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Dissatisfaction after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) ranges from 15 to 30%. While patient selection may be partially responsible, morphological and reconstructive challenges may be determinants. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans for TKA planning allow us to evaluate the hip-knee-ankle axis and establish a baseline phenotypic distribution across anatomic parameters. The purpose of this cross-sectional analysis was to establish the distributions of 27 parameters in a pre-TKA cohort and perform threshold analysis to identify anatomic outliers. There were 1,352 pre-TKA CTs that were processed. A 2-step deep learning pipeline of classification and segmentation models identified landmark images and then generated contour representations. We used an open-source computer vision library to compute measurements for 27 anatomic metrics along the hip-knee axis. Normative distribution plots were established, and thresholds for the 15th percentile at both extremes were calculated. Metrics falling outside the central 70th percentile were considered outlier indices. A threshold analysis of outlier indices against the proportion of the cohort was performed. Significant variation exists in pre-TKA anatomy across 27 normally distributed metrics. Threshold analysis revealed a sigmoid function with a critical point at 9 outlier indices, representing 31.2% of subjects as anatomic outliers. Metrics with the greatest variation related to deformity (tibiofemoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle, lateral distal femoral angle), bony size (tibial width, anteroposterior femoral size, femoral head size, medial femoral condyle size), intraoperative landmarks (posterior tibial slope, transepicondylar and posterior condylar axes), and neglected rotational considerations (acetabular and femoral version, femoral torsion). In the largest non-industry database of pre-TKA CTs using a fully automated 3-stage deep learning and computer vision-based pipeline, marked anatomic variation exists. In the pursuit of understanding the dissatisfaction rate after TKA, acknowledging that 31% of patients represent anatomic outliers may help us better achieve anatomically personalized TKA, with or without adjunctive technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The noise associated with ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been a concerning issue, while its underlying causes remain unclear. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 119 patients (174 primary CoC THAs) who had a mean follow-up of 28 months (range, 12 to 106). A questionnaire was designed to collect information on nature, frequency, onset, duration, and impact of the noise. Postoperative x-rays were evaluated. Clinical evaluations, including Harris and Oxford hip scores, were documented at follow-up time points (6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year). Of the 174 hips, 31.6% reported noise, including 26 popping (14.9%), 24 clicking (12.1%), and 5 grinding (2.9%). No patients reported squeaking. Noisy hips had lower age (P =.009) and body mass index (P =.019). Among patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip, 17 of 55 hips reported noise associated with smaller cup anteversion angle (P =.004), greater body height (P =.022), and larger acetabular cup size (P =.049). Noise typically began at a mean of 193 days (range, 1 to 2,598) after surgery and disappeared spontaneously in 50.9% of hips before final follow-up, with an average disappearance time of 211 days (range, 60 to 730). Noise did not affect daily life in 74.5% of patients, while 26.9% of patients who had popping reported painful sensations. One patient experienced joint dislocation, and another experienced a ceramic liner fracture during follow-up. No statistical difference was observed in outcome scores between noise and silent groups at 4 follow-up time points. Incidence of noise after primary CoC THA is relatively high. Smaller cup anteversion and larger acetabular cup size were associated with noise production in patients who had developmental dysplasia of the hip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High-quality Lidar data facilitates the detection of near-crash events using detailed vehicle trajectories. • Crash prediction models based on near-crash events provide proactive approaches to predicting crash frequency. • Bivariate EVT models with proximity-based indications and evasive action indicator outperforms the univariate models. • The two-dimensional nature of ACT makes it a better tool for assessing near crashes than TTC or PET. Crash prediction models (CPMs) are mostly developed using statistical or data-driven methods that rely on observed crashes. However, the historical crash records can be unreliable due to availability and data quality issues. Near-crashes based CPMs offer a proactive approach to predict crash frequencies prior to the occurrence of crashes. Surrogate safety measures can be used to identify near-crashes from road user trajectories. Roadside LiDAR offers an innovative approach to collect vehicle trajectory data at a microscopic resolution with high accuracy providing detailed information of all road user movements. This study presents a methodology to identify near-crashes from Roadside LiDAR based vehicle trajectory data using the surrogate indicators: TTC (Time to Collision), PET (Post Encroachment Time), ACT (Anticipated Collision Time) and MaxD (Maximum Deceleration). Additionally, time-based, and evasive-action-based surrogate measures are combined as different pairs to obtain crash probabilities using extreme value theory (EVT). The study results show that the bivariate EVT model displays a better fit to conflict extremes, predicting crash frequencies better than the univariate model. Likewise, while the bivariate model with ACT and MaxD pair performed the best in terms of accuracy, the TTC and MaxD pair was able to reflect the relative threat levels at the study intersections. Overall, the methodology lays ground for using roadside lidar based trajectory data for proactive safety analysis of signalized intersections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] This study presents a novel near-infrared fluorescent probe TZn, which utilizes Dicyanoisophorone as the fluorophore and dipicolylamine (DPA) as the zinc ion recognition group. Selective recognition of zinc ions can be achieved in the near-infrared region（652 nm. And the chelation reaction of the probe TZn is verified through theoretical calculations and HPLC-MS. The probe TZn exhibits a large Stokes shift of 110 nm, a low detection limit (0.31 μM), and high selectivity. The probe TZn can also monitor the zinc ion in living cells and actual food samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let Ω be a bounded domain in R 2 with smooth boundary, we study the following anisotropic elliptic problem − ∇ ( a ( x ) ∇ υ ) = a ( x ) [ e υ − s ϕ 1 − h ( x ) ] in Ω , υ = 0 on ∂ Ω , where a ( x ) is a positive smooth function, h ∈ C 0 , α ( Ω ¯ ) , s > 0 is a large parameter and ϕ 1 is a positive first eigenfunction of the problem − ∇ ( a ( x ) ∇ ϕ ) = λ a ( x ) ϕ under Dirichlet boundary condition in Ω . We construct solutions of this problem which exhibit multiple concentration behavior around maximum points of a ( x ) ϕ 1 in the domain as s → + ∞ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disease and is considered incurable. Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is closely related to the proliferation and adhesion of MM. Using protein-SELEX, we performed a screen for aptamers that bind GST-ANXA2 from a library, and GST protein was used for negative selection. The enrichment of the ssDNA pool was monitored by filter-binding assay during selection. After nine rounds of screening and high-throughput sequencing, we obtained six candidate aptamers that bind to the ANXA2 protein. The affinities of the candidate aptamers for ANXA2 were determined by ELONA. Binding of aptamer wh6 to the ANXA2 protein and to the MM cell was verified by aptamer pulldown experiment and flow cytometry, respectively. Aptamer wh6 binds the ANXA2 protein with good stability and has a dissociation constant in the nanomolar range. The binding specificity of aptamer wh6 was confirmed in vivo in nude mouse xenografts with MM cells and with MM bone marrow aspirates. Furthermore, aptamer wh6 can block MM cell adhesion to ANXA2 and block the proliferation of MM cells induced by ANXA2. In summary, wh6 can be considered a promising candidate tool for MM diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and dynamic capabilities theory is a fairly young topic, which has attracted great attention from scholars and practitioners recently. This study empirically investigates the impact of SSCM practices on supply chain (SC) dynamic capabilities and enterprise performance (including economic, environmental and social performance) by explicitly focusing on the mediation effect of SC dynamic capabilities on the link between SSCM practices and enterprise performance. Data collected from 209 Chinese manufacturing firms were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results reveal that SSCM practices have a significant positive effect on SC dynamic capabilities and all three dimensions of performances. Whereas SC dynamic capabilities affect only environmental performance positively, they have no effect on economic performance and social performance. Furthermore our analysis reveals that SC dynamic capabilities partially mediate the relationship between SSCM practices and enterprise performance. Overall, the findings explicate the importance for firms, in particular those operating in developing countries, to reinforce their SC dynamic capabilities and implement effective SSCM practices as an enabler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several porous silicon (PS) films with macropores are fabricated by electrochemical etching method using five different monohydric normal alcohol additives without any illumination. The experiment results show that as the number of carbon atoms increases, the branch length elongates, the pore density decreases because the ability of anisotropic etching of the solution is enhanced gradually and the space charge region (SCR) width of PS becomes larger. Furthermore, except for methanol (MeOH) and n -pentanol ( n -PeOH), with the increasing number of carbon atoms in alcohol, the main pore size deceases and the depth increase because the isotropy becomes weaker. PS in MeOH has small main pore size and large depth because most of charges accumulated at the bottom of pores and promote the growth of the depth. PS in n -PeOH has a small depth because of its strong hydrophobicity property, which hinders the etching at the length direction. These experimental results demonstrate the important role of alcohols on the dissolution kinetics with silicon, which has a direct impact on the pore growth process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inoculating endophytic bacteria was proven as a promising way to enhance phytoremediation. By a hydroponic experiment, the role of this study was to clarify the effects of inoculating endophytic bacterium Sphingomonas SaMR12 on phytoremediation, with special emphasis on changes of cadmium uptake, plant growth, root morphology, and organic acids secretion at different cadmium treated levels (0, 5, 50, and 100 μM). The results showed that SaMR12 inoculation improved the accumulation of cadmium as well as plant biomass, length of roots, number of root tips, and root surface area. Root secretion of oxalic, citric, and succinic acids was also increased after inoculated, which may alleviate the cadmium toxicity to plant or inhibit the rising trend of oxidative stress of plant. The major finding of this work suggested that in the root, SaMR12 improves cadmium bioavailability and absorption facility by increasing root-soil contact area and root organic acid secretion; and in the shoot, SaMR12 increases cadmium tolerance by alleviating oxidative stress of plant, so as to enhance the capability of cadmium extraction by plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Smart Grid is an inevitable trend of power grid, and smart grid comprehensive assessment system can conduct a comprehensive assessment of the overall characteristics of smart grid, which can reflect the current level of the development, find the weakness and the constraints in the network development, identify the distance to the target, ensure the smart grid development achieve a unification of the quality, speed and efficiency. At present, many countries are studying on the smart grid comprehensive assessment systems. This paper analyzes the IBM Smart Grid Maturity Model, the DOE Smart Grid Development Evaluation System, the EPRI Smart Grid Construction Assessment Indicators, and the EU Smart Grid Benefits Assessment System, and compares the development levels, evaluation objects, target ranges, applications differences between these systems and the “two type” grid index system, the smart grid development assessment index system, and the smart grid pilot project evaluation indicator system suggested by China. The thoughts and the principles of building smart grid comprehensive assessment system, and the issues which should be noted are proposed here, which can provide necessary references and supports to construct the smart grid comprehensive assessment system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report herein the design and synthesis of novel 7-(3-alkoxyimino-5-amino/methylaminopiperidin-1-yl)fluoroquinolone derivatives based on the structures of new fluoroquinolones IMB and DZH. The antibacterial activity of these newly synthesized compounds was also evaluated and compared with gemifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin. Results revealed that all of the target compounds 10–27 have good potency in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus including MSSA (MIC: 0.125–8μg/mL), Staphylococcus epidermidis including MRSE (MIC: 0.25–16μg/mL), Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC: 0.125–4μg/mL), and Escherichia coli (MIC: 0.25–0.5μg/mL). In particular, some compounds showed useful activity against several fluoroquinolone-resistant strains, and the most active compound 15 was found to be 16–128, 2–32, and 4–8-fold more potent than the three reference drugs against fluoroquinolone-resistant MSSA, MRSA, and MRSE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This NR-Zn probe exhibits a strong turn-on fluorescence response toward Zn(II) ions when excited at 545 nm and has other advantages, such as rapid re-sponse (<20 s), large Stokes shift (131 nm), low cyto-toxicity and good photostability. Moreover, it has been successfully applied to monitor Zn(II) ions in Hela cells. A near-infrared fluorescent (NIR) probe NR-Zn, which consists of a dicyanoisophorone derivative and an Zn(II) ion recongnitive dipicolylamine moiety, was synthesized and applied to detect Zn(II) ions concentration change in living cell. This NR-Zn probe exhibits a strong turn-on fluorescence response toward Zn(II) ions when excited at 545 nm and has other advantages, such as rapid response (<20 s), large Stokes shift (131 nm), low cytotoxicity and good photostability. Moreover, it has been succesfully applied to monitor Zn(II) ions in Hela cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the experimental investigations of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation of laser-produced plasma based on the micro-structured Gd target and obtain a strong EUV radiation intensity at the wavelength of 6.7 nm. The intensive extreme ultraviolet radiation and narrow-band spectra are achieved by laser irradiation in the groove position of the target. The spectral widths from the micro-structured target are approximately two-thirds width of that of the flat target, and the EUV intensity enhancement ratio is 1.48 comparing with that of the flat case. The measurements of the electron density of Gd plasma were performed using Nomarski interferometry. The results show that the plasma generated by the micro-structured Gd target is confined by the groove between the micro-columns. The plasma electron density distribution is mainly concentrated in the laser incidence direction and the density is higher than that of planar target. Finally, the parameters of the groove width of structured target and laser energy are varied to enhance the EUV radiation. This study shows that the confinement effect of the structured target can improve the extreme ultraviolet radiation. Those findings are expected to provide new approaches in developing the next-generation extreme ultraviolet light source. • A laser-produced plasma of 6.7 nm extreme ultraviolet radiation based on the micro-structured target is proposed. • A high intensity and narrowband spectrum is achieved. • The confinement mechanism of micro-structured target on the EUV radiation is revealed. • The characterization of plasma electron density distribution is obtained by using interferometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Classical layered transition metal oxides have remained the preferred cathode materials for commercial lithium-ion batteries. Variation in the transition metal composition and local ordering can greatly affect the structure stability. In classical layered cathodes, high concentrations of electrochemically inert Mn elements usually act as a pillar to stabilize the structure. When excess amount of Li and Mn are present in the layered structure, the capacity of the Li-rich layered oxide (molar ratio of lithium over transition metal is larger than one by design) can exceed that expected from transition metal redox. However, the over lithiation in the classical layered structure results in safety issues, which remains challenging for the commercialization of Li-rich layered oxides. To characterize the safety performance of a series of Li-rich layered cathodes, we utilize differential scanning calorimeter and thermal gravimetric analysis; this is coupled with local structural changes using in situ temperature dependent synchrotron X-ray diffraction and X-ray adsorption spectroscopy. These methods demonstrate that the gradual decrease of the Mn–M (M = Ni, Co, Mn and Li) coordination number directly reduces structural stability and accelerates oxygen release. For safety characterization tests in practice, we evaluate the thermal runaway process through accelerating rate calorimeter in 1.0 Ah pouch cells to confirm this trend. Using the insights obtained in this work, we design a polymorphic composition to improve the thermal stability of Li-rich layered cathode material, which outperforms Ni-rich layered oxides in terms of both electrochemical and safety performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]