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Objective To compare the effects of 20% sulfuric acid and acidic alcohol for the staining of leprosy bacilli in order to choose a better acid fast staining reagent for leprosy patients. Methods Sixty-one sections of the skin from leprosy patients were differentiated with either 20% sulfuric acid or acidic alcohol for 0.5, 1 and 1.5 minutes, respectively. The changes in bacterial colony count and red heterochromatic particles around the sweat glands were compared on the sections of the same block between these two methods. Results More bacterial colonies were observed using 20% sulfuric acid than acidic alcohol for all times (P=0.038, 0.012, 0.017, respectively). Differentiation with 20% sulfuric acid made it easier to observe heterochromatic particles in the sweat glands (P

This paper studies the influence of bias voltage on pulse waveform, energy resolution, and particle discrimination performance to optimize the performance of n/γ pulse shape discrimination (PSD) for plastic scintillator coupled with SiPM arrays. Experiments were carried out with the EJ‐276 plastic scintillator detection system based on 2 × 2 SiPM arrays in gamma sources (22Na, 60Co, 137Cs) and neutron source (252Cf). And the pulse amplitude, shape, and the dispersion degree of the pulse waveform with bias voltage in the range of 25.8–28.8 V were analyzed. Gauss expansion method and PSD method based on the charge integration were used to obtain accurate energy resolution and PSD parameter, respectively. The results showed that energy resolution and PSD performance improved firstly and then deteriorated as bias voltage increases, and the optimum bias voltage for both energy resolution and PSD performance was 27.6 V. Within the bias voltage range of 25.8–28.8 V, the energy resolutions at the optimal bias voltage were improved by 25.17% (0.341 MeV for 22Na source) and 22.24% (1.062 MeV for 22Na source). Additionally, the PSD performance for n/γ discrimination was improved by 19.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the issues of derivative explosion in traditional backstepping control and the strong nonlinearity of hydraulic systems, this paper develops an adaptive neural network control method tailored for electro-hydraulic load simulators. Neural networks are employed to handle external disturbances, modeling uncertainties, and the derivatives of virtual control inputs. First, the precise state-space equations of the system are derived. Next, the approximation property of neural networks is used to design an adaptive backstepping controller, and the symmetric barrier Lyapunov function is used to prove the boundedness of the controller and control parameters. Finally, experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness and reliability of the control algorithm. The results demonstrate that the proposed control algorithm exhibits excellent tracking performance and effectively reduces control errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the large buried depth, high stress and relatively complex coal structure in Mabidong block, about 35% of horizontal wells have problems such as difficult fracturing, high construction pressure and sand plugging during the stage fracturing, therefore, based on the analysis of the difficulties of fracturing construction in the block, targeted research was carried out in the aspects of hydraulic jet staged fracturing technology, differentiated fracturing point optimization under the condition of coal seam without logging, low damage and resistance reduction fracturing fluid, fracturing construction parameters and so on. The results show that the optimized expansion gun hydraulic jet reconstruction method can effectively reduce the construction pressure of horizontal wells, and is conducive to effective sand addition. Combined use of “slippery water + active water” fracturing fluid can effectively reduce resistance and damage; the established drilling parameter optimization standard of fracturing point can select the appropriate fracturing point through gamma, gas measurement, guiding position and other drilling indexes, which is conducive to the fracturing of horizontal wells. The field practice shows that the optimized expanded hydraulic jet fracturing process and parameters are highly targeted to the area with high stress and complex coal structure in the block, and the daily gas output of MPX-3 well in the test well reaches 14 230 m3 under the flow pressure of 3.18 MPa.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the psychological stress experienced by frontline medical staff during the Yangbi Earthquake and to understand how coping strategies and social support influence stress responses. Methods: From days 3 to 14 post-earthquake, online questionnaires were administered to frontline medical staff to assess perceived social support, coping strategies, and psychological stress responses using the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Trait Coping Strategies Questionnaire (TCSQ), and Stress Response Questionnaire (SRQ). Data analysis included correlation analysis to explore relationships between variables, multiple linear regression to identify key predictors of stress, and path analysis to determine direct and indirect effects. Results: A total of 253 valid questionnaires were analyzed, with a participant composition of 81.82% females and 18.18% males, and the majority being nurses (62.06%). Psychological stress responses varied by gender and age, with females and older age groups showing higher physical stress responses (P < 0.05). Correlation and regression analyses indicated that negative coping and lower levels of social support were associated with increased stress responses (P < 0.05). Path analysis revealed that intra-family and extra-family support influenced stress responses directly and indirectly through coping strategies (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that perceived social support directly influences stress responses in frontline medical personnel during disasters, with coping strategies mediating this effect. Future research should explore these dynamics over time through longitudinal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, an efficient self-reinforcing technology—solid hot drawing (SHD) technology—was combined with green processing supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) foaming technology to promote poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) to form an oriented micropore structure. In addition, Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), with a high affinity of CO2 and biological safety, was introduced to enhance the nucleation effect in SC-CO2 foaming and co-regulate the uniformity of oriented micropores' structure. The results showed that orientation induced PLLA crystallization, so the tensile strength was improved; the maximum tensile strength of the oriented micropores' PLLA reached 151.2 MPa. Furthermore, the micropores mainly improved the toughness; the maximum elongation at break reached 148.3%. It is worth mentioning that PDMS can form an antibacterial film on the surface of the material, so that the material has a continuous antibacterial effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Nonflammable gel polymer electrolyte (SGPE) is developed by in situ polymerizing trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFMA) monomers with flame-retardant triethyl phosphate (TEP) solvents and LiTFSI–LiDFOB dual lithium salts. Molecular polarity interaction between TEP and PTFMA mitigates interfacial reactions and changes the solvation of Li+. SGPE forms stable inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interface/cathode electrolyte interface layer, exhibiting well compatibility with Li anode and LiCoO2-type high-voltage cathode. The risk of flammability is an unavoidable issue for gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs). Usually, flame-retardant solvents are necessary to be used, but most of them would react with anode/cathode easily and cause serious interfacial instability, which is a big challenge for design and application of nonflammable GPEs. Here, a nonflammable GPE (SGPE) is developed by in situ polymerizing trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFMA) monomers with flame-retardant triethyl phosphate (TEP) solvents and LiTFSI–LiDFOB dual lithium salts. TEP is strongly anchored to PTFMA matrix via polarity interaction between -P = O and -CH2CF3. It reduces free TEP molecules, which obviously mitigates interfacial reactions, and enhances flame-retardant performance of TEP surprisingly. Anchored TEP molecules are also inhibited in solvation of Li+, leading to anion-dominated solvation sheath, which creates inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interface/cathode electrolyte interface layers. Such coordination structure changes Li+ transport from sluggish vehicular to fast structural transport, raising ionic conductivity to 1.03 mS cm−1 and transfer number to 0.41 at 30 °C. The Li|SGPE|Li cell presents highly reversible Li stripping/plating performance for over 1000 h at 0.1 mA cm−2, and 4.2 V LiCoO2|SGPE|Li battery delivers high average specific capacity > 120 mAh g−1 over 200 cycles. This study paves a new way to make nonflammable GPE that is compatible with Li metal anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have been devoted to seeking some beneficial plant-related microorganisms for a long time, and on this basis, it has been found that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have a considerable positive impact on plant health as a biological fungal agent. In this study, we focused on the effects of different AMF on the growth dynamics and root configuration of licorice under saline and alkali conditions. The metabolites of licorice under different AMF were assessed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Funneliformis mosseae (Fm) and Rhizophagus intraradices (Ri) were added as different AMF treatments, while the sterilized saline–alkali soil was treated as a control. Samples were taken in the R1 period (15 d after AMF treatment) and the R2 period (45 d after AMF treatment). The results showed that the application of AMF significantly increased the root growth of licorice and significantly increased the biomass of both shoot and root. A total of 978 metabolites were detected and divided into 12 groups including lipids, which accounted for 15.44%; organic acids and their derivatives, at 5.83%; benzene compounds and organic heterocyclic compounds, at 5.42%; organic oxides, at 3.78%; and ketones, accounting for 3.17%. Compared with the control, there were significant changes in the differential metabolites with treatment inoculated with AMF; the metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were the main differential metabolite enrichment pathways in the R1 period, and those in the R2 period were microbial metabolism in diverse environments and the degradation of aromatic compounds. In conclusion, the use of AMF as biofertilizer can effectively improve the growth of licorice, especially in terms of the root development and metabolites, in saline–alkali soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, three different substrate holder shapes—trapezoidal, circular frustum, and adjustable cyclic—were designed and optimized to enhance the quality of polycrystalline diamond films grown using microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD). Simulation results indicate that altering the shape of the substrate holder leads to a uniform distribution of the electric field on the surface, significantly suppressing the formation of secondary plasma. This design ensures a more even distribution of the temperature field and plasma environment on the substrate holder, resulting in a heart-shaped distribution. Polycrystalline diamond films were synthesized under these three different substrate holder conditions, and their morphology and crystal quality were characterized using optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and high-resolution X-ray diffraction. Under conditions of 5 kW power and 90 Torr pressure, the adjustable cyclic substrate holder produced high-quality 3-inch diamond films with low stress and narrow Raman full width at half maximum (FWHM). The results confirm the reliability of the simulations and the effectiveness of the adjustable cyclic substrate holder. This approach provides a viable method for scaling up the size and improving the quality of polycrystalline diamond films for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are prevalent knee injures, particularly among active individuals. Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for determining the optimal treatment strategy and assessing patient prognosis. Various previous studies have demonstrated the successful application of deep learning techniques in the field of medical image analysis. This study aimed to develop a deep learning model for detecting ACL tears in knee magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) to enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. The proposed model consists of three main modules: a Dual-Scale Data Augmentation module (DDA) to enrich the training data on both the spatial and layer scales; a selective group attention module (SG) to capture relationships across the layer, channel, and space scales; and a fusion module to explore the inter-relationships among various perspectives to achieve the final classification. To ensure a fair comparison, the study utilized a public dataset from MRNet, comprising knee MRI scans from 1250 exams, with a focus on three distinct views: axial, coronal, and sagittal. The experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed model, termed SGNET, in ACL tear detection compared with other comparison models, achieving an accuracy of 0.9250, a sensitivity of 0.9259, a specificity of 0.9242, and an AUC of 0.9747. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium metal solid‐state battery is the first choice of batteries for electromobiles and consumer electronic products because of the specific capacity of 3860 mAh g−1 and high electrochemical potential (−3.04 V) of Li metal. Flexible polymer solid electrolytes have become the optimal solution to produce high energy density lithium batteries with arbitrary size and shape. In this work, we introduce a halide perovskite, CsSnI3, into the polyethylene oxide/lithium bis‐(trifluoromethanesuphone)imide (PEO–LiTFSI) polymer matrix. The CsSnI3 could form a LixSn alloy with Li, leading to homogenization of the electric field and Li+‐flux at the interface, Sn atom also bonds with the TFSI− anion to provide more dissociated Li+. Besides that, the I atom could interact with Li to form an electronic insulation with a strong blocking effect on electron tunneling. As a proof of concept, the synergy mechanism of the PEO–LiTFSI–CsSnI3 electrolyte improves the stable cycle life of the symmetric battery to more than 500 h, and the Li+ conductivity raised to 6.1 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 60°C. The application of the "zwitter ions analog" halide perovskite in PEO–LiTFSI provides a new choice among various methods to improve the electrochemical performance of polymer solid‐state batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]