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Van der Waals (vdW) heterojunctions composed of GaN/graphene have high transmittance and excellent carrier transport properties. The combination of multidimensional hybrid heterojunctions with metasurfaces can open up many fascinating prospects for novel optical components over a broad range of the electromagnetic spectrum. This work experimentally demonstrates a multifunctional temperature‐sensitive meta‐device based on GaN/graphene vdW heterojunctions integrated with a metasurface. Notably, it is discovered that the conductivity of the vdW heterojunctions increases rapidly when it is excited by a thermal signal, resulting in a significant change in the relative phase retardation as well as amplitude modulation of an incident THz wave. Then a continuous wavelet transform is used instead of the traditional Fourier transform, and the two‐dimensional wavelet coefficient card is built to achieve fast detection over a wider range of temperature. Simultaneously, the variation of temperature dynamically controls the contributions of the multipoles, eventually determining the active switching of exotic anapoles with extreme non‐radiative confinement to highly radiative electric dipoles. This work offers the possibility of designing novel chip‐scale multifunctional thermal tuning devices and promotes the potential application of active micro‐nanophotonic devices in temperature sensors, terahertz modulators, and dynamic near‐field imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the nonlinear dynamic responses and bifurcations of the truncated sandwich simply supported porous conical shell with varying thickness under 1:1 internal resonance. Two skins with carbon fiber and a core with porous aluminum foam, which has an exponentially variable thickness along the generator and various porosity distribution types along the core thickness, make up the sandwich shell structure with varying stiffness. The porous shell structure is affected by a combination of the in-plane load, transverse excitation, thermal stress and aerodynamic force, which is formulated by employing first-order piston theory with a modified term for curvature. By way of FSDT, von-Karman geometrical formulations, Hamilton's principle and Galerkin procedure, the nonlinear dynamic formulations in ordinary differential form for the variable stiffness porous sandwich shell structure are identified. The averaged equations in polar and Cartesian coordinate forms for the sandwich structure under the combined circumstance of 1:1 internal resonance, first-order main resonance and 1/2 subharmonic resonance are determined by multiple-scale technique. The frequency-amplitude and force–amplitude characteristic curves, phase portraits, time history and bifurcation diagrams are exhibited by numerical simulation. The impacts of the damping coefficient, detuning parameters, temperature increment, transverse and in-plane excitations on the nonlinear dynamics and bifurcation behaviors of variable thickness sandwich porous conical shell are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the woody plant community in the Sygera Mountains to reveal the diversity changes and phylogenetic structure of woody plants in different vertical zones. Three plots of 400 m2 and two plots of 900 m2 are set up in each zone. The line transect method is used to supplement the woody plant species list. Meteorological data are adopted to analyze the composition of woody plant flora, the characteristics of the phylogenetic structure, and their relationship with annual average temperature. Results showed that (1) temperate woody plants account for a large proportion (65.6%) in the woody plant community of the Sygera Mountains, and widespread woody genera account for a small proportion (12.6%). The composition of families and genera is rich in the mountainous warm temperate zone, and the species composition is rich in the mountainous temperate zone. (2) The Gleason index and phylogenetic diversity of the woody plant communities in the five vertical zones are significantly positively correlated with the annual average temperature (P < 0.01), whereas the net relatedness and nearest taxon indices are not correlated with the annual average temperature. (3) The woody plant communities in the alpine frigid and alpine desert zones of the Sygera Mountains exhibit phylogenetic clustering, which suggests that habitat filtering plays an important role in the construction of woody plant communities in these vertical zones. However, the other vertical zones show either phylogenetic clustering or phylogenetic overdispersion, indicating that the results might be the combined effects of habitat filtering and competitive exclusion. This study provides new insights into the diversity composition and construction mechanisms of woody plant communities in the Sygera Mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish play an important role in aquatic ecosystems and are the most biologically diverse group of vertebrates. Fish are distributed in various water bodies around the world. In this study, fish sampling surveys were conducted at five sampling points in the Tuanjie Reservoir in May (spring), July (summer), and September (autumn) of 2022. The electric fish collection method was used to collect fish. The species, biomass, and number of fish caught were determined to reveal the community structure characteristics and provide data for water resources and environmental protection. In total, 22 fish species belonging to 17 genera and four orders were collected. The fish community was mainly composed of Cypriniformes, followed by Siluriformes, Perciformes, and Lampetiformes. Cyprinus (cyprinus) carpio haematopterus Linnaeus, Carassius auratus gibelio (Bloch), Aristichthys nobilis, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Misgurnus mohoity (Dybowski), and Silurus asotus Linnaeus were the main Cypriniformes species, Perccottus glehni was the main Perccottus species, and Lampetra reissneri (Dybowski) was the main Lampetra species. The catch-and-catch biomass at the S1 sampling point was the least, and the catch-and-catch biomass at the S5 sampling point was the greatest. There were significant spatial and temporal pattern changes in fish community composition in the Tuanjie Reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents modeling and free vibration analysis of variable stiffness system for the truncated sandwich conical shell made of porous aluminum foam core with variable thickness and carbon fiber face sheets under the simply supported boundary condition. The thickness of the core layer varies along the longitudinal direction. Five different types of porosity distribution of the aluminum foam core, which contains Type-X, Type-O, Type-U, Type-V and Type- Λ along the direction of thickness, are considered. Considering the effect of thermal environment, we derive the nonlinear dynamic equations based on first-order shear deformation theory and Hamilton's principle, and obtain the natural frequencies of the system by employing the Galerkin method. The comparison and validation are conducted by contrast with the determined results of the literature. The influences of porosity distribution pattern, porosity coefficient, the total number of layers, temperature increment, semi-vertex angle, the exponent of thickness function, the minimum radius-thickness and length-thickness ratio of the core layer on the natural frequencies, modal and mode shapes are studied comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to propose a method to determine the characteristic frequency/wavelength of rail corrugation from the perspective of wheel-rail micro stick-slip features, firstly, a complete numerical model of vehicle-track coupling system was constructed according to the actual situation of the metro line, and its effectiveness was verified. Then, with the help of the above model, the stick-slip characteristics of wheel-rail system under the condition of smooth rail surface in the small radius curve were analyzed according to the time-frequency nephogram of the adhesion coefficient, which could be used as a reference for subsequent analysis. Finally, the time-frequency variation characteristics of the adhesion coefficient under conditions of different harmonic corrugation wavelengths and wave depths were compared and analyzed, and an effective method to determine the characteristic frequency/wavelength of rail corrugation based on the time-frequency properties of the adhesion coefficient was proposed. The results indicate that in the presence of harmonic conditions, the time-frequency nephograms of longitudinal and lateral adhesion coefficients of inside and outside wheel-rail interfaces show the corresponding characteristic frequencies and multiple frequencies, and the amplitude of the adhesion coefficient decreases gradually with the increase of the frequency. Under the condition that the wave depth of harmonic corrugation is fixed, the overall stick-slip vibration degree of wheel-rail system decreases with the increase of the wavelength; under the condition that the wavelength of harmonic corrugation is fixed, the overall stick-slip vibration degree of wheel-rail system increases with the increase of the wave depth, and the increase of the wave depth has a greater influence on the small radius circular curve section. The method of determining the characteristic frequency/wavelength of corrugation based on the time-frequency properties of the adhesion coefficient can be used as an effective approach to determine its characteristic frequency/wavelength in the current theory of stick-slip vibration of corrugation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apolipoprotein A-І (ApoA-І) is critical for normal cholesterol metabolism and atheroprotection in mammals. It also involves the immune functions in mammals including humans and fishes. Medaka (Oryzias latipes), a small fish suitable as a model for the study of ApoA-І. In this study, the expression profile of medaka ApoA-І (OlApoA-І) was done in adult tissues and embryos. Moreover, the response of OlApoA-І to dietary cholesterol and immune stimuli was examined. OlApoA-І mRNA was expressed in all adult tissues assessed with notably high levels in the intestine and liver. Expression was also detected from the blastula stage to the hatching of embryos using RT-PCR. A cholesterol-rich diet did not affect the growth of young fish but resulted in significant fat deposition in the abdomen. This diet decreased intestinal OlApoA-І mRNA levels at first but increased towards the end of the study. Conversely, OlApoA-І mRNA in muscle and fat initially increased, then decreased; OlApoA-І mRNA was down-regulated in the liver. Further, immune stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (PolyI:C) induced up or down-regulation of OlApoA-І mRNA in immune organs such as liver, intestine, kidney, and spleen in adult fish. The results suggested that OlApoA-І is ubiquitously expressed in adult tissues and is a zygotic gene in medaka embryos. The response of OlApoA-І expression to dietary cholesterol and immune stimuli hints a possible role of OlApoA-І in cholesterol metabolism and immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the Empirical Mode Decomposition algorithm (EMD) and the Long Short Term Memory neural network (LSTM) are combined into an EMD‐LSTM model, to predict the variation of the >2 MeV electron fluxes 1 day ahead. Input parameters include the Pc5 power, AP, AE, Kp, >0.6 MeV, and historical electron flux values, are used for predictions. All the time resolution of parameters are daily integral values. As compared the prediction results of the EMD‐LSTM model with other classical prediction models, the results show that the 1 day ahead prediction efficiency of the >2 MeV electron fluxes possesses a prediction efficiency of 0.80, and the highest prediction efficiency can reach 0.93. These results are superior to the prediction accuracy of more previous models. Using two high‐energy electron flux storm events for validation, the results indicate that the performance of the EMD‐LSTM model in the period of the high‐energy electron flux storm is also relatively good, especially for the prediction of high‐energy electron fluxes at extreme points, and the predictions are closer to actual observations. Plain Language Summary: During the main phase of a high‐energy storm, the relativistic electron fluxes level at MeV energy from the outer radiation belt will be enhanced at geosynchronous orbit. In particular, the >2 MeV electrons could penetrate the surface of satellites and accumulate on their insides. After a long period, the effect of these electrons could result in satellites being unable to operate or being damaged beyond recovery. To mitigate against this damage by accurate forecast to take protective measures, we combine the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and long short‐term memory (LSTM) algorithms to predict >2 MeV electrons flux values. The EMD‐LSTM model results show that the model can accurately predict the rapid changes in data series and extreme data points with little time offset. Key Points: Propose a prediction model of relativistic electrons using a deep learning algorithm, the Empirical Mode Decomposition algorithm‐Long Short Term Memory neural network model, to predict the >2 MeV electron fluxesUse the ultralow frequency Pc5 power and related geomagnetic indices as input parameters to predict the >2 MeV electron fluxesThe forecast is shown to be highly accurate during case studies of storm times due to small time offset between observation and forecast values [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic topological phases of quantum matter are an emerging frontier in physics and materials science, of which kagome magnets appear as a highly promising platform. Here, we explore magnetic correlations in the recently identified topological kagome system TbMn6Sn6 using muon spin rotation, combined with local field analysis and neutron diffraction. Our studies identify an out-of-plane ferrimagnetic structure with slow magnetic fluctuations which exhibit a critical slowing down below T C1 * ≃ 120 K and finally freeze into static patches with ideal out-of-plane order below TC1 ≃ 20 K. We further show that hydrostatic pressure of 2.1 GPa stabilises the static out-of-plane topological ferrimagnetic ground state in the whole volume of the sample. Therefore the exciting perspective arises of a magnetically-induced topological system whose magnetism can be controlled through external parameters. The present results will stimulate theoretical investigations to obtain a microscopic understanding of the relation between the low-temperature volume-wise magnetic evolution of the static c-axis ferrimagnetic patches and the topological electronic properties in TbMn6Sn6. Kagome metals house a range of competing ground states leading to superconducting as well as topological features and so there has been significant recent interest in their underlying physics. Here, the authors use muon-spin rotation to identify slow fluctuations and low-temperature volume-wise magnetic evolution of the static c-axis ferrimagnetic patches in TbMn6Sn6, which seems to be intimately coupled to its topological electronic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The micro-sprinkler irrigation under plastic film (MSPF) uses multiple groups of small micropores under plastic film to evenly distribute water in the root zone soil with the help of gravity and capillary suction, and the appropriate micropores group spacing and irrigation amount can realize the efficient utilization of MSPF. This study clarified the applicability of MSPF in a greenhouse and finding the optimal micropores group spacing and irrigation amount. Treatments were ranged in completely randomised design aimed to determine the effects of different micropores group spacing (L1: 30 cm micropores group spacing, and L2: 50 cm micropores group spacing) and irrigation amount [I1:0.7 Epan; I2:1.0 Epan; and I3:1.2 Epan (Epan is the diameter of 20-cm standard pan evaporation, mm)] of the MSPF on the yield and quality of tomato. The results showed that the MSPF can be used as one of the micro-irrigation methods of greenhouse, which can lead to saving water, increase yield, and improve crop quality. Compared to L2, L1 was better for fruit quality, yield, and water use efficiency (WUE). With increasing irrigation amount, the fruit shape and yield increased, but the fruit flavour, nutrition and WUE decreased. The combination of the 30 cm micropores group spacing and 1.0 Epan is recommended for greenhouse tomato under MSPF in arid and semi-arid sandy loam soil of facility agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using the vehicle-track interaction model and the wear calculation model, the development characteristics of rail profile wear and the longitudinal characteristics of rail wear development of the track-vibration-absorber fastener tangential track at different passing speeds were analyzed. The results of rail profile wear analysis show that when the iteration times increases, the wear ranges and wear depths of left and right rails at the corrugation trough/crest position are close. Meantime, the wear depths of rail profile and wave depth amplitudes at the corrugation trough/crest position in discrete passing speed modes are significantly lower than those in constant passing speed mode. The results of rail longitudinal wear analysis show that with the increase of vehicle running times, the characteristic frequencies of corrugation do not change under different passing speed modes, which reflects the fixed frequency feature of corrugation, and the irregularity levels corresponding to characteristic frequencies of rail longitudinal wear under the three passing speed modes show a decreasing trend in turn. Compared with the constant passing speed mode, the discrete passing speed modes can significantly decrease the rail profile wear and the development degree of rail wear at the characteristic frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the transitions of spin configurations in ultrathin nanostructures by tuning the perpendicular anisotropy (Kz) and out-of-plane magnetic field (H), using the Monte Carlo simulation. It is revealed that enhancing the anisotropy Kz can drive the evolution of in-plane vortex state into intriguing saturated magnetization states under various H, such as the bubble domain state and quadruple-block-domain state etc. The spin configurations of these states exhibit remarkable H-dependence. In addition, the strong effects of geometry and size on the spin configurations of nanostructures are observed. In particular, a series of edged states occur in the circular disk-shaped lattices, and rich intricate saturated magnetization patterns appear in big lattices. It is suggested that the magnetic states can be manipulated by varying the perpendicular anisotropy, magnetic field, and geometry/size of the nanostructures. Furthermore, the stability (retention capacity) of the saturated magnetization states upon varying magnetic field is predicted, suggesting the potential applications of these saturated magnetization states in magnetic field-controlled data storages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the magnetic states in ultrathin nanostructures are investigated using Monte Carlo simulation, based on a Heisenberg model involving the short-range exchange coupling, long-range dipole-dipole interaction, and perpendicular anisotropy. An intriguing thermally driven magnetic structural transition from perpendicular stripe domain to flux closure (planar vortex) state, accompanied by an apparent thermal hysteresis effect and typical characteristics of the first-order phase transition, is revealed. Furthermore, it is found that the transition can be remarkably modulated by perpendicular anisotropy. The present work suggests a promising approach to manipulate the spin configurations in nanomagnets by adjusting temperature and perpendicular anisotropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study clarified the applicability of micro-sprinkler irrigation under plastic film (MSPF) in a greenhouse and finding the optimal micropores group spacing and capillary arrangement density. The effects of different micropores group spacing (L1: 30 cm micropores group spacing, and L2: 50 cm micropores group spacing) and capillary arrangement density (C1: one pipe for one row, C2: one pipe for two rows, and C3: one pipe for three rows) with the MSPF on the growth, quality, yield (Y), and water use efficiency (WUE) of tomato were studied. A completely randomized trial design was used, and drip irrigation under plastic film and micro-sprinkler irrigation were used as controls. The results showed that MSPF in a greenhouse can lead to saving water, increase yield, and improve crop quality. Compared to 50 cm micropores group spacing, 30 cm was better for tomato growth and also increased fruit quality, yield, and WUE. Considering our results comprehensively, the combination of one pipe for two rows under a micropores group spacing of 30 cm is recommended as technical parameters for greenhouse tomato cultivation under MSPF in arid and semi-arid sandy loam soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is successfully applied since the late 1950s; however, its efficacy still needs to be increased. A promising strategy is to transplant high numbers of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Therefore, an improved ex vivo culture system that supports proliferation and maintains HSC pluripotency would override possible limitations in cell numbers gained from donors. To model the natural HSC niche in vitro, we optimized the HSC medium composition with a panel of cytokines and valproic acid and used an artificial 3D bone marrow-like scaffold made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This 3D scaffold offered a suitable platform to amplify human HSCs in vitro and, simultaneously, to support their viability, multipotency and ability for self-renewal. Silicon oxide-covering of PDMS structures further improved amplification of CD34+ cells, although the conservation of naïve HSCs was better on non-covered 3D PDMS. Finally, we found that HSC cultivated on non-covered 3D PDMS generated most pluripotent colonies within colony forming unit assays. In conclusion, by combining biological and biotechnological approaches, we optimized in vitro HSCs culture conditions, resulting in improved amplification, multipotency maintenance and vitality of HSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1 Transection of bowel: in a tension-free manner the vessel sealing system (LigaSure) vertically clamped the "naked" bowel and transected it In our preliminary experience, surgical outcomes including operative time, bowel transection and anastomosis time, estimated blood loss, and postoperative hospitalization were favorable, demonstrating that the modified colorectal anastomosis technique using LigaSure for laparoscopic bowel transection is feasible and safe in rectosigmoid or sigmoid cancer. Due to its advantages in coagulation and sealing, LigaSure has been explored to for bowel transection and intestinal anastomosis in in vivo models, appearing to be sufficient for AL prevention. [Extracted from the article]

We study bond-orientational order in liquid Si via Monte Carlo simulation in conjunction with empirical two- and three-body potentials of the form proposed by Stillinger and Weber. Bond-orientational order (BOO) is described in terms of combinations of spherical harmonic functions. Liquid Si is found to have pronounced short-range BOO corresponding to l=3, as expected for a structure with local tetrahedral order. No long-range BOO is found either in the equilibrium or the supercooled liquid. When the three-body potential is artificially removed, the tetrahedral bond-orientation order disappears and the liquid assumes a close-packed structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Little consistent evidence is available for the association between the risk of non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) and any of the individual genes in the folate/homocysteine metabolic pathway. We investigated the genes in the folate pathway to further clarify its potential influence on the risk of NSCL/P considering gene–gene (G×G) interaction. Subjects and methods: We selected markers in 18 genes from the pathway and applied Cordell's method to test for G×G interaction using 1,908 NSCL/P case–parent trios ascertained in an international consortium where a genomewide association study (GWAS) of oral clefts was conducted. Results: We found intriguing signals among Asian and European ancestry groups for G×G interaction between markers in betaine‐homocysteine methyltransferase gene (BHMT/BHMT2) and dimethylglycine dehydrogenase gene (DMGDH) attaining genomewide significance. In the pooled data, the top significant interaction was found between rs13158309 (BHMT) and rs10514154 (DMGDH, p = 1.45 × 10−12). Conclusions: Our study illustrated the importance of taking into account potential G×G interaction for genetic association analysis in NSCL/P, and this study suggested both BHMT/BHMT2 and DMGDH should be considered as candidate genes for NSCL/P in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/epoxy composite films with a thickness of ~700 µm is prepared by a sequential process of premixing, post dispersing, film casting, and thermal curing. The effects of the physical shear dispersion on the properties of conductive polymer composites as the electric heating element are investigated. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show that highly efficient conductive networks form with shear dispersions of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix. The electrical resistivity decreases sharply from ~1015 O·cm for the neat epoxy resin to ~10² O·cm for the composite film with 2.0 wt% MWCNTs in accordance with the percolation behaviour, and a low percolation threshold of ~0.018 wt% is fitted. The electric heating behaviour of the composite film is observed at a low MWCNT content of 0.05 wt% due to the high electrical conductivity. For the composite film with 2.0 wt% MWCNTs, an equilibrium temperature of 115 °C is reached at an applied voltage of 40 V within 30 s. The excellent electric heating behaviour, including the rapid temperature response, electric heating efficiency, and operational stability, is primarily related to the conductive two-dimensional networks consisting of MWCNTs and the thermodynamically stable polymer matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, which is a continuation of our earlier work, the effect of double-atom vacancy defects (DAVD) on the elastic properties of single-layered graphene sheets (SLGS)-polymer nanocomposites is assessed by the multiscale modeling. According to the latter approach, the polymer matrix is modeled by finite element approach, while the SLGS and interphase layer are simulated at the atomistic scale by the molecular structural mechanics approach. In view of the Lennard-Jones potential concept, it is assumed that the SLGS and polymer matrix are related by van der Waals reciprocity. The fact that the elastic modulus of a polymer with 5% volume fraction of SLGS is increased by 17 times is demonstrated by numerous simulation results. It is also shown that the elastic modulus of SLGS-polymer nanocomposites with DAVDs is deteriorated with an increase in the number of DAVDs and improved with the increased volume fraction of SLGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Facial‐sparing scapular myopathy (SHD) is the most common atypical form of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), clinically defined as without apparent facial muscle weakness on neurological examination. The clinical profiles and genetic features of SHD are limited. Methods: A cohort of 21 Chinese patients with SHD were confirmed by molecular genetic analysis based on pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis. The clinical assessments and methylation analysis were noted. Results: The patients had FSHD‐related EcoRI fragments with 4qA haplotype ranging from 18 kb to 33 kb (mean 26.3 ± 4.6 kb). The mean onset age was 25.52 ± 8.3 years. Over half of the patients had scapular winging and asymmetry weakness consistent with FSHD, without facial symptoms during their visit. Their facial electromyogram results were almost normal or mild myogenic damage, as well as the myopathology and serum creatine kinase. A conflict was unexpectedly found in intergenerational DR1 methylation analysis. Conclusion: Facial‐sparing scapular myopathy is characterized as mild myopathic symptoms and chronic progression of weakness. The diagnosis should be accurately confirmed through FSHD‐sized fragment detection and 4qA/B variant determination. Although the next generations of SHD had more severe muscular symptoms, local hypomethylation within D4Z4 was not found as a modifier for clinical heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The friction and wear of an new material for the drill joint were compared with those of traditional wear-resistant belt materials using an SD-1 test rig against a 42Mn2V steel counterface under deep and ultra-deep well conditions. This provides recommendations as to the tribological application of the wear-resistant belt. The results obtained strongly indicate that the friction and wear of a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) composite are much lower than those of the traditional wear-resistant belt materials. Among those materials, the friction and wear behavior of a FeNiNb alloy are higher than those of a FeCrMnMo alloy. Of the three wear-resistant belt materials, the bilateral protection performance of a PCD composite is the best one. It is feasible to use this composite as the wear-resistant belt material in the drill joint for deep and ultra-deep wells. The dominant wear mechanism of the wear-resistant belt materials is the microcutting wear, accompanied by the adhesive one. In addition, the wear degree of the PCD composite is the least one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: After the passage of an interplanetary (IP) shock at 06:13 UT on 24 August 2005, the enhancement (>6 nPa) of solar wind dynamic pressure and the southward turning of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) cause the earthward movement of dayside magnetopause and the drift loss of energetic particles near geosynchronous orbit. The persistent electron drift loss makes the geosynchronous satellites cannot observe the substorm electron injection phenomenon during the two substorm expansion phases (06:57–07:39 UT) on that day. Behind the IP shock, the fluctuations (~0.5–3 nPa) of solar wind dynamic pressure not only alter the dayside auroral brightness but also cause the entire auroral oval to swing in the day‐night direction. However, there is no Pi2 pulsation in the nightside auroral oval during the substorm growth phase from 06:13 to 06:57 UT. During the subsequent two substorm expansion phases, the substorm expansion activities cause the nightside aurora oval brightening from substorm onset site to higher latitudes, and meanwhile, the enhancement (decline) of solar wind dynamic pressure makes the nightside auroral oval move toward the magnetic equator (the magnetic pole). These observations demonstrate that solar wind dynamic pressure changes and substorm expansion activities can jointly control the luminosity and location of the nightside auroral oval when the internal and external disturbances occur simultaneously. During the impact of a strong IP shock, the earthward movement of dayside magnetopause probably causes the disappearance of the substorm electron injections near geosynchronous orbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two mononuclear and dinuclear cyclopalladated 2-(4-ethylphenyl)pyrazine (epp) complexes 2 and 3 are prepared in the bridge-splitting reactions of palladacyclic dimer 1 with PPh3 (2) and 1,4- bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (dppb) (3). Their crystal and molecular structures are determined by the single crystal X-ray analysis. C-H⋯N(Cl) hydrogen bonds and π⋯π interactions are found in the the crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which determined the impulse response of a fiber optic probe hydrophone (FOPH) using a self-focusing electromagnetic shock wave excitation. Method to determine the FOPH impulse response and results; Diffraction of the acoustic wave by the end face of the optical fiber; Conclusions.

Resistive-switching memory with ultralow-power consumption is very promising technology for next-generation data storage and high-energy-efficiency neurosynaptic chips. Herein, Ta2O5-xbased multilevel memories with ultralow-power consumption and good data retention were achieved by simple Gd-doping. The introduction of a Gd ion, as an oxygen trapper, not only suppresses the generation of oxygen vacancy defects and greatly increases the Ta2O5-x resistance but also increases the oxygen-ion migration barrier. As a result, the memory cells can operate at an ultralow current of 1 μA with the extrapolated retention time of >10 years at 85 °C and the high switching speeds of 10 ns/40 ns for SET/RESET processes. The energy consumption of the device is as low as 60 fJ/bit, which is comparable to emerging ultralow-energy consumption (<100 fJ/bit) memory devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction post radical prostatectomy is not clearly clarified, and the low efficacy of traditional PDE5i treatment remains a major complaint in contemporary practice. This study aimed to demonstrate phenotypic modulation in bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) rats within 7 days, and subsequently validate gene therapy with Myocardin (Mycod) by maintaining a contractile phenotype in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells. Initially, 36 male rats were randomly divided into BCNI and negative control (NC) groups for histological and phenotypic molecular measurements at 3, 5, and 7 days. Afterwards, an additional 30 rats received a single intra-cavernous injection of 50 μL PBS, Ad-Myocd (1 × 1011 pfu/ml) or Ad-vector for 10 animals each, namely the NC+PBS, BCNI+Ad-Myocd, and BCNI+Ad-vector groups. Finally, the validity and mechanism of Myocd transfection was explored at 21 days in vivo and 48 h in vitro. Western blotting showed canonical declines in Myocd, α-SMA, and Calponin expression, as well as elevated Osteopontin (OPN) expression, before corporeal morphological and SM-to-collagen ratio changes at day 5 after injury. Overexpression of Myocd maintained the contractile phenotype of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells, ameliorated bilateral cavernous nerve injury rat erectile dysfunction, as well as promoted cell contractility and suppressed proliferative capacity. Simultaneously, confocal imaging revealed up-regulation and co-localization of serum response factor in gene-transferred cells. In conclusion, our study is the first to investigate corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells phenotypes in the early stages of cavernous injury model rats, and Myocd reversed phenotypic modulation by activating serum response factor. The experimental results demonstrated the validity of gene therapy for erectile dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetesmellitus has the probability to impair the anastomotic healing and cause postesophagectomy anastomotic leakages but previous studies showed controversial results. This review aims to summary the impact of diabetes mellitus on the risk of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy. We searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases to recognize English articles that met our eligibility criteria. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval serves as the appropriate summarized statistic. Sensitivity analysis, meta-regression analysis, and publication bias tests were also performed to perceive potential bias risks. Finally, 16 observational studies with 12359 surgical patients were included. An overall analysis identified that diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with the risk of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy (odds ratio = 1.63; 95% confidence interval = 1.25-2.12; P < 0.001). Further subgroup analysis showed a significant impact of diabetes mellitus in surgical populations from the Europe and America (odds ratio = 1.42; 95% confidence interval = 1.22-1.65; P < 0.001) but not in the Asian populations (odds ratio = 2.27; 95% confidence interval = 0.86-6.05; P = 0.1). The robustness of these estimates was confirmed by meta-regression analysis and sensitivity analysis. No significant publication bias exists between studies. In conclusion, this systematic review demonstrates that diabetes mellitus can be a significant risk factor of anastomotic leakage for patients undergoing esophagectomy. Our findings need to be further confirmed and modified by more well-designed worldwide multivariable analyses in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrated transferable and flexible resistive switching (RS) memory devices using a nondestructive water-dissolution method. To satisfy future demands, the free-standing Al/Fe3O4-PMMA/Al devices were transferred onto various nonconventional substrates to demonstrate various features, such as flexibility, 3-D conformality, and biocompatibility. Thanks to the strong van der Waals interaction, the devices can easily conform to these substrates and normally display RS behavior even after undergoing bending tests. In particular, the memory devices with the PET substrate present excellent memory performance as well as high flexibility, including fast switching speed (<50 ns), large ROFF/RON ratio (~4 x 105), and long retention time (>104 s). No performance degradation occurs after bending the device to different angles and up to 104 times. The RS mechanism can be attributed to the trapping/de-trapping of electrons at the sites of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. This result provides a feasible approach to achieve transferable RS memory device for future conformal and flexible electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrated transferable and flexible resistive switching (RS) memory devices using a nondestructive water-dissolution method. To satisfy future demands, the free-standing Al/Fe3O4-PMMA/Al devices were transferred onto various nonconventional substrates to demonstrate various features, such as flexibility, 3-D conformality, and biocompatibility. Thanks to the strong van der Waals interaction, the devices can easily conform to these substrates and normally display RS behavior even after undergoing bending tests. In particular, the memory devices with the PET substrate present excellent memory performance as well as high flexibility, including fast switching speed (<50 ns), large ROFF/RON ratio (~4 x 105), and long retention time (>104 s). No performance degradation occurs after bending the device to different angles and up to 104 times. The RS mechanism can be attributed to the trapping/de-trapping of electrons at the sites of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. This result provides a feasible approach to achieve transferable RS memory device for future conformal and flexible electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil alkaline phosphatase plays a vital role in phosphorus cycling in the soil ecosystem. Arsenic, an ecotoxic element, affects the normal function of phosphatase in the soil environment. To understand the effects of arsenic on phosphatase, the activity, kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics were investigated systematically following the addition of arsenate to free soluble, clay-immobilized alkaline phosphatase ( ALP) and soil ALP. The results showed that the ALP activity was strongly inhibited by arsenate. The Michaelis constant Km increased linearly with increasing arsenate concentration, indicating a decrease in affinity of the enzyme for the substrate. The inhibition constant Ki increased after the ALP was immobilized on montmorillonite and goethite. Thermodynamic properties such as activation energy, activation enthalpy, Gibbs activation free energy and activation entropy increased when arsenate was added, which suggests that more energy is required to form the activated molecule and the enzyme-substrate complex. The reaction was less spontaneous and the enzyme-substrate complex was less ordered. Immobilization of the ALP on minerals reduced the variation in kinetic and thermodynamic properties in the presence of arsenate, indicating that immobilization provided protection from arsenate stress. Arsenate toxicity to soil ALP was affected markedly by soil texture. The results suggest that the type of arsenate inhibition on free soluble ALP was competitive inhibition, whereas for immobilized and soil ALPs, the inhibition was competitive or mixed inhibition depending on the mineral or soil property. Highlights Alkaline phosphatase ( ALP) activity was inhibited by arsenate., The kinetic and thermodynamic properties of ALP were changed in the presence of arsenate., Arsenate inhibition on free, mineral-immobilized ALP and soil ALP was different., ALP immobilization on minerals reduced arsenate toxicity to ALP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to study the neuroprotective therapeutic effect of curcumin on the male albino rat brain. Subarachnoid hemorrhage leads to severe mortality rate and morbidity, and oxidative stress is a crucial factor in subarachnoid hemorrhage. Therefore, we investigated the effect of curcumin on oxidative stress and glutamate and glutamate transporter-1 on a subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced male albino rats. The curcumin commonly used for the treatment and saline used for the control. Curcumin (10 mg/kg bwt) dissolved in saline and administered orally to the rats for one week. Glutamate, glutamate transporter-1, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione reductase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were determined. Glutamate level was lower in the curcumin-treated rats compared to their respective controls. Glutamate transporter-1 did not alter in the curcumin-treated rats compared to their controls. Glutamate transporter-1 protein expression is significantly reduced in the curcumin-treated rats. MDA levels decreased 18 and 29 % in the hippocampus and the cortex region respectively. SOD (17% and 32%), and catalase (19% and 24%) activities were increased in the curcumin-treated hippocampus and the cortex region respectively. Glutathione reductase (13% and 19%) and LDH (21% and 30%) activities were increased in the treated hippocampus and the cortex region respectively. The mRNA expression of NK-kB and TLR4 was significantly reduced following curcumin treatment. Taking all these data together, the curcumin found to be effective against oxidative stress and glutamate neurotoxicity in the male albino rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of schistosomal colorectal cancer. Method A total of 74 consecutive schistosomal colorectal cancer patients who underwent curative surgery from July 2009 to July 2012 were included in this study. The clinical and pathological characteristics of all 74 patients were analysed and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. This study demonstrated positive correlations between the site of deposition of schistosomal eggs and certain essential variables. Results Depositional site of schistosome eggs, carcinoembryonic antigen ( CEA) level and the pathological N and T stages were statistically significantly correlated with overall survival ( OS). The pathological T stage and the CEA level were independent prognostic factors for OS. The site of deposition of schistosome eggs was positively correlated with the T and N stages, tumour size, the CEA level and the resection margins. Conclusions Schistosome eggs might be associated with tumorigenesis. The site of deposition of schistosome eggs was statistically significantly correlated with OS but it was not an independent prognostic factor for OS. It was, however, correlated with the depth of the tumour. The presence of schistosoma eggs at the margin did not affect the patient's prognosis or anastomotic healing. The existing standard surgical approach was equally applicable to schistosomal colorectal cancer. It was not necessary to expand the scope of surgical resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green and red emissions in terbium and europium benzoic acids (TBA and EBA) incorporated poly methyl methacrylates (PMMA) are exhibited. Larger intensity parameters Ω2 (11.13×10-20 cm2) and Ω4 (13.15×10-20 cm2) of Eu3+ indicate a high inversion asymmetrical and strong covalent environment around lanthanide (Ln) ions and maximum emission cross section σem-max (2.45×10-21 cm2) for the dominant transition D50→F27 of Eu3+ reveals the effective photon conversion capacity in EBA incorporated PMMA. Color variation and fluorescence enhancement are validated to be originated from energy transfer and synergistic effect in TBA/EBA coincorporated PMMA system. The results indicate that Eu and Tb complexes incorporated PMMA with effective photon conversion hold great prospect in increment of lighting quality and enhancement of solar-cell efficiency employed in outer space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In superconductors, electrons are paired and condensed into the ground state. An impurity can break the electron pairs into quasiparticles with energy states inside the superconducting gap. The characteristics of such in-gap states reflect accordingly the properties of the superconducting ground state. A zero-energy in-gap state is particularly noteworthy, because it can be the consequence of non-trivial pairing symmetry or topology. Here we use scanning tunnelling microscopy/spectroscopy to demonstrate that an isotropic zero-energy bound state with a decay length of ∼10 Å emerges at each interstitial iron impurity in superconducting Fe(Te,Se). More noticeably, this zero-energy bound state is robust against a magnetic field up to 8 T, as well as perturbations by neighbouring impurities. Such a spectroscopic feature has no natural explanation in terms of impurity states in superconductors with s-wave symmetry, but bears all the characteristics of the Majorana bound state proposed for topological superconductors, indicating that the superconducting state and the scattering mechanism of the interstitial iron impurities in Fe(Te,Se) are highly unconventional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of trichinellosis is rather difficult because fever, myalgia and eosinophilia are nonspecific, and diagnosis may be delayed. We describe a small familiar outbreak of trichinellosis occurred in early 2009 in Tibet, southwestern China, due to consumption of raw pork. The patients with trichinellosis were diagnosed by muscle biopsy and serological tests (ELISA and IFA) early at 12 days after onset of disease. Both of the pre-encapsulated and encapsulated Trichinella larvae collected from biopsy muscles and residual pork were identified as Trichinella spiralis by multiplex PCR. This is the first species identification of Trichinella isolates from the biopsy muscles of patients with trichinellosis in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main reasons of restrictions shape memory alloy application and development are weak interfacial bonding strength between Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) fibres and matrix materials. In this paper, the interfacial properties of SMA composites are studied by the combination of theoretical analysis and experimental methods. Surface treatment of SMA fibres on the three methods is used to improve the surface roughness to increase the interfacial bond strength between SMAs and matrix materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. There were debates on the value of the second-line and beyond chemotherapy by the time we designed this trial. So we designed this phase II trial to assess the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed in patients with pretreated metastatic gastric cancer.Methods:Thirty-four patients with pretreated metastatic gastric cancer were enroled in the study. Patients received pemetrexed 500 mg m−2 every 21 days until the presence of progressive disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity.Results:A total of 34 patients were enroled in the study; 34 were eligible for toxicity and 30 for response. The response rate was 13.3%, 13.3% patients achieved a partial response, 50.0% achieved stable disease and 36.7% had a PD as the best response. The median overall survival time and median progression-free survival time was 6.4 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.8-9.5 months) and 2.2 months (95% CI 2.0-5.5 months), respectively. Most haematologic and non-haematologic toxicity were grade 1/2. Grade 3/4 toxicity included fatigue, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, weight loss, anorexia and transaminase elevation.Conclusions:The monochemotherapy of pemetrexed is active and well tolerated when used in previously treated patients with metastatic gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]