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The phenomenon of arc compression in TIG welding with high-frequency longitudinal magnetic field (HF-LMF) has been observed. However, its mechanism remains unclear, and there is a lack of numerical investigation. This work presents a two-dimension axisymmetrical model of arc plasma in high-frequency longitudinal magnetic field based on the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). The distributions of temperature, velocity and pressure of arc plasma in HF-LMF are investigated at different applied LMF frequencies ranging from 0 to 5000 Hz. In order to make the simulation results more convincing, the induced current and the electric force were considered. The results show that the HF-LMF could generate a circumferential electric field, causing particles rotating. However, since HF-LMF is variable, the direction of the electric field also changes, which causes the arc to rotate back and forth. When the frequency of HF-LMF reaches 2000 Hz, the negative pressure zone above the center of the anode disappeared and the arc was compressed. Thus, as the frequency of LMF increases, the distribution of current density, anodic heat flux, and arc pressure changes from a bimodal distribution to a unimodal distribution, and the peak value increases. The theoretical predictions were in good agreement with the experimental results.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). However, few comprehensive descriptions of the disease burden, medical resource utilization (MRU), and costs of RSV are available for China. This study aimed to provide the basis for the development of RSV prevention strategies by analyzing the burden of RSV among inpatients with lower respiratory tract infection under 5 years of age.

To ensure optimal penetration in direct current (DC) argon tungsten arc welding, a method was proposed to recognize the molten pool penetration during molten pool oscillation under alternating cusp-shaped magnetic field (ACSMF). An arc discharge model is established to analyze the oscillation mechanism of the molten pool under ACSMF. The periodic variation of arc shape induces the periodic oscillation to establish a mapping relationship with the fluctuation of arc voltage waveform. At the excitation current of 3 A and frequency of 10 Hz, the arc voltage waveform undergoes abrupt changes at 1.26 V and 1.37 V, corresponding to the critical and the full penetration states, respectively. The errors in identifying moving penetration are 0.8 % and 0.7 %, with a full penetration weld, demonstrating a penetration rate of 100 %, indicating effective penetration recognition. Arc sensing technology for tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding under ACSMF is poised for gradual application in single-side welding and double-side forming of medium and thick plates. It is anticipated to evolve towards real-time identification technology for molten pool penetration monitoring.

Cognitive and behavioral rigidity are observed in various psychiatric diseases, including in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. In this study, we found that neuroligin-3 (NL3) R451C knockin mouse model of autism (KI mice) exhibited deficits in behavioral flexibility in choice selection tasks. Single-unit recording of medium spiny neuron (MSN) activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) revealed altered encoding of decision-related cue and impaired updating of choice anticipation in KI mice. Additionally, fiber photometry demonstrated significant disruption in dynamic mesolimbic dopamine (DA) signaling for reward prediction errors (RPEs), along with reduced activity in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) neurons projecting to the NAc in KI mice. Interestingly, NL3 re-expression in the mPFC, but not in the NAc, rescued the deficit of flexible behaviors and simultaneously restored NAc-MSN encoding, DA dynamics, and mPFC-NAc output in KI mice. Taken together, this study reveals the frontostriatal circuit dysfunction underlying cognitive inflexibility and establishes a critical role of the mPFC NL3 deficiency in this deficit in KI mice. Therefore, these findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of cognitive and behavioral inflexibility and potential intervention strategies.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal malignancies. Early diagnosis of HCC is crucial in reducing the risk for mortality. This study analyzed a panel of nine fusion transcripts in serum samples from 61 patients with HCC and 75 patients with non-HCC conditions, using TaqMan real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Seven of the nine fusions frequently detected in patients with HCC included: MAN2A1–FER(100%), SLC45A2–AMACR(62.3%), ZMPSTE24–ZMYM4(62.3%), PTEN–NOLC1(57.4%), CCNH–C5orf30(55.7%), STAMBPL1–FAS(26.2%), and PCMTD1–SNTG1(16.4%). Machine-learning models were constructed based on serum fusion-gene levels to predict HCC in the training cohort, using the leave-one-out cross-validation approach. One machine-learning model, called the four fusion genes logistic regression model (MAN2A1–FER≤40, CCNH–C5orf30≤38, SLC45A2–AMACR≤41, and PTEN–NOLC1≤40), produced accuracies of 91.5% and 83.3% in the training and testing cohorts, respectively. When serum α-fetal protein level was incorporated into the machine-learning model, a two fusion gene (MAN2A1–FER≤40, CCNH–C5orf30≤38) + α-fetal protein logistic regression model was found to generate an accuracy of 94.8% in the training cohort. The same model resulted in 95% accuracy in both the testing and combined cohorts. Cancer treatment was associated with reduced levels of most of the serum fusion transcripts. Serum fusion-gene machine-learning models may serve as important tools in screening for HCC and in monitoring the impact of HCC treatment.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become a critical challenge to public health, and the prevention and treatment of MDR-TB are of great significance in reducing the global burden of tuberculosis. How to improve the effectiveness and safety of chemotherapy for MDR-TB is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed in tuberculosis control efforts. This article provides a comprehensive review of the clinical application of new antituberculosis drugs in MDR-TB, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment strategy of MDR-TB.

Mixing multiple cations can result in a significant configurational entropy, offer a new compositional space with vast tunability, and introduce new computational challenges. For applications such as the two-step solar thermochemical hydrogen (STCH) generation techniques, we demonstrate that using density functional theory (DFT) combined with Metropolis Monte Carlo method (DFT-MC) can efficiently sample the possible cation configurations in compositionally complex perovskite oxide (CCPO) materials, with (La0.75Sr0.25)(Mn0.25Fe0.25Co0.25Al0.25)O3as an example. In the presence of oxygen vacancies (VO), DFT-MC simulations reveal a significant increase of the local site preference of the cations (short-range ordering), compared to a more random mixing without VO. Co is found to be the redox-active element and the VOis the preferentially generated next to Co due to the stretched Co–O bonds. A clear definition of the vacancy formation energy (Evf) is proposed for CCPO in an ensemble of structures evolved in parallel from independent DFT-MC paths. By combining the distribution of Evfwith VOinteractions into a statistical model, the oxygen nonstoichiometry (δ), under the STCH thermal reduction and oxidation conditions, is predicted and compared with the experiments. Similar to the experiments, the predicted δ can be used to extract the enthalpy and entropy of reduction using the van’t Hoff method, providing direct comparisons with the experimental results. This procedure provides a full predictive workflow for using DFT-MC to obtain possible local ordering or fully random structures, understand the redox activity of each element, and predict the thermodynamic properties of CCPOs, for computational screening and design of these CCPO materials at STCH conditions.

Lead poisoning is globally concerning, yet limited testing hinders effective interventions in most countries. We aimed to create annual maps of county-specific blood lead levels in China from 1980 to 2040 using a machine learning model. Blood lead data from China were sourced from 1180 surveys published between 1980 and 2022. Additionally, regional statistical figures for 15 natural and socioeconomic variables were obtained or estimated as predictors. A machine learning model, using the random forest algorithm and 2973 generated samples, was created to predict county-specific blood lead levels in China from 1980 to 2040. Geometric mean blood lead levels in children (i.e., age 14 and under) decreased significantly from 104.4 µg/L in 1993 to an anticipated 40.3 µg/L by 2040. The number exceeding 100 µg/L declined dramatically, yet South Central China remains a hotspot. Lead exposure is similar among different groups, but overall adults and adolescents (i.e., age over 14), females, and rural residents exhibit slightly lower exposure compared to that of children, males, and urban residents, respectively. Our predictions indicated that despite the general reduction, one-fourth of Chinese counties rebounded during 2015–2020. This slower decline might be due to emerging lead sources like smelting and coal combustion; however, the primary factor driving the decline should be the reduction of a persistent source, legacy gasoline-derived lead. Our approach innovatively maps lead exposure without comprehensive surveys.

ABSTRACTBay areas have experienced a rapid development in their city integration and tourism industry over the past decade. However, city integration has rarely been studied in the tourism literature along with its dimensions and impact on tourism development. Therefore, this study examines city integration and its effects on tourism development from the perspective of residents in the Greater Bay Area, China. Through a qualitative research method with 73 semi-structured interviews, this study identified five dimensions of the effects of city integration on tourism development were also determined, including resource, community, product, marketing and economic dimensions. The theoretical contributions and practical implications of the findings were also discussed.

Uncontrolled hyperuricemia often leads to the development of hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN), characterized by excessive inflammation and oxidative stress. Piperine, a cinnamic acid alkaloid, possesses various pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we intended to investigate the protective effects of piperine on adenine and potassium oxonate-induced HN mice and a uric-acid-induced injury model in renal tubular epithelial cells (mRTECs). We observed that treatment with piperine for 3 weeks significantly reduced serum uric acid levels and reversed kidney function impairment in mice with HN. Piperine (5 μM) alleviated uric acid-induced damage in mRTECs. Moreover, piperine inhibited transporter expression and dose-dependently inhibited the activity of both transporters. The results revealed that piperine regulated the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway both in vivoand in vitro. Overall, piperine inhibits URAT1/GLUT9 and ameliorates HN by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway, making it a promising candidate for patients with HN.

Nosocomial infections and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains pose significant clinical and economic challenges. (1,2) While good hygiene practices are the bedrock for infection control, emerging evidence suggests that continuously [...]

An amyloid-β (Aβ) fibril is a vital pathogenic factor of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aβ fibril disintegrators possess great potential to be developed into novel anti-AD agents. Here, a ligand fishing method was employed to rapidly discover Aβ42fibril disintegrators from Ganoderma lucidumusing Aβ42fibril-immobilized magnetic beads, which led to the isolation of six Aβ42fibril disintegrators including ganodermanontriol, ganoderic acid DM, ganoderiol F, ganoderol B, ganodermenonol, and ergosterol. Neuroprotective evaluation in vitroexhibited that these Aβ42fibril disintegrators could significantly mitigate Aβ42-induced neurotoxicity. Among these six disintegrators, ergosterol and ganoderic acid DM with stronger protecting activity were further selected to evaluate their neuroprotective effect on AD in vivo. Results showed that ergosterol and ganoderic acid DM could significantly alleviate Aβ42-induced cognitive dysfunction and hippocampus neuron loss in vivo. Moreover, ergosterol and ganoderic acid DM could significantly inhibit Aβ42-induced neuron apoptosis and Nrf2-mediated neuron oxidative stress in vitroand in vivo.

Physalis angulatavar. villosais a plant possessing abundant withanolides, but in-depth research is lacking. In our ongoing study of P. angulatavar. villosa, 15 previously undescribed withanolides (1–15), along with 21 known analogs (16–36), were isolated from the whole plant. The structures of the withanolides (1–15) were elucidated based on analysis of their 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD data. Additionally, the application of γ-gauche effects with the help of ROESY correlations led to the formulation of empirical rules for withanolides with 14-OH/15-OAc to rapidly determine the 14-OH orientations, making it possible to propose configurational revisions of 19 previously reported analogs (1′–19′). Withanolides 1, 4–6, and 10showed potent cytotoxic activities against three human cancer cell lines (HCT-116, MDA-MB-231, and A549).

A smart portable sensor with ratio and dual-mode for in situ determination of nicotine (NIC) in tobacco leaves was reported. Activated screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was used as a sensing platform. Paracetamol (PA) was used as a ratiometric reference. Current and potential dual-signal output was applied as dual-mode. The scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, square-wave voltammetry, and NIC morphological fitting and theoretical calculation were used to study the sensor. Under the amperometric mode, the linear range of NIC is 10– $800 ~\mu $ mol/L, and the detection limit is $1.72 ~\mu $ mol/L (S/N = 3). And under the potential mode, the linear range of NIC is 10– $500 ~\mu $ mol/L, and the detection limit is $0.02 ~\mu $ mol/L (S/N = 3). In addition, the proposed sensor has been applied to in situ determination of NIC in tobacco leaves with acceptable relative derivation ranging from 5.04% to 7.63% between the sensor and high-performance liquid chromatography.

Creating long-lasting memories requires learning-induced changes in gene expression, which are impacted by epigenetic modifications of DNA and associated histone proteins. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histones are key regulators of transcription, with different PTMs producing unique effects on gene activity and behavior. Although recent studies implicate histone variants as novel regulators of memory, effects of PTMs on the function of histone variants are rarely considered. We previously showed that the histone variant H2A.Z suppresses memory, but it is unclear if this role is impacted by H2A.Z acetylation, a PTM that is typically associated with positive effects on transcription and memory. To answer this question, we used a mutation approach to manipulate acetylation on H2A.Z without impacting acetylation of other histone types. Specifically, we used adeno-associated virus (AAV) constructs to overexpress mutated H2A.Z.1 isoforms that either mimic acetylation (acetyl-mimic) by replacing lysines 4, 7 and 11 with glutamine (KQ), or H2A.Z.1 with impaired acetylation (acetyl-defective) by replacing the same lysines with alanine (KA). Expressing the H2A.Z.1 acetyl-mimic (H2A.Z.1KQ) improved memory under weak learning conditions, whereas expressing the acetyl-defective H2A.Z.1KAgenerally impaired memory, indicating that the effect of H2A.Z.1 on memory depends on its acetylation status. RNA sequencing showed that H2A.Z.1KQand H2A.Z.1KAuniquely impact the expression of different classes of genes in both females and males. Specifically, H2A.Z.1KApreferentially impacts genes involved in synaptic function, suggesting that acetyl-defective H2A.Z.1 impairs memory by altering synaptic regulation. Finally, we describe, for the first time, that H2A.Z is also involved in alternative splicing of neuronal genes, whereby H2A.Z depletion, as well as expression of H2A.Z.1 lysine mutants influence transcription and splicing of different gene targets, suggesting that H2A.Z.1 can impact behavior through effects on both splicing and gene expression. This is the first study to demonstrate that direct manipulation of H2A.Z post-translational modifications regulates memory, whereby acetylation adds another regulatory layer by which histone variants can fine tune higher brain functions through effects on gene expression and splicing.

A tandem Wheatstone bridge low-pressure (TWBLP) sensor with high sensitivity which can be widely used in medical and industrial fields has been designed and fabricated. Compared with the conventional low-pressure (CLP) sensor, the TWBLP sensor membrane is arranged with eight piezoresistors, which are formed into two Wheatstone bridges. They achieved the detection of membrane stress with different positions and different directions. The output ports of the two Wheatstone bridges are connected in tandem to realize the non-interference superposition of the output electric potential, thus improving the sensitivity of the sensor. The structure of the sensor membrane and the position of the piezoresistors are optimized using the finite element analysis (FEA). The TWBLP sensor is simple in structure design and easy to produce in large quantities, with the advantage of high sensitivity, which can provide tiny pressure measurement results for pressure measurement in related fields. In the laboratory environment, the local atmospheric pressure is used as the reference zero point to calibrate the sensor. The test results show that the sensitivity of the TWBLP sensor is 26.20% higher than that of the CLP sensor. For the measurement range from −10 to 10 kPa, the fabricated sensor achieves a high sensitivity of 23.07 mV/kPa and an accuracy of 0.19%F.S.

The chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to enhance cartilage repair and regeneration is a promising strategy to alleviate osteoarthritis (OA) progression.

Multifunctionalization from the interception of active intermediates is an attractive synthetic strategy for the efficient construction of complex molecular scaffolds in an atom and step economic fashion. However, the design of reactions involving metal carbynoids that exhibit carbene/carbocation behavior is currently limited, and developing catalyst-controlled highly enantioselective versions poses significant challenges. In this study, we present the first asymmetric trifunctionalization reactions with rhodium carbynoids. This reaction unveils the distinctive reactivity of the carbynoid precursor, enabling it to react with simultaneously two nucleophiles and one electrophile. This process involves the formation of two distinct carbene ylides with the alcohol/carbamate and the trapping of one ylide with the imine, resulting in the formation of three new bonds. Furthermore, this strategy allows for the divergent synthesis of a wide array of β-amino esters in high yields and exceptional enantioselectivity.

The hydrocarbon in the basinal basement mostly occurs in the topmost of buried hills along the unconformity, while we present a special play in architecture with the oil-bearing in the lower geomorphic position at the Penglai buried hill. Based on the cores, thin sections, whole rock X-ray, physical property, well logging, and seismic data, we investigated the characteristics of the reservoirs of the Penglai oilfield and discussed the controlling of strike-slip activity, weathering, and lithology on the reservoir in this paper. The results show that the Penglai buried hill reservoirs were mainly distributed in the fractured and weathered granites. The quality of the reservoir is related to mechanics and weathering dissolution behavior among different rocks. The strong dextral strike-slip activity of the Tanlu strike-slip fault zone during the Paleogene resulted in the strong uplift of the Penglai buried hill and also provided the stress condition for tectonic fractures to develop. The dissolution of atmospheric water along the tectonic fractures further improved the reservoir’s physical properties during the nearly 30Ma exposure interval. Compared to granite rocks, mica quartz schist, with higher content of the femic mineral and lower content of feldspar, presents lower brittleness and less soluble minerals. Therefore, the relatively stronger of weathering resistance of mica quartz schist resulted in a higher ring-landform in buried hill geomorphology which surrounds the granite intrusion, controlling the special oil play in architecture with hydrocarbon accumulated in the lower-seated granite reservoir underlying the unconformity.

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.

• Surface premelting induced dual-SC bonding of LGS substrates is realize with a low compression of 50 kPa. • A record bonding strength of 23.28 MPa is achieved. • TEM analysis shows the relation between bonding strength and the interfacial bonding structure. Langasite (LGS, La 3 Ga 5 SiO 14) is a promising material in high-temperature piezoelectric devices due to its excellent thermal stability, piezoelectricity, and electrical property. A major challenge in the development of LGS-based devices is to form high-strength bonding of the brittle LGS. Here, we report that the single crystal-single crystal (dual-SC) bonding of LGS is realized through thermal activation under a low compression of 50 kPa for the first time. A record bonding strength of 23.28 MPa is achieved within the dual-SC bonded LGS/LGS structure (with a high bonding ratio exceeding 93%), which is 5 times higher than that of the recent reported LGS/LGS bonding structure (in which a relatively fragile amorphous interface layer is formed between the two LGS samples). The smooth and void-free dual-SC bonding interface of LGS is verified via the cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li metal batteries applying Li-rich, Mn-rich (LMR) layered oxide cathodes present an opportunity to achieve high-energy density at reduced cell cost. However, the intense oxidizing and reducing potentials associated with LMR cathodes and Li anodes present considerable design challenges for prospective electrolytes. Herein, we demonstrate that, somewhat surprisingly, a properly designed localized-high-concentration electrolyte (LHCE) based on ether solvents is capable of providing reversible performance for Li||LMR cells. Specifically, the oxidative stability of the LHCE was found to heavily rely on the ratio between salt and solvating solvent, where local-saturation was necessary to stabilize performance. Through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, this behavior was found to be a result of aggregated solvation structures of Li+/anion pairs. This LHCE system was found to produce significantly improved LMR cycling (95.8% capacity retention after 100 cycles) relative to a carbonate control as a result of improved cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) chemistry from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). Leveraging this stability, 4 mAh cm–2LMR||2× Li full cells were demonstrated, retaining 87% capacity after 80 cycles in LHCE, whereas the control electrolyte produced rapid failure. This work uncovers the benefits, design requirements, and performance origins of LHCE electrolytes for high-voltage Li||LMR batteries.

ABSTRACTEntertainment tourism experience is an emerging but largely overlooked phenomenon. The current study, adopting a qualitative approach, explored travel motivation and entertainment tourism experience from tourists’ and industry professionals’ perspectives. A total of 33 tourists and 18 industry professionals in Macao were interviewed. Three layers of entertainment tourism experience were identified, namely, behavioural, functional and affective aspects of experience. Furthermore, the three layers of experience were reported to be interrelated and played different roles in creating tourists’ entertainment experience. The study accordingly established an integrated flow of entertainment tourism experience. Moreover, the study offered practical implications to destination marketing organizations, industry practitioners, and tourists on cultivating a desired entertainment tourism experience for the tourists.

To address the shortcomings in the drawing and processing of comprehensive characteristic curves of hydraulic turbines and the problems in the operation and management of small hydropower stations, this paper proposes a method for reconstructing the comprehensive characteristic curves based on classification weight neural network. Firstly, this study discretizes the comprehensive characteristic curve of the target turbine factory package to obtain multiple sets of discrete data points, and compares them with the actual operating data of small hydropower plants, and then pre-processes the operating data by the type and operating characteristics of the unit. Next, this paper uses XGBoost to classify the two types of data to obtain the leaf node optimal scores and uses the scores as the prediction weights of the deep neural network to grid the discrete points of the hydraulic turbine for prediction, and finally obtains the specific integrated characteristic graph of the unit. The method based on classification weight neural network can substantially improve the accuracy and reliability of composite characteristic curves while avoiding multivariate nonlinear mathematical problems, which provides a new method and idea for the reconstruction and expansion of the hydraulic turbine characteristic curve, and also provides a theoretical basis for the safe and economic operation of hydropower units.

Analysis and design of compact ear-bar true wireless stereo (TWS) earphone antenna based on characteristic mode analysis (CMA) is presented. The proposed earphone antenna consists of an L-shaped branch and an inverted- L-shaped ground with an integrated inductor which can simulate the ear-bar TWS earphone. The CMA reveals that there are mainly two modes, namely, the half-wavelength mode of the ground and the quarter-wavelength mode of the branch, for the TWS earphone antenna. The two modes are mainly controlled by the ground and the branch, respectively. And for the compact earphone with a short ear bar, only the half-wavelength mode contributes to the radiation at the 2.45-GHz band which is mainly controlled by the integrated inductor on the ground. The measured results of the compact TWS earphone antenna prototypes illustrate that, the integrated inductor improves the −6-dB impedance bandwidth from 136 MHz (2364–2500 MHz) to 160 MHz (2360–2520 MHz) on the head. The measured average efficiencies within the 2400–2484-MHz band are improved from −11.2 to −6 dB on the head. The proposed ear-bar TWS earphone antenna with a compact size and improved performance is promising for modern TWS earphone applications.

The core element in solving constrained multi-objective problems (CMOPs) with evolutionary algorithms is simultaneously balancing objective optimization and constraint satisfaction. Maintaining this balance becomes more challenging for existing algorithms when dealing with complex CMOPs, as various complex feasible regions often result in CMOPs with very different characteristics. To address this issue, we propose a more flexible two-stage evolutionary algorithm based on automatic regulation (ARCMO), which can effectively control evolutionary trends to adapt to complex CMOPs. Specifically, the first stage performs a fast global search and passes the population information to the second stage. The second stage consists of two dynamically complementary sub-processes: the exploration subprocess and the convergence subprocess. The ratio of these two subprocesses is dynamically adjusted based on information from the first stage, allowing ARCMO to adapt to CMOPs with different complexities. Experiments on several recently proposed benchmark suites and real-world application problems show that ARCMO is more adaptable than the contender algorithms when solving different complex CMOPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compositionally complex ceramics (CCCs), including high-entropy ceramics, offer a vast, unexplored compositional space for materials discovery. Herein, we propose and demonstrate strategies for tailoring CCCs via a combination of non-equimolar compositional designs and control of grain boundaries (GBs) and microstructures. Using oxide solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries as an example, we have discovered a class of compositionally complex perovskite oxides (CCPOs) with improved lithium ionic conductivities beyond the limit of conventional doping. For example, we demonstrate that the ionic conductivity can be improved by >60% in (Li0.375Sr0.4375)(Ta0.375Nb0.375Zr0.125Hf0.125)O3-δcompared with the (Li0.375Sr0.4375)(Ta0.75Zr0.25)O3-δ(LSTZ) baseline. Furthermore, the ionic conductivity can be improved by another >70% via quenching, achieving >270% of the LSTZ. Notably, we demonstrate GB-enabled conductivity improvements via both promoting grain growth and altering GB structures through compositional designs and processing. In a broader perspective, this work suggests new routes for discovering and tailoring CCCs for energy storage and many other applications.

Awake prone positioning has been broadly utilised for non-intubated patients with COVID-19-related acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure, but the results from published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in the past year are contradictory. We aimed to systematically synthesise the outcomes associated with awake prone positioning, and evaluate these outcomes in relevant subpopulations.

The enhancement of separation processes and electrochemical technologies such as water electrolysers1,2, fuel cells3,4, redox flow batteries5,6and ion-capture electrodialysis7depends on the development of low-resistance and high-selectivity ion-transport membranes. The transport of ions through these membranes depends on the overall energy barriers imposed by the collective interplay of pore architecture and pore–analyte interaction8,9. However, it remains challenging to design efficient, scaleable and low-cost selective ion-transport membranes that provide ion channels for low-energy-barrier transport. Here we pursue a strategy that allows the diffusion limit of ions in water to be approached for large-area, free-standing, synthetic membranes using covalently bonded polymer frameworks with rigidity-confined ion channels. The near-frictionless ion flow is synergistically fulfilled by robust micropore confinement and multi-interaction between ion and membrane, which afford, for instance, a Na+diffusion coefficient of 1.18 × 10−9m2s–1, close to the value in pure water at infinite dilution, and an area-specific membrane resistance as low as 0.17 Ω cm2. We demonstrate highly efficient membranes in rapidly charging aqueous organic redox flow batteries that deliver both high energy efficiency and high-capacity utilization at extremely high current densities (up to 500 mA cm–2), and also that avoid crossover-induced capacity decay. This membrane design concept may be broadly applicable to membranes for a wide range of electrochemical devices and for precise molecular separation.

In this study, lambda-cyhalothrin (LC) loaded polyurea microcapsules (MCs) with different particle sizes were fabricated. All of the MCs showed varying degrees of physical collapse, which was more obvious among those with smaller particle sizes. MCs with particle sizes of 1.38 μm (MC-S), 5.13 μm (MC-M) and 10.05 μm (MC-L) had shell thicknesses of 39.6, 50.3 and 150.1 nm, respectively. MCs with smaller particles tended to have significantly faster release profiles, and the MC-S group had much higher bioactivity against Agrotis ipsilonand better foliar affinity on the peanut leaves (indicated by rainfastness) than MC-M and MC-L. All of the MCs exhibited light-enhanced release profiles and had much slower degradation compared with the emulsifiable concentrate (EC) group, among which MC-L had the slowest degradation. To generate MCs with both favorable quick efficacy and long-lasting efficacy, binary mixtures of MC-S, MC-M and MC-L were produced by mixing them in pairs at ratios of 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2. The mixture of MC-S:MC-L at 1:2 showed the best comprehensive efficacy in the peanut foliar spray scenario among the nine tested combinations, and its effective duration was three times longer than that of EC. Overall, the precise combination of MCs with different particle sizes can regulate the efficacy of pesticide control and serve as a strategy for the better utilization of pesticides.

An improved optimization design for an eccentric arc at a rotor is proposed, and a fast method for calculating the optimal size of the eccentric arc of the external rotor diameter is presented. Through theoretical calculations, the optimization scheme can effectively reduce the torque ripple and cogging torque of the motor. The back electromotive force (EMF) waveforms of an optimized permanent-magnet synchronous motor with an eccentric arc at the external rotor diameter and a nonoptimized permanent-magnet synchronous motor are compared and analysed at different temperatures. It is concluded that the optimized motor has fewer high-order harmonic components in the back EMF at different temperatures, the optimized motor can obviously reduce the 11th harmonic in the back EMF, and the back EMF waveforms are smoother. By analysing the electromagnetic force density of the motor under different temperatures and torques, the variation regulations of the electromagnetic force density of the motor optimized by the eccentric arc of the permanent-magnet rotor under different working conditions are summarized. Finally, the noise of the optimized and nonoptimized motors is compared and analysed, and it is concluded that the optimization scheme can effectively weaken the noise of motors at some frequencies, which provides a theoretical basis for practical engineering applications.

With the massive growth of edge devices, how to provide users with video recommendation services in a mobile edge environment has become a research hotspot. Most traditional video recommendation methods regard the relationship between user and neighbor to be linear and ignore higher-order connectivity among users, which results in poor recommendation performance. Besides, these methods use a single feature to represent user preferences, which cannot effectively alleviate the data sparsity problem. To improve the performance of video recommendation, this article proposes a multi-feature video recommendation method based on hypergraph convolution (MVRHC). Hypergraph convolution is adopted to compute user neighborhood-level features for modeling high-order correlations among users. Final features are obtained by fusing multi-party features through attention mechanism. And video recommendation is then implemented based on the obtained features. Experimental results on two real-world datasets demonstrate that MVRHC has better performance compared with baseline methods.

Objective: To investigate the effects of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on the plasma levels of trimethylamine (TMA), trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), and flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) in rabbits with atherosclerosis (AS), as well as to explore the possible mechanism of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in treating AS. Methods: After 1-week adaptive feeding, 28 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into a blank group, a model group, an antibiotic group, and a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group according to the random number table method, with 7 rabbits in each group. Rabbits were fed with a basic diet in the blank group, while with a basic diet plus 1% choline in the remaining groups to prepare the AS model. Rabbits were given drinking water with broad-spectrum antibiotics in the antibiotic group, and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group for 12 weeks. The atherosclerotic plaques by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the blood lipid levels, the plasma TMA and TMAO levels by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were detected for rabbits in each group at the end of interventions. Liver FMO3 protein expression was detected by Western blotting. Liver FMO3 mRNA expression was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: HE staining showed that the arterial wall was rough, the intima was significantly thickened, and more foam cells and lipid deposits were seen in rabbits of the model group. Arterial wall thickening was not obvious with a few foam cells and lipid deposits in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group. Compared with the blank group, the serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) were increased (P<0.01), the plasma levels of TMA and TMAO were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression levels of liver FMO3 protein and mRNA were all increased (P<0.05, P<0.01); while the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was decreased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the LDL-C and TC levels were decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), the HDL-C levels were increased (P<0.01), the TMA and TMAO levels were decreased (P<0.05), while the protein and mRNA expression levels of FMO3 were decreased without statistical significance in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the antibiotic group. Conclusion: Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can slow atherosclerotic plaque formation and regulate lipid levels in AS rabbits, and the mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of TMA and TMAO expression in the plasma.

Terfenol-D (Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe2) film with low coercivity and high magnetization in weak magnetic fields is essential for its application as a weak magnetic sensor. In this article, an annealing method is proposed to optimize the coercivity and magnetization of the deposited Terfenol-D film. The magnetization could be improved by releasing compressive stress and increasing saturation magnetization. The coercivity decreases and then increases sharply due to partial crystallization with the annealing temperature increasing. The low coercivity of 12.6 Oe and high magnetization at 100 Oe of 0.29 emu/g are obtained with the annealing temperature at 525 °C. Further increment in annealing temperature does not contribute to coercivity and magnetization. The annealed film could promote the application of Terfenol-D in weak magnetic sensors.

The accumulation and sustained release of drugs in the colonic inflammatory region are the favorable strategy for treating ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study, we developed a synergistic anti-inflammatory drug (quercetin/EGCG)-loaded micelle using hydrolytic quinoa protein (HQP) and cationic lotus root starch (CLRS) by a layer-by-layer assembly method. The encapsulation efficiency of quercetin and EGCG in the Que-HQP-EGCG-CLRS micelles reached 91.5 and 89.4%, respectively. This composite micelle exhibited a core–shell structure, where Que-HQP-EGCG was the core and CLRS was the coating shell. Moreover, the in vitro experiments indicated that these micelles can make Que/EGCG pass through gastric environments stably and delay their release in the intestine. Animal experiments further confirmed that the Que-HQP-EGCG-CLRS micelles can efficiently accumulate in the colonic inflammatory region and enable sustained release of drugs (more than 24 h), thus notably alleviating the symptoms of UC. These results suggested that Que-HQP-EGCG-CLRS micelles have good gastric stability, colonic inflammatory-accumulated effect, and sustained drug release ability, which are a promising co-delivery system for UC treatment.

Partial discharge (PD) assessment, widely applied in HV IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor) module, is not generally adopted for modules at low-to-medium voltage levels. In this article, a type of PD defect induced by the cavity in the solder layer of 1700-V IGBT modules. Using a zonal PD test method and the scanning acoustic microscope (SAM) analysis, we characterized the cavity defects in the solder layer and proposed a hypothesis for the underlying mechanism of the cavity formation. The hypothesis was then proved by adding two pretreatments during the attaching period of the substrates, which effectively suppressed the cavity defects. This suggests a method to settle the cavity defect by a half-etched dimple structure, which can improve the product pass rate during PD assessment.

Byline: Dong-Yi. Yang, Xing-Yao. Bu, Zhi-Long. Zhou, Zhao-Yue. Yan, Chun-Xiao. Ma, Ming-Qi. Qu, Yue-Wu. Zhao, Ling-Fei. Kong, Yao-Wei. Wang, Jian-Chao. Luo Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the worst cancers [...]

Clinical studies have shown that insomnia and anxiety are usually accompanied by cardiovascular dysfunction. In traditional Chinese medicine, Schisandra chinensis (SC) and wine processed Schisandra chinensis (WSC) are mainly used for the treatment of dysphoria, palpitation and insomnia. However, little attention was paid to its mechanism. In this study, we monitored the effect of SC and WSC on the nervous system and cardiovascular system of free-moving rats in the real-time. Our results show that SC and WSC can alleviate cardiovascular dysfunction while promoting sleep, and we further explored their potential mechanisms. HPLC-QTOF-MS was used for the quality control of chemical components in SC and WSC. Data sciences international (DSI) physiological telemetry system was applied to collect the electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG) and other parameters of free-moving rats to understand the effects of long-term intake of SC and WSC on rats. The content of Cortisol (CORT), neurotransmitters and amino acids in rat pituitary and hypothalamus were analyzed by UPLC-MS to determine the activity of HPA axis. The expression of melatonin receptor MT1 was analyzed by immunofluorescence technique. Our results suggested that SC and WSC may play the role of promoting sleep by increasing the expression level of melatonin receptor MT1 in hypothalamus, and modulate the activity of HPA axis by regulating the levels of the related neurotransmitters and amino acid, so as to improve the abnormal cardiovascular system of rats. This study may provide theoretical support for explicating the advantages of SC and other phytomedicines in the treatment of insomnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current X-ray imaging scintillators are dominated by inorganic scintillators grown through a high-temperature process. Exploring new types of scintillators with mild growth conditions, high light yields, and eco-friendly chemical compositions is essential and challenging. Herein, the zero-dimensional large-area laminar organic–inorganic hybrid metal halide TEA2MnI4(TEA = tetraethylammonium) single crystal with dimensions of 50 mm × 60 mm × 0.82 mm is grown via a local-heating solvent evaporation method. Compared with its Cl- and Br-based counterparts, the incorporation of the iodine component enhances the X-ray attenuation ability and significantly accelerates the decay of the photoluminescence of TEA2MnI4. Interestingly, the prepared TEA2MnI4exhibits a high transmittance of >90% over the range of 515–765 nm and exhibits a high light yield of 26288 photons/MeV, which provides the prerequisite for high-resolution X-ray imaging. The TEA2MnI4single-crystal scintillator displays an astonishing spatial resolution exceeding 25 line pairs per millimeter, which provides a design concept for a Mn–I-based single crystal for high-performance scintillator applications.

Direct evaluation of vascular inflammation in patients with COVID-19 would facilitate more efficient trials of new treatments and identify patients at risk of long-term complications who might respond to treatment. We aimed to develop a novel artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted image analysis platform that quantifies cytokine-driven vascular inflammation from routine CT angiograms, and sought to validate its prognostic value in COVID-19.

Preparation of adenylated DNA, which has wide applications, is a great challenge because the obtained AppDNA is usually quickly ligated to the 3′-OH at the nick. Here, by using an Aid-DNA with a mini-hairpin structure at its 3′ terminal, involving a 3–4-bp stem and a 3-nt loop, high adenylation yield (>90%) for most target sequences is obtained with no ligation by-products. The 5′ side of the Aid-DNA is complementary to the DNA to be adenylated, and forms a pseudo-nick after hybridization. T4 DNA ligase, the most popular ligase, can complete the adenylation. By investigating the effects of stem lengths, types of mismatched base pairs, and reaction conditions, we found that both a short stem and the mismatched base pair at 3′ end are essential to avoid ligation. More interestingly, the adenylation can be efficiently carried out even when another mismatched base pair flanks the 5′ side of the nick, and the ligation is completely inhibited. Thus, adenylation of a DNA becomes simple just by changing the Aid-DNA sequence at the 5′ side. This approach is also proved applicable for RNA adenylation, although the DNA ligase is used. Our finding is also helpful for understanding detailed mechanism of DNA ligation.A simple approach for synthesizing AppDNA as well as AppRNA with high yield has been successfully developed by the combination of utilization of 4–6-bp stem mini-hairpin structure and introduction of mismatches. On the mini-hairpin, a C-C mismatch at 3′ side of the nick and a C nucleotide presenting at the opposite of the 5′ end of the substrate.

Flexible superomniphobic doubly re-entrant (Dual-T) microstructures inspired by springtails have attracted growing attention due to their excellent liquid-repellent properties. However, the simple and practical manufacturing processes of the flexible Dual-T microstructures are urgently needed. Here, we proposed a one-step molding process coupled with the lithography technique to fabricate the elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Dual-T microstructure surfaces with high uniformity. The angle between the downward overhang and the horizontal direction could reach 90° (vertical overhang). The flexible superomniphobic Dual-T microstructure surfaces, without fluorination treatment and physical treatments, could repel liquids with a surface tension lower than 20 mN m–1in the Cassie–Baxter state. Owing to the excellent robustness of the one-step molding downward overhanging, the max breakthrough pressure of this surface could reach up to 164.3 Pa for ethanol droplets. Furthermore, the flexible superomniphobic Dual-T surface allowed impinging ethanol droplets to completely rebound at the Weber number up to 7.1 with an impact velocity of ∼0.32 m s–1. The Dual-T microstructure surface maintained excellent superomniphobicity even after surface oxygen plasma treatment and exhibited excellent structural robustness and recoverability to various large mechanical deformations.

Compared with their three-dimensional (3D) counterparts, low-dimensional metal halide perovskites (2D and quasi-2D; B2An−1MnX3n+1, such as B = R-NH3+, A = HC(NH2)2+, Cs+; M = Pb2+, Sn2+; X = Cl−, Br−, I−) with periodic inorganic–organic structures have shown promising stability and hysteresis-free electrical performance1–6. However, their unique multiple-quantum-well structure limits the device efficiencies because of the grain boundaries and randomly oriented quantum wells in polycrystals7. In single crystals, the carrier transport through the thickness direction is hindered by the layered insulating organic spacers8. Furthermore, the strong quantum confinement from the organic spacers limits the generation and transport of free carriers9,10. Also, lead-free metal halide perovskites have been developed but their device performance is limited by their low crystallinity and structural instability11. Here we report a low-dimensional metal halide perovskite BA2MAn−1SnnI3n+1(BA, butylammonium; MA, methylammonium; n= 1, 3, 5) superlattice by chemical epitaxy. The inorganic slabs are aligned vertical to the substrate and interconnected in a criss-cross 2D network parallel to the substrate, leading to efficient carrier transport in three dimensions. A lattice-mismatched substrate compresses the organic spacers, which weakens the quantum confinement. The performance of a superlattice solar cell has been certified under the quasi-steady state, showing a stable 12.36% photoelectric conversion efficiency. Moreover, an intraband exciton relaxation process may have yielded an unusually high open-circuit voltage (VOC).

Type 2 immunity mediates the immune responses against parasites and allergic stimuli. Evidence from studies of cell lines and animals implies that neuromedin U (NmU) acts as a pro-inflammatory mediator of type 2 inflammation. However, the role of NmU in human type 2 immunity remains unclear. Here we investigated the expression of NmU in human blood and airways, and the expression of NmU receptors by human immune cells in blood and lung tissue. We detected human NmU (hNmU-25) in blood and airways with higher concentrations in the latter. NmU receptor 1 (NmUR1) was expressed by most human immune cells with higher levels in type 2 cells including type 2 T helpers, type 2 cytotoxic T cells, group-2 innate lymphoid cells and eosinophils, and was upregulated in lung-resident and activated type 2 cells. We also assessed the effects of NmU in these cells. hNmU-25 elicited type 2 cytokine production by type 2 lymphocytes and induced cell migration, including eosinophils. hNmU-25 also enhanced the type 2 immune response to other stimuli, particularly prostaglandin D2. These results indicate that NmU could contribute to the pathogenic processes of type 2 immunity-mediated diseases in humans via its pro-inflammatory effects on type 2 lymphocytes and eosinophils.

•HOTTIP was highly expressed in the serum of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC).•HOTTIP expression were related to the PFS and OS of NPC patients.•High HOTTIP expression was an independent risk factor for PFS in NPC patients•HOTTIP promoted the proliferation of NPC cells and inhibited cells apoptosis.

Prolonged consumption of high-salt diet (HSD) is implicated in the development of gastritis. This research intends to explore the protective potential of Dendrobium huoshanensestem polysaccharide (cDHPS) on gastritis in high-salt diet mice. cDHPS effectively alleviated the symptoms of HSD-induced gastritis, which were demonstrated by the reversed weight loss, gastric mucosal swelling, gastric mucus depletion, tight junction (TJ) disruption, and microvascular endothelial cell necrosis. Notably, cDHPS inhibited HSD-induced gastric inflammation, which was evidenced by the remodeled balance of Th17/Treg cells, along with the decreased level of IL-17 and the increased level of IL-10. Simultaneously, the oxidative stress induced by HSD was also improved with cDHPS treatment. Western blot analysis revealed that cDHPS markedly upregulated Nrf-2 expression while concurrently inhibiting the phosphorylation of P65, IκB, PI3K, AKT and FOXO-1 in the gastric tissues of HSD-induced gastritis mice. Collectively, these results indicate that cDHPS possesses protective potential against HSD-induced gastritis, which was attributable to the improvement of inflammatory and oxidative damage by modulating the PI3K/AKT and NF-κB/Nrf-2 signaling.

The scale of Plectropomus leopardusbreeding is continually expanding, and this has necessitated constant changes to ensure that breeding conditions are optimized. Background color is an important factor affecting fish feeding. In this study, fish (10.58 ± 0.03 g) were cultured on five background colors (red, blue, black, white, and transparent), and the growth status and intestinal microbes of these fish over 56 days were analyzed. Growth performance and the expression of growth-related genes were optimized when the background color was white. The white group had higher AMS and LPS enzyme activities and lower T-SOD and T-AOC enzyme activities, indicating that the white background could effectively promote feeding and reduce oxidative stress in P. leopardus. Additionally, changes in background color altered the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota. The diversity and abundance of intestinal microbiota, including the abundance of beneficial bacteria, were highest in fish on a white background. The abundances of Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota and the abundance of Bacilluswere higher in the White group than in the other groups, indicating that a white background promotes the health of juvenile P. leopardus. In conclusion, a white background can promote the growth performance of P. leopardusand increase the abundance of beneficial intestinal microbes. Generally, the results of our study could be used to optimize the culture of P. leopardus.