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This paper synthesizes the differences in the predictive power of multidimensional firm characteristics on organizational resilience and further identifies the key characteristics and their specific impact patterns. It is found that the firm's stability during the crisis depends more on the pre‐crisis firm's operating conditions, while the post‐crisis firm's flexibility depends more on the firm's internal and external resources. Besides, some firm characteristics rank higher in predicting the importance of organizational resilience. This study examines organizational resilience characteristics from a more comprehensive perspective and provides empirical evidence on how managers can better respond to systemic crises and enhance organizational resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Optimization of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) conditions is a common focus of interest for otolaryngologists and anesthesiologists. Relying on hypotension alone to achieve a bloodless field may not without risks. We sought to determine whether ESS is feasible in the context of moderate hypotension. Methods: This randomized non‐inferiority trial enrolled 96 adult patients who were to undergo ESS. The patients were divided into two groups: Controlled hypotension group (n = 48, MAP reduction to 55–65 mmHg, minimum of 60% of baseline blood pressure) or Individualized hypotension group (n = 48, MAP reduction to 75–80% of baseline blood pressure). All participants were placed in 10° reverse Trendelenburg position during ESS, and cottonoid patties dammed with epinephrine was recommended to clear the operative field of bleeding. The two groups were compared according to Boezaart grading scale (BS) score, estimated blood loss, blood loss rate, arterial lactate level and postoperative recovery. Results: Both levels of intraoperative hypotension (62.2 ± 2.3 mmHg vs. 74.0 ± 2.8 mmHg) provided acceptable surgical conditions with no difference in mean BS scores [2.00 (1.88–2.33) vs. 2.00 (1.85–2.45), p = 0.926]. The 95% CI for median value differences in mean BS scores is lower than the preset non‐inferiority margin. There were no differences in blood loss rate and estimated blood loss between two groups (p > 0.05) Postoperative arterial lactate and Ramsay sedation scores were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In ESS, both levels of intraoperative hypotension, combined with position adjustment and low‐concentration adrenaline to constrict nasal mucosal blood vessels, provided acceptable surgical conditions. Level of Evidence: 2 Laryngoscope, 134:569–576, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), an emerging infectious disease with a high fatality rate. Cardiac injury in SFTS patients is a major concern. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of cardiac injury and its association with mortality in hospitalized patients infected with novel Bunyavirus. Cardiac injury was defined as the presence of any of the following abnormalities: (1) blood levels of cardiac biomarkers (creatine kinase‐MB, troponin‐I, B‐type natriuretic peptide or N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide); (2) new abnormalities in electrocardiography. The 203 SFTS patients were included in the final analysis. The proportion of SFTS patients developing cardiac injury during hospitalization was 71.4% (145/203). Compared with the uninjured group, the cardiac injury group had the severity of cardiac injury was underscored by higher median hospital costs (31420 vs. 12911, p < 0.001), higher proportion of intensive care units admissions (13.1% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.041), and higher hospital mortality rate (33.8% vs. 6.9%, p < 0.001). Multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that cardiac injury was associated with higher mortality during hospitalization (hazards ratio, 7.349; 95% CI: 2.352–22.960). Cardiac injury is common among hospitalized SFTS patients, and it is associated with higher risk of mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the application of Liquid Optical Clear Adhesive (LOCA) in flexible display modules using inkjet printing technology. We started by selecting and testing the printing and mechanical characteristics of the LOCA material, ultimately determining the optimal viscosity window and suitable LOCA material for our needs. Next, we established the inkjet printing process for LOCA and validated the curing process based on peel strength results. Finally, we produced folding modules using LOCA and conducted folding tests, which demonstrated satisfaction of the 200,000‐cycles folding requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate associations of dietary vitamin K intake with changes in knee symptoms and structures in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Participants with symptomatic knee OA were enrolled (n = 259) and followed up for 2 years (n = 212). Baseline dietary vitamin K intake was calculated from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Knee symptoms were assessed by using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores. Knee cartilage defects, bone marrow lesions, and effusion‐synovitis volume were measured from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Univariable and multivariable linear regressions were used for analyses. Results: A higher vitamin K intake quartile was significantly associated with a greater decrease in the total WOMAC score and dysfunction score over 24 months. The subgroup analyses showed in patients with severe baseline visual analog scale (VAS) pain that a higher vitamin K intake quartile was associated with more improvement in all WOMAC scores. There were no overall significant associations between vitamin K intake and changes in MRI features. In subgroup analysis, vitamin K intake was negatively associated with changes in tibiofemoral, patellar, and total cartilage defects in participants with a severe baseline radiographic grade and was negatively associated with change in total and patellar cartilage defects in participants with severe baseline VAS pain and in female patients. Conclusion: The association of higher vitamin K intake with decreased knee symptoms over 24 months in patients with knee OA suggests that clinical trials examining the effect of vitamin K supplementation for knee OA symptoms are warranted. Whether there is an effect on knee structure is unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the tolerance of Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) to extreme temperatures and climates worldwide is vital to their global uptake. However, LIBs call for more strict requirements for the key components when operated in a wide temperature range, especially synchronously desirable interfacial kinetics and thermal stability. Here, a novel multifunctional electrolyte additive, N‐tert‐butyl‐2‐thiophenesulfonamide (NTSA), to fabricate stable LIBs under wide‐temperature conditions, is reported. The Li‐ion solvation structure in the electrolyte is regulated and involves less coordinated solvents (particularly fluoroethylene carbonate), leading to superior Li+ transportation. The effective NTSA additive is preferentially decomposed to form a uniform electrode/electrolyte interface with abundant multiphase inorganic LiF, Li3N, and LiS species simultaneously on the cathode and anode surface. The resulting inorganic‐rich interface can not only boost the interfacial Li‐ion transfer kinetics at low temperatures but also protect the active material and enhance the thermal stability of the interface and LIB devices at high temperatures. By adopting the NTSA‐containing electrolyte, LiCoO2||ω‐Li3V2O5 LIBs can be stably cycled in a wide temperature range between −30 °C and 80 °C, delivering a high capacity of ≈100.1 mAh g−1 (0.2 A g−1) at −20 °C and high capacity retention of 94.5% after 200 cycles (0.5 A g−1) at 55 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co‐infection in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) has been reported, posing a serious threat to survival and treatment. We aimed to systematically investigate the SFTS associated pulmonary infection, particularly invasive pulmonary fungal infection (IPFI). During April 2019 to October 2021, we conducted a multicentre observational study on adult hospitalized patients confirmed with SFTS from three tertiary hospital in central China. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data of patients were collected and re‐assessed. A total of 443 patients (51.7% were male sex) were included for analysis with median age of 65‐year‐old. Among them, 190 (42.9%) patients met the criteria for pulmonary infection. Pulmonary infection was associated with shorter survival time (p < 0.0001 by log‐rank test), and adjusted hazard ratio was 1.729 [95% confidence interval, 1.076–2.780] (p = 0.024). Age (odds ratio (OR) 1.040 [1.019–1.062], p < 0.001), time from onset to admission (OR 1.163 [1.070–1.264], p < 0.001), having severe status (OR 3.166 [2.020–4.962], p < 0.001) and symptoms of skin change (OR 2.361 [1.049–5.316], p < 0.001) at admission and receiving intravenous immunoglobin (OR 2.185 [1.337–3.569], p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of pulmonary infection. A total of 70 (15.8%) patients were defined as IPFI. Multivariate analysis showed that time from onset to admission (OR 1.117 [1.016–1.229], p = 0.022), severe status (OR 5.737 [3.054–10.779], p < 0.001), having smoking history (OR 3.178 [1.251–8.070], p = 0.015) and autoimmunity disease (OR 7.855 [1.632–37.796], p = 0.010), receiving intravenous immunoglobin (OR 3.270 [1.424–7.508], p = 0.005) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of IPFI. In SFTS patients with pulmonary infection, white blood count <2.09 × 109 per L (OR 11.064 [3.708–33.012], p < 0.001) and CD3+CD4+ T cell count <104.0 per μL (OR 10.429 [3.395–32.038], p < 0.001) could independently predict IPFI. This study showed the high prevalence and poor outcomes of pulmonary infection and IPFI in patients with SFTS. These findings highlighted the need for active surveillance of fungal pathogens and early antifungal treatment in patients with SFTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs) are flourishing toward high energy density and high safety, which depend significantly on the performance of the intercalation‐type anodes used in LICs. However, commercially available graphite and Li4Ti5O12 anodes in LICs suffer from inferior electrochemical performance and safety risks due to limited rate capability, energy density, thermal decomposition, and gassing issues. Here a safer high‐energy LIC based on a fast‐charging ω‐Li3V2O5 (ω‐LVO) anode with a stable bulk/interface structure is reported. The electrochemical performance, thermal safety, and gassing behavior of the ω‐LVO‐based LIC device are investigated, followed by the exploration of the stability of the ω‐LVO anode. The ω‐LVO anode exhibits fast lithium‐ion transport kinetics at room/elevated temperatures. Paired with an active carbon (AC) cathode, the AC||ω‐LVO LIC with high energy density and long‐term endurability is achieved. The accelerating rate calorimetry, in situ gas assessment, and ultrasonic scanning imaging technologies further verify the high safety of the as‐fabricated LIC device. Theoretical and experimental results unveil that the high safety originates from the high structure/interface stability of the ω‐LVO anode. This work provides important insights into electrochemical/thermochemical behaviors of ω‐LVO‐based anodes within LICs and offers new opportunities to develop safer high‐energy LIC devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diesel engine exhaust (DEE) is an established lung carcinogen, but the biological mechanisms of diesel‐induced lung carcinogenesis are not well understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play a potentially important role in regulating gene expression related to lung cancer. We conducted a cross‐sectional molecular epidemiology study to evaluate whether serum levels of miRNAs are altered in healthy workers occupationally exposed to DEE compared to unexposed controls. We conducted a two‐stage study, first measuring 405 miRNAs in a pilot study of six DEE‐exposed workers exposed and six controls. In the second stage, 44 selected miRNAs were measured using the Fireplex circulating miRNA assay that profiles miRNAs directly from biofluids of 45 workers exposed to a range of DEE (Elemental Carbon (EC), median, range: 47.7, 6.1–79.7 μg/m3) and 46 controls. The relationship between exposure to DEE and EC with miRNA levels was analyzed using linear regression adjusted for potential confounders. Serum levels of four miRNAs were significantly lower (miR‐191‐5p, miR‐93‐5p, miR‐423‐3p, miR‐122‐5p) and one miRNA was significantly higher (miR‐92a‐3p) in DEE exposed workers compared to controls. Of these miRNAs, miR‐191‐5p (ptrend =.001, FDR = 0.04) and miR‐93‐5p (ptrend =.009, FDR = 0.18) showed evidence of an inverse exposure–response with increasing EC levels. Our findings suggest that occupational exposure to DEE may affect circulating miRNAs implicated in biological processes related to carcinogenesis, including immune function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the spatial characteristics of reinforcing‐bars corrosion under stray current. In the study, a corrosion experiment using a specimen with three steel bars embedded in pseudo concrete was carried out, the distribution of corrosion was obtained by three‐dimensional scanning. Further, a numerical model with the same dimension of the specimen was simulated to explain experimental results. The distribution of electric field driven by stray current was discussed in detail. Results show that by observation through the transparent matrix and by three‐dimensional scanning, the distribution of corrosion could be estimated qualitatively and quantitatively. Additionally, the spatial characteristics of corrosion state under stray current could be realized by the numerical simulation which combines polarization reaction with an extra stray current field. The stray current field around reinforcing bars was uneven in the cross‐sectional plane, leading to the difference of corrosion rate, which reflects the strong positive correlation between the field and corrosion rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compartmentalization is essential for living cells to orchestrate their biological processes with controlled external influences. Thus, compartmentalization has been a constant theme for cell‐mimicking materials. Despite recent advances in engineering compartmentalized materials as synthetic cells and organelles, it remains difficult to produce robust and well‐ordered compartments with secluded environments in aqueous surroundings. Nature creates hierarchically ordered compartmentalized materials by utilizing bio‐catalyzed mineralization, inspired by which, mechanically robust all‐aqueous compartments are developed by engineering a mild biomimetic mineralization at aqueous/aqueous interfaces. The enzyme‐induced biomineralization generates a layer of densely‐packed particles, acting as an armor to enclose aqueous interiors. This strategy of in situ bio‐synthesized compartments is different from current strategies, where compartments are constructed by randomly adsorbed particles at interface, leading to inadequately controlled properties of compartments. To demonstrate the robustness and adaptiveness of the in situ bio‐synthesized all‐aqueous compartments, these are utilized as drug delivery materials by sequestering protein drugs at their aqueous interiors and releasing when exposing to gastric environments. The study provides new ways to fabricate compartmentalized materials with well‐defined properties, unlocking routes to the next generation of self‐assembled materials and structures by integrating aqueous two‐phase systems with biomineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the petrogenesis of rare‐metal pegmatites is important for understanding ore‐forming processes and their tectonic settings. In this study, we performed zircon U–Pb geochronological and Hf–O isotopic analyses of the Xiaokalasu, Dakalasu, and Yelaman pegmatites in the Chinese Altay orogen. These pegmatites have low εHf(t) values (−0.6 ~ +4.3), two‐stage model ages of 989 ~ 1,293 Ma, and high δ18O values (+6.52 ~ +11.31), indicating that they may have been derived from the anatexis of mature sedimentary rocks in the deep crust, with a small amount of mantle‐derived or juvenile material. Geochronological and Hf–O isotopic data for granitic intrusions in the Chinese Altay Mountains indicate that the εHf(t) values decreased from the Permian to the Triassic, which implies that two‐stage post‐collisional magmatism occurred in this region. During the Permian, the thin lower crust was cold; thus, magmatism likely originated in the deep crust close to the Moho surface and involved intense mantle–crust interactions. During the Triassic, asthenospheric upwelling provided heat to the lower crust, which increased the geothermal gradient and led to the anatexis of shallow crustal material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidents in the use of lithium‐ion batteries are usually caused by the malfunction of flammable organic liquid electrolytes with poor thermal stability. Therefore, the development of noncombustible electrolytes is regarded as one of the most effective means to prevent the safety hazards of lithium‐ion batteries. Ionic liquids have attracted much interest recently, mainly due to their high ionic conductivity, low volatility, and incombustibility. The application of ionic liquids to the preparation of quasi‐solid‐state gel electrolytes combines the advantages of ionic liquids and avoids the risks of organic liquid electrolytes. Therefore, the solid‐state ionogels have been considered as a promising alternative electrolyte system, especially for the much‐desired energy storage devices with higher energy density and flexibility. This review focuses on the recent progress of ionogel electrolytes for lithium‐ion batteries. The preparation strategies for ionogel electrolytes based on different frameworks, namely inorganic matrix, organic matrix, and organic‐inorganic hybrid matrix, are discussed. Subsequently, efforts to improve the properties of the ionogel electrolytes, including the ionic conductivity, mechanical properties, and lithium‐ion transfer number, are summarized. Besides, the applications of ionogel electrolytes in high‐voltage lithium‐ion batteries and lithium metal batteries as well as the batteries under extreme environments are outlined. Finally, the perspectives on studying and improving the performances of ionogel electrolytes for advanced lithium‐ion batteries are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is higher in Asians than Caucasians, with higher frequency of renal and other major organ manifestations that carry a poorer prognosis. The outcome of SLE is still unsatisfactory in many parts of the Asia Pacific region due to limited access to healthcare systems, poor treatment adherence and adverse reactions to therapies. The Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) SLE special interest group has recently published a set of consensus recommendation statements for the management of SLE in the Asia Pacific region. The current article is a supplement of systematic literature search (SLR) to the prevalence and treatment of non‐renal manifestations of SLE in Asian patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐Ni layered oxide cathodes hold a great promise for fabricating high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries. However, the oxygen evolution during cycling is a crucial factor in the structure deterioration, potential change, and capacity decay of cathodes, limiting the commercial application of high‐Ni (Ni > 0.9) layered oxides in batteries. Herein, we demonstrate a feasible approach to enhance the stability of oxygen framework, through the surface oxygen immobilization with yttrium and bulk oxygen stabilization with aluminum in high‐Ni layered oxides. As expected, benefiting from the oxygen‐stabilized framework, the bulk structure deterioration, and interfacial parasitic reaction are mitigated obviously during battery operation, along with the improved thermal stability of cathode. Correspondingly, the as‐prepared high‐Ni oxide delivers high reversible capacity, impressive cycle ability, and low potential polarization upon cycling. Such significant improvement on the electrochemical performance is primarily attributed to the strong oxygen affinities of both yttrium at the surface layer and aluminum in the bulk, which synergistically stabilizes the oxygen framework of high‐Ni oxide via raising the energy barrier for oxygen evolution. Therefore, building the stable oxygen framework is critical for enhancing the energy density output, cycle operation, and thermal stability of high‐Ni oxide cathodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactate accumulation in the tumor microenvironment was shown to be closely related to tumor growth and immune escape, and suppression of lactate production by inhibiting lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) has been pursued as a potential novel antitumor strategy. However, only a few potent LDHA inhibitors have been developed and most of them did not show potent antitumor effects in vivo. To this end, we designed new LDHA inhibitors and obtained a novel potent LDHA inhibitor, ML‐05. ML‐05 inhibited cellular lactate production and tumor cell proliferation, which was associated with inhibition of ATP production and induction of reactive oxygen species and G1 phase arrest. In a mouse B16F10 melanoma model, intratumoral injection of ML‐05 significantly reduced lactate production, inhibited tumor growth, and released antitumor immune response of T cell subsets (Th1 and GMZB+CD8 T cells) in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, ML‐05 treatment combined with programmed cell death‐1 Ab or stimulator of interferon genes protein (STING) could sensitize the antitumor activity in B16F10 melanoma model. Collectively, we developed a novel potent LDHA inhibitor, ML‐05, that elicited profound antitumor activity when injected locally, and was associated with the activation of antitumor immunity. In addition, ML‐05 could sensitize immunotherapies, which suggests great translational value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Battery safety is vital to the application of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), especially for high energy density cells applied in electric vehicles. As an anode material with high theoretical capacity and natural abundance, Si has received extensive attention for LIBs. However, it suffers from severe electrode pulverization during cycling due to large volume changes and an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), resulting in accelerated capacity fading and even safety hazards. Therefore, safe and long‐term cycling of Si‐based anodes, especially under high‐temperature cycling, is highly challenging for state‐of‐the‐art high‐energy LIBs. The thermal behavior of SEI is crucial for a high safety battery as the decomposition of SEI is the first step in thermal runaway. Here, highly reversible and thermotolerant microsized Si anodes for safe LIBs are demonstrated. Comprehensive electrochemical/mechanical/thermochemical behaviors of the SEI are systematically investigated. The rational design of robust SEI endows the Si‐based cells with long‐term durability at elevated temperatures and superior thermal safety. This work paves the way for designing industrial‐scale, low‐cost, microsized Si anodes with applications in next‐generation LIBs with high energy densities and high safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monolithic ionogel electrolyte membranes (IGEMs) based on gelling scaffolds and ionic liquids have aroused intensive interest because of their broad processing compatibility, nonflammability, and favorable thermal and electrochemical features. However, the absence of functional scaffolds that concurrently enable high mechanical strength and Li+ transportability of IGEMs constrains the battery power and safety. Herein, a task‐specific IGEM monolith featuring high Li+ conductivity and outstanding thermal stability is demonstrated, whereby electrospun positively charged poly(ionic liquid) nanofibers serve as a thermotolerant scaffold for the IGEM. Regulating the Li+ environment in the IGEM enables the shift from the sluggish vehicular to fast structural Li‐ion transport mode. With the unique IGEM, the solid‐state Li||LiFePO4 cells achieve improved rate capability and good cyclability in a wide temperature range from 0 to 90 °C. Furthermore, practical solid‐state Li||LiFePO4 pouch cells with a cathode capacity of ≈2 mAh cm−2 have also been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diesel engine exhaust (DEE) is classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen. Using a targeted proteomics approach, we aimed to identify proteins associated with DEE and characterize these markers to understand the mechanisms of DEE‐induced carcinogenicity. In this cross‐sectional molecular epidemiology study, we measured elemental carbon (EC) using a personal air monitor and quantified 1317 targeted proteins in the serum using the SOMAScan assay (SOMALogic) among 19 diesel exposed factory workers and 19 unexposed controls. We used linear regressions to identify proteins associated with DEE and examined their exposure‐response relationship across levels of EC using linear trend tests. We further examined pathway enrichment of DEE‐related proteins using MetaCore. Occupational exposure to DEE was associated with altered levels of 22 serum proteins (permutation p <.01). Of these, 13 proteins (CXCL11, HAPLN1, FLT4, CD40LG, PES1, IGHE.IGK..IGL, TNFSF9, PGD, NAGK, CCL25, CCL4L1, PDXK, and PLA2G1B) showed an exposure‐response relationship with EC (p trend <.01), with serum levels of all but PLA2G1B declining with increasing air levels of EC. For instance, C‐X‐C Motif Chemokine Ligand 11 (CXCL11) showed the most significant association with DEE (β = −0.25; permutation p =.00004), where mean serum levels were 4121.1, 2356.7, and 2298.8 relative fluorescent units among the unexposed, lower exposed (median, range : 56.9, 40.2–62.1 μg/m3 EC), and higher exposed (median, range of EC: 72.9, 66.9–107.7 μg/m3 EC) groups, respectively (p trend =.0005). Pathway analysis suggested that these proteins are enriched in pathways related to inflammation and immune regulation. Our study suggests that DEE exposure is associated with altered serum proteins, which play a role in inflammation and immune regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research work presents a novel nonionic curing agent (AEDA) synthesized by utilizing ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE), 3,4‐dimethoxyaniline (DI), and triethylenetetramine (TETA). Infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure of AEDA curing agent. Non‐isothermal scanning calorimetry was used to determine the activation energy and curing conditions of epoxy resin in the curing process. An impact testing machine, a tensile testing machine and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to analyze the impact strength, tensile strength, bending strength, and micromorphology of the AEDA/E‐51 system with different mass ratios. The results show that AEDA is an effective high‐temperature curing agent. For the AEDA/E‐51 system with the optimal mass ratio of 10:100, the best curing temperature is 92.15°C, and the post‐curing temperature is 135.65°C. Furthermore, the apparent activation energy (Ea) of 1670 J/mol, the pre‐exponential factor (A) of 3.7 × 10−4, and the reaction series (n) value of 0.76 are obtained for the AEDA/E‐51 system. The impact strength of AEDA/E‐51 epoxy resin polymer is 7.82 kJ/m2, tensile strength is 14.2 MPa, and bending strength is 18.92 MPa. The micromorphological results of the AEDA/E‐51 system are consistent with the results of DSC test and mechanical properties test. Hence, this study provides theoretical support for the practical applications of AEDA as curing agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary mutagenicity reflects systemic exposure to complex mixtures of genotoxic/carcinogenic agents and is linked to tumor development. Coal combustion emissions (CCE) and diesel engine exhaust (DEE) are associated with cancers of the lung and other sites, but their influence on urinary mutagenicity is unclear. We investigated associations between exposure to CCE or DEE and urinary mutagenicity. In two separate cross‐sectional studies of nonsmokers, organic extracts of urine were evaluated for mutagenicity levels using strain YG1041 in the Salmonella (Ames) mutagenicity assay. First, we compared levels among 10 female bituminous (smoky) coal users from Laibin, Xuanwei, China, and 10 female anthracite (smokeless) coal users. We estimated exposure–response relationships using indoor air concentrations of two carcinogens in CCE relevant to lung cancer, 5‐methylchrysene (5MC), and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). Second, we compared levels among 20 highly exposed male diesel factory workers and 15 unexposed male controls; we evaluated exposure‐response relationships using elemental carbon (EC) as a DEE‐surrogate. Age‐adjusted linear regression was used to estimate associations. Laibin smoky coal users had significantly higher average urinary mutagenicity levels compared to smokeless coal users (28.4 ± 14.0 SD vs. 0.9 ± 2.8 SD rev/ml‐eq, p = 2 × 10−5) and a significant exposure‐response relationship with 5MC (p = 7 × 10−4). DEE‐exposed workers had significantly higher urinary mutagenicity levels compared to unexposed controls (13.0 ± 10.1 SD vs. 5.6 ± 4.4 SD rev/ml‐eq, p =.02) and a significant exposure‐response relationship with EC (p‐trend = 2 × 10−3). Exposure to CCE and DEE is associated with urinary mutagenicity, suggesting systemic exposure to mutagens, potentially contributing to cancer risk and development at various sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a more common autoimmune rheumatic disease in the Asia‐Pacific region. The prognosis of SLE remains unsatisfactory in some Asian countries because of delayed diagnosis, limited access to medications, increased complications and issues of tolerability and adherence to treatment. The Asia‐Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology SLE special interest group has recently published a set of consensus recommendations on the management of SLE for specialists, family physicians, specialty nurses, and other healthcare professionals in the Asia‐Pacific region. This article reports a systematic literature review of the infective complications of SLE in Asia and evidence for prevention of these infections by pre‐emptive antimicrobial therapy and vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common malignant tumor, highlighting a significant need for reliable predictive models to assess clinical prognosis, disease progression, and drug sensitivity. Recent studies have highlighted the critical role of various programmed cell death pathways, including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, entotic cell death, NETotic cell death, parthanatos, lysosome‐dependent cell death, autophagy‐dependent cell death, alkaliptosis, oxeiptosis, and disulfidptosis, in tumor development. Therefore, by investigating these pathways, we aimed to develop a predictive model for HCC prognosis and drug sensitivity. We analyzed transcriptome, single‐cell transcriptome, genomic, and clinical information using data from the TCGA‐LIHC, GSE14520, GSE45436, and GSE166635 datasets. Machine learning algorithms were used to establish a cell death index (CDI) with seven gene signatures, which was validated across three independent datasets, showing that high CDI correlates with poorer prognosis. Unsupervised clustering revealed three molecular subtypes of HCC with distinct biological processes. Furthermore, a nomogram integrating CDI and clinical information demonstrated good predictive performance. CDI was associated with immune checkpoint genes and tumor microenvironment components using single‐cell transcriptome analysis. Drug sensitivity analysis indicated that patients with high CDI may be resistant to oxaliplatin and cisplatin but sensitive to axitinib and sorafenib. In summary, our model offers a precise prediction of clinical outcomes and drug sensitivity for patients with HCC, providing valuable insights for personalized treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Mounts of researches focused on the link between transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1) polymorphisms and preeclampsia (PE) which is a hypertensive multisystemic disorder affecting pregnancy. However, the results were inconsistent. Thus, a meta‐analysis was performed to obtain more conclusive results. Methods: Eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to evaluate the relationship between six TGF‐β1 polymorphisms (rs1800468, rs1800469, rs1800470, rs1800471, rs4803455, and rs4803457) and PE susceptibility in five genetic models. The subgroup stratified analysis and trial sequential analysis were performed. Results: Fourteen studies were included in this meta‐analysis with 1941 PE patients and 2488 healthy women. There was no statistically significant association between these six TGF‐β1 polymorphisms and PE within five genetic models in the overall population (all p > 0.05). Subgroup stratified analysis revealed there was statistically significant association between TGF‐β1 rs1800469 polymorphism and PE within the allele, recessive, and homozygous model in Asian (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02–1.35; OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.06–1.72; OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.07–2.05, respectively; all p < 0.05). Trial sequential analysis indicated sufficient proof of such association in the Asian population. Conclusions: TGF‐β1 rs1800469 is a possible risk factor for PE in Asian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the design and preparation of polymer‐bonded explosives (PBX), the energetic systems possessing the characteristics of high energy output and low sensitivity are always preferred for researchers. The integration of high explosives and an energetic passivator is considered to be the most useful method in achieving this object. Herein, to explore the effect of 2,4,6‐triamino‐3,5‐dinitropyridine‐1‐oxide (TANPyO) on the detonation properties and mechanical safety of 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazinane (RDX)‐based PBX, two methods including direct mixing and crystallization coating were utilized to prepare main explosives, followed by the solvent suspension distillation method to obtain relevant composites. The morphology, mechanical sensitivity, and detonation velocity of as‐prepared samples were tested and characterized, as well as armor‐piercing ability. Results show that TANPyO plays a positive role in increasing the mechanical safety of RDX‐based PBX and is reflected by the 4 %‐56 % reduction in explosion probability than that of pure RDX. Moreover, the prepared samples using the crystallization coating method exhibit better performances in detonation velocity and perforation ability than the direct mixing method. These differences reach the peak when the mass ratio of RDX and TANPyO is 1 : 1. In that situation, the reduced values of explosion probability are 20 % (impact sensitivity) and 8 % (friction sensitivity) and the increasing detonation velocity is 309 m ⋅ s−1. These results demonstrate that the integration of TANPyO and the crystallization coating method is a promising way of adjusting the properties of RDX‐based PBX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power fluctuation problem has been a key issue in dynamic wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. In the past research studies, the power fluctuation problem at low‐transmission distance has been solved, but existing solutions often involve complex control strategies and cannot realise power stabilisation for dynamic WPT systems under high‐transmission distance. As a remedy, the spatial rotating coil design scheme is proposed based on magnetic field aggregation to solve the power fluctuation problem without control strategy for high distance dynamic WPT system. Firstly, the crucial parameters affecting power fluctuations are analysed. Then the relative optimisation backgrounds are introduced. Afterwards, the mechanism of power sag is analysed based on magnetic field analysis. Subsequently, the spatial rotating double D (DD) coil design is proposed inspired by omnidirectional WPT coil, and various different DD coil schemes are optimised utilising magnetic field aggregation method to acquire the optimal scheme. Compared with the original coil scheme, the proposed design scheme improves fluctuation of system mutual inductance without complicated control strategies according to simulation results. Finally, a physical coil system consistent with the simulation system is constructed, which verifies the improvement effect of the proposed scheme and effectively confirm feasibility of the optimal scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key descriptor that dominates the kinetics of the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has not yet been unequivocally identified. Herein, we focus on the adsorbed hydroxyl (OHad) transfer process (OHad + e− ⇄ OH−) and reveal its crucial role in promoting the overall kinetics of alkaline HER based on Ni/Co‐modified MoSe2 model catalysts (Ni‐MoSe2 and Co‐MoSe2) that feature almost identical water dissociation and hydrogen adsorption energies, but evidently different activity trends in alkaline (Ni‐MoSe2 ≫ Co‐MoSe2) and acidic (Co‐MoSe2 ≥ Ni‐MoSe2) media. Experimental and theoretical calculation results demonstrate that tailoring MoSe2 with Ni not only optimizes the hydroxyl adsorption, but also promotes the desorption of OH− and the electron‐involved conversion of OHad to OH−, all of which synergistically accelerate the kinetics of OHad + e− ⇄ OH− and thereby the overall kinetics of the alkaline HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrocyclic peptides have received increasing attention throughout the pharmaceutical industry as attractive scaffolds for the development of new therapeutics. Here, we describe the development of a new proline‐to‐cysteine (PTC) peptide cyclization reaction. Peptide sequences flanked by an N‐terminal proline and a C‐terminal cysteine were reacted with α,α′‐dibromo‐m‐xylene to furnish cyclic peptides bearing a tertiary amine embedded within the macrocycle backbone. Macrocyclization proceeded efficiently in solution and on‐resin with peptides of different sequence lengths (5‐10 amino acids) and amino acid compositions. This approach was also applied for peptide bicyclization. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS)/MS analysis of a fingerprint ion related to the PTC linkage that was present throughout the substrate scope expedited confirmation of the product cyclic topologies. Conformational studies by variable‐temperature NMR revealed PTC macrocycles can adopt a rigid structure and display an intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding pattern that differs significantly from their cysteine‐to‐cysteine linked counterparts, further highlighting the value of this alternative cyclization approach. Due to its compatibility with library‐based peptide display and selection technologies, the described approach could offer significant utility in drug discovery campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious disease that occurs after 20 weeks during pregnancy. There are some aberrant microRNAs (miRNAs) that are associated with the etiology of PE. As discovered by scholars, there was an increased level of miR‐215‐5p in plasma of PE patients compared with the control group; nonetheless, there is still no knowledge of the mechanism of miR‐215‐5p in PE. We carried out the comparison of the expression levels of miR‐215‐5p, and the supposed target gene cell division cycle 6 (CDC6) in 30 placentas from PE patients as well as 30 placentas from normal pregnant women. The verification of the impacts of miR‐215‐5p and CDC6 was carried out by functional assays in HTR‐8/SVneo cells transfected with the miR‐215‐5p mimic or siR‐CDC6. As indicated by findings, miR‐215‐5p showed an apparent increase; conversely, CDC6 was inhibited in the experiment group. The upregulation of miR‐215‐5p inhibited both the migration and invasive potential of trophoblasts, besides decreasing the G1‐S transition and downregulating CDC6 in HTR‐8/SVneo cells; nonetheless, it did not significantly impact the cell proliferation. Furthermore, siR‐CDC6 replicated the functions of the miR‐215‐5p mimic. Also, the miR‐215‐5p mimic and siR‐CDC6 both decreased the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) with additional E‐cadherin level and decreased the expressions of N‐cadherin as well as vimentin in trophoblast cells. To conclude, miR‐215‐5p decreased not only the migration but also the invasion of trophoblasts through regulating CDC6, which indicated that miR‐215‐5p might be associated with the etiology of PE. Significance of the study: More and more attention has been paid on the roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of PE. However, there is no study of miR‐215‐5p in the etiology of PE. We first investigated the mechanism of miR‐215‐5p in placental tissues and HTR‐8/SVneo cells. It was suggested that miR‐215‐5p decreased the abilities of migration and invasion of trophoblasts through regulating CDC6 in PE. miR‐215‐5p might be used as an target for the early diagnosis and treatment of PE in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The homeostatic link between oxidative stress and autophagy plays an important role in cellular responses to a wide variety of physiological and pathological conditions. However, the regulatory pathway and outcomes remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that reactive oxygen species (ROS) function as signaling molecules that regulate autophagy through ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and cell cycle checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2), a DNA damage response (DDR) pathway activated during metabolic and hypoxic stress. We report that CHK2 binds to and phosphorylates Beclin 1 at Ser90/Ser93, thereby impairing Beclin 1‐Bcl‐2 autophagy‐regulatory complex formation in a ROS‐dependent fashion. We further demonstrate that CHK2‐mediated autophagy has an unexpected role in reducing ROS levels via the removal of damaged mitochondria, which is required for cell survival under stress conditions. Finally, CHK2−/− mice display aggravated infarct phenotypes and reduced Beclin 1 p‐Ser90/Ser93 in a cerebral stroke model, suggesting an in vivo role of CHK2‐induced autophagy in cell survival. Taken together, these results indicate that the ROS‐ATM‐CHK2‐Beclin 1‐autophagy axis serves as a physiological adaptation pathway that protects cells exposed to pathological conditions from stress‐induced tissue damage. Synopsis: Whether hypoxia and nutrient starvation are coupled to cellular autophagy remains unclear. Here, DNA damage response kinases ATM and CHK2 are shown to trigger autophagy in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, suggesting a novel physiological adaptation pathway toward metabolic stress. Depletion of CHK2 or ATM impairs oxidative stress‐induced autophagy in MEFs.CHK2 binds and phosphorylates Beclin1 at Ser90/Ser93, suppressing Beclin1‐Bcl‐2 autophagy regulatory complex formation.CHK2‐induced autophagy limits intracellular ROS levels by clearing damaged mitochondria.CHK2‐induced autophagy protects against cell death and tissue damage following cerebral ischemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In geothermal mining, the mechanical properties and micro‐structure of the rock under different temperature or cooling modes are highly relevant to the stability of the artificial reservoir. For reflect the actual working conditions, an experimental study is carried out on high‐temperature granite that has been cooled both naturally and rapidly with water. The following conclusions are reached. (a) The wave velocity, elastic modulus, and uniaxial compressive strength of the test specimen decrease with an increase in its heating temperature under both cooling modes. (b) The characteristics of the stress‐strain curve of granite are different after different temperatures and cooling modes. With natural cooling, the stress‐strain curve features double peaks in the range of 200‐300°C, whereas such phenomenon occurs at temperatures greater than 300°C with water cooling. (c) When the temperature is less than 300°C, no obvious change occurs in the crystal structure of the sample. When the temperature is more than 300°C, the original micro‐cracks gradually expand and eventually develop into larger cracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of nano‐SiO2 on mechanical properties and microstructure of polymer modified cementitious (PMC) materials under 20 and 6°C was studied through strength test, X‐ray Diffraction Analysis, Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Results showed that the flexural and compressive strength of cement mortar was influenced seriously by polymer especially under low temperature condition. And nano‐SiO2 was contributed to enhance the flexural and compressive strength of PMC materials at early age under 20°C while the enhancement still existed at later age under 6°C. The disadvantage of polymer on the properties and microstructure of PMC materials at low temperature was modified by nano‐SiO2 due to the increase of hydration rate of cement, the decrease of the Ca(OH)2 (CH) orientation aggregation, the modification of pore structure, and the promotion of polymer film formation. This study provides a prospective method on the performance optimization of PMC materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound‐rotor synchronous starter‐generator (WRSSG) has the advantages of less volume and weight, high safety and low cost in maintenance, so it is becoming increasingly popular in modern aircraft, especially for more‐electric aircraft. The main machine (MM) and main exciter (ME) of the aircraft WRSSG are electromechanically coupled seriously, which makes the start control for the WRSSG complex in the starting mode. In this study, a decoupling start control method for aircraft WRSSG based on main field current estimation is proposed to solve the serious coupling problem and improve start control performance. In the proposed decoupling control method, the main field current is estimated first and used in the closed‐loop excitation control for the ME to make the main field current meet the MM demand. With the desired field current, the MM is decoupled with the ME and controlled like a traditional synchronous motor to start the aircraft engine under maximum torque per ampere. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed decoupling control method is verified by experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a novel rotor position estimation method for wound‐rotor synchronous starter/generator (WSSG). At the starting stage, WSSG needs a resolver to obtain the main machine's (MM's) rotor position. However, the use of resolver increases starting system's complexity, volume, weight and cost. In order to solve this problem, a novel kind of MM's rotor position estimation method is proposed, which considers the structure of WSSG as a resolver. The novel method injects a rotating voltage into MM's stator, detects main exciter's stator current and subsequently processes the current signals to estimate MM's rotor position. Experimental results show that the novel method can estimate rotor position accurately, which are in good agreement with the theoretical analyses and simulation results. Compared to the saliency tracking rotor position estimation method, the novel method does not rely on WSSG's parameters (including MM's saliency), and the signal processing procedures are more simple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a significant advancement in preparing metastable materials, one common problem is the strict and precious reaction conditions due to their metastable structures. Herein, we achieved the preparation of high‐temperature stabilized metastable α‐MoC1−x by mounting zinc atoms into its lattice structure. Such a structural construction could suppress the phase transformation from α‐MoC1−x to β‐Mo2C through restricting the displacement of Mo atoms upon increased temperature. The resultant metastable α‐MoC1−x can be stabilized up to 1000 °C and this stability temperature is the highest for the metastable α‐MoC1−x so far. Synchrotron X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirm the structure of Zn‐mounted α‐MoC1−x. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the introduction of the Zn atoms in the lattice structure of α‐MoC1−x could significantly decrease the energy difference (ΔE) between α‐MoC1−x and β‐Mo2C, thus effectively suppressing the phase transformation from α‐MoC1−x to β‐Mo2C and accordingly maintaining the high‐temperature stability of α‐MoC1−x. This novel strategy can be used as a universal method to be extended to synthesize metastable α‐MoC1−x from different precursors or other mounted elements. Moreover, the optimal product exhibits excellent lithium storage performances in terms of the cycling stability and rate performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the impact of gastrointestinal manifestations on quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to provide clinical evidence for their early treatment and health‐related management. Methods: Altogether 65 patients admitted to the Peking Union Medical College Hospital selected from a disease cohort and 127 matched controls were enrolled. A self‐assessment questionnaire was completed by all participants. Each participant completed scleroderma gastrointestinal tract 1.0 (SSC‐GIT 1.0) questionnaire (including reflux or indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, distention, emotional well‐being, and social functioning). Autoimmune antibodies were tested in SSc patients. Results: Among these SSc cases, gastrointestinal manifestations were seen in 84.6%. Reflux/indigestion and diarrhea were more common in SSc patients than in the control group (67.7% vs 27.8%; 27.7% vs 10.2%, P < 0.05). SSc patients had a significantly higher percentage of abnormal social functioning than the control group (33.8% vs 3.9%, P < 0.05). SSc patients with abnormal social functioning and abnormal emotional well‐being had worse distention, diarrhea, and constipation statuses. Patients with reflux or indigestion and diarrhea had lower anti‐Scl‐70 level than those without (both P < 0.05). Patients with distention had higher levels of anti‐RNP and anti‐SSA than those without distention (both P < 0.05). Patients with diarrhea had higher levels of anti‐RNP than those without diarrhea (P = 0.014). Conclusions: Gastrointestinal involvement is frequent in SSc, with reflux or indigestion as the most common symptom. The impaired quality of life in patients with SSc indicates that early and active management should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decellularized (DC) organs/tissues offer a promising scaffold for regenerative bioengineering. However, it is not clear whether the diabetic mellitus (DM) pancreas can be used in decellularized and recellularized bioengineering. For assessment of these questions, murine pancreatic scaffolds of normal, type 1DM (T1DM) and type 2 DM (T2DM) pancreas were generated using a perfusion decellularization technique and assessed by histology, scanning electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The capacity of DC pancreatic scaffolds to support attachment and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and MIN‐6 β cells was also assessed. Our results showed that DC pancreatic scaffolds were successfully produced from T1DM and T2DM pancreas and maintained their extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, 3D ultrastructure, and various cytokines. All of the pancreatic scaffolds were sufficiently cytocompatible and were able to support proliferation and adhesion of HUVECs and MIN‐6 β cells. The preliminary results support the biological utility of diabetes mellitus pancreatic scaffolds and pave the way for further investigations to assess the potential ability of using diabetes mellitus pancreas as scaffolds for recellularization and eventual medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A prospective and longitudinal study to investigate the correlations between Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (KL‐6) serum levels and systemic sclerosis associated with interstitial lung disease (SSc‐ILD). Method: Blood samples of baseline and the time point at 2 years follow‐up intervals were collected for the measurement of serum KL‐6 levels. The baseline clinical, laboratory characteristics, and incidence density of newly diagnosed ILD during the follow up were compared between SSc patients with elevated serum KL‐6 levels (KL‐6 > 500 U/mL) and those with normal KL‐6 levels (KL‐6 ≤ 500 U/mL) at baseline. Further, we explored the association between serum KL‐6 and deterioration of ILD measured by lung function parameters during follow‐up of 2 years. Results: Patients with elevated baseline serum KL‐6 had a significant tendency to have disappearance of the finger pad. The incidence density of new‐onset ILD in SSc patients with elevated baseline serum KL‐6 and those with normal baseline serum KL‐6 was 1.33% and 0.51%, respectively. Among the mild lung injury group, the incidence density of ILD deterioration in SSc patients with elevated baseline serum KL‐6 and those with normal serum KL‐6 was 1.2% and 0.74%, respectively. Conclusion: Serum KL‐6 level correlates with the clinical manifestations of microvascular injury. Baseline elevated serum KL‐6 may predict deterioration of lung function of SSc‐ILD patients with mild lung injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the interaction between life history, demography and population genetics in threatened species is critical for the conservations of viable populations. In the context of habitat loss and fragmentation, identifying the factors that underpin the structuring of genetic variation within populations can allow conservationists to evaluate habitat quality and connectivity and help to design dispersal corridors effectively. In this study, we carried out a detailed, fine‐scale landscape genetic investigation of a giant panda population from the Qinling Mountains for the first time. With a large microsatellite data set and complementary analysis methods, we examined the role of isolation‐by‐barriers (IBB), isolation‐by‐distance (IBD) and isolation‐by‐resistance (IBR) in shaping the pattern of genetic variation in this giant panda population. We found that the Qinling population comprises one continuous genetic cluster, and among the landscape hypotheses tested, gene flow was found to be correlated with resistance gradients for two topographic factors, slope aspect and topographic complexity, rather than geographical distance or barriers. Gene flow was inferred to be facilitated by easterly slope aspect and to be constrained by topographically complex landscapes. These factors are related to benign microclimatic conditions for both the pandas and the food resources they rely on and more accessible topographic conditions for movement, respectively. We identified optimal corridors based on these results, aiming to promote gene flow between human‐induced habitat fragments. These findings provide insight into the permeability and affinities of giant panda habitats and offer important reference for the conservation of the giant panda and its habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal carbides (TMCs), as a family of special interstitial alloys, exhibit novel intrinsic characteristics such as high melting point, high electronic conductivity, excellent mechanical and chemical stability, and good corrosion resistance, and hence have attracted ever‐growing attention as promising electrode materials for energy‐related applications. In this regard, we give a comprehensive overview of the structural design of transition metal carbide complex architectures and their structure advantages for energy‐related applications. After a brief classification, we summarize in detail recent progress in controllable design and synthesis of TMCs with complex nanostructures (e.g. zero‐, one‐, two‐, and three‐dimensional, and self‐supported electrodes) for electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications including metal‐ion batteries, supercapacitors, rechargeable metal‐air batteries, fuel cells, and water splitting. Finally, we end this review with some potential challenges and research prospects of TMCs as electrode materials for energy‐related applications. Carb overload: Recent progress in design and synthesis of transition metal carbides (TMCs), with complex nanostructures, for electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications including metal‐ion batteries, supercapacitors, rechargeable metal‐air batteries, fuel cells and water splitting is summarized in detail. Some potential challenges and research prospects of TMCs as electrode materials for energy‐related applications have also been provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Charge‐discharge reaction mechanisms of sodium‐ion batteries under various condition are studied by using a three‐electrode setup of a pouch‐type sodium‐ion battery. The sodium‐ion battery is constructed by using cost‐effective ternary layered Na0.76Ni0.3Fe0.4Mn0.3O2 and commercial hard carbon as the cathode and anode materials, respectively, and 1.0 M NaPF6 in mixed carbonate solvent as the electrolyte. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that an apparent solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) film is formed on anode material surface during the formation (pre‐charging) process, and the potentials for the SEI film formation of the solvents (ethylene carbonate and ethylene carbonate) and the additive (fluorinated ethylene carbonate) in the electrolyte are 2.04 and 2.79 V, respectively. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results demonstrate that, during charge, the crystal structure of cathode material changes significantly with the deintercalation of Na+. When the battery is charged to 5.0 V, the diffraction peak corresponding to the (002) plane disappears, as Na+ is further deintercalated, and the structure changes from the hexagonal phase to the monoclinic phase, causing the rapid degradation of the cycle performance. When the battery is overdischarged to 0 V, the EIS results and TEM images show that the SEI film is destroyed completely, and the cycle life performance is significantly deteriorated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the thymic‐thoracic ratio and cardiac axis in healthy fetuses. Methods: The fetal thymic‐thoracic ratio and cardiac axis were measured in 220 healthy fetuses. The normal ranges of the fetal thymic‐thoracic ratio and cardiac axis for each gestational week were established. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to analyze the relationship between the thymic‐thoracic ratio and cardiac axis. Results: The mean fetal thymic‐thoracic ratio increased slightly throughout the pregnancy, from 0.33 at 17 weeks' gestation to 0.37 at 37 weeks. No statistically significant correlation was found between the thymic‐thoracic ratio and cardiac axis in healthy fetuses. Conclusions: In healthy fetuses, the thymus occupies an increasingly larger portion of the upper mediastinum when the pregnancy advances. The cardiac axis is not affected by the thymic‐thoracic ratio in healthy fetuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient tandem route to the synthesis of triazacyclopenta[cd]indenone derivatives of the cyclazine family has been developed. Target compounds were obtained in moderate to good yields by Groebke–Blackburn–Bienaymé reaction involving a potassium carbonate promoted intramolecular aminolysis. This in turn will set the stage for a wide application of this useful reaction for the synthesis of structurally diverse polyheterocyclic skeletons containing the imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified diesel engine exhaust (DEE) as a human lung carcinogen. Given that inflammation is suspected to be an important underlying mechanism of lung carcinogenesis, we evaluated the relationship between DEE exposure and the inflammatory response using data from a cross‐sectional molecular epidemiology study of 41 diesel engine testing workers and 46 unexposed controls. Repeated personal exposure measurements of PM2.5 and other DEE constituents were taken for the diesel engine testing workers before blood collection. Serum levels of six inflammatory biomarkers including interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6, IL‐8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1β, and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1 were analyzed in all subjects. Compared to unexposed controls, concentrations of MIP‐1β were significantly reduced by ∼37% in DEE exposed workers (P < 0.001) and showed a strong decreasing trend with increasing PM2.5 concentrations in all subjects (Ptrend < 0.001) as well as in exposed subjects only (Ptrend = 0.001). Levels of IL‐8 and MIP‐1β were significantly lower in workers in the highest exposure tertile of PM2.5 (>397 µg/m3) compared to unexposed controls. Further, significant inverse exposure‐response relationships for IL‐8 and MCP‐1 were also found in relation to increasing PM2.5 levels among the DEE exposed workers. Given that IL‐8, MIP‐1β, and MCP‐1 are chemokines that play important roles in recruitment of immunocompetent cells for immune defense and tumor cell clearance, the observed lower levels of these markers with increasing PM2.5 exposure may provide insight into the mechanism by which DEE promotes lung cancer. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:144–150, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]