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Biochar-based sulfidized nano-sized zero-valent iron (SNZVI/BC) can effectively immobilize cadmium (Cd) in contaminated paddy soils. However, the synergistic effects between biochar and SNZVI on Cd immobilization, as well as the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, a soil microcosm incubation experiment was performed to investigate the immobilization performance of SNZVI/BC towards Cd in the contaminated paddy soil. Results indicated that the addition of SNZVI/BC at a dosage of 3% significantly lessened the concentration of available Cd in the contaminated soil from 14.9 (without addition) to 9.9 mg kg−1 with an immobilization efficiency of 33.3%, indicating a synergistic effect. The sequential extraction results indicated that the proportion of the residual Cd in the contaminated soil increased from 8.1 to 10.3%, manifesting the transformation of the unstable Cd fractions to the steadier specie after application of SNZVI/BC. Also, the addition of SNZVI/BC increased soil pH, organic matter, and dissolved organic carbon, which significantly altered the bacterial community in the soil, enriching the relative abundances of functional microbes (e.g., Bacillus, Clostridium, and Desulfosporosinus). These functional microorganisms further facilitated the generation of ammonium, nitrate, and ferrous iron in the contaminated paddy soil, enhancing nutrients' availability. The direct interaction between SNZVI/BC and Cd2+, the altered soil physicochemical properties, and the responded bacterial community played important roles in Cd immobilization in the contaminated soil. Overall, the biochar-based SNZVI is a promising candidate for the effective immobilization of Cd and the improvement of nutrients' availability in the contaminated paddy soil. Highlights: Biochar-based sulfidized nano-sized zero-valent iron (SNZVI/BC) synergistically immobilized Cd in the contaminated soil. SNZVI/BC effectively enhanced nutrients' availability in the contaminated soil. Nitrate-, Iron-, and sulfate-reducing bacteria were enriched in the SNZVI/BC-treated soil. Precipitation and complexation played an important role in the immobilization of Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel ternary heterojunction material In2O3/In2S3/ZnIn2S4 was synthesized, and a photoelectrochemical sensor was fabricated for the non-invasive test of dopamine (DA) in sweat. In2O3 multihollow microtubules were synthesized and then In2S3 was formed on their surface to construct a type-I heterojunction between In2S3 and In2O3. ZnIn2S4 was further introduced to form a Z-scheme heterojunction between In2S3/ZnIn2S4. Under photoexcitation, the photogenerated holes of In2O3 transferred to the valence band of In2S3, superimposed with the holes produced by In2S3, leads to a significantly higher photocatalytic oxidation capacity of In2O3/In2S3/ZnIn2S4 ternary composites than that of In2O3/In2S3. The Z-scheme heterojunction accelerates the transfer of photogenerated electrons accumulated on the type-I heterojunction. In the presence of DA, it is rapidly oxidized into polydopamine (PDA) by In2O3/In2S3, and the benzoquinone groups of PDA compete for the photogenerated electrons to reduce the current in the external circuit, whereby DA determination is achieved. Owing to the combination of type-I and Z-scheme heterojunction, the sensor showed extremely high sensitivity, with a detection limit of 3.94 × 10−12 mol/L. It is one of the most sensitive methods for DA detection reported and has been applied to the determination of DA in human sweat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 4-Aminopyridine (4AP) is a medication for the symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis. Several 4AP-based PET tracers have been developed for imaging demyelination. In preclinical studies, [11C]3MeO4AP has shown promise due to its high brain permeability, high metabolic stability, high plasma availability, and high in vivo binding affinity. To prepare for the translation to human studies, we developed a cGMP-compatible automated radiosynthesis protocol and evaluated the whole-body biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of [11C]3MeO4AP in non-human primates (NHPs). Methods: Automated radiosynthesis was carried out using a GE TRACERlab FX-C Pro synthesis module. One male and one female adult rhesus macaques were used in the study. A high-resolution CT from cranial vertex to knee was acquired. PET data were collected using a dynamic acquisition protocol with four bed positions and 13 passes over a total scan time of ~ 150 min. Based on the CT and PET images, volumes of interest (VOIs) were manually drawn for selected organs. Non-decay corrected time-activity curves (TACs) were extracted for each VOI. Radiation dosimetry and effective dose were calculated from the integrated TACs using OLINDA software. Results: Fully automated radiosynthesis of [11C]3MeO4AP was achieved with 7.3 ± 1.2% (n = 4) of non-decay corrected radiochemical yield within 38 min of synthesis and purification time. [11C]3MeO4AP distributed quickly throughout the body and into the brain. The organs with highest dose were the kidneys. The average effective dose of [11C]3MeO4AP was 4.0 ± 0.6 μSv/MBq. No significant changes in vital signs were observed during the scan. Conclusion: A cGMP-compatible automated radiosynthesis of [11C]3MeO4AP was developed. The whole-body biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of [11C]3MeO4AP was successfully evaluated in NHPs. [11C]3MeO4AP shows lower average effective dose than [18F]3F4AP and similar average effective dose as other carbon-11 tracers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring and predicting rock slope stability during excavation is always a complex and critical technical challenge in engineering construction processes. Numerous methods have been developed for quantitatively evaluating the rock slope unloading-induced instability due to excavation (i.e., limit equilibrium method, strength reduction method (SRM), and reliability analysis method). In the present work, inspired by the energy conversion process, a new energy criterion for rock slope excavation-induced failure was proposed without directly considering the complex distributions of stress, strain, and displacement inside the slope rock mass during excavation but rather treating the whole slope. The implementation of this criterion is first conducting energy calculation based on the secondary development program of rock slopes during excavation using the FLAC3D finite difference method software. Then, by combining the slope failure energy principle and catastrophe theory, the dissipated energy mutation eigenvalue can be calculated to justify the stability of the slope. The reliability of the proposed criterion was verified using two engineering cases of the Dagushan open-pit high-slope excavation by comparing with the traditional strength reduction method (SRM). It was proved that the new criterion is advantageous for quantitatively evaluating the excavation stabilities of nonhomogeneous 2D and 3D high-slope models. This study is of great theoretical significance for improving rock high-slope failure prediction during excavation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let R be a unitary ring and a,b ∈ R with ab = 0. We find the 2/3 property of Drazin invertibility: if any two of a, b and a+b are Drazin invertible, then so is the third one. Then, we combine the 2/3 property of Drazin invertibility to characterize the existence of generalized inverses by means of units. As applications, the need for two invertible morphisms used by You and Chen to characterize the group invertibility of a sum of morphisms is reduced to that for one invertible morphism, and the existence and expression of the inverse along a product of two regular elements are obtained, which generalizes the main result of Mary and Patrício (2016) about the group inverse of a product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Traumatic brain injury (TBI), as a serious central nervous system disease, can result in severe neurological dysfunction or even disability and death of patients. The early and effective intervention of secondary brain injury can improve the prognosis of TBI. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is one of the main reasons to recover TBI. ER stress inhibition may be beneficial in treating TBI. Sestrin2 is a crucial regulator of ER stress, and its activation can significantly improve TBI. In this paper, we analyze the biological function of sestrin2, the latest findings on ER stress, and the relationship between ER stress and TBI. We elucidate the relationship of sestrin2 inhibiting ER stress via activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (MTORC1) signaling. Finally, we elaborate on the possible role of sestrin2 in TBI and explain how its activation potentially improves TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple infections are a key component of HPV pathogenesis and have a direct impact on how an infection turns out. It's crucial to look at the associations between HPV multiple infections and both age and HPV genotypes in the Chinese population, searching for the causative factors of multiple infections with a view to providing new ideas for the treatment and prevention of multiple infections. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the data of HPV infections among outpatients from the 2019 year to the 2021 year of Shandong Maternal and Child Health Hospital. Analyzed the correlation between HPV multiple infections and age using logistic regression. Differences in the percentage of multiple infections between age groups were compared using the chi-square test. The chi-square test compared the differences in the distribution of 15 common HPV genotypes in mono- versus multiple infections. A two-dimensional matrix presented the frequency of HPV genotype combinations. Logistics regression analysis showed that age was significantly associated with the occurrence of multiple infections, with a dominance ratio OR 1.026 (95% CI 1.02–1.04). Interestingly, the proportion of HPV multiple infections among HPV-positive individuals increases with age in people older than 30 years of age. The chi-square test showed there was a difference in the distribution of HPV genotypes between multiple infections and mono- HPV infection (χ2 = 76.4; p = 0.000), a difference in the composition of HPV genotypes for dual versus single infections (χ2 = 90.6; p = 0.000) and a difference in HPV genotypes for triple versus single infections (χ2 = 56.7; p = 0.000). A 2 × 2 matrix showed that the combination of HPV52/HPV58 (30; 6.4%) was the combination of the highest frequency of infection for dual infections; The HPV52/HPV58 (21; 4.8%) combination was the highest frequency of HPV triple infection combination. HPV multiple infections were positively correlated with age; increasing age was positively correlated with the proportion of HPV multiple infections in the total infected population; the distribution of the 15 common genotypes of HPV differed between multiple infections and single infections; and HPV52:58 was a common type of infection combination in the Shandong population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the substantial progress in deciphering the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS), cardiovascular mortality is still increasing. Therefore, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains a sweeping epidemic that jeopardizes human health. Disentangling the molecular underpinnings of AS is imperative in the molecular cardiology field. Overwhelming evidence has indicated that the recognition of a fascinating class of players, known as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), provides causality for coordinating AS. However, the function and mechanism of HOTAIRM1 are still poorly understood in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and AS. Herein, we primarily underscored that lncRNA HOTAIRM1 is potentially responsible for AS; as such, it was dramatically up-regulated in HUVECs upon ox-LDL stimulation. Functionally, HOTAIRM1 knockdown attenuated HUVEC proliferation and potentiated apoptosis in the absence and presence of ox‐LDL. Furthermore, HOTAIRM1 was preferentially located in the nuclei of HUVECs. Mechanistically, HOXA4 is directly bound to the HOTAIRM1 promoter and activated its transcription. Of note, a positive feedback signaling between HOXA4 and HOTAIRM1 was determined. Intriguingly, the interplay between HOTAIRM1 and HSPA5 occurred in an RNA-binding protein pattern and a transcription-dependent regulatory manner. In addition, HSPA5 overexpression partially antagonized HUVEC proliferation inhibition of HOTAIRM1 depletion. Taken together, our findings delineate a pivotal functional interaction among HOXA4, HOTAIRM1, and HSPA5 as a novel regulatory circuit for modulating HUVEC proliferation. An in-depth investigation of the HOXA4-HOTAIRM1-HSPA5 axis promises to yield significant breakthroughs in identifying the molecular mechanisms governing AS and developing therapeutic avenues for AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to meet the increasing requirements of epoxy resin matrix materials for the electrical and electronics industry, this paper presents the design and synthesis of Si–Mg–B oxides using Mg, Si and B organic monomers, and preparation of Si–Mg–B/EP nanocomposites by ultrasonic dispersion and thermal curing. Mainly study the effect of composite oxide introduction on the dielectric properties of epoxy resin composites. With an increase in doping amount, the Si–Mg–B/EP nanocomposites show an increase in dielectric constant under working frequency test conditions; a decrease in dielectric loss followed by an increase, and the lowest value of 0.00238 is obtained at a doping amount of 8 wt%. The volume resistivity initially increases and then decreases, with the maximum value of 5.64 × 1016 Ω cm obtained at a doping amount of 8 wt%. Furthermore, the corona resistance life of Si–Mg–B/EP nanocomposites increases, with a value of 401.8 min obtained at a doping amount of 8 wt%, which is 4.65 times that of pure EP. And the morphology near the breakdown point of corona breakdown was analyzed. These results suggest that Si–Mg–B oxide is effective in improving the dielectric loss and corona resistance of epoxy resin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different recanalization times for endovascular interventions may affect the success of non-acute internal carotid artery occlusion procedures. Nomograms can provide personalized and more accurate risk estimates based on predictive values. Therefore, we developed a nomogram to predict the probability of success of endovascular recanalization procedures for non-acute internal carotid artery occlusion. We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of data collected from patients who underwent endovascular treatment for non-acute internal carotid artery occlusion between January 2015 and December 2022. Multifactorial logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors affecting the success rate of non-acute internal carotid artery occlusion procedures and to create nomograms. The model was differentiated and calibrated using the area under the ROC curve (AUC-ROC) and calibration plots. Internal validation of the model was performed by using resampling (1000 replications). In total, 46 patients were identified and a total of 39 patients met the study criteria. Predictors in the nomogram included vascular occlusion proximal morphology, reversed flow of the ophthalmic artery, and recanalization time. The model showed good resolution with an ROC area of 0.917 (95% CI: 0.814–0.967). The nomogram can be used to personalize, visualize, and accurately predict the surgical success of endovascular treatment of non-acute internal carotid artery occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article attempts to search for an effective novel TiO2 nanomaterial catalyst system to facilitate the selective catalytic treatment of nitrogen oxides within diesel vehicle exhaust, in order to reduce the NO levels in truck exhaust. Three distinct metal mixed oxides were synthesized by sol–gel (SG) method and used as catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 (NH3-SCR). The physicochemical properties of the prepared catalysts were investigated by N2 adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). All the catalysts are anatase-type crystals with mesoporous structure. Most notably, the catalyst denoted as 1.5%Mn-TiO2 exhibited superlative NO conversion activity, achieving an exceptional NO conversion rate of nearly 100% at 300 °C. In addition, 1.5%Mn-TiO2 showed an expanded catalytic activity range, achieving a NO conversion rate of over 80% at 250 ~ 400 °C. These results substantiate the superior catalytic activity of the Mn-based catalyst, with not only a higher NO conversion rate but also a broader catalytic activity range compared to the other two metal oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) single-cell sequencing data was conducted to explore the role of tumor-associated neutrophils in the tumor microenvironment. Methods: Analysis of single-cell sequencing data from 12 HCC tumor cores and five HCC paracancerous tissues identified cellular subpopulations and cellular marker genes. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used to establish and validate prognostic models. xCELL, TIMER, QUANTISEQ, CIBERSORT, and CIBERSORT-abs analyses were performed to explore immune cell infiltration. Finally, the pattern of tumor-associated neutrophil roles in tumor microenvironmental components was explored. Results: A total of 271 marker genes for tumor-associated neutrophils were identified based on single-cell sequencing data. Prognostic models incorporating eight genes were established based on TCGA data. Immune cell infiltration differed between the high- and low-risk groups. The low-risk group benefited more from immunotherapy. Single-cell analysis indicated that tumor-associated neutrophils were able to influence macrophage, NK cell, and T-cell functions through the IL16, IFN-II, and SPP1 signaling pathways. Conclusion: Tumor-associated neutrophils regulate immune functions by influencing macrophages and NK cells. Models incorporating tumor-associated neutrophil-related genes can be used to predict patient prognosis and immunotherapy responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the complexity growth of the tensionless limit of string in the neutral BTZ black hole horizon in massive gravity. When the string approaches the horizon, we observe a novel phenomenon for the Nambu–Goto action growth that produces significant difference from tensile string geometry. The string's tension is then suggested to partially contribute to the growth of the action. We also argue a potential proposal that reconstructs the complexity from the renormalization group (RG) flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is the key process in hepatic fibrosis (HF) development. Targeted death of HSCs could be effective in the prevention and treatment of HF. Phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP)1 can trigger ferroptosis by mediating peroxide production, but how it modulates HSC ferroptosis is not known. We screened natural small molecules that could bind with PEBP1, and investigated the mechanism by which it promotes HSC ferroptosis. The maximum binding energy of berberine with PEBP1 was − 8.51 kcal/mol, indicating that berberine could bind strongly with PEBP1. Berberine binding to PEBP1 could promote HSC ferroptosis via synergy of its actions with those of sorafenib, but it could not induce ferroptosis alone. Combined administration of berberine enhanced the ferroptotic effects of low-dose sorafenib upon HSCs. Herein, we revealed that PEBP1 might be a target that could enhance the effects of sorafenib, which could provide a new therapeutic approach for HF treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for fault location during a single-phase-to-ground fault in the compensated distribution network is proposed in this paper. The method makes full use of the difference between transient-state fault information and the difference between steady-state fault information in two FTUs (feeder terminal units) of each section to determine faulty location. In this method, the transient-state component and steady-state component of zero-sequence current measured by each FTU are extracted by FastICA (fast independent component analysis) algorithm and are represented by the transient-state factor and steady-state factor, which are defined in this paper. Then, the difference between transient-state factors and the difference between steady-state factors in two FTUs of each section are calculated. The two differences corresponding to a certain section are seen as a feature vector, which is given as one input to the fuzzy C-means (FCM) algorithm. All feature vectors will be partitioned into two clusters, one of which represents a faulty section, and the other of which represents a healthy section. As a result, faulty location will be determined. Simulation results show the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed method under different fault conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the deterministic factors for e-commerce adoption and the factors that affect e-commerce performance after adoption in manufacturing firms. By using a large survey dataset on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Jiaxing city, we find that (1) e-commerce adoption by manufacturing firms is negatively correlated with the firm age and positively correlated with firm size, their experience of supplying for Internet firms, and their own online shopping experience; (2) the e-commerce performance of the manufacturing firms is positively correlated with firms' experience with e-commerce and firms' size in e-commerce business; (3) all the above findings are similar for retailing firms, but manufacturing firms' online performance relies more on their online firm size, and the effect of location choice is more salient for retailing firms. These findings complement the existing literature on e-commerce adoption and have important implications for the development of e-commerce adoption in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SET and MYND domain-containing protein 2 (SMYD2) is a histone lysine methyltransferase that has been reported to regulate carcinogenesis and inflammation. However, its role in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) homeostasis and vascular diseases has not been determined. Here, we investigated the role of SMYD2 in VSMC phenotypic modulation and vascular intimal hyperplasia and elucidated the underlying mechanism. We observed that SMYD2 expression was downregulated in injured carotid arteries in mice and phenotypically modulated VSMCs in vitro. Using an SMC-specific SMYD2 knockout mouse model, we found that SMYD2 ablation in VSMCs exacerbated neointima formation after vascular injury in vivo. Conversely, SMYD2 overexpression inhibited VSMC proliferation and migration in vitro and attenuated arterial narrowing in injured vessels in mice. SMYD2 downregulation promoted VSMC phenotypic switching accompanied with enhanced proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, genome-wide transcriptome analysis and loss/gain-of-function studies revealed that SMYD2 up-regulated VSMC contractile gene expression and suppressed VSMC proliferation and migration, in part, by promoting expression and transactivation of the master transcription cofactor myocardin. In addition, myocardin directly interacted with SMYD2, thereby facilitating SMYD2 recruitment to the CArG regions of SMC contractile gene promoters and leading to an open chromatin status around SMC contractile gene promoters via SMYD2-mediated H3K4 methylation. Hence, we conclude that SMYD2 is a novel regulator of VSMC contractile phenotype and intimal hyperplasia via a myocardin-dependent epigenetic regulatory mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding deformation mechanisms in semi-crystalline polymers during stretching is useful for guiding the processing of high-performance polymer products. In the current work, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the crystal changes in crystallized polyethylene/carbon nanotube nanocomposites during uniaxial stretching. Both crystal fragmentation and melting occur at low strains. Crystals with small sizes are easier to melt, while those with large sizes would break into smaller crystals. In addition, crystals in interfacial regions are more likely to melt or break due to the orientation motion of carbon nanotubes. It was also found that the recrystallization process is closely related to the stretch-induced orientation of chain segments. After orientation of chain segments along stretching direction is saturated, the recrystallization of highly oriented segments dominates. The current simulation findings are effective complements to the theories of the mechanism of plastic deformation in semicrystalline polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shear thickening polishing (STP) method is a gentle polishing method developed in recent years. In this work, a high-efficiency polishing of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) crystals with good surface quality were accomplished using this technique. Analysis was done on the impacts of four main polishing parameters on surface roughness Sa and material removal rate (MRR), namely, abrasive particle size S, abrasive particle concentration C, polishing speed Vw, and workpiece polishing angle θ. The Taguchi method and grey relational analysis method were used respectively to optimize the process parameters to decrease the surface roughness Sa and improve MRR in the polishing process. An orthogonal experiment with four factors and four levels was carried out. The optimal process parameter combination obtained by the Taguchi method was as follows: abrasive particle size 5000#, abrasive particle concentration 15 wt%, polishing speed 60 r/min, and polishing angle 15°. Surface roughness Sa decreased from 100 ± 10 nm to 1.024 nm, with MRR 243.03 nm/min in 40 min of polishing under the optimized conditions. Principal component analysis was applied to grey relational analysis to evaluate the weight values of surface roughness Sa and MRR. The optimal process parameters were obtained: abrasive particle size 3000#, abrasive particle concentration 6 wt%, polishing speed 100 r/min, and polishing angle 16.06°. Surface roughness was reduced to 0.813 nm, with MRR 377.19 nm/min in 40 min of polishing. The grey relational analysis method produced a lower surface roughness Sa and higher MRR in the STP process of YAG crystal compared to the Taguchi method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss quantum randomness expansion using the unreliable source device and the honest measure device consisting of mutually unbiased bases in 3-dimensional Hilbert space. Then, we obtain the relationship between 3-dimensional quantum witness and random number generation rate. Furthermore, the analytic expression of the relationship is given, which is of great significance for security analysis and practical application. This work can be considered a preliminary attempt for semi-device-independent quantum random number extension protocols in 3-dimensional Hilbert space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seleno-methylselenocysteine (SeMCys) is an effective component for selenium supplementation with anti-carcinogenic potential and can ameliorate neuropathology and cognitive deficits. In this study, we aimed to engineer Bacillus subtilis 168 for the microbial production of SeMCys. First, the accumulation of intracellular selenocysteine (SeCys) as the precursor of SeMCys was enhanced through overexpression of serine O-acetyltransferase, which was desensitized against feedback inhibition by cysteine. Next, the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) synthetic pathway was optimized to improve methyl donor availability through expression of S-adenosylmethionine synthetase. Further, SeMCys was successfully produced through expression of the selenocysteine methyltransferase in SeCys and SAM-producing strain. The increased expression level of selenocysteine methyltransferase benefited the SeMCys production. Finally, all the heterologous genes were integrated into the genome of B. subtilis, and the strain produced SeMCys at a titer of 18.4 μg/L in fed-batch culture. This is the first report on the metabolic engineering of B. subtilis for microbial production of SeMCys and provides a good starting point for future pathway engineering to achieve the industrial-grade production of SeMCys. Key points: • Expression of the feedback-insensitive serine O-acetyltransferase provided B. subtilis the ability of accumulating SeCys. • SAM production was enhanced through expressing S-adenosylmethionine synthetase in B. subtilis. • Expression of selenocysteine methyltransferase in SeCys and SAM-accumulating strain facilitated SeMCys production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metal retention behaviors of several simulated radiolysis products on zirconium metal were investigated, and it was found that acid phosphate radiolysis product HDEHP has the greatest effect. The effects of extraction nitric acid concentration, simulated radiolysis product concentration, metal concentration, and temperature on the zirconium metal retention behavior were also investigated. The results showed that zirconium metal forms complexes with HDEHP resulting in retention in the organic phase. Nitric acid concentration and metal concentration change the morphology of the metal thus affecting the extraction and metal retention behavior. The temperature has almost no effect on metal retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Increasing evidence suggests that the role of home-field advantage (i.e. HFA, the specialized decomposers efficiently degrade native litter) in altering decomposition is not restricted to low- or high-quality litter, we thereby hypothesized that different litter carbon (C) fractions may respond differently to these specialized decomposers, blurring the universality of HFA. Additionally, the inherent functional ability of local soil decomposers (i.e. ability) can influence litter decomposition. Methods: We determined how the decomposition of litter dissolved organic C (DOC), total phenolics, cellulose, and lignin responded to HFA and ability in an alpine forest ecotone (i.e. coniferous forest, alpine shrubland, and alpine meadow). Results: HFA influenced labile C, cellulose, and lignin decomposition, and its magnitude and direction depended on initial litter traits, particularly positively with litter C, nitrogen, phosphorus, DOC, and total phenolics concentrations. The effect of ability on labile C loss decreased from forest to meadow, consistent with the functional breadth hypothesis, suggesting that a wider ability from recalcitrant forest litter environment can accelerate labile C loss. The effect of ability on lignin degradation increased from forest to meadow, suggesting that the shift in forest and shrub species to meadow can decelerate biotic lignin degradation. Conclusion: The HFA occurrence is universal during decomposition, along with the distinct abilities were shaped by the altered plant compositions of mountain ecosystem, which has consequences for local plant-soil feedback by affecting litter decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the determinants of preschool choice among middle-income parents in Shanghai, the city with the most adequate and diversified preschool services in China. We administer an online survey to 333 Shanghai middle-income parents and find that preschool quality, children's development, and parents' needs constitute the determinants of preschool choice. Furthermore, the parents are primarily concerned about program quality and the development of children's self-care abilities. Among them, 226 parents are very satisfied with the kindergarten they chose, 99 parents are satisfied, eight are generally satisfied, and none reports feeling dissatisfied. There are significant effects of preschool type, parental jobs, and parental education level on parental satisfaction. Those emerging middle-income parents can only send their children to second-level preschools, which are relatively below their expectations, they tended to have lower satisfaction. These findings imply that the educational authorities should adjust their policymaking to meet the varying needs of middle-income families in rapidly developing cities. Highlights: Preschool quality, children's development, and parents' needs are the main determinants of preschool choice. Middle-income parents' primary concerns are program quality and the development of children's self-care abilities. Three-way ANOVA showed that parental satisfaction differed significantly by preschool type, parental job, and educational level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of intrauterine inflated Cook Cervical Ripening Balloon (ICRB) in postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) management and fertility preserving for placenta accreta spectrum disorders with placenta previa (previa PAS). Methods: At a tertiary referral center, 74 patients suffering with previa PAS were entered into this retrospective cohort study from January, 2016 to December, 2020, and were confirmed intraoperatively that abnormal invasive placenta reaches the cervical internal ostium and the upper part of the cervical canal. In control group (n = 39), the combination of infrarenal abdominal aorta balloon occlusion (IAABO) and longitudinal parallel compression suture to lower uterine segment were performed. In study group (n = 35), in addition to the aforementioned surgical techniques, ICRB was implemented at the cervical internal ostium and the outside of the cervix simultaneously. Results: Use of ICRB significantly reduced the rate of peripartum hysterectomy (2.9% vs 30.4%, p = 0.001), and associated with a reduction in surgical time and duration of IAABO (mean 172.7 min vs 206.6 min, p = 0.017; median 30 min vs 40 min, p < 0.001). Use of ICRB significantly reduced the estimated amount of blood loss (median 2500 ml vs 4000 ml, p < 0.001), amounts of packed red blood cells and fresh–frozen plasma transfusion (median 6 U vs 13.5 U, p < 0.001; median 450 ml vs 1200 ml, p < 0.001), postoperative hospital stay and the incidence of oligomenorrhea postoperatively (median 5 days vs 6 days, p = 0.009; 13.8% vs 61.1% p = 0.001). No significant difference was observed between both the groups regarding the use of cryo and PLT, injury of urinary system, relaparotomy, admission to the ICU, postpartum hematocele in uterine cavity, and postoperative complications (including incidence rate of DVT, incidence rate of femoral thrombosis, puerperal morbidity, intrauterine infection, surgical site infection, and deep tissue infection). Conclusion: ICRB was a simple, effective procedure for PPH management and fertility preserving in some previa PAS cases in which abnormal invasive placenta reaches the cervical internal ostium and the upper part of the cervical canal, in tandem with IAABO and compression suture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to obtain polyurethane micelles with targeting property and excellent stability, Fe3O4-modified magnetic amphiphilic polyurethane (MAPU) was successfully synthesized by grafting amphiphilic polyurethane to the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The structure of MAPU was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), gel permeation chromatography and thermogravimetric analyzer. MAPU could form micelles with the particle size of less than 45 nm, and the micelles showed excellent stability of anti-dilution and storage, determined by dynamic light scattering. MAPU micelles had superparamagnetic property, and magnetically targeted property in HeLa cells measured by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Prussian blue staining method, respectively. Methyltetrazolium (MTT) assay experiment indicated that MAPU micelles were almost non-cytotoxic. In addition, MAPU micelles could encapsulate hydrophobic model drugs such as Indometacin (IMC) and had a release-sustained effect for IMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: An association between tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors and hypoglycemia has been detected in a few case reports and small case series; however, no relevant pharmacovigilance data have been published yet.Objective: The objective of this study was to detect and characterize relevant safety signals between hypoglycemia and TNF-α inhibitor use.Methods: Indication-focused disproportionality analysis was conducted to detect increased reporting of TNF-α-associated hypoglycemia compared with all other reports with the same indication during the same time period. Reporting odds ratios (RORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine disproportionality. To reduce potential confounding factors, adjusted RORs were further calculated by logistic regression to control for age, sex, diabetes status, and concomitant drugs that potentially affect blood glucose levels.Results: In all, 1086 adverse drug reactions related to TNF-α inhibitors were reported as 'hypoglycemia'. There were no disproportionality signals of hypoglycemia in TNF-α inhibitor users with indication of inflammatory bowel disease. When TNF-α inhibitors were considered as a class, disproportion for hypoglycemia only emerged in indication of psoriasis (n = 267, ROR 1.20, 95% CI 1.02-1.41). In further analyses of specific TNF-α inhibitor type, significant RORs for hypoglycemia were found in indication of rheumatic disease, including adalimumab in ankylosing spondylitis (n = 37, ROR 1.97, 95% CI 1.28-3.04), psoriasis (n = 160, ROR 1.64, 95% CI 1.37-1.97), and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 230, ROR 1.35, 95% CI 1.16-1.56) and infliximab in psoriasis (n = 18, ROR 2.14, 95% CI 1.33-3.42). After adjusting for confounding factors, only the signals of adalimumab were stable.Conclusions: Our study identified some potential pharmacovigilance signals between hypoglycemia and TNF-α inhibitors, which warrants further validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to a future sustainable society will be achieved if thermodynamically stable substances such as O2 and CO2 can be converted into clear power or value-added chemicals efficiently. However, those slow kinetics hampers the practical implementation of the electrocatalytic systems on a large scale, necessitating the development of efficient electrocatalysts. Moreover, the reported ones were synthesized by costly, environmentally unfriendly, and sophisticated protocols. Herein, we developed an introduction-removal strategy to embed isolated Fe into heteroatom-doped porous carbon, where the porous carbon containing rich p-block elements (e.g., N, P, and S) was derived directly from abundant egg-yolk and no extrinsic precursors containing various dopants, templating agents or pore-forming additives were involved. The as-prepared Fe-based electrocatalyst demonstrated an onset potential of 0.98 V and E1/2 of 0.85 V (vs. RHE) for ORR with a lower Tafel slope and could be relatively stable after 3000 cycles, comparable with commercial 20 wt.% Pt/C catalyst. Additionally, it could electro-catalyze CO2 reduction towards CO effectively with a lower overpotential of ca. 240 mV and Faradaic efficiency of ca. 90% under the optimized conditions. The related physicochemical characterization elucidated the enhanced ORR and eCO2RR activities mainly originated from the isolated Fe–Nx sites, which were stabilized by heteroatoms-bearing carbon support. These findings demonstrated a potential pathway based on the application of economic and sustainable biomass for the development and engineering of electrocatalysts for sustainable energy conversion systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to comprehensively understand anal canal adenocarcinomas (AA) and develop a nomogram for prognostic prediction of AA. Methods: Data were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (the year 2004–2015). An external validation set was collected from West China Hospital (WCH) databases. Propensity-score matching (PSM) was performed to balance the demographic characteristic. A novel nomogram was developed to estimate individual survival probability and its performance was validated using the concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, and decision curve analyses (DCA). Results: A total of 7901 patients were enrolled including 749 AA patients and 7152 squamous cell carcinomas of the anal canal (ASCC) patients. Before PSM, patients with AA had shorter cancer-specific survival (CSS) and OS than those with ASCC. However, after PSM, patients with AA were related to a favorable OS (p < 0.001), but a comparable CSS (p = 0.140) to those with ASCC. Age, sex, grade, surgery, and M stage were the independent prognostic factors of CSS for AA and were included in the establishment of a novel nomogram. Patients from the WCH database (n = 112) were used as an external validation cohort. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.78 and 0.735 in internal and external validation, respectively, which suggested the good discrimination power of the model. Furthermore, calibration curves and DCA suggested good agreement between the predicted and actual survival. Lastly, a risk classification system based on a nomogram revealed the reliability of the novel model. Conclusion: AA and ASCC had distinct clinical features. AA was associated with a better prognosis than ASCC after PSM. The model of nomogram showed an accurate predictive ability for prognostic factors of AA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile and one-step direct-current electrodeposition method was employed to synthesize Ni-Mo-W coatings on nickel foam substrates with different electrochemical parameters. The corresponding microstructure and electrochemical characteristics were investigated for the optimized process conditions. A considerably rough surface and numerous spheres on the coatings were observed. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that the Ni-Mo-W alloy had broadened diffraction peaks, indicating the formation of a nano amorphous structure. It also presented a meticulous cubic Mo-Ni substitutional solid solution. Electrochemical measurements revealed that a lower overpotential of only 122 mV at 0.08 mA·cm−2 and long-term stability can be achieved. A smaller Rs of 0.2 Ω and a lower Rct of 7.236 Ω at the electrode/electrolyte interface were obtained by electrochemical impedance analysis. According to first-principles calculations, the formation energy for creating a solid solution with W atoms is negative, with a value of -6.386 eV, thereby confirming the enhanced stability of the alloy.Graphical Abstract: A facile and one-step direct-current electrodeposition method was employed to synthesize Ni-Mo-W coatings on nickel foam substrates with different electrochemical parameters. The corresponding microstructure and electrochemical characteristics were investigated for the optimized process conditions. A considerably rough surface and numerous spheres on the coatings were observed. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that the Ni-Mo-W alloy had broadened diffraction peaks, indicating the formation of a nano amorphous structure. It also presented a meticulous cubic Mo-Ni substitutional solid solution. Electrochemical measurements revealed that a lower overpotential of only 122 mV at 0.08 mA·cm−2 and long-term stability can be achieved. A smaller Rs of 0.2 Ω and a lower Rct of 7.236 Ω at the electrode/electrolyte interface were obtained by electrochemical impedance analysis. According to first-principles calculations, the formation energy for creating a solid solution with W atoms is negative, with a value of -6.386 eV, thereby confirming the enhanced stability of the alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solubility data of spectinomycin dihydrochloride pentahydrate (SDP) in three binary solvents were determined over a temperature range of 278.15–318.15 K by the gravimetric method. Among the selected binary solvents, the solubility of SDP increased with the rise in temperature and initial methanol composition of binary solvents, and the general order of solubility of SDP under the same conditions was: (methanol + ethanol) > (methanol + n-propanol) > (methanol + i-propanol). Subsequently, solubility–temperature models including van’t Hoff equation, λh equation, Yaws equation, and Apelblat equation; solubility–solvent composition models including general single model; solubility–temperature and solvent composition models including NRTL equation and modified Jouyban–Acree model were used to correlate the solubility data. Regarding the application of the NRTL equation in binary solvent systems, the influence of solvent composition on model parameters was first taken into account by introducing a solvent composition correction factor, thereby exhibiting an enhancement in fitting accuracy. To gain deeper insights into the dissolving behavior of SDP, molecular electrostatic potential surface, Hirshfeld surface analysis and the KAT-LSER model were applied to analyze the molecular interactions between SDP molecules and the solvent effects. Meanwhile, entire solubility data in three binary solvent systems at 298.15 K were associated as a function of solvent properties on the basis of KAT-LSER model. The results revealed that SDP primarily acts as hydrogen bond acceptors in solution, and polar interactions between SDP and solvent molecules can play a crucial role in promoting the dissolution of SDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital frequency-domain multiplexing technique is widely used for astrophysical instruments with large detector arrays. Detailed detector characterization is required for instrument calibration and systematics control. We conduct the TES complex electrothermal-feedback response measurement with the DfMux readout system as follows. By injecting a single sideband signal, we induce modulation in TES power dissipation over a frequency range encompassing the detector response. The modulated current signal induced by TES heating effect is measured, allowing for the ETF response characterization of the detector. With the injection of an upper sideband, the TES readout current shows both an upper and a lower sideband. We model the upper and lower sideband complex ETF response and verify the model by fitting to experimental data. The model not only can fit for certain physical parameters of the detector, such as loop gain, temperature sensitivity, current sensitivity, and time constant, but also enables us to estimate the systematic effect introduced by the multiplexed readout. The method is therefore useful for in situ detector calibration and for estimating systematic effects during astronomical telescope observations, such as those performed by the upcoming LiteBIRD satellite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Probiotics can serve as immunomodulators that regulate the activation of immune cells. This study aimed to screen potential probiotic strains that can enhance NK cell toxicity to improve host immunity.In this investigation, we examined three potential probiotic strains, namely Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YZX21 (YZX21), Bifidobacterium bifidum FL-276.1 (FL-276.1) and Lacticaseibacillus casei K11 (K11), to assess their capacity in modulating NK cytotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo, while elucidating the underlying mechanisms involved.The findings demonstrated that K11 exhibited superior efficacy in enhancing NK cytotoxicity. Subsequent analysis revealed that K11 significantly augmented the secretion of perforin and granzyme B by NK cells through activation of receptors NKp30 and NKp46 via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Furthermore, heat-inactivated K11 also enhanced NK cell activity to an extent comparable to live bacteria, with lipoteichoic acid from K11 identified as a crucial factor mediating the activation of NK cell cytotoxicity.Our study suggests that K11 may have potential applications as probiotics or postbiotics for regulating NK cell cytotoxicity to enhance immunity.Methods: Probiotics can serve as immunomodulators that regulate the activation of immune cells. This study aimed to screen potential probiotic strains that can enhance NK cell toxicity to improve host immunity.In this investigation, we examined three potential probiotic strains, namely Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YZX21 (YZX21), Bifidobacterium bifidum FL-276.1 (FL-276.1) and Lacticaseibacillus casei K11 (K11), to assess their capacity in modulating NK cytotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo, while elucidating the underlying mechanisms involved.The findings demonstrated that K11 exhibited superior efficacy in enhancing NK cytotoxicity. Subsequent analysis revealed that K11 significantly augmented the secretion of perforin and granzyme B by NK cells through activation of receptors NKp30 and NKp46 via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Furthermore, heat-inactivated K11 also enhanced NK cell activity to an extent comparable to live bacteria, with lipoteichoic acid from K11 identified as a crucial factor mediating the activation of NK cell cytotoxicity.Our study suggests that K11 may have potential applications as probiotics or postbiotics for regulating NK cell cytotoxicity to enhance immunity.Results: Probiotics can serve as immunomodulators that regulate the activation of immune cells. This study aimed to screen potential probiotic strains that can enhance NK cell toxicity to improve host immunity.In this investigation, we examined three potential probiotic strains, namely Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YZX21 (YZX21), Bifidobacterium bifidum FL-276.1 (FL-276.1) and Lacticaseibacillus casei K11 (K11), to assess their capacity in modulating NK cytotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo, while elucidating the underlying mechanisms involved.The findings demonstrated that K11 exhibited superior efficacy in enhancing NK cytotoxicity. Subsequent analysis revealed that K11 significantly augmented the secretion of perforin and granzyme B by NK cells through activation of receptors NKp30 and NKp46 via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Furthermore, heat-inactivated K11 also enhanced NK cell activity to an extent comparable to live bacteria, with lipoteichoic acid from K11 identified as a crucial factor mediating the activation of NK cell cytotoxicity.Our study suggests that K11 may have potential applications as probiotics or postbiotics for regulating NK cell cytotoxicity to enhance immunity.Conclusion: Probiotics can serve as immunomodulators that regulate the activation of immune cells. This study aimed to screen potential probiotic strains that can enhance NK cell toxicity to improve host immunity.In this investigation, we examined three potential probiotic strains, namely Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YZX21 (YZX21), Bifidobacterium bifidum FL-276.1 (FL-276.1) and Lacticaseibacillus casei K11 (K11), to assess their capacity in modulating NK cytotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo, while elucidating the underlying mechanisms involved.The findings demonstrated that K11 exhibited superior efficacy in enhancing NK cytotoxicity. Subsequent analysis revealed that K11 significantly augmented the secretion of perforin and granzyme B by NK cells through activation of receptors NKp30 and NKp46 via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Furthermore, heat-inactivated K11 also enhanced NK cell activity to an extent comparable to live bacteria, with lipoteichoic acid from K11 identified as a crucial factor mediating the activation of NK cell cytotoxicity.Our study suggests that K11 may have potential applications as probiotics or postbiotics for regulating NK cell cytotoxicity to enhance immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous enrichment of material life and the increasing improvement of spiritual life, the quality of life of people in the new era has improved comprehensively. After achieving technological advancements, further improving people's living standards will become the first priority, and indicators concerning quality of life will become more important, including spiritual needs, environmental conditions and social order. In particular, the degree of spiritual and cultural satisfaction is a prominent indicator for consideration. The current research investigates how new-age art is changing and how it may affect society dynamics in the future. It explores how new-age art, as a phenomenon in culture, adjusts to shifting environments, emphasizing the social roles, realization of values, and influencing elements of the art. With a focus on spiritual and cultural fulfillment, the study highlights the value of art in improving people's quality of life while taking into account elements such as social order, environmental influences, and spiritual demands. The primary goal is to comprehend the ways in which new age art raises living standards and general well-being. The results demonstrate the lasting contributions that new-age art makes to enjoyment, cultural transmission, and education, thereby reaffirming its important position in society. The paper emphasizes how crucial the socialist culture sector with Chinese characteristics will become to the future economic framework. This study found that new-age art continuously produces excellent literary and artistic works in addition to preserving traditional Chinese culture and fostering cultural self-confidence through its support for the improvement of living standards and industrial growth. This illustrates its practical importance in upholding economic supremacy and promoting cultural advancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the three-dimensional Cauchy problem of the compressible quantum magnetohydrodynamic model. It is proved that the system admits a unique global solution, provided that the initial energy is suitably small. Furthermore, the large time behavior of the global solution is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to explore the roles of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the hypertrophic scar and its underlying mechanism. The levels of CGRP were determined in human hypertrophic scar and mouse cutaneous scar using ELISA and Western blot. In in vivo studies, A cutaneous excision mouse model was established and treated with exogenous CGRP or CGRP antagonist. In in vitro studies, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated and treated with exogenous CGRP in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). qRT-PCR and Western blot were applied to determine the mRNA and protein levels of scar formation and inflammation-related genes, respectively. Flow cytometry was operated to determine the populations of macrophages in the scar. Elevated levels of CGRP were observed in the hypertrophic scar. In the cutaneous excision mouse model, treatment of exogenous CGRP or CGRP antagonist-affected scar formation-related genes including Col1, Tgfb1, and α-SMA, inflammation-related genes including Il1b, Il6, Tnfa, and Ccl2, and CD45+F4/80+ macrophage. In LPS-induced BMDMs, treatment of exogenous CGRP also altered inflammation-related genes by regulating NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways. The ameliorated effects of CGRP on inflammation in hypertrophic scar formation are associated with its regulative effects on NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore and develop data mining models for adult age estimation based on CT reconstruction images from the sternum. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) images of chest CT were retrospectively collected from a modern Chinese population, and data from 2700 patients (1349 males and 1351 females) aged 20 to 70 years were obtained. A staging technique within four indicators was applied. Several data mining models were established, and mean absolute error (MAE) was the primary comparison parameter. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement levels were good. Within internal validation, the optimal data mining model obtained the lowest MAE of 9.08 in males and 10.41 in females. For the external validation (N = 200), MAEs were 7.09 in males and 7.15 in females. In conclusion, the accuracy of our model for adult age estimation was among similar studies. MIP images of the sternum could be a potential age indicator. However, it should be combined with other indicators since the accuracy level is still unsatisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While the best technique for pancreatic anastomosis during Whipple's procedure remains controversial, laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) has been rapidly increasing in popularity. Because of their feasibility and reliability, new pancreatic anastomosis techniques may have vital roles when adapted for LPD. Here, we describe a new pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) technique using three sutures (termed the "three sutures" PJ technique), which facilitates pancreatic anastomosis during total LPD. Methods: A total of 149 patients who underwent LPD using the "three sutures" PJ technique at three hospitals were included in this study (81 patients at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital [GDPH], 60 patients at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital [SMH], and 8 patients at Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University [AHGMU]). Data on the demographic characteristics, operative outcomes, and postoperative results (pancreatic fistula rate, mortality rate, and length of hospital stay) of these patients were collected and analyzed. Results: A surgical video showing the details of the "three sutures" PJ method was included. The mean operation times at GDPH, SMH, and AHGMU were 4.08 ± 0.99 h, 4.65 ± 1.53 h, and 4.67 ± 0.64 h, respectively, and the average PJ times were 17.96 ± 3.49 min, 18.19 ± 2.63 min, and 22.5 ± 3.96 min, respectively. The numbers of grade B pancreatic fistulas were 9 (11.11%), 2 (3.33%), and 1 (12.50%), respectively, and two patients had grade C fistulas, one each at GDPH and SMH. The numbers of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) were 10 (12.35%), 3 (5.00%), and 1 (12.50%) in each center, respectively. The overall rate of CR-POPF was 9.40% (14/149) among patients of all three centers. The perioperative mortality rate was 0%. Conclusions: The "three sutures" PJ technique for total LPD is a safe and reliable method, with a low risk of pancreatic fistula, short anastomosis time, and steep learning curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The well-known Rutherford differential cross section, denoted by d Ω / d σ , corresponds to a two body interaction with Coulomb potential. This leads to the logarithmic divergence of the momentum transfer (or the transport cross section), which is described by ∫ S 2 (1 - cos θ) d Ω d σ d σ ∼ ∫ 0 π θ - 1 d θ. Here θ is the deviation angle in the scattering event. Due to a screening effect, physically one can assume that θ min is the order of magnitude of the smallest angles for which the scattering can still be regarded as Coulomb scattering. Under ad hoc cutoff θ ≧ θ min on the deviation angle, L. D. Landau derived a new equation in [17] for the weakly interacting gas which is now referred to as the Fokker-Planck-Landau or Landau equation. In the present work, we establish a unified framework to justify Landau's formal derivation in [17] and the so-called Landau approximation problem proposed in [5] in the close-to-equilibrium regime. Precisely, (i) we prove global well-posedness of the Boltzmann equation with cutoff Rutherford cross section which is perhaps the most singular kernel both in relative velocity and deviation angle; (ii) we prove a global-in-time error estimate between solutions to the Boltzmann and Landau equations with logarithm accuracy, which is consistent with the famous Coulomb logarithm. Key ingredients in the proofs of these results include a complete coercivity estimate of the linearized Boltzmann collision operator, a uniform spectral gap estimate and a novel linear-quasilinear energy method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum random access codes (QRACs) have attracted much attention because of their different properties from random access codes. How to explore and verify optimal QRAC strategies is an important research topic in quantum cryptography. In this paper, we focus on optimal n → 1 QRACs using single 3-level systems. Here, we present a general upper bound of maximum guess probability of n → 1 QRACs using a generalized Bloch sphere representation, and the maximum guess probability is an important indicator to verify whether it is the optimal QRAC. Furthermore, the optimal 2 → 1 and 3 → 1 QRACs are obtained through analytical methods. Finally, tight upper bounds of the maximum guess probability of 2 → 1 and 3 → 1 QRACs are acquired. These results will improve QRAC-based quantum cryptography protocols, such as quantum key distributions, quantum random number generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of electrocatalytic-oxidation process depends on the anode characteristics, so the preparation of active anode materials is an attractive method to enhance the efficiency of this process. However, the high catalytic properties of graphene and its derivatives have been well confirmed, an efficient method of controlling catalytic activity and stability remains to be established. In this research, the relationship between the precursor and catalytic performance was clarified by regulating the oxygen-containing groups in the precursor. Results indicated that the surface O groups on the precursor were sensitive to controlling the catalytic activity and stability of tri-doped reduced graphene oxide (RGO). With more O groups in the precursor (catalysts from graphene oxide), the doped heteroatom species is vulnerable involved into reaction, leading to the flaking of active sites, and ultimately decreasing the activity and stability performance. By contrast, the fewer O groups in the precursor (catalysts from RGO) created stable and active defects for oxidation activity. The interactions of O groups in the C precursor with those in the heteroatom precursor were further confirmed by DFT calculations. The findings of this research presented a new strategy for controlling the stability and performance of the resulting catalysts. DEME-TFSI-coated GO and GN are first formed via covalent bonds through functional groups (O groups) on the graphene surface, non-covalent ionic bonds, and π–π stacking interactions. In this step, N, S, and F groups are weakly bonded with graphene. Stable pyridine and pyrrole structures could then be generated via dehydration and decarbonylation under a controlled temperature and pressure in the hydrothermal process. Finally, cyclization rearrangement is carried out to form graphite with a tri-doped structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the MOFs-based composites, the co-catalyst nanoparticles loads tend to agglomerate. In the self-assembly process of MOFs-based composites, the use of acid modulators solved the accumulation of AgI nanoparticles cocatalyst. The active sites of carboxyl groups and mesoporous structure brought by acid modulator provide more loading sites for AgI nanoparticles. The novel AgI/D-MIL-53(Fe) showed good adsorption and photocatalytic performance in the process of removing tetracycline pollutants. Compared to the degradation efficiency of the MIL-53(Fe) with 50.8%, it of AgI/MIL-53(Fe) increased to 85.1% and which further increased to 96.2% by AgI/D-MIL-53(Fe) based on the HCl modulator. On the one hand, it is beneficial for the mesoporous D-MIL-53(Fe) modulated by HCl modulator to disperse the AgI nanoparticles co-catalyst. On the other hand, AgI nanoparticles, as a photosensitive agent, adsorb visible light to generate photogenerated electrons and holes, and electrons rapidly transferred to the heterojunction bridge Ag0 and then captured by the holes from the D-MIL-53(Fe). The construction of AgI/D-MIL-53(Fe) Z-scheme heterojunction provided favorable conditions for the rapid separation and photogenerated electrons and holes. Finally, ·O2−, ·OH and h+ as the main active free radicals were driving forces. This study provided more possibilities and opportunities for the construction of mesoporous MOFs-based composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic vibration-assisted rock breaking is a potentially effective technique to accelerate hard rock drilling processes. Fatigue damage is a primary factor that governs rock fragmentation subject to ultrasonic vibration, and when such damage accumulates to a critical level via crack initiation and propagation, macro-damage (e.g., macro-cracks) will occur. To date, however, the specific fatigue damage mechanism of hard rock materials under high-frequency and low-amplitude cyclic loading conditions is still unclear. In the present study, we applied a 2D digital image correlation (2D-DIC) method to measure the full-field strain in granite samples with different loading amplitudes. From these deformation data, the threshold value for rock fragmentation under ultrasonic vibration was obtained, and it was also found that the logarithm of the time required to meet this value decreases linearly with an increasing amplitude coefficient. Then, we conducted numerical simulation based on a 2D particle flow code (PFC2D) to reproduce the crack initiation and propagation processes and explore their mechanisms. The results from the simulation show that due to irreversible sliding under ultrasonic vibration, the difference in the displacement between particles on either side of a crack tip will increase, which leads to an increase in the concentrated lateral tensile stress. When the tensile stress exceeds the strength limit, the crack will initiate and propagate, resulting in fragmentation of rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we study the computational complexity of massive gravity theory via the "Complexity = Action" conjecture. Our system contains a particle moving on the boundary of the black hole spacetime. It is dual to inserting a fundamental string in the bulk background. Then this string would contribute a Nambu–Goto term, such that the total action is composed of the Einstein–Hilbert term, Nambu–Goto term and the boundary term. We shall investigate the time development of this system, and mainly discuss the features of the Nambu–Goto term affected by the graviton mass and the horizon curvature in different dimensions. Our study could contribute interesting properties of complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, hyperbolic plasmonic responses of phosphorene under uniaxial strains have been explored within density functional theory. In the hyperbolic regime, plasmonic slab waveguide modes are found only along armchair direction. Then, uniaxial strains up to 10% have been applied along zigzag and armchair directions, which can significantly modify its plasmonic responses. Under appropriate strain, the signs of permittivities along two in-plane directions can be even reversed, causing switching of the propagating direction of the plasmonic modes into zigzag direction. Our investigations may give a general idea about how to control the hyperbolic plasmonic modes in phosphorene via strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been well documented that static face processing is holistic. Faces contain variant (e.g., motion, viewpoint) and invariant (race, sex) features. However, little research has focused on whether holistic face representations are tolerant of within-person variations. The present study thus investigated whether holistic face representations of faces are tolerant of within-person motion and viewpoint variations by manipulating study-test consistency using a complete composite paradigm. Participants were shown two faces sequentially and were asked to judge whether the faces' top halves were identical or different. The first face was a static face or a dynamic face rotated in depth at 30°, 60°, and 90°. The second face was either a different front-view static face (Experiment 1a, study-test inconsistent) or identical to the first face (Experiment 1b, study-test consistent). In Experiment 2, study-test consistency was manipulated within subjects, and inverted faces were included. Our results show that study-test consistency significantly enhanced the holistic processing of upright and inverted faces; this study-test consistency effect and holistic processing were not modulated by motion and viewpoint changes via depth rotation. Interestingly, we found holistic processing for moving study-test consistent inverted faces, but not for static inverted faces. What these results tell us about the nature of holistic face representation is discussed in depth with respect to earlier and current theories on face processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One novel ascomycetous yeast strain TF5-16-2 was isolated from water samples of Tuofengling crater lake located in Da Hinggan Ling Mountain, in the Inner Mongolia province of China. Morphological, physiological characteristics, as well as phylogenetic analyses of D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA (LSU), ITS region, small subunit rRNA (SSU), and elongation factor-1α (EF-1α) were performed and finally confirmed the phylogenetic placement of strain TF5-16-2 in the genus Wickerhamomyces. Sequences analysis revealed that strain TF5-16-2 differed from its most closely related phylogenetic neighbors 'Candida' silvicultrix CBS 6269T and Wickerhamomyces anomalus CBS 5759T by 8.0% (including 2.3% gaps), 8.5% (including 2.4% gaps) divergences in D1/D2 domains of LSU, and 11% (including 4.3% gaps) and 13% (including 4.4% gaps) divergences in ITS region, respectively. As the considerable sequence divergence and distinguishable physiological characteristics, strain TF5-16-2 was proposed as a new species of the genus Wickerhamomyces, with the name Wickerhamomyces kurtzmanii sp. nov. (holotype = CGMCC 2.5597, Mycobank number is MB829959). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a widely used strain for ethanol fermentation; meanwhile, efficient utilization of glucose could effectively promote ethanol production. The PFK1 gene is a key gene for intracellular glucose metabolism in S. cerevisiae. Our previous work suggested that although deletion of the PFK1 gene could confer higher oxidative tolerance to S. cerevisiae cells, the PFK1Δ strain was prone to contamination by other microorganisms. High interspecies microbial competition ability is vital for the growth and survival of microorganisms in co-cultures. The result of our previous studies hinted us a reasonable logic that the EMP (i.e., the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway, the glycolytic pathway) key gene PFK1 could be involved in regulating interspecies competitiveness of S. cerevisiae through the regulation of glucose utilization and ethanol production efficiency. The results suggest that under 2% and 5% glucose, the PFK1Δ strain showed slower growth than the S288c wild-type and TDH1Δ strains in the lag and exponential growth stages, but realized higher growth in the stationary stage. However, relative high supplement of glucose (10%) eliminated this phenomenon, suggesting the importance of glucose in the regulation of PFK1 in yeast cell growth. Furthermore, during the lag growth phase, the PFK1Δ strain displayed a decelerated glucose consumption rate (P < 0.05). The expression levels of the HXT2, HXT5, and HXT6 genes decreased by approximately 0.5-fold (P < 0.05) and the expression level of the ZWF1 exhibited a onefold increase in the PFK1Δ strain compared to that in the S. cerevisiae S288c wild-type strain (P < 0.05).These findings suggested that the PFK1 inhibited the uptake and utilization of intracellular glucose by yeast cells, resulting in a higher amount of residual glucose in the medium for the PFK1Δ strain to utilize for growth during the reverse overshoot stage in the stationary phase. The results presented here also indicated the potential of ethanol as a defensive weapon against S. cerevisiae. The lower ethanol yield in the early stage of the PFK1Δ strain (P < 0.001) and the decreased expression levels of the PDC5 and PDC6 (P < 0.05), which led to slower growth, resulted in the strain being less competitive than the wild-type strain when co-cultured with Escherichia coli. The lower interspecies competitiveness of the PFK1Δ strain further promoted the growth of co-cultured E. coli, which in turn activated the ethanol production efficiency of the PFK1Δ strain to antagonize it from E. coli at the stationary stage. The results presented clarified the regulation of the PFK1 gene on the growth and interspecies microbial competition behavior of S. cerevisiae and would help us to understand the microbial interactions between S. cerevisiae and other microorganisms. Key points: • PFK1Δ strain could realize reverse growth overshoot at the stationary stage • PFK1 deletion decreased ethanol yield and interspecific competitiveness • Proportion of E. coli in co-culture affected ethanol yield capacity of yeast cells [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a widely used strain for ethanol fermentation; meanwhile, efficient utilization of glucose could effectively promote ethanol production. The PFK1 gene is a key gene for intracellular glucose metabolism in S. cerevisiae. Our previous work suggested that although deletion of the PFK1 gene could confer higher oxidative tolerance to S. cerevisiae cells, the PFK1Δ strain was prone to contamination by other microorganisms. High interspecies microbial competition ability is vital for the growth and survival of microorganisms in co-cultures. The result of our previous studies hinted us a reasonable logic that the EMP (i.e., the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway, the glycolytic pathway) key gene PFK1 could be involved in regulating interspecies competitiveness of S. cerevisiae through the regulation of glucose utilization and ethanol production efficiency. The results suggest that under 2% and 5% glucose, the PFK1Δ strain showed slower growth than the S288c wild-type and TDH1Δ strains in the lag and exponential growth stages, but realized higher growth in the stationary stage. However, relative high supplement of glucose (10%) eliminated this phenomenon, suggesting the importance of glucose in the regulation of PFK1 in yeast cell growth. Furthermore, during the lag growth phase, the PFK1Δ strain displayed a decelerated glucose consumption rate (P < 0.05). The expression levels of the HXT2, HXT5, and HXT6 genes decreased by approximately 0.5-fold (P < 0.05) and the expression level of the ZWF1 exhibited a onefold increase in the PFK1Δ strain compared to that in the S. cerevisiae S288c wild-type strain (P < 0.05).These findings suggested that the PFK1 inhibited the uptake and utilization of intracellular glucose by yeast cells, resulting in a higher amount of residual glucose in the medium for the PFK1Δ strain to utilize for growth during the reverse overshoot stage in the stationary phase. The results presented here also indicated the potential of ethanol as a defensive weapon against S. cerevisiae. The lower ethanol yield in the early stage of the PFK1Δ strain (P < 0.001) and the decreased expression levels of the PDC5 and PDC6 (P < 0.05), which led to slower growth, resulted in the strain being less competitive than the wild-type strain when co-cultured with Escherichia coli. The lower interspecies competitiveness of the PFK1Δ strain further promoted the growth of co-cultured E. coli, which in turn activated the ethanol production efficiency of the PFK1Δ strain to antagonize it from E. coli at the stationary stage. The results presented clarified the regulation of the PFK1 gene on the growth and interspecies microbial competition behavior of S. cerevisiae and would help us to understand the microbial interactions between S. cerevisiae and other microorganisms. Key points: • PFK1Δ strain could realize reverse growth overshoot at the stationary stage • PFK1 deletion decreased ethanol yield and interspecific competitiveness • Proportion of E. coli in co-culture affected ethanol yield capacity of yeast cells [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to explore detailed spatial distribution characteristics, identify key factors weight, and establish an accurate susceptibility regionalization model of coseismic landslides by the Mw 6.6 Iburi, Japan, earthquake sequence of 6 September 2018. Based on the remote sensing interpretation database, 5,977 individual coseismic landslides were delineated, which occupies an area of about 15.26 km2. The relationship between eight key factors and spatial distribution of coseismic landslides were precisely analyzed by the landslide area density (LAD) and landslide point density (LPD) curves. In order to obtain the weight of eight key factors more accurately, this paper compares the similarities and differences of the two curves in the earthquakes with similar magnitude, which was included the Lushan and Jiuzhaigou earthquake in China. According to the weight of eight key factors, the improved weight of evidence method was used to produce the susceptibility regionalization map of coseismic landslides in the Iburi earthquake. The results show that the improved weight of evidence method has better precision and can provide a scientific coseismic landslides susceptibility regionalization map for disaster prevention and mitigation in the Iburi earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]