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The opto-electro-mechanical system as a quantum interface between electronic information and optical information plays an important role in quantum information processing. Ground-state cooling of the macroscopic mechanical oscillator is a crucial requirement for this system in order to eliminate the effect of thermal fluctuations on transmission of information. Here, we propose a scheme of ground-state cooling for a mechanical oscillator which is coupled to an optical cavity through radiation pressure force and simultaneously coupled to a superconducting microwave cavity through an effective capacitance. Meanwhile, the periodical frequency modulations are applied to the optical mode, microwave cavity, and mechanical mode, respectively. The cooling efficiency is analyzed and cooling dynamics is simulated numerically by means of covariance matrix. The results show that the Stokes heating processes can be suppressed effectively by means of frequency modulations, and the mechanical oscillator can be cooled to near its ground-state with a higher efficiency than that of a standard optomechanical system due to the double cooling channel. Moreover, a complementary cooling effect is found between these two cooling channels, i.e., a high cooling efficiency can be achieved by cooperation between a good optical cavity and a bad microwave cavity, or vice versa. This cooperative cooling of the double channel breaks the limitation of resolved-sideband regime.

The dynamic status near the surface of a catalyst can significantly affect the catalytic process, because the overall reaction rate depends on the mass velocity of product attachment and reactant detachment. As a dominant diffusion mechanism, molecular diffusion is known as a slow process that inhibits the fast contact between the reactants and the heterogeneous catalyst, which depresses catalytic conversion efficiency. Herein, we report a strategy that can break such a stagnant layer to facilitate the mass transport toward the catalyst surface, wherein Pd nanocubes (NCs) encapsulated in soft metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets are used as catalysts for the hydrogenation reactions. The soft MOF supports render deformable features to enhance mass transport across the Pd NCs, which is vital to enhance the catalyst performance. In combination with numerical simulations, we identify the deformable MOF driven by the shear force of flowing fluid to increase dye adsorption and catalytic conversion by 5- and 3-fold, respectively, as compared to a counterpart system containing nondeformable MOFs. The catalytic efficiency presents a volcano-type trend with the length-to-spacing ratio of MOF nanosheet being designed and reaches the maximum with a length-to-spacing ratio of 2:1. This technique provides unique opportunities to design a proof-of-concept self-propelled catalysis on the basis of a greater mechanistic understanding of heterogeneous catalytic reactions.

Recently, the synchronous motion planning (SMP) has been viewed as a crucial issue in dual-arm robot systems. In this study, a new SMP scheme based on the Jacobian pseudoinverse formulation is presented and investigated for dual-arm robot systems. Such a scheme is established by discretizing the existing SMP scheme via a special difference formula. The presented discrete-time SMP (DTSMP) scheme is then theoretically analyzed to possess the biquadrate pattern in the end-effector planning error of each arm, thereby guaranteeing the synchronous planning precision of dual-arm robot systems. Simulation results under the system composed of two four-link planar robot arms are provided to further substantiate the effective and superior performance of the presented DTSMP scheme.

Aptamers have attracted the attention of many researchers because of their high stability, high affinity and high selectivity. Over the past decades, considerable intensive exploration and research has been carried out in this area. These studies have led to the emergence of functionalized nanomaterials, which have suggested a more diverse range of potential applications. However, despite the many exciting and remarkable developments emerging at the moment, several challenges and issues remain to be addressed. Based on currently reported aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials (AFNs), this review highlights potential applications for AFN platforms in catalysis, detection, cellular analysis, imaging, and targeted drug delivery. We also focus on explaining controllable syntheses and the unique dynamic properties of AFNs. Finally, we discuss progress and the challenges associated with AFN applications in this field.

Iron can enter the electron-rich cavities of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). On account of this phenomenon, Fe-doped g-C3N4 (Fe-g-C3N4) was prepared as a peroxidase mimetic by using one-step pyr...

Background: Experimental study to evaluate feasibility of continuous intraoperative neural monitoring (C-IONM) in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA). Methods: ...

Introduction and ObjectiveThere is a need for a simplified technique for C-IONM in robotic surgery. The primary aim of this study was to describe our clinical experience with the use of percutaneous C-IONM in robotic bilateral axillary thyroid surgery.MethodsThis study prospectively enrolled 304 consecutive patients who underwent robotic thyroidectomy via the bilateral axillo-breast approach and standardized C-IONM via percutaneous probe stimulation.Results323 RLNs were analyzed. C-IONM with percutaneous probes was feasible in all cases. During this study, we did not record any cases of probe displacement, and no additional robotic maneuvers were required. The average stimulation intensity was 2 mA. There were no adverse local or systemic C-IONM side effects. The mean time required for probe positioning was 3 minutes. The EMG amplitude signal of 48 RLNs decreased significantly, < 50% from the original V1 signal. In these cases, the surgical procedure was modified.ConclusionThe proposed percutaneous C-IONM provides a simplification of the continuous monitoring procedure for robotics. The advantage of percutaneous C-IONM is that it does not require additional trocar space, repeated instrument changes, and unmodified cosmesis. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the application of percutaneous C-IONM in robotic thyroid surgery.

Wear is an inevitable phenomenon in the working process of clutch and brake system. With the increase of transmission speed and power density, the thermoelastic instability (TEI) of clutch and brake system is becoming more serious over time. It is difficult to obtain the practical solution for conventional materials of clutches and brakes and their actual geometry with finite thickness using the existing analytical method. To study the comprehensive effects of wear and friction pair thickness on TEI, Archard Wear Law is combined with the Fourier Reduction Method to develop a finite element model, the accuracy of which is validated using the existing analytical method. Within the usual ranges of thickness and wear coefficient of friction pair, the increase of friction material thickness or the decrease of steel material thickness will suppress the TEI. Nonetheless, if the wear-rate is increased significantly, the effect of friction material thickness will be reversed. The worst thickness, which must be avoided in the design, and the local optimum thickness exist for the steel material.

Perylene derivatives can be stimulated by the hypoxic tumor microenvironment to generate radical anion that is proposed to arouse electron exchange with oxidizing substance, and in turn, realize reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst. Here, three perylene therapeutic agents, PDI-NI, PDIB-NI, and PDIC-NI, are developed and it is found that the minimum lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level makes PDIC-NI most easily accept electrons from the oxidative respiratory chain to form lots of anions, and the resultant maximum ROS generation, establishing an unambiguous mechanism for the formation of perylene radical anions in the cell, presents solid evidence for LUMO energy level determining endogenous ROS burst. Stirringly, PDIC-NI-induced ROS generation arouses enhanced mitochondrial oxidative stress and concurrently activates immunogenic cell death (ICD), which not only efficiently kills lung tumor cells but also reprograms immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, including the cytokine secretion, dendritic cell maturation, as well as cytotoxic T lymphocytes activation, to inhibit the growth of xenografted and metastasis tumor, presenting a proof-of-concept demonstration of perylene that acts as an integrated therapeutic agent to well realize hypoxia-activated chemotherapy with ICD-induced immunotherapy on lung cancer.

In recent years, there have been many achievements in Mongolian studies. Scholars have carried out eye movement characteristics analysis and research from the aspects of reading gaze position effect, combined with the effect of high and low frequency words on gaze position and other aspects of Mongolian cognitive research. However, there is no systematic study on the influence of visual angle on Mongolian character recognition. This research addresses the above-mentioned problems, taking visual angle as the independent variable and reaction time as the dependent variable, selecting the commonly used Mongolian vowel consonants and divide them into seven visual angles of 2°, 4°, 7°, 10°, 13°, 16°, and 19°. Discussing the impact of the reaction time on the visual angle and the best recognition visual angle. The research showed that at 19°, the reaction time was the shortest and the recognition effect was better. Therefore, the best visual angle of Mongolian language could be identified in order to improve the efficiency of recognition, enrich the research in the field of Mongolian language study, and promote the development of Mongolian language research.

For underground structures at coastal areas, inflow/infiltration (I/I) control is a critical procedure to guarantee their quality, especially for manholes, which are more likely to have str...

We demonstrate the optomechanically induced Faraday and splitting effects caused by optical mode conversion in a double-cavity optomechanical system. In the scheme, the polarization states of propagating light fields can be arbitrarily tailored to achieve optical Faraday rotation successfully via optomechanical interaction. Meanwhile, the energy-level splitting of the degenerate optical modes leads to the separation of two orthogonal polarization optical modes and the manipulation of spin angular momentum of photons. Moreover, the polarized output component orthogonal to the control field can be manipulated by properly choosing the tunneling interaction between two optical cavities, which enables the complete polarization control of the probe field. Using the polarized control field and optical gain in the auxiliary cavity, we can effectively improve the efficiency of optical Faraday rotation. Finally, we study how to achieve different optical control for different polarization states, which provides an effective method for the implementation of optical isolators in cavity optomechanical systems. Our scheme may benefit future realization of flexible controllability for the vector properties and spin angular momentum of photons, and can promote potential applications in optical nonreciprocal transport, routers, isolators, and circulators.

Objective To explore the autophagy-related prognostic signature (ARPs) via data mining in gene expression profiles for glioblastoma (GBM). Methods Using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we obtained 156 GBM samples and 5 adjacent normal samples, and denoted them as discovery cohort. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to screen autophagy genes that related to GBM prognosis. Then, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model was used to construct an autophagy-based ARPs, which was validated in an external cohort containing 80 GBM samples. The patients in the above-mentioned cohorts were divided into low-risk group and high-risk group according to the median prognostic risk score, and the diagnostic performance of the model was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. The gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed between the high-risk and low-risk patients. Additionally, the genetic features of ARPs, such as genetic variation profiles, correlations with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and potential drug sensitivity, were further assessed in the TCGA-GBM data set. Results A signature of ARPs including NDUFB9, BAK1, SUPT3H, GAPDH, CDKN1B, CHMP6, and EGFR were detected and validated. We identified a autophagy-related prognosis 7-gene signature correlated survival prognosis, immune infiltration, level of cytokines, and cytokine receptor in tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the signature was tested in several pathways related to disorders of tumor microenvironment, as well as cancer-related pathways. Additionally, a range of small molecular drugs, shown to have a potential therapeutic effect on GBM. Conclusions We constructed an autophagy-based 7-gene signature, which could serve as an independent prognostic indicator for cases of GBM and sheds light on the role of autophagy as a potential therapeutic target in GBM.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from exhaled breath (EB) are considered to be promising biomarkers for lung diseases. A convenient and sensitive point-of-care (POC) testing method for EB VOCs is essential. Here, we developed a POC test paper for the analysis of EB aldehydes, which are potential biomarkers for lung cancer. A probe molecule, 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP), was anchored on a paper substrate to specifically capture gas-phase aldehydes through the Schiff base reaction. Meanwhile, thin-film reaction acceleration was utilized to increase capture efficiency. By directly coupling the test paper to a mass spectrometer through paper spray, high sensitivity (0.1 ppt) and a wide quantification linear range (from 10 ppt to 1 ppm) were obtained. Analysis of EB from lung cancer patients with the test paper showed a significant increase in several reported aldehyde markers compared to EB from healthy volunteers, indicating the potential of this method for sensitive, low-cost, and convenient lung cancer screening and diagnosis.

Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by insulin resistance facilitates intimal hyperplasia of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and N6-methyladenosine (m

The switching capability required by data centers is rapidly developing, however, the technical limitations of the optical devices have created bottlenecks in their performance. Additionally, architectures that support thousands of servers remain to be explored. With a distributed control, we present a high-radix architecture that exploits the space domain and the wavelength domain to provide high throughput, achieving fast configuration and low latency. Considering the network size, we also propose two methods for implementation. We firstly form a strictly non-blocking network under the constraint of one connection per port. To scale up the switch, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is utilized to interconnect more servers and achieve higher bandwidth. The simulation results indicate that the proposed architecture can scale over thirty thousand servers with throughput reaching 87% while providing low latency.

To detect biomarkers from human exhalation, air flow dynamics on the nanoparticle surface were explored by a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor. A hollow Co-Ni layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocage on Ag nanowires (Ag@LDH) was prepared. Ag nanowires provided amplified Raman signals for trace determination; hollow LDH nanocages served as the gaseous confinement cavity to improve capture and adsorption of gaseous analytes. The Raman intensity and logarithmic analyte concentration exhibit an approximately linear relationship; the detection limit of SERS sensors for aldehyde is 1.9×10-9 v/v (1.9 ppb). Various aldehydes in mixed mimetic gas are distinguished by Raman spectra statistical analysis assisted by multivariate methods, including principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. The information was recorded in a barcode, which can be used for the design and development of a desktop SERS sensor analysis system for large-scale lung cancer detection.

Vehicles are subject to a variety of road unevenness and random road excitations that potentially cause the vehicle to undergo a significant amount of energy dissipation, while compromising energy efficiency. This paper focuses on designing a novel piezoelectric energy harvester and aims to assess the energy harvesting potential, from the vehicle suspension, under random and pulse road excitations. To describe the energy harvesting process, a dual‐mass suspension system vibration model of a light electric logistics vehicle, equipped with a piezoelectric energy harvester, is developed. Various parameters, such as driving speed, ratio of the moment arms of the lever, and piezoelectric material cross‐sectional area, are included in the model, for basic harvesting energy. The root mean square (RMS) value of harvested power, in the case of random road, is up to 18.83 W, while the maximum respective value, in the case of pulse road, is 102.24 W and is obtained at 30 km/h. The harvested electricity is very valuable and useful, as it can be used to power automotive electrical equipment. The results of this paper provide an important reference frame for future research, related to energy harvesting from vehicle suspension.

Summary Considerable research efforts have been directed toward the development of nanozymes that can scavenge excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protect cells against oxidative stress. However, most nanoscavengers lack the means for self-propulsion, rendering them unable to actively remove ROS from diverse locations in cells. We describe an orthogonal approach to guide movable hemin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles for the removal of intracellular ROS. The movable nanoparticles are self-powered by harnessing the chemical free energy of catalytic reactions to achieve autonomous intracellular walking, thereby improving the efficiency of ROS removal. These hollow nanoparticles have exhibited average speeds up to 3.5-fold higher than solid nanoparticles. The ability of these movable hollow nanoparticles to scavenge ROS based on the universal nature of this strategy was verified both in vitro and in vivo . These findings can be used to guide the design of nanomedical materials, which could have therapeutic potential against other diseases.

N6-methyladenine (m6A), one of the most common chemical modifications of eukaryotic RNA, participates in many important biological processes. An effective strategy for the quantitative determination of m6A is of great significance. Herein, we used methylated microRNA-21 (miRNA21) as the model target to propose a simple and sensitive electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) biosensing platform to detect a specific m6A RNA sequence. This strategy is based on the fact that the anti-m6A-antibody can specifically recognize and bind to the m6A site in the RNA sequence, resulting in a quenching effect between Ru(bpy)32+-functionalized metal-organic frameworks and ferrocene. Luminescent metal-organic frameworks (Ru@MOFs) not only act as ECL indicators but also serve as nanoreactors for the relative ECL reactions owing to their porous or multichannel structure, which overcomes the fact that Ru(bpy)32+ is easily released when used for aqueous-phase detection, thus enhancing the ECL efficiency. Moreover, the ECL method has fewer modification steps and uses only one antibody to recognize the target RNA sequence, which simplifies the operation process and reduces the detection time, presenting a wide linear range (0.001-10 nM) for m6A RNA determination with a low detection limit (0.0003 nM). Additionally, this developed strategy was validated for m6A RNA detection in human serum. Thus, the ECL biosensing method provides a new method for m6A RNA determination that is simple, highly specific, and sensitive.

Background: The aim of this report was dual: (a) to describe the step-by-step standardized intraoperative percutaneous injection of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) procedure for CNP-stained central compartment lymph nodes (CLNs) and passive display of parathyroid gland by CNP-stained thyroid in endoscopic thyroidectomy via bilateral areola approach (ETBAA) and (b) evaluation and outcomes of percutaneous injection of CNPs in total thyroidectomy plus CLN dissection through ETBAA. Materials and Methods: Video describes the technique of intraoperative percutaneous injection of CNPs for central compartment LNs identification, dissection, and parathyroid glands preservation in ETBAA for papillary thyroid cancer. Results: Supplementary video shows that after intrathyroid injection of CNPs, black carbon can be seen rapidly along the lymphatic vessels to the surrounding LNs. Parathyroid gland can be passive display when the thyroid is black and the parathyroid gland is normal in color. Intraoperative neuromonitoring (Medtronic® NIM-Response 3.0) was applied to identify recurrent laryngeal nerve and external branch of superior laryngeal nerve. No patient had any side effects of CNPs from 152 patients followed up for an average of 19.6 months (6-34 months). LNs were easily found under ETBAA. The accuracy of black-dyed LN in thyroid cancers was 95.9% (1016/1059). The number of parathyroid glands passive display was 69.9% (267/382). Conclusions: It is feasible to use CNPs to show CLNs in thyroid cancer during ETBAA. CNP suspension is safe for thyroidal injection.

Elucidating the mechanism of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injuries through intraoperative electromyographic (EMG) and laryngeal examination approaches may deepen our knowledge regarding its prevention strategies. To date, no studies have been reported on the mechanism of RLN injury caused by endoscopic thyroidectomy via bilateral areola approach (ETBAA). Both intraoperative EMG profiles and postoperative laryngeal examination were used to investigate the mechanisms of RLN injury and compare the safety aspects between ETBAA and open thyroidectomy approach (OTA). This study examined 1420 nerves at risk. The mean follow-up period was 17 ± 4 (range 6–48) months. The incidence of vocal cord paralysis was 4.1% (59/1420). The number of cases with decreased EMG signals and vocal cord palsy was higher in ETBAA group than in OTA group (P

Steel plate shear wall (SPSW) systems have been used increasingly in medium- and high-rise buildings in recent decades. Two major issues in the slender-web SPSW are the buckling of H-section steel column base and significant pinching in hysteretic curves. As a solution, SPSW using concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) column and cross stiffeners was proposed in this paper. Cyclic tests of two specimens of 1/3 scaled steel beam-to-CFST column frame-thin SPSW with cross stiffeners or without stiffeners were conducted. Based on the verified finite element method, parametric investigations considering the effect of the flexural rigidity of CFST column, width-to-height aspect ratio, height-to-thickness ratio of infill steel plate and relative rigidity of cross stiffener were carried out. Findings show that SPSW using CFST column exhibited favorable ductility behavior with no sudden loss of lateral bearing capacity. Adding stiffeners to SPSWs relieves the pinching effect of hysteretic curves and reduces the maximum lateral displacement substantially. With stiffeners, the average yield load and the peak load of SPSWs were approximately 15% and 9% higher than that of the unstiffened specimens. Moreover, a flexural rigidity of CFST column of at least 2.5 and a stiffener rigidity of 30–50 were recommended to provide an economical and approving lateral bearing capacity.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) is a useful adjunct for recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) mapping and identification in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA). This experimental study aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, thresholds required of an endoscopic forceps that combine the function of surgical dissection and nerve stimulation. Prospective experimental research. TOETVA was performed in 12 piglets, i.e., 24 RLNs and 24 vagal nerves (VN). RLNs electromyography (EMG) was recorded via endotracheal surface electrodes. Baseline EMG of VN and RLN were recorded and compared by (a) percutaneously placed monopolar stimulator probe (Group I), (b) adapted Maryland endoscopic dissector applied on nerves at its tip-end (Group II) and (c) endoscopic dissector tip-lateral applied (Group III). EMG profiles, amplitude, latency, waveform, thresholds and supra-maximal stimulation (5 mA) were analyzed. Application of the endoscopic device was feasible in all TOETVA and did not result in any morbidity. 24 RLNs and VNs were detected, stimulated and monitored. With increase of stimulation current, the amplitude of EMG increased, showing a dose–response curve. Mean VN stimulation thresholds were: Group I 0.28 mA, Group II 0.56 mA, Group III 0.58 mA (P1 = 0.00, P2 = 0.00, P3 = 0.11). Minimal current to evoked a maximal VN response was: Group I 0.65 mA, Group II 1.07 mA and Group III 1.14 mA (P1 = 0.00, P2 = 0.00, P3 = 0.48). Minimal current to evoke a RLN maximal response was Group I 0.6 mA, Group II 0.95 mA and Group III 1.05 mA (P1 = 0.00, P2 = 0.00, P3 = 0.31). Latency values were similar to each group. Repetitive (> 10 min) supra-maximal (> 5 mA) electrical stimulation was safe. The application of endoscopic stimulating dissector is simple, effective and safe way to monitor both VN and RLN function during a TOETVA animal model. It provides surgeons with real-time feedback of EMG response and can be applied as a tool for RLN monitoring. Endoscopic instrument required higher current to evoke EMG response compared to hand probe stimulation. Tip-end required less current to evoke EMG response compared to tip-lateral mode of stimulation.

Optimising the supported modes of atom or ion dispersal onto substrates, to synchronously integrate high reactivity and robust stability in catalytic conversion, is an important yet challenging area of research. Here, theoretical calculations first show that three-coordinated copper (Cu) sites have higher activity than four-, two- and one-coordinated sites. A site-selective etching method is then introduced to prepare a stacked-nanosheet metal–organic framework (MOF, CASFZU-1)-based catalyst with precisely controlled coordination number sites on its surface. The turnover frequency value of CASFZU-1 with three-coordinated Cu sites, for cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with epoxides, greatly exceed those of other catalysts reported to date. Five successive catalytic cycles reveal the superior stability of CASFZU-1 in the stacked-nanosheet structure. This study could form a basis for the rational design and construction of highly efficient and robust catalysts in the field of single-atom or ion catalysis., Engineering the coordination mode of atom or ion onto the substrate remains challenging. Here, guided by theoretical calculation, the authors prepare stacked-nanosheet MOF based catalyst with precisely controlled coordination sites on the surface and enhanced catalytic reactivity and structural robustness.

Ionic-conductive polymers with highly ordered, phase-separated structure are the promising materials used as anion exchange membranes (AEMs), thanks to their pronounced ion mobility. In this study, apart from imidazolium-functionalized hydrophilic pendants, additional octyl and perfluorooctyl-containing grafts were tethered to the polymer backbone and the resultant structure-morphology relationships were systemically investigated. The results revealed that the introduction of hydrophobic side chains as well as the corresponding hydrophobicity plays an important role in the formation of a phase-separated morphology in the membrane. AEMs containing perfluorooctyl-containing pendants (PPO-x-Imy8Fz) exhibited a pronounced microphase-separated morphology with ion clusters of about 2–5 nm size and a spacing of ∼6 nm, while the membranes with octyl pendants (PPO-x-Imy8Cz) or no additional hydrophobic side chains (PPO-x-Im) only showed indistinct or no phase separation. In addition, PPO-x-Imy8Fz AEMs showed better ion conductivity and suppressed water absorption, thereby exhibiting a good balance between water uptake and ion conductivity. The results of this study provide an efficient strategy to guide the architectural design of high-performance AEMs.

Traditional column base connections typically designed as fully restrained moment connections are questionable to be applied in self-centering seismic resisting structural systems. In this study, three types of self-centering concrete-filled square steel tubular (CFST) column base connections, i.e., Type I and Type II fabricated with post-tensioned (PT) strands and sandwiched energy dissipaters constructed in opposite and the same directions respectively and Type III fabricated PT strands and sandwiched energy dissipaters in orthogonal direction are proposed. Results shed light on the influence of these bases on seismic performance, beginning with a cyclic experimental investigation on three 3/4 scaled of Type I test specimens. Findings demonstrate that all test specimens exhibited typical flag-shaped hysteretic loops with the expected deformation mode, stable energy dissipated and good self-centering ability with 0.14% of the maximum recorded residual drift at 2% drift. Under 4% drift, the buckling restrained steel (BRS) plates yielded while the column and strands remained elastic, creating no damage to the main structural elements. Moreover, an analytical model of three types of self-centering CFST column base connections was developed, which are able to predict the column base connections moments reasonably.

The ‘Beautiful China’ project originated from the Chinese central government for the purpose of correcting the imbalance between urban and rural areas. In response to this national policy, numerous positive village development projects focus on improving the tourism potential of the Hebei province, North China. Because most of these rural areas lack historical heritage and infrastructure to support tourism, a well-directed architecture and landscape design initiative was organized by local governments. This is to create new types of livable, humanized, high standard and attractive villages through good design. A village project in Xinglong is examined, where development was strongly connected with tradition, and methods initiated to develop village tourism. In this way, the direction of the village construction can be shown and further developed and the revival of rural areas can be realized.

Domoic acid (DA) is a naturally occurring neurotoxin known to bioaccumulate in marine products. Despite its hypertoxicity, the enrichment and analysis of trace DA in complex marine organisms remains a challenge. We describe herein the fabrication of a postsynthetic-modified magnetic zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (Fe3O4 SPs@ZIF-8/Zn2+), based on Fe3O4 superparticles, for the adsorption of DA from complex biological matrices. The adsorption of DA is rapid (∼5 min) and occurs through strong electrostatic interactions and chelation with coordinatively unsaturated zinc sites on the surface of Fe3O4 SPs@ZIF-8/Zn2+. Employing our Fe3O4 SPs@ZIF-8/Zn2+ sorbent in a magnetic solid-phase extraction, followed by liquid chromatographic separation and tandem mass spectrometric detection, resulted in a facile, rapid, efficient, and sensitive method for the enrichment and detection of trace DA in marine products. After optimization, this method yielded satisfactory precision (relative standard deviation ≤3.4%; n = 5) with a high degree of linearity from 1.0 to 1000.0 pg mL-1 ( r2 = 0.9997) and a detection limit of 0.2 pg mL-1 (S/N = 3). Recoveries of 93.1-102.3% were obtained in spiked aquatic products. In addition, trace levels of DA (49.2 pg mL-1) were found in shellfish samples, confirming the applicability of our Fe3O4 SPs@ZIF-8/Zn2+ adsorbent for the detection of DA in seafood.

Ru nanoparticles doped in carbon foam were encapsulated in nitrogen-doped graphite carbon materials (Ru-NGC). The resultant Ru-NGC possesses superior hydrogen evolution activity with a small onset potential of 9.5 mV and excellent durability due to the optimized Ru electronic state in nitrogen-doped graphite.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) have been shown to support tumor growth and progression by various mechanisms. However, the roles of TAM in gastric cancer (GC) peritoneal metastasis remain elusive. To explore the roles of macrophages in the process of GC peritoneal metastasis, we performed the present study. Samples from the primary GC tumor beds, surgical margins, peritoneal metastatic lesions and surrounding tissue, and the Pouch of Douglas, were collected, fixed by formalin, and embedded with paraffin. Immunohistochemistry staining for macrophages markers was performed. The peritoneal lavage was obtained from a fraction of patients to analyze the ratios of epidermal growth factor (EGF)- and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-secreting macrophages in the peritoneal cavity. GC patients with peritoneal metastasis had increased levels of macrophages and alternatively activated macrophages in the peritoneum compared to those without dissemination. Patients bearing more macrophages in the peritoneum had a poorer prognosis. GC patients bearing peritoneal metastasis harbored an increased level of angiogenesis. Macrophages in the peritoneal cavity were a source of EGF and VEGF. Macrophages in the peritoneum of GC patients play a supportive role for peritoneal metastasis by producing EGF and VEGF. Macrophages in the peritoneum might be a therapeutic target in the future.

This paper discusses the impact of Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) diesel and methanol blended fuel, tentative engine was operated with fueled having F-T diesel and methanol blended fuel to compare the combustion and vibration characteristics. For this, 4100QBZL turbocharged diesel having parameters of F-T diesel fuel, FM5, FM10, FM15 methanol volume content was 5%, 10%, and 15%, respectively, have been selected for the experiment. Experimental studies have shown that when fueling with F-T diesel fuel, the ignition delay is shorter, the premixed combustion rate peak is lower, and vibration acceleration increases slightly than diesel fuel. Compared to the pure F-T diesel, the blended fuel has longer ignition delay period, higher the rate of pressure rise, combustion start point delayed, burning capacity increase, such as thermal efficiency is improved and vibration acceleration increased significantly.

Background: A successful pregnancy is a complicated process that builds upon two aspects of the maternal immune system that needs to be balanced. As one of the dominant groups of cells at the maternal fetal interface, the decidual γδ T cells have attracted great research attention in normal pregnancy or miscarriage. However, the role of γδ T cells in fetal growth still remains poorly studied. Results: In this study, we identified γδ T cells were enriched and resident in decidua during early pregnancy, and early decidual γδ T cells were involved in the secretion of growth factors, including growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1). Decrease of these growth factors could impaire fetal development, resulting in fetal growth restriction. We also observed that the early decidual γδ T cells exhibited stronger cytokine secretion characteristic, but its cytotoxicity against A549 cells was weaker, when compared with the γδ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In addition, the functional abilities of early decidual γδ T cells in promoting trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation were also significantly stronger than those in γδ T cells of PBMCs. Conclusions: These findings highlighted the importance of γδ T cells in fetal growth and maternal immune tolerance during pregnancy, which is different from γδ T cells in PBMCs, and encouraged further research in this field.

Background To investigate the optimal placement and size of adhesive thyroid cartilage electrodes (ATCEs) placed on the thyroid cartilage in porcine models for evaluating recurrent laryngeal nerve function compared with the other 3 recording electrode types. Methods Four Meishan piglets were used for this study. The electromyogram (EMG) signal stability was detected by intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM). Best location and size of ATCEs were detected, and the EMG signals from each were compared. Latency data were tested by stimulating the different nerve points, and 6 manipulations of the trachea and endotracheal tube (ET) were applied to test the stability of EMG signals. ET electrodes, needle electrodes, and transcutaneous recording electrodes were simultaneously tested with comparison to ATCEs. Results The optimal placement locations and sizes of ATCEs were determined. The amplitudes and latencies recorded from the ATCEs were consistent with those of the ET electrodes. More anti-interference was observed with the ATCEs than with the ET electrodes in surgical manipulations. ATCEs could be used during intermittent and continuous monitoring in similar fashion to ET electrodes and needle electrodes. Conclusions ATCEs had consistent monitoring function with ET electrodes and needle electrodes. Feasibility, EMG stability, and optimal location and size of ATCEs for IONM were resolved. The EMG profiles from the ATCEs were more stable during surgical manipulations.

We investigate the optical response of the probe output field in a three-mode cavity optomechanical system, in which both the optical modes are coupled to the same mechanical oscillator. The optomechanically induced transparency and amplification effects can be achieved by controlling the optomechanical interaction in the auxiliary optical mode. With the tunneling interaction between two optical modes, we not only observe the Fano and optical absorption effects in the red-detuned regime but also find two controllable singular points representing the considerable optical amplification effect in the blue-detuned regime and analyze the conversion between fast light and slow light. These optical properties of the probe output field may benefit forward achieving the potential applications in coherent control of laser pulse and optical storage.

To monitor the gradual wear process of gears, the wear behavior at different lifetime phases has to be fully understood in theory. The traditional Archard’s wear model was mainly developed for dry contact. However, for the most gear transmission systems, the gears normally work under the mixed EHL regime, and the two contact gear surfaces are separated by a thin film to avoid the asperity contact. Therefore, the traditional Archard’s wear model is inappropriate to estimate the wear depth of the lubricated contact. Moreover, the numerical simulation of helical gear wear was rarely studied because of the time-varying characteristics. To simulate the wear depth of helical gear in more realistic, the helical gear was regarded as a combination of a number of spur gears with a continuous different angle. By estimating the wear depth of each slice of the spur gear, the wear depth of the helical gear can be achieved. Besides, this paper employs a modified Archard’s wear model which is suitable for the contact in the mixed EHL regime. In this model, the asperity contact pressure was derived from the Hertzian contact theory, and both the friction effect, contact temperature, surface roughness, load sharing, and lubricant characteristics were considered for more realistic operating conditions. The sliding distance at each meshing position was determined by the single point observation method. The numerical results illustrate that the wear depth simulated from the mixed EHL regime is much lower than that under the dry contact condition, which is in good accordance with the lubrication theory. In addition, the wear depth increases with the operating load but decreases with the operating speed.

The transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) has emerged as a new treatment option for patients with selected thyroid disease requiring surgery. The aim of this pictorial essay is to illustrate the healing outcomes of the vestibular incisions. TOETVA patients were recruited at two Centers in China and Italy. TOETVA is initiated with one 10–20-mm median incision in the center of the oral vestibule 10 mm above the inferior labial frenulum, and two 5-mm lateral incisions, just below the lower lip near the labial commissure. Healing of the vestibular incision was monitored through serial photographs 1, 3, 7, 30, and 90 days after surgery. Outcomes were evaluated by Landry’s score, time to healing, issues affecting wound outcomes, scar, fibrin, granulation, necrotic tissue formation, and infections. Results of TOETVA were monitored in 52 patients. There were no postoperative infections. All lateral incisions demonstrated favorable surgical outcomes. Landry’s criteria scores indicated worse outcomes for the median incisions vs. the lateral ones (p

Objective We compared demographic and clinic-pathological variables related to the number of surgeries for thyroid conditions or for cancer, morbidity, and fine needle aspiration (FNA) practices among Covid19 pandemic phases I, II, III and the same seasonal periods in 2019. Methods The prospective database of the Division of Thyroid Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China was used for this study. Covid19 emergency levels were stratified according to the World Health Organization: phase I (January 25–February 25, 2020), phase II (February 26–March 19), phase III (March 20–April 20). Results There were fewer outpatient FNAs and surgeries in 2020 than in 2019. There were no thyroid surgeries during phase I. There were also fewer surgeries for cancer with a significant reduction of advanced stage cancer treatments, mainly stage T1b N1a in phase II and T3bN1b in phase III. Operative times and postoperative stays were significantly shorter during the pandemic compared to our institutional baseline. In phase III, vocal cord paralysis (VCP) increased to 4.3% of our baseline numbers (P = 0.001). There were no cases of Covid19-related complications during the perioperative period. No patients required re-admission to the hospital. Conclusion The Covid19 outbreak reduced thyroid surgery patient volumes. The decrease of Covid19 emergency plans contributed to unexpected outcomes (reduction of early stage cancer treatment, decreased operative times and hospital stays, increased VCP rate). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40618-020-01407-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

In addition to solid legal basis and strong regulatory authority, comprehensive and robust test techniques that reflect real-driving and in-use vehicle emissions are also key elements for achieving ever strict environmental requirements. However, most of the existing portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS) is expensive and bulky, making it impractical to roll out to the vehicle market. The combustion behavior is one of the most important excitation sources of engine vibration and noise emissions. By analyzing structural vibrations, it is possible to assess the in-cylinder combustion conditions, which in turn makes it possible to evaluate the NOx emissions (closely related to combustion temperature) and to achieve cost-effective non-intrusive on-line monitoring of engine in real-driving emissions (RDE). Firstly, a time-frequency reconstruction method is used to estimate second derivative of in-cylinder pressure curve based on measured vibration signal. Good consistency between reconstructed second derivative of in-cylinder pressure curve and measured curve con-firms the rationality of the proposed reconstruction method. Then, a virtual sensing method for NOx emissions using principal component regression (PCR) analysis with reconstructed in-cylinder pressure curve from measured structural vibrations has been presented. The results show that the PCR models have a good prediction of NOx emissions under various operating conditions. The coefficient of determination (R2) between the predicted value and the measured value is 0.971–0.995.

Continuous intraoperative neural monitoring (C-IONM) during thyroid surgery is a useful tool for preventing recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. The present study aims to analyze the tensile strength tolerance of C-IONM electrodes on the vagal nerve (VN). A C-IONM wire was enclosed in a hand-held tensile testing system. The probe displacement on the VN was continuously monitored by positioning a second probe far-up/proximally in a piglet model, and an automatic periodic stimulation (APS) accessory was used. The 3-mm and 2-mm APS accessory has a mean tensile strength of 20.6 ± 10 N (range, 14.6–24.4 N) and 11.25 ± 8 N (range, 8.4–15.6 N), respectively (P = 0.002). There was no difference between bilateral VNs. The mean amplitude before and during electrode displacement was 1.835 ± 102 μV and 1.795 ± 169 μV, respectively (P = 0.45). The mean percentage of amplitude decrease on the electromyography (EMG) was 6.9 ± 2.5%, and the mean percentage of latency increase was 1.9 ± 1.5%. No significant amplitude reduction or loss of signal (LOS) was observed after > 50 probe dislocations. C-IONM probe dislocation does not cause any LOS or significant EMG alterations on the VN.