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Satellite‐based thermal infrared (TIR) land surface temperature (LST) is hindered by cloud cover and is applicable solely under clear‐sky conditions for estimating surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII). Clear‐sky SUHII may not accurately represent all‐sky conditions, potentially introducing quantitative biases in assessing urban heat islands. However, the differences between clear‐sky and all‐sky SUHIIs and their spatiotemporal variations are still poorly understood. Our analysis of over 600 global cities demonstrates that clear‐sky SUHII is mostly higher than all‐sky SUHII, particularly in summer, daytime, and precipitation‐rich regions. Besides, clear‐sky SUHII typically exhibits stronger seasonal and diurnal contrasts than all‐sky SUHII, especially for cities located in humid regions. These discrepancies can be attributed mainly to the increased missing LST data caused by cloud enhancement in urban areas. Our findings highlight the tendency for clear‐sky observations to overestimate SUHII, providing valuable insights for standardizing the quantification of surface urban heat islands. Plain Language Summary: Surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII) and its spatial and temporal variations are important for describing the urban thermal environment. SUHII is usually estimated from remotely sensed land surface temperature (LST), which is only available under clear‐sky conditions. The SUHII derived from clear‐sky observations may differ from the SUHII under all‐sky conditions. However, there is currently a lack of large‐scale quantitative assessments addressing the differences between clear‐sky and all‐sky SUHIIs. This study fills this research gap and indicates a substantial overestimation of SUHII in humid regions when using clear‐sky LST. This overestimation can be explained by the increased occurrence of missing LST data caused by the enhanced presence of clouds in urban areas. Our findings show the importance of utilizing all‐sky LST data in the examination of urban surface thermal environments, especially for cities situated in humid regions. Key Points: Clear‐sky surface urban heat island intensity (SUHII) shows higher values and stronger spatiotemporal variations than all‐sky SUHII, notably in summer, daytime, and humid areasThe annual daytime SUHII for tropical cities is, on average, overestimated by 30% when relying on clear‐sky land surface temperature (LST) observationsDifferences in clear‐sky and all‐sky SUHIIs can be explained by more missing LST data caused by increased clouds in urban areas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated how goal‐directed and habitual behaviors recover after extinction within the context of the resurgence effect, a form of relapse induced by the removal or worsening of alternative reinforcement. Rats were trained to press a target lever with one reinforcer (O1) for either minimal (4) or extended (16) sessions. An extinction test after the completion of O1 devaluation confirmed that minimal and extended training formed goal‐directed and habitual behaviors, respectively. Then, pressing an alternative lever was reinforced with a second reinforcer (O2) while the target response was placed on extinction. When O2 was discontinued, the minimally trained target response resurged with goal‐directed status as in the extinction test. However, the extinguished habitual behavior in the extensively trained rats did not recover as a habit but instead with goal‐directed status, possibly due to the context specificity of habits or the introduction of a new response–reinforcer contingency. The critical finding that reinforcer devaluation consistently led to less resurgence regardless of the amount of acquisition training provides a clinical implication that coupling differential‐reinforcement‐of‐alternative‐behavior (DRA) treatments with the devaluation of the associated reinforcer of problematic behavior could effectively diminish its recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demulsifier is one of the essential chemical agents in the process of petroleum exploitation. This article introduces the synthesis and application of various types of multi-branched polyether demulsifiers, providing reference for the future research and development. The multi-branched polyether demulsifiers are the tree-shaped multi-branched crude oil demulsifiers, star-shaped multi-branched crude oil demulsifiers and comb-shaped silicon-containing multi-branched crude oil demulsifiers. Relevant studies have shown that the comb-shaped multi-branched silicon-containing polyether has good low-temperature demulsification for crude oil and has broad research and application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming has changed the thermal and dynamic environment of climate effects, further exacerbating the uneven distribution of water in China within the year, and the threat of drought will continue to intensify. Flood control and drought resistance are equally important at present. How to reasonably utilize the flood control capacity of reservoirs and raise the flood control level is the key to alleviating the supply-demand contradiction of water resources in China. In the face of new situations, combining the existing operation regulations of the Three Gorges Reservoir and long series of historical runoff data, this paper takes the Three Gorges Reservoir as the object and formulates different flood control level schemes to analyze the benefits and risks of raising the flood control level of the Three Gorges Reservoir. The results indicate that relying on the current forecast level and the joint operation of upstream reservoirs, the flood control risk of the Three Gorges Reservoir flood control level rising to 155-157 m is controllable. It will not lower the flood control standards of Jingjiang and increase the risk of backwater flooding in the reservoir area. When the flood control level of the Three Gorges is raised to 153 m, the average annual power genertion reached its maximum value of 102.9 billion kWh, an increase of 16.7% compared to the initial design value. Consistent with years of statistical law, the Three Gorges Reservoir reaches its maximum power generation capacity in both wet and normal years when the flood control level increases to 153 m. Higher flood control level in dry years, resulting in better power generation efficiency. The flood control benefits are negatively correlated with the flood control level, but the average annual flood detention volume of different schemes varies by 1.5 billion m3. It has changed little. The benefits of water resources are positively correlated with the flood control level. The starting water level of the Three Gorges Reservoir increases synchronously with the rise in the flood control level. When the flood control level rises to 147 m, the full storage rate of the Three Gorges Reservoir can reach 100% by the end of October. For every 1m increase in flood control level, the average annual outflow of water during the storage period can increase by about 500 million m3. Relying on the current forecast level and the joint operation of upstream reservoirs, the flood control risk of the Three Gorges Reservoir s flood control water level rising to 155- 157 m is controllable. Considering both benefits and risks, the flood control level of the Three Gorges Reservoir can be raised to 153 m at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: By investigating the thermal-mechanical interaction between the through silicon via (TSV) and the Cu pad, this study aimed to determine the effect of electroplating defects on the upper surface protrusion and internal stress distribution of the TSV at various temperatures and to provide guidelines for the positioning of TSVs and the optimization of the electroplating process. Design/methodology/approach: A simplified model that consisted of a TSV (100 µm in diameter and 300 µm in height), a covering Cu pad (2 µm thick) and an internal drop-like electroplating defect (which had various dimensions and locations) was developed. The surface overall deformation and stress distribution of these models under various thermal conditions were analyzed and compared. Findings: The Cu pad could barely suppress the upper surface protrusion of the TSV if the temperature was below 250 ?. Interfacial delamination started at the collar of the TSV at about 250 ? and became increasingly pronounced at higher temperatures. The electroplating defect constantly experienced the highest level of strain and stress during the temperature increase, despite its geometry or location. But as its radius expanded or its distance to the upper surface increased, the overall deformation of the upper surface and the stress concentration at the collar of the TSV showed a downward trend. Originality/value: Previous studies have not examined the influence of the electroplating void on the thermal behavior of the TSV. However, with the proposed methodology, the strain and stress distribution of the TSV under different conditions in terms of temperature, dimension and location of the electroplating void were thoroughly investigated, which might be beneficial to the positioning of TSVs and the optimization of the electroplating process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serine metabolism is crucial for tumour oncogenesis and immune responses. S‐adenosyl methionine (SAM), a methyl donor, is typically derived from serine‐driven one‐carbon metabolism. However, the involvement of serine metabolism in psoriatic skin inflammation remains unclear. Objectives: To investigate the association between serine metabolism and psoriatic skin inflammation. Methods: Clinical samples were collected from patients with psoriasis and the expression of serine biosynthesis enzymes was evaluated. The HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line was transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) of key enzyme or treated with inhibitors. RNA sequencing and DNA methylation assays were performed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying serine metabolism‐regulated psoriatic keratinocyte inflammation. An imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis mouse model was established to determine the effect of the SAM administration on psoriatic skin inflammation. Results: The expression of serine synthesis pathway enzymes, including the first rate‐limiting enzyme in serine biosynthesis, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), was downregulated in the epidermal lesions of patients with psoriasis compared with that in healthy controls. Suppressing PHGDH in keratinocytes promoted the production of proinflammatory cytokines and enrichment of psoriatic‐related signalling pathways, including the tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) signalling pathway, interleukin (IL)‐17 signalling pathway and NF‐κB signalling pathway. In particular, PHGDH inhibition markedly promoted the secretion of IL‐6 in keratinocytes with or without IL‐17A, IL‐22, IL‐1α, oncostatin M and TNF‐α (mix) stimulation. Mechanistically, PHGDH inhibition upregulated the expression of IL‐6 by inhibiting SAM‐dependent DNA methylation at the promoter and increasing the binding of myocyte enhancer factor 2A. Furthermore, PHGDH inhibition increased the secretion of IL‐6 by increasing the activation of NF‐κB via SAM inhibition. SAM treatment effectively alleviated IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in mice. Conclusions: Our study revealed the crucial role of PHGDH in antagonising psoriatic skin inflammation and indicated that targeting serine metabolism may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV), a member of Potyvirus, is the most destructive and widespread viral disease in soybean production. Our earlier studies identified a soybean 40S ribosomal protein S8 (GmRPS8) using the 6K1 protein of SMV as the bait to screen a soybean cDNA library. The present study aims to identify the interactions between GmRPS8 and SMV and characterize the role of GmRPS8 in SMV infection in soybean. Expression analysis showed higher SMV-induced GmRPS8 expression levels in a susceptible soybean cultivar when compared with a resistant cultivar, suggesting that GmRPS8 was involved in the response to SMV in soybean. Subcellular localization showed that GmRPS8 was localized in the nucleus. Moreover, the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) experiments showed that GmRPS8 only interacted with 6K1 among the eleven proteins encoded by SMV. The interaction between GmRPS8 and 6K1 was further verified by a bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay, and the interaction was localized in the nucleus. Furthermore, knockdown of GmRPS8 by a virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system retarded the growth and development of soybeans and inhibited the accumulation of SMV in soybeans. Together, these results showed that GmRPS8 interacts with 6K1 and contributes to soybean susceptibility to SMV. Our findings provide new insights for understanding the role of GmRPS8 in the SMV infection cycle, which could help reveal potyviral replication mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was to investigate the modulatory effect of Sophora subprosrate polysaccharide (SSP) on inflammatory reaction and immunosuppression in PCV2-infected RAW264.7 cells. The PCV2-infected RAW264.7 cells were treated with SSP (100, 200 and 400 mg/L) for 16 h, the mRNA expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, 2 ( STAT1, STAT2), janus kinase 1 (JAK1), tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (Ccl3), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 (CXCL2), tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF-α), REL proto-oncogene, NF-κB subunit (Rel), nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor alpha and delta (Nfκbia, Nfκbid), and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor zeta (Nfκbiz) were measured. The protein expression levels of phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and 2 (p-Stat1, p-Stat2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and 2 (Stat1, Stat2), inhibitor of nuclear factor κB kinase subunit beta (IκB), phospho-inhibitor of nuclear factor κB kinase subunit beta (p-Iκ B), nuclear factor NF-κB p65 subunit (p65), phospho-nuclear factor NF-κB p65 subunit (p-p65), CXCL2, JAK1, phospho-Janus kinase 1 (p-JAK1) and TYK2 in the cells were detected. The levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), and TNF-α in cell supernatants were detected. The results showed that after the RAW264.7 cells were infected with PCV2 for 16 h, the mRNA expression levels of STAT1, STAT2, JAK1, TYK2 and Nfκbia were significantly upregulated (P<0.05), mRNA expression levels of Ccl3, CXCL2, TNF-α, Rel, Nfκbid and Nfκbiz were significantly downregulated ( P<0.05), the protein expression levels of Stat1, p-Stat1, Stat2, p-Stat2, JAK1, p-JAK1 and TYK2 were significantly upregulated ( P<0.05), protein expression levels of IκB, p-IκB, p65 and CXCL2 were significantly downregulated in RAW264.7 cells ( P<0.05), and SSP at 200 mg/L significantly regulated the imbalance in the expression levels of these factors (P<0.05). The study indicates that SSP modulates inflammatory response and immunosuppression induced by PCV2 infection through JAK-STAT/NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) based frequency doublers have widely been recognized as an essential component for both classical and quantum optical communications. Nonetheless, the efficiency (unit: %/W) of these devices is hindered by imperfections present in the quasi-phase matching (QPM) spectrum. In this report, we present a thorough experimental study of spectral imperfections in TFLN frequency doublers with varying lengths, ranging from 5 to 15 mm. A non-destructive diagnostic method based on scattered light imaging is proposed and employed to identify the waveguide sections and primary waveguide parameters contributing to the imperfections in the QPM spectrum. By applying this method, we obtain the evolution of the QPM spectrum along the waveguide's length. Correlating this information with the measurements of the relevant geometric parameters along the waveguides suggests that the TFLN film thickness variation is the primary source for the measured spectral distortions. Furthermore, we numerically reproduce the QPM spectra with the mapped TFLN film thickness across the entire waveguiding regions. These findings align with and complement the simulation results from previous numerical studies, providing further evidence of the effectiveness of the developed diagnostic method. This comprehensive investigation offers valuable insights into the identification and mitigation of spectral imperfections in TFLN-based frequency doublers, paving the way for the realization of nonlinear optical devices with enhanced efficiency and improved spectral fidelity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung is a special type of primary origin in the lung with obvious pathological features and short survival time. However, standard treatment guidelines have not yet been established. Herein, we report a case of hepatoid adenocarcinoma with the primary lesion located in the left upper lung. The tumour size was reduced after four cycles of combined therapy. Subsequent postoperative pathology confirmed complete remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the traditional contingent screening strategy is effective, there are still undetected low-risk trisomy 21. This study aims to define appropriate cut-off values of serum biochemical markers at low-risk and develop a strategy for sequential prenatal testing associated with first-trimester screening to increase the detection rate of trisomy 21. Methods: This was a 9-year retrospective analysis of singleton pregnant women who underwent serum biochemical screening or combined first-trimester screening (CFTS) in the first trimester. For the low-risk group, the cut-off values of the serum biochemical markers were adjusted to determine the appropriate detection efficiency. Gravidas with abnormal serum biochemical markers at low-risk were advised to undergo further non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS), whereas others continued with routine prenatal care. Results: When cut-off values of free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (free β-hCG) multiples of the median (MoM) or pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) MoM were defined with ≥ 2.75 or ≤ 0.5, 7.72% (2,194/28,405) in the serum biochemical screening group and 12.36% (4,005/32,403) in CFTS group could be detected as abnormal results for further NIPS. Finally, 55.56% (5/9) and 85.71% (6/7) of trisomy 21 cases with false-negative results were detected, and the overall detection rate for trisomy 21 was improved by 10.64% (5/47) and 12.77% (6/47), respectively. Conclusions: The new contingent screening strategy can increase the detection rate of trisomy 21 compared with the traditional contingent screening strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We investigate the pain relief and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in the treatment of metastatic vertebral tumors. Methods This prospective pilot study enrolled patients with metastatic vertebral tumors treated between January 2018 and October 2019. The participants were randomized to the PVP and MWA + PVP groups. Clinical parameters, pain visual analog scale (VAS), analgesic use scores (AUS), and quality-of-life score (QLS) were compared between groups. Results Sixty-seven participants were enrolled (PVP: n = 35; MWA + PVP: n = 32). There were no differences in bone cement injection volume, extravasation, and X-ray exposure time between the two groups (p > 0.05), but treatment costs were higher for the MWA + PVP group (26,418 ± 194 vs. 15,606 ± 148 yuan; p < 0.05). There were no significant improvements in VAS from baseline to 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months in the two groups (p > 0.05); at 6 and 12 months after the operation, the improvement from baseline was significant in the two groups (p < 0.05). The VAS was lower at 6 months (2.7 ± 0.7 vs. 3.2 ± 0.7) and 12 months (3.5 ± 0.8 vs. 4.0 ± 0.7) in the MWA + PVP group (both p < 0.01 vs. PVP). The AUS and QLS were improved with PVP at 6 and 12 months (p < 0.05) and with MWA + PVP at 12 months (p < 0.05). The AUS was lower at 6 and 12 months in the MWA + PVP group (p < 0.05 vs. PVP). Conclusion MWA combined with PVP might be a safe and effective palliative treatment for pain from metastatic vertebral tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate knowledge, attitude and practice of screening pre-ulcerative lesions among endocrinology healthcare workers. A new questionnaire was developed and distributed online and 1004 valid questionnaires were returned. T-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression were used for statistical analysis. A total of 1100 questionnaires were returned, and 96 were excluded. The scores of endocrinology healthcare workers' knowledge, attitude, and practice for screening for pre-ulcerative lesions were 45.46 ± 16.26, 92.11 ± 10.50, and 72.27 ± 17.63 respectively. 60.2% participants had been trained to screen for pre-ulcerative lesions, but 39.8% had not been trained. 31.8% of healthcare professionals claimed that their hospital did not have a screening project for pre-ulcer diabetic foot lesions. Positive relationships were found between knowledge and practice and between attitude and practice. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that: level II hospital and tertiary hospital were the main factors influencing the knowledge scores; Undergraduate and participating in relevant training were the main factors influencing the attitude scores; participating in relevant training, hospital conducts relevant projects, and patient cooperation, and working hours were the main factors influencing the practice score. Endocrinology healthcare workers need more knowledge regarding pre-ulcerative lesions, and their screening practices need to be strengthened. Increased education and training for pre-ulcerative lesion screening should be implemented among healthcare workers in endocrinology departments. • Knowledge of endocrinology healthcare workers about screening for pre-ulcer lesions needs to be enhanced. And screening practices could be improved. • Training and education on pre-ulcer screening should be provided in all hospitals to increase the importance of pre-ulcer screening among healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have unique biological characteristics, including tumorigenicity, immortality, and chemoresistance. Colorectal CSCs have been identified and isolated from colorectal cancers by various methods. AKAP12, a scaffolding protein, is considered to act as a potential suppressor in colorectal cancer, but its role in CSCs remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the function of AKAP12 in Colorectal CSCs. Methods: Herein, Colorectal CSCs were enriched by cell culture with a serum-free medium. CSC-associated characteristics were evaluated by Flow cytometry assay and qPCR. AKAP12 gene expression was regulated by lentiviral transfection assay. The tumorigenicity of AKAP12 in vivo by constructing a tumor xenograft model. The related pathways were explored by qPCR and Western blot. Results: The depletion of AKAP12 reduced colony formation, sphere formation, and expression of stem cell markers in colorectal cancer cells, while its knockdown decreased the volume and weight of tumor xenografts in vivo. AKAP12 expression levels also affected the expression of stemness markers associated with STAT3, potentially via regulating the expression of protein kinase C. Conclusion: This study suggests Colorectal CSCs overexpress AKAP12 and maintain stem cell characteristics through the AKAP12/PKC/STAT3 pathway. AKAP12 may be an important therapeutic target for blocking the development of colorectal cancer in the field of cancer stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the critical safety and performance issues of lithium metal batteries, it is urgent to develop advanced electrolytes with multi‐defensive properties against fire, mechanical puncture, and dendrite growth simultaneously, in addition to high ion‐conductivity. However, realizing these essential properties by one electrolyte has proved to be extremely challenging due to the inherent conflicts among them. Herein, to circumvent this challenge, a neuron‐like gel polymer electrolyte (simply referred as Neu‐PE) to simultaneously achieve supertoughness, nonflammability, dendrite‐suppression capability and self‐driven property is reported. This Neu‐PE takes advantage of nano‐phase separation regulated by highly ion‐conductive deep‐eutectic solvent. As a result, the Neu‐PE holds high ambient ionic conductivity (1.27±0.09 mS cm−1), super‐toughness and strength (22.52 MJ m−3 and 13.5±0.6 MPa), fire resistance and importantly, lithium‐metal anode protection capability. Lithium metal batteries assembled with this multi‐defensive Neu‐PE can work normally even under metal‐probe puncture or serious damage by cutting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. A super cold surge during the winter of December 2015 to February 2016 was widely reported by Chinese media. This cold surge originated from the Siberian High and swept [...]