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The heteronuclear group 14 M-iron tetracarbonyl clusters MFe(CO)4− (M = Si, Ge, Sn) anions have been generated in the gas phase by laser ablation of M–Fe alloys and detected by mass and photoelectron spectroscopy. With the support of quantum chemical calculations, the geometric and electronic structures of MFe(CO)4− (M = Si, Ge, Sn) are elucidated, which shows that all the MFe(CO)4− clusters have the M–Fe bonded, iron-centered, and carbonyl-terminal M–Fe(CO)4 structure with the C2v symmetry and a 2B2 ground state. The M–Fe bond can be considered a double bond, which includes one σ electron sharing bond and one π dative bond. The C–O bonds in those anionic clusters are calculated to be elongated to different extents, and in particular, the C–O bonds in SiFe(CO)4− are elongated more. The Si–Fe alloy thus turns out to be a better collocation to activate the C–O bonds in the gas phase among group 14. The present findings have important implications for the rational development of high-performance catalysts with isolated metal atoms/clusters dispersed on supports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Viral myocarditis (VMC) plays a significant role in heart failure, and there is currently a shortage of available targeted treatments. Macrophage phenotype and function are closely associated with the beta‐2 adrenergic receptor (β2‐AR). Method: This research employed a BALB/c mouse model of VMC generated using Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), and the β2‐AR agonist formoterol was administered as treatment. A bioinformatic analysis was conducted to identify the β2‐AR in CCR2+MHCIIhigh monocyte‐derived macrophages (MoMFs). Echocardiography and histopathological assessments were utilized to evaluate cardiac function and inflammation. The enzymatic activity of glutaminase (GLS) was quantified. Flow cytometry was employed to characterize the phenotype and function of the macrophages. Result: Our study revealed that formoterol treatment effectively mitigated cardiac inflammation and fibrosis, improved cardiac function, and prolonged survival compared to the VMC group. Formoterol reduced the infiltration of CCR2+MHCIIhigh MoMFs in the heart, inhibited M1 phenotypic expression and activity, and reduced the percentage of Ly6Chigh monocytes in circulation. Additionally, formoterol stimulated M2 phenotypic expression and activity and increased the percentage of Ly6Clow monocytes in circulation. Additionally, the combination of NICB3344, a C‐C motif chemokine receptor 2 inhibitor, with formoterol did not exhibit synergistic effects on reducing cardiac pathological scores or enhancing cardiac function. In vitro studies involving the use of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced bone marrow‐derived macrophages, revealed the ability of formoterol to suppress the M1 phenotype and functions induced by LPS while promoting the M2 phenotype and functions. Nevertheless, the observed effects were negated by the introduction of the GLS inhibitor BPTES. Conclusion: Formoterol potentially serves as a significant metabolic regulator in the differentiation process of cardiac MoMFs, influencing this process by controlling GLS activity. Targeting β2‐AR exhibits potential as an effective approach for managing VMC. It is essential to acknowledge that these findings were derived under specific experimental conditions, with the current conclusions predominantly based on animal models. Future research is necessary to further investigate the feasibility of formoterol in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the variation of rice evapotranspiration (ET) is essential for the management of water consumption in agriculture. In this paper, the Surface Energy Balance Algorithms for Land (SEBAL) and MODIS products were employed to estimate long-term rice ET from 2003 to 2018 in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China. The investigation further explored the spatiotemporal distribution of rice ET and its associated influencing factors. The research findings indicated that the SEBAL model accurately estimated the daily ET on the Sanjiang Plain. Rice ET in the Sanjiang Plain increased at a rate of 5.05 mm year−1. The spatial distribution of rice ET demonstrated significant variations across different typical years. Temperature was the main factor affecting rice ET on the Sanjiang Plain, with a correlation coefficient of 0.67. The increase in rice ET per ha was positively correlated with rice area expansion, with a correlation coefficient of 0.79. The growth rate of rice ET slowed after 2011, which was related to the cooling effect of irrigation due to rice area expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is reported that CD123 + HLA-DR- cells in PBMC are basophils, and CD203c, CD63, and FcεRI molecules are activation markers of basophils. However, little is known of CD123 + HLA-DR-cells in blood granulocytes. Objective: To investigate the presence of CD123 + HLA-DR- cells in the blood granulocytes and peripheral PBMC of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), as well as the impact of allergens on the cell membrane markers of basophils. Methods: Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of the membrane molecules. Results: While CD123 + HLA-DR- PBMCs are representative of basophils, their presence did not significantly change in patients with AR. In contrast, both the percentage and number of CD123 + HLA-DR- granulocytes, which make up only up to 50% of basophils, were significantly increased in patients with seasonal (sAR) and perennial AR (pAR). CD63+, CD203c+, and FcεRIα+ cells within CD123 + HLA-DR- granulocytes also showed enhanced activity in patients with AR. Allergen extracts from house dust mite allergen extract (HDME) and Artemisia sieversiana wild extract further increased the number of CD123 + HLA-DR- cells in granulocytes of sAR and pAR patients, as well as in PBMCs of pAR patients. Conclusions: The use of CD123 + HLA-DR- granulocytes and PBMC may not be sufficient for diagnosing AR. Allergens could potentially contribute to the development of AR by influencing the number of CD123 + HLA-DR- cells, as well as the expression of CD63, CD203c, and FcεRIαin these cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To define the appropriate penile straightening procedures corresponding to the specific penile curvature by comparing the penile length resulting from various straightening procedures in hypospadias repair. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed hypospadias patients between 2017 and 2019. Patients were divided into three groups based on the penile curvature after degloving: <30°, 30°–45°, and >45°. The penile straightening procedures include dorsal plication (DP), simple urethral plate (UP) transection, and UP transection with ventral lengthening (VL). The paired t‐test was conducted for the penile length after fully straightening in each group, simultaneously calculating the length changes (∆T). In addition, the penile length changes among these procedures were compared using Spearman analysis to show the correlation between the penile curvature and the length. Results: The penile length changed significantly after fully straightening in all groups. The length decreased mildly after DP, while increased in the other procedures. The penile curvature after degloving was positively correlated with the absolute change in the penile length (P < 0.001, r = 0.424) and the ratio of ∆T in the original length (P < 0.001, r = 0.433). Conclusion: For hypospadias, the 30° after degloving may serve as the cut‐off for the selection of the straightening method from the perspective of the penile length. For those with < 30°, methods such as DP or UP transection can either be selected. In patients with > 30°, DP should be used with caution because of the potential risk to shorten the penis. In contrast, UP transection effectively corrects the penile curvature and increases the penile length concurrently, which should be primarily recommended in those patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological benefits and concerns surrounding fossil fuels had led to increased interest in bio-based rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF). Nonetheless, due to its flammability, it had limited application in various fields. To solve this problem, a green bio-flame retardant, cobalt hydroxystannate (CoSn(OH)6), was prepared and compounded with montmorillonite (MMT) and chick feather protein (CF), and applied to RPUF, which not only realized the regeneration of resources, but also provided RPUF with better thermal stability, flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties. The experimental results showed that when 3 wt% CoSn(OH)6 was added, the RPUF (CF1/MMT3/Co3) had the greatest activation energy. In addition, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of CF1/MMT3/Co3 decreased by 12.73%, and 11.16% respectively, compared with no CoSn(OH)6. In addition, its Ds decreased by 28.9% and the light transmittance increased by 17.6% compared with the RPUF without CoSn(OH)6. At the same time, its peak smoke production rate (PSPR) and the total smoke release (TSR) decreased by 25% and 18%. And CF1/MMT3/Co3 also had the lowest fire risk evaluation index. This study presented possibilities for practical utilization of the RPUF substances founded on bio-based flame inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal-recessive cutis laxa type 2 (ARCL2) is a rare genetic disorder caused by pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) mutations and characterized by loose and sagging skin, typical facial features, intrauterine growth retardation, and developmental delay. To study the effect of PYCR1 mutations on protein function and clinical features, we identified a homozygous missense mutation c.559G > A (p.Ala187Thr) in PYCR1 in a Chinese child with typical clinical features, especially severe developmental delays. The three-dimensional (3D) model showed the modification of the hydrogen bonds produce a misfolding in the mutant PYCR1 protein. Mutagenesis and enzyme assay study revealed decreased activity of the mutant protein in vitro, indicating that this mutation impairs PYCR1 function. Our findings confirmed abnormal enzymatic activity and neurodevelopmental trajectory of this PYCR1 mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host plants can strongly influence the population performance of insects. Here, we investigated the development, survival, and oviposition of Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood on 6 host plants— Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (Ericales: Theaceae), Rosa chinensis Jacq. (Rosales: Rosaceae), Capsicum annuum L. (Solanales: Solanaceae), Eustoma grandiflorum (Hook.) G.Don (Gentianales: Gentianaceae), Glycine max (L.) Merr. (Fabales: Fabaceae), and Cucumis sativus L. (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae), and constructed life tables for S. dorsalis on each plant. Significant differences in S. dorsalis development on the host species were observed. The mean developmental period from egg to adult was 11.45 ± 0.12 days, 11.24 ± 0.13 days, 12.08 ± 0.15 days, 12.28 ± 0.12 days, 12.67 ± 0.10 days, and 13.03 ± 0.11 days on C. sinensis , R. chinensis , C. annuum , E. grandiflorum , G. max , and C. sativus , respectively. Significant differences in survival of S. dorsalis were observed, namely, C. sinensis  ≈  R. chinensis  >  E. grandiflorum  ≈  C. annuum  >  G. max  >  C. sativus. The highest and lowest fecundities of S. dorsalis were recorded on R. chinensis (60.44 ± 1.53) and C. sativus (28.64 ± 1.02), respectively. Both of the net reproductive rate (R 0) and intrinsic rate of increase (r m) of S. dorsalis were the highest on R. chinensis , with the values of 27.63 ± 0.58 and 0.142 ± 0.002, respectively; while the lowest on C. sativus , with the values of 8.81 ± 0.12 and 0.092 ± 0.003, respectively. Thus, R. chinensis was found to be the most suitable host, but C. sativus was the least suitable, for population development of S. dorsalis. Our results provide important information for the key control of S. dorsalis among different host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and self-made nickel phytate (PANi) were used as modified materials to prepare green biomass rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF). The flame retardancy, thermal stability, smoke toxicity and mechanical properties of the modified RPUF were investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), a cone calorimetry (CONE) test, thermogravimetric analysis and a compression test. The results showed that the RPUF with 10 wt% APP (PANi/APP10) had the highest LOI of 26.5%. Its peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) were reduced by 29.64% and 24.05% compared with PANi/APP0 without APP. And its smoke production rate (SPR) and total smoke release (TSR) decreased by 33.14% and 19.88%, respectively. Compared with pure RPUF, the compressive strength of PANi/APP10 was increased by 50%, mainly because APP itself was an ultra-fine powder, which was better compatible with the matrix and improved the hardness of the material. The results showed that the synergistic effect of the gas phase and the condensed phase mechanism could effectively improve the flame-retardant effect. The current research results provided a new strategy for the preparation of green and low-toxicity RPUF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release and escape of radioactive materials has posed tremendous threats to the global environment. Among various radioactive elements, 90Sr has attracted growing attention due to its long half-life and its tendency to accumulate in bone tissue. Nonetheless, the concentration of 90Sr in radioactive waste is exceedingly low, far below the detection limits of currently available strontium-targeting chemical sensors. Herein, we propose an optical nanosensor (Sr2+-nanosensor) that exhibits an ultra-low detection limit of 0.5 nM, surpassing the 90Sr in the treated radioactive water from the Fukushima. The sensor offers wide sensing range of eight orders of magnitude, rapid response of less than 10 s, and high selectivity against 31 common ions. These excellent performances are attributed to a specific ligand (Sr2+-ligand) for Sr2+ recognition. The Sr2+ is found to be bound by six oxygen atoms from the Sr2+-ligand with a stability constant at least two orders higher than that of other traditional ligands. This study offers invaluable insights for the design of Sr2+-sensing methodologies as well as a technique for detecting trace amounts of environmental radioactive pollution. The release and escape of radioactive 90Sr has attracted growing attention due to its long half-life and its tendency to accumulate in bone tissue. Herein, the authors report an optical nanosensor (Sr2+-nanosensor) that exhibits an ultra-low detection limit of 0.5 nM, a rapid response of less than 10 s, and high selectivity against 31 common ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The effects of water and fertilizer coupling on the growth and yield of day lily were studied. [Method] This experiment took day lily as the research object, two factors experiments were set up to study the effects of water and fertilizer coupling on the growth and yield of day lily. [Result] Under the same drip amount, the yield of day lily was significantly different under different drip times, and the agronomic characters of day lily were the best under IV and V treatments, and the maximum yield was 5 983.96-6 000 kg/hm². Under the same fertilization time and different fertilization rates, S-IV treatment and S-V treatment showed the best agronomic characters such as height, number of flower buds and flower buds. [Conclusion] Daylily should be dripped 8-10 times during the whole growth period and fertilized with 525-600 kg/hm². [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio is thought to be associated with prenatal androgen exposure. However, the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and hypospadias is poorly understood, and its molecular mechanism is not clear. In this study, by analyzing the hand digit length of 142 boys with hypospadias (23 distal, 68 middle, and 51 proximal) and 196 controls enrolled in Shanghai Children's Hospital (Shanghai, China) from December 2020 to December 2021, we found that the 2D:4D ratio was significantly increased in boys with hypospadias (P < 0.001) and it was positively correlated with the severity of the hypospadias. This was further verified by the comparison of control mice and prenatal low testosterone mice model obtained by knocking out the risk gene (dynein axonemal heavy chain 8 [ DNAH8 ]) associated with hypospadias. Furthermore, the discrepancy was mainly caused by a shift in 4D. Proteomic characterization of a mouse model validated that low testosterone levels during pregnancy can impair the growth and development of 4D. Comprehensive mechanistic explorations revealed that during the androgen-sensitive window, the downregulation of the androgen receptor (AR) caused by low testosterone levels, as well as the suppressed expression of chondrocyte proliferation-related genes such as Wnt family member 5a (Wnt5a), Wnt5b , Smad family member 2 (Smad2), and Smad3 ; mitochondrial function-related genes in cartilage such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf-1); and vascular development-related genes such as myosin light chain (MLC), notch receptor 3 (Notch3), and sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1), are responsible for the limitation of 4D growth, which results in a higher 2D:4D ratio in boys with hypospadias via decreased endochondral ossification. This study indicates that the ratio of 2D:4D is a risk marker of hypospadias and provides a potential molecular mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the effects of elevated CO2 on the population performance and interspecific interactions of three thrips pests. The dominance of the three thrips in the field was Frankliniella occidentalis ≈ Frankliniella intonsa > Thrips hawaiiensis. The performance of these thrips, alone and in combination, was evaluated in the laboratory under elevated CO2 (800 μl L−1) and ambient CO2. Compared with ambient CO2, elevated CO2 significantly accelerated the developmental rates and decreased the survival rates of all thrips species. Significant differences in fecundity, intrinsic rate of increase (rm), and net reproductive rate (R0) were observed among these thrips, and their values were significantly increased in F. occidentalis but decreased in F. intonsa and T. hawaiiensis under elevated CO2, compared that in the ambient CO2 treatments. In treatments where thrips species coexisted, F. occidentalis and F. intonsa accounted for similar proportions of the population, and both were dominant over T. hawaiiensis within 10 generations under ambient CO2. Under elevated CO2, F. occidentalis was the dominant species and completely displaced F. intonsa and T. hawaiiensis by the ninth or eighth generation. Where the three species coexisted, no displacement occurred within 10 generations, but the pattern of dominance shifted to F. occidentalis > F. intonsa > T. hawaiiensis. Our results show that the population development of F. occidentalis benefits from elevated CO2 and that it can become the dominant species in interspecific interactions with native thrips species. Thus, compared with native thrips species, F. occidentalis has greater adaptability and competitive capacity under elevated CO2, and it may become a more dangerous crop pest under environmental change in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flame retardant barium phytate (PABA) was prepared by phytic acid and barium carbonate. PABA was used to modify flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) by "one‐step method" to obtain composite FPUF‐PABA. The effects of PABA on the thermal stability and combustion properties of FPUFs were studied by smoke density (Ds), cone calorimeter (CONE), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and pyrolysis kinetic analysis. The results indicated that the addition of PABA improved the flame‐retardant properties of the modified FPUFs. The CONE results showed that PABA significantly reduced the PHRR and total heat release (THR) of FPUF, and FPUF‐PABA15 had the lowest PHRR (44.69 kW/m2) and THR (2.49 MJ/m2). TGA showed that FPUF‐PABA15 had maximum residual masses of 27.14%, 26.99%, 28.61%, and 27.25% at four heating rates, respectively. Integral programmed decomposition temperature analysis found that FPUF‐PABA15 also had the highest decomposition temperature, 225.56, 210.54, 148.83, and 162.13°C at four different heating rates. At the same time, the computational activation energy of FPUF‐PABA15 was also the highest, at 133.30, 140.46, and 129.46 kJ/mol, respectively. Ds indicated that FPUF‐PABA15 had the best smoke suppression performance, Ds decreased by 2.47 and light transmittance increased by 2.33%. The current results provide a better formulation for bio‐based flame retardant‐modified FPUF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ENN Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. (ENN) is committed to generating fusion energy in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner, which requires abundant aneutronic fuel. Proton-boron (p-11B or p-B) fusion is considered an ideal choice for this purpose. Recent studies have suggested that p-B fusion, although challenging, is feasible based on new cross section data, provided that a hot ion mode and high wall reflection can be achieved to reduce electron radiation loss. The high beta and good confinement of the spherical torus (ST) make it an ideal candidate for p-B fusion. By utilizing the new spherical torus energy confinement scaling law, a reactor with a major radius R 0 = 4 m, central magnetic field B 0 = 6 T, central temperature T i 0 = 150 keV, plasma current I p = 30 MA, and hot ion mode T i / T e = 4 can yield p-B fusion with Q > 10. A roadmap for p-B fusion has been developed, with the next-generation device named EHL-2. EHL stands for ENN He-Long, which literally means "peaceful Chinese Loong." The main target parameters include R 0 ≃ 1.05 m, A ≃ 1.85 , B 0 ≃ 3 T, T i 0 ≃ 30 keV, I p ≃ 3 MA, and T i / T e ≥ 2. The existing ST device EXL-50 was simultaneously upgraded to provide experimental support for the new roadmap, involving the installation and upgrading of the central solenoid, vacuum chamber, and magnetic systems. The construction of the upgraded ST fusion device, EXL-50U, was completed at the end of 2023, and it achieved its first plasma in January 2024. The construction of EHL-2 is estimated to be completed by 2026. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the low separation efficiency of actinide nuclide (An) and fission product (FP) in the separation process of high‐level radioactive waste, as well as the large amount of secondary waste. A novel Ln(1‐x)SrxZrO(3.5‐0.5x) (0 ≤ x ≤1) multiphase ceramic waste form (Nd3+ simulating An3+), which can cure both An and Sr simultaneously, was in‐situ synthesized by sol‐gel spray pyrolysis method. The series of multiphase ceramics are composed of cubic pyrochlore phase Nd2Zr2O7 (NZO) and orthorhombic perovskite phase SrZrO3 (SZO), without any accompanying impurities. The two phases exhibit excellent compatibility, and their content can change regularly with the change of x. Nd and Sr occupy their most stable crystal lattice positions, with low transposition doping levels. The density of the composite ceramics is high, and the measured density is as high as 88 % of the theoretical density. The above experimental results confirm that the new multiphase ceramics can cure An and Sr simultaneously and separately, showing strong adaptability to waste components and high chemical stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) was prepared using hydrolyzed keratin‐modified polyol and aluminium hypophosphite as flame retardants. The effects of aluminium hypophosphite on the thermal stability and flame‐retardant properties of hydrolyzed keratin‐modified RPUFs were studied by limiting oxygen index (LOI) method, thermogravimetric analysis, pyrolysis kinetic analysis, cone analysis and smoke density analysis. The results showed that RPUF added with 7.5 wt% aluminium hypophosphite (RPUF‐HK5‐7.5AL) had the highest LOI, which was 26.1%. RPUF‐HK5‐7.5AL had the highest initial decomposition temperature, the highest T5% at a heating rate of 10 °C min−1 and the highest activation energy. In addition, RPUF‐HK5‐7.5AL possessed the lowest heat release rate at 50 kW m−2 of 125.10 kW m−2, and the lowest total heat release rate of 5.30 MJ m−2. Results indicated that RPUF‐HK5‐7.5AL had the best thermal stability and flame‐retardant properties. Scanning electron microscopy showed that hydrolyzed keratin and aluminium hypophosphite had a synergistic effect on the flame retardancy of the RPUFs. The current research results provide a useful reference for the preparation of RPUFs with good flame‐retardant properties by bio‐based modification. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IRAK4 is a critical mediator in NF-κB-regulated inflammatory signaling and has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of autoimmune diseases; however, none of its inhibitors have received FDA approval. In this study, we identified a novel small-molecule IRAK4 kinase inhibitor, DW18134, with an IC50 value of 11.2 nM. DW18134 dose-dependently inhibited the phosphorylation of IRAK4 and IKK in primary peritoneal macrophages and RAW264.7 cells, inhibiting the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 in both cell lines. The in vivo study demonstrated the efficacy of DW18134, significantly attenuating behavioral scores in an LPS-induced peritonitis model. Mechanistically, DW18134 reduced serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels and attenuated inflammatory tissue injury. By directly blocking IRAK4 activation, DW18134 diminished liver macrophage infiltration and the expression of related inflammatory cytokines in peritonitis mice. Additionally, in the DSS-induced colitis model, DW18134 significantly reduced the disease activity index (DAI) and normalized food and water intake and body weight. Furthermore, DW18134 restored intestinal damage and reduced inflammatory cytokine expression in mice by blocking the IRAK4 signaling pathway. Notably, DW18134 protected DSS-threatened intestinal barrier function by upregulating tight junction gene expression. In conclusion, our findings reported a novel IRAK4 inhibitor, DW18134, as a promising candidate for treating inflammatory diseases, including peritonitis and IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation–induced enteritis is an unavoidable complication associated with pelvic tumor radiotherapy, significantly influencing the prognosis of cancer patients. The limited availability of commercial gastrointestinal radioprotectors in clinical settings poses a substantial challenge in preventing radiation enteritis. Despite the inherent radioprotective characteristics of Cur in vitro, its poor solubility in water, instability, and low bioavailability lead to inferior therapeutic effects in vivo. Herein, we developed novel ROS-responsive micelles (CTI) from inulin and curcumin, aimed at mitigating radiation enteritis. CTI micelles had excellent solubility and stability. Importantly, CTI improved the cytotoxicity and bioavailability of curcumin, thereby showing enhanced effectiveness in neutralizing ROS induced by radiation, safeguarding against DNA damage, and reducing radiation-induced cellular mortality. Moreover, in a radiation enteritis mice model, CTI not only alleviated severe radiation-induced intestinal injury but also improved redox-related indicators and reduced inflammatory cytokine expression. Furthermore, CTI effectively increased gut microbiota abundance and maintained gut homeostasis. In conclusion, CTI could be a promising candidate for the clinical management of radiation enteritis. Our study provides a new perspective for radioprotection using natural antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural and bonding properties of the Pt2C2n− (n = 1–3) complexes have been investigated by mass-selected photoelectron velocity-map imaging spectroscopy with quantum chemical calculations. The adiabatic detachment energies and vertical detachment energies of Pt2C2n− have been obtained from the measured photoelectron imaging spectra. Theoretical results indicate that the lowest-energy isomers of Pt2C2n− (n = 1–3) possess linear chain-shaped configurations. The binding motif in the most stable isomer of Pt2C2− has a linear cumulenic structure with a Pt=C=C=Pt configuration, and the structural characteristic persists up to all the lowest-energy isomers of the Pt2C4− and Pt2C6− anions. The chemical bonding analyses indicate that the Pt2C2n− (n = 1–3) complexes have multicenter two-electron characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a surface hopping approach in which the implemented linear vibronic coupling Hamiltonian is constructed and the electronic wavefunction is propagated in the reciprocal space. The parameters of the linear vibronic coupling model, including onsite energies, phonon frequencies, and electron–phonon couplings, are calculated with density-functional theory and density-functional perturbation theory and interpolated in fine sampling points of the Brillouin zone with maximally localized Wannier functions. Using this approach, we studied the relaxation dynamics of the photo-excited hot carrier in a one-dimensional periodic carbon chain. The results show that the completeness of the number of Hilbert space k points and the number of phonon q points plays an important role in the hot carrier relaxation processes. By calculating the relaxation times of hot carriers under different reciprocal space sampling and extrapolating with the stretched–compressed exponential function, the relaxation times of hot electrons and holes in the quasi-continuous energy band are obtained. By considering the feedback effect in the hopping processes and analyzing the time-dependent phonon energy in different normal modes, we found that the long-wave longitudinal optical phonons play a major role in the relaxation dynamics of hot electrons and holes. We, therefore, provided herein an efficient and accurate approach for modeling the photophysical processes in periodic solid-state material systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for more efficient gas turbines relies heavily on the development of new environmental‐thermal barrier coatings (ETBCs). However, there is still uncertainty about which alloys and composites will be used for the next generation of turbine blades, as well as the most promising coating materials. Herein, an ETBCs development strategy is presented by integrating the coating design, synthesis, and screening using an ultrafast high temperature sintering (UHS) technique to accelerate coating improvements. The initial basis for composition selection is their thermal expansion mismatch with the substrate alloys; for which a temperature‐dependent coefficient of thermal expansion database is created. By combining tape casting method with the UHS technique a high‐throughput synthesis of single and multi‐layer coatings are realized with different compositions, layer stacking sequences, and layer thicknesses. To evaluate the coatings, thermal cycling tests from room temperature to 1300 °C are conducted. The approach enabled coatings on objects with complex geometries, multi‐layer ETBCs, and porosity tailoring by using staged UHS that runs with different temperatures and durations. The fast iteration strategy is more cost‐effective for the screening of ETBCs compared to conventional methods and greater throughput which can be further extended for rapid optimization of other materials systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) with 3630 polyol‐based components was modified using bio‐based soybean oil (SO) polyol. The effects of soybean oil polyol on the thermal stability, flame retardant and smoke suppression performances of the modified RPUFs were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, integral programmed decomposition temperature (IPDT), pyrolysis kinetic analysis, limiting oxygen index, conical calorimetry and smoke toxicity analysis. The results indicated that the RPUF‐SO2 (10 wt% soybean oil polyol) had the highest thermal decomposition rate temperature, initial thermogravimetric temperature, termination temperature, residual rate, IPDT and activation energy. Under various circumstances, the total heat release (THR) of RPUF‐SO2 was 1.41, 1.61, and 2.51 MJ/m2, respectively, and the peak heat release rate (PHRR) was lowered by 22.40%, 45.68%, and 19.86% in comparison to the original RPUF‐0. In the meantime, RPUF‐SO2 had the best light transmittance (57.20 and 60.60%), the lowest toxic gas emissions (0.31, 0.44, and 0.38 kg/s), and the lowest Ds (32.46 and 29.07). It also had an excellent smoke suppression effect. According to the current study, RPUF‐SO2 performed better in terms of heat stability, flame retardancy and smoke suppression. This made it a good benchmark for further bio‐based soybean oil polyol modified RPUFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer art has recently become a vital part of the artistic process of creating digital versions of illustrations. Digital painting is an example. It has become a new phenomenon in Chinese art, transforming technique, aesthetics and culture. Thus, this study determines the impact of digital tools on the digital painting skills of students with different painting levels. The study involved 90 students from the Zhengzhou Preschool Education College in China. The study used a quasi-experimental design with a single-group pre-test/post-test design. The research findings indicated that there were improvements in painting skills for the groups with poor and medium achievements. The considered painting skills included composition, colour theory, interpretation and creativity. The resulting data validate the positive impact of digital tools on learning and creating paintings. The research described in this article is valuable for creating and implementing innovative courses in digital painting. Future studies should focus on the design and development of computer-aided painting courses and their impact on art students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to solve the problem of improving the flame retardancy of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) while improving the environmental pollution caused by flame retardancy. Using the special layered structure of montmorillonite (MMT) and the stable chemical bond formed by the reaction with chicken feather (CF) protein, RPUF co‐modified with MMT and CF was successfully prepared by using the "one‐step method" of all‐water foaming. It was found by experiments and theoretical calculations that the addition of MMT improved the flame retardancy of the samples. When 3 wt% of MMT was added, RPUF‐CF1/MMT3 had the highest initial decomposition temperature and the largest activation energy, and its thermal stability was the best. In addition, RPUF‐CF1/MMT3 had the smallest peak heat release rate (28.77, 32.04, and 42.18 kW/m2) and total heat release (1.87, 2.15, and 2.38 MJ/m2) at different radiation fluxes. Meanwhile, RPUF‐CF1/MMT3 had the smallest smoke density (32.17 and 28.32), the largest light transmission (57.05% and 60.91%), the lowest toxic gas emission and the lowest fire risk. Highlights: Flame retardant modified bioprotein‐based RPUF by MMT is proposed.The flame retardant mechanism depends on the "sandwich biscuit" structure of MMT and its POSi bond with chicken hair protein.MMT‐modified RPUF can improve its thermal stability, flame retardancy and smoke toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the dynamic changes in anterior segment parameters during accommodation following Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) implantation with swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Methods: Under the accommodation of 0.00 diopters (D), 3.00 D, and maximum amplitude, SS-OCT was used to examine the anterior segment parameters, including ICL vault, ICL depth (the distance between the corneal endothelium and the posterior surface of ICL), crystalline lens thickness, anterior chamber depth, and various parameters of the anterior chamber angle, comprising angle opening distance, angle recess area, trabecular iris space area, and trabecular iris angle. Results: During accommodation, the ICL vault showed a significant decrease from baseline (536 ± 278 μm) to 3.00 D (522 ± 281 μm), followed by an increase from 3.00 D to maximum amplitude (548 ± 306 μm) (analysis of variance [ANOVA], P <.001). Four eyes (2.61%) exhibited a decrease in ICL vault to less than 100 μm (47 ± 32 μm) at maximum accommodation. The ICL depth decreased significantly as accommodation increased (ANOVA, P <.001). Crystalline lens thickness increased, whereas anterior chamber depth decreased during accommodation (ANOVA, P <.001). The anterior chamber angle widened during 3.00 D of accommodation but narrowed at maximum accommodation, leading to significant changes in the angle opening distance, angle recess area, trabecular iris space area, and trabecular iris angle during accommodation (ANOVA, P <.001 for all). Conclusions: The anterior segment, including ICL vault and anterior chamber angle, undergo significant dynamic changes during accommodation. These accommodative changes may require careful monitoring for the surgery design of ICL implantation. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(3):e164–e172.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectroscopic characterization of carbon monoxide activation by neutral metal carbides is of essential importance for understanding the structure–reactivity relationships of catalytic sites, but has been proven to be very challenging owing to the difficulty in size selection. Here, we report a size-specific infrared-vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopic study of the reactions between carbon monoxide with neutral chromium carbides. Quantum chemical calculations were carried out to identify the low-lying structures and to interpret the experimental features. The results reveal that the most stable structure of CrC3(CO)2 consists of a CCO ketenylidene unit and that of CrC4(CO)2 has a semi-bridging CO with a very low CO stretching vibrational frequency at 1821 cm−1. The electron structure analyses show that this semi-bridging CO is highly activated through the delocalized Cr–C–C three-center two-electron (3c–2e) interaction between the antibonding orbitals of CO and the metal carbide skeleton. The formation of these metal carbide carbonyls is found to be both thermodynamically exothermic and kinetically facile in the gas phase. The present findings have important implications for the mechanical understanding of the catalytic processes with isolated metal atoms/clusters dispersed on supports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the learning curve of robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) in children. The clinical data, surgical information, and postoperative complications of consecutive cases of RALP performed by the same surgeon in Shanghai Children's Hospital from January 2014 to July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed; the surgeon is a senior pediatric urologists who is proficient in laparoscopic pyeloplasty; the data consist of console time (CT), suture method when anastomosing ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), number of stitches (N), anastomosis time per stitch (tn), the average suture time per stitch (T) = (suture time of first stitch (t1) + second stitch (t2) + … + tn)/N, postoperative complications, and surgical outcome. The learning curve was depicted by cumulative sum method (CUSUM) and validated by cumulative method (CUM). Of the 88 cases, 64 cases were included in present study. Median CT was 104 (83–117) min, mean T was 109 ± 17 s. There were ten cases of Clavien–Dindo Grade I complication and two cases of Clavien–Dindo Grade IIIb complication. The median follow-up time was 237 (87–627) days. The learning curve of CT has three stages, with inflection points at 11th and 57th case, and T has two stages, with inflection points at 19th case. There was a statistically significant difference between the console time and length of stay on both sides of the inflection point (P < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, etiology, clinical manifestation, surgical outcome, and complication (P > 0.05). For a senior pediatric urologists who is proficient in laparoscopic pyeloplasty, the learning curve of RALP can be divided into three stages, preliminary exploration stage, mastery stage, and proficiency stage. It takes about 11 cases to achieve the mastery stage, and it takes about 57 cases to achieve the proficiency stage. The learning curve focused on the suture technique of the surgeon is divided into two stages, and after a learning period of 19 cases, it will reach the proficiency stage of suturing UPJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Many patients with biliary atresia (BA) after the Kasai procedure (KP) progress to death or require liver transplantation to achieve long-term survival; however, most cases of death/liver transplantation (D/LT) occur in the early period after KP (usually within 1 year). This study was designed to construct a convenient nomogram for predicting early D/LT in patients with BA after KP. Methods: A BA cohort was established in May 2017, and up to May 2023, 112 patients with 1–5 years of follow-up were enrolled in the study and randomly (ratio, 3:1) divided into a training cohort for constructing a nomogram (n = 84) and a validation cohort (n = 28) for externally validating the discrimination and calibration. The training cohort was divided into two groups: the early D/LT group (patients who died or had undergone LT within 1 year after KP [n = 35]) and the control group (patients who survived through the native liver more than 1 year after KP [n = 49]). Multivariate logistic regression and stepwise regression were applied to detect variables with the best predictive ability for the construction of the nomogram. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were internally and externally validated. Results: The Kaplan–Meier (K-M) curve showed an actual 1-year native liver transplantation (NLS) rate of 57.1% and an estimated 2-year NLS rate of 55.2%. By multivariate regression and stepwise regression, age at KP, jaundice clearance (JC) speed 1 month after KP, early-onset PC (initial time < 36.5 days) after KP, sex, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and weight at KP were identified as the independent variables with the best ability to predict early D/LT and were used to construct a nomogram. The developed nomogram based on these independent variables showed relatively good discrimination and calibration according to internal and external validation. Conclusion: Most D/LTs were early D/LTs that occurred within 1 year after KP. The established nomogram based on predictors, including sex, weight at the KP, the APRI, age at the KP, JC speed 1 month after the KP, and early PC, may be useful for predicting early D/LT and may be helpful for counseling BA patients about patient prognosis after KP. This study was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05909033) in June 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The voltage source converter (VSC) interlinking AC and DC power networks is a core equipment in AC/DC hybrid power systems. To analyze the stability of this system based on the impedance method, it is necessary to establish the hybrid AC/DC admittance model of interlinking VSC. This paper presents a unified and systematic AC/DC hybrid admittance modelling framework which is widely applicable to different control methods of interlinking VSCs. The hybrid admittance models for interlinking VSCs under PQ control, VdcIq control, and Vf control are explicitly formulated, with their elements individually reflecting the dynamics of the AC side, DC side, and the interaction between them. Subsequently, the impedance network model of interlinking VSC systems is formulated based on the hybrid admittance, and furthermore the frequency‐domain modal analysis is performed to analyze the system oscillation stability. Finally, frequency scanning and time‐domain simulation results in MATLAB/Simulink are provided to validate the effectiveness of the modelling and oscillation stability analysis method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroimaging-based brain age prediction using deep learning is gaining popularity. However, few studies have attempted to leverage diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to predict brain age. In this study, we proposed a 3D convolutional neural network model (3DCNN) and trained it on fractional anisotropy (FA) data from six publicly available datasets (n = 2406, age = 17–60) to estimate brain age. Implementing a two-loop nested cross-validation scheme with a tenfold cross-validation procedure, we achieved a robust prediction performance of a mean absolute error (MAE) of 2.785 and a correlation coefficient of 0.932. We also employed Grad-Cam++ to visualize the salient features of the proposed model. We identified a few highly salient fiber tracts, including the genu of corpus callosum and the left cerebellar peduncle, among others that play a pivotal role in our model. In sum, our model reliably predicted brain age and provided novel insight into age-related changes in brains' axonal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is the most frequent etiology of operable pharmacoresistant epilepsy in children. There is burgeoning evidence that FCD‐related epilepsy is a disorder that involves distributed brain networks. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a tool that allows one to infer neuronal activity and to noninvasively map whole‐brain functional networks. Despite its relatively widespread availability at most epilepsy centers, the clinical application of fMRI remains mostly task‐based in epilepsy. Another approach is to map and characterize cortical functional networks of individuals using resting state fMRI (rsfMRI). The focus of this scoping review is to summarize the evidence to date of investigations of the network basis of FCD‐related epilepsy, and to highlight numerous potential future applications of rsfMRI in the exploration of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for FCD‐related epilepsy. There are numerous studies demonstrating a global disruption of cortical functional networks in FCD‐related epilepsy. The underlying pathological subtypes of FCD influence overall functional network patterns. There is evidence that cortical functional network mapping may help to predict postsurgical seizure outcomes, highlighting the translational potential of these findings. Additionally, several studies emphasize the important effect of FCD interaction with cortical networks and the expression of epilepsy and its comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmas can generate ultra-high-temperature reactive environments that can be used for the synthesis and processing of a wide range of materials1,2. However, the limited volume, instability and non-uniformity of plasmas have made it challenging to scalably manufacture bulk, high-temperature materials3–8. Here we present a plasma set-up consisting of a pair of carbon-fibre-tip-enhanced electrodes that enable the generation of a uniform, ultra-high temperature and stable plasma (up to 8,000 K) at atmospheric pressure using a combination of vertically oriented long and short carbon fibres. The long carbon fibres initiate the plasma by micro-spark discharge at a low breakdown voltage, whereas the short carbon fibres coalesce the discharge into a volumetric and stable ultra-high-temperature plasma. As a proof of concept, we used this process to synthesize various extreme materials in seconds, including ultra-high-temperature ceramics (for example, hafnium carbonitride) and refractory metal alloys. Moreover, the carbon-fibre electrodes are highly flexible and can be shaped for various syntheses. This simple and practical plasma technology may help overcome the challenges in high-temperature synthesis and enable large-scale electrified plasma manufacturing powered by renewable electricity.A plasma set-up consisting of a pair of carbon-fibre-tip-enhanced electrodes enables the generation of a uniform, ultra-high temperature and stable plasma (up to 8,000 K) at atmospheric pressure using a combination of vertically oriented long and short carbon fibres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]