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Objective To investigate the levels and clinical significance of serum microRNA (miR)-651 and miR-630 in patients with cervical cancer. Methods From June 2017 to May 2020, 108 cervical cancer patients accepted by our hospital were collected as the cervical cancer group. Meantime, 100 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) patients treated in our hospital were regarded as the CIN group, and 110 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination were regarded as the control group. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to detect serum levels of miR-651 and miR-630, while analyzing the relationship between serum miR-651 and miR-630 as well as clinical features and prognosis of patients. Results The serum levels of miR-651 and miR-630 in the cervical cancer group and CIN group were obviously lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), while the serum levels of miR-651 and miR-630 in the cervical cancer group were obviously lower than those in the CIN group (P < 0.05). The expression levels of serum miR-651 and miR-630 were positively correlated (r = 0.542, P < 0.05). The serum levels of miR-651 and miR-630 were related to HPV infection, differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and FIGO staging (P < 0.05). The overall survival rate of patients with low levels of miR-651 and miR-630 was lower than that of patients with high levels. Cox regression analysis showed that, HPV infection, degree of differentiation, lymph node metastasis, FIGO staging, miR-651, and miR-630 were all influencing factors for the prognosis of cervical cancer patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion The serum levels of miR-651 and miR-630 in cervical cancer patients decrease, which are related to HPV infection, differentiation, lymph node metastasis, FIGO staging, and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Incremental learning predict corrosion fatigue crack growth rate with accuracy > 0.95. • Incremental learning balances new tasks and old knowledge with forgetting rate < 0.05. • Replay mechanism overcomes catastrophic forgetting and preserves previous experience. • Structural optimization and regularization adapt to new data and prevent overfitting. The 2xxx series aerospace aluminum alloys, vital for aircraft structures due to their excellent mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, face challenges with corrosion fatigue failure, impacting material integrity and aircraft safety. Accurately predicting the corrosion fatigue crack growth rate is crucial for these materials' reliability in aerospace applications, ensuring safety and operational efficiency. Various unique incremental learning strategies like structural optimization, regularization, and replay were used to enhance the predictive model's adaptability to continually updated data without the need to retrain the entire model, thus overcoming "catastrophic forgetting." Based on these strategies, a series of XGBoost models for the prediction of corrosion fatigue crack growth rate in aerospace aluminum alloys have been developed. The results demonstrate that the replay strategy excels in maintaining the accuracy of historical data, while structural optimization and regularization strategies stand out in adapting to new data and effectively preventing overfitting. Combining these three strategies, the models maintain good accuracy and a low forgetting rate across all steps, with an accuracy rate exceeding 0.95 and a forgetting rate below 0.05 in all incremental steps, showcasing excellent knowledge retention capabilities. The models achieve a balanced performance in learning new tasks and retaining old knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the gradual advancement of informatization and industrialization, the safety and controllability of industrial Internet of things (IoT) have attracted more and more attention. Aiming to improve the security of industrial IoT, a detection method using stacked sparse autoencoder network model is proposed. In this method, the basic units of the network model have been simplified and sparse, and some of basic features are combined with obtaining a higher-level abstract expression, so as to solve the problem of unbalanced network traffic data. The cascaded network structure is adopted to stack its sparse autoencoder network model, so as to improve the data ability of the detection model. In addition, the incorporation of Softmax classifier realizes the dynamic adjustment and optimization of the whole network parameters, which further ensures the efficiency of the detection method. The simulation experiment is based on NSL-KDD dataset. The experiment has proved that the proposed method has excellent network attack identification and detection performance. Its accuracy index is about 95.42%, and the detection time is about 3.42 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tensile test of 2D SiC (f) /BN (i) /(SiC-B 4 C) (m) , with acoustic emission (AE) online monitoring, was carried out to study the mechanical properties and failure mechanism. Using the pattern recognition technique to find out the relationship between AE signals and damage mechanisms, an improved sentry function was proposed by choosing the AE energy of fiber breakage instead of the AE energy in its definition. Combined with the cumulative trend of each class of the AE signals, the damage evolution process was identified. It is found that the entire loading process includes four stages: (a) the linear elastic stage, there have sporadic AE events; (b) the initial damage stage, the matrix cracking contributes 80.4% of the AE energy and leads to the non-linear behavior of the stress-displacement curve; (c) the damage development stage, in which all types of damage continuously happen; and (d) the damage acceleration stage, dominated by fiber breakage that accounts for 60.1% of the AE energy. The improved sentry function has a decreasing trend during the fourth stage, which provides an early warning before failure, and gives a reliable ultimate strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MAPK has been reported as a key oncogenic pathway for canine histiocytic sarcoma, which can be pharmacologically targeted with trametinib, a small inhibitor of MEK1/2. Preliminary data showed promising antitumor activity in in vitro and in vivo models and represented a proof of concept to translate the findings from bench to bedside. In this phase I, dose escalating study using a 3 + 3 cohort design, trametinib was evaluated in 18 dogs with cancer. Adverse events were graded according to VCOG‐CTCAE v2. Blood samples and tumour biopsies were collected for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessment. Trametinib was well tolerated with a maximum tolerated dose of 0.5 mg/m2/day, PO. Dose‐limiting toxicities included systemic hypertension, proteinuria, lethargy and elevated ALP, and were all Grade 3. The drug exposures increased more than linearly with dose since the elimination of trametinib was saturable. At a dose of 500 μg Q24h (0.5 mg/m2/day in a 30 kg dog), approximately 70% of dogs had an average steady‐state concentration of 10 ng/mL, achieved after approximately 2 weeks. This threshold was associated with clinical efficacy in humans. Target engagement was not observed in biospecimens collected on Days 0 and 7. In conclusion, trametinib was considered safe in dogs with cancer, and the dose of 0.5 mg/m2/day was the recommended dose for phase II studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galactosaminogalactan (GAG) is a prominent cell wall component of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. GAG is a heteropolysaccharide composed of α‐1,4‐linked galactose, galactosamine and N‐acetylgalactosamine residues. To enable biochemical studies, a library of GAG‐fragments was constructed featuring specimens containing α‐galactose‐, α‐galactosamine and α‐N‐acetyl galactosamine linkages. Key features of the synthetic strategy include the use of di‐tert‐butylsilylidene directed α‐galactosylation methodology and regioselective benzoylation reactions using benzoyl‐hydroxybenzotriazole (Bz‐OBt). Structural analysis of the Gal, GalN and GalNAc oligomers by a combination of NMR and MD approaches revealed that the oligomers adopt an elongated, almost straight, structure, stabilized by inter‐residue H‐bonds, one of which is a non‐conventional C−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bond between H5 of the residue (i+1) and O3 of the residue (i). The structures position the C‐2 substituents almost perpendicular to the oligosaccharide main chain axis, pointing to the bulk solvent and available for interactions with antibodies or other binding partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin (CP), a common chemotherapy drug used in treatment of malignant tumors. Due to various side effects such as nephrotoxicity (kidney damage), it's efficiency and therapeutic application are limited. This study focuses on finding a suitable drug that would attenuate the side effects like kidney damage, caused by CP. Huaier polysaccharide (HP-1), an extraction of Trametes robiniophila Murr, with a molecular weight of 3 × 104 Da. Previous studies have shown that HP-1, exhibits anti-tumor potential and immunomodulatory effects. We hypothesized that HP-1 has the effect of attenuating the nephrotoxicity caused by CP chemotherapy and protecting renal function. Through our experiments, we observed that HP-1 can attenuate the level of oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby reducing kidney damage. In vitro, we observed that HP-1 significantly inhibits CP-induced renal tubular cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In addition, HP-1 also affects the expression level of the protein by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and thus attenuates the side effects induced by cisplatin. Therefore, HP-1 may be a potential drug for preventing CP-induced renal damage. Unlabelled Image • Huaier polysaccharide could ameliorate CP-induced nephrotoxicity. • Huaier polysaccharide could anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis responses. • Huaier polysaccharide attenuates CP-induced kidney damage via PI3K/AKT signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current-carrying sliding tests of sintered Cu/Graphite composite were conducted at 80 A and 20 m/s. The dynamic variation of arc discharge captured by a high speed camera revealed a migrating behavior of arc discharges along the sliding direction, and this, in turn, caused an aggravated erosion of worn surface, as consistently proved by SEM, EDS and 3D characterizations. Based on the erosion mechanism, arc discharge induced material erosion could be alleviated by various means, including inhibiting migration of arcs by proper surface modification and employing functionally gradient materials (from mechanical wear resistant to arc discharge erosion resistant) in current-carrying sliding conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compression test of self-healing SiC/SiC was carried out, and acoustic emission (AE) signals were simultaneously collected. Using the AE signal pattern recognition and the sentry function based on AE, the mechanical property and damage evolution process were studied. Combined with the SEM observation of the fracture surface, four damage modes, namely, matrix cracking, interface debonding, interface friction, and fiber shear breakage, were identified, and their typical AE characteristics were obtained. According to the pattern recognition result and the trend of the sentry function, it is found that although the loading curve is approximately linear, the failure process can actually be divided into four stages. The sentry function provides an early warning before the catastrophic failure of SiC/SiC. The ultimate strength, lower than the maximum stress, can be defined from the damage evolution identified by AE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Glycosyl 3,3-dimethyl-4,5-allenoates as donors are easily prepared. [•] Oligosaccharides are obtained by treating glycosyl allenoates with alcohols. [•] The glycosylations proceed smoothly under the promotion of BDMS/AgOTf. [•] Allenic group is critical for the glycosylation of glycosyl allenoate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper introduces the current research on Magnetic-environment Dry Tribology (MDT), and proposes the necessity to study further on the coupled relations between permeability of material and MDT. The specimens with different permeability and same chemical composition were prepared by forging. The influence of permeability on dry sliding friction and wear property under DC magnetic field is studied. The results show the magnetic field can reduce friction and wear, and promote oxidation with major oxides Fe2O3 and Fe3O4. The higher the permeability is, the better the wear resistance and the antifriction property are. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The atmosphere components have an influence on tribological behaviors of tribo-pairs. Through changing the atmosphere component, the effect of atmosphere component on the tribological behaviors of CrNiMo steel against brass at high sliding velocity was investigated. The wear test was carried out on a high-speed friction and wear test rig whose test atmosphere could be controlled. The tests were performed at four sliding velocities (30, 40, 50, 60 m/s), one contact pressure (1.33 MPa) and two atmosphere components (N2 or O2). The morphologies of the worn surfaces of various pins were observed with a scanning electron microscope. The chemical compositions of the surfaces and subsurfaces for steels were determined with an energy dispersion spectroscopy. The results showed that the wear rate of the steel pins were low all the time with the sliding velocity increasing in oxygen atmosphere, and that the wear rate of the steel pin in nitrogen atmosphere was higher than that of the steel pin in oxygen atmosphere. It was found that the thin and compact oxidation layer formed on the worn surface of the steel in oxygen atmosphere played a key role in wear resistance. However, the wear rate of the steel pin increased rapidly with the sliding velocity increasing in nitrogen atmosphere, which was attributed to the thick and loose surface layer formed on the worn surface of the steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The cardiogenic capacity of embryonic stem (ES) cells has been well-investigated. However, little is known about the development of adrenoceptor (AR) systems during the process of ES cell differentiation, which are critically important in cardiac physiology and pharmacology. In this present study, we investigated the expression profile of adrenoceptor subtypes, β-adrenergic modulation of muscarinic receptors and adrenoceptor-related signaling in cardiomyocytes derived from ES cells (ESCMs). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that undifferentiated mouse ES cells expressed α1A-, α1B-, α1D- and β2-AR mRNA. However, β1-AR was only expressed after vitamin C induction. The expressions of α1A-, α1D- and β1-ARs increased significantly while α1B- and β2-ARs showed no significant change during the differentiation process. Furthermore, we detected the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase. Both α1-AR and β-AR could activate extracellular responsive kinase in ESCMs. Isoprenaline could inhibit the expression of M2 muscarinic receptor protein. CGP20712A, a β1-AR antagonist, up-regulated the expression of M2 muscarinic receptor while ICI118551, a β2-AR antagonist, showed no effect. These results indicated that functional adrenoceptors and tyrosine hydroxylase, a critical enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, were differentially expressed in ESCMs. Adrenoceptor-related signaling pathways and β-adrenergic modulation of muscarinic receptors were established during differentiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

During the bearing service, a series of microstructural evolutions will arise inside the material, such as the appearance of feature microstructures. The essential reason for the microstructural evolution is the cumulative effect of cyclic stress. The Hertz Contact formula is usually adopted to calculate the internal stress, and there is a correlation between the shape and distribution of the feature microstructure and the stress distribution. But it is insufficient to explain the relationship between the morphology of feature microstructures and the rolling direction, such as specific angles in butterfly and white etching bands. The rolling phenomenon will cause the asymmetry of stress distribution in the material, which is the source of the rolling friction coefficient. Moreover, slipping or microslip will produce additional stress components, which also cause the asymmetry of the stress field. However, there is no experimental or theoretical explanation for the relationship between the asymmetry of the stress field and the feature microstructure. According to the current theory, the appearance of feature microstructures is caused by stress with or without rolling. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the formation mechanism: whether feature microstructures will appear in the uniaxial cyclic compression stress field without rolling. In this paper, uniaxial cyclic compressive stress was loaded into a plate-ball system and a cylinder system. The characteristics of microstructural change of bearing steel (GCr15) were studied. It was found that the hardness of the material increased after the cyclic compressive load, and the inclusions interacted with the matrix material. In the local microregion a white etching area was found, although the scale is very small. No large-scale feature microstructures appeared. Other phenomena in the experiment are also described and analyzed. For example, the production of oil film in the contact area and the changing law of alternating load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) are the commonly used biomarkers for insulin resistance and systemic inflammation, respectively. We aimed to investigate the combined association of TyG and hsCRP with the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). Methods: A total of 9421 patients with CCS were included in this study. The primary endpoint was defined as a composite of MACE covering all‐cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and revascularization. Results: During the 2‐year follow‐up period, 660 (7.0%) cases of MACE were recorded. Participants were divided equally into three groups according to TyG levels. Compared with the TyG T1 group, the risk of MACE was significantly higher in the TyG T3 group. It is noteworthy that among patients in the highest tertile of TyG, hsCRP >3 mg/L was significantly associated with an increased risk of MACE, whereas the results were not significant in the medium to low TyG groups. When patients were divided into six groups according to hsCRP and TyG, the Cox regression analysis showed that patients in the TyG T3 and hsCRP >3 mg/L group had a significantly higher risk of MACE than those in the TyG T1 and hsCRP ≤3 mg/L group. However, no significant interaction was found between TyG and hsCRP on the risk of MACE. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the concurrent assessment of TyG and hsCRP may be valuable in identifying high‐risk populations and guiding management strategies among CCS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofluids have excellent lubrication and high thermal conductivity. However, the agglomeration and sedimentation produced by the large surface energy of nanoparticles in base liquid threaten the long-term dispersion stability and impact the wide application of nanofluid. In this work, based on the self-assemble behavior and continuous network structure formed by low molecular weight organic gelator, the uniform clusters were formed through regulating the kinetics behavior in the gelling process. The dragging effect was demonstrated by oleic acid - sodium dodecyl sulfate (OA-SDS) bicomponent gelator and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. The results showed that GO nanofluids dispersed by OA-SDS were stable for more than 12 months. The well-dispersed GO nanofluid exhibited better anti-friction and anti-wear properties under both immersion and electrostatic minimum quantity lubrication conditions. Moreover, the lower contact angle, surface tension and droplet size of nanofluids after charging improved the wettability on the frictional interface. The GO adsorption film formed on the friction interface protected the tribochemical reaction film of iron oxide and prevented the occurrence of sintering of base oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between the TIMI frame count, IMR, and CFR in coronary microvascular disease (slow flow phenomenon).Methods: TFC and IMR were recorded in the nitroglycerin and ATP administration states, and the relationship between TFC, IMR, and CFR in specific states was analyzed.Results: A total of 41 patients with baseline TFC >25 frames on coronary angiography were enrolled, and nitroglycerin reduced TFC by 50% from baseline in 24 (58.54%) patients; 16 of the remaining 17 patients were able to achieve a 50% reduction in TFC by further intracoronary ATP injection. 10 patients were further tested for IMR, and the results showed significant correlations between baseline TFC and IMR (r = 0.775, P=0.008), TFC and IMR after nitroglycerin (r = 0.875, P=0.001), and the minimal TFC and IMR that could be obtained with nitroglycerin or ATP administration (r = 0.890, P=0.001). There was also a significant correlation between the proportional improvement in TFC and CFR before and after nitroglycerin injection (r = 0.685, P=0.029). In addition, we observed a lower IMR measured after nitroglycerin than after ATP in three patients, suggesting that CMD may be dominated by NO-sensitive vascular such as prearterioles and that an extensive analysis of the target site of CMD may be achieved by stepwise drug administration.Conclusion: Induction of TFC in different states by a stepwise drug approach may serve as a potential primary screening method for coronary microcirculatory dysfunction, thereby reducing the need for further IMR or CFR testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• HP-1 treatment inhibited the proliferation of renal cancer-derived cell lines. • HP-1 can inhibit the expression of CIP2A. • The combined HP-1/sunitinib treatment resulted in increased anticancer effects. Trametes robiniophila Murr (Huaier) has been used for many years as an adjuvant treatment for tumors. Sunitinib is the first-line therapy for end-stage renal cancer, but its side effects and drug resistance limit its clinical application. Cell counting kit- 8 (CCK-8), colony formation, scratch, and Transwell assays showed that Huaier polysaccharide (HP-1) reduced tumor progression. Its combination with sunitinib elicited stronger antitumor effects, including induction of apoptosis and cycle arrest. HP-1-induced effects depended on CIP2A downregulation and suppression of the EMT process. Moreover, qPCR and western blotting experiments showed that CIP2A downregulation was particularly pronounced after treatment with the combination therapy and was associated with EMT suppression. In addition, the HP-1/sunitinib combination inhibited the PI3K/Akt/VEGFR pathway, reducing the expression of pathway-related proteins. The HP-1-induced enhancement of sunitinib effects on tumor growth were also observed in vivo in a xenograft mouse model. Overall, these results indicated that HP-1 exerted antitumor effects against clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of sunitinib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermosetting epoxy resins are widely used as bearings, gears, gaskets, and other components. The tribological properties of epoxy resins play an important role in ensuring the life and reliability of the components. A novel self-lubricating microcapsule was synthesized in this study by in situ polymerization using ionic liquid as the core material and polyurea formaldehyde (PUF) as the wall material. The effects of the ionic liquid microcapsule content on the coefficient of friction, wear rate, and surface morphology of the epoxy resin composites were investigated under dry friction conditions. The results showed that the incorporation of self-lubricating microcapsules significantly improved the friction and wear properties of the composites, and the 5 wt.% microcapsule/epoxy composites had the best tribological properties, with the coefficient of friction decreasing from 0.634 to 0.062 and the wear rate decreasing from 6.64 × 10–4 mm3/(N m) to 1.64 × 10–5 mm3/(N m). Compared with the pure epoxy resin, the friction coefficient of the composites was reduced by 90.22% and the wear rate was reduced by 97.53%. The wear mechanism of epoxy resin changes from severe fatigue wear and adhesive wear to slight abrasive wear. This is because after friction destroys the composite, the embedded microcapsules rupture, releasing the lubricant and forming a transfer film that lubricates the friction surface. At the same time, the addition of microcapsules enhances the tensile strength and hardness of the epoxy resin. This study would provide the experimental basis for the design and performance enhancement of epoxy composites with high self-lubricating properties. The prepared epoxy composites are expected to be applied to self-lubricating spherical plain bearings and other mechanical parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribological performance of copper-based powder metallurgical material is much influenced by the interfacial bonding between the components and matrix. By adding Cu-coated or uncoated graphite particles as a lubricant, two types of copper-based powder metallurgical materials were prepared via spark plasma sintering (SPS). The hardness, relative density, and thermal conductivity of the two specimens were firstly measured. Using an inertial braking test bench and temperature measuring instrument, the average friction coefficients, instantaneous friction coefficients, and friction temperatures of the two specimens were tested under different test conditions, and the wear rates were calculated accordingly. Based on the analysis of surface morphologies and elements distribution after the tests, the mechanisms of wear and formation of friction films were discussed. The results show that with the lubricant of Cu-coated graphite, the hardness, relative density, thermal conductivity, and interfacial bonding between the graphite and matrix can be greatly improved. Under the same test condition, the average friction coefficient, wear rate, and friction temperature of the specimen with added Cu-coated graphite are both lower than those of the specimen with added uncoated graphite. The two specimens show different variation trends in the instantaneous friction coefficient during the tests, and the variation of the instantaneous friction coefficient at a high initial test speed is also different from that at a low initial test speed for each specimen. The two specimens also show differences in the continuity of friction film and the content of graphite and oxide in the friction film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant gastrointestinal tumor. In China, CRC is the 5th most commonly diagnosed cancer. The vast majority of CRC cases are sporadic and evolve with the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. There is mounting evidence indicating that gut microbiota and inflammation play important roles in the development of CRC although study results are not entirely consistent. In the current study, we investigated the changes in the CRC-associated bacteria and plasma inflammatory factors and their relationships based on data from a case-control study of Han Chinese. We included 130 initially diagnosed CRC patients, 88 advanced colorectal adenoma patients (A-CRA), 62 patients with benign intestinal polyps and 130 controls. Results: Fecal microbiota composition was obtained using 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) sequencing. PCOA analysis showed structural differences in microbiota among the four study groups (P = 0.001, Unweighted Unifrac). Twenty-four CRC-associated bacteria were selected by a two-step statistical method and significant correlations were observed within these microbes. CRC-associated bacteria were found to change with the degree of malignancy. Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and soluble tumor necrosis factor II (sTNFR-II) displayed significant differences among the four study groups and increased with adenoma-carcinoma sequence. The correlations of CRP and sTNFR-II with several CRC-associated microbes were also explored. Conclusions: CRC-associated species and plasma inflammatory factors tended to change along the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Several CRC-associated bacteria were correlated with CRP and sTNFR-II. It is likely that gut microbiome and inflammation gradually form a microenvironment that is associated with CRC development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arc discharges of a pure carbon strip induced by dynamic contact force were studied on a pin-on-disk tribometer. It was found that arc discharges were produced periodically in accordance with the period of the dynamic contact force. The arcing rate of the pure carbon strip increased with an increase of frequency f and amplitude B, which led to a decrease of current-carrying quality. These influences at high velocities became much more significant. A critical point of the arcing rate at around 2% was detected. Lower than 2%, the pure carbon strip was able to maintain its excellent current-carrying capability; higher than this point, the current-carrying quality deteriorated abruptly. SEM and XPS analysis show that the element Cu detected on the worn surface at lower arcing rates was metal Cu. CuO was found at higher arcing rates. This indicated that the wear mechanism transferred from mechanical wear to arc erosion with the increase of the arcing rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrugated damage to bearings is a common fault in electrical facilities such as new energy vehicles, wind power, and high-speed railways. The aim of this article is to reveal the microscopic characteristics and formation mechanism of such damages. The corrugation with alternating "light" and "dark" shape was produced on GCr15 bearing races in the experimental conditions. Compared to the light area, the dark area (in the images generated by optical microscope) has more severe electrical erosion, lower hardness, more concave morphology, and lower oxidation. As the voltage increases, the width of the corrugation, the height difference between corrugation, and surface roughness all increase. It is believed that the formation of corrugated damage requires a sufficiently high voltage to induce the periodic destruction and reconstruction of the lubrication film. When the bearing is in a metal-lubrication film–metal contact state, the high voltage causes the lubrication film to break down and induce electrical erosion. Then, the contact area is in metal–metal contact, and the surface is mainly damaged by mechanical rolling. After the reconstruction of lubrication film, the next round of electrical erosion begins. The results are helpful for a deeper understanding of the mechanism of bearing erosion in electrical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Disability weights are crucial for quantifying health loss associated with non-fatal outcomes and were not well assessed in different countries, especially for specific cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to identify disability weights with a focus on specific cancer in a large Chinese population. Two types of web surveys were conducted, and 254 health states, including 30 new states for specific cancer, were investigated using paired comparison methods. The years lived with disability (YLDs) of cancer were calculated as the sum of the prevalence of each sequela of cancer multiplied by its relative disability weight. In total, 44,069 participants were eligible for the disability weights study. The disability weights of 254 health states were estimated. Among those, the disability weights of 18 specific cancer types varied greatly at diagnosis and primary treatment stage, with the value ranging from 0.619 (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 0.606–0.632) for brain cancer to 0.167 (95% UI 0.158–0.176) for oropharyngeal cancer. The discrepancy in YLDs calculated by different disability weights was high, and the largest gap for all cancer combined was approximately 30.14%. When calculated using the cancer-specific disability weights, a total of 1,967,830 (95% UI 1,928,880–2,008,060) YLDs of cancer were recorded in China. The disability weights of cancer varied greatly among cancer types and populations, which had considerable influence on the estimation of the disease burden. Cancer-specific disability weights could provide a more accurate evaluation of the cancer burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR), a novel biomarker of stress hyperglycemia, was proved to be a reliable predictor of short‐term adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, its impact on long‐term prognosis remained controversial. Methods: A total of 7662 patients with ACS from a large nationwide prospective cohort between January 2015 and May 2019 were included. SHR was calculated by the following formula: SHR = admission glucose (mmol/L)/(1.59 × HbA1c [%]−2.59). The primary end point was a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) during follow‐up, a composite of all‐cause death, myocardial infarction, and unplanned revascularization. The second end point was the separate components of the primary end points. Results: During a median follow‐up of 2.1 years, 779 MACE events occurred. After multivariable adjustment, ACS patients with the highest SHR tertile were significantly associated with increased long‐term risks of MACE (hazard ratio [HR] 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–1.88), all‐cause death (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.29–2.51) and unplanned revascularization (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.09–1.91). Although significant associations between the highest SHR tertile and risks of MACE and all‐cause death were assessed in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients, the patterns of risk were different in these two groups. Conclusion: Elevated SHR was independently associated with a higher risk of long‐term outcomes irrespective of diabetic status, suggesting that SHR was a potential biomarker for risk stratification after ACS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the peak to peak transmission error (PPTE) during the design of tooth surface modifications of cylindrical gears, a new approach is proposed based on compensated conjugation, and procedures for creating the mathematical models of the modified tooth surfaces are exhibited. The core principle is that conjugation impaired by the loading condition can be compensated by adjusting the intentional transmission function. Firstly, the controllable function of transmission error (TE) is predesigned based on the loaded transmission error (LTE) of standard involute gear pairs; then, the function of ideal TE is determined by optimizing PPTE. Secondly, if the gear-pair is under an unfavorable supported condition, a further longitudinal correction is still required to reduce the error sensitivity, improve the load distribution on tooth surfaces, and eliminate the harmful edge-loading. Ultimately, two examples are presented to test the feasibility of this new approach. The final results show that perfect transmission (PPTE < 0.01″) can be achieved by introducing the ideal TE, and reductions in PPTE are significant over a wide range of loads; after further longitudinal modification, the LTE can be still effectively compensated by the introduced TE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Mo 0.9 Cr 0.1 AlB solid solution ceramic bulks were prepared from the element powder mixtures using hot pressing sintering method. Compared with MoAlB ceramics, the grains of as-prepared Mo 0.9 Cr 0.1 AlB were refined obviously. The lattice constants of Mo 0.9 Cr 0.1 AlB were confirmed to be a = 3.205 Å, b = 13.999 Å and c = 3.098 Å. The density of Mo 0.9 Cr 0.1 AlB was lower than that of MoAlB due to the incorporation of Cr element. In addition, the effect of doping Cr element on the comprehensive mechanical properties was studied as well. The hardness and compressive strength were improved significantly. In comparison with MoAlB ceramic, the improvement of mechanical properties could be attributed to solid solution strengthening and grain refinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/Kevlar fabric/phenolic composites have been widely used as self‐lubricating materials owing to their excellent properties. In this study, the tribological properties of PTFE/Kevlar fabric composites under different temperatures (25–150°C) were studied showing the lowest wear rate and friction coefficient at 75°C. The effect of temperature on wear behavior of fabric/phenolic composites was revealed through the analysis of friction surfaces, wear debris, and transfer films. To be specific, the improvement of tribological properties occur in a temperature range of 25–75°C being predominantly caused by the abrasive wear, whereas in the range of 75–150°C, the tribological properties decreased because of the adhesive wear. According to this phenomenon, the friction and wear test of the fabric composite after pre‐grinding at 75°C shows a great improvement of coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate about 30%. The study of the wear behavior at different temperatures is important for the application and properties improvement of self‐lubricated composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the evolution of fluting damage in bearing outer races. Fluting damage first occurred at the loading position and then extended along outer races. This non-uniform distribution of fluting damage is related to the non-uniform load inside bearing. It is speculated that the alteration of bright and dark areas in fluting is related to the periodic destruction and reconstruction of lubricating film. The phase transition from α′-Fe to α-Fe is observed beneath erosion surface. At microscale, non-uniform damage of the fluting appears as the dark area exhibiting more severe erosion, lower oxidation, greater roughness, deeper depth, and lower hardness. The results can provide deeper understanding of the failure process and damage mechanism of bearings in electric fields. • Spatiotemporal nonuniformity of fluting damage on bearing is discussed. • Phase transition from α′-Fe to α-Fe is observed beneath erosion surface. • Non-uniform distribution of fluting is related to non-uniform load inside bearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary patterns and symptoms research among Chinese with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its precursor lesions is limited, especially as it relates to multiple food consumption and multiple co-occurring symptoms. The aim of our study was to identify the dietary patterns and severity of symptom classes with the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its histological precursor lesions, and develop a risk prediction model for different stages of esophageal disease. Methods: We analyzed data from a multicenter cross-sectional study carried out in ESCC high incidence areas between 2017 and 2018, which included 34,707 individuals aged 40–69 years. Dietary patterns and severity of symptom classes were derived by applying a latent class analysis (LCA). A multiple logistic regression model was used to derive the odds ratio (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for ESCC and the different stages of esophageal disease according to the dietary patterns and severity of symptom classes identified. We built the risk prediction model by using a nomogram. Results: We identified five dietary patterns and three severity of symptom classes. The dietary patterns were classified as follows: "Healthy", "Western", "Lower consumers-combination", "Medium consumers-combination" and "Higher consumers-combination" patterns based on the intake of foods such as red meat, vegetables and fruits. The severity of symptoms was categorized into "Asymptomatic", "Mild symptoms" and "Overt symptoms" classes based on health-related symptoms reported by the participants. Compared to the "Healthy" pattern, the other four patterns were all associated with an increased risk of esophageal disease. Similarly, the other two symptom classes present different degrees of increased risk of esophageal disease compared to the "Asymptomatic". The nomograms reflect the good predictive ability of the model. Conclusion: Among individuals aged 40–69 years in high incidence regions of upper gastrointestinal cancer, the results supplied that subjects with diets rich in livestock and poultry meat and low in fruits and vegetables and subjects with typical symptoms were at increased ESCC risk. The findings highlight the importance of considering food and symptom combinations in cancer risk evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient conversion of lignite is important for environmental protection. Coal‐based fulvic acid (FA) was prepared by the oxidative degradation of lignite in a microwave field. The highest extraction rate of FA was 35.03 %. To reduce the heterogeneity of FA, it was divided into four fractions‐FAI, FAII, FAIII and FAIV‐with molecular weights of <500, 500–1000, 1000–3500, and >3500 Da, respectively. A variety of characterisation methods revealed that all the FA fractions contained carboxyl, phenolic hydroxyl, amino and sulfhydryl groups. The FAI contained the most oxygen‐containing functional groups. The benzene rings of the >1000 Da FA fractions were mostly tri‐substituted. FA could break dormancy and promote the germination of coreopsis seeds but this effect was weakened when the FA concentration was too high. FAI could effectively promote chlorophyll synthesis, FAII could effectively improve plant stress resistance and FAIII promoted seedling longitudinal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured bainite (NB) bearing steel has excellent strength and ductility combinations, which can improve the fatigue life and wear resistance of bearing steel in harsh conditions. However, the phase transformations and the correlation between the microstructure and wear properties of NB bearing steel are still unclear. In this study, bearing steels with different Si contents (GCr15SiMo and GCr15Si1Mo) were prepared to have nano-bainitic structures, and their microstructure transformations and wear mechanisms were investigated. The results show that the Si element can inhibit the precipitation of carbides and can then promote the block-like retained austenite formation and refine the bainitic ferrite lamellar structure. The impact energy of GCr15Si1Mo is larger than that of GCr15SiMo because the nanostructured bainite and retained austenite are the main toughness phase in these steels. The wear results indicate that the steels which possess appropriate strength and toughness are helpful for improving wear resistance properties. Finally, the wear resistance performance of the GCr15Si1Mo austempered at 210 °C and GCr15SiMo austempered at 230 °C was good in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of magnetic field on friction and wear properties, dry sliding friction–wear tests of 45 steel friction coupled with or without magnetic field were conducted on a pin–disk tribometer. The experimental results indicate that the application of Direct Current (DC) magnetic field decreases wear rate, promotes oxidation of wear surface and debris, and stimulates transition of severe wear to mild wear. Based on magnetism and electromagnetism theory, magnetic field distribution and electromagnetism induction phenomenon of 45 steel friction surfaces in DC magnetic field were analyzed according to the pin–disk tribometer. Analysis results indicate that: magnetic field can attract oxygen molecules to friction contact area of asperities that increases oxygen partial pressure and promotes the oxidation of wear surface and debris; the induced electric potential and induced current caused by relative movements of asperities in friction area also promote the oxidation; the wear debris can be attracted to friction interface to be rubbed repeatedly in magnetic field and they are refined and oxidized gradually, thus an oxide film layer is formed to transform metal-to-metal contact into oxide film-to-oxide film contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the effect of bicalutamide combined with docetaxel on the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in serum and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with advanced prostate carcinoma (PCa). Methods. The clinical data of 103 patients with advanced PCa at our hospital between Feb. 2020 and Feb. 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, the 90 of whom screened by inclusion and exclusion criteria were finally chosen as research objects. They were divided into a control group and an experimental group according to the order of admission, with 45 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional treatment, while the experimental group underwent the combination of bicalutamide and docetaxel, and the clinical indices of the two groups were compared. Results. After treatment, the serum indices in the experimental group were remarkably lower than those in the control group (P < 0.001), with remarkably lower incidence of toxic and side effects (P < 0.05) and higher Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) scores (P < 0.001) in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusion. The implementation of bicalutamide combined with docetaxel in patients with advanced PCa is effective in reducing the inflammatory expression and improving quality of life and has a higher safety profile. Compared with conventional treatment, this method is of high application value, and further studies will help establish a better solution for such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu matrix composites (CMCs) are widely employed for tribological applications such as in sliding bearings and electrical contact fields. However, the Cu matrix needs to be modified to improve its mechanical and tribological properties. In this study, CMCs reinforced with Mo 2 BC ceramic particles (10–30 wt%) are prepared via the spark plasma sintering (SPS) route method. In comparison with the plain Cu sample, when the content of the Mo 2 BC particles increased to 30 wt%, the Vickers hardness, yield strength, and tensile strength of CMCs increased by 196 %, 157 %, and 588 %, respectively. Fine grain and load transfer strengthening mechanism are considered the main strengthening mechanism. Introducing the Mo 2 BC ceramic effectively reduces friction and wear as well as the frictional noise vibration of CMCs. Incorporating Mo 2 BC ceramic into the Cu matrix can elevate the load-bearing ability, inhibiting mechanical and adhesive wear. In addition, the composite exhibits superior friction and wear properties as the content of Mo 2 BC ceramic increases gradually up to 30 wt%, where the friction coefficient and wear rate are as low as 0.35 and 3.25 × 10−6 mm3/Nm, respectively. A layer of tribo-film containing Fe 2 O 3 derived from the counterparts and induced by the tribo-oxidation reaction can provide a lubricating effect. Considering the superior mechanical and tribological properties, the as-prepared CMCs could be an attractive alternative material for sliding bearing fields. • Cu matrix composites reinforced with Mo 2 BC are successfully prepared. • Mechanical and tribological properties of Cu matrix composites are greatly improved. • The dominant strengthening mechanisms are fine-grain and load-transfer strengthening. • Mechanical and adhesive wear effects are obviously inhibited when Mo 2 BC is doped. • The generating tribo-oxide films can reduce friction and wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Cr 3 C 2 /Ni 3 Al composites containing Cr 3 C 2 particles of different sizes were prepared via hot-press sintering. Subsequently, the effects of the size of the added Cr 3 C 2 particles on the microstructure, hardness, and tribological properties of the Cr 3 C 2 /Ni 3 Al composites were investigated. The results showed that the Ni 3 Al powder and Cr 3 C 2 particles in the composites exhibited obvious interdiffusion interactions during the hot-press sintering process and formed a new diffusion phase with an M 7 C 3 (M = Cr, Fe, and Ni) structure in the Cr 3 C 2 /Ni 3 Al composites. In addition, the diffusion effect in the composites with small Cr 3 C 2 particles was full, the proportion of the M 7 C 3 (M = Cr, Fe, and Ni) diffusion phase in the composites was greater, and the solid-solution strengthening effect of the matrix phase was evident. The hardness of the Cr 3 C 2 /Ni 3 Al composites was noticeably higher than that of the Ni 3 Al alloy because of the combination of particle, solid-solution, and refined crystalline strengthening effects. The composite with 5 μm Cr 3 C 2 particles displayed the maximum hardness (56.3 HRC) and best wear resistance. The wear mechanism results indicated that the carbide particles in the composites improved the hardness, carried the load, and blocked the movement of abrasive particles, effectively protecting the matrix from wear. However, when the added Cr 3 C 2 particles were too large, the weak interfacial bond between the chromium carbides and the matrix phases in the composites allowed the chromium carbides to easily crack and fall off, which decreased the wear resistance. [Display omitted] • The diffusion effect in the composites with small Cr 3 C 2 addition was full, and the diffusion phase content in the composites was greater. • The hardness of the Cr 3 C 2 /Ni 3 Al composites was higher than that of the Ni 3 Al alloy, and increased with decreasing Cr 3 C 2 addition size. • Cr 3 C 2 /Ni 3 Al composites with small Cr 3 C 2 addition exhibited the best wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical erosion pit is a fundamental manifestation of electrical bearing damage. As the shaft voltage increased, the degree of electrical damage became more severe, and the residual compressive stress and hardness of bearing surface decreased. The transition of martensite into ferrite induced by high discharge temperature was found at the edge of the erosion pit using a transmission electron microscopy. This phenomenon has not been observed below the mechanically rolled surface under the same conditions. Electrical penetration harmed the bearing through surface erosion, lubrication deterioration and martensite decomposition. The electrical pit could be observed when current density exceeded 0.95 A/mm2. The results can help understand bearing failure in the fields of railways, wind turbines, and new-energy vehicles. • Transformation of martensite into ferrite have been observed around erosion pit. • Segregation of carbides at subsurface was the results of martensitic decomposition. • Residual stress and hardness decreased in the erosion surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the demand for damage optimization of current-carrying friction materials and based on the uneven distribution characteristics of damage, copper-graphite gradient composite materials were prepared using spark plasma sintering technology. These materials were paired with H62 brass, conducting damage optimization studies on copper-graphite gradient composite materials using a self-made current-carrying friction test machine. The results indicate that the copper-graphite gradient composite materials possess excellent current-carrying performance. With an increase of graphite content, the degree of mechanical damage and arc damage on the worn surface is optimized. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the material significantly decrease. When the content of graphite in the material is 5 wt% − 10 wt%, The material's damage optimization reaches the best and the wear rate is 9.7 × 10−4 mg·m−1. At this point, the predominant form of damage to the material is plastic deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hypermutable biofilm-forming P. aeruginosa in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis is a major treatment challenge. • Simulated lung fluid exposure of monotherapy tobramycin or aztreonam was not able to suppress regrowth and resistance of planktonic or biofilm bacteria. • Genomic analysis indicated classical high-level resistance mechanisms were not selected for; rather noncanonical resistance mechanisms were likely responsible for treatment failure. • Synergy of the combination was likely due to tobramycin outer membrane disruption allowing more aztreonam into the cell, as indicated by nitrocefin assays. • Mechanism-based models of both isolates for each growth mode well described the total and less-susceptible bacteria. Hypermutable Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains are highly prevalent in chronic lung infections of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Acute exacerbations of these infections have limited treatment options. This study aimed to investigate inhaled aztreonam and tobramycin against clinical hypermutable P. aeruginosa strains using the CDC dynamic in vitro biofilm reactor (CBR), mechanism-based mathematical modelling (MBM) and genomic studies. Two CF multidrug-resistant strains were investigated in a 168 h CBR (n = 2 biological replicates). Regimens were inhaled aztreonam (75 mg 8-hourly) and tobramycin (300 mg 12-hourly) in monotherapies and combination. The simulated pharmacokinetic profiles of aztreonam and tobramycin (t 1/2 = 3 h) were based on published lung fluid concentrations in patients with CF. Total viable and resistant counts were determined for planktonic and biofilm bacteria. MBM of total and resistant bacterial counts and whole genome sequencing were completed. Both isolates showed reproducible bacterial regrowth and resistance amplification for the monotherapies by 168 h. The combination performed synergistically, with minimal resistant subpopulations compared to the respective monotherapies at 168 h. Mechanistic synergy appropriately described the antibacterial effects of the combination regimen in the MBM. Genomic analysis of colonies recovered from monotherapy regimens indicated noncanonical resistance mechanisms were likely responsible for treatment failure. The combination of aztreonam and tobramycin was required to suppress the regrowth and resistance of planktonic and biofilm bacteria in all biological replicates of both hypermutable multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa CF isolates. The developed MBM could be utilised for future investigations of this promising inhaled combination. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-continuous SiC 3D /Cu composites are interesting wear-resistant materials with a unique structure. However, their interface reaction limits their practical applications. In this study, co-continuous SiC 3D /Cu composites were fabricated by pressureless infiltration, and their interfaces were modified with different interface oxidation states by high-temperature oxidisation and atmospheric treatment. The effects of the different interface oxidation treatments on the interfacial reaction and wear behaviour of the co-continuous composites were investigated. The results revealed that the surface oxidisation of the three-dimensional SiC skeleton by high-temperature oxidisation prevented the interface reaction between the SiC strengthening phase and the Cu alloy matrix phase, thus improving the interface bonding and wear properties of the composites. In addition, the surface oxidisation of the Cu alloy matrix phase prevented the occurrence of the interface reaction and improved the interface bonding of the composites. However, the Cu alloy was oxidised and the hardness of the matrix phase in the composites decreased when the infiltration atmosphere was changed into an air environment. Finally, the co-continuous SiC 3D /Cu composite with oxidised SiC and unoxidised Cu showed the best wear-resistance performance (approximately 9.77 × 10-7 cm3·m−1·N−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabies is a reemerging disease in China. The high incidence of rabies leads to numerous concerns: a potential carrier-dog phenomenon, undocumented transmission of rabies virus from wildlife to dogs, counterfeit vaccines, vaccine mismatching, and seroconversion testing in patients after their completion of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). These concerns are all scientifically arguable given a modern understanding of rabies. Rabies reemerges periodically in China because of high dog population density and low vaccination coverage in dogs. Mass vaccination campaigns rather than depopulation of dogs should be a long-term goal for rabies control. Seroconversion testing after vaccination is not necessary in either humans or animals. Human PEP should be initiated on the basis of diagnosis of biting animals. Reliable national systemic surveillance of rabiesrelated human deaths and of animal rabies prevalence is urgently needed. A laboratory diagnosis--based epidemiologic surveillance system can provide substantial information about disease transmission and effective prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A method called the grey bootstrap method is proposed to resolve some problems about evaluation of the uncertainty in the process of dynamic measurement by developing four evaluating indicators, i.e. the estimated uncertainty, the estimated interval, the estimated true value and the mean uncertainty. The method can evaluate the uncertainty without any prior information about probability distribution of random variables, separating trends with known and unknown law. Computer simulation and experiment reveal that the fluctuant path of measured data series is perfectly enveloped in the estimated interval, that the law of trends is exactly traced by the estimated true value, that the variation domain of the random variables is availably assessed via the estimated uncertainty, and that statistical characteristic of dynamic measuring process is quantified with the mean uncertainty. Using the grey bootstrap method, the reliability of the estimated results can usually be up to 100% at the given confidence level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Dietary patterns and symptoms research among Chinese with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its precursor lesions is limited, especially as it relates to multiple food consumption and multiple co-occurring symptoms. The aim of our study was to identify the dietary patterns and severity of symptom classes with the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its histological precursor lesions, and develop a risk prediction model for different stages of esophageal disease.Methods: We analyzed data from a multicenter cross-sectional study carried out in ESCC high incidence areas between 2017 and 2018, which included 34,707 individuals aged 40-69 years. Dietary patterns and severity of symptom classes were derived by applying a latent class analysis (LCA). A multiple logistic regression model was used to derive the odds ratio (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for ESCC and the different stages of esophageal disease according to the dietary patterns and severity of symptom classes identified. We built the risk prediction model by using a nomogram.Results: We identified five dietary patterns and three severity of symptom classes. The dietary patterns were classified as follows: "Healthy", "Western", "Lower consumers-combination", "Medium consumers-combination" and "Higher consumers-combination" patterns based on the intake of foods such as red meat, vegetables and fruits. The severity of symptoms was categorized into "Asymptomatic", "Mild symptoms" and "Overt symptoms" classes based on health-related symptoms reported by the participants. Compared to the "Healthy" pattern, the other four patterns were all associated with an increased risk of esophageal disease. Similarly, the other two symptom classes present different degrees of increased risk of esophageal disease compared to the "Asymptomatic". The nomograms reflect the good predictive ability of the model.Conclusion: Among individuals aged 40-69 years in high incidence regions of upper gastrointestinal cancer, the results supplied that subjects with diets rich in livestock and poultry meat and low in fruits and vegetables and subjects with typical symptoms were at increased ESCC risk. The findings highlight the importance of considering food and symptom combinations in cancer risk evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite research efforts, the causative factors that contribute to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in high-risk areas have not yet been understood. In this study, we, therefore, aimed to describe the risk factors associated with ESCC and its precursor lesions.Methods: We performed an endoscopic examination of 44,857 individuals aged 40-69 years from five high incidence regions of China in 2017-2018. Participants were classified as 4 groups of normal control, esophagitis, low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN) and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia/esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (HGIN/ESCC) using an unconditional logistic regression determine risk factors.Results: We identified 4890 esophagitis, 1874 LGIN and 437 HGIN/ESCC cases. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted odds ratios were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. Drinking well and surface water, salty diet, and positive family history of cancer were the common risk factors for esophagitis, LGIN and HGIN/ESCC. History of chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis was the greatest risk factor of esophagitis (adjusted OR 2.96, 95%CI 2.52-3.47) and HGIN/ESCC (adjusted OR 1.91, 95%CI 1.03-3.22). Pesticide exposure (adjusted OR 1.20, 95%CI 1.05-1.37) was essential risk factor of LGIN.Conclusions: Among individuals aged 40-69 years in high incidence regions of upper gastrointestinal cancer, the results provided important epidemiological evidence for the prevention of different precancerous lesions of ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Polycrystalline Mo 2 BC ceramic bulks were successfully prepared from elemental powders by SPS route. • The synthesized temperature of Mo 2 BC ceramic was confirmed to be as low as 1300 ºC. • The lattice parameters of as-prepared Mo 2 BC ceramic were determined by TEM characterization. • For the first time, the mechanical properties of Mo 2 BC ceramic bulks were investigated. Single-phase polycrystalline Mo 2 BC ceramic bulks were synthesized successfully from molybdenum, boron, and graphite powders using the spark plasma sintering method. Herein, it was established that the synthesis temperature of the Mo 2 BC ceramic could be as low as 1300 °C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization confirmed that the crystal structure of the Mo 2 BC ceramic was comparable to that of the MoAlB ceramic. The Vickers hardness of the Mo 2 BC ceramic was measured to be 18.1 GPa. Additionally, the compressive strength, flexural strength, and fracture toughness were determined to be 1.74 GPa, 457.72 MPa, and 3.26 MPa· m1/2, respectively. The Mo 2 BC bulk exhibited typical brittle features, in which intergranular and transgranular fractures were the main failure modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the microstructural alteration of GCr15 bearing steel under Rolling Contact condition. It was found that Decay Region, a feature microstructure, formed in the subsurface of materials with the dominant effect of cyclic contact stress. The Decay Region is composed of discretely distributed micro-regions where phase transition occurred, presenting a hollow crescent shape. The microstructure after phase transformation was highly susceptible to corrosion by Nital solution. The formation of Decay Region was related to the orthogonal shear stress and there was an upper threshold. Excessively high stress suppressed the appearance of Decay Region. During Rolling Contact, the hardness of materials evolved simultaneously. The evolution of hardness and microstructure exhibited a parallel development, as the dominant stresses were different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the friction and wear properties and current-carrying properties of copper-graphite composites paired with brass C28000 on a self-made current-carrying friction test machine. The results indicate that the current-carrying properties of the copper-graphite gradient composite materials are excellent, the core factor limiting its service properties is its wear rate. With the increase in the thickness of the Cu-5 wt% graphite layer, the unevenness of the damage improves. The composite material with a Cu-5 wt% graphite layer thickness of 8/5 mm exhibits friction and current-carrying properties close to that of the composite material with a Cu-5 wt% graphite layer thickness of 4 mm. It has a higher electrical conductivity by approximately 20 % and a higher hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotransformation of betulinic acid was carried out with Circinella muscae CGMCC 3.2695 and Cunninghamella echinulata CGMCC 3.970, yielded six previously undescribed hydroxylated metabolites and four known compounds. C. muscae could catalyze the regioselecitve hydroxylation and carbonylation at C-3, C-7, C-15 and C-21 to yield seven products. C. echinulata could catalyze the C-1, C-7 and C-26 regioselecitve hydroxylation and acetylation to yield five metabolites. The structures of the metabolites were established based on extensive NMR and HR-ESI-MS data analyses. Furthermore, most of the metabolites exhibited pronounced inhibitory activities on lipopolysaccharides-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. Image 1 • Biotransformation of betulinic acid by two fungi afforded 10 compounds. • Mainly hydroxylated, oxidated and acetylated metabolites were obtained. • Lupane type of triterpenes with C-21 hydroxyl group was reported for the first time. • Most of the metabolites showed inhibition on NO production in RAW264.7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported herein is the synthesis of a number of building blocks of 2-amino-2-deoxy- d -mannose from common d -glucose precursors. Image 1 • Chemical synthesis of a variety of derivatives of mannosamine has been completed using different approaches. • The synthesized compounds can be used as glycosyl donors or glycosyl acceptors directly. • Other modifications of protecting and/or leaving groups can be easily incorporated. • The developed approaches are expected to expedite the synthesis of microbial glycans containing 2-acetamido- d -manno residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribological properties of lithium grease with few layer graphene (FLG) additive were studied. Three‐dimensional surface topography, FESEM with EDS and XPS were used to analyse the morphology, distribution of elements and chemical states on the wear spots. The results show that 0.1 wt% FLG content produced maximum reduction rate of the friction coefficient and minimum wear spot diameter (WSD). And the best results obtained under larger load and lower speed. Fe3O4 was found to be the main component of the chemical reaction film formed on the friction surface when pure lithium grease lubrication was applied. However, when FLG‐containing lubricating grease was used instead, the boundary film was mainly composed of Fe2O3 and adsorbed FLG. The effectiveness of FLG in reducing the friction coefficient and WSD of lithium grease is mainly attributed to its large specific surface area, great number of active groups and typical layered structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]