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The forming, microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of three kinds of vacuum electron beam welded joints with different shapes were studied. The results of X-ray inspection of the joints showed that the three shapes of welded joints could meet the requirements of the quality inspection. The results of microstructure characterization show that the worm or bone-like δ-ferrite appears in the upper and lower regions of the funnel-shaped and bell-shaped joints, while only a small amount of δ-ferrite appears in the local regions of the nail-shaped joints. The test results of mechanical properties show that the micro-hardness of the weld center in the three kinds of shaped joints is the lowest. All the specimens fracture in the weld, and the bell-shaped weld presents the highest impact energy and bending load. Funnel-shaped weld shows the worst corrosion resistance due to the element segregation of the weld. Thus, the bell-shaped joint exhibits the best comprehensive performance.

Abstract The catalytic partial oxidation of methane (POM) presents a promising technology for synthesizing syngas. However, it faces severe over-oxidation over catalyst surface. Attempts to modify metal surfaces by incorporating a secondary metal towards C–H bond activation of CH4 with moderate O* adsorption have remained the subject of intense research yet challenging. Herein, we report that high catalytic performance for POM can be achieved by the regulation of O* occupation in the atomically dispersed (AD) MoNi alloy, with over 95% CH4 conversion and 97% syngas selectivity at 800 °C. The combination of ex-situ/in-situ characterizations, kinetic analysis and DFT (density functional theory) calculations reveal that Mo-Ni dual sites in AD MoNi alloy afford the declined O2 poisoning on Ni sites with rarely weaken CH4 activation for partial oxidation pathway following the combustion reforming reaction (CRR) mechanism. These results underscore the effectiveness of CH4 turnovers by the design of atomically dispersed alloys with tunable O* adsorption.

Abstract Background Case-based learning (CBL) methods have gained prominence in medical education, proving especially effective for preclinical training in undergraduate medical education. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart disease characterized by four malformations, presenting a challenge in medical education due to the complexity of its anatomical pathology. Three-dimensional printing (3DP), generating physical replicas from data, offers a valuable tool for illustrating intricate anatomical structures and spatial relationships in the classroom. This study explores the integration of 3DP with CBL teaching for clinical medical undergraduates. Methods Sixty senior clinical medical undergraduates were randomly assigned to the CBL group and the CBL-3DP group. Computed tomography imaging data from a typical TOF case were exported, processed, and utilized to create four TOF models with a color 3D printer. The CBL group employed CBL teaching methods, while the CBL-3DP group combined CBL with 3D-printed models. Post-class exams and questionnaires assessed the teaching effectiveness of both groups. Results The CBL-3DP group exhibited improved performance in post-class examinations, particularly in pathological anatomy and TOF imaging data analysis (P

Abstract Background Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease. SFTS virus (SFTSV) is transmitted by tick bites and contact with the blood or body fluids of SFTS patients. Animal-to-human transmission of SFTS has been reported in Japan, but not in China. In this study, the possible transmission route of two patients who fed and cared for farm-raised fur animals in a mink farm was explored. Method An epidemiological investigation and a genetic analysis of patients, animals and working environment were carried out. Results It was found that two patients had not been bitten by ticks and had no contact with patients infected with SFTS virus, but both of them had skinned the dying animals. 54.55% (12/22) of the farm workers were positive for SFTS virus antibody. By analyzing the large, medium and small segments sequences, the viral sequences from the two patients, animals and environments showed 99.9% homology. Conclusion It is suspected that the two patients may be directly infected by farm-raised animals, and that the virus may have been transmitted by aerosols when skinning dying animals. Transmission by direct blood contacts or animal bites cannot be ignored.

Background The disease burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among residents in China is relatively severe, which had become an important influencing factor in limiting the increase of healthy life expectancy of the population. Objective To identify the premature mortality of four major NCDs (cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases) and the achievement of "Health China 2030" goal in Baise from 2015 to 2021, so as to provide reference for the development of prevention and control strategies for NCDs in western poverty-stricken regions. Methods The mortality data registered in the cause of death surveillance system of the Baise Center for Disease Prevention and Control from 2015-2021 was collected, indicators such as mortality and the probability of premature mortality were calculated, Joinpoint 24.0 software was used to describe the trend of change in terms of average annual percentage change (AAPC) and rate. Results The crude mortality of the four major NCDs was 549.06/100 000 (AAPC=0.13%) and the age-standardized mortality was 302.92/100 000 (AAPC=-5.66%) from 2015-2021, with no significant change in any of them (P>0.05). The age-standardized mortality in women showed a significant decrease (AAPC=-1.66%, P=0.046). There was an increasing trend in the crude mortality for cardiovascular disease in the total population, males, and females (AAPC=2.74%, P=0.004; AAPC=2.43%, P=0.013; AAPC=3.17%, P=0.011), and a decreasing trend in the standardized mortality rate for chronic respiratory diseases in men and women (AAPC=-8.66%, P=0.023; AAPC=-8.17%, P=0.027). The probability of premature mortality of the four major NCDs was 15.77%, 26.03% and 10.42% for the total population, men and women, with a decreasing trend from chronic respiratory diseases (AAPC=-6.89%, P=0.012; AAPC=-7.18%, P=0.007; AAPC=-6.94%, P=0.020). The probability of premature mortality from four NCDs in men was about 2.5 times higher than that in women. According to the average growth rate of the probability of premature mortality of the 4 NCDs in Baise City from 2015-2021, the probability of premature mortality of the four major NCDs was projected to be 14.62% in 2030, while the goal of the probability of premature mortality was 13.69%, only the goal of the women, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases is higher than the projected. To achieve the 2030 target, the average rate of decline in the probability of premature death for the four chronic diseases from 2021 to 2030 will need to be increased to 2.63%, with the average rate of decline for men increasing to 2.70%. The probability of early death of diabetes should be paid attention to, its predicted value is lower than the target value and the gap is large, and the decline rate should be increased to 6.76%. Conclusion Crude mortality of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases showed an increasing trend, whereas the mortality and the probability of premature mortality from chronic respiratory diseases showed an obvious decrease. Based on the current average growth rate, it is predicted that Baise City is still far from realizing the target value of "Healthy China 2030", men should be the primary focus group, and the main intervention diseases should be diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, so that the average growth rate from 2021 to 2030 can reach -2.63%, to achieve the goal of "Healthy China 2030".

Abstract Photoelectrochemical seawater splitting is a promising route for direct utilization of solar energy and abundant seawater resources for H2 production. However, the complex salinity composition in seawater results in intractable challenges for photoelectrodes. This paper describes the fabrication of a bilayer stack consisting of stainless steel and TiO2 as a cocatalyst and protective layer for Si photoanode. The chromium-incorporated NiFe (oxy)hydroxide converted from stainless steel film serves as a protective cocatalyst for efficient oxygen evolution and retarding the adsorption of corrosive ions from seawater, while the TiO2 is capable of avoiding the plasma damage of the surface layer of Si photoanode during the sputtering of stainless steel catalysts. By implementing this approach, the TiO2 layer effectively shields the vulnerable semiconductor photoelectrode from the harsh plasma sputtering conditions in stainless steel coating, preventing surface damages. Finally, the Si photoanode with the bilayer stack inhibits the adsorption of chloride and realizes 167 h stability in chloride-containing alkaline electrolytes. Furthermore, this photoanode also demonstrates stable performance under alkaline natural seawater for over 50 h with an applied bias photon-to-current efficiency of 2.62%.

The effects of mixed culture fermentation with yeast, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus on the quality of non-fried instant noodles were studied by rehydration test, texture analysis, electronic nose analysis and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation. The results showed that yeast largely affected the rehydration property and texture, while L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus were mainly responsible for improving the flavor of non-fried instant noodles. The primary fermentation process was conducive to maintaining the cooking tolerance of non-fried instant noodles, while the secondary fermentation process was beneficial to improve the rehydration property and flavor, reducing the rehydration time to 4.0 min; the R(2) and R(7) responses of the rehydrated sample were 2.8 and 2.9, respectively. The SEM results showed that the samples had a uniform pore distribution after the secondary fermentation. Taken collectively, the optimal starter culture for the primary and secondary fermentation was 1.5% yeast + 0.075% L. bulgaricus + 0.075% S. thermophilus.

Abstract Rab27A is a small GTPase-mediating exosome secretion, which participates in tumorigenesis of multiple cancer types. Understanding the biological role of Rab27A in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is of great importance for oncological research and clinical treatment. In this study, we investigate the function and internal mechanism of Rab27A in NSCLC. Results show that Rab27A is overexpressed in NSCLC, and regulates the tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell motility in vitro and in vivo, and is negatively regulated by miR-124. Further research reveals that upregulated Rab27A can induce the production of IFNα in the medium by mediating exosome secretion. Then IFNα activates TYK2/STAT/HSPA5 signaling to promote NSCLC cell proliferation and metastasis. This process can be suppressed by TYK2 inhibitor Cerdulatinib. These results suggest that Rab27A is involved in the pathogenesis of NSCLC by regulating exosome secretion and downstream signaling, and inhibitors targeting this axis may become a promising strategy in future clinical practice.

Abstract The high-frequency pulse flow, equivalent to the natural frequency of rocks, is generated by a self-excited oscillating cavity to achieve resonance rock-breaking. The flow field and oscillating mechanism of the self-excited oscillating cavity were simulated using the large eddy simulation method of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). A field-scale testing apparatus was developed to investigate the impulse characteristics and verify the simulation results. The results show that the fluid at the outlet at the tool is deflected due to the pulse oscillation of the fluid. The size and shape of low-pressure vortices constantly change, leading to periodic changes in fluid impedance within the oscillating cavity. The impulse frequency reaches its highest point when the length–diameter ratio is 0.67. As the length–diameter ratio increases, the tool pressure loss also increases. Regarding the cavity thickness, the impulse frequency of the oscillating cavity initially decreases, then increases, and finally decreases again. Moreover, both the impulse frequency and pressure loss increase with an increase in displacement. The numerical simulation findings align with the experimental results, thus confirming the validity of the theoretical model. This research provides theoretical guidance for the practical application of resonance rock-breaking technology.

Abstract DNA is a danger signal sensed by cGAS to engage signaling through STING to activate innate immune functions. The best-studied downstream responses to STING activation include expression of type I interferon and inflammatory genes, but STING also activates other pathways, including apoptosis. Here, we report that STING-dependent induction of apoptosis in macrophages occurs through the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway and is mediated via IRF3 but acts independently of gene transcription. By intersecting four mass spectrometry datasets, we identify SAM68 as crucial for the induction of apoptosis downstream of STING activation. SAM68 is essential for the full activation of apoptosis. Still, it is not required for STING-mediated activation of IFN expression or activation of NF-κB. Mechanistic studies reveal that protein trafficking is required and involves SAM68 recruitment to STING upon activation, with the two proteins associating at the Golgi or a post-Golgi compartment. Collectively, our work identifies SAM68 as a STING-interacting protein enabling induction of apoptosis through this DNA-activated innate immune pathway.

Abstract Photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) with an Er: YAG laser has been introduced in root canal treatment to improve irrigation and facilitate the removal of bacteria in the root canal system. This study aimed to compare the antibacterial effectiveness of two different root canal irrigation techniques, conventional needle irrigation (CNI) and PIPS, using 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), in the treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis. Sixty patients with a total of sixty teeth affected by apical periodontitis were included in this study. The teeth underwent root canal therapy, and after mechanical instrumentation, they were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 30) based on the final irrigation protocol: CNI or PIPS with 1% NaOCl. Bacterial suspensions in the root canals were evaluated using Adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP) assay kit after mechanical instrumentation and after final irrigation. Then, a follow-up was conducted after 7 days. The results revealed that final irrigation significantly reduced ATP values in both the CNI and PIPS groups (P

Abstract The Hemiptera insects are the largest incomplete metamorphosis insect group in Insecta and play a vital role in ecosystems and biodiversity. Previous studies on the spatial distribution of Hemiptera insects mainly focused on a specific region and insect, this study explored the spatial distribution characteristics of Hemiptera insects in China (national scale), and further clarified the dominant factors affecting their spatial distribution. We used spatial autocorrelation analysis, hot spot analysis, and standard ellipse to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics of Hemiptera insects in China. Furthermore, we used geographic detectors to identify the main factors affecting their spatial distribution under China's six agricultural natural divisions and explore the influencing mechanism of dominant factors. The results show that: (i) The spatial differentiation characteristics of Hemiptera insects in China are significant, and their distribution has obvious spatial agglomeration. The Hu Huanyong Line is an important dividing line for the spatial distribution of Hemiptera insects in China. From the city scale, the HH type (high‐high cluster) is mainly distributed on both sides of the Hu Huanyong Line. (ii) The hot spots of Hemiptera insects are mainly distributed in southwest China, along the Qinling Mountains, the western side of the Wuyi Mountains, the Yinshan Mountains, the Liupanshan Mountains, the Xuefeng Mountains, the Nanling Mountains, and other mountainous areas. (iii) Under agricultural natural divisions, the influence of natural environmental factors on the spatial distribution of Hemiptera insects is obviously different. Temperature and precipitation are the dominant factors. Natural factors and socio‐economic factors have formed a positive reinforcement interaction mode on the spatial distribution of Hemiptera insects. These can provide the decision‐making basis for biodiversity conservation and efficient pest control.

Abstract Metal–N–C single‐atom catalysts, mostly prepared from pyrolysis of metal‐organic precursors, are widely used in heterogeneous electrocatalysis. Since metal sites with diverse local structures coexist in this type of material and it is challenging to characterize the local structure, a reliable structure–property relationship is difficult to establish. Conjugated macrocyclic complexes adsorbed on carbon support are well‐defined models to mimic the single‐atom catalysts. Metal–N4 site with four electroneutral pyridine‐type ligands embedded in a graphene layer is the most commonly proposed structure of the active site of single‐atom catalysts, but its molecular counterpart has not been reported. In this work, we synthesized the conjugated macrocyclic complexes with a metal center (Co, Fe, or Ni) coordinated with four electroneutral pyridinic ligands as model catalysts for CO2 electroreduction. For comparison, the complexes with anionic quadri‐pyridine macrocyclic ligand were also prepared. The Co complex with the electroneutral ligand expressed a turnover frequency of CO formation more than an order of magnitude higher than that of the Co complex with the anionic ligand. Constrained ab initio molecular dynamics simulations based on the well‐defined structures of the model catalysts indicate that the Co complex with the electroneutral ligand possesses a stronger ability to mediate electron transfer from carbon to CO2.

ObjectiveThe risk factors of PJK (proximal junctional kyphosis) related to AIS (adolescent idiopathic scoliosis) are inconsistent due to heterogeneity in study design, diagnostic criteria, and population. Therefore, the meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the factors affecting PJK after posterior spinal fusion for AIS patients.MethodsWe implemented a systematic search to obtain potential literature relevant to PJK in AIS surgery. Then, a meta-analysis was performed to assess the incidence of PJK and its risk factors.ResultsWe retrieved 542 articles, and 24 articles were included. The PJK incidence was 17.67%. The use of hooks at UIV (upper instrumented vertebrae) (p = 0.001) could prevent PJK. Before surgery, the larger TK (thoracic kyphosis) (p

Background: Previous studies showed that MSCs could mitigate damage in the pancreas during acute pancreatitis (AP). However, acute mortality associated with AP was more often a result of persistent failure of remote organs, rather than local damage, especially in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and the effect of MSCs may vary depending on their origin. Methods: An SAP model was induced in 8-week C57BL/6 J male mice by retrograde injection of 5 % sodium taurocholate solution through the bile duct. SAP mice were divided into the SAP group, UC-MSCs group, and BMSCs group, which were treated with saline, 1 × 106 UC-MSCs, and 1 × 106 BMSCs respectively, through the tail vein. After treatment, serum markers, inflammation, and morphology were assessed in the pancreas, kidneys, lungs, and hearts. Results: MSCs infusion ameliorated the systemic inflammatory response in SAP mice. In the MSCs-treated SAP mice, local tissue injury and inflammation response in the pancreas were alleviated. But more importantly, the renal and lung injury were all significantly and drastically mitigated, and the levels of pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-6, MCP-1, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the kidney, lung and heart were sharply decreased. In terms of origin, UC-MSCs exhibited superior efficacy compared with BMSCs. Furthermore, compared to the normal control mice, UC-MSCs showed an earlier appearance, higher distribution densities, and longer duration of presence in the injured tissue. Conclusions: This study provides compelling evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of MSCs in SAP treatment and particularly their ability to mitigate multi-organ failure. Our results also suggested that UC-MSCs may offer greater advantages over BMSCs in SAP therapy.

Background Few studies have compared the associations between long-term exposures to particulate matters (aerodynamic diameter ≤1, ≤2.5 and ≤10 µm: PM1, PM2.5 and PM10, respectively) and asthma and asthma-related respiratory symptoms. The objective of the present study was to compare the strength of the aforementioned associations in middle-aged and elderly adults. Methods We calculated the mean 722-day personal exposure estimates of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 at 1 km×1 km spatial resolution between 2013 and 2019 at individual levels from China High Air Pollutants (CHAP) datasets. Using logistic regression models, we presented the associations as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, for each interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM1/PM2.5/PM10 concentration. Asthma denoted a self-reported history of physician-diagnosed asthma or wheezing in the preceding 12 months. Results We included 7371 participants in COPD surveillance from Guangdong, China. Each IQR increase in PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 was associated with a greater odds (OR (95% CI)) of asthma (PM1: 1.22 (1.02–1.45); PM2.5: 1.24 (1.04–1.48); PM10: 1.30 (1.07–1.57)), wheeze (PM1: 1.27 (1.11–1.44); PM2.5: 1.30 (1.14–1.48); PM10: 1.34 (1.17–1.55)), persistent cough (PM1: 1.33 (1.06–1.66); PM2.5: 1.36 (1.09–1.71); PM10: 1.31 (1.02–1.68)) and dyspnoea (PM1: 2.10 (1.84–2.41); PM2.5: 2.17 (1.90–2.48); PM10: 2.29 (1.96–2.66)). Sensitivity analysis results were robust after excluding individuals with a family history of allergy. Associations of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 with asthma and asthma-related respiratory symptoms were slightly stronger in males. Conclusion Long-term exposure to PM is associated with increased risks of asthma and asthma-related respiratory symptoms.

This paper presents a method for measuring stress fields within the framework of coupled data models, aimed at determining stress fields in isotropic material structures exhibiting localized deterioration behavior without relying on constitutive equations in the deteriorated region. This approach contributes to advancing the field of intrinsic equation-free mechanics. The methodology combines measured strain fields with data-model coupling driven algorithms. The gradient and Canny operators are utilized to process the strain field data, enabling the determination of the deterioration region's location. Meanwhile, an adaptive model building method is proposed for constructing coupling driven models. To address the issue of unknown datasets during computation, a dataset updating strategy based on a differential evolutionary algorithm is introduced. The resulting optimal dataset is then used to generate stress field results. Validation against finite element method calculations demonstrates the accuracy of the proposed method in obtaining full-field stresses in specimens with local degradation behavior.

Abstract BackgroundThe core Healthy Days measures were used to track the population-level health status in the China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance; however, they were not easily combined to create a summary of the overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL), limiting this indicator’s use. ObjectiveThis study aims to develop a summary score based on the Chinese version of the core Healthy Days measures (HRQOL-5) and apply it to estimate HRQOL and its determinants in a Chinese population. MethodsFrom November 2018 to May 2019, a multistage stratified cluster survey was conducted to examine population health status and behavioral risk factors among the resident population older than 15 years in Weifang City, Shandong Province, China. Both exploratory factor analyses and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to reveal the underlying latent construct of HRQOL-5 and then to quantify the overall HRQOL by calculating its summary score. Tobit regression models were finally carried out to identify the influencing factors of the summary score. ResultsA total of 26,269 participants (male: n=13,571, 51.7%; mean age 55.9, SD 14.9 years) were included in this study. A total of 71% (n=18,663) of respondents reported that they had excellent or very good general health. One summary factor was extracted to capture overall HRQOL using exploratory factor analysis. The confirmatory factor analysis further confirmed this one-factor model (Tucker-Lewis index, comparative fit index, and goodness-of-fit index >0.90; root mean square error of approximation 0.02). Multivariate Tobit regression analysis showed that age (β=–0.06), educational attainments (primary school: β=0.72; junior middle school: β=1.46; senior middle school or more: β=2.58), average income (≥¥30,000 [US $4200]: β=0.69), physical activity (β=0.75), alcohol use (β=0.46), self-reported disease (β=−6.36), and self-reported injury (β=–5.00) were the major influencing factors on the summary score of the HRQOL-5. ConclusionsThis study constructs a summary score from the HRQOL-5, providing a comprehensive representation of population-level HRQOL. Differences in summary scores of different subpopulations may help set priorities for health planning in China to improve population HRQOL.

The interior of a high-voltage cable causes a state of extrusion due to thermomechanical effects; the resulting stress and deformation can easily lead to the destruction of the cable structure. Aiming at the problem, we establish an electromagnetic–thermal–force field model of a high voltage cable. By considering the influence of temperature on the material properties, a bidirectional couple simulation of electromagnetic and thermal fields is established. The thermal load excitation is introduced into the structural field, and the simulation calculation of thermal strain and thermal stress of the axial and radial layers is realized. The influence of ambient temperature, load current, and circulating current defect factors on the thermal–force characteristics of each layer of the cable is studied. The results show that the response of the insulating layer to the thermomechanical effect is the most significant, and its characteristic change law shows the nonlinear trend. In addition, the thermal strain of the cable has an approximate axial symmetry; the axial thermomechanical effect is significantly higher than the radial direction. The maximum axial and radial deformations of the cable when running at full load are 1.21 and 0.16 mm respectively. Among the three influencing factors, the impact of circulating current defects on the thermomechanical effect of cables is the most obvious. The thermomechanical effect of the cable approximately is positively related to the square of the circulating current defect factors, the load current, and the ambient temperature.