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Microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of the ductile iron in three heat treatment processes (normalizing, quenching + high‐temperature tempering and isothermal quenching) were investigated in this paper. The pearlite and ferrite with large‐sized spherical graphites can be obtained in the normalized sample, and the spherical graphites with relatively large size can still be observed in the mechanical mixture of tempered martensite and acicular ferrite for the quenched‐tempered sample. Meanwhile, the lower bainite accompanied with the relatively fine spherical graphites are existed in the isothermal‐quenched sample. The difference of tensile strength is mainly caused by the phase composition, distribution and size of the spherical graphites and the effect of the solid solution strengthening. The weaker degree of the debonding damage, higher proportion of high‐angle grain boundaries will improve the impact toughness of the ductile iron. In a word, the optimum combination of strength and toughness is acquired by using isothermal quenching, and the tensile strength and impact toughness are ~1350 MPa and ~10.62 J, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review summarizes recent progress in the synergistic design strategy for thermoresponsive polymers possessing an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) in aqueous systems. To achieve precise control of the responsive behavior of the UCST polymers, their molecular design can benefit from a synergistic effect of hydrogen bonding with other interactions or modification of the chemical structures. The combination of UCST behavior with other stimuli‐responsive properties of the polymers may yield new functional materials with potential applications such as sensors, actuators, and controlled release devices. The advances in this area provide insight or inspiration into the understanding and design of functional UCST polymers for a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In traditional 2D animation, sketches drawn at distant keyframes are used to design motion, yet it would be far too labor‐intensive to draw all the inbetween frames to fully visualize that motion. We propose a novel efficient interpolation algorithm that generates these intermediate frames in the artist's drawing style. Starting from a set of registered rough vector drawings, we first generate a large number of candidate strokes during a pre‐process, and then, at each intermediate frame, we select the subset of those that appropriately conveys the underlying interpolated motion, interpolates the stroke distributions of the key drawings, and introduces a minimum amount of temporal artifacts. In addition, we propose quantitative error metrics to objectively evaluate different stroke selection strategies. We demonstrate the potential of our method on various animations and drawing styles, and show its superiority over competing raster‐ and vector‐based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effect of dose calculation accuracy on inverse linear energy transfer (LET) optimization for intensity‐modulated proton therapy, and to determine whether adding more beams would improve the plan robustness to different dose calculation engines. Methods: Two sets of intensity‐modulated proton therapy plans using two, four, six, and nine beams were created for 10 prostate cancer patients: one set was optimized with dose constraints (DoseOpt) using the pencil beam (PB) algorithm, and the other set was optimized with additional LET constraints (LETOpt) using the Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm. Dose distributions of DoseOpt plans were then recalculated using the MC algorithm, and the LETOpt plans were recalculated using the PB algorithm. Dosimetric indices of targets and critical organs were compared between the PB and MC algorithms for both sets of plans. Results: For DoseOpt plans, dose differences between the PB and MC algorithms were minimal. However, the maximum dose differences in LETOpt plans were 11.11% and 15.85% in the dose covering 98% and 2% (D2) of the clinical target volume, respectively. Furthermore, the dose to 1 cc of the bladder differed by 11.42 Gy (relative biological effectiveness). Adding more beams reduced the discrepancy in target coverage, but the errors in D2 of the structure were increased with the number of beams. Conclusion: High modulation of LET requires high dose calculation accuracy during the optimization and final dose calculation in the inverse treatment planning for intensity‐modulated proton therapy, and adding more beams did not improve the plan robustness to different dose calculation algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the utility of trio-based prenatal exome sequencing (pES), incorporating splice-site and mitochondrial genome assessment, in the prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with ultrasound anomalies and normal copy-number variant sequencing (CNV-seq) results.Methods: This was a prospective study of 90 ongoing pregnancies with ultrasound anomalies that underwent trio-based pES after receiving normal CNV-seq results, from September 2020 to November 2021, in a single center in China. By using pES with a panel encompassing exome coding and splicing regions as well as mitochondrial genome for fetuses and parents, we identified the underlying genetic causes of fetal anomalies, incidental fetal findings and parental carrier status. Information on pregnancy outcome and the impact of pES findings on parental decision-making was collected.Results: Of the 90 pregnancies included, 28 (31.1%) received a diagnostic result that could explain the fetal ultrasound anomalies. The highest diagnostic yield was noted for brain abnormalities (3/6 (50.0%)), followed by hydrops (4/9 (44.4%)) and skeletal abnormalities (13/34 (38.2%)). Collectively, 34 variants of 20 genes were detected in the 28 diagnosed cases, with 55.9% (19/34) occurring de novo. Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) associated with fetal phenotypes were detected in six (6.7%) fetuses. Interestingly, fetal (n = 4) and parental (n = 3) incidental findings (IFs) were detected in seven (7.8%) cases. These included two fetuses carrying a de-novo likely pathogenic (LP) variant of the CIC and FBXO11 genes, respectively, associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, and one fetus with a LP variant in a mitochondrial gene. The remaining fetus presented with unilateral renal dysplasia and was incidentally found to carry a pathogenic PKD1 gene variant resulting in adult-onset polycystic kidney, which was later confirmed to be inherited from the mother. In addition, parental heterozygous variants associated with autosomal recessive diseases were detected in three families, including one with additional fetal diagnostic findings. Diagnostic results or fetal IFs contributed to parental decision-making about termination of the pregnancy in 26 families (26/72 (36.1%)), while negative pES results or identification of VUS encouraged 40 families (40/72 (55.6%)) to continue their pregnancy, which ended in a live birth in all cases.Conclusion: Trio-based pES can provide additional genetic information for pregnancies with fetal ultrasound anomalies without a CNV-seq diagnosis. The incidental findings and parental carrier status reported by trio-based pES with splice-site and mitochondrial genome analysis extend its clinical application, but careful genetic counseling is warranted. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the journal Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, explores the effects of novel PI4KA variants on fetal development. The study used systematic ultrasound screening, MRI, and autopsy to examine the fetus. Compound heterozygous variants were detected in the PI4KA gene of the affected fetus, and these variants were predicted to be deleterious. Functional experiments showed that the variants altered RNA splicing and enzyme activity. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of PI4KA mutations and may be useful for genetic counseling. [Extracted from the article]

B Introduction: b Zanubrutinib is an irreversible, potent, next-generation Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor designed to maximize BTK occupancy and minimize off-target inhibition. A favorable safety profile was also observed in pts from China with zanubrutinib compared with ibrutinib, with lower rates of treatment discontinuations and serious AEs in patients with R/R CLL/SLL. [Extracted from the article]

We describe the ocean general circulation model Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic Weather and Climate Model (ICON‐O) of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, which forms the ocean‐sea ice component of the Earth system model ICON‐ESM. ICON‐O relies on innovative structure‐preserving finite volume numerics. We demonstrate the fundamental ability of ICON‐O to simulate key features of global ocean dynamics at both uniform and non‐uniform resolution. Two experiments are analyzed and compared with observations, one with a nearly uniform and eddy‐rich resolution of ∼10 km and another with a telescoping configuration whose resolution varies smoothly from globally ∼80 to ∼10 km in a focal region in the North Atlantic. Our results show first, that ICON‐O on the nearly uniform grid simulates an ocean circulation that compares well with observations and second, that ICON‐O in its telescope configuration is capable of reproducing the dynamics in the focal region over decadal time scales at a fraction of the computational cost of the uniform‐grid simulation. The telescopic technique offers an alternative to the established regionalization approaches. It can be used either to resolve local circulation more accurately or to represent local scales that cannot be simulated globally while remaining within a global modeling framework. Plain Language Summary: Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic Weather and Climate Model (ICON‐O) is a global ocean general circulation model that works on unstructured grids. It rests on novel numerical techniques that belong to the class of structure‐preserving finite Volume methods. Unstructured grids allow on the one hand a uniform coverage of the sphere without resolution clustering, and on the other hand they provide the freedom to intentionally cluster grid points in some region of interest. In this work we run ICON‐O on an uniform grid of approximately 10 km resolution and on a grid with four times less degrees of freedom that is stretched such that in the resulting telescoping grid within the North Atlantic the two resolutions are similar, while outside the focal area the grid approaches smoothly ∼80 km resolution. By comparison with observations and reanalysis data we show first, that the simulation on the uniform 10 km grid provides a decent mesoscale eddy rich simulation and second, that the telescoping grid is able to reproduce the mesoscale rich circulation locally in the North Atlantic and on decadal time scales. This telescoping technique of unstructured grids opens new research directions. Key Points: We describe Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic Weather and Climate Model (ICON‐O) the ocean component of ICON‐ESM 1.0, based on the ICON modeling frameworkICON‐O is analyzed in a globally mesoscale‐rich simulation and in a telescoping configurationIn telescoping configuration ICON‐O reproduces locally the eddy dynamics with less computational costs than the uniform configuration [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra low frequency (ULF) waves are fundamental waves that can energize, transport, and scatter charged particles in planetary magnetospheres. With the measurements from MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER), we investigate the proton flux fluctuations and coherent waves associated with a series of ULF waves on the flanks of Mercury's magnetosphere. The ULF waves are mainly compressional with a frequency of ∼15 mHz and significantly modulate the intensity of proton flux. The coherent waves accompanied by the ULF waves correspond to a higher frequency (∼1 Hz). The wave power and compressibility of the coherent waves vary quasi‐periodically with the ∼15 mHz ULF waves. We conclude that the compressional ULF waves modulate the coherent waves with higher frequency. This modulation might result from the associated periodic proton flux changes and helps us understand the nature of the ∼1 Hz waves better. Plain Language Summary: This study presents MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) observations of wave‐particle interactions on the flank of Mercury's magnetosphere. Clear one‐to‐one modulation of proton flux by ∼15 mHz compressional waves is shown in these two cases. Proton gyro‐frequency (∼1 Hz) waves are observed during the same interval. Their amplitudes and compressibilities are periodic with a frequency of ∼15 mHz, coinciding with the frequency of the compressional waves. This coincidence indicates that the ∼1 Hz waves are possibly affected by the ∼15 mHz waves. The above observational facts demonstrate that ULF waves can modify the plasma environment and further affect the kinetic scale dynamics in the magnetosphere of Mercury. Its importance is further validated by our statistical result, which shows that wave‐particle and wave‐wave modulation are not rare events. Key Points: ∼15 mHz magnetic field pulsations were detected and found to be capable of driving proton flux fluctuations in Mercury's magnetosphereThe associated ∼1 Hz magnetic waves have ∼15 mHz variations in power and compressibility, indicating modulation by the ∼15 mHz wavesThe influence on ∼1 Hz waves is possibly attained by plasma flux changes, helping us better interpret its wave mode and character [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain growth behaviors of niobium free, 0.021 wt. % niobium microalloyed and 0.024 wt. % niobium‐0.0022 wt. % boron microalloyed 20MnCr5 steels are investigated in this paper. Optical microscopy and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the prior austenite grain. Transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to investigate the morphologies and compositions of the precipitates, respectively. The results show that adding niobium reduces the size of prior austenite grain. The addition of boron to niobium microalloyed steel, however, causes grain coarsening. Thermodynamic and kinetic calculations were performed to explain the mechanism of grain growth behavior. The results indicate that the addition of niobium and boron causes the difference in solution temperatures of aluminum nitride and niobium carbonitride precipitates. The addition of boron inhibits the precipitation of niobium carbonitride and aluminum nitride and causes precipitates coarsening. The precipitation observation backs up the calculation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main purpose of this work was to generate and validate the dosimetric accuracy of proton beams of dimensions that are appropriate for in vivo small animal and in vitro ultrahigh dose rate (FLASH) radiotherapy experiments using a synchrotron‐based treatment delivery system. This study was performed to enable future investigations of the relevance of a spread‐out Bragg peak (SOBP) under FLASH conditions. Methods: The spill characteristics of the small field fixed horizontal beam line were modified to deliver accelerated protons in times as short as 2 ms and to control the dose delivered. A Gaussian‐like transverse beam profile was transformed into a square uniform one at FLASH dose rates, while avoiding low‐dose regions, a crucial requirement to protect normal tissue during FLASH irradiation. Novel beam‐shaping devices were designed using Monte Carlo techniques to produce up to about 6 cm3 of uniform dose in SOBPs while maximizing the dose rate. These included a scattering foil, a conical flattening filter to maximize the flux of protons into the region of interest, energy filters, range compensators, and collimators. The shapes, sizes, and positions of the components were varied to provide the required field sizes and SOBPs. Results: The designed and fabricated devices were used to produce 10‐, 15‐, and 20‐mm diameter, circular field sizes and 10‐, 15‐, and 20‐mm SOBP modulation widths at uniform physical dose rates of up to 375 Gy/s at the center of the SOBP and a minimum dose rate of about 255 Gy/s at the entrance, respectively, in cylindrical volumes. The flatness of lateral dose profiles at the center could be adjusted to within ±1.5% at the center of the SOBP. Assessment of systematic uncertainties, such as impact of misalignments and positioning uncertainties, was performed using simulations, and the results were used to provide appropriate adjustments to ensure high‐accuracy FLASH beam delivery for both in vitro and in vivo preclinical experiments. Conclusions: It is feasible to use synchrotron‐generated proton beams of sufficient dimensions for FLASH radiobiology experiments. We expect to use the system we developed to acquire in vitro and in vivo small animal FLASH radiobiology data as a function of dose, dose rate, oxygen content, and linear energy transfer to help us understand the underlying mechanisms of the FLASH phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the association between the vaginal microenvironment and fecundability among women. Design: Register‐based nationwide cohort study. Setting: Chinese National Free Pre‐conception Check‐up Project from 2015 to 2018. Population: Our study included a total of 3 388 554 eligible women who were attempting to become pregnant. Method: We assessed the vaginal microenvironment at baseline by considering four indices: vaginal pH, clue cell examination, whiff test and vaginal cleanliness grading. If any of these indicators was abnormal, the vaginal microenvironment was defined as poor. Propensity score matching was used to control for potential confounders and reduce bias. Logistic models were used to estimate the fecundability odds ratios (FORs) after adjustment for covariates. Main outcome measures: Achievement of a pregnancy within 1 year. Results: Of the total study population, 379 718 women (11.2%) had a poor vaginal microenvironment and their pregnancy rate after 1 year was significantly lower than the group with a normal microenvironment (71.8% versus 76.1%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the women with a poor vaginal microenvironment were associated with a 9% reduction in fecundability compared with the normal microenvironment group (FOR 0.91, 95% CI 0.90–0.92). The adverse effects of a poor vaginal microenvironment were stronger among multipara (FOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.87–0.90) or women with irregular menstruation (FOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.84–0.89). Conclusion: There was a negative association between a poor vaginal microenvironment and the fecundability of women. These findings highlight the significance of assessing the vaginal microenvironment during pre‐pregnancy health examinations. Women with a poor vaginal microenvironment were associated with a reduction in fecundability. Women with a poor vaginal microenvironment were associated with a reduction in fecundability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop and test the first causal model of thriving at work in Chinese nurses. Background: Nurses' ability to thrive at their work is critical to retain qualified nurses and meet the needs of a constantly changing health environment. However, this is a poorly researched area. Introduction: Thriving at work refers to the feeling of vitality and learning at work, which are evidenced to be solidly associated with nurses' development. Only a few factors have been explored regarding the effects of thriving at work. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was undertaken using stratified random sampling. This involved 565 nurses from five general hospitals in Dali city, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China. Data were collected from April to September 2019 using seven instruments. The model was constructed and tested using the Analysis of Moment Structure program and reported using the STROBE checklist. Results: All model variables provided direct and indirect effects to the outcome. The final model fitted the empirical data with acceptable indices. Discussion: Predicting variables of workplace mindfulness, authentic leadership, workplace violence, organizational justice and years of experience were found to affect thriving at work directly and indirectly. Psychological capital and perceived organizational support mediated the effects between predicting variables to the outcome. Conclusion and Implications for nursing and health policy: Recommendations for nursing and health leaders are provided to improve nurses' thriving at work by building fair, supportive, and safe working environments, improving head nurses' authentic leadership and cultivating nurses' mindfulness. Policies need to be promulgated to improve and regulate the nurse–patient ratio and to eliminate violence against Chinese nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study whether serum estradiol (E2) levels prior to progesterone administration in the artificial endometrial preparation (AEP) of frozen–thawed blastocyst transfer affect the live birth rate. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary‐care academic medical centre. Population: A total of 3857 frozen–thawed blastocyst transfer cycles were divided into three groups: <200 pg/ml (n = 1676); 200–399 pg/ml (n = 1296); and ≥400 pg/ml (n = 885), based on the 25th (182.3 pg/ml) and 75th percentile (390.2 pg/ml) of serum E2 level prior to progesterone administration. Methods: Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome of the study was the live birth rate and the secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate, pregnancy loss rate, neonatal birthweight, Z‐score, and small for gestational age (SGA). Results: Compared with the reference group, accounting for major covariates, the live birth rate significantly decreased in the '≥400 pg/ml' group (adjusted OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.59–0.85). Compared with the reference group, there was an association between the E2 level in the '≥400 pg/ml' group and a decrease in the clinical pregnancy rate (adjusted OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.61–0.89). Compared with the reference group, the pregnancy loss rate significantly increased in the '≥400 pg/ml' group (adjusted OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.08–1.93). The E2 levels did not affect neonatal birthweight, Z‐score, and SGA among singletons. Conclusions: High serum E2 levels prior to progesterone administration in AEP are associated with a decreased live birth rate after frozen–thawed blastocyst transfer. High serum E2 levels prior to progesterone administration in artificial FET are associated with a decreased live birth rate after frozen–thawed blastocyst transfer. High serum E2 levels prior to progesterone administration in artificial FET are associated with a decreased live birth rate after frozen–thawed blastocyst transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable Zn‐0.45Li alloys with high strength and ductility were successfully fabricated by hot extrusion and multi‐pass drawing to obtain ultrafine‐grained microstructures with a secondary phase of fine LiZn4 participates. The mechanical properties, degradation behavior and cytocompatibility of the alloys were subsequently investigated. Results showed that grain refinement could be achieved in the alloys after hot extrusion and multi‐pass drawing. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation to failure of the ultrafine‐grained Zn‐0.45Li alloys reached 416 MPa, 567 MPa and 55.4 %, respectively. Enhancements in both strength and elongation could be attributed to interactions between LiZn4 and matrix dislocations, the pinning effect of LiZn4 on grain boundaries, and grain refinement. Immersion tests and MTT cytotoxicity assay indicated that the Zn‐0.45Li alloys have a corrosion rate and cytocompatibility similar to the values reported for biomedical implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial ionospheric hole created by the release of neutral gases (such as sulfur hexafluoride) has a significant impact on the propagation of radio waves. Based on the ray-tracing method, the propagation patterns of HF radio waves in the ionospheric hole and the characteristics of its echoes are discussed in this paper. The results show that the HF waves will be deflected and bended while passing through the ionospheric hole, thus changing its original path. The sounding frequency, elevation angle, position of transmitter and receiver, and the dynamic variation of the hole all affect the reception of echoes. Generally, when the frequency is low, the echoes received on the ground mainly come from rays with low-elevation angles, and the multi-hop rays are more likely to occur. While with a high frequency, the received echoes are mainly contributed by high-elevation rays. It is not conducive to the reception of the echoes if the transmitter and receiver is too far away from the hole. Single-peak, double-peak and multi-peak echo signals can be found in the group path-amplitude diagram, and the maximum group path difference can reflect the size of the ionospheric hole to some extent. Due to the dynamic evolution of the hole, the propagation of HF waves and received echoes also changes over time. The group pathtime diagrams show that the come-back echoes mainly appear in the period of 20-100 s after release. The results of this paper have a guiding significance for the diagnosis and application of active experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of data‐intensive technologies, such as image‐guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), the amount and complexity of data to be transferred between clinical subsystems have increased beyond the reach of manual checking. As a result, unintended treatment deviations (e.g., dose errors) may occur if the treatment system is not closely monitored by a comprehensive data transfer quality management program (QM). This report summarizes the findings and recommendations from the task group (TG) on quality assurance (QA) of external beam treatment data transfer (TG‐201), with the aim to assist medical physicists in designing their own data transfer QM. As a background, a section of this report describes various models of data flow (distributed data repositories and single data base systems) and general data test characteristics (data integrity, interpretation, and consistency). Recommended tests are suggested based on the collective experience of TG‐201 members. These tests are for the acceptance of, commissioning of, and upgrades to subsystems that store and/or modify clinical treatment data. As treatment complexity continues to evolve, we will need to do and know more about ensuring the quality of data transfers. The report concludes with the recommendation to move toward data transfer open standards compatibility and to develop tools that automate data transfer QA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the utility of expanded non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS), compared with chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities in high-risk pregnancies.Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective study of singleton pregnancies at high risk for chromosomal abnormality. Patients who underwent expanded NIPS and CMA sequentially during pregnancy from 2015 to 2019 were included in the analysis. Pregnancies with a positive result for sex chromosome aneuploidy were excluded as the full details could not be retrieved. The utility of expanded NIPS and CMA for detection of chromosomal abnormalities in this cohort was compared by assessing the concordance between the results.Results: Of the 774 included high-risk pregnancies, 550 (71.1%) had a positive NIPS result, while a positive CMA result was detected in 308 (39.8%) cases. The rate of full or partial concordance between NIPS and CMA was 82.2%, 59.6% and 25.0% for trisomies 21, 18 and 13, respectively. For rare aneuploidies and segmental imbalances, NIPS and CMA results were fully or partially concordant in 7.5% and 33.3% of cases, respectively. Copy-number variants < 5 Mb were detected more often by CMA, with an incidence of 7.9% (61/774) compared with 3.1% (24/774) by NIPS. A genetic aberration was detected by CMA in 1 in 17 (5.8%) high-risk pregnancies that had a negative or non-reportable NIPS result.Conclusion: CMA allows for comprehensive detection of genome-wide chromosomal abnormalities in high-risk pregnancies. CMA should be offered instead of expanded NIPS for high-risk pregnancies. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen transport membrane (OTM) allows O2− to transport from oxygen donation side to partial oxidation side without the contact of oxidant and fuel, providing an efficient pathway for the fuel conversion. OTM with high oxygen permeability are crucial for OTM‐involved processes, and the asymmetric dual‐phase OTM is one of the promising materials with desirable oxygen permeability and stability. Herein, we fabricated a Zr0.92Y0.08O1.92‐La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (YSZ‐LSCF) asymmetric dual‐phase OTM for the methane partial oxidation and water splitting. It exhibits highest oxygen permeation flux of 0.151 mL cm−2 min−1 at 900 °C among all membranes due to the fast oxygen diffusion kinetic. In water splitting experiments driven by different reducing atmospheres (CO and CH4), all the membranes are reactive. The YSZ‐LSCF asymmetric dual‐phase membrane reveals a favorable performance for the partial oxidation of methane to syngas with a H2/CO molar ratio close to 2 and simultaneously water splitting to produce hydrogen. The membrane maintains high stability during the experiments, and the clear dual phases, grain boundaries and porous structure are visible. Owing to its desired oxygen permeability and stability, YSZ‐LSCF asymmetric dual‐phase membrane developed in the present study provides an efficient process for the methane partial oxidation and water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to introduce a new method for quantifying the uniformity of temperature fields. A top‐blown gas‐stirring gas‐liquid two‐phase mixing test bench was set up, combined with an infrared imager, to obtain the temperature distribution of the gas‐liquid two‐phase mixing process. Gas‐liquid two‐phase energy conversion occurs during the physical reaction. The top‐blown gas is in direct contact with liquids of different temperatures to take away some of the heat, causing a difference in the internal temperature distribution of the liquid. The gas is air and the liquid is synthetic heat transfer oil. Using image segmentation and mathematical analogy of local discrepancy functions, the temperature distribution difference and temperature field non‐uniformity coefficient (NUC) of the rectangular region in the actual temperature field are obtained. By calculating the standard deviation of the non‐uniformity coefficient of the temperature field in each working condition, the fluctuation of the uniformity of the temperature field with time is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton therapy is an expanding radiotherapy modality in the United States and worldwide. With the number of proton therapy centers treating patients increasing, so does the need for consistent, high‐quality clinical commissioning practices. Clinical commissioning encompasses the entire proton therapy system's multiple components, including the treatment delivery system, the patient positioning system, and the image‐guided radiotherapy components. Also included in the commissioning process are the x‐ray computed tomography scanner calibration for proton stopping power, the radiotherapy treatment planning system, and corresponding portions of the treatment management system. This commissioning report focuses exclusively on intensity‐modulated scanning systems, presenting details of how to perform the commissioning of the proton therapy and ancillary systems, including the required proton beam measurements, treatment planning system dose modeling, and the equipment needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt spray corrosion test was carried out on 6061 aluminum alloy, and quasi‐static tensile test at room temperature was carried out on the sample with universal testing machine. The effect of salt spray corrosion on the mechanical properties of 6061 aluminum alloy was studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and electrochemistry. The corrosion rate of 6061 aluminum alloy was quantitatively characterized by different corrosion parameters. It was found that local corrosion of 6061 aluminum alloy occurred in salt spray environment, mainly pitting corrosion and intergranular corrosion. With the increase of corrosion time, the polarization resistance of 6061 aluminum alloy decreases, and the corrosion rate significantly increases. The average corrosion rate V‾d and the maximum corrosion rate Vdmax of 6061 aluminum alloy were characterized by corrosion weight loss and corrosion pit depth. And they can be transformed into each other. The mechanical properties of 6061 aluminum alloy were mainly affected by the depth of corrosion pit. With the increase of corrosion time, the tensile strength and fracture strain decreased, resulting in poor plasticity of the sample. At the same time, the change of elongation of 6061 aluminum alloy can be accurately predicted by the depth of corrosion pit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of cut‐outs positions and shapes on deformation behaviors and energy absorption of automobile thin‐walled structures is researched by quasi‐static axial compression, using MTS machine and digital image correlation method. The accuracy of finite element modeling is verified by axial compression test. The relationship between variation characteristics of different time and sections and deformation of the sample is analyzed. The results show that the number of surface deformation concentrated areas is affected by position of circular cut‐outs. Peak load of sample could be effectively reduced by slotted‐shaped cut‐outs. The energy absorption of slotted‐shaped cut‐outs with different aspect ratios and directions is different, horizontally‐long‐slotted cut‐outs is increased by 5.13 %. The position of deformation concentration region is affected by compression half‐wavelength. Deformation concentration region of sample less than half‐wavelength is below cut‐outs. By digital image correlation method, strain of horizontally‐long‐slotted cut‐outs is more concentrated. Peak load is effectively reduced. The results of finite element analysis show that when the thin‐walled structure is bulking, the section of sample is deformed from top to bottom. The initial area of cross‐section at center of cut‐outs is linear with peak load. These achievements may serve as guideline for enhancing compression performance of thin‐walled structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reactivity occurs when research participants alter their behaviours due to the awareness of being monitored, which is a concern with using wearable devices to measure physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine reactivity to accelerometer measurement among youth with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities (ID). Methods: A sample of 175 youth with ID (108 with moderate and 67 with severe ID) was recruited from residential centres in China. Demographic data were measured using a parent‐reported questionnaire, and light physical activity (LPA) and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured using the ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers. Data were analysed using an analysis of covariances where Day 1 LPA/MVPA, Day 2–6 LPA/MVPA, and Day 7 LPA/MVPA were repeated measures. Results: Youth with moderate ID had significantly higher LPA (8.01%) and MVPA (10.30%) on Day 1 than Day 2–6. Similarly, youth with severe ID had significantly higher LPA (21.69%) and MVPA (19.48%) on Day 1 than Day 2–6. An inverse reactivity was also found on Day 7 among youth with severe ID for LPA (−10.65%) and MVPA (−14.82%). Conclusions: Reactivity to accelerometer measurement was found for youth with moderate and severe ID. Findings support the utilisation of a 1‐day familiarisation period, as well as discounting the final day of measurement, when examining physical activity behaviours among youth with moderate and severe ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elucidating the mechanism of the macrophage phagocytic response will improve our knowledge of host defence against Treponema pallidum. Objective: To explore whether autophagy promotes T. pallidum phagocytosis and clearance via the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages. Methods: The interactions between autophagy and phagocytosis and the role of NLRP3 in these processes in T. pallidum‐treated macrophages were investigated through experiments using human monocytic cell line (THP‐1)‐derived macrophages. Treponema pallidum clearance after phagocytosis was evaluated by inoculating rabbits with macrophage–treponeme mixtures. Results: Activation of autophagy and phagocytosis in T. pallidum‐treated macrophages occurred in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The percentage of spirochete‐positive macrophages (22.34% vs. 70.93%, P < 0.001) and spirochete internalization (MFI: 9.62 vs. 20.33, P < 0.001) were notably reduced by silencing Beclin1. Inoculation of macrophage–treponeme mixtures into rabbits showed a 3.00‐day delay in lesion development (17.55 ± 3.73 vs. 14.55 ± 1.99 days) and decreased lesion numbers [11 (36.7%) vs. 20 (66.7%) of 30; χ2 = 5.406, P = 0.020] in the control compared with the si‐Beclin1 group. Furthermore, silencing NLRP3 decreased the mRNA and protein levels of Beclin‐1 and LC3B [mRNA: 49.86% and 43.02%; protein: 22.31% and 24.24%, respectively, differing significantly from the control group (P < 0.001)] and reduced the percentage of spirochete‐positive macrophages (30.29% vs. 70.53%, P < 0.001) and spirochete internalization (MFI: 9.82 vs. 19.33, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Treponema pallidum induces autophagy in macrophages to promote phagocytosis and clearance. The NLRP3 inflammasome modulates autophagy and phagocytosis in vitro. These data may be useful for understanding the host–pathogen relationship and establish the groundwork for strategies to combat syphilis. Linked Commentary: N.H. Brockmeyer. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: 1881. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16837 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Combining photon or proton radiotherapy with targeted therapy shows promise for head and neck cancer (HNSCC). The poly (adenosine diphosphate [ADP]‐ribose) polymerase‐1/2 inhibitor niraparib targets DNA damage repair (DDR). We evaluated the effects of niraparib in combination with photons or protons, and its effects on the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of protons, in human HNSCC cell lines. Methods: Radiosensitivity was assessed and RBE was calculated with clonogenic survival assays; unrepaired DNA double‐strand breaks were evaluated using immunocytochemical analysis of 53BP1 foci. Results: Niraparib reduced colony formation in two of the four cell lines tested (P <.05), enhanced radiosensitivity in all four cell lines, delayed DDR (P <.05), and increased proton vs photon RBE. Conclusion: Niraparib enhanced the sensitivity of four HNSCC cell lines to both photons and protons and increased the RBE of protons, possibly by inhibiting DDR. Niraparib may enhance the effectiveness of both photon and proton radiotherapy for patients with HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Neuroinflammation is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Abnormal activation of microglia plays a key role in this pathological process. CD200R1 is a membrane glycoprotein that is expressed primarily on myeloid cells including microglia and is involved in the maintenance of microglia in a stationary state. Our previous study reported that the regulation of CD200R1 expression is altered in PD patients. Such alteration will lead to neuroinflammation and is related to the pathogenesis of PD. The possible role of promoter polymorphisms for abnormal CD200R1 expression in PD was examined in this study. Method: The UCSC database and dual‐luciferase assays were used to confirm the promoter region of CD200R1. The promoter of CD200R1 was sequenced in 457 PD patients and 520 matched healthy controls from the Chinese Han population. Dual‐luciferase assays were conducted to examine the promoter activity of CD200R1. Results: It was confirmed that the promoter of CD200R1 is located in the region 876–146 bp upstream of the coding DNA sequence. The frequencies of rs144721913 (P = 0.001) and rs72952157 (P = 0.022) in the promoter were significantly different between the PD group and control group. rs144721913 increases the risk of PD by approximately 14‐fold and rs72952157 by 2.6‐fold. The dual‐luciferase assay indicated that the rs144721913 T allele and the rs72952157 G allele reduced the transcriptional activity of the CD200R1 promoter. Conclusions: For the first time the promoter region of CD200R1 has been defined and two potential risk polymorphisms (rs144721913 and rs72952157) in the region for PD in Chinese Han populations have been reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of flow with different strengths, positions, and widths on the structure and dynamics of clusters is studied by two‐dimensional (2D) Langevin molecular dynamics simulations. The particles are confined by a quadratic confining potential. The horizontal position of the system centre, average inter‐particle distance, and coupling parameter are calculated to characterize the effect of changing the strength, position, and width of the flow on the cluster structure. The trajectories, the velocity autocorrelation function, and the mean square displacement are obtained to further uncover the dynamic properties of the 2D dusty plasma system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To translate the Compliance with Annual Diabetic Eye Exams Survey (CADEES) into Chinese, allowing assessment of its reliability and validity, and to identify variables that predict attendance at annual eye examinations. Methods: People with vision‐threatening diabetic retinopathy were recruited from the Shanghai Diabetic Eye Study. The study involved three phases: (1) translation and cross‐cultural adaptation, (2) a pilot study (n = 496) to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese‐CADEES, and (3) a primary cross‐sectional survey (n = 3818) to assess self‐reported attendance at annual eye examinations. Factors related to non‐attendance were identified using univariate analysis, and then a multiple logistic regression model. Finally, a component model and individual item models were built to predict attendance. Results: The Chinese‐CADEES had satisfactory reliability and validity. The issue of low attendance at annual eye examinations was serious. In addition to 13 health belief items, living in semi‐urban suburban areas, shorter duration of diabetes, poor glucose control, lower education level, better presenting visual acuity and milder diabetic retinopathy diagnosis were significantly related to non‐attendance. The multivariate predictive model was able to predict, with 64.7% accuracy, whether or not participants were going to attend annual eye examinations and explained ~ 11.3% of the variance in attendance. Conclusions: The Chinese‐CADEES showed good reliability and validity for predicting attendance at annual eye examinations in people with diabetic retinopathy. Clinicians and researchers can improve attendance by addressing modifiable characteristics and increasing education on diabetic retinopathy and the importance of eye health in people with diabetes. What's new?: This is the first time that the Compliance with Annual Diabetic Eye Exams Survey (CADEES) has been applied to a compliance study in a large sample of people with vision‐threatening diabetic retinopathy recruited from communities in Shanghai.The Chinese‐CADEES showed satisfactory psychometric properties in our pilot study.Our cross‐sectional survey found that the issue of low adherence was serious. People's awareness of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy, attention to self‐health care and awareness of self‐health status, rather than financial or medical accessibility obstacles, severely affected attendance at annual eye examinations in Shanghai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained popularity in radiation therapy simulation because it provides superior soft tissue contrast, which facilitates more accurate target delineation compared with computed tomography (CT) and does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation. However, image registration errors in commercial software have not been widely reported. Here we evaluated the accuracy of deformable image registration (DIR) by using a physical phantom for MRI. Methods and materials: We used the "Wuphantom" for end‐to‐end testing of DIR accuracy for MRI. This acrylic phantom is filled with water and includes several fillable inserts to simulate various tissue shapes and properties. Deformations and changes in anatomic locations are simulated by changing the rotations of the phantom and inserts. We used Varian Velocity DIR software (v4.0) and CT (head and neck protocol) and MR (T1‐ and T2‐weighted head protocol) images to test DIR accuracy between image modalities (MRI vs CT) and within the same image modality (MRI vs MRI) in 11 rotation deformation scenarios. Large inserts filled with Mobil DTE oil were used to simulate fatty tissue, and small inserts filled with agarose gel were used to simulate tissues slightly denser than water (e.g., prostate). Contours of all inserts were generated before DIR to provide a baseline for contour size and shape. DIR was done with the MR Correctable Deformable DIR method, and all deformed contours were compared with the original contours. The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and mean distance to agreement (MDA) were used to quantitatively validate DIR accuracy. We also used large and small regions of interest (ROIs) during between‐modality DIR tests to simulate validation of DIR accuracy for organs at risk (OARs) and propagation of individual clinical target volume (CTV) contours. Results: No significant differences in DIR accuracy were found for T1:T1 and T2:T2 comparisons (P > 0.05). DIR was less accurate for between‐modality comparisons than for same‐modality comparisons, and was less accurate for T1 vs CT than for T2 vs CT (P < 0.001). For between‐modality comparisons, use of a small ROI improved DIR accuracy for both T1 and T2 images. Conclusion: The simple design of the Wuphantom allows seamless testing of DIR; here we validated the accuracy of MRI DIR in end‐to‐end testing. T2 images had superior DIR accuracy compared with T1 images. Use of small ROIs improves DIR accuracy for target contour propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Background: b Axi-cel was approved by NMPA to treat R/R LBCL adult patients who had received 2 or more prior treatments in 2021 June. Eighty-one patients experienced cytokine release syndrome (CRS) of any grade, and 16 (15.2%) patients occurred grade 3 or higher. The median prior lines of therapy was 2, including 36 (35.6%) patients got >=3 previous treatments and 10 patients had history of ASCT. [Extracted from the article]

Generating plausible hair image given limited guidance, such as sparse sketches or low‐resolution image, has been made possible with the rise of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). Traditional image‐to‐image translation networks can generate recognizable results, but finer textures are usually lost and blur artifacts commonly exist. In this paper, we propose a two‐phase generative model for high‐quality hair image synthesis. The two‐phase pipeline first generates a coarse image by an existing image translation model, then applies a re‐generating network with self‐enhancing capability to the coarse image. The self‐enhancing capability is achieved by a proposed differentiable layer, which extracts the structural texture and orientation maps from a hair image. Extensive experiments on two tasks, Sketch2Hair and Hair Super‐Resolution, demonstrate that our approach is able to synthesize plausible hair image with finer details, and reaches the state‐of‐the‐art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linked Articles: This article is part of a themed section on Therapeutics for Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: New Directions for Precision Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.18/issuetoc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the total daily activity time, walking time and running time using food‐dispensing toys versus bowls in a group of client‐owned, primarily indoor dogs. Materials and Methods: A two‐way, two period, randomised repeated measures mixed‐effects crossover study performed on 26 client‐owned, primarily indoor dogs. Results: Toy feeding increased average daily total activity time by 12% and walking time by 26%. Average daily total activity time and walking time were reduced by 8 and 7% respectively with each increase in year of age. Gender, body condition and muscle condition had no significant effect on average daily total activity or walking time. Toy feeding, time, their interaction, age, gender, body condition and muscle condition had no significant effect on average daily running time. Clinical Significance: Feeding toys may be helpful during weight loss programs to achieve the goal of increasing daily exercise duration in dogs that need to lose weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Increasingly, weeds have been taking on global distributions. With the proliferation of invasive weeds has come the challenge of managing these species over broad geographical regions, with diverse habitats and political jurisdictions. Here, we review the management of Mikania micrantha Kunth (Asteraceae; mile‐a‐minute) throughout its invaded range, extending through most of the Pacific islands and southern and south‐east Asia. Context matters when determining the best course of action for managing M. micrantha, as it has invaded a large variety of agricultural and natural systems. In Queensland, Australia and Florida, USA, M. micrantha has been targeted in relatively successful eradication campaigns, highlighting the importance of early detection and rapid response methods, while elsewhere in its invaded range, populations are either still increasing or showing limited signs of decline. An inter‐regional approach to research and management should incorporate successful management strategies employed throughout the invaded range including, but not limited to, chemical and cultural control practices, manual and mechanical control, classical biological control using the rust fungus Puccinia spegazzinii, plant–plant competition and integrated approaches utilising two or more control methods concurrently. Additional knowledge of M. micrantha genetics is required to determine if management approaches could be fine‐tuned for particular populations. Countries bordering the Mekong River formed a network in 2011 to co‐ordinate the management of invasive species such as M. micrantha. Expanding such a collaborative approach to other regions could further reduce populations of M. micrantha and limit its spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices related to physical restraint in tertiary hospitals and identify the factors that influence physical restraint use. Background: Physical restraint is used to maintain patient safety. Nurses play an important role in the restraint process. It is important to identify their understanding, feelings and approach regarding the use of physical restraint. Introduction: Physical restraint is widely practiced in hospitals in China. However, it results in a range of serious negative consequences. This article provides a clear description of nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices related to physical restraint. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire examining their knowledge, attitudes and practices related to physical restraint use. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed in four tertiary hospitals in Hubei Province, China between August and October 2014. Results: The nurses' responses indicated a good level of knowledge regarding physical restraint use. However, they held some misconceptions. The nurses' attitudes towards physical restraint tended to be neutral. The nurses were well experienced in the use of physical restraint. Nurses who had received on‐the‐job training performed better than those who had received no training related to knowledge and practices regarding physical restraint use. Conclusions and implication for nursing/health policy: In‐service training is highly recommended for nursing managers to improve nurses' physical restraint related knowledge and practices. Regulations regarding the use of restraints should be established as soon as possible by healthcare administration system. Implications for nursing: Nurses should be open to evaluate and improve their views and attitudes regarding effective physical restraint use via multidimensional interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The clinical value of perineural invasion (PNI) in patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa) is widely explored. However, its role in metastatic PCa (mPCa) remains unknown. Objectives: We aim to investigate the clinical significance of PNI in patients with mPCa. Materials and methods: Data of 515 mPCa patients between 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively studied. PNI and its intensity were identified by prostate biopsy. The prognostic value of PNI was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional‐hazards model. Results: Perineural invasion was detected in 170/515 (33.0%) cases. Among them 73/170 (42.9%) and 97/170 (57.1%) harbored unifocal PNI (uni‐PNI) and multifocal PNI (multi‐PNI), respectively. Compared to patients without PNI, those with PNI had statistically shorter castration‐resistant PCa‐free survival (CFS) and numerically shorter overall survival (OS) (mCFS: 15.4‐ vs. 18.5‐Mo, p = 0.015; mOS: 63.8‐ vs. 71.4‐Mo, p = 0.108). Patients harboring multi‐PNI were associated with poorer clinical outcomes than those with uni‐PNI (mCFS: 12.4‐ vs. 18.0‐Mo, p = 0.040; mOS: 39.7‐Mo vs. NR, p = 0.018) or those without PNI (mCFS: 12.4‐ vs. 18.5‐Mo, p = 0.002; mOS: 39.7‐ vs. 71.4‐Mo, p = 0.002). Totally, neither uni‐PNI nor multi‐PNI was an independent risk factor impacting survival outcomes in multivariate analyses. While remarkably, for patients with favorable/intermediate‐risk mPCa, multi‐PNI was an independent adverse prognosticator for both CFS and OS (CFS: HR: 1.705, 95% CI: 1.029–2.825, p = 0.038; OS: HR: 3.294, 95% CI: 1.464–7.413, p = 0.004). Discussion and Conclusion: This study filled the blank of the clinical significance of PNI in mPCa. We found that multi‐PNI could distinguish men with relatively poor prognosis from patients initially regarded as with favorable survival outcomes by other prognosticators, and thus, avoid disease underestimation in this group of patients. Our finding would help physicians have a deeper understanding of the heterogeneity of mPCa and make better individualized therapeutic strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sustainable agricultural management practices improve soil processes, prevent soil erosion and consequently enhance crop productivity. The integrated agricultural practice (IP) developed in northeast China, by altering row spacing of planting, adopting no‐tillage and returning all crop residues, showed great benefit in sustaining crop yield. However, its effect on the soil microbiome remains largely elusive. This study evaluated the effect of 12‐year integrated agricultural practice on the structure and activity of the soil microbial community at different soil depths in China's Mollisols zone. The experiment consisted of integrated agricultural practice and conventional practice (CP) treatments in a split‐plot arrangement. The soil microbial community was characterized by MiSeq sequencing. The results showed that agricultural practices affected 12 phyla, 24 classes, 32 orders and 75 families in the bacterial community and one phyla, four classes, 12 orders and 18 families in the fungal community. Integrated agricultural practice resulted in greater bacterial richness and diversity, and increased the relative abundances of Actinobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Verrucomicrobia and Ascomycota, but reduced Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Basidiomycota in the dominant bacterial and fungal phyla. These findings suggested that integrated agricultural practice modified the soil physiochemical properties and consequently altered microbial community structure and diversity, which in turn affected soil microbial biomass and enzyme activities. These changes under integrated agricultural practice could have contributed to the enhanced crop yield, suggesting that IP is a sustainable agricultural practice. Highlights: How does soil microbial community change in the IP and CP soils? IP affected the soil microbial community and activity. Bacterial and fungal community structure correlated significantly with soil physiochemical properties. IP is a promising sustainable agricultural practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The North Qaidam Orogenic Belt (NQOB), lying at the northern margin of the Tibet Plateau, records two orogenic cycles: A Proterozoic cycle related to the amalgamation and breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia, and an Early Palaeozoic cycle including oceanic subduction and continental deep subduction. At present, the only information about the Proterozoic cycle is the concurrent c. 1,000–900 Ma magmatic and metamorphic events, which limited the understanding of the Proterozoic evolution of NQOB and the relationship between the Qaidam Block and other Rodinia fragments. In this study, a kyanite‐bearing eclogite was identified in Yuka terrane. It has positive‐slope chondrite‐normalized rare earth element distribution patterns, similar to present‐day N‐MORB. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating obtained a protolith age of 1,273 Ma and an eclogite facies metamorphic age of 437 Ma, which is similar to the continental deep subduction age of the Yuka terrane. Zircon Lu–Hf analysis show that the magmatic zircon cores have high εHf(t) of 8.36–15.98 and TDM1 of 1,450–1,131 Ma (M = 1,303 ± 55 Ma, consistent with its protolith age within error), indicating a juvenile crust protolith of the eclogite. The MORB‐like whole‐rock composition and zircon U–Pb and Lu–Hf analysis indicate that the protolith of the kyanite‐bearing eclogite was a Mesoproterozoic oceanic slice. P–T pseudosection analysis shows that the kyanite‐bearing eclogite experienced four metamorphic stages: (1) a prograde stage with the assemblage garnet+omphacite+talc+lawsonite+phengite+quartz at 22.4–23.2 kbar and 585°C; (2) a peak stage with the assemblage garnet+omphacite+lawsonite+phengite+coesite at 32.5 kbar and 670°C; (3) an early retrograde stage with the assemblage garnet+omphacite+kyanite+phengite+coesite/quartz±lawsonite at 27.1–30.0 kbar and 670–690°C; and (4) a late retrograde stage with the assemblage garnet+omphacite+epidote+hornblende+phengite+quartz at <18.0 kbar. The established clockwise P–T path is similar with other continental‐type eclogites in this area. On the basis of the geochemical and geochronological data, as well as the P–T path, we suggest that the protolith of the kyanite‐bearing eclogite was emplaced in the active margin of the Qaidam Block during the assembly of Rodinia and underwent continental deep subduction in the Early Palaeozoic. We conclude that (1) the Qaidam Block participated in the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent. It was situated at or proximal to the margin of the supercontinent and probably close to India, east Antarctica and Tarim; and (2) both Mesoproterozoic and Early Palaeozoic oceanic crust slices occur in the NQOB. Thus, special caution is needed when using the metamorphic ages of oceanic affinity eclogites without protolith ages to constrain the evolution history of the North Qaidam UHPM belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American shad Alosa sapidissima, an anadromous clupeid, exhibits variation in reproductive strategies, including semelparity and iteroparity. It provides an excellent model for studying the behaviour of germ cells in anadromous fish during their migration from sea to river. The vasa gene was characterized in A. sapidissima as a germ‐cell marker to elaborate the process of germ‐cell development and differentiation in anadromous species. A complementary (c)DNA fragment of 819 bp, partial open reading frame (ORF), was cloned by degenerate PCR and named as ASvas. In adult A. sapidissima, vasa transcript was exclusively detected in gonads by reverse‐transcription (RT)‐PCR. Through chromogenic in situ hybridization, the vasa messenger (m)RNA was specifically detected in primordial germ cells (PGC) in embryos and germ cells at early stages in ovary and testis. Besides, the cellular distribution profile of Vasa protein also proved that vasa gene could be used as a germ‐line marker to trace the PGCs migration during embryogenesis and the germ‐cell differentiation during gametogenesis in A. sapidissima. During embryogenesis, the migrating PGCs were clearly detected at tail‐bud stage and the PGCs reached the genital ridge at the stage of pre‐hatching stage in A. sapidissima embryos. During gametogenesis, the Vasa protein was dynamically expressed in differentiating germ cells at different stages in adult gonads. As far as we know, this is the first report to demonstrate the PGCs migration and germ‐cell differentiation through vasa gene expression in the anadromous species. The findings will pave a way for investigating germ‐cell development and maturation in the A. sapidissima and other anadromous fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We initiate a general study of what we call orientation completion problems. For a fixed class [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A methodology is presented to characterize the crystallographic texture of atomic configurations on the basis of Euler angles. Texture information characterized by orientation map, orientation distribution function, texture index, pole figure and inverse pole figure is obtained. The paper reports the construction and characterization of the texture of nanocrystalline configurations with different grain numbers, grain sizes and percentages of preferred orientation. The minimum grain number for texture‐free configurations is ∼2500. The effect of texture on deducing grain size from simulated X‐ray diffraction curves is also explored as an application case of texture analysis. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations are performed on initially texture‐free nanocrystalline Ta under shock‐wave loading, which shows a ⟨001⟩ + ⟨111⟩ double fiber texture after shock‐wave compression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: To gain an understanding of the mechanisms by which Leydig cell steroidogenic function degenerates with ageing, we explored steroidogenic gene expression in relation to antioxidation status and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress during the ageing of mice. Expression of StAR, P450scc and other steroidogenic enzymes decreased starting at middle age (12‐month‐old) compared to that of the young control (3‐month‐old) mice. The immunohistochemical staining intensity of 3β‐HSD for Leydig cells was significantly weaker in the aged (24‐month‐old) group than that in the young control group. The number of Leydig cells showed no significant difference between the groups. A progressive reduction in antioxidants MnSOD and GPx4 was observed in the testicular tissue with down‐regulated SIRT1 protein level in the middle‐aged and aged (24‐month‐old) mice. The number of testicular macrophages was significantly higher in the aged group than that in the middle‐aged and young mice. Age‐associated up‐regulation of ER stress markers such as GRP78 and Chop was observed. These results suggested that oxidative stress and ER stress might play a role in the deficit of Leydig cell steroidogenic function during ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin (ENR) was studied in crucian carp ( Carassius auratus gibelio) after single administration by intramuscular (IM) injection and oral gavage (PO) at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight and by 5 mg/L bath for 5 hr at 25°C. The plasma concentrations of ENR and ciprofloxacin (CIP) were determined by HPLC. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated based on mean ENR or CIP concentrations using WinNonlin 6.1 software. After IM, PO and bath administration, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 2.29, 3.24 and 0.36 μg/ml was obtained at 4.08, 0.68 and 0 hr, respectively; the elimination half-life (T1/2β) was 80.95, 62.17 and 61.15 hr, respectively; the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) values were 223.46, 162.72 and 14.91 μg hr/ml, respectively. CIP, an active metabolite of enrofloxacin, was detected and measured after all methods of drug administration except bath. It is possible and practical to obtain therapeutic blood concentrations of enrofloxacin in the crucian carp using IM, PO and bath immersion administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of acrylamide-based water-soluble (co)polymers was synthesized and they were investigated as flocculants of model kaolin suspensions and mature fine tailings of oil sands. The effects of molar mass, charge density, and polymer concentration on flocculation efficiency were studied by monitoring the initial settling rate during sedimentation. Hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) with high molar mass and intermediate acrylic acid contents (0.14-0.41 mol/mol (14-41 mol%)) performed better in flocculation tests on kaolin suspensions requiring lower dose for maximum initial settling rate than native polyacrylamide (PAM). Surface force measurements showed that at low polymer concentrations (1 ppm), the partially-adsorbed polymer induced a bridging attraction between the mica surfaces. Increasing the polymer concentration to 10 and 50 ppm caused purely repulsive forces. The presence of anionic groups in HPAM led to stronger repulsion, which was also demonstrated by the higher viscosity and larger hydrodynamic radius of the charged polymer. The charge-induced increase in the viscosity of polymer solutions was suppressed by the screening effect of salts in a buffer solution and reducing the viscosity is desirable in the injection of flocculants in the industrial process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Although the frontolimbic cortex has been implicated in borderline personality disorder ( BPD), information about possible asymmetries in this region in patients with BPD is limited. This study aimed to examine whether frontolimbic cortex asymmetries differ between patients with BPD and healthy individuals. Methods The brains of 30 young adult patients with BPD and 32 healthy control subjects were scanned with magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI). The participants completed self-report scales assessing impulsivity, affect intensity and other psychological variables. Gray matter volume, surface area, and cortical thickness in regions of interest ( ROIs), namely anterior insula ( AI) and anterior cingulate cortex ( ACC) were determined and the data were probed for hemisphere-group interactions. Results Relative to controls, patients with BPD had reduced cortical thickness in left ACC and less surface area and gray matter volume in left AI. Significant group-hemisphere interactions were observed for gray matter volume and surface area of AI and for cortical thickness of ACC. Post hoc analysis showed that the BPD patients had greater frontolimbic cortex asymmetry than healthy controls; furthermore, greater asymmetry of AI& ACC correlated with a higher score in attention subscale of Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Conclusion Patients with BPD have greater frontolimbic asymmetry than healthy individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Genetic variation may play explain some of the disparity in prevalence and control of hypertension across Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there have been very few studies to characterize genetic variation of blood pressure traits. Aim To determine whether a set of blood pressure-associated genetic loci can be replicated among samples East African samples. Methods Twenty-seven blood pressures ( BP)-related single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs) were genotyped among 2881 samples from participants in the Medical Education Partnership Initiative for Cardiovascular Disease ( MEPI-CVD) survey. Associations with known BP variants were evaluated for systolic blood pressure ( SBP), diastolic blood pressure ( DBP) and pulse pressure ( PP) as continuous variables and for hypertension ( HTN) as a binary variable. Results Eleven SNPS were associated with at least 1 BP trait ( P < .05). Four SNPs; rs2004776, rs7726475, rs11837544 and rs2681492, whose nearest genes are AGT, NPR3/ SUB1, PLXNC1 and ATP2B1, respectively, were associated with SBP. Six SNPs, rs2004776, rs11977526, rs11191548, rs381815, rs2681492 and rs1327235, close to AGT, IGFBP3, CYP17A1, PLEKHA7, ATP2B1 and JAG, respectively, were associated with DBP while 2 SNPs located within AGT and IGFBP-3 genes associated with HTN. For PP, 4 variants rs1458038, rs11725861, rs7726475 and rs11953630 whose corresponding genes are FGF5, CHIC2, SUB1/ NPR3 and EBF1 reached significance ( P < .05). Eight SNPs were replicated in the same effect direction as the parent studies. Risk scores defined using published effect sizes were significantly associated with both SBP ( P = .0026) and DBP ( P = .0214). Conclusion The replication of multiple BP variants among East Africans suggests that these variants may have universal effects across ethnic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal microorganisms play important roles in maintaining host health, but their functions in aquatic animal hosts have yet to be fully elucidated. The Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is one such example. We attempted to identify the shift of gut microbiota that occurred in response to infection of white spot syndrome virus ( WSSV), an emerging viral pathogen in the crab aquaculture industry. The microbiota may exert some control over aspects of the viral pathogenesis. We investigated the changes in composition and structure of the crab gut microbiome during various WSSV infection stages of 6 h post-infection (hpi) and 48 hpi, using a 16S rRNA approach on the MiSeq Illumina sequencing platform. Four phyla ( Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Tenericutes and Bacteroidetes) were most dominant in the gut of E. sinensis regardless of the WSSV infection stages. However, further analysis revealed that over 12 bacterial phyla, 44 orders and 68 families were significantly different in abundance at various states of WSSV infection. Several intriguing aspects of E. sinensis gut bacteria that had not been previously reported were also uncovered, such as class Mollicutes was dominant here, but absent in crabs from Yangtze River estuary and Chongming Islands. Overall, this study provided the first evidence that changes in gut microbiome were closely associated with the severity of WSSV infection and that indicator taxa could be used to evaluate the crab health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]