throughout all of the development steps, thus ensuring compliance with food and safety regulations. Altogether, the combination of tissue engineering and food science technologies holds the promise of technologically and commercially viable scaffolds towards the realization of the cultured meat vision. [Display omitted] • Cultured meat is produced in-vitro from animal cells cultured on scaffolds. • Scaffolds for cultured meat should support cell attachment and proliferation. • Cultured meat scaffolds need to be food-grade, low-cost, scalable, and sustainable. • Diverse scaffolding technologies can be adapted from tissue engineering to cultured meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the Global Cancer Statistics 2020 published in the official journal of the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancer ranked 4th in incidence and 2nd in mortality, and the 2018 Cancer Registry Report of Taiwan Health Promotion Administration showed that colorectal cancer ranked 2nd in incidence and 3rd in mortality. With the rapid evolution of the times, the lifestyles of the people have shifted from what they used to be. In addition to uncontrollable factors such as family genetic disorders, diet, and bad habits, life stress may lead to an unhealthy body mass index (BMI), which, together with aging, increases the incidence of colorectal cancer. In this study, the convolutional neural network was used to assess the risk of tumor in the colon by colonoscopy. The endoscopic images of the colon, which were classified into three categories of healthy (normal), benign tumor, and malignant tumor, were adopted as training data. When this method is combined with the patient's physical data, the risk cancer can be calculated by the fuzzy algorithm. Based on the result of this study, the accuracy of the tumor profile by colonoscopy, that is, 81.6%, is more precise than that of colorectal cancer tumor analysis studies in the recent literature. The proposed method will help physicians in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer and treatment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CNI model generates C, N, and I parameters to measure people's mental processes—consequence sensitivity (C), norm sensitivity (N), and generalized inaction/action preferences (I)—in moral decision making. Given the limitations of the CNI model, the CAN algorithm was developed to depict the consequence sensitivity (C), overall action versus inaction preferences (A), norm sensitivity (N), and perverse responses with the other three parameters. However, no studies have clarified whether and how the CAN algorithm can solve the limitations of the CNI model. The present study systematically uncovers the limitations of the CNI model and the solutions provided by the CAN algorithm: (a) the CNI model does not consider negative values of the parameters, but the CAN algorithm does; (b) the sequential processing assumption of the CNI model is biased, the CAN algorithm proposes a parallel calculation strategy to fix this problem; (c) the calculation of the I parameter of the CNI model is inaccurate, so the CAN algorithm proposes the A parameter to replace it; (d) the CNI model has a problem measuring perverse responses, while the CAN algorithm develops three parameters to measure these. We examined some of our points on the basis of a reanalysis of the foreign language effect (FLE) by comparing the parameters from the CAN algorithm with those from the CNI model. We found that consequence and norm sensitivity were estimated to be greater using the CNI model than with the CAN algorithm. Consequently, these overestimations significantly (consequence sensitivity) and marginally (norm sensitivity) interfered with the FLE, making the FLE more likely to return a false positive result. In addition, the CAN algorithm was able to measure the extent of perverse responses, indicating that foreign language (compared to a native language) leads to more perverse responses. The present study demonstrates that the CNI model magnifies the Type I error of conclusions and that the CAN algorithm (compared to the CNI model) provides more insights regarding moral decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone homeostasis is maintained with the balance between bone formation and bone resorption, which is involved in the functional performance of osteoblast and osteoclast. Disruption of this equilibrium usually causes bone disorders including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and osteosclerosis. In addition, aberrant activity of bone also contributes to the bone metastasis that frequently occurs in the late stage of aggressive cancers. Orphan nuclear receptor estrogen-related receptor (ERRα) has been demonstrated to control the bone cell fate and the progression of tumor cells in bone through crosstalk with various molecules and signaling pathways. However, the defined function of this receptor in bone is inconsistent and controversial. Therefore, we summarized the latest research and conducted an overview to reveal the regulatory effect of ERRα on bone homeostasis and bone metastasis, this review may broaden the present understanding of the cellular and molecular model of ERRα and highlight its potential implication in clinical therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NIV (noninvasive ventilation) is becoming more popular as a first-line treatment for older patients with lung cancer who are experiencing acute respiratory failure. In the ICU, older age is linked to worse results with mechanical breathing. When dealing with severely sick patients, noninvasive ventilation is beneficial. Due to the risk of NIV failure and the higher mortality induced by delayed intubation, it is difficult to apply to older patients, especially those with lung cancer and respiratory insufficiency. As a result, for a successful outcome, nurse interventions should be provided to patients during noninvasive ventilation. This paper proposes the application of integrated perioperative nursing models on the elderly patients with lung cancer and respiratory failure. We have applied three nursing models: peer support nursing model, multidisciplinary cooperative nursing model, and transcultural nursing theory. The effect of the proposed nursing model on the efficacy of NIV is evaluated using the Logical Decision Tree Regression (LDTR) model. It is optimized using Iterative Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm (IFOA). The performance of the suggested system is analysed, and it is observed that the patients showed better surgical outcomes when provided with the integrated nursing models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore effective means to raise Curie temperature (TC) of diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMSs), we studied the effects of strains on electronic and magnetic properties of V-, Cr- and Mn-doped GaSb by first-principles calculations, systematically. Results indicated that VGa, CrGa and MnGa substitutions can induce 2.0 μ B , 3.0 μ B and 4.0 μ B total local magnetic moments, respectively, which are not affected by strains, while the moments contributed by V-d, Cr-d and Mn-d electrons increase with increasing strains. Magnetic interactions between VGas for nearest-neighbors (N) and next neared-neighbors (NN) structures are always anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) even with strain. The magnetic couplings of CrGa-CrGa and MnGa-MnGa are ferromagnetic (FM), which can be explained by double-exchange and p–d exchange models, respectively. The large energy differences between AFM and FM states indicate stable ferromagnetism for Cr-doped and Mn-doped GaSb systems. In particular, the compressive strains can enhance FM coupling strengths for NN CrGa–CrGa and MnGa–MnGa compared with that in un-deformed structures. These results may provide newer insights into the regulation of modulating magnetic properties in GaSb. The effect of strain on the electronic structures and magnetic properties of V-, Crand Mn-doped GaSb systems were studied by first-principles calculations. We found that magnetic interactions between VGas are always anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) even with strain engineering, while couplings of CrGa–CrGa and MnGa–MnGa are ferromagnetic (FM), which can be explained by double-exchange and p–d exchange models, respectively. In particular, the compressive strains effectively enhance FM coupling strengths for next-neighbor MnGa–MnGa [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ fluidization mining is a promising method which shows considerable potential for reducing the ecological influence impacts of coal mining. During fluidization mining, coal gangue will be separated from the ores, filled back, and returned to the excavation region, which, depending on the filling rate, greatly reduces the stratum deformation of strata, depending on the filling rate. Numerical simulations can assist engineers in evaluating stratum deformation and optimizing affordable designs with affordable costs. Accordingly, in this work, a continuous–discontinuous element method is adopted, which is a coupled particle–block finite-discrete element method with an explicit integration formulation, which is adopted for simulating the coal in situ fluidization mining–filling processes. The theory concept of an "equivalent mining height" is utilized to define the backfill mining height. The results partly reveal the influences of the filling rate on the stratum deformation, surface subsidence, and rock burst phenomena, all of which further indicate the advantages of the fluidization mining method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoalbuminemia is associated with poor outcome in patients undergoing surgery intervention. The main aim for this study was to investigate the incidence and the risk factors of postoperative hypoalbuminemia and assessed the impact of postoperative hypoalbuminemia on complications in patients undergoing brain tumor surgery. This retrospective study included 372 consecutive patients who underwent brain tumors surgery from January 2017 to December 2019. The patients were divided into hypoalbuminemia (< 35 g/L) and non-hypoalbuminemia group (≥ 35 g/L) based on postoperative albumin levels. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors. Of the total 372 patients, 333 (89.5%) developed hypoalbuminemia after surgery. Hypoalbuminemia was associated with operation time (OR 1.011, P < 0.001), preoperative albumin (OR 0.864, P = 0.015) and peroperative globulin (OR 1.192, P = 0.004). Postoperative pulmonary imaging abnormalities had a higher incidence in patients with than without hypoalbuminemia (41.1% vs 23.1%, P = 0.029). The independent predictors of postoperative pulmonary imaging abnormalities were age (OR 1.053, P < 0.001), operation time (OR 1.003, P = 0.013) and lower postoperative albumin (OR 0.946, P = 0.018). Pulmonary imaging abnormalities [OR 19.862 (95% CI 2.546–154.936, P = 0.004)] was a novel independent predictors of postoperative pneumonia. Postoperative hypoalbuminemia has a higher incidence with the increase of operation time, and may be associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing brain tumor surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Digital cervical auscultation (CA) has been proposed since the 1950s for screening aspiration among patients with dysphagia. Researchers have investigated the 'external' effects such as bolus viscosity, volume, and head and neck positions. However, the influences of standardized liquid viscosity and food texture on swallowing sounds have not been fully understood due to lacking uniform standardization of bolus preparation. Furthermore, a paucity of the literature recommends proper viscous liquids and foods to start swallowing training or monitor the swallowing progress during the continuum of disease based on acoustic signals. Aims: To investigate the effects of eight‐level liquids and foods on swallowing sound features based on the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). Methods & Procedures: We collected swallowing sounds from 30 healthy participants ranging in age from 19 to 60 years and who were self‐reporting no history of swallowing disorders. Each participant swallowed liquids and foods regarding different consistency or texture with their head–trunk in a neutral position. Outcomes & Results: Features of swallowing acoustic signals and the IDDSI flow test as well as food test confirmed the level 3 moderately thick (MO3) was more suitable to categorize into liquids and the level 4 extremely thick (EX4) was more corresponded to the properties of food bolus. We found significant differences in duration of acoustic signals across different liquids and foods except between swallowing level 0 thin liquid and level 1 slightly thick liquid, as well as EX4 and level 5 minced and moist. Our results also demonstrated liquid viscosity significantly impacted the peak intensity of swallowing sounds. Conclusions & Implications: As an initial exploration of digital CA across eight levels of different liquids and foods according to the IDDSI, we established the baseline findings for future comparisons with other study populations or other various consistent liquids/foods. Although both MO3 and EX4 can be considered as liquid or food boluses with high thickness, MO3 might be suitable as the 'start liquid' for patients with dysphagia; however, the decision still needs to be confirmed by the healthcare provider based on patients' safety and the area of deficit. We also concluded there are influences of varied fluid consistency and food texture on swallowing sounds. Furthermore, future investigations should explore whether changing viscosity levels could either continuously or discretely disturb the swallowing acoustic signals. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: Previous studies have found that the 'external' effects such as bolus viscosity, volume, and head and neck positions. Due to lacking uniform standardization of bolus preparation, there is limited information about the influences of standardized liquid viscosity and food texture on swallowing sounds. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: As an initial exploration, we utilized digital CA with a large sample of viscous liquids and different textures of foods based on the IDDSI to investigate the swallowing sounds. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: This study confirms that the effects of various fluid consistency and food texture on swallowing acoustic signals. However, the findings of this study support the need for further research relating to changing viscosity could either continuously or discretely disturb the swallowing acoustic signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yuanjiang dry-hot valley features hot and dry climate, low vegetation and soil degradation. It had lush vegetation in the past, but has become degraded in recent decades. Understanding the interrelationship between species and the habitat is necessary to explain this change. In this study, a link between fern and fern allies – a group that is hypersensitive to environmental factors and their circumstances is constructed. Intensive transects and plots were designed to be proxies for extant fern and fern allies, and their habitats. Fifty years of meteorological records of precipitation and temperature along altitude and river running direction (latitudinal) were employed. Alpha and beta diversity are used to access diversity. Species_estimated, Singletons, Uniques, ACE, ICE, and Chao2, which associate to abundance and rarity, are subscribed to the correlation between fern and fern allies, and their ecosystem. Eight species, Selaginella pseudopaleifera, Aleuritopteris squamosa, Adiantum malesianum, Pteris vittata, Davallia trichomanoides, Sinephropteris delavayi, Selaginella jugorum, and Lygodium japonicum are used as indicators of a typical xeric and sun-drying habitat. The results indicate (1) accompanied by dramatically shrinking habitats, fern and fern allies are in very low diversity and abundance, whereas the rarity is relatively high; (2) for fern and fern allies, environmental factors are positive when altitude goes up; and (3) eight indicator species are latitudinally correlated with fern and fern allies along the river running direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been widely used in clinical application and pathology research to help doctors provide better diagnoses. However, accurate diagnosis by MRI remains a great challenge, as images obtained via current MRI techniques usually have low resolutions. Improving MRI image quality and resolution has thus become a critically important task. This paper presents an innovative Coupled-Projection Residual Network (CPRN) for MRI super-resolution. CPRN consists of two complementary sub-networks: a shallow network and a deep one, which maintain content consistency while learning high frequency differences between low-resolution and high-resolution images. The shallow sub-network employs coupled-projection to better retain the MR image details, where a novel feedback mechanism is introduced to guide the reconstruction of high-resolution images. The deep sub-network learns from the residuals of the high-frequency image information, where multiple residual blocks are cascaded to magnify the MR images at the last network layer. Finally, the features from the shallow and deep sub-networks are fused for the reconstruction of high-resolution MR images. For effective feature fusion between the deep and shallow sub-networks, a step-wise connection (CPRN_S) is designed, inspired by the human cognitive process (from simple to complex). Experiments over three public MRI datasets show that our proposed CPRN achieves superior MRI super-resolution performance compared with the state-of-the-art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preeclampsia, as one of the most serious pregnancy-specific diseases, manifested by high blood pressure and companied by proteinuria in pregnancy women after 20 gestational weeks. Although the underlying mechanism has been studied for decades, no unambiguous interpretation of this phenomenon was well recognized. Recent researches focused on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as key regulators of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis. Tumor development and placenta implantation share several common biological behaviors. The expression of lncRNA MALAT1 was downregulated in the placenta of patients with severe preeclampsia. MALAT1 smart silencer significantly inhibited HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cell proliferation, invasion, migration and tube formation in vitro. Moreover, MALAT1 inhibited the expression of angiogenic factors in umbilical vein endothelial cells co-cultured with trophoblasts. These results indicated that MALAT1 was involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and might be a candidate biomarker as well as a therapeutic target for preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quantity discrimination, the ability to discriminate a magnitude of difference or discrete numerical information, plays a key role in animal behavior. While quantitative ability has been well documented in fishes, birds, mammals, and even in previously unstudied invertebrates and amphibians, it is still poorly understood in reptiles and has never been tested in an aquatic turtle despite the fact that evidence is accumulating that reptiles possess cognitive skills and learning ability. To help address this deficiency in reptiles, we investigated the quantitative ability of an Asian freshwater turtle, Mauremys sinensis, using red cubes on a white background in a trained quantity discrimination task. While spontaneous quantity discrimination methods are thought to be more ecologically relevant, training animals on a quantity discrimination task allows more comparability across taxa. Results: We assessed the turtles' quantitative performance in a series of tests with increasing quantity ratios and numerosities. Surprisingly, the turtles were able to discriminate quantities of up to 9 versus 10 (ratio = 0.9), which shows a good quantitative ability that is comparable to some endotherms. Our results showed that the turtles' quantitative performance followed Weber's law, in which success rate decreased with increasing quantity ratio across a wide range of numerosities. Furthermore, the gradual improvement of their success rate across different experiments and phases suggested that the turtles possess learning ability. Conclusions: Reptile quantitative ability has long been ignored and therefore is likely under-estimated. More comparative research on numerical cognition across a diversity of species will greatly contribute to a clearer understanding of quantitative ability in animals and whether it has evolved convergently in diverse taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single event burnout (SEB) of enhancement mode GaN high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) under heavy ion irradiation is systematically studied based on simulations in this work. Susceptibility to SEB of different particle incidence environments is investigated to determine the device’s sensitive position. Under these conditions, the mechanism of SEB in enhancement mode HEMTs is mainly associated with the charge congestion and subsequent continuous impact ionization. A hardened HEMT structure with the gate and drain double field plates is proposed correspondingly. Apart from better output characteristics and almost 25% improvement of breakdown voltage, the hardened structure also demonstrates better tolerance of SEB. This hardened structure can modify the electric field in the high field region so that charge accumulation is reduced significantly, thus effectively decreasing the possibility of SEB’s occurrence. With a vertical heavy ion strike of 63.8 MeV $\cdot $ cm2/mg linear energy transfer (LET), SEB threshold voltage of the conventional structure HEMT is 160 V, while that of the hardened structure HEMT is much higher, reaching 249 V. Besides, the hardened device exhibits better SEB tolerance than the conventional device even at different higher LET conditions. Furthermore, the contribution to SEB tolerance of each field plate is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the importance of enhancing ferromagnetic (FM) coupling in dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMSs), the effects of strain on the electronic structures and magnetic properties of (Ga,Fe)Sb were examined by a first-principles study. The results of the investigation indicate that FeGa substitution takes place in the low-spin state (LSS) with a total magnetic moment of 1μB in the strain range of –3% to 0.5%, which transitions to the high-spin state (HSS) with a total magnetic moment of 5μB as the strain changes from 0.6% to 3%. We attribute the changes in the amount and distribution of the total moment to the influence of the crystal field under different strains. The FM coupling is strongest under a strain of about 0.5%, but gradually becomes weaker with increasing compressive and tensile strains. The magnetic coupling mechanism is discussed in detail. Our results highlight the important contribution of strain to magnetic moment and FM interaction intensity, and present an interesting avenue for the future design of high Curie temperature (TC) materials in the (Ga,Fe)Sb system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of corrosion upon the nanoscale topography and friction response of a hydrogenated amorphous carbon film (a-C:H) was investigated. Electrochemical atomic force microscopy was used to characterise topographical changes to the coating at two oxidative potentials. Corrosion of the coating at 1.5 V (corrosion rate 0.5 nm h−1) resulted in no changes to the nanoscale topography; whereas corrosion at 2.5 V (corrosion rate 26.4 nm h−1) caused the root mean square roughness of the a-C:H film topography to decrease, but the local fine-scale irregularity or 'jaggedness' of the surface to increase. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that corrosion at both potentials oxidised the a-C:H surface to form alcohol, carbonyl and carboxyl groups. Lateral force microscopy and adhesion force measurements showed that both the friction force and surface adhesion of the coating increased upon corrosion. The outcome was attributed to the surface oxidation that had occurred at both oxidative potentials, resulting in several potential mechanisms including increased attractive intermolecular interactions and capillary forces. The highest friction coefficient was observed for the a-C:H film corroded at 2.5 V, and identified as a consequence of the jagged surface topography promoting an interlocking friction mechanism. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of people suffering from diabetes in Taiwan has been increasing in recent years, according to data from the Health Promotion Administration, the prevalence rate of diabetes in Taiwan has reached 5%. In 2019, there were approximately 1.1 million type 1 diabetes patients under the age of 20 in the world, indicating that diabetes is also threatening the health of children and adolescents. Moreover, the vast majority of about 463 million diabetic patients globally between the ages of 20 and 79 suffer from type 2 diabetes. One can see that diabetes is an important public health problem and one of the four major noncommunicable diseases that leaders of all countries should take priority action to address. Type 2 diabetes causes many complications, including cardiovascular disease, impaired vision, amputation, kidney disease, etc. and increases the cost of social medical care. This study takes data from the Data Database of the Health Promotion Administration as the parent population, fuzzy theory and neural network to build predictive models with Matlab tools. The predictive results can be used as a reference for medical personnel in any diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WDR62 is a scaffold protein involved in centriole duplication and spindle assembly during mitosis. Mutations in WDR62 can cause primary microcephaly and premature ovarian insufficiency. We have generated a genetrap mouse model deficient in WDR62 and characterised the developmental effects of WDR62 deficiency during meiosis in the testis. We have found that WDR62 deficiency leads to centriole underduplication in the spermatocytes due to reduced or delayed CEP63 accumulation in the pericentriolar matrix. This resulted in prolonged metaphase that led to apoptosis. Round spermatids that inherited a pair of centrioles progressed through spermiogenesis, however, manchette removal was delayed in WDR62 deficient spermatids due to delayed Katanin p80 accumulation in the manchette, thus producing misshapen spermatid heads with elongated manchettes. In mice, WDR62 deficiency resembles oligoasthenoteratospermia, a common form of subfertility in men that is characterised by low sperm counts, poor motility and abnormal morphology. Therefore, proper WDR62 function is necessary for timely spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis during male reproduction. Uda Ho et al find that loss of centriolar scaffold protein WDR62 in mouse testis leads to defects in spermatogenesis. They find that WDR62 deficiency leads to centriole underduplication in spermatocytes and delayed manchette removal in spermatids due to delayed Katanin p80 accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women. Brain metastases occur in approximately 10%- 20% of patients with advanced breast cancer. In recent years, with the rapid progress of systemic treatment, extracranial lesions have been effectively controlled and the survival time of patients with breast cancer have been prolonged. Thus the possibility of developing brain metastases has been increased. Moreover, advances in modern diagnostic imaging technology and the routine surveillance of cancer patients have increased the detection rate of brain lesions. Based on the above two aspects, the breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) have become increasingly common in the clinical settings. Because many chemotherapeutic drugs can not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, the patients with brain metastases have less treatment options, worse survival outcomes and lower quality of life. This article focuses on the recent advances in systemic treatment for BCBM, aiming to provide reference for basic research and clinical practices of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creation and annihilation of skyrmions are two crucial issues for constructing skyrmion‐based memory and logic devices. To date, these operations were mainly achieved by means of external magnetic, electrical, and optical modulations. In this work, we demonstrated an effective strain‐induced skyrmion nucleation/annihilation phenomenon in [Pt/Co/Ta]n multilayers utilizing the shape memory effect of a TiNiNb substrate. A tunable tensile strain up to 1.0% can be realized in the films by thermally driving phase transition of the substrate, which significantly decreases the nucleation field of skyrmions by as many as 400 Oe and facilitates the field‐free manipulation of skyrmions with the strain. Such a strain effect can be attributed to the synergetic interplay of the planar magnetic moment twirling and decrement of interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. In addition, the strain tunability is found to be strongly related to the strain direction due to magnetoelastic interaction. These findings provide a novel strategy for developing strain‐assisted skyrmion‐based memory and logic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Calcite from two mineralization stages displays distinct REE enrichment, the early calcite more enriches the HREE, and the late calcite depletes HREE and relatively enriches LREE. • Xenotime is an independent mineral mainly enriched HREE in the Jialu REE deposit, especially the Y element. • The REE mineralization that occurred at 239.2–240.9 Ma was first reported in the Jialu deposit, which recorded an important metallogenic event in the Triassic period. The Jialu carbonatites (∼240 Ma) in the Qinling orogenic belt are characterized by the enrichment of heavy rare earth elements compared with typical global carbonatites. The carbonatites are dominantly comprised of calcite, quartz, sulfate, K-feldspar, minor sulfides, and rare earth minerals such as monazite, bastnäsite, parisite, and xenotime, with two mineralization stages including the early quartz-K-feldspar-calcite stage (Stage I) and the late sulfide-rare earth mineral-calcite stage (Stage II). The rare earth element contents of Stage I calcite are higher than those of the Stage II, especially heavy rare earth elements. Calcite from the different mineralization stages exhibits variable chondrite-normalized REE patterns, with the HREE and REE abundances (134–1023 ppm) decreasing from the early to the late stage owing to the crystallization of xenotime. The δ13C (−5.39 ‰ to −6.68 ‰) and slightly higher δ18O (10.77 ‰ to 12.60 ‰) values for calcite from the Jialu carbonatites generally deviate from the values observed in the primary carbonatite field, which may be a result of Rayleigh-type fractionation. LA–ICP–MS U–Pb dating shows the lower-intercept ages of 243.8±5 and 237.6±1.3 Ma for the monazite and xenotime, respectively, with the weighted average 206Pb/238U ages of 240.9±6 and 239.2±1.3 Ma. These results indicate that the Jialu REE deposit was concurrent with Triassic carbonatite magmatism and REE mineralization observed on the southern margin of the North China Craton. This implies that this region may have great REE mineralization potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective·To analyze the perception of fertility preservation of the male patients with malignant tumors consulted in Grade-A tertiary hospitals in China through questionnaires. Methods·From January 1st, 2018 to December 31, 2018, responses from the male cancer patients (≤50 years old) who had been treated in Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were collected through a questionnaire survey. Result· There were 212 male patients diagnosed with malignant tumor with a median age of (34.4±0.5) years in the current study. Among them, 61 (28.8%) were childless, 27 (12.7%) had a brief comprehension of fertility preservation, 28 (13.2%) intended to do fertility preservation, and 87 (41.0%) were aware that chemotherapy and radiotherapy might affect their fertility. Moreover, 27 patients who approximately understand fertility preservation got this knowledge from various ways. Nineteen of them (70.4%) were informed from doctors, 5 (18.5%) from media and 6 (22.2%) from internet. Male patients who have kids tended to refuse fertility preservation (P=0.000). Patients younger than 25 years old in the group were more likely to have children (P=0.046). Those with bachelor degree or above (P=0.006), and those with the desire to preserve fertility (P=0.010) were more likely to understand fertility preservation. Therefore, receiving chemo-radiotherapy (P=0.013) or not as well as having children (P=0.044) or not were two main reasons influencing patients' willingness to choose fertility preservation. Conclusion·At present, the majority of male patients with cancer lack of the knowledge of fertility preservation, which may be due to the low literacy level of patients and inadequate publicity of medical workers. Consequently, medical staffs need to enhance the propaganda of fertility preservation, in case that patients with fertility intention lose the chance of reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]