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Despite the known benefits of data‐driven approaches, the lack of approaches for identifying functional neuroimaging patterns that capture both individual variations and inter‐subject correspondence limits the clinical utility of rsfMRI and its application to single‐subject analyses. Here, using rsfMRI data from over 100k individuals across private and public datasets, we identify replicable multi‐spatial‐scale canonical intrinsic connectivity network (ICN) templates via the use of multi‐model‐order independent component analysis (ICA). We also study the feasibility of estimating subject‐specific ICNs via spatially constrained ICA. The results show that the subject‐level ICN estimations vary as a function of the ICN itself, the data length, and the spatial resolution. In general, large‐scale ICNs require less data to achieve specific levels of (within‐ and between‐subject) spatial similarity with their templates. Importantly, increasing data length can reduce an ICN's subject‐level specificity, suggesting longer scans may not always be desirable. We also find a positive linear relationship between data length and spatial smoothness (possibly due to averaging over intrinsic dynamics), suggesting studies examining optimized data length should consider spatial smoothness. Finally, consistency in spatial similarity between ICNs estimated using the full data and subsets across different data lengths suggests lower within‐subject spatial similarity in shorter data is not wholly defined by lower reliability in ICN estimates, but may be an indication of meaningful brain dynamics which average out as data length increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a penalized weighted quantile estimating equations (PWQEEs) method to obtain sparse, robust and efficient estimators for the quantile regression with longitudinal data. The PWQEE incorporates the within correlations in the longitudinal data by Gaussian copulas and can also down-weight the high leverage points in covariates to achieve double-robustness to both the non-normal distributed errors and the contaminated covariates. To overcome the obstacles of discontinuity of the PWQEE and nonconvex optimization, a local distribution smoothing method and the minimization–maximization algorithm are proposed. The asymptotic properties of the proposed method are also proved. Furthermore, finite sample performance of the PWQEE is illustrated by simulation studies and a real-data example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state of burning plasma had been achieved in inertial confinement fusion (ICF), which was regarded as a great milestone for high-gain laser fusion energy. In the burning plasma, alpha particles incident on the cryogenic (warm dense) fuels cannot be simply regarded as single particles, and the new physics brought about by the density effects of alpha particles should be considered. In this work, the collective interaction between them has been considered, namely, the effect of the superposition of wake waves. The stopping power of alpha-particle clusters, i.e., the rate of energy loss per unit distance traveled has been calculated using both analytical and simulation approaches. In theory, we obtain the stopping power of alpha clusters in cryogenic (warm dense) fuel by the dielectric function method, which illustrates the importance of the effective interaction between particles. Simulation results using the LAPINS code show that the collective stopping power of the alpha cluster is indeed increased via coherent superposition of excitation fields (the excitation of high-amplitude wake waves). However, the comparison between simulation and theoretical results also illustrates a coherent–decoherent transition of the stopping power of the cluster. The initial conditions with various sizes and densities of the alpha clusters have been considered to verify the condition of decoherence transition. Our work provides a theoretical description of the transport properties of high-density alpha particles in warm dense cryogenic fuel and might give some theoretical guidance for the design of actual fusion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the flexible support mould is designed by using magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) to assist in the deep-drawing of magnesium alloys. Based on the magnesium alloy mechanical tensile test and magnetorheological elastomer regular force experiments, the deep-drawing process of AZ31 magnesium alloy supported by support mould was numerically simulated by finite-element analysis software ABAQUS. By varying the current input to the excitation coil to change the magnetic induction intensity and thus adjust the magnetic normal force of the magnetorheological elastomer, then using magnetic normal force to complete the auxiliary sheet metal deep-drawing. The results show that, compared with the unsupported mould, the supported mould can effectively reduce the maximum thinning rate of magnesium alloy on the original basis, thus effectively increasing the ultimate depth of magnesium alloy deep-drawing. It can replace the original buffer device, effectively solution the problem of pulling and cracking at the bottom of magnesium alloy caused by the original excessive damping force, and improve the yield rate of workpiece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Clinical research associates (CRAs) play an important role in pharmaceutical research and development. Despite growing concern about occupational burnout among CRAs in China, little is known about this topic. Aims We evaluated the factors associated with occupational burnout among CRAs in China and assessed the extent and nature of this syndrome in order to develop effective countermeasures. Methods In October 2020, we collected data from a convenience sample of 438 CRAs from 26 major cities across China using a custom-designed questionnaire. We evaluated their psychopathological status and degree of occupational burnout based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Factors associated with burnout were identified using the Wilcoxon rank test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman's rank correlation and multivariable ordinal logistic regression. Results Of the 438 CRAs analyzed, 82% showed signs of occupational burnout, with a large proportion experiencing moderate burnout (50%). Burnout in Chinese CRAs manifested as emotional exhaustion (77%), depersonalization (66%) and low sense of accomplishment (15%). The severity of burnout was significantly affected by mode of working (odds ratio [OR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–2.34), average number of working hours per week (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.14–2.46), support provided by the hospital (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.40–6.99) and likelihood of receiving a promotion (OR 4.05, 95% CI 1.34–12.22) (all P < 0.05). Conclusions The incidence of occupational burnout among CRAs in China is high. Companies and hospitals must take effective measures to establish support systems for CRAs in order to alleviate this situation and thereby ensure the quality of clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effects of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) on rumen fungal flora of dairy cows, four lactating Chinese Holstein dairy cows were randomly divided into two groups in the two-stage 2 × 2 cross-over design. The experimental group (MT) was fed with a basal ration and MOS were perfused orally 60 g/(d head). The control group (CK) was fed with a basal ration. The rumen fluid was collected through the oral cavity of dairy cows using a negative pressure suction device. 50ml rumen fluid of every cow was collected each time respectively before feeding (0 h) and 2h, 4h and 6h after feeding in a day. The rumen fungi were tested by ITS sequencing technology. The results showed that four phyla were identified in CK group and five in MT group. The dominant phyla in both groups were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Neocallimastigomycota, whose abundances were more than 90% of the total rumen fungi. At the level of genus, 74 genera were identified in CK group, while 91 genera in MT group. Several cellulolytic fungi genera showed a decreasing trend or decreased significantly, such as Neocallimastigaceae-NA. The previous experiments that shows the addition of mannan oligosaccharides promoted the proliferation of rumen bacteria, while the growth of rumen fungi was inhibited in this result, which may be due to the antagonism between rumen bacteria and fungi. The growth of cellulose-degrading fungi was inhibited to some extend after the addition of MOS in the diet. Candida and Zopfiella, closely related to mycotic mastitis and immunosuppression respectively, had decreasing trends in rumen with supplemental MOS in the diets of the dairy cows, indicating that MOS might play a positive role in inhibiting harmful fungi. The experimental result shows that mannan oligosaccharides in the diet of dairy cows inhibited the growth of cellulolytic fungi and the proliferation of harmful fungi. In addition, the results showed that there might be the antagonistic effect between rumen fungi and bacteria potentially, which should be focused on for further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of whole-grain rice (WGR) on pellet quality, geese performance, and economic benefits. A total of 360 one-day-old healthy male Jiangnan White goslings with similar body weight (BW) were randomly divided into 2 groups with 6 replicates per group and 30 geese per replicate. Pelleted diets were prepared with WGR for the experimental group and crushed rice (CR) for the control group to create the 2 treatments. Dietary rice (unhusked) inclusions were 20% for 1 to 21 d and 40% for 22 to 70 d. The pellets from d 1 to 21 were crumbled. Prepelleted WGR significantly decreased pellet length, hardness and pellet durability index. WGR pellets had significantly higher fine ratio (≤2.8 mm) and starch gelatinization than CR pellets. The different treatments did not affect BW on 21, 42, and 70 d of age or average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain, and feed to gain ratio (F/G) from 1 to 70 d. However, compared with the CR diet, the WGR diet increased ADFI and F/G from 1 to 21 d. At 70 d of age, similar slaughter performance, relative viscera weight, and meat quality of geese were observed, except for a significant increase in the spleen ratio in the WGR treatment compared with the CR treatment. From the observation, pelleting with WGR reduced the cost of feed manufacture by decreasing the electricity use of grinding and had no negative effect on feed cost per/kg weight gain of geese. Even with the decreased pellet quality, we recommend replacing CR in geese diets with WGR from 22 to 70 d of age in view of the geese performance, economic benefits, and electricity savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The previous observational studies could not overcome the effects of confounding variables and reverse causality. We aimed to determine whether there is a causal relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus and osteoporosis in East Asian and European populations, respectively, by two-sample Mendelian Randomization analysis. We obtained and downloaded data from publicly available genome-wide association study databases and analyses for East Asian and European populations, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), osteoporosis (OP), multisite bone mineral density (BMD), and OP with fracture. After screening for instrumental single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly correlated to SLE, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used for calculating the ratio and 95% confidence interval, besides utilizing MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode to assess the robustness of the primary outcome. Moreover, multiple analyses, including MR-PRESSO, MR-Egger intercept, Cochran's Q test, as well as "leave-one-out" sensitivity, were used for evaluating horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and stability. Finally, we exchanged exposure and outcome and performed a reverse MR analysis. IVW (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01–1.09, P = 0.009) indicated a significant positive correlation between genetically predicted SLE and OP in East Asians. Furthermore, neither heterogeneity nor horizontal pleiotropy was observed. In Europe, there was no significant genetically predicted causal relation between SLE and OP. Bi-directional MR analysis showed no reverse causality between SLE and OP. In the East Asian population, genetically predicted SLE may have had a positive causal relationship with OP. In Europe, there is insufficient evidence for a potential causal relation between SLE and OP or BMD and fracture, and the correlations currently observed may be attributed to a variety of confounder variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Biot's theory of two-phase media, the screening effectiveness of a multi-row pile barrier system on incident Rayleigh waves in a fluid-saturated poroelastic half-space is investigated using a high-precision three-dimensional indirect boundary element method for multi-domain scattering. A companion paper has described the theoretical derivation of the model. In this paper, numerical results indicate that the scattering of waves by piles in fluid-saturated poroelastic media is different from that in single-phase elastic media. The group piles effectively reduce the vibration amplitude in the poroelastic half-space, and the dynamic response strongly depends on the incident frequency, porosity, pile length and spacing, number of pile rows, and row spacing of multi-row piles. Higher values of the frequency and porosity (i.e., softer soil) produce a better vibration isolation effect by the group piles. Special attention should be paid to piles embedded in poroelastic media, as the existence of fluid produces a negative effect on the vibration isolation compared with the case of a single-phase medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Biot's theory of two-phase media, the screening effectiveness of a multi-row pile barrier system on incident Rayleigh waves in a fluid-saturated poroelastic half-space is investigated using a high-precision threedimensional indirect boundary element method for multi-domain scattering. According to the single-layer potential theory, the scattered wavefield in a poroelastic half-space can be constructed using the distributed loads in three orthogonal directions and the fluid source, which are virtually applied on the surface of all the scatterers. This paper describes the theoretical derivation of the model. A companion paper presents the numerical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ScN in the rock salt structure is a well-investigated material due to its desirable properties like the high hardness or large thermal conductivity. Recent computations by Adamski et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 115, 232103 (2019)] showed that ScN/GaN heterostructures exhibit an outstanding polarization gradient which would be beneficial for polarization induced electron gases. The pseudobinary semiconductor Sc x Al 1 − x N, when maintaining the cubic rock salt structure, could be beneficial for tailoring the polarization gradient using the Sc dependency of material properties. The structural properties of rs-Sc x Al 1 − x N are not fully discovered yet, thus in this work, DC-magnetron sputtered cubic rock salt Sc x Al 1 − x N thin films with 0.55 < x < 1.00 were grown and analyzed on ScN(111)/Si(111). The epitaxial relation of ScN(111) thin films on the Si(111) substrate is determined to be ScN[110] ∥ Si[100]. Furthermore, concentration dependent properties like the lattice parameter of Sc x Al 1 − x N were measured [a(ScN) = 4.50 Å, a(Sc0.55Al0.45N) = 4.30 Å] and the stress σ within the layers was determined. The crystal quality was evaluated using ω -scans, revealing FWHM = 1.14 ° for Sc0.95Al0.05N. The diameters of the columns were determined by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and they are range from 34 to 59 nm for 0.55 < x < 1.00. At x = 0.55 , Sc x Al 1 − x N columns in the hexagonal wurtzite as well as cubic rock salt structure were detected. This information about the structural specifications of Sc x Al 1 − x N in the rock salt structure forms the basis for further investigations and experimental confirmation of the electric properties of ScN/GaN heterostructures or even a Sc x Al 1 − x N/GaN based approach for improved structures for high-electron-mobility transistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper was attempted to investigate the microstructure degradation and low cycle fatigue (LCF) performance of a serviced K465 Ni‐based superalloy turbine blade. LCF tests were carried out with small‐scale plate specimens sampled from the blades. Relationship between residual LCF life and microstructure state was estimated. The results indicate that the coarsening of γ/γ′ phases was the most significant microstructure degradation mode for the serviced blades. Both the γ matrix width and the γ′ precipitate diameter increased with the increase of service duration, while the γ′ precipitate volume fraction slightly decreased. The most severe microstructure degradation occurred at the leading edge along the chord direction, particularly at 50–70 % airfoil spans. The residual LCF life exhibited an accelerated decrease characteristic as increases of microstructure degradation degree. The coarsened microstructure diminished shear resistance of the superalloy, which resulted in additional accumulated inelastic deformation and a corresponding reduction in LCF life. Highlights: Service induced microstructure evolution and LCF life decay of a blade were investigated.Coarsening was identified as the main degradation form of γ/γ' phases in serviced blade.Accelerated decrease of residual LCF life was identified as increases of coarsening.Reduced plastic deformation resistance owing to coarsening is crucial to decay LCF life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The cytotoxic T lymphocyteassociated molecules-4 (CTLA-4) is related to the relapse of Graves' disease (GD) after anti-thyroid drugs (ATDs) withdrawal. We performed a meta-analysis to generate large-scale evidence on whether the CTLA-4 exon 1+49A/G polymorphism can predict the relapse of GD after ATDs withdrawal. Methods and Results. The PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and reference lists of relevant studies were searched to identify eligible studies from inception to Jan, 2021. Ten eligible studies consisting of 1450 GD patients with a total of 848 relapsed patients were included in the meta-analysis. In Caucasians patients, the CTLA-4 exon 1+49A/G polymorphism significantly elevated the relapse risk of GD in additive (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.18-3.62, P=0.011), dominant (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.17-5.41, P=0.02), homozygote model(OR = 3.264, 95% CI: 1.25-8.52, P=0.016), except recessive (OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 0.98-4.86, P = 0.062) and heterozygote model (OR = 2.141, 95% CI = 0.958-4.786, P = 0.064). In Asian subgroup, none of these genotypes show any associations with the relapse of GD after ATDs withdrawal. Conclusion. This meta-analysis suggests that the CTLA-4 exon1 +49A/G polymorphism is associated with the relapse risk of GD after ATDs withdrawal in Caucasians, not Asians. Compared with the AA genotype, Caucasian patients with GG genotype have 3.264 times risk of relapse. A more aggressive treatment such as radioactive iodine or thyroidectomy, or longer periods treatment of ATDs should be recommended in Caucasian patients with the GG genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct impact of structural quality on the ferroelectric properties of hexagonal Al1–xScxN with an Sc-content of x = 0.3 was investigated using dynamic hysteresis measurements, high-resolution x-ray diffraction (HRXRD), and atomic force microscopy. The films investigated were deposited on p-doped (001)-Si substrates by reactive pulsed DC magnetron sputtering under different gas mixtures to vary the structural quality and surface morphology between samples. Misoriented grains were identified as ferroelectrically inactive, as these grains resulted in an underestimation and distortion of the ferroelectric quantities. In fact, a high amount of misoriented volume was found to have a significant effect on the coercive electric field, as this is mainly determined by the crystal strain in the ferroelectric [0001]-oriented regions, independent of its origin. Furthermore, it was concluded that the crystal quality does not have a pronounced effect on the coercive field strength. Conversely, the polarization in the film is mainly determined by the crystal quality, as a difference of 1° in the HRXRD FWHM of the ω-scan resulted in a 60% loss of polarization. The amount of polarization was influenced to a lesser extent by the misoriented grains since the ferroelectric volume of the layers was only slightly overestimated. This reveals that optimizing reproducible and transferable properties, such as crystal quality and surface morphology, is more reasonable, as the film with the lowest misoriented volume and the highest degree of c-axis orientation showed the highest polarization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bupivacaine is frequently used for regional anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. However, an inadvertent intravenous injection can cause severe cardiotoxicity, manifesting as arrhythmia, hypotension, and even cardiac asystole. The mechanism of bupivacaine-mediated cardiotoxicity remains unclear. SK2 knockout mice (SK) and wild-type mice (WT) were divided into four groups, with 12 mice per group. We determined the difference in bupivacaine cardiotoxicity between SK2 knockout and WT mice by measuring the time to the first arrhythmia (Tarrhythmia) and the time to asystole (Tasystole). Secondary indicators of cardiotoxicity were the time from the beginning of bupivacaine infusion to 20% prolongation of the QT interval (TQT) and the time to 20% widening of the QRS complex (TQRS). Tarrhythmia and Tasystole were significantly longer in the SK-bupi group than in the WT-bupi group (both P < 0.05). TQT and TQRS were longer in the SK-bupi group than in the WT-bupi group (all P < 0.05). The time to 25%, 50%, and 75% reduction in HR in the SK-bupi group was significantly longer than in the WT-bupi group (all P < 0.05). Knocking out the SK2 channel can reduce bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity in the mouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging is currently the mainstay of functional neuroimaging and has allowed researchers to identify intrinsic connectivity networks (aka functional networks) at different spatial scales. However, little is known about the temporal profiles of these networks and whether it is best to model them as continuous phenomena in both space and time or, rather, as a set of temporally discrete events. Both categories have been supported by series of studies with promising findings. However, a critical question is whether focusing only on time points presumed to contain isolated neural events and disregarding the rest of the data is missing important information, potentially leading to misleading conclusions. In this work, we argue that brain networks identified within the spontaneous blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal are not limited to temporally sparse burst moments and that these event present time points (EPTs) contain valuable but incomplete information about the underlying functional patterns. We focus on the default mode and show evidence that is consistent with its continuous presence in the BOLD signal, including during the event absent time points (EATs), i.e., time points that exhibit minimum activity and are the least likely to contain an event. Moreover, our findings suggest that EPTs may not contain all the available information about their corresponding networks. We observe distinct default mode connectivity patterns obtained from all time points (AllTPs), EPTs, and EATs. We show evidence of robust relationships with schizophrenia symptoms that are both common and unique to each of the sets of time points (AllTPs, EPTs, EATs), likely related to transient patterns of connectivity. Together, these findings indicate the importance of leveraging the full temporal data in functional studies, including those using event-detection approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Standard total mesorectal resection has become an important treatment option for locally advanced or high-risk rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. 15–27% of patients can achieve pathological complete response (PCR) after neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (nCRT). However, the relationship between PCR and postoperative complications remains an important unsolved problem. The objective of this study was to determine whether PCR was associated with the rate of postoperative complications. Methods: This meta-analysis was implemented following the recommendations from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. We searched electronic literature by PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Major outcomes of interest included anastomotic leakage, surgical-site infection, reoperation, and any postoperative complications. Other outcomes comprised postoperative hemorrhage, ileus, and mortality. Results: Eleven thousand two hundred ninety patients in 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed that patients with PCR did not have a higher risk of anastomotic leakage (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 0.92–1.62, p = 0.17), reoperation (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.93–1.37, p = 0.22), and any postoperative complications (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.91–1.15, p = 0.72) than patients with non-PCR. However, the meta-analysis showed that the PCR group was superior to the non-PCR group in terms of surgical-site infection (9.38% vs. 12.44%OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.47–0.98; p = 0.04). Conclusion: PCR might not be related to the occurrence of postoperative complications in rectal cancer patients following nCRT. In addition, PCR might be associated with a lower risk of surgical-site infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The triangular data points represent all MFS-structures fabricated and measured in this work. (b) Microscopic stress acting in the ferroelectric active [0001]-oriented regions plotted as a function of the misoriented volume in the respective film, where the triangular data points represent the sample series where the Ar-flux was changed while the N2-flux was kept constant; the square data points represent the series where no Ar was used, and only the N2-flux was varied; the inverted triangular data points represent the series where the individual gas fluxes for Ar and N2 were changed while the total flux (Ar + N2) was kept constant. In contrast, the upside-down triangles represent the data points acquired by Yazawa et al.44 using MFM-structures. [Extracted from the article]

• Interface states generation induced by HCI stress was layout-dependent. • Self-heating induced local temperature rise. • Multi-finger device suffered more HCI degradation. • Non-destructive method for interface states characterization. V gmax Hot-Carrier-Injection (HCI) degradation in Multi-finger p-Laterally-Diffused Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect-Transistors (LDMOSFET) had been investigated by Multi-Region Direct-Current-Current-Voltage (MR-DCIV) characterization method-probing the interface state distribution along the channel, accumulation and (Shallow Trench Isolation) STI-drift region. The method feasibility was verified by device simulation and stress experiment. The enhanced interface state generation in the channel and accumulation region was clearly revealed in multi-finger layout device. This layout dependent degradation was associated with self-heating effect and temperature accelerated V gmax HCI stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]