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Low‐permittivity Ca1−xSrxSnSiO5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.45) microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared via traditional state‐reaction at 1400°C‐1450°C for 5 hours. Moreover the microwave dielectric properties of SnO2 ceramic were obtained for the first time. SnO2 ceramic was difficult to densify, and SnO2 ceramic (ρrel = 65.1%) that was sintered at 1525°C exhibited the optimal microwave dielectric properties of εr = 5.27, Q × f = 89 300 GHz (at 14.5 GHz), and τf = −26.7 ppm/°C. For Ca1−xSrxSnSiO5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) ceramics, Sr2+ could be dissolved in the Ca2+ site of Ca1−xSrxSnSiO5 to form a single phase, and the partial substitution of Ca2+ by Sr2+ could improve the microwave dielectric properties of CaSnSiO5 ceramic. Secondary phases (SnO2 and SrSiO3) appeared at 0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.45 and could adjust the abnormally positive τf value of CaSnSiO5 ceramic. The highest Q × f value (60 100 GHz at 10.4 GHz) and optimal microwave dielectric properties (εr = 9.42, Q × f = 47 500 GHz at 12.4 GHz, and τf = −1.2 ppm/°C) of Ca1−xSrxSnSiO5 ceramics were obtained at x = 0.05 and 0.45, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial effect of antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm model in vitro. The selection of photosensitizers is the key step for the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, no studies have been conducted in the oral field to compare the functional characteristics and application effects of PDT mediated by various photosensitizers. In this research, the antibacterial effect of Methylene blue (MB)/650 nm laser and Hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME)/532 nm laser on S. mutans biofilm was compared under different energy densities to provide experimental reference for the clinical application of the two PDT. The yield of lactic acid was analyzed by Colony forming unit (CFU) and spectrophotometry, and the complete biofilm activity was measured by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) to evaluate the bactericidal effect on each group. Based on the results of CFU, the bacterial colonies formed by 30.4 J/cm2 532 nm MB-aPDT group and 30.4 J/cm2 532 nm HMME-aPDT group were significantly less than those in other groups, and the bacterial colonies in HMME-aPDT group were less than those in HMME-aPDT group. Lactic acid production in all treatment groups except the photosensitizer group was statistically lower than that in the normal saline control group. The activity of bacterial plaque biofilm was significantly decreased in the two groups treated with 30.4 J/cm2 aPDT. Therefore, aPDT suitable for energy measurement can kill S. mutans plaque biofilm, and MB-aPDT is better than HMME-aPDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting and measuring the damage on historic glazed tiles plays an important role in the maintenance and protection of historic buildings. However, the current visual inspection method for identifying and assessing superficial damage on historic buildings is time and labor intensive. In this article, a novel two‐level object detection, segmentation, and measurement strategy for large‐scale structures based on a deep‐learning technique is proposed. The data in this study are from the roof images of the Palace Museum in China. The first level of the model, which is based on the Faster region‐based convolutional neural network (Faster R‐CNN), automatically detects and crops two types of glazed tile photographs from 100 roof images (2,488 × 3,264 pixels). The average precision values (AP) for roll roofing and pan tiles are 0.910 and 0.890, respectively. The cropped images are used to form a dataset for training a Mask R‐CNN model. The second level of the model, which is based on Mask R‐CNN, automatically segments and measures the damage based on the cropped historic tile images; the AP for the damage segmentation is 0.975. Based on Mask R‐CNN, the predicted pixel‐level damage segmentation result is used to quantitatively measure the morphological features of the damage, such as the damage topology, area, and ratio. To verify the performance of the proposed method, a comparative study was conducted with Mask R‐CNN and a fully convolutional network. This is the first attempt at employing a two‐level strategy to automatically detect, segment, and measure large‐scale superficial damage on historic buildings based on deep learning, and it achieved good results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new sesquiterpene‐hydroquinone hybrids, saromacrophorins A–C (1–3) were isolated from the deep‐sea‐derived fungus Sarocladium terricola 494a, along with nine known compounds. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analyses of 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD calculations. Noteworthily, compound 1 is a rare 5′,6′‐dihydroxymacrophorin and compound 3 is the first example of macrophorin possessing 4′S‐configuration. Compound 4 showed potent anti‐food allergic activity with an IC50 value of 18.9 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pathogenesis of moyamoya disease (MMD) is unclear. Inflammation and immune imbalance have been identified as potential factors contributing to the occurrence and progression of MMD. However, the specific proteins and metabolites responsible for triggering this process are yet to be established. The purpose of this study is to identify differentially expressed proteins and metabolites in patients with MMD and perform Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway integration analysis to pinpoint crucial proteins and metabolites involved in the disease. Methods: We performed untargeted metabolomic and data‐independent acquisition proteomic analyses on the serum samples of individuals with MMD and healthy controls (HC). Results: In patients with MMD versus HC, 24 proteins and 60 metabolites, including 21 anionic metabolites and 39 cationic metabolites, which were significantly different, were identified. In patients with MMD, several proteins involved in inflammation and immune metabolism, such as tubulin beta‐6 and complement C4, were found to have significantly altered levels. Similarly, many metabolites involved in inflammation and immune metabolisms, such as dimethyl 4‐hydroxyisophthalate, beta‐nicotinamide mononucleotide, 2‐(3‐(4‐pyridyl)‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐yl)pyridine, and PC (17:1/18:2), were significantly altered. Intriguingly, these proteins and metabolites are involved in the progression of atherosclerosis through immune and inflammatory pathways, although some have never been reported in MMD. Moreover, integrated proteomics and metabolomics studies were conducted to determine shared pathways involving cholesterol metabolism, vitamin digestion, fat digestion, and absorption pathways of proteins and metabolites, which warrant further investigation. Conclusions: Significant increases in pro‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive abilities have been observed in patients with MMD, accompanied by significant reductions in anti‐inflammatory and immune regulation. Various metabolites and proteins implicated in these processes have been identified for the first time. These findings hold immense significance for comprehending the pathogenesis of MMD and for the development of future drug therapies. Significant increases in pro‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive abilities have been observed in patients with MMD, accompanied by significant reductions in anti‐inflammatory and immune regulation. Various metabolites and proteins implicated in these processes have been identified for the first time. These findings hold immense significance for comprehending the pathogenesis of moyamoya disease and for the development of future drug therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We aimed to investigate a new treatment method for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The method was a cellular immune therapy based on personalised peptide vaccination (PPV-DC-CTL) combined with radiotherapy. Methods We did a phase 1 study in which patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who were not eligible for surgery, as confirmed by multidisciplinary consultation, were treated with precise radiotherapy combined with PPV-DC-CTL in the Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China. To personalise the vaccine, the peptide candidate library, including mutated peptides and highly expressed peptides, was established according to the gene mutation and expression spectra of hepatocellular carcinoma and previous studies about PPV. Peptides for vaccination of every patient were selected from the peptide candidate library, with the consideration of the pre-existing immunity of the host before vaccination. The assay of peptide-specific IFN-γ production was used to define pre-existing immunity. Side-effects were measured with a haemogram. This study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, number ChiCTR-OIC-16010025. Findings A total of nine patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma were admitted. Four patients had multiple liver metastases (liver lesions more than three pieces), one patient had liver metastasis and portal vein tumour thrombosis, one patient had lung and bone metastases, two patients had liver and lung metastases, and one patient had liver metastasis and peritoneal metastasis. Following radiotherapy and 1–3 cycles of PPV-DC-CTL treatment, AFP concentrations were significantly reduced in six patients compared with baseline concentrations, and imaging assessment of the lesions showed a partial response in three of the patients and stable disease in the other three patients. An objective response was achieved in 33% and disease control in 66%. This regimen was found to be safe and well tolerated because none of the patients developed liver or kidney side-effects. Only one patient developed grade 2 bone marrow suppression, and the other patients had no significant side-effects. Interpretation Radiotherapy combined with PPV-DC-CTL provides a new therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, which is well tolerated, safe, feasible, and effective. Funding National Natural Science Foundation of China, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Youth Talent, and the Key Medical Science and Technology Development Project of Nanjing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐permittivity ZnAl2‐x(Zn0.5Ti0.5)xO4 ceramics were synthesized via conventional solid‐state reaction method. A pure ZnAl2O4 solid‐state solution with an Fd‐3m space group was achieved at x ≤ 0.1. Results showed that partial substitution of [Zn0.5Ti0.5]3+ for Al3+ effectively lowered the sintering temperature of the ZnAl2O4 ceramics and remarkably increased the quality factor (Q × f) values. Optimum microwave dielectric properties (εr = 9.1, Q × f = 115,800 GHz and τf = −78 ppm/°C) were obtained in the sample with x = 0.1 sintered at 1400°C in oxygen atmosphere for 10 h. The temperature used for the sample was approximately 250°C lower than the sintering temperature of conventional ZnAl2O4 ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Low-permittivity LiAl 1- x (Zn 0.5 Si 0.5) x O 2 microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared by the solid-state reaction method. Single-phase LiAlO 2 solid solutions with a tetragonal structure were achieved at x ≤ 0.12. Partial substitution of [Zn 0.5 Si 0.5 ]3+ for Al3+ could improve the microstructure and prevent from absorbing moisture of pure LiAlO 2 ceramics, which slightly increases their relative permittivity (ε r). The quality factor (Q × f) and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ f) were closely related to the crystallinity and cation disorder of the B-site characterized by the full width at half-maximum of B 1 (1) –mode assigned to Li–O–Al stretching. The optimum microwave dielectric properties (ε r = 6.12, Q × f = 56986 GHz and τ f = -122 ppm/°C) were obtained in the sample with x = 0.02 sintered at 1300 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A force-thermal coupling error model was proposed to investigate the coupling effect of thermal error and force-induced error on the machining accuracy. Based on the developed model, numerical simulations were conducted to unveil the temperature distributions of both the assembly and the worktable, as well as corresponding displacement errors. Besides, based on the two-degrees-of-freedom hobbing locus motion, an equation to characterize the meshing relation between the hob and the workpiece was deduced with the consideration of the force-thermal coupling errors. By using this equation, an interface, which can visualize the gear hobbing process and map the force-thermal coupling error to the resultant gear profile, was developed in the MATLAB. Further comparison between experimental data and simulation results prove the credibility of our proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry hobbing machine is a kind of specialized machine tool to manufacture high-quality small-module gears. With the development of shipbuilding, automobile, and wind power industries, higher request on the dry gear hobbing accuracy is called. The thermal-induced error, which accounts for 50-70% of machining error, needs to be reduced more efficiently. Hence, in-depth investigation on the thermal-structural characteristics of the dry hobbing machine is indispensable. In this paper, thermal-structural coupling numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the heat transfer process as well as thermal-induced deformation of the worktable of a YDE3120CNC gear hobbing machine in the large-volume gear production. New equations were used here to describe the convection heat transfer happened on the worktable assembly. Verifying test results proved the feasibility of the newly proposed numerical method. Following numerical simulation, results indicated that during the gear hobbing process, the highest surface temperature of the worktable assembly appeared at the top surface of the fixture, and corresponding thermal-induced deformation reached the maximum of 49.9 μm. Besides, in a large-volume production, the worktable assembly would attain thermal equilibrium in 15,000 s. Hence, the assumption widely used in previous studies on gear hobbing machines that the worktable assembly could be treated as an ideal solid without any thermal deformation is wrong. The thermal-induced deformation of the worktable assembly should be considered in the subsequent development of the thermal error compensation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Gambogic acid has a marked anti-tumor effect for gastric and colorectal cancers in vitro and in vivo. However, recent investigations on gambogic acid have focused mainly on mono-drug therapy, and its potential role in cancer therapy has not been comprehensively illustrated. This study aimed to assess the interaction between gambogic acid and docetaxel on human gastrointestinal cancer cells and to investigate the mechanism of gambogic acid plus docetaxel treatment-induced apoptotic cell death. Methods MTT assay was used to determine IC50 values in BGC-823, MKN-28, LOVO and SW-116 cells after gambogic acid and docetaxel administration. Median effect analysis was applied for determination of synergism and antagonism. Synergistic interaction between gambogic acid and docetaxel was evaluated using the combination index (CI) method. Furthermore, cellular apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin-V and propidium iodide (PI) double staining. Additionally, mRNA expression of drug-associated genes, i.e., β-tublin III and tau, and the apoptosis-related gene survivin, were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results Gambogic acid provided a synergistic effect on the cytotoxicity induced by docetaxel in all four cell lines. The combined application of gambogic acid and docetaxel enhanced apoptosis in gastrointestinal cancer cells. Moreover, gambogic acid markedly decreased the mRNA expression of docetaxel-related genes, including β-tubulin III, tau and survivin, in BGC-823 cells. Conclusions Gambogic acid plus docetaxel produced a synergistic anti-tumor effect in gastrointestinal cancer cells, suggesting that the drug combination may offer a novel treatment option for patients with gastric and colorectal cancers.

[Display omitted] • Recent advances in roles of HA in AD of WAS were systematically reviewed. • Both substrate types and operation conditions can affect the evolution of HA. • HA works as surfactant, electron transfer mediator, and terminal electron acceptor. • Carbon materials present great potentials in alleviating inhibition effect of HA. • Perspectives for revealing the multi-functional roles of HA in AD were proposed. Waste activated sludge (WAS), the major by-product of wastewater treatment plants, has been hugely produced with the increase of wastewater treatment capacity. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is one promising technology to simultaneously achieve resource recovery and sludge stabilization. However, refractory organics contained in WAS can affect AD. Regarding the high contents, complex structures, and variable compositions of humic acid (HA) in WAS, the potential effects of HA in AD of WAS should be urgently assessed. This review highlights the current advances focusing on the fates, roles, and inhibition mitigation strategies of HA in AD of WAS, and concludes the underlying mechanisms and perspectives. The sources of HA contain the original and secondary ways, and both substrate types and operation conditions can affect evolution of HA. In AD of WAS with the presence of HA, positive effects are observed on solubilization, acidogenesis, and acetogenesis stages, while positive and negative effects are observed on hydrolysis and methanogenesis stages. This is because HA can not only work as surfactant, electron transfer mediator, and terminal electron acceptor, but also can regulate the structure and function of microbial communities, as well as the activities of enzymes. To alleviate the toxic effects of HA on methanogens, inhibition mitigation strategies such as extraction, pretreatment, and metal ions have been employed, and carbon materials present great potentials. Based on recent findings, the dynamic evolution and transformation pathways of HA should be identified. Then, multi-functional roles (i.e., positive and negative effects) of HA on electron transfer pathways, syntrophic metabolism networks, and functional microorganisms should be revealed. And finally, a green, sustainable, and low-cost strategy is still needed for alleviating inhibition effect of HA in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-temperature sintering (1− x )BaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 – x Ba 5 Si 8 O 21 microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared by solid-state reaction. The effects of LiF (1 wt%) on the sintering behaviour, phase composition and microwave dielectric properties of (1− x )BaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 – x Ba 5 Si 8 O 21 ( x = 0, 0.3 and 1.0) were investigated. The addition of 1 wt% LiF lowers sintering temperature to 900 °C ( x = 0) and 750 °C ( x = 0.3 and 1.0) without changing phase composition and apparently degrading microwave dielectric properties. 0.7BaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 –0.3Ba 5 Si 8 O 21 +1 wt% LiF was well-sintered at 750 °C and showed good microwave dielectric properties with ε r = 7.63, Q × f = 12,410 GHz and τ f = −1.2 ppm/°C. This composite exhibited good chemical compatibility with Ag electrodes, making it a promising candidate for practical applications of low-temperature co-fired ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new mononuclear Dy(III) complex, namely {[Dy(tbpy) 2 (NO 3 )(DMF)]⋅ DMF} ( 1 ) (tbpy = 6-(tetrazol-5-yl)-2,2′-bipyridine, DMF = N , N -dimethylformamide), has been synthesized and characterized. Structural measurements reveal that the Dy(III) ion displays a distorted tricapped trigonal prism with two mono-anionic tridentate chelating ligands, nitrate anion and N , N -dimethylformamide molecule. Magnetic investigation indicates that the title complex 1 exhibits field-induced single-ion magnet behavior. Moreover, the studies on photoluminescence properties show that complex 1 displays relatively strong fluorescent emission, which are typical narrow emission bands of lanthanide ion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase formation, chemical structure and microwave (MW) dielectric behavior of A-site Ce-doped SrTiO 3 ceramics sintered in close aluminum pipe have been investigated. Samples with x = 0.4 appeared cubic by X-ray diffraction (XRD) but exhibited splitting and superstructure reflections in the range of 0.45 ≤ x ≤ 0.6. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed the sample possesses mixed-valent states of Ti 3+ /Ti 4+ upon oxygen vacancy formation. As the x value increases, the Q × f value increases slightly from 7569 to 22,682 GHz, but the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency ( τ f ) decreases markedly from +372 to +5 ppm/°C. A novel combination of microwave dielectric properties: ε r = 61, Q × f = 22,682 GHz and τ f = +5 pmm/°C were achieved for composition Sr 0.1 Ce 0.6 TiO 3 at 1300 °C for 3 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Two generation stages of wüstite in the siderite reduction are clarified. • Phase distribution of siderite reduction product is different from that of hematite. • Low reduction potential and temperature can stabilize magnetite produced by siderite. • Iron recovery rate of siderite is greatly improved 34% by proposed roasting process. Siderite is an important iron ore resource. The magnetization roasting is one of the most effective means to achieve efficient utilization of the low grade siderite-containing iron ore. Experimental results show that, under the conventional reduction magnetization conditions of 500 °C and 550 °C with gas reduction potential 0.45, siderite will be reduced to weak magnetic wüstite. In this paper, the two generation stages of wüstite in the siderite reduction process are clarified. Under the conditions of the gas reduction potential ≤ 0.2 at 550 °C and ≤ 0.1 at 600–800 °C, the stable existence of magnetite from the reduction of siderite can be achieved without being further reduced to wüstite. A low gas reduction potential magnetization roasting process is proposed for the utilization of refractory siderite-containing iron ore, with an optimal parameter 550 °C for 7.5 min and gas reduction potential 0.2. The process can realize the simultaneous complete magnetization roasting of siderite and hematite to magnetite, and avoid the formation of wustite while satisfying the reduction of hematite, which has wide applicability. For Shaanxi low-grade siderite ore, compared with the conventional magnetization roasting process, the iron recovery rate of weak magnetic separation is greatly improved by 34.89%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As most common primary tumor in adult's brain, the glioblastoma (GBM) still ends up with poor survival period. Little progress has been made in recent decades in terms of improving prognosis. There's still an urgent need for novel targets and strategies to overcome such malignancy. Both the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were used to analyze expression differences and correlations. The immunohistochemistry and survival analysis were used to verify expression differences. Tumorigenesis was assessed using cholecystokinin and the orthotopic xenograft model. Metastasis was determined by the transwell assay and the tail vein xenograft model. Inhibin subunit beta B (INHBB) was upregulated in GBM and predicted poor survival. It promoted tumor growth, invasion and stemness in GBM. INHBB expression correlated with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and downstream AKT and ERK expression levels. The increased tumor progression induced by INHBB could be inhibited by afatinib. This study revealed INHBB as a tumor progression and independent prognostic factor in GBM, which could be a potential upper stream molecular of EGFR/ERK/AKT signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of hypoperfusion on cognition in patients with Moyamoya disease (MMD) is unclear. This study investigated cognitive function changes in MMD patients without stroke and illustrated the relationship between cognitive impairment and hypoperfusion. We prospectively performed a structured battery of seven neurocognitive tests on 115 adult MMD patients without stroke and 82 healthy controls. Hemodynamic assessment was performed using dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MRI. The best subset regression (BSR) strategy was used to identify risk factors. Global cognition (MoCA), speed of information processing (TMT-A), executive function (TMT-B), visuospatial function (CDT), and verbal memory (CAVLT) were significantly poorer in MMD patients without stroke than in healthy controls. The TMT-B score significantly correlated with cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the bilateral lateral frontal lobes, centrum semiovale, and temporal lobes. The TMT-A and CAVLT scores significantly correlated with CBF in the left centrum semiovale (L-CSO) and temporal lobes. According to the BSR results, age, education, white matter lesions, and hypoperfusion of the L-CSO were risk factors for cognitive impairment. Hypoperfusion leads to multiple cognitive impairments in MMD patients without stroke. The perfusion of particular areas may help evaluate the cognitive function of MMD patients and guide therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ)-Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a disease-specific instrument to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with NAFLD. In order to provide further evidence for the cross-cultural utility of this instrument in the Chinese population, we translated the CLDQ-NAFLD into Chinese and examined its reliability and validity. Methods: Patients with NAFLD in 90 hospitals across China were enrolled in this multicenter cross-sectional survey. Eligible patients completed the Chinese version of CLDQ-NAFLD at enrollment to assess HRQL. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and split-half reliability. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed using Spearman correlation coefficient. Factor analysis was used to test the construct validity. Results: Between March and August 2019, 5181 patients with a mean age of 43.8 ± 13.3 years were enrolled. All domains exhibited good internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha and split-half reliability greater than 0.70. The scaling success rate of all domains was 100% for convergent validity and 99.4% (179/180) for discriminant validity. The inter-scale correlations indicated a significant correlation between all CLDQ-NAFLD domains (r = 0.608 to 0.832, all p < 0.001). Factor analysis of 36 items extracted 6 factors, which explained 69.14% of the total variance. Conclusion: The Chinese version of CLDQ-NAFLD is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the HRQL of Chinese patients with NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel force balance model based on coverage of iron asperity was proposed. • The model combines asperity, surface coverage, and sphericity to make a more general prediction. • The predicted values of surface coverage agree with the experimental results. • The maps of force balance were drawn for defluidization prediction. • Defluidization is prone to occur for fine and irregular particles. Ilmenite particles are readily defluidized when they are reduced in a fluidized bed reactor because nano-micro iron nuclei that precipitate on the particle surface are adhesive and tend to aggregate. We propose herein a novel force balance model with which to predict defluidization phenomena. This model is based on the particle cohesion force comprising the sum of the cohesion forces for surface asperities. As the surface coverage of iron particles increases with the extent of reduction, the cohesion forces of the particles gradually increase and eventually trigger defluidization. The surface coverage predicted by the model agrees well with experimental results for 88.4 ∼ 154.7 μm particles and the temperature range 700 ∼ 850 °C. The new force balance model reveals that particle size, sphericity, and temperature play key roles in defluidization of ilmenite during reduction. Defluidization occurs readily for fine and irregular particles, especially at high temperatures. Our model combines asperity, surface coverage, and particle sphericity to make a more general prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the phase compositions and reaction models of zinc manganese oxides with different Zn/Mn ratios. These oxides were synthesized through a conventional solid-state reaction, and the reaction between ZnO and MnO 2 generates a ZnMn 2 O 4 -based spinel-like phase. Furthermore, a reaction model with a MnO 2 core and a ZnMn 2 O 4 -based shell was proposed in this work. The ZnO particles on the surface hardly diffuses into the core because of the protection provided by the shell, thus, a ZnO second-phase was detected in ZM11 and ZM12 ceramics calcined at 1000 °C for 3 h and sintered at 1450 °C for 3 h. A single ZnMn 2 O 4 -based spinel-like phase was generated when Zn/Mn ratio was less than 1:2 or when the calcining time was prolonged to 30 h for ZM12 ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forming limit curve (FLC) is an essential criterion for evaluating the formability of fiber metal laminates (FMLs) in mass fabrication. However, conventional methodologies are unable to predict inner fiber failure, very sensitive to wrinkling defects, resulting in low measurement accuracy and stability. Hence, a novel dual-stage failure criterion considering the progressive failure of fiber and metal layers has been developed and validated by utilizing a notch-pattern sample and forming of typical thin-walled structure, with four typical categories of glass laminate aluminum reinforced epoxy (GLARE). The Nakajima tests of a series of notch-pattern and conventional pattern specimens with different widths were conducted in this study, demonstrating the superiority of wrinkling and delamination prevention of the notch-pattern by enhancing 22.84 % stress triaxiality and reducing 39.51 % compress strain in the edge area. Notably, punch reaction force and strain field analyses unveiled a mutation phenomenon indicative of premature fiber failure while the aluminum remained intact, which was also verified by numerical and interrupted methods. Furthermore, the acoustic emission in-situ method was adopted to monitor the progressive damage evolution of uncured GLARE in the Nakajima test, providing solid support for the occurrence of fiber failure at the mutation site. Leveraging these mutations, a list of dual-stage forming limit curves was devised to quantify the progressive damage behavior of uncured GLARE under biaxial tensile conditions. Finally, the practical application of this novel dual-stage forming limit curve methodology was demonstrated in the manufacturing process of a box-shaped part, serving as a proof of concept for its effectiveness. This study offers a foundational guideline for characterizing the intrinsic failure mechanisms of fiber metal laminates, particularly internal fiber failure under various strain conditions, thereby enhancing predictive accuracy. [Display omitted] • The novel notch pattern can avoid wrinkling and delamination defects in the Nakajima test. • The premature failure of fiber in GLARE under complex strain status is first-time quantitatively observed and validated. • A novel dual-stage forming limit curve (FLC) of GLARE including only fiber cracking & total cracking is established. • The effectiveness of the dual-stage forming limit curve (FLC) is validated by hydroforming of a box-shaped part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southwest mountainous region of China has been characterized as one of the worldwide biodiversity hotspots, but mechanisms underlying diversification of organisms in this region are still not clear. We assessed whether fragmented mountainous habitats and Pleistocene climate changes impacted the genetic diversity and diversification patterns of the hoary bamboo rat (Rhizomys pruinosus Blyth), a widely distributed species of rodent in SW China. Genetic diversity analyses were undertaken based on four mitochondrial DNA regions and 12 nuclear microsatellite loci (simple sequence repeats), representing 153 individuals from 24 populations across SW China. Moreover, we investigated correlations between genotype and geographical components, and predicted species distribution models for R. pruinosus under the historical and present climate conditions. Both mitochondrial DNA and simple sequence repeat markers revealed substantial genetic diversity and strong differentiation between populations. Phylogeographical analyses revealed two phylogenetic clades that were consistent with their geographical distributions (eastern and western clades). We inferred that the divergence of R. pruinosus was largely driven by Quaternary climatic oscillations and regionally fragmented mountainous habitats with environmental and geographical heterogeneity. Overall, our study revealed diversification patterns of R. pruinosus—patterns that may be shared by small alpine vertebrates in SW China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• All defects/failure models of FMLs after forming has been analyzed. • The key process parameters have been investigated by experimental and numerical methods. • A new feasible map based on processing parameters' effects on various defects has been developed. Warm hydroforming shows considerable promise as a forming technology for Fiber Metal Laminates (FMLs) parts due to its capacity to enhance the formability of materials. However, a detailed investigation into the failure behavior during hydroforming is still lacking. In this paper, a systematic experiment was performed to analyze the possible failure modes for GLARE in warm active hydroforming. Five main defect modes have been identified, including fiber crack, combined Al & fiber crack, wrinkle, low resin, and voids defects. The related formation mechanisms have been analyzed based on both experiments and numerical methods. Additionally, the effects of critical process parameters, including the blank holder force (BHF), liquid pressure rate (PR), and temperature (T) on failure behavior are thoroughly investigated and quantified. The use of step-loading BHF was recommended to enhance formability, which caused a nearly 36% decrease in the prepreg tensile damage criteria coefficient. Conversely, decreasing PR or increasing T significantly improved the formability of GLARE but resulted in low resin content and significant void defects. Consequently, a feasibility map that quantified the BHF and liquid pressure effects on various defects was developed, leading to optimized parameters for manufacturing a box-shaped part. This study not only explores the failure model of FMLs but also offers valuable insights for process parameter improvement and how to optimize key parameters in engineering processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Talaromyces minioluteus W19 was isolated from a deep-sea sediment sample of the western Pacific Ocean. A systematic investigation of its chemical constituents led to the isolation of nine compounds, including one new macrolactin (1), three citrinin (2 − 4), one sesquiterpene ester (5), one steroid (6), two fatty acid analogues (7 and 8), and one glyceride (9). Compounds 2 , 4 , and 6 − 9 were isolated from the genus Talaromyces for the first time. Fusarimone A (3) could be ideal chemotaxonomic marker for T. minioluteus. Drimane sesquiterpenoid-amino acid hybrid is potent chemotaxonomic marker for the genus Talaromyces. In this study, 9 compounds were isolated for the first time from Talaromyces minioluteus , including one new macrolactin (1), three citrinin (2 − 4), one sesquiterpene ester (5), one steroid (6), two fatty acid analogues (7 and 8), and one glyceride (9). Compound 3 could be used as a chemotaxonomic marker of T. minioluteus. Drimane sesquiterpenoid-amino acid hybrid is potent chemotaxonomic marker for the genus Talaromyces. [Display omitted] • Compound 1 was a new macrolactin. • Compounds 2 , 4 and 6 – 9 were isolated from the genus Talaromyces for the first time. • Compound 3 could be chemotaxonomic marker of T. minioluteus. • Purpuride is ideal chemotaxonomic marker for the genus Talaromyces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical investigation of deep-sea-derived fungus Trichoderma simmonsii ZEN3 led to the isolation of 16 compounds, including four steroids (1 − 4), four alkaloids (5 − 8), four polyketides (9 − 12), two lipids (13 and 14), one oxygenated cyclohexane derivative (15), and one harziandione (16). The structures of these compounds were determined mainly by detailed analysis of NMR spectra data. All compounds were isolated from T. simmonsii for the first time. Compounds 3 − 5 , 7 , 8 , and 15 were isolated from the genus Trichoderma for the first time, and could be chemotaxonomic markers that distinguished T. simmonsii from other Trichoderma species. Compounds 11 , 13 , and 16 could be chemotaxonomic markers of the genus Trichoderma. [Display omitted] • The deep-sea-derived fungus Trichoderma simmonsii has been investigated. • Sixteen miscellaneous compounds have been isolated. • Compounds 11 , 13 and 16 are considerable Trichoderma genus chemotaxonomic markers. • T. simmonsii chemotaxonomically distinguishes based on compounds 3 − 5 , 7 , 8 , and 15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moyamoya disease (MMD) often presents as ischemic stroke in pediatric patients and hemorrhage in adults. This situation raises questions as to whether the phenotype of moyamoya disease changes with age. We performed self-precontrol and postcontrol observation monitoring until adulthood on abnormal collateral vessels (ACVs) with the potential risk of bleeding to evaluate the chance of further hemorrhage. Fifteen pediatric patients with >10 years angiography-based follow-up were analyzed. The Matsushima grades were divided into 2 groups (good group, representing Matsushima stage A; and mild group, representing Matsushima stages B and C) to investigate the relationship between Matsushima grades and ACVs derived from vessels likely to cause intracranial hemorrhage. Four patients (26.7%) had infarction type and 11 (73.3%) patients had transient ischemic attack type. No patient experienced late-onset cerebral hemorrhagic events. One patient experienced recurrent ischemic stroke 6 months after the second surgery and recovered completely after the third surgery. The angiography-based follow-up was conducted at least 10 years after the encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS). The good Matsushima group showed a significant positive correlation with the reduction of the anterior choroidal artery (odds ratio, 56.00; P = 0.003), whereas the posterior communicating artery showed no significant decrease before and after the EDAS procedure (odds ratio, 2.00; P = 1.00). The EDAS procedure can effectively attenuate the dilation and ACVs of the anterior choroidal artery, which may reduce the incidence of further hemorrhage in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to simultaneously regulate the residence time of polydisperse particles and completely inhibit particle backmixing remains a challenge of fluidization technology. In this study, it is shown that adding elutriation pipes into multiple-chamber fluidized beds to strengthen particle elutriation and entrainment is an effective measure. Coarse-grained CFD-DEM simulation results show that the addition of the elutriation pipe can completely inhibit the particle back-mixing between adjacent chambers, and the mean residence time (MRT) ratio of coarse and fine particles can be regulated to be larger than their diameter ratio. Furthermore, a study on the numbered-up multiple-chamber fluidized beds find that (i) the MRT ratio of coarse and fine particles can be larger than the 1.5th power of their diameter ratio with full suppression of particle back-mixing between adjacent chambers; (ii) the MRT of each size of particles is a linear function of chamber number, whereas the MRT ratio approaches an asymptotic value. The results are of guiding significance for improving the overall conversion rate of polydisperse particles. [Display omitted] • Numbered-up multiple-chamber fluidized beds is optimized using coarse-grained CFD-DEM simulations. • The particle back-mixing between adjacent chambers can be completely inhibited. • The particles MRT increases linearly, the MRT ratio of coarse and fine particles has a theoretical maximum value. • The MRT ratio of coarse and fine particles can be further increased to be larger than d p c / d p f 1.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen metallurgy technology uses hydrogen as the reducing agent instead of carbon reduction, which is one of the important ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and ensure the green and sustainable development of iron and steel industry. Due to the advantages of high gas-solid contact efficiency and outstanding mass and heat transfer, direct reduction of iron ore in fluidized beds has attracted much attention. Based on the three-layer unreacted shrinking core model and considering the diversity of particle structure during the reaction process, a multi-reaction path (multi-resistance network) model was established. In this study, a coarse-grained CFD-DEM-IBM solver based on hybrid CPU–GPU computing is developed to simulate the direct reduction process of two kinds of iron ore with hydrogen in fluidized beds, where the developed unreacted shrinking core model is used to model the reduction reactions, a coarse-grained model and multiple GPUs enable the significant acceleration of particle computation, and the immersed boundary method (IBM) enables the use of simple mesh even in complex geometries of reactors. The predicted results of particle reduction degree are in good agreement with the experimental values, which proves the correctness of the CFD-DEM-IBM solver. In addition, the effects of reaction kinetic parameters and operating temperature on particle reduction degree are also investigated. Present study provides a method for digital design, optimization and scale-up of ironmaking reactors. [Display omitted] • Direct reduction of iron-ore with hydrogen in fluidized beds was simulated. • CFD-DEM-IBM method was coupled with an unreacted shrinking core model. • Reacting gas-solid flow was simulated. • Simulated overall reduction degrees are agreed with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Eight new and 46 known compounds were isolated from the deep-sea-derived Aspergillus sp. • Compounds 1 – 3 were three novel oxoindole diterpenoids. • Compounds 34 displayed potent ferroptosis inhibitory activity with the EC 50 value of 100 nM. • Compounds 10 and 39 inhibited necroptosis by downregulating the phosphorylation of RIPK3 and MLKL. Eight undescribed (1 – 8) and 46 known compounds (9 – 54) were isolated from the deep-sea-derived Aspergillus sp. MCCC 3A00392. Compounds 1 – 3 were three novel oxoindolo diterpenoids, 4 – 6 were three bisabolane sesquiterpenoids, while 7 and 8 were two monocyclic cyclopropanes. Their structures were established by exhaustive analyses of the HRESIMS, NMR, and theoretical calculations of the NMR data and ECD spectra. Compounds 10 , 33 , 38 , and 39 were able to inhibit tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced necroptosis in murine L929 cell lines. Functional experiments verified that compounds 10 and 39 inhibited necroptosis by downregulating the phosphorylation of RIPK3 and MLKL. Moreover, compound 39 also reduced the phosphorylation of RIPK1. Compounds 10 , 33 , and 34 displayed potent inhibitory activities against RSL-3 induced ferroptosis with the EC 50 value of 3.0 μM, 0.4 μM, and 0.1 μM, respectively. Compound 10 inhibited ferroptosis by the downregulation of HMOX1, while compounds 33 and 34 inhibited ferroptosis through regulation of NRF2/SLC7A11/GCLM axis. However, these compounds only showed weak effect in either the necroptosis or ferroptosis relative mouse disease models. Further studies of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics might improve their in vivo bioactivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposed an innovative active hydroforming & curing hybrid method to manufacture complex thin-walled FML structures. • The new method enhances the formability of thin-walled FMLs and enable the forming and curing in a single step. • The new method increases the ultimate stress by 10 % and reduces the curing deformation from 3.1 mm to 1.3 mm. • Four typical defects during forming of thin-walled FMLs have been characterized and analyzed. • Influence of key parameters on forming accuracy has been discussed. Fiber Metal Laminates (FMLs) are preferable thin-walled structures in several fields for their exceptional mechanical properties. However, how to manufacture thin-walled FMLs structures with complex shapes and guarantee the high mechanical properties is still a challenge. To address these, this paper proposes an innovative hybrid forming method, referred to as active warm hydroforming and curing, to enhance the formability and performance of FMLs in GLARE form by combining the forming and curing process into a single step. The hybrid method was verified on a box-shaped part as a proof-of-concept to assess the feasibility and parameter influence. Online curing was utilized to enhance efficiency and quality. The outcomes revealed that the new method increases the ultimate tensile stress by 12.1 % and reduces curing deformation from 3.1 mm to 1.3 mm compared to the vacuum bagging method. Furthermore, the critical parameters in forming of thin-walled structures, including blank holder force (BHF), pressure rate (PR), maximum pressure (MP), and forming temperature (FT), were identified using experimental, mathematical, and numerical approaches. Four defects in the formed thin-walled structures were observed and successfully eliminated through the control of these parameters. The method and results presented in this paper also provide direct guidance for optimizing the process parameters of FMLs warm hydroforming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the mass balance equations within a thin film layer on the surface of particles are proposed based on the local heterogeneous structure in downers. These equations are used to describe mass transfer and chemical reaction behavior via the Euler two-fluid simulation. The model prediction is insensitive to the layer thickness, and is in good agreement with the experimentation obtained from a literature. The time-averaged gas-solid concentration difference indicates a relatively saturated gas-solid adsorption and that process is mainly controlled by chemical reaction. The negative transient gas-solid concentration difference demonstrates that gas-solid mass transfer is not always in local equilibrium with chemical reaction. Thus, the new model, which removes the imposed limitation on the simulation results and contains the effect of particle convection, is more suitable and reasonable than the previous model based on the assumed local equilibrium. [Display omitted] • Mass balance on the surface of particles is analyzed based on flow structure in downer. • No local equilibrium assumption is used in model development. • New method can give reasonable prediction of transfer-reaction behavior. • Gas-solid mass transfer is not always in local equilibrium with chemical reaction. • Transfer due to meso-scale particle movement is also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) is a multi-dimensional construct that can comprehensively evaluate the patient's health status, including physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on HRQL in a Chinese population.Methods: In this national multicenter cross-sectional survey, patients with NAFLD were enrolled. Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ)-NAFLD was used to qualify HRQL. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify independent risk factors of HRQL.Results: A total of 5181 patients with NAFLD from 90 centers were enrolled in this study (mean age, 43.8 ± 13.3 years; male, 65.8%). The overall CLDQ score was 5.66 ± 0.89. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that body mass index (BMI: HR, 1.642; 95% CI, 1.330-2.026), alanine transaminase (ALT: HR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.001-1.011), triglyceride (HR, 1.184; 95% CI, 1.074-1.305), disease severity (HR, 3.203; 95% CI, 1.418-7.232) and cardiovascular disease (HR, 4.305; 95% CI, 2.074-8.939) were independent risk factors for overall CLDQ score. In the logistic analyses of individual domain, BMI and triglyceride were independent risk factors of all domains. ALT, disease severity, diabetes, depression and cardiovascular disease were influencing factors for the CLDQ score of several domains.Conclusions: This national multicenter cross-sectional survey in China indicated that the HRQL in patients with NAFLD was impaired. HRQL was found to be significantly associated with sociodemographic and clinical factors. Attention should be paid to the optimally managing care of patients with NAFLD to improve their HRQL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel low-permittivity Ca 2 HfSi 4 O 12 microwave dielectric ceramic was investigated. • Partial substitution of Sn4+ for Hf4+ could reduce ε r value and improve Q×f value of Ca 2 HfSi 4 O 12 ceramic. • The τ f value of Ca 2 (Hf 1- x Sn x)Si 4 O 12 ceramics could be controlled to near-zero by CaSnSiO 5 second phase. • The correlation between phase compositions and microwave dielectric properties of Ca 2 (Hf 1- x Sn x)Si 4 O 12 was investigated. The phase compositions and microwave dielectric properties of Ca 2 (Hf 1- x Sn x)Si 4 O 12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) were investigated by the solid-state reaction method. A single-phase ceramic with monoclinic structure was formed in the Ca 2 (Hf 1- x Sn x)Si 4 O 12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) ceramic. At 0.25 ≤ x ≤ 0.5, CaSiO 3 and CaSnSiO 5 second phases appeared. The microwave dielectric properties of a novel Ca 2 HfSi 4 O 12 ceramic (ε r = 8.1, Q × f = 39,700 GHz and τ f = ‒12.7 ppm/°C) were obtained. Partial substitution of Sn4+ for Hf4+ could reduce its relative permittivity and improve quality factor, and the highest quality factor of 49,500 GHz was obtained at x = 0.2. The τ f value of Ca 2 (Hf 1- x Sn x)Si 4 O 12 ceramics could be controlled to a near-zero value by the CaSnSiO 5 second phase when x > 0.3. The optimum microwave dielectric properties (ε r = 8.0, Q × f = 37,100 GHz and τ f = ‒7.2 ppm/°C) were achieved in the Ca 2 (Hf 1- x Sn x)Si 4 O 12 (x = 0.4) ceramic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI) is a rare but potentially severe adverse drug reaction. To date, identifying individuals at risk for IDILI remains challenging. This is a prospective study, where a nested case–control (1:5) design was adopted. For six patients who had abnormalities in liver function test after Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM) ingestion (susceptible group), 30 patients with normal liver function were matched (tolerant group). Based on liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, metabolomics analysis was done on serum samples prior to PM ingestion, to screen the differential metabolites and characterize metabolomic profiles of patient serum in the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that there were remarkable separations between susceptible and tolerant groups. A total of 25 major differential metabolites were screened out, involving glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, histidine metabolism and aromatic amino acid metabolism. Wherein, the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curves of metabolites PE 22:6, crotonoyl-CoA, 2E-tetradecenoyl-CoA, phenyllactic acid, indole-5,6-quinone, phosphoribosyl-ATP were all greater than 0.9. The overall serum metabolic profile comprising of 25 metabolites could clearly distinguish susceptible and tolerant groups. This proof-of-concept study used metabolomics to characterize the metabolic profile of IDILI risk individuals before drug ingestion for the first time. The metabolome characteristics in patient serum before PM ingestion may predict the risk of liver injury after PM ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhibition of α-glucosidase and glycation is considered as an effective approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In this study, multispectroscopic and molecular docking techniques were employed to investigate the inhibition of tannic acid on α-glucosidase and glycation. Kinetics analyses revealed that tannic acid had a significant inhibition on α-glucosidase (IC 50 = 0.35 ± 0.02 μM) in a reversible and mixed competitive manner. The results acquired from fluorescence quenching and ANS-binding fluorescence methods revealed that tannic acid could bind to α-glucosidase and reduce the hydrophobic area on the surface of the enzyme. In addition, synchronous fluorescence analysis showed that tannic acid decreased the hydrophobicity of α-glucosidase and changed the conformation of the enzyme. In vitro glycation assays showed that tannic acid had strong inhibitory effects on the formation of fructosamine, dicarbonyl compounds, and fluorescent AGEs. ANS-binding fluorescence analysis showed that tannic acid could bind to BSA and reduce the hydrophobicity of BSA in glycation. Moreover, the results of molecular docking showed the interaction between tannic acid and α-glucosidase was mainly driven by hydrogen bond, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interaction. And the interaction between tannic acid and BSA was mainly driven by hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Biochar prepared by iron-rich fermented sludge improved methane yield by 23.4%. • The electro-activity properties of EPS were up-regulated by prepared biochar. • Electroactive microorganisms were enriched and DIET might be established. • CO 2 -reduction and acetoclastic methanogenesis pathways were both promoted. • The proposed route realized stepwise resource recovery and final disposal of WAS. Anaerobic biological treatment of waste activated sludge (WAS) is proven as a low-carbon footprint technology with dual advantages of bio-fuel recovery and sludge stabilization. However, sludge residue after anaerobic biological treatment has been a serious obstacle to build waste-free cities. In this study, sludge residue, iron-rich sludge residue, and iron-rich fermented sludge residue were selected as the raw materials of biochar and the roles of prepared biochar in anaerobic digestion of WAS were investigated. Results indicated that the prepared biochar improved methane production and biochar derived from iron-rich fermented sludge residue (PFF-BC) obtained the best performance, with an increment of 23.4%. Mechanism analysis illustrated that the structural characteristics of PFF-BC were updated, including iron species, defect levels, and specific surface area, which played positive roles in the conversion of intermediate metabolites. Meanwhile, the compositions and electro-activity properties of extracellular polymeric substances were both stimulated by PFF-BC. Correspondingly, the activities of electron transport system and cytochrome c increased by 23.4% and 36.7%, respectively. For microbial communities, the abundances of electroactive microorganisms (such as Anaerolineaceae , Syntrophomonas and Methanosaeta) increased and direct interspecies electron transfer might be established, improving CO 2 -reduction and acetoclastic methanogenesis pathways. These findings will provide important references for stepwise resource recovery and final disposal of WAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with Her2-positive breast cancer exhibit de novo resistance or develop acquired resistance in less than one year after Her2 targeting treatment, but the mechanism is not fully elucidated. Compensatory pathways such as the IGF-1R/IRS-1 pathway, are activated, leading to aberrant enhanced PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway activity to attenuate the efficacy of trastuzumab. Cullin7 could participate in the degradation of IRS-1 in a mTOR/S6K dependent manner. Whether Cullin7 participates in trastuzumab resistance needs to be further investigated. Here, we reveals that Cullin7 is overexpressed in trastuzumab-resistant Her2 positive breast cancer cells. Knockdown of Cullin7 reduces degradation of Ser phosphorylation of IRS-1, attenuates activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, and partly restores trastuzumab sensitivity in trastuzumab-resistant Her2 positive breast cancer cells. IGFBP-3 expression is decreased in trastuzumab-resistant Her2 positive breast cancer cells, which leads to release of the Wnt signaling pathway inhibition and an increase in Cullin7 expression, as mediated by TCF7L2. Overexpression of Cullin7 in Her2-amplified breast cancer tissues has clinical implications because it positively correlates with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and inadequate response to trastuzumab. Thus, our results suggest a critical role for Cullin7 in response to trastuzumab, which has significant implications for selection of the optimal therapeutic strategy for Her2 positive breast cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) is endemic to China and also the most critically endangered subspecies of living tigers. It is considered extinct in the wild and only about 150 individuals survive in captivity to date, whose genetic heritage, however, is ambiguous and controversial. Here, we conducted an explicit genetic assessment of 92 studbook-registered South China tigers from 14 captive facilities using a subspecies-diagnostic system in the context of comparison with other voucher specimens to evaluate the genetic ancestry and level of distinctiveness of the last surviving P. t. amoyensis. Three mtDNA haplotypes were identified from South China tigers sampled in this study, including a unique P. t. amoyensis AMO1 haplotype not found in other subspecies, a COR1 haplotype that is widespread in Indochinese tigers (P. t. corbetti), and an ALT haplotype that is characteristic of Amur tigers (P. t. altaica). Bayesian STRUCTURE analysis and parentage verification confirmed the verified subspecies ancestry (VSA) as the South China tiger in 74 individuals. Genetic introgression from other tigers was detected in 18 tigers, and subsequent exclusion of these and their offspring from the breeding program is recommended. Both STRUCTURE clustering and microsatellite-based phylogenetic analyses demonstrated a close genetic association of the VSA South China tigers to Indochinese tigers, an issue that could only be elucidated by analysis of historical South China tiger specimens with wild origin. Our results also indicated a moderate level of genetic diversity in the captive South China tiger population, suggesting a potential for genetic restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Vision-based manual inspection technology for identifying and assessing superficial damage of historic buildings is time- and labor-consuming. To overcome these limits, this paper proposed a novel automatic damage detection technique using Faster R-CNN model based on ResNet101 framework to detect two categories of damage (efflorescence and spalling) for historic masonry structures. 33 different cases were studied, and the best case shown an average precision (AP) of 0.999 and 0.900 for efflorescence and spalling damage respectively, with a 0.950 mean AP. Moreover, an Internet Protocol (IP) webcam damage detection system combined with workstation was developed to detect the damage in real-time, and an automatic damage detection system based on smartphones was developed, which can realize real-time damage detection of brick masonry buildings. In addition, two on-site experiments were carried out on real masonry buildings to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the system. Consequently, it was demonstrated that the proposed method was considerably automatic, efficient, and reliable for damage detection of historic masonry buildings and, ultimately, contributing to the management and protection of historic buildings. Highlights • An automatic damage detection strategy based on deep learning is developed. • Deep learning-based damage detection model with 95.0% mean AP is trained. • IP webcam damage detection system combined with workstation is developed. • Mobile damage detection system based on smartphones is developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthritis is a major complication of Kawasaki disease (KD). The aims of this study were to define the frequency and the clinical characteristics of arthritis in KD in China and to analyze the relation between arthritis and coronary outcome in KD. We included 1420 KD patients followed at Jiangxi Children's Hospital from January 2014 to December 2017. Demographic, clinical and laboratory features of KD were analyzed. Among the 1420 patients enrolled, 151 had arthritis. The median age of KD patients with arthritis was 29 months and older than those without arthritis (20 months). Of the 151 patients developed arthritis, 101 patients (66.9%) had oligoarticular involvement and 50 patients (33.1%) had polyarticular involvement. Early-onset and late-onset arthritis were, respectively, observed in 123 (81.45%) and 28 (18.54%) patients. The KD patients with arthritis had significantly increased levels of inflammatory markers, and we observed a higher incidence rate of coronary artery aneurysms among those with arthritis (7.28%) compared to those without arthritis (2.75%) (p = 0.003), but the prevalence of coronary artery lesions (CALs) was similar in the two groups. The arthritis in KD was self-limited, left no sequelae and did not require additional medications. KD patients with arthritis were more likely to get coronary artery aneurysms than the patients without arthritis, so examination of joints in KD was necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium ferrate (K 2 FeO 4) has been extensively employed to promote short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production from anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge (WAS) because of its potent oxidizing property and formation of alkaline hydrolyzed products (potassium hydroxide, KOH and ferric hydroxide, Fe(OH) 3). However, whether K 2 FeO 4 actually works as dual functions of both an oxidizing agent and an alkalinity enhancer during the anaerobic fermentation process remains uncertain. This study aims to identify the contributions of hydrolyzed products of K 2 FeO 4 on SCFAs production. The results showed that K 2 FeO 4 did not execute dual functions of oxidization and alkalinity in promoting SCFAs production. The accumulation of SCFAs using K 2 FeO 4 treatment (183 mg COD/g volatile suspended solids, VSS) was less than that using either KOH (192 mg COD/g VSS) or KOH & Fe(OH) 3 (210 mg COD/g VSS). The mechanism analysis indicated that the synergistic effects caused by oxidization and alkalinity properties of K 2 FeO 4 did not happen on solubilization, hydrolysis, and acidogenesis stages, and the inhibition effect caused by K 2 FeO 4 on methanogenesis stage at the initial phase was more severe than that of its hydrolyzed products. It was also noted that the inhibition effects of K 2 FeO 4 and its hydrolyzed products on the methanogenesis stage could be relieved during a longer sludge retention time, and the final methane yields using KOH or KOH & Fe(OH) 3 treatment were higher than that using K 2 FeO 4 , further confirming that dual functions of K 2 FeO 4 were not obtained. Therefore, K 2 FeO 4 may not be an alternative strategy for enhancing the production of SCFAs from WAS compared to its alkaline hydrolyzed products. Regarding the strong oxidization property of K 2 FeO 4 , more attention could be turned to the fates of refractory organics in the anaerobic fermentation of WAS. [Display omitted] • Dual functions of potassium ferrate on anaerobic digestion of WAS were evaluated. • The highest SCFAs production was observed with hydrolyzed products. • No dual functions were achieved on solubilization and hydrolysis stages. • Potassium ferrate performed more inhibitions on methanogenesis at initial phase. • Potassium ferrate may not an alternative strategy compared to alkaline strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Three novel citrinin trimers and three known derivatives were isolated from the deep-sea-derived Penicillium citrinum W23. • The structures were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of their NMR, MS, and ECD calculations. • Compound 2 could enhance osteoblastogenesis and inhibit adipogenesis on BMSCs without cytotoxicity. Marine fungi are prolific source for the discovery of structurally diverse and bioactive molecules. In our search for new anti-osteoporosis compounds from deep-sea-derived fungi, we prioritized a fungus whose extract exhibited moderate activity and rich chemical diversity. The investigation of this strain afforded a class of citrinins, including three new citrinin trimers, neotricitrinols A–C (1 – 3), and three known dimeric/monomeric precursors (4 – 6). Neotricitrinols A–C (1 – 3) feature a unique octacyclic carbon scaffold among the few reported citrinin trimers with their absolute configurations established by spectroscopic analysis, theoretical-statistical approaches (GIAO-NMR, TDDFT-ECD/ORD calculations), DP4+ probability analysis as well as biogenetic consideration. A plausible biosynthetic pathway linking 1 – 3 from the common intermediate metabolite penicitrinol A (4) was proposed. Biologically, neotricitrinol B (2) showed potential anti-osteoporosis activity by promoting osteoblastogenesis and inhibiting adipogenic differentiation on primary bone mesenchymal stem cells, while displaying no cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intense solids back-mixing has been one of the major disadvantages of gas-solid fluidized bed reactors for certain applications. In this study, coarse-grained CFD-DEM simulations are carried out to regulate the solids back-mixing in multiple-chamber fluidized beds by investigating the effect of the orifice size, the orifice location, the gas velocity of each chamber, and then the effect of the pipe length connecting adjacent chambers. The results indicate that optimizing the orifice size, the orifice location, and the gas velocity of each chamber can suppress the solids back-mixing to a certain extent. However, there is still a gap between the optimized design and the ideal situation. Therefore, using a sufficiently long pipe instead of a baffle with orifice is further proposed to completely suppress the solids back-mixing between adjacent chambers, which is validated using coarse-grained CFD-DEM simulations. Present results provide a means to regulate the solids back-mixing in multiple-chamber fluidized beds via proper design of bed geometry. [Display omitted] • Multiple chamber fluidized bed is optimized using coarse-grained CFD-DEM simulations. • The solids back-mixing can be regulated via proper reactor design. • A sufficiently long pipe connecting adjacent chambers enables the full suppression of solids back-mixing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the homogeneous coordinate transformation method and finite element simulation method of a whole hobbing machine, this paper proposes a highly applicable force-induced error model for a high-speed dry hobbing machine. The number of parameters needed in the error estimation can be effectively reduced by using this model, which has great value in industry application. According to the engagement features of the conjugating surface and the principle of two-degrees-of-freedom hobbing, the meshing equation was deduced and the force-induced errors of the system were mapped to the normal errors of gear surface. In this way, the mapping relationship between different kinds of force-induced errors and hobbing precision can be obtained. Then, the theoretical tooth surface and the real tooth surface under the influence of force-induced errors were respectively calculated by using a numerical simulation method. Based on numerical simulation results, the mathematical relationship between the tooth profile root-mean-square error (RMSE) and the compensation variables was obtained, as well as the optimal value of the compensation variables. The following experimental results validate the feasibility and accuracy of this error compensation method. This study has an important guiding role in the improvement of dry gear hobbing precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]