Search

To develop an auto-categorization system based on machine learning for three-dimensional magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (3D MRCP) to detect choledocholithiasis from healthy and symptomatic individuals. 3D MRCP sequences from 254 cases with common bile duct (CBD) stones and 251 cases with normal CBD were enrolled to train the 3D Convolutional Neural Network (3D-CNN) model. Then 184 patients from three different hospitals (91 with positive CBD stone and 93 with normal CBD) were prospectively included to test the performance of 3D-CNN. With a cutoff value of 0.2754, 3D-CNN achieved the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 94.51%, 92.47%, and 93.48%, respectively. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for the presence or absence of CBD stones was 0.974 (95% CI, 0.940–0.992). There was no significant difference in sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy between 3D-CNN and radiologists. In addition, the performance of 3D-CNN was also evaluated in the internal test set and the external test set, respectively. The internal test set yielded an accuracy of 94.74% and AUC of 0.974 (95% CI, 0.919–0.996), and the external test set yielded an accuracy of 92.13% and AUC of 0.970 (95% CI, 0.911–0.995). An artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic system for CBD stones was constructed using 3D-CNN model for 3D MRCP images. The performance of 3D-CNN model was comparable to that of radiologists in diagnosing CBD stones. 3D-CNN model maintained high performance when applied to data from other hospitals. • An AI-assisted diagnostic model for CBD stones was developed based on 3D MRCP images. • There is no difference in capturing CBD stones between 3D-CNN model and radiologists. • 3D-CNN model maintained high performance when applied to data from other hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper researches the free vibrations and corresponding material parameters of a functional gradient graphene platelets-reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) cantilever torsional plates with both pore and graphene variations in the transverse direction. Utilizing the feature of closed-cell cellular solids, the mixture rule, and the modified Halpin–Tsai model, the material parameters of the composite are determined for different volume fractions of component materials. Then, using the classical plate theory (CLPT), the Rayleigh–Ritz technique and polynomials, the dynamic equation that can be used to obtain the free vibration mode shapes and frequencies of the rotating cantilever torsional plate is given. Comparison studies with the previous calculation results from available literature and the finite element (FE) models of cantilever plates are conducted, and the correctness of the present theoretical formulation and numerical calculation is verified. Finally, the effects of graphene platelet (GPL) distribution, porosity distribution (PD), GPL content, rotational speed, and average geometric size of GPL on free vibrations of the system are studied in depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xenopus embryos are covered with a complex epithelium containing numerous multiciliated cells (MCCs). During late-stage development, there is a dramatic remodeling of the epithelium that involves the complete loss of MCCs. Cell extrusion is awell-characterized process for driving cell loss while maintaining epithelial barrier function. Normal cell extrusion is typically unidirectional, whereas bidirectional extrusion is often associated with disease (e.g. cancer). We describe two distinct mechanisms for MCC extrusion, a basal extrusion driven by Notch signaling and an apical extrusion driven by Piezo1. Early in the process there is a strong bias towards basal extrusion, but as development continues there is a shift towards apical extrusion. Importantly, response to the Notch signal is age dependent and governed by the maintenance of the MCC transcriptional program such that extension of this program is protective against cell loss. In contrast, later apical extrusion is regulated by Piezo1, such that premature activation of Piezo1 leads to early extrusion while blocking Piezo1 leads to MCC maintenance. Distinct mechanisms for MCC loss underlie the importance of their removal during epithelial remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of microfluidic technology, new materials and fabrication methods have been constantly invented in the field of microfluidics. Bonding is one of the key steps for the fabrication of enclosed-channel microfluidic chips, which have been extensively explored by researchers globally. The main purpose of bonding is to seal/enclose fabricated microchannels for subsequent fluid manipulations. Conventional bonding methods are usually irreversible, and the forced detachment of the substrate and cover plate may lead to structural damage to the chip. Some of the current microfluidic applications require reversible bonding to reuse the chip or retrieve the contents inside the chip. Therefore, it is essential to develop reversible bonding methods to meet the requirements of various applications. This review introduces the most recent developments in reversible bonding methods in microfluidics and their corresponding applications. Finally, the perspective and outlook of reversible bonding technology were discussed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the effect of the deformation field size on the mechanical strength of metallic glasses (MGs) has been investigated thoroughly, a few studies have investigated the effect of the deformation field size on the kinetic creep deformation behavior for these materials. This issue is addressed in the current work by investigating the nanoindentation creep kinetics of La-based MGs under the application of spherical indenters with two different tip radii and three different loading rates. The experimental data are fit to a viscoelastic model to extract the activation volume and relaxation time characteristics of the kinetic nanoindentation creep deformation of the samples. The results demonstrate that the nanoindentation creep kinetics are not only strongly dependent on the loading rate, but also vary significantly with the indenter tip radius. The deformation dynamics is interpreted by the stretched exponent β, indicating its relatively small value at a large loading rate along with a large indenter tip radius. Furthermore, the observed effect of the deformation field size can be attributed to an interplay between the deformation field under the spherical indenter and flow defects associated with the excess free volume, shear transition zone, or shear band embryo with an evolution that is essentially dependent on the loading rate. The current findings contribute to a fundamental understanding of the mechanism of shear softening during creep deformation in MGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most forest research focuses either on the silvicultural aspects of forest management or the economic optimisation of an objective function to answer a specific policy question. This paper investigated optimum rotation ages for harvest, under both economic and biological theories, to discover the conditions that maximise both profit and sustainability. Both the optimum biological rotation for maximising sustainable yields (MSY), and economic rotation based on the Faustmann model were calculated through observation data from Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantations in Fenyi, Jiangxi Province, China. It was found that the economic rotations of Chinese fir were longer than the biological rotations by almost 2 years when the discount rate equaled 0.05. If the discount rate increased as high as the inverse of the biological rotation time plus the incremental growth rate of the stumpage price, the rotations under both Faustmann and MSY rules coincided. Under these conditions, the ratio of regeneration costs to the value of timber in a stand should be low to keep forest management profitable. These findings are of practical importance for forest managers in relation to forest investment, planting decisions and harvesting for bussiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trend surface analysis is one of the important methods for processing radioactive element concentration data of airborne gamma-ray spectrum. At present, the fitting of trend surface is mainly based on the polynomial least-squares method. Due to the degree of limitation of polynomial functions, the polynomial least-squares method is imprecise in describing the trend surface. Therefore, as an alternative approach, we considered the 2D asymmetric least squares (2D-AsLS) developed under 2D tensor product of a P-spline. 2D-AsLS can make full use of the spatial characteristics of radioactive element concentration data to fit trend surfaces. 2D-AsLS can adjust the fitting effect of the trend surface by modifying smoothness, and can evaluate the fitting effect through the parameters (i.e. fitting coefficient, error variance, coefficient of variation, and degree of deviation). Gamma-ray spectrum data acquired by an unmanned aerial vehicle was used in the experiment. The results showed that 2D-AsLS can completely distinguish regional trend and residual values. Moreover, the trend surface fitted by 2D-AsLS can describe the regional radioactive background in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For far-field wireless power transfer (WPT) in a complex propagation environment, a time-reversal (TR) based WPT that can overcome the drawbacks of conventional beamforming (BF) by taking advantage of multipath has been recently proposed. However, due to the WPT performance of BF and TR depending on the complexity of the propagation environment, the performance prediction between BF versus TR would be required. We present a detailed and generalized analysis of the recently proposed performance metric referred to as the peak received power ratio (PRPR) for linear array-based WPT. Here, the effectiveness of PRPR is verified via measurement for free space and indoor scenarios. The results demonstrate that PRPR is directly related to the complexity of the propagation environment and the corresponding power transmission capability of BF and TR. That is, the higher the complexity, the greater the value of PRPR and TR outperforms BF with higher peak power given the same average transmit power and vice versa. The mode decision between BF and TR based on PRPR potentially promises efficient far-field WPT even in a dynamic propagation environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of event-triggered neural adaptive fault-tolerant finite-time control is investigated for a class of nonstrict feedback nonlinear systems in the presence of nonaffine nonlinear faults. The event-triggered signal is designed by using a relative-threshold to reduce communication burden. The dynamic surface control method is used to relax the assumption of the reference signal and deal with the computational complexity issue. Based on the finite-time stability, a new neural adaptive backstepping design method is developed. The event-triggered neural adaptive fault-tolerant control law is developed for the closed-loop system so that not only the semi-global practical finite-time stability is ensured, but also the tracking performance with a small residual set is guaranteed. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control law is verified via simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation hard diagnostics are critical to the success of nuclear fusion at National Ignition Facility, Z, ITER, and prolonged space explorations. We have first demonstrated the exceptional proton radiation hardness of initial GaN devices and qualified their space flight and deployment for missions such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna and International Space Station. We have further conducted neutron radiation hardness experiments at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center by opening a new high fluence beam station. During 2014–2016, we irradiated multiple Aluminum Gallium Nitride (AlGaN) LEDs with a maximum fluence of 2.4 × 1013 neutrons/cm2 in 3 years and generated 54 161 current–voltage (I–V) scan traces. Our data processing program analyzes each and all I–V traces. In addition, we retrieved local temperature records to analyze and remove temperature effects in the outdoor environment. The I–V curve families of AlGaN UV LEDs with emitting wavelengths of 265, 275, and 310 nm were compared. The I–V curves of 265 nm AlGaN UV LEDs have the smallest deviations from the average value, while the I–V curves for 310 nm AlGaN LEDs showed the largest deviations from the average value. We have reached another important recommendation for the optimal use of multiple AlGaN optoelectronic devices or imaging arrays for inertially confined fusion diagnostics: Shorter wavelength devices at 265 nm exhibit more consistent radiation hardness performance than the 310 nm devices. Higher aluminum content LEDs or AlxGa1–xN devices with higher mole fraction x for generating shorter wavelengths have better radiation hardness for fusion diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centriole amplification in multiciliated cells occurs in a pseudo-cell cycle regulated process that typically utilizes a poorly characterized molecularly dense structure called the deuterosome. We identified the centrosomal protein Cep70 as a novel deuterosome-associated protein that forms a complex with other deuterosome proteins, CCDC78 and Deup1. Cep70 dynamically associates with deuterosomes during centriole amplification in the ciliated epithelia of Xenopus embryos. Cep70 is not found in nascent deuterosomes prior to amplification. However, it becomes localized at deuterosomes at the onset of centriole biogenesis and remains there after the completion of centriole amplification. Deuterosome localization requires a conserved C-terminal "Cep70" motif. Depletion of Cep70 using morpholino oligos or CRISPR/Cas9 editing in F0 embryos leads to a severe decrease in centriole formation in both endogenous MCCs, as well as ectopically induced MCCs. Consistent with a decrease in centrioles, endogenous MCCs have defects in the process of radial intercalation. We propose that Cep70 represents a novel regulator of centriole biogenesis in MCCs. • Cep70 is a novel component of the deuterosome that biochemically interacts with CCDC78 and Deup1. • Cep70 dynamically associates with the deuterosome during development of multiciliated cells. • Morpholino or CRISPR depletion of Cep70 dramatically decreases centriole biogenesis in multiciliated cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learning point for cliniciansData have shown myocarditis may occur following mRNA Covid-19 vaccination as regarding to prothrombogenic syndrome following adenoviral vector vaccine injection. Prothrombogenic syndrome was observed following adenoviral vector-based vaccination1 and myocarditis or pericarditis after mRNA vaccines has been reported.2 We are presenting a case of a young Asian male developing myopericarditis with pleuritis postadenoviral vector vaccination. [Extracted from the article]

The influence of ion irradiation on structural rejuvenation and relaxation in a Zr-based metallic glass (MG) is investiagted. The MG can be structurally rejuvenated with increasing irradiation dosage from 0 to 3 dpa, which reflects in increased activation volumes of shear-transformation zones. However, structural relaxation dominates at a high irradiation dosage (4 dpa) resulting in higher hardness. The anelastic-relaxation processes in the irradiated MG can be understood in terms of the coordination mechanism of the deformation modes associated with free volume. Ion irradiation appears to be a promising and effective way to modify MGs and to, thus, manipulate plastic flow. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woolly mammoths were among the most abundant cold-adapted species during the Pleistocene. Their once-large populations went extinct in two waves, an end-Pleistocene extinction of continental populations followed by the mid-Holocene extinction of relict populations on St. Paul Island ∼5,600 years ago and Wrangel Island ∼4,000 years ago. Wrangel Island mammoths experienced an episode of rapid demographic decline coincident with their isolation, leading to a small population, reduced genetic diversity, and the fixation of putatively deleterious alleles, but the functional consequences of these processes are unclear. Here, we show that a Wrangel Island mammoth genome had many putative deleterious mutations that are predicted to cause diverse behavioral and developmental defects. Resurrection and functional characterization of several genes from the Wrangel Island mammoth carrying putatively deleterious substitutions identified both loss and gain of function mutations in genes associated with developmental defects (HYLS1), oligozoospermia and reduced male fertility (NKD1), diabetes (NEUROG3), and the ability to detect floral scents (OR5A1). These data suggest that at least one Wrangel Island mammoth may have suffered adverse consequences from reduced population size and isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arabidopsis trichome is a polyploid epidermal cell resulting from multiple rounds of endocycles. The CYCLIN‐DEPENDENT KINASE INHIBITOR (CKI) family proteins are core cell cycle regulators that promote the endocycle. CONSTITUTIVE EXPRESSION OF PR GENES 5 (CPR5) is a plant‐specific nucleoporin. It has been found that two Arabidopsis CKI, SIAMESE (SIM) and SIAMESE‐RELATED 1 (SMR1), function downstream of CPR5 to activate plant effector‐triggered cell death. The sim smr1 double mutants form multicellular and clustered trichomes, while the cpr5 mutants produce dead and branchless trichomes. This study explored roles of the CPR5‐CKI signalling pathway in trichome cell cycle transition.To examine the underlying mechanism of how cell cycle transition is regulated in plant trichomes, Trypan blue staining, flow cytometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nuclear DNA measurement were conducted.The native promoter‐driven CKI and GUS fusion reporter showed that both SIM and SMR1 proteins were preferentially expressed in trichomes. The cpr5‐induced dead and branchless trichomes were fully suppressed by the sim smr1 double mutant, suggesting that SIM and SMR1 function downstream of CPR5 in trichome development. Flow cytometry analysis showed that as compared to the number of 2C (C = DNA content in a haploid nucleus) cells, the number of 4C cells significantly increased, whereas that of polyploidy cells (8C and 16C) dramatically decreased in the cpr5 mutant. The elevated 4C/2C ratio in the cpr5 mutant is consistent with de‐repression of pro‐endocycle regulators SIM and SMR1. The polyploidy cells (8C and 16C) may be selectively targeted to cell death, which is therefore attributed to the branchless trichomes in the cpr5 mutant. Nuclear DNA content analysis demonstrated that the nuclear DNA content of trichomes in the cpr5 sim mutant was significantly higher than in the sim mutant, indicating that CPR5 is a negative endocycle regulator in trichomes.This study reveals that the CPR5‐CKI signalling pathway controls trichome cell cycle transition and excessive endocycles are required for cell death in plant trichomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative emotion is one reason why stress causes negative feedback. Therefore, many studies are being done to recognize negative emotions. However, emotion is difficult to classify because it is subjective and difficult to quantify. Moreover, emotion changes over time and is affected by mood. Therefore, we measured electrocardiogram (ECG), skin temperature (ST), and galvanic skin response (GSR) to detect objective indicators. We also compressed the features associated with emotion using a stacked auto-encoder (SAE). Finally, the compressed features and time information were used in training through long short-term memory (LSTM). As a result, the proposed LSTM used with the feature compression model showed the highest accuracy (99.4%) for recognizing negative emotions. The results of the suggested model were 11.3% higher than with a neural network (NN) and 5.6% higher than with SAE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researches on the fracmemristor have aroused increasing interest in the last several years, but there are no reports on design of the discrete fracmemristor. Based on the fractional-order difference and the mathematical model of the charge-controlled memristor, the discrete fracmemristor is designed where the amount of charge is determined by a fractional-order discrete system. In the numerical simulations, it shows that the pinched hysteresis loops are observed, which imply that the proposed memristor satisfies the definition of the memristor. As an application, the fracmemristor sine map is designed, and multistability is observed regarding the initial conditions of both the memristor and system. It provides a potential model for different applications such as cellular neural networks, modulators, sensors, chaotic systems, and programmable digital circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a novel dual broadband shared‐aperture perforated patch antenna is presented. The proposed antenna features dual broadband characteristics (S‐ and X‐bands) and relatively uncomplicated design consisting of a three‐layer structure without involving air gaps. The S‐band part of the antenna utilizes the aperture resonance and three‐section feed line to achieve a 26.5% bandwidth, while the X‐band part utilizes both aperture and stacked patch resonances to achieve a 25.6% bandwidth. The performance of the proposed dual broadband patch antenna is validated via numerical simulation and measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-gap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPC) are used in the Solenoidal Large Intensity Device (SoLID) at Jefferson Lab (JLab) to identify kaons. SoLID requires 20 ps for the total time resolution. In this paper, a sealed MRPC (sMRPC) prototype with 4 stacks and 7 uniform gas gaps is designed to reach a good time resolution. At the same time, sMRPC can lower the airflow through the chamber to reduce the greenhouse pollution. Both analog signal discrimination & TDC electronic system and waveform sampling electronic system are used for the readout of the signal. In cosmic tests, we compared the time resolution of these electronic readout methods and measured the efficiency of the sealed MRPC. The preliminary result shows that the MRPC prototype has an efficiency higher than 95%. The sealed MRPC prototype using waveform sampling system, has a time resolution of 40 ps, while a 54 ps time resolution is obtained using analog signal discrimination & TDC electronic system. • Two sealed Multigap Resistive Plate Chambers prototypes have been produced. • The MRPC prototype has 4 stacks and 7 uniform gas gaps, which have a thickness of 128 μ m. • MRPC prototype has a time resolution of 40 ps and has an efficiency higher than 95%. • Prototype using waveform sampling system has a better time resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oriented Co[sub x]Ni[sub 1-x] nanoparticles were synthesized by sequential implantation of 90 keV Co and Ni ions at room temperature in the near surface of an yttria-stabilized zirconia single crystal. Transmission electron microscopy and a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer as well as a vibrating sample magnetometer were utilized to characterize the structural and magnetic properties of the implanted layer. Typical nanoparticles range from 3 to 10 nm in diameter, and some elongated precipitates as long as 25 nm were formed by joining the nanoparticles with nanotwins. Hysteresis loops were measured at both 300 and 10 K, and showed coercivity of 100 or 250 Oe, respectively. Magnetization versus temperature in zero-field-cooled and field-cooled fields was measured. No obvious superparamagnetism was detected below 300 K. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the dielectric continuum model, we have studied the electron-optical phonon scattering rates in GaAs/Al[sub χ]Ga[sub 1-χ]As quantum wells with different structure parameters. It was found that the scattering rate of the symmetric interface phonon mode has a stronger dependence on the A1 composition in the barriers than that of the confined mode. The effective phonon energy emitted by hot electrons in GaAs/Al[sub χ]Ga[sub 1-χ]As quantum wells with various Al compositions was estimated and the calculated value agrees with the experimental results qualitatively. For the dependence on the well width, scattering rates of the S+ mode drop considerably as the well width is increased. The dependence of the electron-optical phonon interaction on structure parameters can be clearly explained by the H and G factors defined in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gd2O3:Er3+@Gd2O3:Yb3+ core-shell nanofibers with cubic phase were successfully fabricated by electrospinning method. The structural, morphological properties were investigated by X-Ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy. Under 980 nm excitation, the upconversion photoluminescence in visible light exhibits strong red emitting band with obvious splitting peaks resulted from stark splitting of energy level. The visible emissions are sensitive to temperature in the range of 303-543 K. The red emission displays quenching with elevation of temperature. The activation energy for thermal quenching is equal to 0.1408 eV. The temperature dependent multi-peaks of red emission were systematically investigated. Based on valley and peak ratio of I680.31nm/I683.03nm in upconversion emission spectra, temperature sensing with constant absolute sensitivity was achieved. These results suggest Gd2O3:Er3+@Gd2O3:Yb3+ nanofibers are promising candidates for luminescence thermometry, which may provide their application values in both scientific research and industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method of radiating circularly polarized (CP) impulse through a dispersive spiral antenna is presented. The proposed method utilizes time‐reversal‐based pulse compression to radiate a CP impulse without any modification to the existing antenna design, providing flexibility where the antenna can be used as a normal dispersive spiral antenna when TR is not applied. Using an Archimedean spiral antenna, the proposed method is validated with numerical simulation and measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is interest in designing UWB antennas with band‐notches to reject other narrowband communication frequencies to avoid interference. However, such band‐notched characteristics inherently cause ringing in the time‐domain, thereby distorting the transmitted (or received) UWB pulses. The level of distortion may depend on the bandwidth and strength of the band‐notch, and it may degrade the performance of a short‐pulse based UWB system. This letter examines the ringing effects of band‐notches in the time‐domain and proposes a method to mitigate the ringing effect in the received signal using the E‐pulse technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To explore if and how symbiotic Phomopsis liquidambari‐rice system influences below‐ground straw decomposition and then nitrogen(N) transformation in response to environmental N levels. Methods and Results: Litter bag experiments were utilized to trace the decay process during rice growth phases (seedling (T1), tillering (T2), heading (T3) and maturing (T4) stage), with (E+) and without endophyte (E−), under low (LN), medium (MN) and high nitrogen (HN) supply. Litter, soil and plant samples were collected to evaluate the decay process, N transformations, plant quality and relative abundance of soil ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA), ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and P. liquidambari. The results showed that straw decomposition increased by 19·76% (LN, T2 stage), 14·05% (MN, T3 stage) and 16·88% (MN, T4 stage) in E+ pots when compared with E− pots. Further analysis revealed that no significant endophyte × N interaction was found for straw decay rate and that the decay rate was reduced by a higher N supply (LN, 37·16 ± 0·65%; MN, 32·27 ± 1·72%; HN, 29·44 ± 1·22%) at the T1 stage, whereas straw decay rate and N release increased by 9·38 and 11·16%, respectively, mainly by endophyte colonization at the T4 stage. The abundance of AOA and AOB were altered, corresponding with the decay rate. Soil mineral N, straw mineral N and plant quality were shown to increase in E+ pots, depending on environmental N conditions and growth phase. The yield increased by 2·98% for E+ plants under MN level. Conclusions: Symbiotic P. liquidambari‐rice system promoted below‐ground straw decomposition and N transformation, depending on environmental N levels and plant growth phase. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study provides evidence that fungal endophyte–plant systems are able to promote N transformation by increasing straw decomposition. A reasonable combination of N inputs could enhance its advantage in agriculture ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur dioxide is a widespread air pollutant and it also acts as a signaling molecule in various processes in mammals. However, the role of SO2 in programmed cell death (PCD) in plants is unclear. Here we studied the role of SO2 in gibberellin (GA)-treated wheat aleurone layers. The results showed that 100 μM SO2 donor (NaHSO3/Na2SO3) could effectively delay PCD and inhibit the coalescence of small protein storage vacuoles (PSVs) in aleurone cells treated with GA. Also, SO2 could reduce the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion in GA-treated aleurone layers. In this process, SO2 could sustain higher activities of catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase and lower activities of lipoxygenase and polyphenol oxidase by comparing with GA alone. In addition, an induction of endogenous H2S and NO was observed in SO2-treated aleurone layers. The application of NO scavenger cPTIO could accelerate PCD in SO2 or H2S treated aleurone cells, suggesting that NO alleviated PCD by acting downstream of SO2 and H2S. In conclusion, these results imply that SO2 could delay PCD in GA-treated wheat aleurone layers by enhancing cellular antioxidative capacity, and H2S/NO signals act downstream of SO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the effects of target (scatterer) resonances on the decomposition of the time reversal operator (DORT) applied to ultrawideband (UWB) electromagnetic scattering. When UWB-DORT is applied to well-resolved point-like scatterers, the frequency responses of the scatterers remain mostly identical and the detected targets appear as a set of distinct eigenvalues over the entire frequency band of operation. However, this may not be the case for targets with strong resonances, since the strongest eigenvalue may not correspond to the same scatterer at different frequency points depending on the resonance characteristics of each target, rendering the eigenstructure inconsistent over the band. Such an effect limits the ability to characterize the targets and construct UWB signals for selective focusing. We examine this phenomenon via numerical experiment considering various target configurations. We also demonstrate a method to overcome this eigenstructure ‘mixing’ by simply correlating adjacent frequency points when applying UWB-DORT. A robust UWB-DORT process applicable to various types of targets would enhance the capability of DORT as a method of target characterization/identification in addition to selective focusing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural evolution in the undercooled liquid plays an essential role in comprehending the crystallization mechanism, which is of benefit to understand the glass-forming ability (GFA), the thermal stability, and the development of glassy alloy (GA) with excellent properties. In this work, Zr 61 Ti 2 Cu 25 Al 12 GAs with different undercooled states were obtained by means of electromagnetic levitation. The Zr 61 Ti 2 Cu 25 Al 12 GA can achieve an undercooling degree of 226 K, which is larger than previously reported GAs. Calorimetric analysis indicates a more relaxed state occurs in the GA cooled from the larger undercooling. Hardness tests show that deep undercooling can lead to a significant increase in hardness compared to a low undercooling level. It might be attributed to a liquid-liquid transition, bringing out an obvious change in the atomic volume of the glassy phase. In addition, a pronounced ordered structure apparently exists when the system reaches the larger undercooling degree. Our findings provide a new perspective for the study of the undercooled liquid, and the solidification kinetics of GAs. • Structure of Zr 61 Ti 2 Cu 25 Al 12 GA is modulated by vitrification at different undercoolings via electromagnetic levitation. • The Zr 61 Ti 2 Cu 25 Al 12 GA achieves a 226 K undercooling degree, which is larger than previously reported GAs. • Our work provides a new perspective for the study of undercooled liquid and the solidification kinetics of GAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most epithelial cells polarize along the axis of the tissue, a feature known as planar cell polarity (PCP). The initiation of PCP requires cell-cell signaling via the noncanonical Wnt/PCP pathway. Additionally, changes in the cytoskeleton both facilitate and reflect this polarity. We have identified CLA MP/Spef1 as a novel regulator of PCP signaling. In addition to decorating microtubules (MTs) and the ciliary rootlet, a pool of CLA MP localizes at the apical cell cortex. Depletion of CLA MP leads to the loss of PCP protein asymmetry, defects in cilia polarity, and defects in the angle of cell division. Additionally, depletion of CLA MP leads to a loss of the atypical cadherin-like molecule Celrs2, suggesting that CLA MP facilitates the stabilization of junctional interactions responsible for proper PCP protein localization. Depletion of CLA MP also affects the polarized organization of MTs. We hypothesize that CLA MP facilitates the establishment of cell polarity and promotes the asymmetric accumulation of MTs downstream of the establishment of proper PCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the Fluoride-salt-cooled High-temperature Reactor (FHR) is ongoing. The molten salt coolant provides several inherent safety characteristics that traditional water-cooled nuclear reactors lack. The first test reactor to be built in China is a pebble-bed type. Research efforts are currently focused on determining the heat transfer characteristics of such a reactor. In the past, the pebble-bed geometry has been studied for the development of the High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR). The previous work has indicated that the profile of the Nusselt number depends on both the lattice structure and pebble contact. In this work, a new series of simulations is sought to characterize heat transfer in an FHR pebble-bed. Due to the physical properties of molten salt and the FHR design, the Reynolds number is roughly three orders of magnitude lower than the HTGR while the Prandtl number is roughly an order of magnitude higher. Thus, the flow in an FHR lattice is expected to be unlike the HTGR counterpart. Three different lattices (Simple Cubic (SC), Body Centered Cubic (BCC), and Face Centered Cubic (FCC)) are considered. The study found that the different lattice geometries have a significant impact on the heat transfer characteristics. The SC lattice has a simplified flow that minimizes pressure-drop and Nusselt number. The BCC and FCC lattice have a complicated flow structure resulting in an order of magnitude higher pressure-drop and almost double the Nusselt number. It was concluded that heat transfer characteristics in a random pebble-bed would be highly sensitive to the mixing, and thus turbulent heat transfer, along the flow path. It was also found that while an interstitial gap allows heat transfer characteristics to be replicated, the pressure loss is significantly lower, while the computational costs increase. Correlations available in the literature (developed primarily for HTGRs) have a mixed performance in prediction of the Nusselt number. The result suggests that new experimental efforts are necessary to develop correlations that pertain to FHR conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common strategy to enhance the plasticity of metallic glasses (MGs) is to synthesize MG composites with crystalline phases. Here, the evolution of crystallization and the correlation between void-like defects and crystallization for the as-spun and cryogenically-treated (CT) MGs are investigated under a rigorous annealing process conducted in-situ. The as-spun specimen maintains its amorphous structure with a relatively large size of nanoscale defects. However, crystallization is observed for the CT MG with a high concentration of nanoscale defects that decreases during the crystallization process. The crystallization develops readily in the CT MG due to the greater size of the ordered clusters, the higher concentration of seeding sites, and its greater nucleation rate. Our findings demonstrated cryogenic treatment could tune atomic rearrangements, which has guiding significance on designing MG composite with controlled length scales and distribution of crystalline inclusions. [Display omitted] • During in-situ annealing process, the as-spun MG maintains its amorphous structure, but crystallization is observed for the cryogenic-treated MG. The evolution of crystallization and the correlation between defects and crystallization at the nanoscale is accordingly investigated. • Our work provides a new perspective for understanding the structural information featured in disordered materials, and contributes toward a more complete understanding of the primary crystallization mechanisms in MGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-strength alloys are in urgent demand for engineering applications. Inducing multiple strengthening phases in a ductile matrix by microalloying is an effective alloy-strengthening strategy, especially the simultaneous formation of geometrically close-packed (GCP) phases and topologically close-packed (TCP) precipitation in high entropy alloys (HEAs). In this study, the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of a series of (FeNi) 67 Cr 15 Mn 10-x Al 4 Ti 4 Mo x HEAs with x values of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were analyzed in detail, with the substitution of Mn by Mo. This substitution does not change the L1 2 phase forming elements (Ni, Al and Ti) in the alloy, and enhance the σ phase precipitation, which meantime does not modify the oxidation resistance in thermal mechanical treatment. After aging at a temperature of 1023 K for 5 h, the matrix of the HEAs still maintains a face-cubic-centered structure. However, as Mn is replaced by Mo, hard σ precipitates are introduced into the matrix and the grains are significantly refined when x < 5. Therefore, the yield strength monotonically increases with increasing x. However, the formation of the hard σ precipitates also hinders the sustainability of the work hardening process, and thereby decreases the plasticity of the HEAs. Hence, the elongation at break monotonically decreases with increasing x. However, the high density of σ phase precipitates obtained at x = 5 prematurely terminates the work hardening process. Therefore, the highest ultimate tensile stress is obtained at x = 4, rather than x = 5. This also changes the fracture morphology from a coarse grain morphology for x < 5 to a typical brittle fracture at x = 5. Accordingly, (FeNi) 67 Cr 15 Mn 6 Al 4 Ti 4 Mo 4 obtains the optimal mechanical properties overall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of M 2 X phase in HT9 irradiated to high dpa was explored using self-ion irradiation. HT9 was pre-implanted with 10 appm He and irradiated with a raster-scanned Fe 2+ beam with a damage rate of ∼1 × 10 −3 dpa/s at 460 °C. The precipitation of M 2 X was observed and a combination of high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) and diffraction analysis was used to characterize the Cr-rich carbide observed at 250 dpa and above. Cr 2 C was determined to be semi-coherent with the matrix such that [ 100 ] C r 2 C / / [ 100 ] α and [ 001 ] C r 2 C / / [ 10 1 ¯ ] α .with a = 2.71 Å and c = 2.82 Å. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The void swelling and microstructure evolution of ferritic-martensitic alloys HT9, T91 and T92 were characterized following irradiation with Fe ++ ions at 460 °C to damage levels of 75–650 displacements per atom with 10 atom parts per million pre-implanted helium. Steady state swelling rate of 0.033%/ dpa was determined for HT9, the least swelling resistant alloy, and 0.007%/ dpa in T91. In T91, resistance was due to suppression of void nucleation. Swelling resistance was greatest in T92, with a low density (∼1 × 10 20 m −3 ) of small voids that had not grown appreciably, indicating suppression of nucleation and growth. Additional heats of T91 indicated that alloy composition was not the determining factor of swelling resistance. Carbon and chromium-rich M 2 X precipitates formed at 250 dpa and were correlated with decreased nucleation in T91 and T92, but did not affect void growth in HT9. Dislocation and G-phase microstructure evolution was analyzed up to 650 dpa in HT9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At very high damage levels in ion irradiated samples, the decrease in effective density of the irradiated material due to void swelling can lead to errors in quantifying swelling. HT9 was pre-implanted with 10 appm He and subjected to a raster-scanned beam with a damage rate of ∼1 × 10 −3 dpa/s at 460 o C. Voids were characterized from 0 to 1300 nm. Fixed damage rate and fixed depth methods were developed to account for damage-dependent porosity increase and resulting dependence on depth. The fixed depth method was more appropriate as it limits undue effects from the injected interstitial while maintaining a usable void distribution. By keeping the depth fixed and accounting for the change in damage rate due to reduced density, the steady state swelling rate was 10% higher than calculation of swelling from raw data. This method is easily translatable to other materials, ion types and energies and limits the impact of the injected interstitial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NRG-CC001, a trial evaluating the neuroprotective effect of HA-WBRT versus standard WBRT in patients with brain metastases (BM), demonstrated a significantly lower risk of NCF decline. Given the heterogeneous BM patient population, we sought to systematically identify subgroups of patients through secondary analysis of trial data that could derive differential benefit from HA. We performed a post hoc analysis of NRG-CC001, a phase III clinical trial in which 518 patients with BM were randomly assigned to WBRT plus memantine or HA-WBRT plus memantine. In this secondary analysis, cumulative incidence function (CIF) estimated NCF failure between arms and subgroups was tested using Gray's test. Covariate and subgroup association with differential treatment response was calculated using Cox proportional hazards modeling; these factors were then tested for interaction with treatment arm. Age (>61), education (=4 months, there was a significant benefit favoring HA-WBRT (p=0.03). We found evidence of heterogeneity of treatment effect based on primary tumor histology (interaction test p=0.01): primary lung histology patients (HR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.43-0.77, p=0.0007) compared to those with non-lung histology primary tumors (HR 1.15, 95% CI: 0.78-1.71, p=0.48). Baseline MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for brain tumor (MDASI-BT) cognitive factor scores were also found to be highly associated with treatment response with significance on test for interaction (p=0.03); those with MDASI-BT baseline scores in quartiles 1-3 had significantly greater differential treatment response (HR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.48-0.85, p=0.002) compared to those with the highest MDASI-BT baseline scores (HR=1.24, 95% CI: 0.76-2.04, p=0.39). There was no significant heterogeneity of treatment effect based on age, education level, and baseline KPS. This post-hoc subgroup analysis of NRG-CC001 evaluating heterogeneity of treatment effect confirmed that the neurocognitive protective benefit of HA-WBRT was most substantial for patients living > 4 months; for those surviving <4 months, statistically significant benefit was not identified, possibly because cognitive decline post-WBRT requires a window of time to manifest. We also found that treatment response was significantly associated with several patient and tumor characteristics. Patients with lung histology as well as those with lower baseline MDASI-BT cognitive factor scores, denoting less severe cognitive impairment at enrollment, had significantly greater benefit from HA-WBRT. These data may better help clinicians decide which subgroups of patients benefit most from HA-WBRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the microwave resonance properties of a single-crystal layered structure of yttrium-iron-garnet and gadolinium gallium garnet. Results of the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) measurements; Reason for the discontinuity in the FMR frequency at the spin-flop condition; Decrease in the magnitude of the resonant signal.

Presents a study that measured the ferrimagnetic resonance linewidths in single-crystals of manganese-doped ferrimagnetic materials. Analysis of the cavity measurements; Correlation between the ferrimagnetic resonance linewidth and resonant magnetic field; Examination of the temperature dependence of the ferrimagnetic resonance.

Orchidaceae are one of the two largest families of flowering plants, new orchid genera are being described at a rate of about 13 per year. Bletilla sinensis is one of five species in the Bletilla. It has high medicinal value and can promote blood circulation and anti-inflammation. However, its phylogenetic status is controversial. In this study, the chloroplast genes of B. sinensis were sequenced and assembled, and download 73 complete chloroplast genes of orchid plants from NCBI to construct a molecular evolutionary tree, which provided new clues for the classification of B. sinensis. The results showed that the length of chloroplast genes was 156,941 bp, the GC content was 37.12%, and it contained 139 genes. The results of the molecular evolutionary tree show that the genus Bletilla is a single branch and has an independent evolutionary status. However, our sample is not in the same branch as the Bletilla, indicating that this sample may have an independent and effective taxonomic status. Based on the chloroplast genome structure and composition of this species, it also supports its independent taxonomic status from the Bletilla. Judging from the genetic distance between genera of Orchidaceae, the genetic distance between this sample and any other genera is greater than 0.02, which is greater than the genetic distance between the other two identified genera. In addition, the integration of morphological data from the Flora of China found that there are certain differences in morphology from other species of the genus Bletilla. Therefore, the above results suggest that this group should be a new genus of Orchidaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medium entropy alloys (MEAs) strengthened by L1 2 ordered intermetallics have attracted extensive attention because of their unique mechanical properties that critically depend on the constituent elements. In this work, we design a CoCrNiAl 3 Ti 3 Cu 6 Nb 0.8 MEA possessing bimodal L1 2 nano-precipitates to achieve improved synergy of strength and ductility. The as-prepared MEA exhibit a yield strength of 1.16 GPa, a tensile strength of 1.55 GPa, and a uniform elongation of 28%. The improved mechanical responses are attributed to the simultaneously operated strong- and weak-pair coupling effects and the hetero-deformation induced strengthening that derived from the bimodal distributed L1 2 nano-precipitates. The results presented herein demonstrate that bimodal distributed nano-precipitates might be a new strategy toward synergy of strength and ductility in MEAs. [Display omitted] • A new non-equiamotic CoCrNiAl 3 Ti 3 Cu 6 Nb 0.8 medium entropy alloy (MEA) was designed. • The MEA exhibit strength-ductility synergy exceeded those reported on CoCrNi and derivatives. • The improved synergy derived from bimodal size distributed nanoscale coherent γ'. • Two pair coupling and hetero-deformation induced strengthening play key roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we demonstrate a wafer-level zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire fabrication process using ion beam etching and a spacer etch technique. The proposed process can accurately define nanowires without an advanced photolithography and provide a high yield over a 6-inch wafer. The fabricated nanowires are 36 nm wide and 86 nm thick and present excellent transistor characteristics. The pH sensitivity using a liquid gate was found to be 46.5 mV/pH, while the pH sensitivity using a bottom gate showed a sensitivity of 366 mV/pH, which is attributed to the capacitance coupling between the top- and bottom-gates. The maximum process temperature used in the fabrication of the nanowire sensors is optimized to be 200 °C (after wet oxidation) which makes it applicable to low-cost substrates such as glass and plastic. The Ion Beam Etching (IBE) process in this work is shown to be highly transferable and can therefore be directly used to form nanowires of different materials, such as polysilicon and molybdenum disulfide, by only an adjustment of the etch time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal and electrical properties including the permittivity spectra in radio frequency region were investigated for copper/yttrium iron garnet (Cu/YIG) composites. Interestingly, the percolation behaviors in electrical and thermal conductivity were obtained due to the formation of copper particles' networks. Beyond the electrical percolation threshold, negative permittivity was observed and plasmon frequency was reduced by several orders of magnitude. With the increase in copper content, the thermal conductivity was gradually increased; meanwhile, the phonon scattering effect and thermal resistance get enhanced, so the rate of increase in thermal conductivity gradually slows down. Hopefully, Cu/YIG composites with tunable electrical and thermal properties have great potentials for electromagnetic interference shielding and electromagnetic wave attenuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fabricated unpassivated and passivated zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire field effect transistors (NWFETs) using conventional top-down method of remote plasma atomic layer deposition and anisotropic dry etch. This paper investigates the effect of Al 2 O 3 passivation on the electrical characteristics of the ZnO NWFETs. Measured unpassivated ZnO NWFETs show a threshold voltage of 6.5 V, drain current on/off ratio of 10 6 and field effect mobility of 31.4 cm 2 /V s. Passivated ZnO NWFETs demonstrate threshold voltage shift to −10 V, drain current on/off ratio of 10 4 and improvement of mobility of 35.5 cm 2 /V s. The passivated device results indicate suitability for biosensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify factors other than socioeconomic status that influence participation in cervical cancer screening. Methods A prospective, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among all female nurses working at Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, between November 1 and December 15, 2013. Characteristics assessed included age, knowledge score (0–10, on the basis of 10 true-or-false statements), perceived risk of cervical cancer, and health facility use. Results Among 2000 nurses, 1622 (81.1%) responded. The mean knowledge score was 4.70 ± 1.76. Among 1593 nurses who reported on self-perception of risk, 97 (6.1%) reported high risk, 675 (42.4%) reported low risk, and 821 (51.5%) reported uncertainty. Of the 815 nurses reporting on their history of screening, 344 (42.2%) were screened regularly, 103 (12.6%) underwent opportunistic screening, and 368 (45.2%) had never undergone screening. The likelihood of screening was increased among women aged 35–49 years, those who had recent experience of medical screening, those who had recently had a specialist consultation, or those who had recently had a consultation with a gynecologist ( P < 0.001 for all). Nurses undergoing regular screening reported positive effects of a doctor’s recommendation, husband’s encouragement, people talking about screening, and people close to the respondent undergoing screening. Conclusion Advocacy and herd signaling positively influenced the cervical cancer screening rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electromagnetic properties including ac conductivity, permittivity, and permeability of percolative Fe/Al2O3 composites, which were prepared by in-situ synthesis process, are investigated in the radio frequency range. There is an obvious percolation transition with the increase of iron contents. When iron content is beyond but near the percolation threshold, the negative permittivity and permeability are simultaneously obtained from 631MHz to 1GHz in sample FA30. Further increasing iron content, the Fano-like resonances are observed, and the resonance frequency where the permittivity changes from negative to positive shifts to lower frequency. In addition, the frequency region of negative permittivity and negative permeability are not overlapped any more. Hopefully, the percolative Fe/Al2O3 composites with tunable negative permittivity and negative permeability can be used as electromagnetic wave absorber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic scanning photocurrent microscopy was applied to Sb2Se3 crystalline single nanowires (NWs) to analyze their transient photocurrent responses. These NWs exhibited switching behavior with rapid rise and decay times upon illumination by laser pulses. The estimated spectral responsivity and external quantum efficiency for a freshly-prepared NW at a bias voltage of 0.3 V and excitation wavelength of 488 nm were ∼16.9 mA/W and ∼42.9%, respectively. A pyroelectric-like current transient was observed with reduced spectral responsivity when nonpolar Sb2Se3 single-crystalline NWs were excited by laser pulses. Because Sb2Se3 NWs were nonpyroelectric or ferroelectric, the pyroelectric-like current could possibly be attributed to temperature dependent nonlinear space-charge distributions. Defects produced by the external electrical bias generated and re-distributed space charges in the NWs. As a result, the temperature dependent inhomogeneous electric field led to nonlinear expansions or contractions of the lattice (electrostriction) that can produce pyroelectric current. We obtained a lower bound of equivalent pyroelectric coefficient α ≥ 60.09 μC/m2 K from these materials by fitting the electrical transients. (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kind of core shell cathode material, (LMSAC) was prepared by coating AlF3 and carbon hybrid layer on the surface of lithium rich manganese based solid solution (LMSS) through a sol-gel process. It was characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Its electrochemical properties were evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectra and galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements. Owing to the AlF3/C shell, the LMSAC could deliver the initial capacities of 278, 260, 246, 230 and 210 mAh g−1 at the rates of 0·1, 0·2, 0·5, 1 and 2C in the potential range of 2-4·8 V (versus Li+/Li) respectively, exhibiting an excellent rate capability. The corresponding coulombic efficiencies are 90, 89, 87, 88 and 85% in the first cycle. After cycled at the 0·1C and 1C rates for 50 times, the LMSAC remains 97 and 96% of the initial capacities respectively, displaying an enhanced cycling performance. The results suggest that surface coating of AlF3/C hybrid layer could be a promising method to improve the electrochemical properties of the LMSS cathode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food waste management through composting and anaerobic digestion are sustainable waste management processes that can promote sustainable agricultural practices by recycling nutrients, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers, and conditioning soils. However, compost and digestate (anaerobic digestate effluent) are low nutrient value fertilisers, limiting their use within agriculture due to the large volumes required for land application. Alternatively, food waste-derived fertilisers could be used alongside chemical fertilisers to improve crop growth further and reduce demand on synthetic fertilisers. Therefore, this study evaluated the impact of food waste-derived fertilisers (compost, liquid digestate (LD), and solid digestate (SD)) on plant growth (Ryegrass) when applied at a rate of 50 kg N·ha−1 in combination with synthetic fertiliser (Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN)) at a rate of 0 or 50 kg N·ha−1. Ryegrass growth, soil chemistry, and rhizosphere microbial communities were investigated. SD in combination with UAN yielded the largest shoot biomass, while sole UAN at any application rate was not significantly different from the control. Beneficial plant growth phyla were in higher abundance in all treatments amended with food waste-derived fertilisers, and putative genes encoded for N fixing were found in higher abundances in all soil amendments compared to control. This highlights the value of food waste-derived fertilisers within agriculture. However, while drying would logically reduce costs associated with digestate transport, ammonia volatilisation led to significant N losses, reducing the fertiliser value of SD. Future studies should explore methods to mitigate ammonia valorisation to enhance the final fertiliser value of SD. [Display omitted] • Food waste management options produce organic amendments that recover nutrients. • Food waste fertilisers reduce and optimize synthetic N fertiliser use. • Evaporation of LD to SD reduces storage and handling problems at digestion plants. • Shoot biomass of SD + UAN 50 was 310 % higher than unamended soil with 0.36 % total N. • Greater beneficial microbial phyla community in food waste amended soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intravesical instillation using Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is recognised as one of the best way to prevent the recurrence of bladder cancer. However, BCG would be excreted with the urine after staying about one hour in the bladder, which have a serious impact on its efficacy. This research intends to design a new sustained release injectable BCG integrated composite materials based on freeze dried BCG. The ultimate aim is to make BCG stay longer than 48 h in the bladder. With the traction of the strong magnetic field strength in vitro, Fe3O4 in particles would attach the drug loaded particles to the bladder wall. Adherent drug is prevented from being excreted with the urine by magnetic constraints and the drug achieves sustained release in the bladder. The results of experiments show that the integrated materials is safe and reliable. Targeting adherence time exceeds 48 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed major and minor axes of three canola varieties with high oil content (45H29 at 8%, 10%, and 12% moisture content wet basis, and Invigor 5440 and Nex4 105 at 10% moisture content) and one low-oil canola variety (5525 Clearfield at 10% moisture content) were measured at room temperature. Bulk density, angles of repose, and coefficients of friction against four structural surfaces were determined for two varieties of high-oil canola (Invigor 5440 and Nex4 105) and for mixtures of them (at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1) at four moisture contents (8%, 10%, 12%, and 14%). The same physical properties were determined for the third high-oil canola (45H29) and for the low-oil canola (5525 Clearfield) at three moisture contents (8%, 10%, and 12%). The four structural surfaces were galvanized steel, plywood, wood-floated concrete, and steel-troweled concrete. Major and minor axes of 45H29 increased with increasing moisture content. Oil content did not affect the axes of canola seeds. Bulk densities were significantly different between Invigor 5440 and Nex4 105. Mixtures of the high-oil canola varieties had bulk density values between those of the canola varieties that were used in the mixtures. Bulk density decreased with increasing oil content. Angles of repose depended more on canola variety and surface properties than on oil content. The coefficient of friction against structural surfaces was not significantly affected by moisture content but was affected by oil content. Bins used to store low-oil canola could also be used to store high-oil canola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]