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A high-order time discretization scheme to approximate the time-fractional wave equation with the Caputo fractional derivative of order α ∈ (1 , 2) is studied. We establish a high-order formula for approximating the Caputo fractional derivative of order α ∈ (1 , 2) . Based on this approximation, we propose a novel numerical method to solve the time-fractional wave equation. Remarkably, this method corrects only one starting step and demonstrates second-order convergence in both homogeneous and inhomogeneous cases, regardless of whether the data is smooth or nonsmooth. We also analyze the stability region associated with the proposed numerical method. Some numerical examples are given to elucidate the convergence analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramide 2 is the main lipid of stratum corneum and a popular component in skin healthcare products. But developing ceramide 2 based corneal protecting product is troublesome due to its insoluble feature in water. In this work, a novel type of inclusion nanoparticle was developed to solubilize and enhance the corneal repair effect of ceramide 2 by the anti-solvent method. It was revealed that the types of solvents and cyclodextrins influenced the precipitation rate as well as the stability of intermediate clusters of ceramide 2, where DMSO with moderate supersaturation promoted the formation of inclusion complex with β-cyclodextrins. The ceramide-cyclodextrin inclusion complex had an amphiphilic structure, which could self-assemble into nanoparticles in water, as evidenced by disappeared endothermic peaks of ceramide (78°C) and cyclodextrin (120°C), as well as appearance of two endothermic peaks corresponding to nanoparticle transition (45°C) and dissociation of cyclodextrin inclusion complex (102°C). Upon treating rat damaged skins with ceramide 2 inclusion nanoparticles, the cumulative permeation of indomethacin (IND, a model drug for skin permeability) were found to be 330.80 ± 54.86 μg/cm2, which was significantly lower than the control group (472.47 ± 154.83 μg/cm2). In comparison, water suspensions of ceramide 2 showed no corneal repair effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cracks are one of the most common damages to thin plates. Therefore, rapid and accurate detection of cracks is of great significance in the nondestructive testing of thin plates. Most existing nondestructive testing technologies focus on crack localization rather than the quantification of the crack length and orientation. Therefore, this paper proposes a damage index, considering the wave attenuation during propagation, to quantify the crack length and orientation. Lamb waves are transmitted and received by a circular sensor array. Based on the abnormal reflection of the A0 mode of Lamb waves, the reflections at cracks are extracted by the Hilbert transform. The influence of the crack length and orientation are studied parametrically, and the relations between the proposed damage index and crack length and angle are given based on regression analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of self-piercing riveted-adhesive joints of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers/6061-T6 aluminum plates was investigated. The effects of riveting pressure, aluminum surface treatment, and lap length on the mechanical properties of the joints were analyzed. The microscopic morphology of the joint at each stage of the failure process was obtained by tensile-shear test and electron microscopy scan, on which the changes of CFRP, aluminum plate, rivet, and adhesive layer at different stages were further discussed to reveal the failure mechanism of the joint. The results showed that the joint strength could be improved by appropriately increasing the riveting pressure. The surface treatment of aluminum plate could improve the surface properties of the joint, and the joint strength showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the increase of the sandpaper mesh. Increasing the lap length led to an increase in joint strength; however, when the lap length was increased to a certain value, the increase in joint strength was not obvious. The failure process of the adhesive riveted specimen was from the failure of the adhesive layer to the failure of the rivet, and after rivet failure, the joint failed completely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is a two-step process: the priming and the activating. The priming step involves the induction of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β, while the activating step leads to the full inflammasome activation triggered by a NLRP3 activator. Although mechanisms underlying the NLRP3 inflammasome activation have been increasingly clear, the regulation of this process remains incompletely understood. In this study, we find that LPS and Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause a rapid downregulation in MafB transcription in macrophages, which leads to a quick decline in the level of MafB protein because MafB is short-lived and constantly degraded by the ubiquitin/proteasome system. We find that MafB knockdown or knockout markedly enhances the NLRP3, but not the NLRP1, NLRC4, or AIM2, inflammasome activation in macrophages. Conversely, pharmacological induction of MafB diminishes the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Mechanistically, we find that MafB sustains the expression of p62, a key mediator of autophagy/mitophagy. We find that MafB inhibits mitochondrial damage, and mitochondrial ROS production and DNA cytoplasmic release. Furthermore, we find that myeloid MafB deficient mice demonstrate increased systemic and lung IL-1β production in response to LPS treatment and P. aeruginosa infection and deficient lung P. aeruginosa clearance in vivo. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that MafB is an important negative regulator of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Our findings suggest that strategies elevating MafB may be effective to treat immune disorders due to excessive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Maximum activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages is dependent on rapid proteasome-mediated degradation of MafB during the priming stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new counteranion-introduced Ni(II) complex, [Ni(L)(NCS)(EtOH)] supported by a pyridine-appended half-salamo-like ligand HL has been successfully obtained. The composition and structure of this Ni(II) complex were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy. The coordinated atom forms octahedral environment of Ni(II) atom. As a potential luminescent material, the fluorescence properties of HL and its Ni(II) complex were investigated. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis of HL and Ni(II) complex were performed. Meanwhile, the interaction region indication (IRI) map of the Ni(II) complex was calculated by theoretical study, and the distribution of interaction forces in the molecular system of the Ni(II) complex was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of metabolic syndrome is significantly higher in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Gut microbiota is causatively linked with the development of both metabolic dysfunctions and gastrointestinal disorders, thus gut dysbiosis in IBS may contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome. Here, we show that human gut bacterium Ruminococcus gnavus-derived tryptamine and phenethylamine play a pathogenic role in gut dysbiosis-induced insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and IBS. We show levels of R. gnavus, tryptamine, and phenethylamine are positively associated with insulin resistance in T2D patients and IBS patients. Monoassociation of R. gnavus impairs insulin sensitivity and glucose control in germ-free mice. Mechanistically, treatment of R. gnavus-derived metabolites tryptamine and phenethylamine directly impair insulin signaling in major metabolic tissues of healthy mice and monkeys and this effect is mediated by the trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling axis. Our findings suggest a causal role for tryptamine/phenethylamine-producers in the development of insulin resistance, provide molecular mechanisms for the increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in IBS, and highlight the TAAR1 signaling axis as a potential therapeutic target for the management of metabolic syndrome induced by gut dysbiosis. Here, the authors show a causal role for gut bacteria-derived metabolites tryptamine and phenethylamine in contributing to insulin resistance and the development of metabolic syndrome in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the complex constitutive relationship of tread rubber and the strong non-linearity of the dynamic contact relationship between tread rubber and road surface, the torsional deformation characteristics and distribution mechanism are difficult to be modeled theoretically in the tire contact patch. In order to accurately express the nonlinear flexible large deformation of tire tread block under torsional condition, the constitutive theory modeling of tread rubber based on continuum mechanics and the constitutive model verification based on improved digital image correlation are studied. A novel constitutive model considering the hyperelastic, viscoelastic and frictional property of tread rubber is established. A full-field measuring equipment for torsional deformation of tread block is established based on machine vision technology. The digital image sequence of instantaneous torsion deformation is analyzed by the improved digital image correlation to obtain the strain rate distribution characteristics and distribution law of the marker points and the whole area of the tread block. The analysis results demonstrate that the proposed constitutive model is feasible to predict the full-field distribution characteristics and distribution trend of tread rubber blocks in the contact patch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Currently, there are no reliable preoperative methods for predicting component separation (CS) during incisional hernia repair. By quantitatively measuring preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging, we aimed to assess the value of hernia defect size, abdominal wall muscle quality, and hernia volume in predicting CS. Methods: The data of 102 patients who underwent open Rives-Stoppa retro-muscular mesh repair for midline incisional hernia between January 2019 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: "CS group" patients who required CS to attempt fascial closure, and "non-CS" group patients who required only Rives-Stoppa retro-muscular release to achieve fascial closure. Hernia defect width, hernia defect angle, rectus width, abdominal wall muscle area and CT attenuation, hernia volume (HV), and abdominal cavity volume (ACV) were measured on CT images. The rectus width to defect width ratio (RDR), HV/ACV, and HV/peritoneal volume (PV; i.e., HV + ACV) were calculated. Differences between the indices of the two groups were compared. Logistic regression models were applied to analyze the relationships between the above CT parameters and CS. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the potential utility of CT parameters in predicting CS. Results: Of the102 patients, 69 were in the non-CS group and 33 were in the CS group. Compared with the non-CS group, hernia defect width (P < 0.001), hernia defect angle (P < 0.001), and hernia volume (P < 0.001) were larger in the CS group, while RDR (P < 0.001) was smaller. The abdominal wall muscle area in the CS group was slightly greater than that in the non-CS group (P = 0.046), and there was no significant difference in the CT attenuation of the abdominal wall muscle between the two groups (P = 0.089). Multivariate logistic regression identified hernia defect width (OR 1.815, 95% CI 1.428–2.308, P < 0.001), RDR (OR 0.018, 95% CI 0.003–0.106, P < 0.001), hernia defect angle (OR 1.077, 95% CI 1.042–1.114, P < 0.001), hernia volume (OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.001–1.003, P < 0.001), and CT attenuation of abdominal wall muscle (OR 0.962, 95% CI 0.927–0.998, P = 0.037) as independent predictors of CS. Hernia defect width was the best predictor for CS, with a cut-off point of 9.2 cm and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.890. The AUCs of RDR, hernia defect angle, hernia volume, and abdominal wall muscle CT attenuation were 0.843, 0.812, 0.747, and 0.572, respectively. Conclusion: Quantitative CT measurements are of great value for preoperative prediction of CS. Hernia defect size, hernia volume, and the CT attenuation of abdominal wall muscle are all preoperative predictive indicators of CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerating the recycling of livestock and poultry manure is an important direction to control nonpoint-source pollution in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Based on evolutionary game theory, this study analyzes the complex behavioral interaction between farmers and breeding enterprises. We define the ideal scenarios and clarify the influence of key variables on the equilibrium results. The results show the following: (1) Replication dynamic analysis and an evolution phase diagram show that the optimal behavior strategy of farmers and breeding enterprises is organic fertilizer and recycling, and the evolutionary game between the parties tends toward the optimal solution. (2) When the government subsidy was μ = 0.55, farmers' and breeding enterprises' strategies tend to reach the optimal equilibrium the fastest after 3 weeks and 1 week, respectively; when government administrative efficiency was k = 5, farmers' and breeding enterprises' strategies tend to reach the optimal equilibrium the fastest after 10 weeks and 1 week, respectively. (3) Taking Anhua County of Hunan Province as an example, during the period of 2018–2020, the subsidy standard gradually increased from 25 to 45%, and the administrative efficiency increased by 63.3%. The enterprises involved in reconstruction to recycle waste increased by 218.9% and 132.2% in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, respectively, which verifies the effectiveness of the evolutionary equilibrium results. The conclusions of this study can provide a reference for decision making regarding the fecal waste recycling of breeding enterprises and farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel aerobic, gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterial strains designated strains REN5T and REN5-1, were isolated from pit mud of Baijiu in Sichuan province, China. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, both strains belonged to the genus Sphingomonas. Strains REN5T and REN5-1 showed the highest similarity with S. aquatilis (97.9–98.0%). The DNA G+C content of REN5T and REN5-1 were 67.62 and 67.57 mol %, respectively. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strains REN5T and S. aquatilis, REN5-1 and S. aquatilis were 22.8 and 22.6%, respectively. The main isoprenoid quinone of REN5T was Q-10, the major fatty acids were C18:1ω7c, C16:0 and C14:0 2-OH, and the main are polar lipids were DPG (diphosphatidylglycerol), SGL (sphingoglycolipid), PG (phosphatidylglycerol), PC (phosphatidylcholine), PE (phosphatidylethanolamine), UPL (unidentified phospholipid) and UL (unidentified polar lipid). The polyphasic taxonomic data showed that strains REN5T and REN5-1 represented a novel species within the genus Sphingomonas, for which the name Sphingomonas beigongshangi sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain REN5T (=GDMCC1.2211T = JCM 34404T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geomagnetic precursor method has been widely used to predict the maximum amplitude ( S m ) of the sunspot cycle using the preceding minimum aa geomagnetic index ( a a min ). The prediction error of this method was sometimes larger than expected. In the present study, a revision method is proposed to correct a less-reliable prediction in advance according to the variation in the correlation coefficient (R) between S m and a a min . For the last ten cycles n = 15 –24, R was found to vary with n in a period of approximately 2 solar cycles, and most (90%) predictions ( S p ) met the prediction condition: when R became stronger (weaker), the prediction error ( | S p - S m | ) was likely to be smaller (larger) than the standard deviation of the regression (σ ), and the MSE (Mean Square Error) skill score was about 0.86 ( - 0.71 ). For the case R became weaker ( n = 15 , 16, 18, 20, 22, and 23), the prediction was less reliable and a revision method is proposed to correct it by analyzing the values that differ by ± 2 σ from the original prediction to search for the one that meets the decreasing trend in R (at a faster rate). The revised predictions have a much smaller mean absolute (relative) error [10.5 (5.8%)] and a much higher MSE skill score (0.87) than the original ones have, 38.8 (22.6%) and - 0.71 , respectively. For the current cycle ( n = 25 ), R(25) should be smaller than R(24) inferring from its recent past behavior, and the maximum amplitude is predicted to be 111.2 ± 27.6 by the above method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the potential link between RelA and BCL11B transcription factors. To this end, Jurkat and Raji cells (Jurkat:Raji 10:1), as well as normal human peripheral blood T cells, were activated by staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) and the expressions of both BCL11B and RelA mRNA and proteins were detected. BCL11B small interfering RNA was then transduced into Jurkat cells. Under the effect of SEA stimulation, the expression of BCL11B and RelA mRNA increased in two types of T cell lines over time, and the results were comparable with the levels of expression of BCL11B and RelA proteins. In the BCL11B-knockdown cells, the expression of RelA protein did not increase. These findings suggest that BCL11B regulates RelA expression in Jurkat cells and human peripheral blood T cells from healthy donors via the T-cell receptor signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly sensitive fluorescence-enhanced aptasensor was designed to detect silver ions (Ag+) using metal-enhanced fluorescence. Interaction of Ag+ with cytosine nucleobases was used to achieve a low detection limit. Aptamer-modified gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were mixed with 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM)-labeled DNA to prepare the sensor. In a solution without Ag+, aptamer and FAM-labeled DNA strands remained free because of repulsion between cytosine. In the presence of Ag+, pairs of aptamer and FAM-labeled DNA strands formed double helices through cytosine–Ag+– cytosine interactions. These interactions brought FAM close to the Au NPs. The number of adenines repeats in the aptamer was altered to adjust the distance between the Au NPs and FAM, and provide controllable localized surface plasmon resonance. With the optimum number of adenine repeats (n = 24), the linear range for detection of Ag+ was 0.694 to 6.94 nmol/L and the detection limit was 0.694 nmol/L. The aptasensor showed excellent specificity and gave a strong detection signal for Ag+ present at trace concentrations to overcome issues associated with the detection of weak signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel sandwich-like heterotrinuclear [Zn(II)2Mn(III)] complex, [{Zn(L)Cl}2Mn]Cl, has been constructed successfully from a bicompartmental 3-MeOSalphen ligand (H2L), N,N′-bis(3-methoxy-salicylidene)phenylene-1,2-diamine. The chemically obained structure was determined through single crystal X-ray diffraction and spectrochemical (IR and UV-Vis) analyses. The structural studies revealed that characteristic inner N2O2 compartment of H2L is occupied by Zn(II) atom and outer O2O2 compartment is coordinated by Mn(III) atom in the Zn(II)–Mn(III) complex. The Zn(II)–Mn(III) complex can be used as a potential light-emitting material owing to the fluorescent property. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations were performed to take insight of experimental electronic spectra. Interaction region indicator (IRI) analyses were calculated to show relative chemical bond changes before and after coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topological superconductors have long been predicted to host Majorana zero modes which obey non-Abelian statistics and have potential for realizing non-decoherence topological quantum computation. However, material realization of topological superconductors is still a challenge in condensed matter physics. Utilizing high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles calculations, we predict and then unveil the coexistence of topological Dirac semimetal and topological insulator states in the vicinity of Fermi energy (EF) in the titanium-based oxypnictide superconductor BaTi2Sb2O. Further spin-resolved measurements confirm its spin-helical surface states around EF, which are topologically protected and give an opportunity for realization of Majorana zero modes and Majorana flat bands in one material. Hosting dual topological states, the intrinsic superconductor BaTi2Sb2O is expected to be a promising platform for further investigation of topological superconductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The health benefits of probiotics and synbiotics in healthy adults are well established, but their role in preventing infectious complications after surgery for colorectal cancer remains controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the impact of probiotics/synbiotics on the incidence of infectious complications in patients who had surgery for colorectal cancer. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of all randomized control trials (RCTs) was conducted using PubMed, Embase, World Health Organization (WHO) Global Index Medicus, WHO clinical trial registry, and Clinicaltrials.gov. Inclusion criteria included RCTs comparing the use of any strain or dose of a specified probiotic/synbiotic with placebo or a "standard care" control group. The incidence of postoperative infectious complications was analyzed. Results: Fourteen RCTs involving 1566 patients (502 receiving probiotics, 273 receiving synbiotics, and 791 receiving placebo) were analyzed. Overall, probiotic or synbiotic administration significantly reduced the risk of developing postoperative infectious complications by 37% (relative risk (RR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54–0.74, p < 0.001). Furthermore, when considering the six different types of postoperative infectious complications (septicemia, incision infection, central line infection, pneumonia infection, urinary infection, and incidence of diarrhea), probiotic or synbiotic administration was beneficial in reducing the incidence of each one of them. The quality of evidence was listed below: incidence of diarrhea (high), septicemia (moderate), incision infection (moderate), pneumonia infection (moderate), urinary infection (moderate), and central line infection (low). However, for the main outcome of infectious complications, we found evidence of possible publication bias, although estimates still showed a reduction following trim-and-fill analysis (RR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.62–0.84, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of probiotic/synbiotic supplementation is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing postoperative infectious complications in patients who had surgery for colorectal cancer. Additional studies are needed to confirm the findings due to publication bias and low quality of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fluorescent probe II, 6-azido-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione with specific identification environment H2S, was designed and synthesized based on 4-bromine-1,8-naphthalimide and ethanamine. We used 4-bromine-1,8-naphthimide as raw materials to synthesize a new type of reactive fluorescent probe based on the mechanism of intramolecular charge transfer. These two materials are easily obtainable, low in cost, and can be synthesized through a simple two-step reaction. 1,8-Naphthalene anhydride has a moderate fluorescent ability as it introduces an electron-donating group at position 4. A change to its conjugate system can cause a push-pull electronic effect in the molecule and result in a very strong luminous effect. The structure of probe II was characterized by IR, ESI, and NMR. The preliminary screening was under the UV lamp. We found that probe II had a certain specific recognition effect on H2S in the DMSO solvent. After the solvent screening, DMSO was selected as a solvent to identify H2S specifically for the probe. The fluorescence spectroscopy illustrated that probe II showed green fluorescence in the DMSO solution. With the continuous addition of H2S, probe II showed red fluorescence at 510 nm, which produced a strong fluorescence emission peak that stood out from the rest of the spectrum. The experimental results showed that the probe had a very good sensitivity at detecting H2S (with a minimum concentration of 1 × 10–7 mol/L). Meanwhile, dozens of cations and anions do not interfere with the recognition of H2S by the probe molecule in the DMSO system. At the same time, we found that probe II could also recognize H2S by cell imaging technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periarticular calcification and ossification is a frequent finding on imaging and may sometimes pose a diagnostic challenge. The differential diagnoses for this radiological finding are wide and can be classified into broad groups such as idiopathic, developmental, trauma, burns, infection, tumor, connective tissue disease, crystalline, metabolic, vascular, and foreign bodies. With careful consideration of the clinical and imaging findings as well as awareness of mimickers of periarticular mineralization, the list of differential diagnoses can be narrowed down. This article aims to review the clinical-radiologic findings of periarticular calcified or ossified lesions with relevant imaging illustrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging hardened Al-4.0 wt pct Cu alloy sheets with thicknesses (t) of 0.15 to 1.0 mm were selected to explore the effects of the second phase and its interaction with the dislocations produced by cyclic predeformation on the extrinsic size effect of mechanical behavior. The dependence of tensile properties on t and the effect of cyclic predeformation were systematically studied. The results showed that with the decrease of t from 1.0 to 0.3 mm, the ultimate tensile strength σUTS of Al-4.0 wt pct Cu alloy sheets reduced continuously, but the uniform strain ε first increased and then decreased. When t was decreased to 0.15 mm, there was no noticeable change in σUTS, but a slight increase in ε compared with the cases at t = 0.3 mm was observed, which is mainly related to the interaction between precipitates and dislocations. In contrast, a t-dependent yield strength σYS was not observed. A cyclic predeformation to 20 pct Nf (Nf: fatigue life) cycles promoted a notable increase in the strengths of various-t sheets, and a t-independent strength was found for the t in the range of 0.6-1.0 mm, which originates from the combined effects of the difficult initiation of dislocation sources in the material interior after predeformation, the enhanced interaction between the dislocations and precipitates and the strengthening of grains' surface layer caused by cyclic predeformation. Therefore, it is deduced that the precipitates inhibit the continuous decrease in the strength of thin sheets, and the cyclic predeformation and precipitatites greatly improve the strength and delay the occurrence of extrinsic size effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Based on the staggered difference-in-difference (DID) model, this paper uses Chinese listed firms between 2012 and 2020 to investigate the impact of green bond issuance on corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. We provide evidence that green bond issuance positively enhances corporate ESG performance. Green bond issuance mainly promotes corporate ESG performance through the internal attention effect and the external supervision effect. Moreover, the positive correlation between green bond issuance and corporate ESG performance is more prominent among companies with larger size, higher government subsidies and executives with environmental experience. The extended analysis shows that green bond issuance can promote the enhancement of firm valuation. This study provides theoretical guidance for the use of green financial systems to promote corporate ESG performance.

To meet the aviation and aerospace requirements for detachability and load-carrying capacity, a novel connecting structure — a carbon-fiber-filament-wound composite tube with grooved metal inserts has been developed. The tensile behavior of the structure was investigated experimentally and by the finite-element method. The finite-element method was used to simulate the damage process. The failure load of the structure was found to be 37% higher than that of an ordinary bonded tube without grooved metal inserts. A stress analysis showed that the structural failure was not caused by the failure of adhesive, but was determined by the tensile strength of the ±30° wound layers and the shear strength of interlayer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The salt spray test has been used to study the effect of adding In on the corrosion performance of Zn-15Al-5Cu-xIn (x = 0, 1, 3, and 5, where x is the mass percentage) solder alloys. The focus was on the microstructure and corrosion properties of the alloy. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed the distributed formation of In-based solid solution. Corrosion performance tests on the Zn-15Al-5Cu-xIn solders revealed the influence of In on the corrosion performance; addition of 3% In resulted in the solder with the highest corrosion potential and slowest corrosion rate. The main reason is that more γ (CuZn4) phase with strong corrosion resistance was dispersed and distributed in the solder. Remarkably, when the In content exceeded 3%, it could enrich the dendritic zone of the grains, which could reduce the corrosion resistance of the solder alloy. It is thus concluded that the optimal In content in this alloy system is 3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the clinical significance of CX3 chemokine ligand 1(CX3CL1) and CX3CR1 in patients with bone metastasis from lung cancer. The expression levels of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 mRNA and protein in primary lung cancer and lung cancer bone metastasis were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Methods: One hundred patients with lung cancer were divided into a boneless metastasis group (50 patients with bone metastasis) and a bone metastasis group (50 patients without distant metastasis). The bone transfer component was graded by Soloway classification (0 to III). The expression levels of serum CX3CL1–CX3CR1 axis were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RT-qPCR and Western Blot were used to verify the transfection efficiency. The scratching assay was used to detect the migration of CX3CL1 to 95-D cells after down-regulating the expression of CX3CR1. Results: The expression levels of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 mRNA and protein in the primary lung cancer and lung cancer bone metastasis were significantly higher than those in the adjacent tissues (P < 0.0001). The levels of serum CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 in bone metastasis group were significantly higher than those in boneless metastasis group and healthy control group (P < 0.05). In the bone metastasis group, the levels of serum CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 were significantly positively correlated with the degree of disease progression (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The expression level of serum CX3CL1–CX3CR1 axis is expected to be an auxiliary reference index for monitoring bone metastasis of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop an Evolutionary Markov Chain Monte Carlo (EMCMC) algorithm for sampling spatial partitions that lie within a large, complex, and constrained spatial state space. Our algorithm combines the advantages of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) as optimization heuristics for state space traversal and the theoretical convergence properties of Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms for sampling from unknown distributions. Local optimality information that is identified via a directed search by our optimization heuristic is used to adaptively update a Markov chain in a promising direction within the framework of a Multiple-Try Metropolis Markov Chain model that incorporates a generalized Metropolis-Hastings ratio. We further expand the reach of our EMCMC algorithm by harnessing the computational power afforded by massively parallel computing architecture through the integration of a parallel EA framework that guides Markov chains running in parallel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, experiments were carried out to investigate the detonation velocity behavior near limits in rough-walled tubes. The wall roughness was introduced by using different spiral inserts in 76.2-mm-diameter, 50.8-mm-diameter, 38.1-mm-diameter, and 25.4-mm-diameter tubes. Different pre-mixed mixtures, CH4 + 2O2, C2H2 + 2.5O2, C2H2 + 2.5O2 + 70%Ar, and 2H2 + O2 were tested in the experiments. Different spiral wire diameters were used, and the pitch of each spiral was twice of the diameter to keep the same level of roughness in all experiments for each tube. Fiber optics were used to record the detonation time of arrival to deduce the velocity. The normalized velocity V/VCJ and the velocity deficit δ were computed and analyzed to describe the detonation behavior near the limit. The cellular structure near the limit was recorded by the smoked foils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the time-dependent deformation behaviors of microscale materials have been investigated through experiments with uniaxial loading conditions, the influence of the strain gradient has not been clearly clarified due to the lack of appropriate testing methods. In the current study, to investigate the stress relaxation behavior of microscale single-crystal copper (Cu) at room temperature, a quantitative in situ SEM bending experiment is presented using microcantilever specimens of single-crystal Cu. The microcantilever specimens were fabricated using a focused ion beam, and a tungsten (W) layer was deposited onto the front surface to eliminate the error induced by the penetration of the stiff indenter into the metallic specimen. The yield stress of microscale single-crystal Cu is determined to be 445 MPa by a monotonic loading test, showing an apparent size effect, and no strain hardening is observed due to single-slip deformation. On the other hand, the stress relaxation behavior of the microscale single-crystal Cu consists of both a continuous stress relaxation and an abrupt stress decrease due to a strain burst. The activated volume in each dwell stage is obtained by thermodynamics theory and is found to be mainly related to the abrupt stress decrease. The value of the activated volume indicates that the continuous stress drops in the 1st and 2nd dwell stages are attributed to the evolution of dislocation structures by the single slip on system B4, while the dislocation pile-up near the neutral plane leads to the dominance of cross slip on the stress relaxation behavior in the bending plateau. The proposed microcantilever bending experiment is applicable to explore the time-dependent deformation behavior of small-scale materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hind wings of beetles are deployable and play an essential role in flight. In the Asian ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), the pterostigma (pst) is found in the middle of the hind wing instead of at the tip of the hind wing. This paper investigates the effect of the pst on the vibrational characteristics during the flight of H. axyridis. Based on cross sections of the pst and veins as well as the morphology and nanomechanical properties of the hind wing, including the wing membrane and veins, three three-dimensional coupling models, Models I–III, of hind wings with/without pst structures and veins with varying or uniform reduced moduli are established. Modal analysis results for these three models show that the vibrational characteristics and deformation tendencies change the flight performance of the hind wing models with pst structures compared with that of the other models. The results in this paper reveal that the pst structure has an important influence on vibrational characteristics and deformation tendencies and, hence, on flight performance; the relationships between the body mass and the area of the hind wing, which have significant implications for the design of biomimetic deployable wing structures for micro air vehicles (MAVs), are also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the dependence of mechanical behavior on the crystal size, the [ 1 ¯ 11 ] -oriented Cu single crystal was selected as a target material, and the variations of tensile and tension–tension fatigue behavior with the crystal specimen thickness (t) were systematically investigated. The results show that, with the decrease of t, the tensile yield strength continuously increases, especially as t < 0.4 mm, which is related to an enhanced role of surfaces in affecting dislocation activity; ultimate tensile strength first increases and elongation has almost no change as t is decreased from 2.0 to 1.0 mm, but with continuously decreasing t, both of them decrease; as t = 0.1 mm, the slight increases in ultimate tensile strength and elongation occur. With the decrease of t, the corresponding dislocation structures are evolved from the cell walls into the cells and tangles; meanwhile, the density of slip bands (SBs) decreases. Moreover, the obvious concentrated SB regions and notable cross-slip traces are clearly observed in thicker crystals. The fatigue life has no notable change as t = 2.0 and 1.0 mm, but increases subsequently with decreasing t due to the decrease in the plastic strain accumulation together with an enhanced interaction between the dislocations in the surface zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medium Mn steels are a class of the new-generation ultra-high-strength materials used in automotives. However, despite excellent ductility, they may suffer from delayed cracking and thus cause serious concerns. In this study, several medium Mn steels were tested with different prestrain and hydrogen charging conditions. The interaction and synergistic effects of prestrain and hydrogen content on hydrogen-induced delayed cracking behavior are investigated. The threshold stress of hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) decreased during dynamic hydrogen charging under a constant load. In the process of dynamic hydrogen charging, for M7B and M10B steels, the normalized stress intensity factor σ/σb and the corresponding threshold stress σHIC decreased sharply as prestrain increased. This is because the volume fraction of retained austenite decreased with an increase in prestrain. Similarly, σHIC was reduced and the critical hydrogen content dropped drastically with increasing prestrain. For M7C, the influence of prestrain on threshold stress and hydrogen concentration was less than that of M7B. This is because the different treatment processes leads to a different stability of the retained austenite. By observing the SEM fractographs, the fracture surface of medium Mn steels showed different fracture characteristics, such as dimple fractures and intergranular and transgranular modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reduction mammaplasty is a common operation performed for healthy women. The estimated incidence of breast cancer diagnosed at the time of reduction mammaplasty varies from 0.06 to 4.5%, and information on the care of these patients is limited. This study aimed to determine the incidence of breast cancer identified incidentally during reduction mammaplasty and to characterize preoperative imaging. Methods: Women 18 years of age or older who underwent reduction mammaplasty from 2013 to 2015 were identified from the Truven Health MarketScan® Research Databases. Patients with prior breast cancer were excluded. Descriptive statistics were calculated for patient characteristics, incidental breast cancer, preoperative breast imaging, and postoperative treatment. Results: Reduction mammaplasty was performed for 18,969 women with a mean age of 42.5 years. Of these patients, 186 (0.98%) were incidentally found to have breast cancer, with 134 (0.71%) having invasive breast cancer and 52 (0.27%) having carcinoma in situ. The patients with incidentally found cancer were older than the patients without cancer (50.8 vs. 42.5 years; p < 0.001). Overall, 58.2% of the patients had undergone mammography before reduction mammoplasty. The rates were higher (> 80%) for the patients older than 40 years. Preoperative mammography was performed for 76.3% of those with a diagnosis of breast cancer at time of reduction mammoplasty. Conclusions: Breast cancer diagnosed incidentally at the time of reduction mammaplasty is uncommon and often radiographically occult. The majority of women older than 50 years appropriately received preoperative mammography. These data can be used to manage patient expectations about the potential for the incidental diagnosis of breast cancer at reduction mammaplasty, even with a negative preoperative mammography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The charge form factor and charge radius of neutron are investigated in the perturbative chiral quark model (PCQM) with considering both the ground and excited states in the quark propagator. A Cornell-like potential is extracted in accordance with the predetermined ground state quark wave function, and the excited quark states are derived by solving the Dirac equation with the extracted PCQM potential numerically. The study reveals that the contributions of the excited quark states are considerably influential in the charge form factor and charge radius of neutron as expected, and the total results are significantly improved and increased by nearly four times by including the excited states in the quark propagator. The theoretical PCQM results are found, including the ground and excited quark propagators, in good agreement with the recent lattice QCD values at pion mass of about 130MeV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of investigations of the thermoelectric properties of In0.2Ce0.1Co4Sb12.3 compound prepared by the rapid-quenching technique are presented. In the process of rapid-quenching, amorphous and partially crystallized thin ribbons are formed. The thus obtained ribbons serve as the initial material for fabricating bulk samples. However, the thermoelectric properties of the fabricated ribbons are practically unstudied. In this study, the thermopower and electrical resistivity of amorphous and crystalline ribbons are investigated for the first time at temperatures of 100–750 K. The range of stability of the amorphous state is determined, and the crystallization kinetics of amorphous ribbons is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an indispensable stage of product manufacturing, assembly process plays an important role in assuring product reliability by curbing the variation of assembly quality characters. The characters, mainly affected by the uncertainty components quality and assembly process parameters, are formed in a complex process. This paper approaches the uncertainty analysis of the assembly quality characters and the determination of key quality influence factors under multi-source uncertainty. Firstly, the fuzzy theory-based analytic hierarchy process(FAHP) is carried out to identify the main factors and the information entropy method is used to transfer them into uniform uncertainty variables. Secondly, the support vector regression (SVR) method is used to establish the surrogate model between the influence factors and assembly quality characters. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is employed for uncertainty analysis and sensitivity analysis of assembly process on the basis of the surrogate model and data sampling, which realize the prediction of assembly quality and the determination of key process parameters. Finally, a case study of a bolt assembly process is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed method in this paper is efficient and simple to apply in manufacturing applications directly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure of 3D n-directional braided composites is established in this study. A theoretical method that considers 3D braided composites as assemblages of unidirectional composites is proposed to predict their elastic properties. A comparison of the predicted stiffness with experimental results showed their good agreement. The relationship between braiding parameters, including the braiding angle and fiber volume fraction, and the elastic constants is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed germination is a new beginning for the crop life cycle, which is closely related to seed sprouting and subsequent plant growth and development, and ultimately affects grain yield and quality. Salt stress is one of the most important abiotic stress factors that restrict crop production. Therefore, it is highly important to improve crop salt tolerance and sufficient utilization of saline-alkali land. In this study, we identified the phosphorylated proteins involved in salt stress response by combining SEM, 2-DE, Pro-Q Diamond staining and tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that salt stress significantly inhibited seed germination and starch degradation. In total, 14 phosphorylated protein spots (11 unique proteins) in the embryo and 6 phosphorylated protein spots (4 unique proteins) in the endosperm were identified, which mainly involved in stress/defense, protein metabolism and energy metabolism. The phosphorylation of some proteins such as cold regulated proteins, 27K protein, EF-1β and superoxide dismutase could play important roles in salt stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethylene is an important phytohormone that regulates many important biological processes in plant. ERF (ethylene response factor) proteins are key transcription factors that activate the ethylene signaling pathway. However, our knowledge about the mechanism of the ERF transcription factors in regulating nuclear genes expression is limited. Retrograde signaling pathway in chloroplast is a novel kind of mechanism that regulates nuclear gene expression by different signals in plastid. Based on our former research we analyzed the components related with retrograde signaling from plastid in the transgenic tobacco overexpressing TERF1, a member of ERF family transcription factors, to elucidate the interaction between ethylene signaling pathway and different retrograde signaling pathway in plastid under normal growth condition. Results show that TERF1 regulates different retrograde signals in plastid and thus regulates different nuclear genes expression under normal growth condition. We propose a new mechanism that links ethylene signaling pathway and retrograde signaling pathway as well as new potential of TERF1 in regulating nuclear genes expression at post-transcriptional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We developed an atherosclerotic rabbit model and tested pioglitazone as a drug intervention for early vascular calcification. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) was used to evaluate inflammation and therapeutic effects.Methods: We randomly divided 20 male New Zealand white rabbits into a pioglitazone-treated group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10). Atherosclerosis was induced via a high-cholesterol diet and endothelial denudation. The animals were maintained on a hyperlipidemic diet for 16 weeks after surgery, and the treatment group received pioglitazone daily. Serum samples were obtained at 8 and 18 weeks postoperatively to assess high-sensitivity C‑reactive protein (hs-CRP) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) concentrations. Sixteen rabbits underwent a mid-stage PET/CT scan at week 8, and 11 rabbits underwent an end-stage PET/CT scan at week 18. PET/CT parameters, including the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), were measured and documented.Results: There were significantly lower hs-CRP and MMP-9 levels in the pioglitazone group at week 18 (p < 0.01). At the end of the 8th week, no significant between-group differences in SUVmean and SUVmax were observed. From week 8 to week 18, the SUVmean and SUVmax decreased in the pioglitazone group but the SUVmean increased in the control group, with significant between-group differences at the end of the 18th week (p < 0.01). Histopathological examination of aortas in the control and pioglitazone groups revealed significantly smaller plaque area, macrophage density, and tissue calcification area in the latter group.Conclusion: Pioglitazone affects early vascular microcalcification, and pioglitazone-induced changes can be assessed using 18F-FDG-PET/CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphine, a highly potent analgesic, is one of the most effective drugs for the treatment of severe pain associated with cancer. It directly acts on the central nervous system to relieve pain, but also cause secondary complications, such as addiction, respiratory depression and constipation due to its activities on peripheral tissues. Besides pain relief, morphine is of great importance on cancer management with its effect on tumor development being the subject of debate for many years with some contradictory findings. Morphine has shown both tumor growth-promoting and growth-inhibiting effects in many published research studies. And various signaling pathways have been suggested to be involved in these effects of morphine. Based on a thorough literature review, we summarized the double-faced effects of morphine in tumor development, including tumor cell growth and apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, immunomodulation and inflammation. And we attempted to optimize morphine administration in cancer patients to attenuate its tumor growth-promoting effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) bending method using a nano-cantilever specimen that includes a naturally sharp pre-crack at the interface between a 500 nm-thick SiN layer and a 200 nm-thick Cu layer on a Si substrate is developed in order to precisely characterize the fracture toughness of the interface in nanoscale multilayers. By fabricating a perpendicular nanoscale notch in the SiN layer close to the horizontal Cu/SiN interface, a sharp pre-crack is successfully introduced at the Cu/SiN interface. In addition, by changing the relative position of the notch with respect to the fixed end of the specimen, both the instant and continuous interface crack propagation behaviors could be in situ observed using TEM. Finite element analysis shows that the crack propagation from the sharp pre-crack is dominated by a singular stress field within a region 100 nm from the crack tip under a mixed-mode state in all specimens. On the other hand, the fracture toughness represented by the critical energy release rate for the start of crack propagation along the Cu/SiN interface in all specimens is determined through a compliance method and shows good agreement with an average value of 7.1 J/m2. This indicates the robust reliability and high precision for characterizing the fracture toughness of the interface in nanoscale multilayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozone (O3) is one of the major pollutants in near-surface air. In order to protect sensitive plants from O3 pollution, many kinds of protectants including synthetic ones, were assessed in previous studies. Although they have certain protective effects, some of them are not environment-friendly. In the present study, leaf water extracts of aromatic plants [Plectranthus hadiensis var. tomentosus (PHT), Pelargonium hortorum (PHB), Tagetes patula (TP)] were compared for mitigating the damages caused by O3 (150 ppb for 3 days, 8 h day−1) on snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Jiangjunyoudou’). Our results showed that O3 fumigation impaired plasma membrane, decreased chlorophyll content, increased contents of malondialdehyde and superoxide anion, inhibited photosynthesis, and caused visible injury. Leaf water extracts of PHT, PHB or TP ameliorated the negative effects of O3. Among them, extract of PHT showed the greatest potential to alleviate the O3-caused injury, followed by PHB and TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two prominent polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners have been included in the persistent organic pollutant list, 2,2′,4,4′,5-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-99) and 2,2,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), which have been detected in treated municipal wastewater, river water, and sediments in China. A lab-scale column experiment was established to investigate the effects of the competitive sorption of BDE-47 on BDE-99 biodegradation and migration in two types of river-based aquifer soils during groundwater recharge with reclaimed water. Two types of recharge columns were used, filled with either silty clay (SC) or black carbon-amended silty clay (BCA). The decay rate constants of BDE-99 in the BCA and SC systems were 0.186 and 0.13 m−1 in the single-solute system and 0.128 and 0.071 m−1 in the binary-solute system, respectively, showing that the decay of BDE-99 was inhibited by the coexistence of BDE-47. This was particularly evident in the SC system because the higher hydrophobicity of BDE-99 determined the higher affinity and competition for sorption sites onto black carbon. The biodegradation of BDE-99 was suppressed by the coexistence of BDE-47, especially in the SC system. Lesser-brominated congeners (BDE-47 and BDE-28) and higher-brominated congeners (BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154, and BDE-183) were generated in the four recharge systems, albeit at different ratios. Bacterial biodiversity was influenced by the presence of BDE-47 in the SC system, while it had no significant effect on the BCA system, because the high sorption capacity of black carbon on the hydrophobic PBDEs effectively reduced their toxicity. The ranking order of the most abundant classes changed markedly due to the coexistence of BDE-47 in both the SC and BCA systems. The ranking order of the most abundant genera changed from Azospira, Methylotenera, Desulfovibrio, Methylibium, and Bradyrhizobium to Halomonas, Hyphomicrobium, Pseudomonas, Methylophaga, and Shewanella, which could be involved in PBDE degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at providing an effective mechanism for representation, organization, and reuse of fixture design knowledge, this paper puts forward an intelligent methodology for fixture design based on knowledge component technology. First, the ontology models of fixture elements, the workpiece, and the fixture design case are constructed to organize the statical design knowledge related to each of them. Then, the fixture design process-related knowledge is modeled by knowledge components corresponding to fixture layout planning process and fixture structure design process. Hence, the hierarchy structure of the fixture design knowledge reuse is formed. Under the framework of the fixture layout knowledge component, the association analysis method is used for generating reasoning rules and then the rule-based reasoning (RBR) method is used for the determination of the workpiece-locating mode and the initiative candidate of the locating datum. Further, an entropy weight fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is employed to select the most suitable locating datum from the candidates. Under the framework of the fixture structure design knowledge component, the selection of fixture elements, element dimension drive, and auto-assemble are fulfilled by the combination of RBR and case-based reasoning (CBR). The method realizes the effective organization and efficient use of fixture design knowledge and improves the efficiency of fixture design. It has been verified by a case of airplane part machining fixture design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, based on a composition design, a pure KNaNbO (KNN) lead-free piezoelectric single crystal with a maximum dimension of 4 mm × 4 mm × 2 mm was successfully prepared by the seed-free solid-state crystal growth method. The X-ray diffraction results indicate that the as-grown KNN single crystals have a perovskite crystalline structure with a single orthorhombic phase. An porous microstructure exists in the pure KNN single crystal in this present. The orthorhombic-tetragonal T and tetragonal-cubic phase transition temperature Curie temperature T of the single crystal are found at 190 and 424 °C, respectively. The obtained KNN single crystal exhibits a piezoelectric coefficient d of 103 pC/N and relative dielectric permittivity ɛ of 180. The resistance of KNN single crystal is insensitive to the temperature in the measurement range. The conductive mechanism of the single crystal mainly comes from the grain interiors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reason for the occurrence of different elements of the fine structure of solar radio bursts in the decimeter and centimeter wavelength ranges has been determined based on all available data from terrestrial and satellite observations. In some phenomena, fast pulsations, a zebra structre, fiber bursts, and spikes have been observed almost simultaneously. Two phenomena have been selected to show that the pulsations of radio emission are caused by particles accelerated in the magnetic reconnection region and that the zebra structure is excited in a source, such as a magnetic trap for fast particles. The complex combination of unusual fiber bursts, zebra structure, and spikes in the phenomenon on December 1, 2004, is associated with a single source, a magnetic island formed after a coronal mass ejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectrophoresis is of particular interest in droplet manipulation because of its ability to manipulate droplets based on their unique dielectric properties. With the help of different kinds of electrodes, the droplet dynamic behaviors can be manipulated to complete various tasks. In this work, both the experimental and numerical simulation methods are applied to find out a way to slow down the velocity of the droplets which is very helpful for droplets detection. For the experimental part, the microchannels are embedded with various kinds of electrodes near their microchannel walls instead of being arranged in the microchannel, and the direct current voltages are applied to the electrodes to generate a prescribed electric field intensity gradient in the longitudinal direction. A more accurate simulation model is made to analyze the mechanisms of the dielectric effect on the droplet dynamic behaviors in detail. The dynamic behaviors and dielectric characteristics of the microdroplets are investigated by studying the moving velocity, the deformation, the dielectrophoretic force and distributions of the electric field intensity. According to the results presented herein, both the dielectrophoretic force and interfacial tension have significant effects on the droplet dynamic behaviors. The method proposed in this work can manipulate the droplet velocity efficiently, and the velocity of the droplets can be decreased to one-fifth of the initial velocity. Therefore, it is important to focus on this method to make a contribution to droplet non-damage detection in biological and chemical experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The prevalence of intracranial aneurysm (IA) is increasing, and the consequences of its rupture are severe. This study aimed to reveal specific, sensitive, and non‐invasive biomarkers for diagnosis and classification of ruptured and unruptured IA, to benefit the development of novel treatment strategies and therapeutics altering the course of the disease. We first assembled an extensive candidate biomarker bank of IA, comprising up to 717 proteins, based on altered proteins discovered in the current tissue and serum proteomic analysis, as well as from previous studies. Mass spectrometry assays for hundreds of biomarkers were efficiently designed using our proposed deep learning‐based method, termed DeepPRM. A total of 113 potential markers were further quantitated in serum cohort I (n = 212) & II (n = 32). Combined with a machine‐learning‐based pipeline, we built two sets of biomarker combinations (P6 & P8) to accurately distinguish IA from healthy controls (accuracy: 87.50%) or classify IA rupture patients (accuracy: 91.67%) upon evaluation in the external validation set (n = 32). This extensive circulating biomarker development study provides valuable knowledge about IA biomarkers.

Based on the observation of microstructures of 3D needled carbon/carbon (C/C) composites, a model of their representative volume element (RVE) considering the true distribution of fibers is established. Using the theories of mesoscopic mechanics and introducing periodic boundary conditions for displacements, their elastic properties, with account of porosity, are determined by finite-element methods. Quasi-static tensile tests were carried out, and the numerical predictions were found to be in good agreement with test results. This means that the RVE model of 3D needled C/C composites can predict their elastic properties efficiently. The effects of needling density, radius of needled fibers, and thickness ratio of a short-cut fiber web and a weftless ply on the elastic constants of the composites are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]