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Bang-Bin Chen,1,2 Po-Chin Liang,1– 3 Tiffany Ting-Fang Shih,1,2 Tsung-Hao Liu,4– 6 Ying-Chun Shen,4– 6 Li-Chun Lu,4– 6 Zhong-Zhe Lin,4,6 Chiun Hsu,4– 6 Chih-Hung Hsu,4– 6 Ann-Lii Cheng,4– 7 Yu-Yun Shao4– 6 1Department of Medical Imaging, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan; 2Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan; 3Department of Medical Imaging, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu City, 300, Taiwan; 4Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan; 5Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan; 6Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan; 7Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, TaiwanCorrespondence: Yu-Yun Shao, Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei City, 100, Taiwan, Tel +886-2 23123456 ext. 66008, Fax +886-2 23711174, Email yuyunshao@gmail.comPurpose: We investigated whether spleen volume (SV) changes were associated with treatment outcomes in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who received immunotherapy or first-line sorafenib.Patients and Methods: Patients with advanced HCC who underwent immunotherapy or first-line sorafenib at our institute were retrospectively analyzed. CT was used to measure SV before and within 3 months of treatment initiation. Tumor assessment followed Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. The association between SV change and tumor response or progression-free survival (PFS) was analyzed. The inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics.Results: The immunotherapy group comprised 143 patients (124 men, mean age, 59.8 years ± 11.2 [standard deviation]), while the sorafenib group had 57 (47 men, mean age, 59.6 years ± 9.9). SV increased in 108 (75.5%) immunotherapy and 21 (36.8%) sorafenib patients. In the immunotherapy group, patients with increased SV were more likely than those with decreased SV to have a higher disease control rate (76.9% vs 57.1%, p = 0.024) and durable clinical benefit (52.8% vs 25.7%, p = 0.005). It was also associated with extended PFS in the immunotherapy group in both the univariate (p = 0.028) and multivariate (p = 0.014) analysis. By contrast, in the sorafenib group, an increased in SV was not associated with treatment response but was presumably associated with reduced PFS (p = 0.072) in the multivariate analysis. After IPTW adjustment, the increase in SV remained a significant predictor for DCB and PFS in the immunotherapy group.Conclusion: Most patients exhibited an increase in SV after the initiation of immunotherapy, which may be used to predict response and prognosis. However, this association was not observed in patients who received sorafenib.Plain Language Summary: The study provides significant evidence that an increase in spleen volume is associated with better treatment outcomes in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing immunotherapy. These findings offer oncologists a new potential biomarker for optimizing treatment strategies. Specifically, increased spleen volume could be used to predict higher rates of disease control and durable clinical benefits, allowing for more personalized care. Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, immunotherapy, sorafenib, response, survival

Objective: To evaluate the effects of mechanical processing on the physicochemical properties of oat β-glucan and its in vitro fermentation. Methods: Oat coarse grains, oat flakes, and oat flour were respectively produced through mechanical progressing methods such as steel cutting, table pressing, and grinding. Then, scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the microstructure, the content, dissolution rate and relative molecular weight of oat β-glucan were determined, and the colon environment was simulated in vitro for fermentation. Results: The total β-glucan content and dissolution rate of steel-cutting oat were higher than those of untreated sample. The total β-glucan content of oat flake and oat flour were lower than untreated oat, but the dissolution rate was higher than it. Untreated oat showed a lower fermentation rate, with a significantly lower acid and gas production rate than those of steel-cutting oat, oat flake, and oat flour. The total short chain fatty acid content of untreated oat produced by fermentation was the lowest, but the content of propionic acid and butyric acid was significantly higher than the other three groups. Conclusion: Mechanical progressing can affect the in vitro fermentation characteristics of oats by altering the integrity of their cell wall structure, as well as the content and dissolution rate of β-glucan. Moderate processing can contribute to the health benefits of oats.

Abstract The cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP)-adenosine monophosphate (AMP) synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling pathway, an important component of the innate immune system, is involved in the development of several diseases. Ectopic DNA-induced inflammatory responses are involved in several pathological processes. Repeated damage to tissues and metabolic organelles releases a large number of damage-associated molecular patterns (mitochondrial DNA, nuclear DNA, and exogenous DNA). The DNA fragments released into the cytoplasm are sensed by the sensor cGAS to initiate immune responses through the bridging protein STING. Many recent studies have revealed a regulatory role of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, atherosclerosis, and aortic dissection/aneurysm. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests that inhibiting the cGAS-STING signaling pathway can significantly inhibit myocardial hypertrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration. Therefore, this review is intended to identify risk factors for activating the cGAS-STING pathway to reduce risks and to simultaneously further elucidate the biological function of this pathway in the cardiovascular field, as well as its potential as a therapeutic target.

Aguo Cheng,1,2 Suohui Zhang,1,3 Fanda Meng,4 Mengzhen Xing,5 Han Liu,3 Guozhong Yang,3 Yunhua Gao1– 3 1Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Beijing CAS Microneedle Technology Ltd, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 4School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China; 5Key Laboratory of New Material Research Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yunhua Gao, Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 (10)82543581, Email yhgao@mail.ipc.ac.cnPurpose: Transdermal Drug Delivery System (TDDS) offers a promising alternative for delivering poorly soluble drugs, challenged by the stratum corneum’s barrier effect, which restricts the pool of drug candidates suitable for TDDS. This study aims to establish a delivery platform specifically for highly lipophilic drugs requiring high doses (log P > 5, dose > 10 mg/kg/d), to improve their intradermal delivery and enhance solubility.Methods: Cannabidiol (CBD, log P = 5.91) served as the model drug. A CBD nanosuspension (CBD-NS) was prepared using a bottom-up method. The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and concentration of the CBD-NS were characterized. Subsequently, CBD-NS was incorporated into dissolving microneedles (DMNs) through a one-step manufacturing process. The intradermal dissolution abilities, physicochemical properties, mechanical strength, insertion depth, and release behavior of the DMNs were evaluated. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were utilized to assess the efficacy of the DMN patch in treating knee synovitis and to analyze its skin permeation kinetics and pharmacokinetic performance.Results: The CBD-NS, stabilized with Tween 80, exhibited a particle size of 166.83 ± 3.33 nm, a PDI of 0.21 ± 0.07, and a concentration of 46.11 ± 0.52 mg/mL. The DMN loaded with CBD-NS demonstrated favorable intradermal dissolution and mechanical properties. It effectively increased the delivery of CBD into the skin, extended the action’s duration in vivo, and enhanced bioavailability. CBD-NS DMN exhibited superior therapeutic efficacy and safety in a rat model of knee synovitis, significantly inhibiting TNF-α and IL-1β compared with the methotrexate subcutaneous injection method.Conclusion: NS technology effectively enhances the solubility of the poorly soluble drug CBD, while DMN facilitates penetration, extends the duration of action in vivo, and improves bioavailability. Furthermore, CBD has shown promising therapeutic outcomes in treating knee synovitis. This innovative drug delivery system is expected to offer a more efficient solution for the administration of highly lipophilic drugs akin to CBD, thereby facilitating high-dose administration. Keywords: nanosuspension, highly lipophilic drugs, dissolving microneedle, cannabidiol, knee synovitis

Abstract Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is involved in the pathogenesis of multiple cardiovascular diseases. This study elucidated the biological function of lysine acetyltransferase 5 (KAT5) in cardiomyocyte pyroptosis during MIRI. Oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation and left anterior descending coronary artery ligation were used to establish MIRI models. Here we show, KAT5 and STIP1 homology and U-box-containing protein 1 (STUB1) were downregulated, while large tumor suppressor kinase 2 (LATS2) was upregulated in MIRI models. KAT5/STUB1 overexpression or LATS2 silencing repressed cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. Mechanistically, KAT5 promoted STUB1 transcription via acetylation modulation, and subsequently caused ubiquitination and degradation of LATS2, which activated YAP/β-catenin pathway. Notably, the inhibitory effect of STUB1 overexpression on cardiomyocyte pyroptosis was abolished by LATS2 overexpression or KAT5 depletion. Our findings suggest that KAT5 overexpression inhibits NLRP3-mediated cardiomyocyte pyroptosis to relieve MIRI through modulation of STUB1/LATS2/YAP/β-catenin axis, providing a potential therapeutic target for MIRI.

With increasing turbine inlet temperatures in aero-engines, the demand for temperature-resistant turbine blades has led to the widespread use of nickel-based single crystal superalloys. These alloys, known for their exceptional performance in high-temperature and high-stress environments, incorporate advanced cooling structures like lamilloy and double wall cooling to enhance temperature tolerance. As the development of aviation technology, thin-walled structures are widely used in turbine blades of aero-engines. However, the adoption of ultra-thin wall structures, particularly in lamilloy turbine blades with thicknesses of 0.5 mm or less, presents a significant manufacturing challenge and will cause the degradation of mechanical properties. This study delves into the growth and evolution of dendrites in the nickel-based single-crystal superalloy DD403, exploring thin-walled specimens with varying thicknesses during directional solidification. Findings reveal that decreasing wall thickness correlates with a reduction in average primary dendrite arm spacing, smaller γ′ precipitates sizes within the dendrite core and interdendritic regions, and reduced microsegregation levels of Al, Ti, Co and W. These insights contribute to optimizing thin-walled turbine blade performance in aero-engines applications.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver disease poses a major threat to human health worldwide. Although interferon and nucleoside analogues are commonly administered for treating chronic HBV infection, their use is limited by considerable side effects, drug resistance and incapacity for HBV elimination. Hence, novel HBV therapeutics are urgently required. For numerous years, traditional Chinese botanical drugs have been widely used to treat HBV-related diseases. The natural metabolites derived from these traditional drugs exhibit significant anti-HBV effects and serve as potential novel drugs for treating HBV. For overall understanding the therapeutic potential of these metabolites, the anti-HBV effects and mechanisms of action of 107 natural metabolites are summarized in this article. Mechanistically, these natural metabolites exert their anti-HBV effects by influencing the expression and function of host and/or viral genes, which differs from the mechanism of action of nucleoside analogues. Indeed, combining natural metabolites with nucleoside analogues can exert synergistic effects. Accordingly, natural metabolites or their chemically modified derivatives represent potential novel drugs and adjuvants for anti-HBV treatment.

Since the 60s of the 20th century, heart transplantation has been the best treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure. Due to the increasing number of patients, how to expand the number of donor organs and enhance immune compatibility has become an urgent problem to be solved at this stage. Although current immunosuppression is effective, its side effects are also quite obvious, such as opportunistic infections and malignant tumors. In this review, we focus on the important role in macrophages after heart transplantation and their potential targets for achieving allogeneic graft tolerance, in order to improve effective graft survival and reduce infection and the occurrence of malignant tumors.

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features and prognostic indicators of primary pulmonary adenoid cystic carcinoma (PACC). Methods Clinical data were collected from 64 primary PACC patients and analyzed retrospectively at the Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, the West China Hospital of Sichuan University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, and the Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2003 to August 2023. The 64 patients (28 males and 36 females) were aged from 20 to 73 years, with a median age of 49 years and an average age of 49.3 years. Results Immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumors expressed CK7, S‐100 protein, CK5/6, CD117, and p63. Seven patients underwent fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing and three were found to have myeloblastosis (MYB) gene translocation. In total, 53 patients underwent surgery, among whom 31 received only surgery and 22 received both surgery and postoperative chemoradiotherapy. In addition, 10 patients received chemoradiotherapy only, while one patient underwent treatment with traditional Chinese medicine. The overall survival rates in the first, third, and fifth years were 98.4%, 95.3%, and 87.5%, respectively. Conclusion Prognostic analysis revealed that age, tumor size, lymph node metastasis status, margin status, and choice of treatment modality significantly influenced the patients' prognosis.

Plasmonic waveguides have attracted tremendous interest due to efficiently confining photons on the subwavelength spatial scale to be beating the propagation diffraction limit. Transition metal molybdenum (Mo) exhibits outstanding properties in light trapping and electromagnetic field confining, making it potentially valuable in 1.55 μm plasmonic waveguide applications. However, the reliable fabrication of high-quality Mo plasmonic waveguides is a significant challenge. A real-space micro-imaging study of the surface plasmon on Mo structures is still absent. In this study, we successfully prepared a single-crystalline Mo microrod waveguide structure and fabricated subwavelength gratings on it. The diffraction gratings were designed, optimized, and etched to excite the surface plasmon polariton behaviour of Mo for the first time. The grating-optimized Mo microrod single-crystal reveals highly efficient waveguide performance around near-infrared spectroscopy, exhibiting a long propagation length of 32 μm and a low transmission loss of 0.067 dB μm−1. The results provide an alternative to advanced materials research and optical device applications of plasmonic waveguide systems.

To improve the compatibility of natural rubber (NR) and ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) and enhance the resistance of NR/EPDM blends to hot air aging, radiation-vulcanized NR/EPDM blends were prepared by γ-ray radiation. The effects of blend ratio and radiation vulcanization on the mechanical properties of the blends were investigated by using a uniaxial tensile test. With increasing EPDM content, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the hot-vulcanized sample first decreased and then increased due to the poor compatibility between NR and EPDM. In addition, the mechanical properties of the radiation-vulcanized sample degraded with increasing blend ratio of EPDM. The irradiation treatment improved the initial mechanical properties of the NR/EPDM rubber, and radiation crosslinking enhanced the coupling structure between the NR and EPDM polymer. Following aging treatment in hot air, the mechanical properties of the radiation-vulcanized sample were found to be less degraded than those of the hot-vulcanized one. This proved that the introduction of radiation technology via thermal crosslinking improved the elongation retention rate of the radiative crosslinked sample after thermal aging. In particular, the change rate of elongation at break of the radiation sample was reduced by ~50% when the blend ratio of the NR was greater than that of EPDM. The results showed that the NR/EPDM blends prepared by radiation vulcanization had greater resistance to hot air aging than those prepared by hot vulcanization.

This study aims to explore the impact of dual learning on preschool teachers' thriving at work and creative performance, and whether preschool teachers' thriving at work acts as a mediating factor in the relationship between dual learning and teachers' creative work. The participants were preschool teachers from Taiwan. Convenience sampling was used, resulting in a sample size of 388 people. The study results found that preschool teachers' dual learning, which includes both exploitative and exploratory learning, can improve the novelty and usefulness of their work and creativity. Furthermore, the study found that preschool teachers' thriving at work mediates the relationship between dual learning and creativity. This study also discovered that dual learning should combine and complement both exploitative and exploratory learning to achieve balance and the most significant effect. Therefore, it is essential to first help preschool teachers engage in both exploitative and exploratory learning. Schools and kindergartens can also provide relevant courses to help teachers combine these two learning methods. By integrating and complementing their advantages and disadvantages, a balance in learning can be achieved, thereby promoting teachers' creativity in their work.

The optimal design of curing agent amount and radiation absorbed dose in application of radiation crosslinking technology for ethylene-propylene-diene rubber / natural rubber blends was discussed. By combining the amount of curing agent and radiation absorbed dose to form different crosslinking schemes, regression equations between the curing agent amount and radiation absorbed dose and modulus at 100%, tensile strength and elongation at break were obtained by regression analysis of test results of the blend properties under different crosslinking schemes. According to the regression equations, 2-dimensional contour diagram and 3-dimensional surface diagram were displayed through visual simulation, and the results of regression ana-lysis were verified by optimizing crosslinking combination schemes. The results showed that the increase of increment coefficient of curing agent and radiation absorbed dose could increase elastic modulus of the blend, leading to an increase in modulus at 100% and a decrease in elongation at break. With the increase of curing agent amount and radiation absorbed dose, tensile strength of the blend first increased and then gradually decreased. The scheme of high curing agent amount with low radiation absorbed dose was suitable for preparing rubber materials with high requirements on modulus and strength, while the low curing agent amount with high radiation absorbed dose scheme was suitable for materials with high requirements on elongation at break and aging resistance.

Abstract Background Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a maternally inherited eye disease due to mutations in mitochondrial DNA. However, there is no effective treatment for this disease. LHON-linked ND6 14484T > C (p.M64V) mutation caused complex I deficiency, diminished ATP production, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), elevated apoptosis, and impaired mitophagy. Here, we investigated if the allotopic expression of human mitochondrial ND6 transgene corrected the mitochondrial dysfunctions due to LHON-associated m.14484T > C mutation. Methods Nucleus-versions of ND6 was generated by changing 6 non-universal codons with universal codons and added to mitochondrial targeting sequence of COX8. Stable transfectants were generated by transferring human ND6 cDNA expressed in a pCDH-puro vector into mutant cybrids carrying the m.14484T > C mutation and control cybrids. The effect of allotopic expression of ND6 on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) was evaluated using Blue Native gel electrophoresis and extracellular flux analyzer. Assessment of ROS production in cell lines was performed by flow cytometry with MitoSOX Red reagent. Analyses for apoptosis and mitophagy were undertaken via flow cytometry, TUNEL and immunofluorescence assays. Results The transfer of human ND6 into the cybrids carrying the m.14484T > C mutation raised the levels of ND6, ND1 and ND4L but did not change the levels of other mitochondrial proteins. The overexpression of ND6 led to 20~23% increases in the assembly and activity of complex I, and ~ 53% and ~ 33% increases in the levels of mitochondrial ATP and ΔΨm in the mutant cybrids bearing m.14484T > C mutation. Furthermore, mutant cybrids with overexpression of ND6 exhibited marked reductions in the levels of mitochondrial ROS. Strikingly, ND6 overexpression markedly inhibited the apoptosis process and restored impaired mitophagy in the cells carrying m.14484T > C mutation. However, overexpression of ND6 did not affect the ND6 level and mitochondrial functions in the wild-type cybrids, indicating that this ND6 level appeared to be the maximum threshold level to maintain the normal cell function. Conclusion We demonstrated that allotopic expression of nucleus-versions of ND6 restored complex I, apoptosis and mitophagy deficiencies caused by the m.14484T > C mutation. The restoration of m.14484T > C mutation-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions by overexpression of ND6 is a step toward therapeutic interventions for LHON and mitochondrial diseases.

Anny M Cheng,1– 3,* Scott Schecter,4,* Ricardo Jorge Komotar,5 Joby Tsai,1,2 Shailesh K Gupta1,2 1Department of Ophthalmology, Broward Health, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; 2Specialty Retina Center, Coral Springs, FL, USA; 3Department of Ophthalmology, Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; 4South Florida Vision, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; 5Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Shailesh K Gupta, Department of Ophthalmology, Broward Health, Fort Lauderdale, FL & Specialty Retina Center, 6280 W Sample Road# 202, Coral Springs, FL, 33067, USA, Tel +1 561 322-3588, Fax +1 754 812-5993, Email sgupta@specialtyretina.comAbstract: When non-glaucomatous disease with disc cupping mimics normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), diagnosis is challenging. The typical optic disc features of glaucomatous disease are often subjective, and often overlap with disc changes in compressive intracranial lesions. Ancillary diagnostic testing such as retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) analysis and visual field testing can elevate the index of suspicion of an underlying non-glaucomatous process. We present a case of a nonfunctional macroadenoma coexisting with NTG, although it is unclear if the concurrent brain lesion aggravated or caused it. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of recognizing optic cupping and non-matching abnormalities in the visual field from a coexisting intracranial lesion, even in the absence of other neurological signs.Keywords: cupping, normal tension glaucoma, pituitary macroadenoma, visual field defects

Constituted by various heterogeneous cells, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is capable of promoting tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis through extensive crosstalk. The pivotal factor influencing the survival time of patients and their response to immunotherapy lies in the intratumoral immune environment. We obtained 112 differential genes related to T cell-mediated tumor killing in LUAD by employing bioinformatics analysis on the basis of the TCGA and TISIDB databases. Then the 6-gene prognostic risk score model (CA9, OIP5, TIMP1, SEC11C, FURIN, and TLR10) was constructed by conducting univariate LASSO as well as multivariate Cox regression analyses. The median risk score was taken as the threshold to classify the samples into two groups. Survival analysis revealed that the low-risk group exhibited a more favorable prognosis. Subsequently, the Cox regression analysis combined with clinical information (age, gender, and pathological stage) and the risk score of LUAD patients demonstrated the potential of this model as an independent prognostic factor. The nomogram established based on clinical information and a risk score in combination with the calibration curve indicated that this model had good predictive ability. Notable enrichment of the differential genes from the high- and low-risk groups was discovered in immune-associated processes or pathways, as shown by the GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. The combined use of single-sample gene enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and immunophenoscore (IPS) demonstrated heightened immune infiltration and IPS scores in the low-risk group, indicating that immunotherapy was likely to show good efficacy in patients from this group. To sum up, the prognostic model of LUAD constructed based on T-cell-mediated cell killing-related genes was not only capable of screening the prognosis of LUAD patients but was also used for screening those LUAD patients with high sensitivity to immunotherapy. Our study offered novel insights into the clinical treatment and prognostic prediction of LUAD patients.

Pore structure, as the focus of shale reservoir research, has important influence on the occurrence of shale oil. In this paper, 10 shale core samples from the 7th member of Triassic Yanchang Formation (Chang 7 member) in Huachi area, Ordos Basin were selected to carry out scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption experiment, and the fractal dimension was calculated to quantitatively characterize the pore structure of shale in the research area combined with fractal FHH model. On this basis, the relationship between fractal dimension and pore structure parameters and oil-bearing parameters was discussed, and the main influencing factors of pore development of shale in the Chang 7 member were determined. The results show that the shale of the Chang 7 member in Huachi area has high organic matter abundance, which are good-to-excellent source rocks mainly composed of quartz and clay minerals, with good oil-bearing property (up to the middle oil-bearing level) and mobility. The reservoir space is dominated by intergranular pores, intragranular pores and a small amount of organic pores. There are two types of pore morphology, namely, parallel plate-shaped slit+unilateral slit and ink bottle-shaped + parallel plate-shaped slit. The pores are mainly micropores and mesopores, with macropores less developed. Most samples have fractal characteristics. The fractal dimension D1 of small pores is between 2.264 7 and 2.714 9, and the fractal dimension D2 of large pores is between 2.373 3 and 2.77 7. Among them, D2 has a good correlation with surface area, pore volume, average pore diameter and S1, which can characterize the development characteristics of pore structure and oil-bearing property of shale, while D1 can only characterize the mobility of shale oil. The pore development of shale is mainly controlled by TOC and quartz content, and has a certain relationship with feldspar content, while clay mineral content is not the main influencing factor.

Natural rubber (NR)/ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) blends with different blending ratios were prepared, the heat-vulcanized NR/EPDM vulcaniztes were analyzed by the stress-strain test, the blend with the most serious co-vulcanization problem in the process of heat-vulcanization was selected for radiation processing with diffe-rent radiation absorption dose by radiation cross-linking technology, and the optimal radiation absorption dose was preferred. Radiation treatment of the heat-vulcanized NR/EPDM vulcaniztes with different blending ratios was carried out with the optimal absorption dose, and the properties of the heat-vulcanized NR/EPDM vulcaniztes before and after radiation treatment were compared. The results showed that the comprehensive mechanical properties of the heat-vulcanized NR/EPDM vulcanizte were the worst when the mass ratio of NR to EPDM was 40/60; when the radiation absorption dose was 100 kGy, the comprehensive mechanical properties of NR/EPDM blends were the best, and modulus at 100% of NR/EPDM blends with different blending ratios all increased and there was no significant difference in the magnitude of the increase in modulus at 100% of NR/EPDM blends with different blending ratios after radiation treatment; the curves of tensile strength and elongation at break of NR/EPDM blends with different blending ratios all changed from the “U-shaped” before radiation treatment to the approximate linear after radiation treatment; after radiation treatment elongation at break of NR/EPDM blends all decreased and the magnitudes of the increase in elongation at break of EPDM phase were larger than those of NR phase in NR/EPDM blends.

Sika deer are known to prefer oak leaves, which are rich in tannins and toxic to most mammals; however, the genetic mechanisms underlying their unique ability to adapt to living in the jungle are still unclear. In identifying the mechanism responsible for the tolerance of a highly toxic diet, we have made a major advancement by explaining the genome of sika deer. We generated the first high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly of sika deer and measured the correlation between tannin intake and RNA expression in 15 tissues through 180 experiments. Comparative genome analyses showed that the UGT and CYP gene families are functionally involved in the adaptation of sika deer to high-tannin food, especially the expansion of the UGT family 2 subfamily B of UGT genes. The first chromosome-level assembly and genetic characterization of the tolerance to a highly toxic diet suggest that the sika deer genome may serve as an essential resource for understanding evolutionary events and tannin adaptation. Our study provides a paradigm of comparative expressive genomics that can be applied to the study of unique biological features in non-model animals.

Abstract This paper describes a simple electrochemical sensing platform based on single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) electrodes for glucose detection. The device fabrication using O2-plasma treatment allows precision and uniformity for the construction of three SWCNT electrodes on the flexible plastic substrate. Glucose assay can be simply accomplished by introducing a glucose sample into the fabricated biosensor. The marked electrocatalytic and biocompatible properties of biosensors based on SWCNT electrodes with the incorporation of ferrocenecarboxylic acid and polyethylene glycol enable effective amperometric measurement of glucose at a low oxidation potential (0.3 V) with low interferences from coexisting species. The device shows efficient electroanalytical performances with high sensitivity (5.5 μA·mM−1·cm−2), good reproducibility (CV less than 3%), and long-term stability (over a month). A linear range of response was found from 0 to 10 mM of glucose with a fast response time of 10 s. This attractive electroanalytical device based on GOx/FCA/PEG/SWCNT electrodes offers a promising system to facilitate a new approach for diverse biosensors and electrochemical devices.

Abstract Tracheal tumors are rare, accounting for 0.1% of all malignancies. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma are the two most prevalent tracheal cancers. Less than 20 cases of extramedullary plasmacytoma in the trachea and main bronchus have ever been documented in the literature, making it extremely uncommon. Although the origin of these lesions is unclear, viral pathogenesis and persistent inflammation are thought to be the main causes. Clinically, these individuals exhibit vague symptoms such as stridor, a persistent cough, dyspnea, or wheezing, making a correct diagnosis difficult.

A large number of sandstone interlayers were developed in the shale strata of the 7th member of the Triassic Yanchang Formation (Chang 7 member) in the Ordos Basin. These sandstone interlayers are frequently accompanied by abnormally high natural gamma values as high as 330.5 API. As a result, they are undistingui shable from shale on well profile. To characterize the high-gamma sandstones, the clastic rocks of the Chang 7 member were classified into fine sandstone, siltstone, argillaceous siltstone, silty mudstone, mudstone and shale according to grain size and structural characteristics. Conventional logging data were recalculated and combined into two new parameters—A and B. The new intersection chart composed of parameters A and B and natural gamma logging data can effectively distinguish and identify normal sandstone and high-gamma sandstone in the Chang 7 member. The plane distribution of cumulative thickness of high-gamma sandstone in the Chang 7 member shows that the high-gamma sandstone is mainly located in the southwest of the study area. The finger-like distribution of high-gamma sandstone from the edge to the center of the lake basin indicates that its formation may be related to the volcanic eruption during sedimentary period.

Purpose: Given the research gaps identified in a literature review, this study aims to uncover how the intensity of learners' motivational behavior and its predictors vary with grade level. Methodology: A large-scale survey was conducted to examine motivational behavior and its predictors among EFL learners across three education levels and ten grades in Taiwan: primary school (Grades 3 to 6), junior high school (Grades 7 to 9), and senior high school (Grades 10 to 12). A total of 12,441 valid cases were collected from both rural and urban areas in Taiwan. ANOVA and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings: The results showed a significant effect of grade level on the intensity of motivational behavior. Specifically, learners' intensity of motivational behavior tended to decline with grade level (years of study). The significant predictors of motivational behavior also differed with grade level. Significance: In addition to theoretical and methodological contributions to L2 motivation research, this study can enhance understanding of factors that could enhance learners' motivational behavior and offer implications to assist EFL teachers in developing motivational teaching strategies.

Purpose: Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) apps such as Duolingo have great potential for promoting learners' motivation to learn a second language (L2). However, little research has investigated how this motivational impact takes place. Additionally, despite the flexibility of mobile learning, most existing studies are conducted in classroom settings, with less attention paid to out-of-school technology usage. Design/Approach/Methods: To address these gaps, we present a model based on self-determination theory and propose the idea of "motivational transfer" to explain the psychological mechanism underpinning the impact of technology. To examine the model, we conducted a case study with 20 Year 8 Chinese junior school students who used Duolingo to learn English as a foreign language (EFL) after school for 6 weeks. Findings: Questionnaire and group interview data support our hypothesized mechanism--learners' activity-specific intrinsic motivation (IM) for using Duolingo and their underlying psychological need for autonomy and competence can be transferred to a more general level, thereby enhancing learners' global IM for L2. Originality/Value: The proposed theoretical model expands our understanding of how digital technology stimulates learners' L2 motivation; it can help L2 educators design better technological affordances to promote learners' motivation both in and outside the classroom.

Adenocarcinoma is the second largest histological type of cervical cancer, second only to cervical squamous cell carcinoma. At present, despite the clinical treatment strategies of cervical adenocarcinoma and cervical squamous cell carcinoma being similar, the outcome and prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma are significantly poor. Therefore, it is urgent to find specific biomarker and therapeutic target for cervical adenocarcinoma. In this study, we aim to reveal and verify the potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets of cervical adenocarcinoma. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) reveals the differentially-expressed genes significantly related to the histological characteristics of the two cervical cancer subtypes. We select the genes with the top 20 significance for further investigation. Through microarray and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses of a variety of tumor tissues, we find that among these 20 genes, AHNAK2 is highly expressed not only in cervical adenocarcinoma, but also in multiple of adenocarcinoma tissues, including esophagus, breast and colon, while not in normal gland tissues. In vitro, AHNAK2 knockdown significantly inhibits cell proliferation and migration of adenocarcinoma cell lines. In vivo, AHNAK2 knockdown significantly inhibits tumor progression and metastasis of various adenocarcinomas. RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analyses suggest that the inhibitory effect of AHNAK2 knockdown on tumor progression is achieved by regulating DNA replication and upregulating Bim expression. Together, we demonstrate that AHNAK2 is a biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for adenocarcinomas.

Abstract Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (PMEC) is uncommon. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features, diagnostic criteria, treatment options, and prognostic factors relating to primary PMEC. Clinical data on 45 patients with primary PMEC were collected and analyzed retrospectively at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital and the First People’ Hospital of Longquanyi District Chengdu from January 2008 to December 2020. The 45 patients (25 males and 20 females) ranged in age from 22 to 72 years, with a median age of 49 and an average age of 47.7. All the patients underwent surgery, with 32 receiving only surgery and 13 receiving both surgery and postoperative chemotherapy. A total of 34 instances of low‐grade tumors and 11 cases of high‐grade tumors were discovered during postoperative pathological diagnosis. Forty‐five patients were followed for 13 to 78 months, and four died during this period. In all four instances, a lung infection unrelated to the tumor was determined to be the cause of death. The MAML2 gene translocation was detected in 40 of 45 patients, with 34 of them testing positive. Radical surgery with lymph node dissection is an efficient treatment for PMEC. The prognosis is poor for patients with advanced disease, a negative MAML2 gene translocation, lymph node metastases, and high‐grade tumors.