Search

Circularly polarized multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (CP‐MR‐TADF) materials, capable of achieving circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), play a crucial role in the field of 3D display. In this study, two pairs of axial chiral MR‐TADF enantiomers, (R/S)‐S‐AX‐BN and (R/S)‐SO2‐AX‐BN, are synthesized by fusing biphenyl skeletons containing sulfur/sulfone with classic B/N‐embedded polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These compounds exhibit good photophysical properties with intense CPL. (R/S)‐S‐AX‐BN and (R/S)‐SO2‐AX‐BN display green photoluminescence, with peaks at 489 and 495 nm, full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) values of 21 and 20 nm in toluene, and dissymmetry factors (|gPL|) of 3.5 × 10−3 and 2.3 × 10−3 in doped films, respectively. Additionally, circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes (CP‐OLEDs) fabricated from (R/S)‐S‐AX‐BN and (R/S)‐SO2‐AX‐BN exhibit narrow electroluminescence (EL) spectra with FWHMs of 22 and 21 nm. These CP‐OLEDs achieve high maximum external quantum efficiencies of 33.5% and 31.5%, with relatively low efficiency roll‐offs. Furthermore, they exhibit high |gEL| factors of 3.3 × 10−3 and 2.2 × 10−3, respectively, representing the highest values among axial chiral analogs. This work introduces a novel approach for designing axial chiral CP‐MR‐TADF molecules and provides a reference for fabricating narrowband CP‐OLEDs with high efficiency and intense CPL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory cytokines participate in the pathology of epilepsy and the development of drug resistance. In this study, we combined a cytokine array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to identify new cytokines in the plasma from children on early stage of the onset of epilepsy (EOE) and children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Compared with healthy controls, a broad up-regulation of cytokines was observed in patients with EOE, and many of the cytokines were not previously reported. In patients with DRE, most of these up-regulated cytokines maintained at relatively low levels close to those in controls; only a few of them, including CCL5, Serpin E1, and IGFBP2, remained at high levels. The dramatic difference in cytokine profile could be a strong clue for the incidence of DRE, and DRE-associated cytokines appeared to have the potential to be new biomarkers for epilepsy prognosis and therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malnutrition is not uncommon among the elderly undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and is related to increased complications. Previous studies have shown that the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) predicts outcomes in various populations. Nevertheless, the research exploring the correlation between GNRI and postoperative outcomes in PD is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the preoperative malnutrition, as measured by GNRI, on outcomes in elderly patients undergoing PD. Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis enrolled 144 elderly patients underwent PD for periampullary tumors from November 2016 to December 2021. Patients were stratified based on the GNRI value: high/moderate nutrition risk (GNRI ≤ 92, N = 54), low nutrition risk (92 < GNRI ≤ 98, N = 35), and no nutrition risk (GNRI > 98, N = 55). Perioperative outcomes and postoperative surgical complications were compared between these groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on major postoperative complications and prolonged postoperative length of stay (PLOS). Results: Patients in the high/moderate risk group were significantly older, with lower BMI (P = 0.012), higher mortality rate (11.1%, P = 0.024), longer PLOS (P < 0.001), and higher incidence of over grade IIIB complications (37.0%, P = 0.001), Univariate and multivariate analyses showed the high/moderate risk GNRI group (OR 3.61, P = 0.032), increased age (OR 1.11, P = 0.014) and operative time over 8 h (OR 3.04, P = 0.027) were significantly associated with increased major postoperative complications. The high/moderate risk GNRI group was also a significant predictor for prolonged PLOS (OR 3.91, P = 0.002). Conclusions: Preoperative GNRI has the potential to be a predictive tool for identifying high-risk elderly patients and monitoring nutritional status preoperatively to improve postoperative surgical outcomes following PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several techniques have been developed to reduce blood loss in liver resection. The half-Pringle and Pringle maneuvers are commonly used for inflow control. This study compared the outcomes of different inflow control techniques in laparoscopic subsegmentectomy. Methods: From October 2010 to December 2020, a total of 362 laparoscopic liver resections were performed by a single surgeon (C.C. Yong) in our institute. We retrospectively enrolled 133 patients who underwent laparoscopic subsegmentectomy during the same period. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Results: The 133 patients were divided into 3 groups: no inflow control (n = 49), half-Pringle maneuver (n = 46), and Pringle maneuver (n = 38). A lower proportion of patients with cirrhosis were included in the half-Pringle maneuver group (P =.02). Fewer patients in the half-Pringle maneuver group had undergone previous abdominal (P =.01) or liver (P =.02) surgery. The no inflow control group had more patients with tumors located in the anterolateral segments (P =.001). The no inflow control group had a shorter operation time (P <.001) and less blood loss (P =.03). The need for blood transfusion, morbidity, and hospital days did not differ among the 3 groups. The overall survival did not significantly differ among the 3 groups (P =.89). Conclusions: The half-Pringle and Pringle maneuvers did not affect perioperative or long-term outcomes during laparoscopic subsegmentectomy. The inflow control maneuvers could be safely performed in laparoscopic subsegmentectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of superconductivity observed at the point contact between the normal metal tip and the topological material remains uncertain due to the potential presence of superconducting elements or allotropes impurities. It is imperative to seek out a topological material entirely free of superconducting impurities and induce superconductivity between it and normal tips to verify the source of the induced superconductivity. Here, we report the observation of superconductivity up to 9 K induced at point contacts between normal metal tips and the topological material grey arsenic, which is free of superconductivity. The determined temperature dependencies of superconducting gaps Δ(T) deviate from the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) superconductivity law, exhibiting abnormal behavior. Furthermore, the highly anisotropic upper critical field Hc2(T) suggests the anisotropy of the projected interfacial Fermi surface. By tuning the junction resistance, we obtained a negative correlation between the superconducting gap A and the effective barrier height Z, which validates the interfacial coupling strength as a key factor in the observed tip-induced superconductivity. These experimental results provide guidance for the relevant theory about tip-induced superconductivity on topological materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal sulfides/selenides have been reported as promising materials for alkali‐ion batteries owing to their high pseudocapacitive effects and large capacities. However, these materials undergo large volume expansion, which results in poor cycling retention. Hence, in this study, an amorphous bimetallic chalcogenide, MoSnSe1.5S1.5 (MSSS), is synthesized to mitigate the volume expansion. By introducing an amorphous structure, MSSS can reach high capacities of 805 mAh g‒1 in Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) and 526 mAh g‒1 in Na‐ion batteries (NIBs) at a current density of 0.1 A g‒1. Moreover, amorphous MSSS can tolerate a high current density of 20 A g‒1 and possess high percentages of capacitance contributions in both LIBs and NIBs. To explore fundamentals, in situ/operando measurements, such as X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, transmission X‐ray microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, are utilized to investigate real‐time phenomena and consequently establish the reaction mechanisms for amorphous MSSS electrodes in alkali‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is more technical demanding than laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), especially in patients with history of previous abdominal surgery, cholangitis or cholecystitis. Near-infrared (NIR) cholangiography via systemic or biliary tree administration of indocyanine green (ICG), which enhances the visualization of the biliary tree anatomy, may increase the reassurance of CBD localization. The aim of this study was to identify the benefit of near-infrared cholangiography for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Methods: Three groups of CBD stone patients were included in this retrospective study depending on the surgical methods: 1) open choledocholithotomy (OCC), 2) laparoscopic choledocholithotomy (LCC), and 3) near-infrared cholangiography-assisted laparoscopic choledocholithotomy (NIR-CC). For the NIR-CC group, either 3 ml (concentration: 2.5 mg/mL) of ICG were intravenously administered or 10 ml (concentration: 0.125 mg/mL) of ICG were injected directly into the biliary tree. The enhancement rate of the cystic duct (CD), CBD, the upper and lower margin of the CBD were compared using white light image. Results: A total of 187 patients with a mean age of 68.3 years were included (OCC, n = 56; LCC, n = 110; NIR-CC, n = 21). The rate of previous abdominal surgery was significantly lower in the LCC group. The conversion rate was similar between the LCC and the NIR CC groups (p = 0.746). The postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the OCC group. No differences in morbidity and mortality were found between the three groups. In the NIR-CC group, the localization of CBD was as high as 85% compared to 24% with white light imaging. Conclusions: Near-infrared cholangiography helps increase the chance of success in minimally invasive approaches to CBD stones even in patients with previous abdominal surgeries, without increasing the rate of conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the output tracking control problem for networked systems with plant-model mismatch, where two-channel random network delays are considered. According to the different ways of obtaining future control commands, two networked predictive control (NPC) methods are designed. One is the NPC method using one-way time delays, called ONPC, and the other is the NPC method using round-trip time delays, called RNPC. Furthermore, they are compared in terms of the way of compensation for two-channel delays, prediction process, and communication load, respectively. Then, the closed-loop stability conditions of the RNPC system and the ONPC system for the plant-model mismatch and match cases are derived, and their output tracking performance is also theoretically analysed. Finally, the results of the theoretical analysis are verified through numerical simulation that illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed two NPC methods as well as their separate advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

aimed to design a standard method of psychological intervention and evaluate the effect of such psychological intervention against the psychological distress of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients in the treatment with radioactive iodine. Methods: The enrolled patients were randomly divided into the intervention group and the control group. Both the patients in the 2 groups received the routine nursing care, while the patients in the intervention group also received the additional standard psychological interventions. The questionnaires including patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder 7-item (GAD-7), cancer fatigue scale (CFS) and positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS) were used to assess psychological status. These questionnaires were performed at week 0 (T0), week 8 (T1, immediately after the last time of intervention) and week 24 (T2, 16 weeks after the intervention). Results: PHQ-9, GAD-7, CFS and Negative Affect (NA) scores measured at T1 and T2 in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.001). And intervention group also had higher positive affect (PA) scores at T1 and T2 (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the changes of PHQ-9, GAD-7, CFS, PA and NA scores from T0 to T1 and T0 to T2 were more evident in the intervention group than in the control group. Conclusion: Psychological intervention could significantly improve psychological distress of DTC patients in the treatment with radioactive iodine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO)‐based all‐solid‐state Li batteries (SSLBs) are very attractive next‐generation energy storage devices owing to their potential for achieving enhanced safety and improved energy density. However, the rigid nature of the ceramics challenges the SSLB fabrication and the afterward interfacial stability during electrochemical cycling. Here, a promising LLZO‐based SSLB with a high areal capacity and stable cycle performance over 100 cycles is demonstrated. In operando transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used for successfully demonstrating and investigating the delithiation/lithiation process and understanding the capacity degradation mechanism of the SSLB on an atomic scale. Other than the interfacial delamination between LLZO and LiCoO2 (LCO) owing to the stress evolvement during electrochemical cycling, oxygen deficiency of LCO not only causes microcrack formation in LCO but also partially decomposes LCO into metallic Co and is suggested to contribute to the capacity degradation based on the atomic‐scale insights. When discharging the SSLB to a voltage of ≈1.2 versus Li/Li+, severe capacity fading from the irreversible decomposition of LCO into metallic Co and Li2O is observed under in operando TEM. These observations reveal the capacity degradation mechanisms of the LLZO‐based SSLB, which provides important information for future LLZO‐based SSLB developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous synergism and enzymatic assays pointed out that CCEs involved spirodiclofen resistance in I T. urticae i , which was subsequently held the involvement of I CCE04 i in spirodiclofen resistance seem more likely to quantitative differences based on kinetic enzyme data [[43]]. The difference in the results obtained in the study of Lv et al. [[67]] and the current study is consistent with spirodiclofen resistance in I T. urticae i [[38]] and I P. ulmi i [[21]], indicating that the spirodiclofen resistance mechanism is complex and may differ among spider mite strains. The level of spirodiclofen resistance in the eggs of this study was different from observations made in I T. urticae i and I P. ulmi i ; eggs from I T. urticae i and I P. ulmi i strains expressing high spirodiclofen resistance in larvae were susceptible to moderate resistance to spirodiclofen [[26], [39]]. Previous studies showed that the inhibitor piperonylbutoxide (PBO) could enhance the toxicity of spirodiclofen in resistant strains ( I T. urticae i , I P. citri i , and I P. ulmi i ), suggesting P450s were involved in spirodiclofen resistance in both tetranychid species [[28], [37], [39]]. Enzymatic assays combined with RNA sequencing results did not indicate the involvement of GST enzymes in the spirodiclofen resistance of I P. citri i , which differs from the results of Lv et al. [[67]], who found that the upregulated GST genes I TuGSTd1 i and I TuGSTd2 i are likely to contribute to spirodiclofen resistance in I T. urticae i . [Extracted from the article]

The precipitation dynamics of γ′ (L12-Ni3Al) phase and composition interfacial width between γ (fcc Ni) and γ′ phase were investigated using the phase field simulation linking with CALPHAD method. The coarsening rate and particle size distribution (PSD) of γ′ phase, the temporal composition interfacial width of γ/γ′ in Ni–17 at% Al alloy aged at 923, 973 and 1023 K were clarified. As the aging temperature increases, the morphology of γ′ phase changes from the interconnected rectangle shape to the separated cuboidal shape. The average particle radius () of γ′ phase at coarsening stage follows ∝ tn with the exponents n = 0.21, 0.23 and 0.26, respectively. The peak values of simulated PSDs at 923 K are less than the value calculated by the Lifshitz–Slyozov–Wagner (LSW) model, and the width of simulated PSD increases at later stage of precipitation. The normalized radius (r/) which corresponds to the peak value of PSD moves from 1.1 to 1.0 as the aging temperature increases from 923 to 1023 K, and they are smaller than that of LSW model. The composition interfacial width decreases as the aging progresses and increases as the aging temperature increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The five-year survival rate of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases, is only 10–20%. A reliable prediction model of overall survival (OS) that integrates imaging and clinical data is required. Overall, 492 patients with NSCLC from two hospitals were enrolled in this study. The compensation method was applied to reduce the variation of imaging features among different hospitals. We constructed a deep learning prediction model, DeepSurv, based on computed tomography radiomics and key clinical features to generate a personalized survival curve for each patient. The results of DeepSurv showed a good performance in discriminating high and low risk of survival. Furthermore, the generated personalized survival curves could be intuitively applied for individual OS prediction in clinical practice. We concluded that the proposed prediction model could benefit physicians, patients, and caregivers in managing NSCLC and facilitate personalized medicine. Patient outcomes of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) vary because of tumor heterogeneity and treatment strategies. This study aimed to construct a deep learning model combining both radiomic and clinical features to predict the overall survival of patients with NSCLC. To improve the reliability of the proposed model, radiomic analysis complying with the Image Biomarker Standardization Initiative and the compensation approach to integrate multicenter datasets were performed on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) images. Pretreatment CECT images and the clinical data of 492 patients with NSCLC from two hospitals were collected. The deep neural network architecture, DeepSurv, with the input of radiomic and clinical features was employed. The performance of survival prediction model was assessed using the C-index and area under the curve (AUC) 8, 12, and 24 months after diagnosis. The performance of survival prediction that combined eight radiomic features and five clinical features outperformed that solely based on radiomic or clinical features. The C-index values of the combined model achieved 0.74, 0.75, and 0.75, respectively, and AUC values of 0.76, 0.74, and 0.73, respectively, 8, 12, and 24 months after diagnosis. In conclusion, combining the traits of pretreatment CECT images, lesion characteristics, and treatment strategies could effectively predict the survival of patients with NSCLC using a deep learning model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study charge-swapping Q-balls, a kind of composite Q-ball where positive and negative charges co-exist and swap with time, in models with a logarithmic potential that arises naturally in supersymmetric extensions of the Standard Model. We show that charge-swapping Q-balls can be copiously generated in the Affleck-Dine fragmentation process in the early universe. We find that the charge-swapping Q-balls with the logarithmic potential are extremely stable. By performing long time, parallelized lattice simulations with absorbing boundary conditions, we find that the lifetimes of such objects with low multipoles are at least 4.6 × 105/m in 3+1D and 2.5 × 107/m in 2+1D, where m is the mass scale of the scalar field. We also chart the attractor basin of the initial conditions to form these charge-swapping Q-balls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To deal with the invalidation of commonly employed series model and parallel model in capacitance–voltage (C–V) characterization of organic thin films when current injection is significant, a three-element equivalent circuit model is proposed. On this basis, the expression of real capacitance in consideration of current injection is theoretically derived by small-signal analysis method. The validity of the proposed equivalent circuit and theoretical expression are verified by a simulating circuit consisting of a capacitor, a diode, and a resistor. Moreover, the accurate C–V characteristic of an organic thin film device is obtained via theoretical correction of the experimental measuring result, and the real capacitance is 35.7% higher than the directly measured capacitance at 5-V bias in the parallel mode. This work strongly demonstrates the necessity to consider current injection in C–V measurement and provides a strategy for accurate C–V characterization experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, screening of active ingredients from natural products for pharmacological and clinical research is mostly time‐consuming and costly. In this study, a molecular network (MN) guided high performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet‐fluorescence detector (HPLC‐UV‐FLD) method was carried out to profile the global antioxidant activity compounds, including the trace amount ingredients in Camellia nitidissima Chi (CNC). Firstly, HPLC‐UV‐FLD postcolumn derivatization system was utilized to screen the antioxidants. Then the MN of CNC was established via mass spectrometry (MS) data for getting the connection between ingredient structures. As a result, HPLC‐UV‐FLD indicated three antioxidant ingredients: gallic acid (126.3 mg/g), catechin (564.8 mg/g), and salicylic acid (24.3 mg/g). Combined with the MN, the actives' precise location and connection relationship were clarified based on the structural similarities. A new antioxidant ingredient, okicamelliaside, was suggested and evaluated at free radical scavenging and enzymatic protection. The novel method of activity and structural correlation analysis based on MN could provide a useful guide for screening trace active ingredients in natural products. Practical Application: Three main ingredients were screened out from Camellia nitidissima Chi by HPLC‐UV‐FLD postcolumn derivatization system. Integrated molecular network and HPLC‐UV‐FLD analysis, a new type of antioxidant okicamelliaside was selected. The novel method of activity and structural correlation analysis based on molecular network could provide a useful guide for screening trace active ingredients in natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the tip-induced superconductivity on the topological semimetal NbSb2, similar to the observation on TaAs2 and NbAs2. Belonging to the same family of MPn2, all these materials possess similar band structures, indicating that the tip-induced superconductivity may be closely related to their topological nature and share a common mechanism. Further analysis suggests that a bulk band should play the dominant role in such local superconductivity most likely through interface coupling. In addition, the compatibility between the induced superconductivity and tips' ferromagnetism gives an evidence for its unconventional nature. These results provide further clues to elucidate the mechanism of the tip-induced superconductivity observed in topological materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop an experimental tool to investigate the order parameter of superconductors by combining point-contact spectroscopy measurement with high-pressure technique. It is demonstrated for the first time that planar point-contact spectroscopy measurement on noncentrosymmetric superconducting PbTaSe2 single crystals is systematically subjected to hydrostatic pressures up to 12.1 kbar. Under such a high pressure, the normal-state contact resistance is sensitive to the applied pressure, reflecting the underlying variation of contact transparency upon pressures. In a superconducting state, the pressure dependence of the energy gap Δ0 and the critical temperature Tc for gap opening/closing are extracted based on a generalized Blond–Tinkham–Klapwijk model. The gap ratio 2Δ0/kBTc indicates a crossover from weak coupling to strong coupling in electron pairing strength upon pressure for PbTaSe2. Our experimental results show the accessibility and validity of high-pressure point-contact spectroscopy, offering rich information about high-pressure superconductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have developed a scheme to make small size QD (quantum dot) display come true. We will show the structure and principle of QD display in this paper. It is different from QD enhancement film which is used in backlight, our work focus on developing QD color filter. Compared with traditional LCD, the brightness and color purity of QD‐LCD have been greatly improved. In our development projects, the QD Color filter is realized through the lithography process and we got wide color gamut up to 99.2%BT2020 (equal to 132.86%NTSC) in Cd based QD, and 93.6%BT2020 (equal to 125.35%NTSC) in Cd‐free QD. In this paper we focused on the explaining architectural principles used during design and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure generation to a higher pressure range in a large-volume press (LVP) denotes our ability to explore more functional materials and deeper Earth's interior. Pressure generated by normal tungsten carbide (WC) anvils in a commercial way is mostly limited to 25GPa in LVPs due to the limitation of their hardness and design of cell assemblies. We adopt three newly developed WC anvils for ultrahigh pressure generation in a Walker-type LVP with a maximum press load of 1000 ton. The hardest ZK01F WC anvils exhibit the highest efficiency of pressure generation than ZK10F and ZK20F WC anvils, which is related to their performances of plastic deformations. Pressure up to 35GPa at room temperature is achieved at a relatively low press load of 4.5MN by adopting the hardest ZK01F WC anvils with three tapering surfaces in conjunction with an optimized cell assembly, while pressure above 35GPa at 1700K is achieved at a higher press load of 7.5MN. Temperature above 2000K can be generated by our cell assemblies at pressure below 30GPa. We adopt such high-pressure and high-temperature techniques to fabricate several high-quality and well-sintered polycrystalline minerals for practical use. The present development of high-pressure techniques expands the pressure and temperature ranges in Walker-type LVPs and has wide applications in physics, materials, chemistry, and Earth science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes an Mg0.35Zn0.65O/Al/ZnO structure, with which photodetectors (PDs) are able to identify ultraviolet (UV)-A (400–320 nm) and UV-B (320–280 nm). Both Mg0.35Zn0.65O and ZnO thin films are deposited using mist atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (MAPCVD) method. At first, the material characteristics such as crystal structure, oxygen deficiency, energy bandgap, and photoluminescence (PL) of Mg0.35Zn0.65O and ZnO thin films are analyzed. The present Mg0.35Zn0.65O/Al/ZnO PD shows UV-B to UV-A rejection ratio of 15 in the spectral responsivity characteristics. Additionally, the detectivity characteristics suggest that the present Mg0.35Zn0.65O/Al/ZnO PD is able to identify UV-A and UV-B. Furthermore, the Mg0.35Zn0.65O/ZnO hetero-interface enhances the carrier mobility which further improves the response time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] To measure the cross-resistance of a fenpropathrin-resistant strain of the mite Neoseiulus barkeri to commonly used pesticides in citrus orchards and thereby provide guidance for the use of such strains in biological pest control. [Methods] The lethality and cross-resistance of a fenpropathrin-resistant strain of N. barkeri to commonly used pesticides in orange orchards were measured and the biological characteristics of this evaluated. [Results] There were significant differences in the lethality of different insecticides to adult N. barkeri. High-efficiency cyfluthrin and chlorpyrifos were the most lethal with corrected mortality rates of 97.62% and 92.57%, respectively. The fenpropathrin-resistant strain of N. barkeri had significant cross-resistance to spirodiclofen, thiamethoxam, ethimazole, chlorpyrifos and high-efficiency cyfluthrin, being 7.56, 10.32, 11.45, 19.10 and 45.89 times, respectively, more resistant to these pesticides than a susceptible strain. The developmental period of the resistant strain was significantly longer than that of the sensitive strain, but there were no significant differences in the prey capture and hatching rates of these strains. Pyridaben, bufomite and fenpropathrin had significant effects on the hatching rate of both resistant and sensitive strains of N. barkeri, whereas most of other common pesticides had no effect on hatch rate. [Conclusion] Fenpropathrin-resistance was associated with different levels of cross-resistance to common pesticides in orange orchards but had no significant effect on the growth, reproduction and prey capture rate of N. barkeri, which could be more widely used as a biological control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous palladium‐catalyzed direct arylation polymerization (DArP) of 2‐bromothiophene derivatives 6‐(2‐(2‐bromothiophen‐3‐yl)ethoxy)hexyl trimethylammonium bromide (T1) and 4‐(2‐(2‐bromothien‐3‐yl)ethoxy)butylsulfonate (T2) is achieved. The supporting ligand, triphenylphosphine‐3,3′,3′′‐trisulfonic acid trisodium salt (m‐TPPTs), facilitates DArP of both derivatives; however, its separation from the polymers by dialysis is difficult due to its strong aggregation in water and N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc). This is supported by dynamic light scattering, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. Pyrimidine–Pd(OAc)2 is utilized in the DArP of T1 to afford PT1 without ligand contamination. Density functional theory calculations to determine the coordinating capability of the carboxylate/pivalic acid/water to palladium indicate the viability of implementing DArP in water. Finally, polyelectrolyte molecular‐weight overestimation by GPC in water is attributed to the polyelectrolyte effect. Aggregation of the conjugated polyelectrolytes leads to a contracted hydrodynamic volume, and the molecular weight and dispersity assessed by GPC in DMAc significantly deviate from the actual values. An objective approach to evaluate the molecular weight for conjugated polyelectrolytes requires further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic factors play an important role in determining the susceptibility to ischemic stroke. Herein, we examined the association of an aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene polymorphism with cerebral infarction. Patients with cerebral infarction (n = 963) and healthy controls (n = 921) were included. Genotyping was performed using gene chip platform analysis, and Sanger sequencing was used to confirm ALDH2 genotypes. The risk prediction of ALDH2 polymorphisms for cerebral infarction was examined under three genetic modes of inheritance. For males, ALDH2*2/*2 genotype was a significant risk factor for cerebral infarction in the co-dominant model (age-, smoking-, and drinking-adjusted OR 1.514, 95% CI 1.005–2.282, p = 0.047) and the recessive model (age-, smoking-, and drinking-adjusted OR 1.601, 95% CI 1.078–2.379, p = 0.020). However, for females, ALDH2*2/*2 genotype was a protective factor for cerebral infarction in the co-dominant model (age-, smoking-, and drinking-adjusted OR 0.450 95% CI 0.215–0.941, p = 0.034) and the recessive model (age-, smoking-, and drinking-adjusted OR 0.440, 95% CI 0.214–0.903, p = 0.025). Further, logistic regression analysis revealed that age, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hypercholesterolemia were significant risks for the presence of cerebral infarction. In conclusion, these findings support an association of ALDH2 gene polymorphisms with ischemic stroke in a Chinese Hakka population. In particular, homozygote ALDH2*2/*2 may be a risk factor for cerebral infarction in males, but contribute to reduced risk for cerebral infarction in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amygdala is important in regulation of emotion-associated behavioral responses both to positive reinforcing stimuli such as addicting opioids and to negative aversive stimuli such as fear and pain. Glutamatergic neurotransmission in amygdala plays a predominant role in amygdala neuronal circuits involved in these emotional responses. However, how specific glutamate receptors act to mediate these amygdala functions remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of GluA1 subunits of glutamate α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors in central amygdala in modulating behavioral response to aversive stimuli by pain and by opioid withdrawal. We found that the protein level of GluA1 in the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) was significantly increased in rats under persistent pain and viral upregulation of CeA GluA1 increased pain responses of both hyperalgesia and allodynia in rats. In contrast, the viral upregulation of CeA GluA1 inhibited, while knockdown of CeA GluA1 enhanced, place aversion induced by naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal. These results reveal a differential action of CeA GluA1 on the aversive event of sensory pain and opioid withdrawal, likely reflecting two distinct synaptic circuits of GluA1-predominant AMPA receptors within CeA for regulation of pain sensitivity and emotional response to opioid withdrawal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This work investigated the simultaneous influence of tube voltage, tube current, body size, and HU threshold on calcium scoring reconstructed at 0.5‐mm slice thickness using iterative reconstruction (IR) through multivariate analysis. Regression results were used to optimize the HU threshold to calibrate the resulting Agatston scores to be consistent with those obtained from the conventional protocol. Methods: A thorax phantom set simulating three different body sizes was used in this study. A total of 14 coronary artery calcium (CAC) protocols were studied, including 1 conventional protocol reconstructed at 3‐mm slice thickness, 1 FBP protocol, and 12 statistical IR protocols (3 kVp values*4 SD values) reconstructed at 0.5‐mm slice thickness. Three HU thresholds were applied for calcium identification, including 130, 150, and 170 HU. A multiple linear regression method was used to analyze the impact of kVp, SD, body size, and HU threshold on the Agatston scores of three calcification densities for IR‐reconstructed CAC scans acquired with 0.5‐mm slice thickness. Results: Each regression relationship has R2 larger than 0.80, indicating a good fit to the data. Based on the regression models, the HU thresholds as a function of SD estimated to ensure the quantification accuracy of calcium scores for 120‐, 100‐, and 80‐kVp CAC scans reconstructed at 0.5‐mm slice thickness using IR for three different body sizes were proposed. Our results indicate that the HU threshold should be adjusted according to the imaging condition, whereas a 130‐HU threshold is appropriate for 120‐kVp CAC scans acquired with SD = 55 for body size of 24.5 cm. Conclusion: The optimized HU thresholds were proposed for CAC scans reconstructed at 0.5‐mm slice thickness using IR. Our study results may provide a potential strategy to improve the reliability of calcium scoring by reducing partial volume effect while keeping radiation dose as low as reasonably achievable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Exposure to opiates induces locomotor sensitization in rodents, which has been proposed to correspond to the compulsive drug-seeking behaviour. Numerous studies have demonstrated that locomotor sensitization can occur in a dopamine transmission-independent manner; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear.Experimental Approach: Co-immunoprecipitation, BRET and cross-antagonism assays were used to demonstrate the existence of receptor heterodimers. Function of heterodimers was evaluated by behavioural studies of locomotor sensitization.Key Results: The dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 antagonized the signalling initiated by stimulation of μ opioid receptors with agonists in transfected cells expressing two receptors and in striatal tissues from wild-type but not D1 receptor knockout (KO) mice, suggesting that SCH23390 modified μ receptor function via receptor heteromers, as the ability of an antagonist of one of the receptors to inhibit signals originated by stimulation of the partner receptor was a characteristic of receptor heteromers. The existence of μ receptor-D1 receptor heterodimers was further supported by biochemical and biophysical assays. In vivo, when dopamine release was absent (by destruction of the dopaminergic projection from the ventral tegmental area to the striatum), SCH23390 still significantly inhibited μ receptor agonist-induced behavioural responses in rats. Additionally, we demonstrated that D1 or μ receptor KO mice and thus unable to form μ receptor-D1 receptor heterodimers, failed to show locomotor sensitization to morphine.Conclusion and Implications: Our results suggest that μ receptor-D1 receptor heterodimers may be involved in the dopamine-independent expression of locomotor sensitization to opiates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to complete fatigue analysis of welded joints considering both the crack initiation sites and crack coalescence, and to generate virtual welded specimens for computer simulation of fatigue life on a specimen-by-specimen basis; knowledge regarding the weld toe stress concentration factor (SCF) sequence is essential. In this study, attempts were made to analyze the sequence and to find a simple method to generate the sequence using computers. Design/methodology/approach: Laser scanning technique was used to acquire the real three-dimensional weld toe geometry of welded specimens. The scanned geometry was digitally sectioned, and three-dimensional finite element (FE) models of the scanned specimens were constructed and the weld toe SCF sequence was calculated. The numbers in the sequence were analyzed using a simple autoregression model and the statistical properties of the sequence were acquired. Findings: The autoregression analysis showed the value of a weld toe SCF is linearly related to its neighboring factor with a high correlation. When a factor value at a toe location is known, the neighboring factor can be simulated by a simple linear equation with a random residual. The weld toe factor sequence can thus be formed by repeatedly using the linear equation with a residual. The generated sequence exhibits close statistical properties to those of the real sequence obtained from FE results. Practical implications: When the weld toe SCF sequence is known, it is possible to foresee potential crack locations and the subsequent crack coalescence. The results of the current study will be the foundation for the future work on fatigue analysis of welded joints considering the effects of crack initiation site and crack coalescence. Originality/value: The weld toe SCF sequence was rarely discussed previously because of a lack of the available data. The current study is the first work to investigate the statistical properties of the sequence and found that a simple autoregression equation can be used to perform the analysis. This study is also the first work that successfully generates a weld toe SCF sequence, which can be used to simulate virtual welded specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitors in two rheumatoid arthritis (RA) populations: biologic-naïve or tumor necrosis factor inhibitor inadequate responders (TNF-IR). Method: A systematic search was performed in major electronic databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20), ACR50, ACR70 responses and adverse events (AEs) of IL-17 inhibitors versus placebo in patients with RA. We divided these patients into two subgroups: biologic-naïve or TNF-IR. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software. Results were expressed as risk ratio (RR) with pertinent 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Ten studies with a total of 2499 patients were included. For biologic-naïve patients, ACR50 and ACR70 responses were significantly better with IL-17 inhibitors than placebo (RR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.23–2.38, P = 0.001 and RR = 2.63, 95% CI 1.10–6.25, P = 0.03, respectively), but ACR20 responses for IL-17 inhibitors were not statistically superior to placebo (RR = 1.34, 95% CI 0.94–1.91, P = 0.11). For TNF-IR, IL-17 inhibitors were effective in achieving ACR20 (RR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.40–2.00, P < 0.00001), ACR50 (RR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.43–2.63, P < 0.0001), and ACR70 (RR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.26–3.55, P = 0.005) compared to placebo. In the safety analysis, IL-17 inhibitors did not show increased risk of any AEs by comparing to placebo in both biologic-naïve patients and TNF-IR. Conclusion: IL-17 inhibitors were effective in the treatment of RA without increased risk of AEs, whether for biologic-naïve patients or TNF-IR. Key Points • In this meta-analysis comparing IL-17 inhibitors with placebo in 2499 rheumatoid arthritis patients, IL-17 inhibitors improved ACR50 and ACR70, but not ACR20, responses in biologic-naïve patients. • IL-17 inhibitors improved ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 responses in tumor necrosis factor inhibitor inadequate responders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central South University is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BACKGROUND Dialeurodes citri is an important pest in citrus‐producing areas of the world. Lecanicillium attenuatum parasitizes D. citri and kills it, suggesting a potential approach for the biological control of pests. However, the low virulence of the fungus and its slow rate of killing have limited its commercial competitiveness. The objective reason for these disadvantages is immunological rejection by the host. Our strategy was to use fungi to express the double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) of the host immune genes. The fungal hyphae release siRNA at the time of infection, thus interfering with the expression of immune genes in the host and facilitating fungal invasion. RESULTS: We selected prophenoloxidase (DcPPO), prophenoloxidase‐activating factor (DcPPO‐AF), and lysozyme (DcLZM) as target genes to construct intron‐splicing hairpin RNA expression vectors and to successfully obtain transgenic fungi. Two days after infection, the immune genes of D. citri showed varying degrees of silencing compared with those in the positive control group. The median lethal concentration (LC50; spores mL−1) values of La::GFP, La::DcPPO, La::DcPPO‐AF, and La::DcLZM were 9.63 × 104, 2.66 × 104, 1.21 × 105, and 3.31 × 104, respectively. The 50% lethal time (LT50) values of these fungi were 5.15, 3.60, 5.34, and 4.04 days, respectively. The virulence of La::DcPPO and La::DcLZM increased 3.62‐ and 2.91‐fold, respectively, and their LT50 decreased by 30.10% and 21.55%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that this method, which uses tens of thousands of hyphae to inject dsRNA to improve the virulence of transgenic fungi, can play a greater role in the prevention and control of pests in the future. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry This method, which uses tens of thousands of hyphae to inject double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) to improve the virulence of transgenic fungi, can play a greater role in the prevention and control of pests in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study that investigated the transient electroluminescence behavior of a gold/porous silicon/silicon/aluminum diode by a doubly injected voltage pulse method. Details on the experiment; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

C66H34N4O12F12Er2, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 11.8934(5) Å, b = 12.0041(4) Å, c = 12.4578(5) Å, α = 68.718(4)°, β = 64.205(4)°, γ = 87.053(3)°, V = 1480.09(12) Å3, Z = 1, Rgt(F) = 0.0326, wRref(F2) = 0.0626, T = 293(2) K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Examination of steel moment resisting frames after the 1994 Northridge earthquake showed fatigue cracks presented in the beam–column connections of the frames. These observations indicate that fatigue failure may occur in the steel components of building structures in an earthquake event. To apply the fatigue design approach using the Palmgren–Miner's rule for steel components of the moment resisting frames requires the knowledge regarding the damage index value at fatigue failure. The purpose of this paper is to perform fatigue tests to give the first damage values of steel components subjected to real earthquake-induced loadings.Design/methodology/approach The added-damping-and-stiffness steel plates which are used in building structures for earthquake mitigation were fabricated and tested by constant amplitude, SAC block and earthquake-induced loadings to failure. The earthquake loadings were obtained from the dynamic analysis of a steel frame with the mentioned plates. The load cycles of the SAC block and the calculated earthquake loadings were counted using the rainflow-counting method, and the damage index value of each specimen were calculated using the Palmgren–Miner's rule.Findings Reverse stiffness obtained from cyclic load-displacement loops is a robust and consistent parameter that can be used for determining fatigue failure of tested components. The Palmgren–Miner's damage values at failure, caused by earthquake loadings, are smaller than 1, and in addition, are also smaller than those obtained from the tests of the SAC block loading. The large-amplitude cycles in the earthquake loading produce large damage on the specimens, and intermediate range cycles also produce damage that should not be neglected in the fatigue analysis.Originality/value Today's building design code allows large plastic deformation to occur in steel frames during an earthquake. However, the pre-Northridge earthquake steel frames showed fatigue cracks without the expected substantial plastic deformation at beam flanges. Proposed solutions to this problem were the reduced beam section neglecting the existence of the cracks at beam–column connections. This study considered the fatigue phenomenon in steel frames and provided the first set of tested fatigue damage values for steel components subjected to realistic earthquake loadings, which offered a possible method of dealing with fatigue cracks in the steel components of a building structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focused on the effect of olive oil on Ostwald ripening of flavor nanoemulsions. The release of the aroma compounds from the nanoemulsion system was also investigated. The results showed that the droplets size of the nanoemulsions decreased sharply first and then kept stable with the increase of Tween 80. The optimum surfactant/cosurfactant (Km) ratio was determined at 7:1. The average particle size of nanoemulsion was 39.22 nm. The polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.242 nm, and the particle size distribution was in the range of 20-150 nm at the optimum Km. The stability of the nanoemulsions was improved after the addition of olive oil, and it increased noticeably with the increase of olive oil. The addition of olive oil could help to stabilize the emulsions and hamper Ostwald ripening. All the 11 aroma compounds in the nanoemulsions were detected after 24-h storage. While only 5 aroma compounds were found after 48-h storage, and α-pinene and β-myrcene were the only two aroma compounds detected after 72-h storage with low contents of 1.41 and 0.5 mg/L. The addition of olive oil inhibited the release of the aroma compounds from the nanoemulsion system. The released ethyl acetate was reduced by 48% after the addition of 10% olive oil. Significant decrease on the release of α-pinene and nonanal was observed after the addition of 3% olive oil. And the decrease was also observed on the release of β-myrcene, D-limonene, α-terpineol, decanal and eugenol when the olive oil content was ≥ 5%. However, benzyl alcohol, β-ionone and 1-octanol showed no significant changes with the increase of olive oil. This indicated that the addition of olive oil could provide greater retention of the aroma compounds in the nanoemulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) converts glutamate (Glu) into γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at acidic conditions. Since the reaction consumes a proton per GABA synthesis, cells use this reaction to survive in the acidic environments. Characteristically, the enzyme displays a sigmoidal decrease in its activity as pH rises becoming completely inactive at or above pH 6. This cooperative activity loss is accompanied by several distinct structural changes. Previously, by examining structures at acidic and neutral pH, two key regions had been chosen and mutated to break the cooperativity; Glu89 and C-terminal 15 residues. In this study, we included Asp86 in candidate key residues for mutation to break the cooperativity of GAD. We devised a selection strategy according to which only Escherichia coli cells expressing a variant GAD that was active at neutral pH could survive. In this scheme, an alanine (Ala) auxotroph was rescued by the intracellular synthesis of GABA that was subsequently converted into Ala by heterologously expressed GABA-pyruvate transaminase. New GAD variants were readily selected using this strategy and the most of them indeed had a mutation at residue 86. The results suggest that the role of Asp86 in the wild-type enzyme might be the same as Glu89; to make GAD keep its activity only at acidic environments. Characterization of representative variants are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents growing amorphous, anatase, rutile, and mixed phases titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films by mist chemical vapor deposition and post deposition annealing techniques. The annealing temperature affects crystal structures of the TiO2 films significantly. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra are used to characterize the structures of the TiO2 films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to analyze the chemical composition of the TiO2 film. The optical characteristics, including refractive index, extinction coefficient, optical absorption coefficient, and photoluminescence spectrum are measured. Finally, the metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors are fabricated and their current-voltage, Schottky barrier height, photoresponse characteristics, response time, and detectivity characteristics are investigated. The research results show that these crystal structures of the TiO2 demonstrate their specific advantages in the performance of the photodetectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND In the biodiesel industry, crude glycerol is produced in huge quantities as a by-product, and therefore, the economic conversion of crude glycerol into a value-added product is a priority. One possible way of achieving such a conversion is to feed glycerol to Escherichia coli cells so that they can grow and produce valuable products such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the same time. RESULTS Four E. coli strains were compared for their growth rates and GABA production using glycerol as sole carbon source. GABA production was associated with cell growth by constitutively expressed mutant glutamate decarboxylase that exhibited activity at neutral pH. Simple treatment of crude glycerol with phosphoric acid resulted in a fermentable grade of glycerol, and the superb strain, W, converted 2.0 g L−1 of crude glycerol into 0.15 g L−1 of GABA in 12 h in a batch culture. In a fed-batch type culture with pH titration, the strain W converted overall 15 g L−1 of crude glycerol into 0.98 g L−1 of GABA in 36 h. CONCLUSION It is possible to convert crude glycerol into GABA in a growth-associated manner using E. coli W, and the strain will serve as a base strain for future metabolic engineering approaches. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which examined laser self-frequency doubling in neodymium yttrium aluminum borate crystals. Optical properties; Information on laser self-frequency doubling; Conclusion.

All-Solid-State Garnet-Based Lithium Batteries at Work-In Operando TEM Investigations of Delithiation/Lithiation Process and Capacity Degradation Mechanism (Adv. Sci. 5/2023) B All-Solid-State Li Batteries b In article number 2205012, Rüdiger-A. Eichel, Wen-Wei Wu, and co-workers successfully investigated the dynamic delithiation/lithiation process of LCO/LLZO solid-state Li battery (SSLB) by in operando TEM. In stable potential charging, the d-spacing of LCO was increased during delithiation process because of columbic repulsion caused by Li vacancy. [Extracted from the article]

To investigate the role of macrophages in oxygen-induced retinal neovascularization (NV) in mice, particularly the involvement of bone marrow-derived cells (BMCs) and the underlying mechanisms, BMCs from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice were transplanted into postnatal day (P) 1 mice after irradiation. The mice were exposed to 75 % oxygen from P7 to P12 to initiate oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). The macrophages were depleted by injection of clodronate-liposomes (lip) intraperitoneally. The eyes were collected at P12 and P17. Retinal flatmounts and histopathological cross-sections were performed to analyze the severity of retinal NV and BMC recruitment. BMCs immunopositive for CD31 (PECAM-1; endothelial cell marker) and α-SMA (smooth muscle cell marker) antigens were detected using a confocal microscope. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. The VEGF, SDF-1, CXCR4 and CD45 protein expression was detected by western blot examination. The retinal avascular area in OIR mice at P12 was unaffected after macrophage depletion carried out twice (38.27 ± 1.92 % reduction) using clodronate-lip. The retinal avascular area and the NV area at P17 were reduced after macrophage depletion four times (79.53 ± 1.02 % reduction); these findings were supported by retinal flatmounts and histopathological cross-sections. Macrophage depletion led to significant inhibition of BMC recruitment into the NV tufts at P17, with decreased expression of retinal VEGF, SDF-1, CXCR4 and CD45. The recruited BMCs differentiated primarily into CD31-positive endothelial cells (ECs) and α-SMA-positive smooth muscle cells (SMCs). This study suggested that macrophages promoted the vasculogenesis of retinal NV, particularly the contribution of BMCs in the mouse OIR model, which might be triggered by VEGF and SDF-1 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]