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Abstract The Nab-paclitaxel combined with gemcitabine (AG) regimen is the main chemotherapy regimen for pancreatic cancer, but drug resistance often occurs. Currently, the ability to promote sensitization in drug-resistant cases is an important clinical issue, and the strategy of repurposing conventional drugs is a promising strategy. This study aimed to identify a classic drug that targets chemotherapy resistance’s core signaling pathways and combine it with the AG regimen to enhance chemosensitivity. We also aimed to find reliable predictive biomarkers of drug combination sensitivity. Using RNA sequencing, we found that abnormal PI3K/Akt pathway activation plays a central role in mediating resistance to the AG regimen. Subsequently, through internal and external verification of randomly selected AG-resistant patient-derived organoid (PDO) and PDO xenograft models, we discovered for the first time that the classic anti-inflammatory drug sulindac K-80003, an inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt pathway that we focused on, promoted sensitization in half (14/28) of AG-resistant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases. Through RNA-sequencing, multiplex immunofluorescent staining, and immunohistochemistry experiments, we identified cFAM124A as a novel biomarker through which sulindac K-80003 promotes AG sensitization. Its role as a sensitization marker is explained via the following mechanism: cFAM124A enhances both the mRNA expression of cathepsin L and the activity of the cathepsin L enzyme. This dual effect stimulates the cleavage of RXRα, leading to large amounts of truncated RXRα, which serves as a direct target of K-80003. Consequently, this process results in the pathological activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. In summary, our study provides a new treatment strategy and novel biological target for patients with drug-resistant pancreatic cancer.

Abstract Background Ferroptosis is a newly recognized form of regulatory cell death characterized by severe lipid peroxidation triggered by iron overload and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the role of ferroptosis in severe acute pancreatitis(SAP) has not been fully elucidated. Methods We established four severe acute pancreatitis models of rats including the sham control group, the SAP group, the Fer -1-treated SAP (SAP + Fer-1) group, the 3-MA-treated SAP (SAP + 3-MA) group. The SAP group was induced by retrograde injection of sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. The other two groups were intraperitoneally injected with ferroptosis inhibitor (Fer-1) and autophagy inhibitor (3-MA), respectively. The model of severe acute pancreatitis with amylase crest-related inflammatory factors was successfully established. Then we detected ferroptosis (GPX4, SLC7A1 etc.) and autophagy-related factors (LC3II, p62 ect.) to further clarify the relationship between ferroptosis and autophagy. Results Our study found that ferroptosis occurs during the development of SAP, such as iron and lipid peroxidation in pancreatic tissues, decreased levels of reduced glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX 4) and glutathione (GSH), and increased malondialdehyde(MDA) and significant mitochondrial damage. In addition, ferroptosis related proteins such as GPX4, solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11) and ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1) were significantly decreased. Next, the pathogenesis of ferroptosis in SAP was studied. First, treatment with the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1(Fer-1) significantly alleviated ferroptosis in SAP. Interestingly, autophagy occurs during the pathogenesis of SAP, and autophagy promotes the occurrence of ferroptosis in SAP. Moreover, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) inhibition of autophagy can significantly reduce iron overload and ferroptosis in SAP. Conclusions Our results suggest that ferroptosis is a novel pathogenesis of SAP and is dependent on autophagy. This study provides a new theoretical basis for the study of SAP.

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating cancer with dismal prognosis due to distant metastasis, even in the early stage. Using RNA sequencing and multiplex immunofluorescence, here we find elevated expression of mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudo-kinase (MLKL) and enhanced necroptosis pathway in PDAC from early liver metastasis T-stage (T1M1) patients comparing with non-metastatic (T1M0) patients. Mechanistically, MLKL-driven necroptosis recruits macrophages, enhances the tumor CD47 ‘don’t eat me’ signal, and induces macrophage extracellular traps (MET) formation for CXCL8 activation. CXCL8 further initiates epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and upregulates ICAM-1 expression to promote endothelial adhesion. METs also degrades extracellular matrix, that eventually supports PDAC liver metastasis. Meanwhile, targeting necroptosis and CD47 reduces liver metastasis in vivo. Our study thus reveals that necroptosis facilitates PDAC metastasis by evading immune surveillance, and also suggest that CD47 blockade, combined with MLKL inhibitor GW806742X, may be a promising neoadjuvant immunotherapy for overcoming the T1M1 dilemma and reviving the opportunity for radical surgery.

Abstract Background Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) has been confirmed to play oncogenic role in many cancers. However, the role and mechanism of IGF2BP2 in bladder cancer (BCa) still deserves to be further revealed. Methods The mRNA and protein levels of IGF2BP2 and neuronilin-1 (NRP1) were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were determined using colony formation assay, EdU assay, CCK8 assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay. Xenograft tumor model was conducted to evaluate the role of IGF2BP2 in vivo. THP-1-M0 macrophages were co-cultured with the condition medium (CM) of BCa cells to induce polarization. M2 macrophage polarization was assessed by detecting the mRNA levels of M2 macrophage markers using RT-qPCR and measuring the proportion of M2 macrophage markers using flow cytometry. Moreover, MeRIP and RIP assay were performed to assess m6A level and the interaction between IGF2BP2 and NRP1. Results IGF2BP2 and NRP1 were upregulated in BCa tissues and cells. IGF2BP2 knockdown suppressed BCa cell growth and metastasis, as well as inhibited BCa tumor growth. After THP-1-M0 macrophages were co-cultured with the CM of BCa cells, the levels of M2 macrophage markers were markedly enhanced, while this effect was abolished by IGF2BP2 knockdown. IGF2BP2 level was positively correlated with NRP1 level, and it could increase NRP1 mRNA stability. NRP1 overexpression reversed the suppressive effect of IGF2BP2 knockdown on M2 macrophage polarization and BCa cell progression. Conclusion m6A-reader IGF2BP2 enhanced M2 macrophage polarization and BCa cell progression by promoting NRP1 mRNA stability.

ABSTRACT While floral signaling plays a central role in the reproductive success of all animal‐pollinated plants, it may also attract herbivores eager to feed on flowers. False nectaries with glossy surfaces reflecting incident light may produce signals that attract floral visitors guiding their movements to and within the flower. Whether false nectaries also attract herbivores that lower the reproductive success of natural populations requires attention. In this study, we focus on Parnassia wightiana, a subalpine species with a whorl of staminodes that act as false nectaries attracting bees, flies, and herbivorous beetles. We tested the functions of staminodes using controlled manipulative experiments under field and lab conditions. We found a significant decrease in pollinator visits, and subsequent seed set, in flowers in which we removed staminodes or staminode apices confirming the function of these organs. In our natural populations, we found that a beetle, Nonarthra variabilis (Alticinae; Chrysomelidae), chews first on staminode apices, then it eats the entire staminodes and other flower parts, but rarely feeds on ovaries. Additional experiments suggested these beetles preferred staminodes to ovaries. Our results suggest this is a case of selective florivory, in which staminodes play a dual role, attracting pollinators and herbivores at the same time causing the attractive dilemma. Although selective florivory by beetles did not directly damage fruits, it influenced plant‐pollinator interactions, decreasing reproductive success in plant populations. Our study highlights the importance of plant‐pollinator‐herbivore interactions in selecting floral traits.

Abstract The immunosuppressive microenvironment caused by several intrinsic and extrinsic mechanism has brought great challenges to the immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer. We identified GFPT2, the key enzyme in hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP), as an immune-related prognostic gene in pancreatic cancer using transcriptome sequencing and further confirmed that GFPT2 promoted macrophage M2 polarization and malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer. HBP is a glucose metabolism pathway leading to the generation of uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc), which is further utilized for protein O-GlcNAcylation. We confirmed GFPT2-mediated O-GlcNAcylation played an important role in regulating immune microenvironment. Through cellular proteomics, we identified IL-18 as a key downstream of GFPT2 in regulating the immune microenvironment. Through CO-IP and protein mass spectrum, we confirmed that YBX1 was O-GlcNAcylated and nuclear translocated by GFPT2-mediated O-GlcNAcylation. Then, YBX1 functioned as a transcription factor to promote IL-18 transcription. Our study elucidated the relationship between the metabolic pathway of HBP in cancer cells and the immune microenvironment, which might provide some insights into the combination therapy of HBP vulnerability and immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer.

This study focuses on enhancing the mechanical properties of 631 stainless steel through heat treatment for spring applications. 631 stainless steel (17–7PH), can achieve increased hardness and mechanical properties, offering high strength and hardness suitable for use in aerospace, chemical, and automotive industries. Heat treatment was recommended as one of the best ways in this regard; hence, the effects of temperature and time on the microstructure, mechanical, and corrosion properties of 631 stainless steel have been studied. This research conducted a series of heat treatments on 631 stainless steel, included solid-solution treatment, CH900, RH950, and TH1050 processes to modify the temperature holding period and the degree of undercooling of phase transformations. The study explored the microstructure and mechanical properties of each heat treatment, including spring tests. The results indicate that solid-solution treatment has no significant contribution to hot-rolled 631 stainless steel, whereas two-stage aging is able to conspicuously improves material hardness and mechanical performance. Quenching in 0°C ice water (increasing the degree of undercooling) can elevate hardness to approximately HRC40. After a two-stage aging heat treatment, 631 stainless steel possesses excellent strength and corrosion resistance. Spring test results show a K value of 1.1 kg/ mm, indicating its potential application.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor, probably of fibroblastic origin, mainly in the extremities and pleura. Primary SFT of the adrenal gland is clinically more rare. Here, we report the case of a 47-year-old woman who detected a left adrenal mass on physical examination, without any symptoms, and no laboratory abnormalities. A computed tomography (CT) examination of the adrenal gland suggested a round-like soft tissue density shadow in the left adrenal area. An unenhanced scan showed uneven density of the mass, with a scattered circular-like cystic low-density shadow inside, and an enhanced scan showed obvious uneven enhancement. We considered it to be adrenal pheochromocytoma. Ultimately, the patient was treated with laparoscopic left adrenalectomy. A pathological examination suggested an adrenal SFT. We reviewed previous case reports of adrenal SFTs and summarized the clinical characteristics of adrenal SFT combined with the relevant literature. For adrenal tumors with uneven low-density shadow and uneven CT enhancement features, we should consider the differential diagnosis of adrenal SFT.

In this study, cold drawing 310 S stainless steel was selected as the raw material and employed two heat treatment methods, isothermal treatment (900°C for 12 hours) and thermal cycling processes (900°C-1 h↹room temperature-1 min-12 cycles and 900°C-1 min↹room temperature-1 min-100 cycles), to investigate the effects of heat treatment on the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties. The results indicate that after isothermal treatment (900°C for 12 hours), the microstructure of AISI 310 S stainless steel transforms into a single-phase equiaxed grain structure. The strength decreases while the ductility increases. After thermal cycling treatment, the grain size is refined, resulting in increased strength but decreased ductility. Through FIB (Focused Ion Beam), WDS (Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy), and EPMA (Electron Probe Microanalysis) analyses, it was revealed that in a high-temperature, long-term environment, silicon (Si) tends to diffuse to the surface and aggregate with carbon (C) and oxygen (O) to form eutectic SiCO phase. These eutectic SiCO phase, upon melting at high temperatures and subsequent solidification after the experiment, result in the formation of shrinkage cavities in subsurface. Therefore, leads to the deterioration of tensile properties. On the other hand, after thermal cycling tests (900°C-1 min↹room temperature-1 min-100 cycles), due to thermal expansion and contraction inducing shear-induced defects in the lattice, the material exhibits recrystallization behavior, resulting in grain refinement and an increase in tensile mechanical properties. Additionally, conducting tensile strain analysis on the specimens after thermal cycling (two strain levels: 16%, 32%), it was observed that tensile cracks continue to propagate and grow along the surface cracks generated during the original thermal cycling, confirming the failure mechanism of thermal cycling.

Abstract Background The essential roles of platelets in thrombosis have been well recognized. Unexpectedly, thrombosis is prevalent during thrombocytopenia induced by cytotoxicity of biological, physical and chemical origins, which could be suffered by military personnel and civilians during chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear events. Especially, thrombosis is considered a major cause of mortality from radiation injury-induced thrombocytopenia, while the underlying pathogenic mechanism remains elusive. Methods A mouse model of radiation injury-induced thrombocytopenia was built by exposing mice to a sublethal dose of ionizing radiation (IR). The phenotypic and functional changes of platelets and megakaryocytes (MKs) were determined by a comprehensive set of in vitro and in vivo assays, including flow cytometry, flow chamber, histopathology, Western blotting, and chromatin immunoprecipitation, in combination with transcriptomic analysis. The molecular mechanism was investigated both in vitro and in vivo, and was consolidated using MK-specific knockout mice. The translational potential was evaluated using a human MK cell line and several pharmacological inhibitors. Results In contrast to primitive MKs, mature MKs (mMKs) are intrinsically programmed to be apoptosis-resistant through reprogramming the Bcl-xL-BAX/BAK axis. Interestingly, mMKs undergo minority mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) post IR, resulting in the activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of IFN genes (cGAS-STING) pathway via the release of mitochondrial DNA. The subsequent interferon-β (IFN-β) response in mMKs upregulates a GTPase guanylate-binding protein 2 (GBP2) to produce large and hyperreactive platelets that favor thrombosis. Further, we unmask that autophagy restrains minority MOMP in mMKs post IR. Conclusions Our study identifies that megakaryocytic mitochondria-cGAS/STING-IFN-β-GBP2 axis serves as a fundamental checkpoint that instructs the size and function of platelets upon radiation injury and can be harnessed to treat platelet pathologies.

Abstract Patients with concurrent intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and hepatolithiasis generally have poor prognoses. Hepatolithiasis is once considered the primary cause of ICC, although recent insights indicate that bacteria in the occurrence of hepatolithiasis can promote the progression of ICC. By constructing in vitro and in vivo ICC models and patient‐derived organoids (PDOs), it is shown that Escherichia coli induces the production of a novel RNA, circGLIS3 (cGLIS3), which promotes tumor growth. cGLIS3 binds to hnRNPA1 and G3BP1, resulting in the assembly of stress granules (SGs) and suppression of hnRNPA1 and G3BP1 ubiquitination. Consequently, the IKKα mRNA is blocked in SGs, decreasing the production of IKKα and activating the NF‐κB pathway, which finally results in chemoresistance and produces metastatic phenotypes of ICC. This study shows that a combination of Icaritin (ICA) and gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP) chemotherapy can be a promising treatment strategy for ICC.

Vibrio qinghaiensis sp. Q67 was used as an indicator strain to study the toxic effects of five common pesticides, pirimicarb (PIR), carbaryl (CAR), glyphosate (GLY), dimethoate (DIM), and acephate (ACE). The toxicities were evaluated by toxic unit and concentration addition model. The results showed that the toxicity of the pesticides decreased in the following order: PIR > GLY > CAR > DIM > ACE. Four of the 10 binary mixtures of these five pesticides showed antagonistic toxic effects, while the remaining six showed additive or synergistic toxic effects. Among the seven five-component mixtures designed by uniform design ray, four showed synergistic and then antagonistic effects, while the remaining three showed a consistent antagonistic effect. The toxicity of the five-component mixtures was strongly positively correlated with the concentration of CAR (r = 0.947). Based on this result, a linear model was established to predict the toxicity of pesticide mixtures. This method has the advantages of low cost, rapidity, simplicity and convenience, which can be used as a potential preliminary screening method for rapid detection of pesticide residues in agricultural products and foods.

Multiple factors cause atherosclerosis, meaning its pathogenesis is complex, and has not been fully elucidated. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are a member of the fatty acid family, which are critical nutrients for mammalian growth and development. The types of polyunsaturated fatty acids ingested, their serum levels, and fatty acid desaturase can influence the atherosclerotic disease progression. The fatty acid desaturase gene cluster can regulate fatty acid desaturase activity and further affect atherosclerosis. This study reviewed the research progress on the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on atherosclerosis regulated by fatty acid desaturase and the relationship between genetic variants of the fatty acid desaturase gene cluster and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Abstract Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is characterized by its dense fibrotic microenvironment and highly malignant nature, which are associated with chemotherapy resistance and very poor prognosis. Although circRNAs have emerged as important regulators in cancer biology, their role in ICC remains largely unclear. Herein, a circular RNA, cPKM is identified, which is upregulated in ICC and associated with poor prognosis. Silencing cPKM in ICC cells reduces TGFB1 release and stromal fibrosis, inhibits STMN1 expression, and suppresses ICC growth and metastasis, moreover, it also leads to overcoming paclitaxel resistance. This is regulated by the interactions of cPKM with miR‐199a‐5p or IGF2BP2 and by the ability of cPKM to stabilize STMN1/TGFB1 mRNA. Based on these findings, a Trojan horse nanotherapy strategy with co‐loading of siRNA against cPKM (si‐cPKM) and paclitaxel (PTX) is developed. The siRNA/PTX co‐loaded nanosystem (Trojan horse) efficiently penetrates tumor tissues, releases si‐cPKM and paclitaxel (soldiers), promotes paclitaxel sensitization, and suppresses ICC proliferation and metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, it alleviates the fibrosis of ICC tumor stroma and reopens collapsed tumor vessels (opening the gates), thus enhancing the efficacy of the standard chemotherapy regimen (main force). This novel nanotherapy provides a promising new strategy for ICC treatment.

The melt refining process of Martensitic stainless steel smelting is closely related to the characteristics of the matrix; the formation mechanism and distribution of carbides, especially, influence the mechanical properties of steel. In this study, three different melt refining processes of 440 stainless steel were used for analysis: aluminum reduction process (440 M-Al), silicon reduction process (440 M-Si), and electro slag remelting (440 C-ESR). The results show the main carbides of 440 stainless steel after three different melt refining processes are M7C3 and M23C6. The carbides of 440 M-Al and 440 M-Si are fine particles; the carbide of 440 C-ESR is a small block. The 440 M-Al carbides are micron- and nanoscale-sized particles. The micron-sized carbides solidify and aggregate at the unit cell boundary, and the structure is Cr7C3. There are gaps between the carbide particles, and the solid solution carbon content of the adjacent matrix is high, which makes the hardness of the matrix greater than that of the carbide aggregation area. On the contrary, the matrix of 440 C-ESR solid dissolves many alloying elements, and the fine lump carbide is also Cr7C3. The carbide diffusion interface layer of 440 C-ESR can improve the bonding characteristics of the interface of the carbide and the matrix, thus enhancing the mechanical properties.

As a product of the D-T burning plasma in tokamak fusion reactors, helium (He) ash would be retained in plasma-facing components like the first wall and divertor, harming the stable operation of burning plasma. The quantitative monitoring of He retention is critical for He removal in these regions. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a promising technique for this task due to its remote, in-situ, online, and all-element monitoring capabilities. In this work, the LIBS method was employed to quantitatively determine He retention in ITER-like wall material under a vacuum. The characteristic line of He I at 587.56 nm was clearly observed in the collected emission spectrum of the laser-induced plasma, and it was used for the subsequent quantitative analysis. The parameters of LIBS, i.e., the laser fluence and the gate delay of the spectrometer, were optimized to obtain He lines with high signal-to-noise ratios. The absolute concentration of He retained in the ITER-like co-deposition layer was measured by thermal desorption mass spectrometry (TDS) for calibration. The calibration curve exhibited a highly linear relationship between the LIBS intensity of the He I at 587.56 nm line and the He concentration in the co-deposition layer with a fitting coefficient R2 of 0.995. The limit of detection for He areal density using the current LIBS approach with the optimized parameters is achieved to be 1.8 × 1020 He/m2.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) may be associated with both local and systemic complications. Although it is usually self-limiting, up to 20% of patients develop severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), which leads to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiorgan dysfunction and failure affecting the lung, kidney, liver and heart. Patients who survive the condition frequently develop devastating long-term consequences such as diabetes mellitus, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, chronic pancreatitis (CP) and poor quality of life. A lack of specific targeted treatments is the main reason for high mortality and morbidity, indicating that more research on the pathogenesis of AP is needed. In the past decade, substantial advancements have been made in our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of AP, including mechanisms of calcium-mediated acinar cell injury and death, the cytoprotective role of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy in preventing sustained endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERs); however, the mechanism of parenchymal cell death is relatively poorly understood. This paper reviews the research progress of the regulatory cell death (RCD) mode in the pathogenesis of AP, providing some new insights and regulatory targets for the pathogenesis and treatment of AP, facilitating better targeted drug development.

Magnetic field measurement is the basic diagnosis to obtain the physical engineering parameters of magnetic confinement fusion device and the macro information of plasma discharge. The real-time diagnosis of magnetic field distribution near the plasma-facing components (PFCs) surface provides the important information on the migration and transport model of key elements. In this work, a remote, in-situ approach for the magnetic field measurement near the surface of PFCs by the polarization-resolved laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) based on Zeeman effect is proposed and implemented. The Zeeman characteristics of the emission spectra of laser-induced W, Mo and C plasmas were verified in the laboratory by using different magnetic field configurations. According to the polarization characteristics of the Zeeman sublines of the LIBS spectrum, the intensity and direction of the external local magnetic field were successively identified by using a linear polarizer. Subsequently, a linear array fiber was utilized to determine the polarity of the external magnetic field. And finally, the magnetic field intensity near the lower edge surface of the tungsten baffle of the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) upper divertor was measured when the field coils were demagnetized. This method can supplement the experimental data near the PFCs for the magnetic field configuration of the magnetic confinement fusion device and provide a reference for the wall element analysis model diagnosed by LIBS.

The maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model for predicting the potential suitable habitat of species has been commonly employed in many ecological and biological applications by using presence-only occurrence records along with associated environmental factors. Parnassia wightiana, a perennial herb, is a cold-adapted plant distributed across three diversity hotspots in China, including the Hengduan Range, Central China and the Lingnan region. The MaxEnt model was used to simulate the historic, current and future distribution trends of P. wightiana, as well as to analyse its distribution pattern in each historical period and explore the causes of species distribution changes. The results of our analysis indicated that annual precipitation, annual temperature range and mean temperature of the warmest quarter were the key bioclimatic variables affecting the distribution of P. wightiana. Most temperate species retracted into smaller refugial areas during glacial periods and experienced range expansion during interglacial periods. Possible refugia of the species were inferred to be located in the Hengduan Range and Qinling Regions.

As a remote and in situ diagnostic technique for the first wall of tokamaks, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has shown promising potential for depth profile analysis of deposition layers on plasma-facing components (PFCs). However, due to the complexity of the interface of deposition layers and the limitations of laser profiles, achieving an accurate deposition layer thickness is often more difficult for an in situ LIBS system in tokamaks. In previous studies, a Laser Profile & Interface Roughness model (LPIR model), which considers the laser beam profile and interface roughness factors, has been developed to identify the interface of deposition layers. In this study, the effect of ablation rates from different materials in the deposited layers on the accuracy of their thickness has been investigated. The depth profiling of a Ni-Cu-Ni-Cu multilayer sample, which has a four-layer structure, has been carried out using the LIBS technique under different focusing conditions as well as various laser pulse energies, with the pressure maintained at 10-5 mbar. The LPIR model was used to reconstruct the depth distribution profile of the Ni-Cu-Ni-Cu multilayer sample and quantify the interfacial positions of the deposited layers. A layer thickness correction method for multilayer sample is proposed based on the dependence of the ablation rates of different layers on laser fluence. The correction ability has been evaluated based on the relative errors between the calculated and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) values for different layer thicknesses. The relative errors of the corrected layer thicknesses are all significantly improved, and the accuracy of the layer thicknesses has been substantially improved. The proposed method will not only help us better understand the LIBS depth profiling of multilayer samples under different laser fluence conditions, but it will also further improve the accuracy of the layer thickness analysis of multilayer samples. This result is of positive significance for the application of in situ LIBS diagnostics in plasma-wall interaction (PWI) studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Goat milk is considered a nutritionally superior resource, owing to its advantageous nutritional attributes. Nevertheless, it is susceptible to spoilage and the persistence of pathogens. Electron beam irradiation stands as a promising non‐thermal processing technique capable of prolonging shelf life with minimal residue and a high degree of automation. RESULTS: The effects of electron beam irradiation (2, 3, 5, and 7 kGy) on microorganisms, physicochemical properties, and protein structure of goat milk compared with conventional pasteurized goat milk (PGM) was evaluated. It was found that a 2 kGy electron beam irradiation reduces the total microbial count of goat milk by 6‐logs, and the irradiated goat milk protein secondary structure showed a significant decrease in ɑ‐helix content. Low irradiation doses led to microaggregation and crosslinking. In contrast, high doses (≥ 5 kGy) slightly disrupted the aggregates and decreased the particle size, disrupting the microscopic surface structure of goat milk, verified by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. CONCLUSION: The irradiation of goat milk with a 2 kGy electron beam may effectively inactivate harmful microorganisms in the milk and maintain/or improve the physicochemical quality and protein structure of goat milk compared to thermal pasteurization. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The aim of this literature review was to identify preoperative risk factors associated with recurrent instability after Bankart repair. Methods The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for potentially eligible articles. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts using prespecified criteria. Articles were included if they clearly stated the risk factors for recurrence after Bankart repair. Data on patient characteristics and recurrence rate were collected from each study. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis and the statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results Nineteen studies that included 2922 participants met the inclusion criteria. The overall pooled prevalence of recurrent instability was 15.3% (range 6.9–42). The mean follow-up duration was 40.5 months (18–108). Twenty-one risk factors were identified, 10 of which were explored quantitatively. Statistically significant risk factors for recurrent instability following a Bankart procedure were age under 20 years (odds ratio [OR] 4.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8–96.23, p

Seasonal frozen soil accounts for about 53.50% of the land area in China. Frozen soil is a complex multiphase system where ice, water, soil, and air coexist. The distribution and migration of salts in frozen soil during soil freezing are notably different from those in unfrozen soil areas. However, little knowledge is available about the process and mechanisms of salt migration in frozen soil. This study explores the mechanisms of salt migration at the ice-liquid interface during the freezing of pore fluids through batch experiments. The results are as follows. The solute concentrations of liquid and solid phases at the ice-liquid interface (CL*, CS*) gradually increased at the initial stage of freezing and remained approximately constant at the middle stage. As the ice-liquid interface advanced toward the system boundary, the diffusion of the liquid phase was blocked but the ice phase continued rejecting salts. As a result, CL* and CS* rapidly increased at the final stage of freezing. The distribution characteristics of solutes in ice and the liquid phases before CL* and CS* became steady were mainly affected by the freezing temperature, initial concentrations, and particle-size distribution of media (quartz sand and kaolin). In detail, the lower the freezing temperature and the better the particle-size distribution of media, the higher the solute proportion in the ice phase at the initial stage of freezing. Meanwhile, the increase in concentration first promoted but then inhibited the increase of solutes in the ice phase. These results have insights and scientific significance for the tackling of climate change, the environmental protection of groundwater and soil, and infrastructure protection such as roads, among other things.© 2021 China Geology Editorial Office.

In this work, a spatially lateral-resolved study of the co-deposition of helium (He) and aluminum (Al) in non-uniform layers is carried out by a long pulse Laser-Induced Ablation-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LIA-QMS) approach. He was co-deposited with Al on the silicon (Si) substrate by Pulse Laser Deposition (PLD) method at He ambient pressure of 4.0 Pa. The Al is a proxy of beryllium (Be) because the Be is toxic. The thickness of the He-Al co-deposited layers decreases from approximately 3.9 µm to 0.2 µm with increasing lateral distance measured using white light confocal 3-D profilometer. The areal number density of He-retention in the inhomogeneous co-deposited layers decreases from 5.8 × 1021 to 7.5 × 1019 He/m2 along the lateral distance, which is consistent with the variation trend of the deposition layer thickness. The 2-D imaging of the He atomic areal density measured by LIA-QMS shows that the He-retention in the co-deposition layer is significantly inhomogeneous. The maximum and minimum of the He concentration in atom ratio in the co-deposited layer are about 4 % and 0.4 %, respectively. The results indicate that LIA-QMS diagnostic approach has a significantly potential for the 2D-resolved quantitative characterization of the He (or D/T) retention in the co-deposited layers on Plasma Facing Materials (PFMs).