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How progenitor cells can attain a distinct differentiated cell identity is a challenging problem given the fluctuating signaling environment in which cells exist and that critical transcription factors are often not unique to a differentiation process. Here, we test the hypothesis that a unique differentiated cell identity can result from a core component of the differentiated state doubling up as a signaling protein that also drives differentiation. Using live single-cell imaging in the adipocyte differentiation system, we show that progenitor fat cells (preadipocytes) can only commit to terminally differentiate after up-regulating FABP4, a lipid buffer that is highly enriched in mature adipocytes. Upon induction of adipogenesis in mouse preadipocyte cells, we show that after a long delay, cells first abruptly start to engage a positive feedback between CEBPA and PPARG before then engaging, after a second delay, a positive feedback between FABP4 and PPARG. These sequential positive feedbacks both need to engage in order to drive PPARG levels past the threshold for irreversible differentiation. In the last step before commitment, PPARG transcriptionally increases FABP4 expression while fatty acid-loaded FABP4 increases PPARG activity. Together, our study suggests a control principle for robust cell identity whereby a core component of the differentiated state also promotes differentiation from its own progenitor state. How can progenitor cells attain a distinct differentiated cell identity, given the fluctuating signaling environment and redundancy of critical transcription factors? This study identifies a control principle whereby progenitor cells induced to differentiate can reach the desired distinct differentiated cell fate despite the possibility of many alternative fates en route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new technique was proposed to selectively produce 4-ethyl guaiacol (4-EG), a valuable phenolic compound, via low-temperature catalytic fast pyrolysis of softwood biomass using the Pd/SBA-15 catalyst. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) experiments were performed to compare 4-EG production from three biomass materials with different lignin types (pine wood, poplar wood and bagasse) and two catalytic patterns (in-situ and ex-situ). Further experiments were performed to reveal 4-EG formation affected by the pyrolysis temperature, catalyst-to-biomass ratio and Pd content of the Pd/SBA-15 catalyst. The results indicated that 4-EG could be selectively produced from pine wood by the in-situ catalytic pattern. 4-EG was a very minor pyrolytic product in the non-catalytic process, while it could be selectively produced in the catalytic process, via the decomposition and hydrogenation of lignin. Our results suggested that several holocellulose-derived pyrolytic products could serve as the hydrogen-donors (H-donors) for the formation of 4-EG, without any extra H-donors. The highest 4-EG yield of 18.44 mg/g from pine wood was obtained at the temperature of 350 °C and catalyst-to-biomass ratio of 2, and the corresponding peak area% (calculated by GC/MS) was 38.34%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a polyethyleneimine-modified chitosan/Ce-UIO-66 composite hydrogel (PEI-CS/Ce-UIO-66) was prepared using the ex-situ blend method. The synthesized composite hydrogel was characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, BET, XPS, and TG techniques, while the zeta potential was recorded for sample analysis. The adsorbent performance was studied by conducting adsorption experiments using methyl orange (MO), which showed that PEI-CS/Ce-UIO-66 exhibited excellent MO adsorption properties (900.5 ± 19.09 mg/g). The adsorption kinetics of PEI-CS/Ce-UIO-66 could be explained by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and its isothermal adsorption followed the Langmuir model. Thermodynamics showed that the adsorption was spontaneous and exothermic at low temperatures. MO could interact with PEI-CS/Ce-UIO-66 via electrostatic interaction, π–π stacking, and hydrogen bonding. The results indicated that the PEI-CS/Ce-UIO-66 composite hydrogel could potentially be used for the adsorption of anionic dyes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A magnetic solid base catalyst (potassium phosphate/ferroferric oxide) was prepared and used for catalytic fast pyrolysis of poplar wood to selectively produce phenolic-rich bio-oil. Pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of pyrolysis temperature and catalyst-to-biomass ratio on the product distribution. The actual yields of important pyrolytic products were quantitatively determined by the external standard method. Moreover, recycling experiments were performed to determine the re-utilization abilities of the catalyst. The results showed that the catalyst exhibited promising activity to selectively produce phenolic-rich bio-oil, due to its capability of promoting the decomposition of lignin to generate phenolic compounds and meanwhile inhibiting the devolatilization of holocellulose. The maximal phenolic yield was obtained at the pyrolysis temperature of 400 °C and catalyst-to-biomass ratio of 2. The concentration of the phenolic compounds increased monotonically along with the increasing of the catalyst-to-biomass ratio, with the peak area% value increasing from 28.1% in the non-catalytic process to as high as 68.5% at the catalyst-to-biomass ratio of 7. The maximal total actual yield of twelve quantified major phenolic compounds was 43.9 mg/g, compared with the value of 29.0 mg/g in the non-catalytic process. In addition, the catalyst could be easily recovered and possessed promising recycling properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new technique was proposed to selectively produce 4-ethyl phenol (4-EP) from low-temperature catalytic fast pyrolysis of certain herbaceous biomass, while 4-vinyl phenol (4-VP) could be selectively produced from non-catalytic fast pyrolysis process. In this study, Pd/SBA-15 catalysts were prepared, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) technique was applied for both ex situ and in situ catalytic fast pyrolysis of bagasse. The results indicated the 4-EP could be selectively produced from both catalytic methods. During the ex situ catalytic pyrolysis process, the bagasse would decompose to form 4-VP which was then hydrogenated by the Pd/SBA-15 catalyst to be 4-EP. During the in situ catalytic pyrolysis process, the Pd/SBA-15 catalyst would catalyze the decomposition and hydrogenation of bagasse to directly produce 4-EP. Certain pyrolytic products would serve as the hydrogen-donors (H-donor) for the formation of 4-EP. The selectivity of the 4-EP from the ex situ catalytic process was a little better than that form the in situ catalytic process. The highest 4-EP yield from ex situ catalytic pyrolysis of bagasse was around 2.0 wt%, obtained at the pyrolysis temperature of 350 °C and catalyst-to-biomass ratio of 1.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid phosphoric acid (SPA) catalysts with different carriers were prepared and used for catalytic fast pyrolysis of poplar wood to produce levoglucosenone (LGO), a valuable anhydrosugar derivative that can be used in various organic synthesis applications. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) experiments were performed to evaluate the catalytic capabilities of these catalysts under different reaction conditions. The results indicated that SPA catalyst prepared with the SBA-15 carrier exhibited the best catalytic capability for selectively producing LGO. Both the catalytic pyrolysis temperature and catalyst-to-biomass ratio affected the pyrolytic products greatly. The maximal LGO yield reached as high as 8.2 wt% from poplar wood, obtained at the pyrolysis temperature of 300 °C and the catalyst-to-biomass ratio of 1. The by-products during the catalytic pyrolysis process were mainly acetic acid (AA) and furfural (FF). In addition, the SPA catalyst possessed better catalytic capability than the liquid phosphoric acid (HPO) catalyst to produce LGO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Myeloid tumors typically harbor TP53 mutations, which are linked to a dismal prognosis. There are fewer studies on whether TP53‐mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome with excess blasts (MDS‐EB) differ in molecular characteristics and should be considered as separate entities. Methods: Between January 2016 and December 2021, a retrospective analysis was done on a total of 73 newly diagnosed AML patients and 61 MDS‐EB patients from the first affiliated hospital of Soochow University. We described a survival profile and a thorough characterization of newly found TP53‐mutant AML and MDS‐EB and investigated the relationship between these characteristics and overall survival (OS). Results: 38 (31.1%) were mono‐allelic, and 84 (68.9%) were bi‐allelic. There is no significant difference between TP53‐mutated AML and MDS‐EB (median OS 12.9 verse 14.4 months; p =.558). Better overall survival was linked to mono‐allelic TP53 than bi‐allelic TP53(HR = 3.030, CI:1.714–5.354, p <.001). However, the number of TP53 mutations and comutations were not significantly associated with OS. TP53 variant allele frequency cutoff of 50% is significant correlation with OS (HR: 2.177, 95% CI: 1.142–4.148; p =.0063). Conclusion: Our data revealed that allele status and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant independently affect the prognostic of AML and MDS‐EB patients, with a concordance of molecular features and survival between these two disease entities. Our analysis favors considering TP53‐mutated AML/MDS‐EB as a distinct disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Phenolic compounds were selectively produced from K3PO4-catalyzed pyrolysis of biomass. [•] Phenol and 2,6-dimethoxy phenol were the two most abundant products from poplar wood. [•] The maximal peak area% of the phenolics was over 60% at high K3PO4 content. [•] The formation characteristics of the individual products were revealed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purposes: To detect the frequency and types of chromosomal anomalies with non-obstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia in Northeast China, and to compare the frequencies with other regions of China and the world. To investigate the general characteristics of this population. Methods: Eighty-one men with non-obstructive azoospermia and 54 men with severe oligozoospermia were recruited. Karyotype analyses were performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes using standard G-banding. Measurements of follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, prolactin, and inhibin B were obtained. Results: The frequency of chromosomal anomalies for patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (17.28%) was comparable with studies from Europe, Africa, Asia, and other regions of China. However, the frequency for patients with severe oligozoospermia (9.26%) was slightly higher than reported from other Asian countries. The infertile men were more likely than the fertile to smoke and consume alcohol, and to have significantly lower levels of inhibin B. Conclusions: For infertile men in Northeast China, chromosome analysis is a necessary part of routine genetic testing, and the contributing effects of high smoking and alcohol consumption rates of this population should be discussed during genetic counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1 Clinical response and adverse events of the avapritinib regimen. a Adverse events of avapritinib regimen. b Shown is the clinical outcome for the 4 CBF-AML patients with KIT mutation who were treated with an avapritinib regimen. In conclusion, we report four patients on our initial experience of using avapritinib for CBF-AML with I KIT i mutations who received avapritinib monotherapy or combination with other agents. RUNX1-RUNX1T1 fusion gene and I KIT i D816V-mutation were detectable by Q-RT-PCR and targeted whole-exome sequencing in this AML patient. Although the combination of dasatinib with chemotherapy appeared to improve the outcome of CBF-AML patients with the I KIT i mutation, a confirmatory randomized phase III trial needs to be conducted [[4]]. [Extracted from the article]

Antibiotics have attracted global attention because of their potential ecological and health risks. The emission, multimedia fate and risk of 18 selected antibiotics in the entire Yangtze River basin were evaluated by using a level Ⅳ fugacity model. High antibiotic emissions were found in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin. The total antibiotic emissions in the Yangtze River basin exceeded 1600 tons per year between 2013 and 2021. The spatial distribution of antibiotics concentration was the upper Yangtze River > middle Yangtze River > lower Yangtze River, which is positively correlated with animal husbandry size in the basin. Temperature and precipitation increases may decrease the antibiotic concentrations in the environment. Transfer fluxes showed that source emission inputs, advection processes, and degradation fluxes contributed more to the total input and output. High ecological risks in the water environment were found in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. The comprehensive health risk assessment through drinking water and fish consumption routes showed that a small part of the Yangtze River basin is at medium risk, and children have a relatively high degree of health risk. This study provides a scientific basis for the pollution control of antibiotics at the basin scale. [Display omitted] • Emission of antibiotics in the entire Yangtze River basin was estimated. • Antibiotics concentrations were positively correlated with animal husbandry size. • The fate of antibiotics in the Yangtze River basin was reported comprehensively. • High antibiotics ecological risks in the water environment are found in 2019, 2020, and 2021. • Most of the Yangtze River basin is at low health risk, and a small part is at medium risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relight of jet engines at high altitude is very difficult due to the relatively low pressure and temperature of inlet air. Currently, advanced ignition technology for high-altitude relight in jet engines is urgently needed. Successful ignition is achieved only when the ignition kernel can propagate outwardly beyond the so-called critical flame initiation radius. At high altitude with low pressure, the critical flame initiation radius becomes large and it cannot be easily reached by the ignition kernel. Therefore, in order to achieve successful ignition at low pressure conditions, large ignition kernel should be generated. In this study, plasma assisted ignition using multi-channel nanosecond discharge (MND) is proposed to induce a large ignition kernel and to achieve successful ignition at low pressures. Ignition experiments for propane/air mixtures at different equivalence ratios (Ф = 0.8∼1.6) and under normal and sub-atmospheric pressures ( P = 0.3∼1.0 bar) were conducted in a constant volume combustion chamber. The performance of three ignition methods, spark discharge, single-channel nanosecond discharge (SND) and MND, were assessed; and the advantages of MND for ignition at sub-atmospheric pressures were demonstrated. The ignition kernel development, ignition probability, minimum ignition energy, and flame development for these three ignition methods (spark, SND and MND) were measured and compared. It was found that compared to spark and SND, MND can generate a much larger ignition kernel with stronger flame wrinkling and has much higher ignition probability, especially at low pressures. Therefore, MND has the advantage in achieving successful ignition at low pressure. Besides, it was shown that though the ignition kernel evolution and ignition probability strongly depend on ignition methods, the subsequent flame propagation is not greatly affected by ignition and there is little change in the flame rise time for different ignition methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in biliary atresia (BA) pathogenesis; human poliovirus receptor (PVR) is an important NK‐cell modulator. Here, we explored the role of PVR in BA pathogenesis. Methods: Poliovirus receptor expression and NK cell‐associated genes were detected in human BA samples and a rotavirus‐induced BA mouse model using quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence staining. Chemically modified small interfering RNA silenced PVR expression in the BA model, and its effects on the population and function of intrahepatic NK cells were investigated using flow cytometry (FCM). The effects of PVR overexpression and knockdown on proliferation, apoptosis and NK‐cell‐mediated lysis of cultured human cholangiocytes were analysed using FCM and cell viability assays. Serum PVR, high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1beta) levels were measured in a cohort of 50 patients using ELISA. Results: Poliovirus receptor expression was upregulated in the biliary epithelium of BA patients and BA model and was positively correlated with the population and activation of intrahepatic NK cells. Silencing of PVR expression impaired the cytotoxicity of NK cells, reduced inflammation and protected mice from rotavirus‐induced BA. Activation of the TLR3‐IRF3 signalling pathway induced PVR expression in cultured cholangiocytes. PVR overexpression promoted proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of cholangiocytes but exacerbated NK cell‐mediated cholangiocyte lysis. Serum PVR levels were elevated in BA patients and were positively correlated with HMGB1 and IL‐1beta levels. Conclusions: Poliovirus receptor contributes to BA pathogenesis by regulating NK cell‐mediated bile duct injury; PVR has the value as a biomarker of BA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Philadelphia chromosome-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-like ALL) is a high-risk subtype of ALL. We retrospectively studied 70 cases with Ph-like ALL and here present the largest study of CAR-T cell treatment and haplo-HSCT for this leukemia. Median age was 26 years and median leukocyte count was 31.44 × 109/L. The proportion of patients receiving chemotherapy, KIs, CAR-T cells, and allo-HSCT was 19%, 30%, 46%, and 61%, respectively. The overall response rate was 62%, 73%, and 100% after one month of KI treatment combined with chemotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy, and allo-HSCT, respectively. Five-year DFS and OS were 35% and 51%, respectively. The five-year cumulative incidence of relapse and non-relapse mortality was 63% and 11%, respectively. Allo-HSCT was associated with a better DFS (p = 0.010) and OS (p = 0.000) by univariate analysis. In conclusion, allo-HSCT after KIs together with chemotherapy or CAR-T cell therapy is a safe and feasible treatment modality for Ph-like ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT) have a high rate of postoperative recurrence. We aimed to describe the patterns and kinetics of recurrence in BDTT patients and provide management options accordingly. This retrospective study included 311 HCC patients with BDTT who underwent surgery from 2009 to 2017 at five centers in China. The hazard rate of recurrence was calculated using the hazard function. The hazard rate of intrahepatic recurrence was higher than that of extrahepatic recurrence (0.0588 vs. 0.0301), and both showed a decreasing trend, and the intrahepatic recurrence and extrahepatic recurrence risk decreased to a lower level after 40 and 20 months, respectively. Patients who underwent anatomic resection had a consistently lower hazard rate of recurrence than patients who underwent nonanatomic resection, whereas patients who received postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) mainly had a lower hazard rate of recurrence in the first year than patients who did not. The follow-up of BDTT patients should be at least 40 months because of its high rate of recurrence, in parallel with the need for vigilance for extrahepatic recurrence within 20 months. Anatomic hepatectomy and adjuvant TACE are recommended to improve BDTT patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic superacid (SO 4 2− /TiO 2 –Fe 3 O 4 ) was prepared for catalytic fast pyrolysis of cellulose and poplar wood to produce levoglucosenone (LGO). Its catalytic activity was evaluated via pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS) experiments, and compared with the non-magnetic SO 4 2− /TiO 2 , phosphoric acid (H 3 PO 4 ) and sulfur acid (H 2 SO 4 ) catalysts. Moreover, the LGO yield was quantitatively determined. The results indicated that the magnetic SO 4 2− /TiO 2 –Fe 3 O 4 was effective to selectively produce LGO from both cellulose and poplar wood. Its catalytic capability was a little better than the non-magnetic SO 4 2− /TiO 2 and H 3 PO 4 , and much better than the H 2 SO 4 . The maximal LGO yields from both cellulose and poplar wood were obtained at 300 °C with the feedstock/catalyst ratio of 1/1, reaching as high as 15.43 wt% from cellulose and 7.06 wt% from poplar wood, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the speeding up of high-speed trains, the radiation noise generated from plates of the vehicle body was becoming increasingly obvious; however, fewer researches were performed on this aspect at present. The dynamic equation of the head vehicle of the high-speed train and the vehicle-track coupled dynamic model were both established, and then the dynamic load excitation of the vehicle body on uneven tracks was eventually obtained. With the material properties attributed, the finite element model of the vehicle body was eventually obtained to solve the modal, which was subsequently compared with the experimental one to verify the accuracy of the model. Based on the structural-acoustic coupling boundary element method, the noise distribution inside the passenger compartment of the high-speed train was calculated. Moreover, with the employment of the acoustic transfer vector (ATV) technology, the contribution coefficients of each plate of the vehicle body to the maximum sound pressure point were calculated. It was shown through the result that when the sound-absorbing materials inside the vehicle were ignored at the speed of 300 km/h, the sound pressure level inside the high-speed train ranged between 80 dB and 93 dB. Furthermore, when transverse ribs were added to the passenger compartment floor, its contribution coefficient to the sound pressure at the field points could be reduced, thus the noise inside the high-speed train could be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrusion detection system (IDS) is an important instrument in the domain of information security. In the information security course, "intrusion detection" is very important part with its contents having many concepts and the principle being abstract. In order to consolidate student's theoretic knowledge and improve their practical abilities and innovation consciousness, the experimental teaching of IDS is explored. On the basis of analysis of the framework and structure of Snort, the experiment scheme of network IDS is designed, which is base on Snort and fits for the standard of common intrusion detection theory. By analyzing and presenting the framework and structure of Snort, the experiment scheme of network IDS is designed based on Snort, and fits for the standard of common intrusion detection theory. The experimental environment of IDS is built in the laboratory network, the key steps of deploying the system are detailed, and test results of intrusion detection experiments are analyzed. The practical research finds that the student can be inspired to study with interest and enthusiasm, widen the range of knowledge, improve synthetic ability and trained innovation consciousness through the research type experiment of digital filter design. The practical research finds that IDS experiment teaching is helpful to inspiring students ' learning motivation and enthusiasm, deepening their understanding of abstract knowledge, widening their range of knowledge and improving the teaching quality of information security course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical resection is the primary treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT). This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of postoperative adjuvant TACE (PA-TACE) in patients with HCC and BDTT. Data from patients who underwent surgery for HCC with BDTT at two medical centers were retrospectively analyzed. The survival outcomes of patients who were treated by hepatic resection followed by PA-TACE were compared with those of patients who underwent surgery alone. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed with a 1:1 ratio. Of the 308 consecutively enrolled HCC patients with BDTT who underwent surgical resection, 134 underwent PA-TACE whereas 174 underwent surgery alone. From the initial cohort, PSM matched 106 pairs of patients. The OS and DFS rates were significantly better for the PA-TACE group than the surgery alone group (for OS: before PSM, P = 0.026; after PSM, P = 0.039; for DFS: before PSM, P = 0.010; after PSM, P = 0.013). PA-TACE was associated with better survival outcomes than surgery alone for patients with HCC and BDTT. Prospective clinical trials are warranted to validate the beneficial effect of PA-TACE on HCC patients associated with BDTT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the soft rock roadway in underground mine is supported by steel frame, the bearing capacity of steel structure is the key to the success of roadway support. Taking the soft rock roadway support in Mengnuo lead‐zinc mine as an example, this paper studies the displacement and stress change law of U‐shaped steel, I‐shaped steel, rail steel, and surrounding rock, analyzes the bearing capacity characteristics of steel structure support, and conducts field application tests. The results show that: (a) the deformation resistance of U‐shaped steel is the best, the overall deformation of which is 85.0% of that of track steel, followed by that of I‐shaped steel, which is 92% of that of track steel, and the deformation resistance of track steel is the weakest in comparison; (b) the main stress positions of the three kinds of supporting steel structures are the joint of the support shoulder and the waist. When simulating the support of 10 m roadway, the deformation of the middle 4‐6 m roadway is larger than that of the surrounding rock of the head and tail roadway; (c) when the horizontal stress of the deep soft rock roadway is larger, the floor heave of the roadway is larger than that of the shallow roadway only when the side and top support are used; (d) by the analysis of three different forms and stress states of support steel structures, it is found that the shape of support has a great impact on the bearing mechanical characteristics. It is of great value to study the shape of support with more bearing advantages under the same amount of steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bile duct invasion is a relatively rare event and is not well characterised in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It remains very difficult to diagnose HCC with bile duct tumour thrombus (BDTT) before surgery. Increasing evidence has revealed that inflammation plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. This study aimed to develop nomograms based on systemic and hepatic inflammation markers to predict microscopic BDTT (micro-BDTT) before surgery in HCC.Methods: A total of 723 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy as initial therapy between January 2012 and June 2020 were included in the study. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for micro-BDTT. The nomograms were constructed using significant predictors, including α-fetoprotein (AFP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin (DB), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The prediction accuracies of the nomograms were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: AFP, ALP, DB, PNI, and γ-GT/ALT were independent risk factors for predicting micro-BDTT (P = 0.036, P = 0.004, P = 0.013, P = 0.012, and P = 0.006, respectively), which were assembled into the nomograms. The area under the ROC curve of the nomograms combining PNI and γ-GT/ALT for predicting micro-BDTT was 0.804 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.730-0.878). The sensitivity and specificity values when used in predicting micro-BDTT before surgery were 0.739 (95% CI: 0.612-0.866) and 0.781 (95% CI: 0.750-0.813), respectively.Conclusions: The nomogram based on combining systemic and hepatic inflammation markers is suitable for predicting micro-BDTT before surgery in HCC patients, leading to a rational therapeutic choice for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of small and asymmetrical plasma area of the gliding arc (GA) in the chemical treatment process, a plasma actuator driven by alternating current (AC) with a frequency of 23.2kHz was designed to multichannel gliding arcs (MGAs) in a rotational air flow at atmospheric pressure. The spatiotemporally resolved discharge characteristics of the MGA, including long-length breakdown, long-term extinction and typical breakdown features, were investigated combining optical and electrical diagnostic methods simultaneously at a flow rate of 250 SLM (standard liter per minute). The response characteristics of MGA under different flow rates were analyzed. On average, the MGA exhibit 48.8% more discharge power compared to traditional single-channel GA under flow rates of 50–250 SLM, which is due to the GAs continual existence at long-length state, representing better stability of the MGA plasma actuators. It was observed that the frequency of typical breakdown and long-term extinction increased as the flow rate accelerated, and the maximum height the GA could reach decreased with the number of channels increasing from 1 to 5, which can be attributed to the power decline of separate channels of GAs at 50 SLM. It was also found that MGA showed a broader plasma distribution of low electron temperature than traditional single-channel GA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical damage to the membrane of the electrode assembly (MEA) in a proton electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is one of the main factors influencing its durability. In this study, a two-dimensional finite-element model is developed for a metal bipolar plate stack. We focus on studying the stress concentration phenomenon in the MEA of a PEMFC containing complete sealing components in an assembled state by considering the factors of assembly load, sealing structure, and sealing material. The results indicate that stresses are clearly concentrated in the area of the membrane under the edge of the rib of the bipolar plate on both sides of the sealing structure. Even if the average pressure on the MEA is only 0.43 MPa, the local stress is greater than 6 MPa, potentially leading to the plastic deformation of the membrane. At the joint between the frame and gas diffusion layer, the shear stress on the membrane is unusually high. Optimally designing the sealing structure, including a suitable layout of the joint, the selection of the ration of the sealing gasket height to the sealing groove depth, and the selection of the frame with material properties close to those of the membrane, will alleviate the stress concentration effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel Ti-0.5Nb-0.5Si (in wt.%) alloy with much higher oxidation resistance than pure Ti is developed. • Coherent Ti 2 N layer forms at scale/substrate interface. • Combined effects of Nb and Si result in much less porosity and stratification of the oxide scale. • The scale of the alloy is much more resistant to spalling. A novel Ti-0.5Nb-0.5Si (in wt.%) alloy is oxidized at 650∼850 °C for 100 h in air, which shows a significant higher oxidation resistance than pure Ti. The advantage of the alloy becomes more obvious with increasing temperature. At 850 °C for 100 h, mass gain of the alloy only accounts for 12.7% of that of the pure Ti. A key reason is the formation of a Ti 2 N layer coherent with Ti matrix. The oxide scale of the alloy with less porosity and alleviated stratification creates an environment at the scale/substrate interface favorable for the formation of Ti 2 N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The key point of this method is based on the direct differentiation of shape functions of isoparametric elements used to evaluate the geometry and physical variables. • No variational principle or a control volume are required to set up the system of equations and no integrals are included to form the coefficients of the system. • Based on the implicit backward differentiation scheme, an unconditionally stable and non-oscillatory time marching solution scheme is developed for solving the time-dependent system equations. Abstract In this paper, a new numerical method, Element Differential Method (EDM), is developed for solving transient heat conduction problems with variable conductivity. The key point of this method is based on the direct differentiation of shape functions of isoparametric elements used to evaluate the geometry and physical variables. A new collocation method is proposed for establishing the system of equations, in which the governing differential equation is collocated at nodes inside elements, and the flux equilibrium equation is collocated at interface nodes between elements and outer surface nodes of the problem. Attributed to the use of the Lagrange elements that can guarantee the variation of physical variables consistent through all elemental nodes, EDM has higher stability than the traditional collocation method. The other main characteristics of EDM are that no variational principle or a control volume are required to set up the system of equations and no integrals are included to form the coefficients of the system. Based on the implicit backward differentiation scheme, an unconditionally stable and non-oscillatory time marching solution scheme is developed for solving the time-dependent system equations. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A straightforward Lewis acid‐promoted protocol for 3,3′‐bisindolylmethanes (BIMs) synthesis by reductive alkylation of indoles at the C3 position with carboxylic acids in the presence of hydrosilane was developed for the first time. Instead of aldehydes, more readily available, stable, and easy‐to‐handle carboxylic acids have been employed as alternative alkylating agents. As an efficient organocatalyst, B(C6F5)3 enables the reductive alkylation of various substituted indole derivatives with carboxylic acids with up to 98 % yield at room temperature and under neat conditions. This metal‐free strategy offers an alternative approach for the direct functionalization of indoles to BIMs with carboxylic acids and such protocol allows selective reduction of carboxylic acid to aldehyde in combination with C−C bond formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Provide a highly efficient and solvent-free system of cobalt/NHPI/IL-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of hydrocarbons. • Reach a reasonable understanding of the catalytic system, wherein a solution of reversed vesicles being formed. • The efficiency was influenced by both the composition of microdomains and the structure of IL at the interface. A highly efficient and solvent-free system of cobalt/NHPI-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of hydrocarbons was developed using imidazolium-based ionic liquid (IL) as an additive. These amphipathic ILs were found self-assemble at the interface between the organic hydrocarbons and the aqueous phase of catalyst combination (Co/NHPI), with forming a solution of reversed multilamellar vesicles for catalysis. The initial reaction rate was influenced by both the composition of microdomains and the structure of IL launched. Consequently, a proper water content (χ H2O) of wet IL was requisite to reach the optimum reactivity. Besides, the interfacial boundary between aqueous and organic phase composed by C2-alkylated imidazolium ILs, such as [bdmim]SbF 6 and [C 12 dmim]SbF 6 , not only has ternary aggregates (hydrocarbons/IL/H 2 O) of higher stability but renders O 2 a faster diffusion rate and higher concentration, thereby offering a high reactivity of the protocol towards hydrocarbon oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new technique was proposed to selectively produce nicotyrine, a valuable alkaloidal product, from catalytic fast pyrolysis of tobacco mixed with the Pd/C catalyst. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) experiments were performed to investigate the effects of pyrolysis temperature and catalyst-to-tobacco ratio on the selective nicotyrine production. The actual nicotyrine yields under different reaction conditions were quantitatively determined. Moreover, the catalytic activity of the Pd/C catalyst was compared with those of the activated carbon (AC), Ru/C and Pd/SBA-15 catalysts. The results indicated that during the catalytic fast pyrolysis process, the Pd/C catalyst possessed promising dehydrogenation capability to selectively convert the nicotine in tobacco into the nicotyrine, and it performed much better than the other three catalysts. The maximal nicotyrine yield reached as high as 2.80 wt%, obtained at the pyrolysis temperature of 400 °C and catalyst-to-tobacco ratio of 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of capacitor energy on characteristics of a three-electrode plasma synthetic jet actuator (PSJA) is experimentally investigated by schlieren method. Jet duration time and jet affected area are extracted by image processing. As normalized capacitor energy increases from 0.044 to 22.1, three flow field evolution patterns are presented. In the first pattern, only shock wave can be observed while no fluid is expelled out. In the second pattern, the jet is thin and weak, with a vortex pair ahead of it. The last pattern is characterized by a strong and bright jet. With capacitor energy increasing, peak jet front velocity increases proportionally on semilog coordinate, with a maximum of 230 m/s, while both maximum jet affected area and jet duration time first go up and then keep almost constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thallium (Tl) contaminants pose serious threats to the ecological environment and human health due to its acute/chronic poisoning on the health of most organisms even at low concentrations. To find a rapid and efficient technology in removing Tl from waters thus becomes a crucial issue. A magnetic Fe 3 O 4 -kaolin composite (denoted by FKC) with high specific surface area (133.7 m2/g) was successfully synthesized via a simple and low-cost technique for Tl(I) removing from various water media. The HRTEM images confirmed the existence of lattice fingers Fe 3 O 4 and displayed that a large number of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles dispersed on the surface of kaolin sheets. Compared with kaolin or Fe 3 O 4 alone, FKC enhanced obviously the adsorption rate and capacity of Tl(I) over a wide pH range (4.5–9.0). The maximum adsorption capacity of FKC for Tl(I) was 19,347 mg/kg (calculated by Langmuir model), which was almost one hundred times and two times higher than those of kaolin and Fe 3 O 4 , respectively. Importantly, FKC was observed to have a great potential in removing Tl(I) from surface water, groundwater, and tap water in more alkaline conditions. By applying the external magnetic field, FKC could be recovered efficiently (99%) and rapidly (20 s). Moreover, Tl L 3 -edge XANES spectra revealed that Tl(I) was adsorbed on the FKC and would not be converted to more toxic Tl(III). The cations (CaCl 2 , NaCl, and KCl) and the ionic strength with concentrations of 0.001–1.0 mol/L showed a great influence on the adsorption of Tl(I) by FKC, implying that this adsorption was dominated by outer-sphere surface complexation at investigated pH values. The information provided is essential for designing a rapid and effective scavenger for removing Tl in various natural waters. [Display omitted] • FKC was synthesized by immersion technique and room temperature ferrite process. • In alkaline condition, FKC was a great candidate in Tl removal from natural waters. • L 3 -edge XANES showed that Tl(I) was adsorbed and would not be converted to Tl(III). • The outer-sphere surface complexation was observed in the adsorption of Tl by FKC. • FKC was rapidly and efficiently recovered by applying an external magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In high-altitude and high-speed flight, the infrared image acquisition is time-consuming and costly, and the different conditions affect the infrared imaging greatly. In order to solve such problem, a calculation method for infrared radiation characteristics of the aircraft skin, final nozzle and plume in different wave bands and different angles were proposed on the basis of the analysis on the infrared radiation characteristics of aircrafts. And an infrared imaging simulation model of airplane was presented. The object, class and man-machine interface were designed by using object-oriented technology. The dynamic infrared images were programmed on VC software platform. In the infrared guidance and firepower control, the infrared images can be helpful for the research, on target detection and tracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Extracellular enzymes of microorganisms play an important role in the decomposition of macromolecules in the composting process. In this study, the effects of Tween 80 and rhamnolipid on the extracellular amylase, carboxymethyl cellulose enzyme (CMCase), xylanase and protease of Penicillium simplicissimum isolated from compost were investigated during solid-state fermentation. The results showed that the enzyme activities of amylase, CMCase and xylanase were increased by Tween 80 and rhamnolipid, which, however, had a negative effect on the protease production. The stimulative effects on the three enzymes were quite different during the whole fermentation process. Tween 80 and rhamnolipid also increased the fungal biomass slightly. As a result of the enhanced enzyme activities, the organic matter were also improved to different extents by both surfactants, and the decomposition rates of hemicellulose and cellulose were increased about 8.0% and 11.6% by Tween 80 at best, respectively, as well as 5% and 5.5% by rhamnolipid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of ultrasound (US)-guided hydrostatic reduction (UGSED) of intussusceptions in pediatric patients by saline enema. Methods: Five thousand two hundred eighteen pediatric patients with intussusceptions treated by UGSED from October 1985 to October 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The success rate of reduction in 5218 patients was 95.5%. Two hundred thirty-seven patients (4.5%) underwent surgery. Colonic perforation occurred in 9 patients (0.17%). Two infants suffered from milk aspiration because of vomiting during the hydrostatic enema reduction. There was no mortality. Conclusions: UGSED of intussusceptions avoids radiation exposure. It is reliable and safe. It has high success rate and minimal complications. It is a perfect method for the nonoperative treatment of pediatric intussusception and can be widely used as routine therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]