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Rural waste management is a highly complex issue requiring multi‐stakeholders' cooperation. The promotion of cooperative action through social mobilization is essential. Based on evolutionary game theory, this study constructs a dynamic model consisting of government, social funds, and rural residents to study the effectiveness of public–private partnership (PPP) projects in rural waste management in China. The results show that excessively high or low subsidies from the government to social funds are detrimental to the sustainability of rural waste management. The optimal subsidy rate ranges from 600,000 RMB to PPP 750,000 RMB. It may strike a balance between avoiding excessive financial burden on the government and encouraging a 5% increase in social funds' investment. Waste management fees are suitable for promoting the quality of rural waste management services, with the maximum ideal fee being 24 RMB. The simulation results also demonstrate that the policy combination of high incentives and high penalties and low supervision and high penalties is conducive to tripartite cooperation in PPP projects. In addition, the government should impose fines of more than 750,000 RMB on social funds to prevent potentially ineffective management services offered by the social funds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Carbon ion radiotherapy (C-ion RT) for chordomas has been gradually performed in several research centres. This study aimed to systematically review the results of clinical reports from these institutions and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of C-ion RT. Methods: In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and set search strategies, we searched four databases for articles from their inception to February 11, 2023. These articles were screened, and data were extracted independently by two researchers. STATA 14.0 was used for statistical analysis of survival results. Results: A total of 942 related articles were retrieved, 11 of which were included. Regarding lesion location, 57% (n = 552) originated in the sacral region, 41% (n = 398) in the skull base, and 2% (n = 19) in the spine (upper cervical). The local control (LC) rates at 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, and 10 years in these studies were 96%, 93%, 83%, 76%, 71%, and 54%, respectively. The overall survival (OS) rates at 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, and 10 years in these studies were 99%, 100%, 93%, 85%, 76%, and 69%, respectively. Acute and late toxicities were acceptable, acute toxicities were mainly grade 1 to grade 2 and late toxicities were mainly grade 1 to grade 3. Conclusion: C-ion RT has attractive clinical application prospects and is an important local treatment strategy for chordomas. Encouraging results were observed in terms of LC and OS. Meanwhile, the acute and late toxicities were acceptable. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023398792. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is closely related to tumor recurrence, metastasis, and resistance to chemoradiotherapy. In addition, given the unique physical and biological advantages of charged particle, we hypothesized that charged particle irradiation would produce strong killing effects on CSCs. The purpose of our systematic review is to evaluate the biological effects of CSCs irradiated by charged particle, including proliferation, invasion, migration, and changes in the molecular level. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science until 17 march 2022 according to the key words. Included studies have to be vitro studies of CSCs irradiated by charged particle. Outcomes included one or more of radiation sensitivity, proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and molecular level changes, like DNA damage after been irradiated. Results: Eighteen studies were included in the final analysis. The 18 articles include 12-carbon ion irradiation, 4-proton irradiation, 1 α-particle irradiation, 1-carbon ion combine proton irradiation. Conclusion: Through the extraction and analysis of data, we came to this conclusion: CSCs have obvious radio-resistance compared with non-CSCs, and charged particle irradiation or in combination with drugs could overcome this resistance, specifically manifested in inhibiting CSCs' proliferation, invasion, migration, and causing more and harder to repair DNA double-stranded breaks (DSB) of CSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-grade gliomas are the most common intracranial malignancies, and their current prognosis remains poor despite standard aggressive therapy. Charged particle beams have unique physical and biological properties, especially high relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of carbon ion beam might improve the clinical treatment outcomes of malignant gliomas. We systematically reviewed the safety, efficacy, and dosimetry of carbon-ion or proton radiotherapy to treat high-grade gliomas. The protocol is detailed in the online PROSPERO database, registration No. CRD42021258495. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library databases were collected for data analysis on charged particle radiotherapy for high-grade gliomas. Until July 2022, two independent reviewers extracted data based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eleven articles were eligible for further analysis. Overall survival rates were marginally higher in patients with the current standard of care than those receiving concurrent intensity-modulated radiotherapy plus temozolomide. The most common side effects of carbon-ion-related therapy were grade 1–2 (such as dermatitis, headache, and alopecia). Long-term toxicities (more than three to six months) usually present as radiation necrosis; however, toxicities higher than grade 3 were not observed. Similarly, dermatitis, headache, and alopecia are among the most common acute side effects of proton therapy treatment. Despite improvement in survival rates, the method of dose-escalation using proton boost is associated with severe brain necrosis which should not be clinically underestimated. Regarding dosimetry, two studies compared proton therapy and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy plans. Proton therapy plans aimed to minimize dose exposure to non-target tissues while maintaining target coverage. The use of charged-particle radiotherapy seems to be effective with acceptable adverse effects when used either alone or as a boost. The tendency of survival outcome shows that carbon ion boost is seemingly superior to proton boost. The proton beam could provide good target coverage, and it seems to reduce dose exposure to contralateral organs at risk significantly. This can potentially reduce the treatment-related dose- and volume-related side effects in long-term survivors, such as neurocognitive impairment. High-quality randomized control trials should be conducted in the future. Moreover, Systemic therapeutic options that can be paired with charged particles are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main limitation in developing deep neural network (DNN) models to predict bioactivity properties of chemicals is the lack of sufficient assay data to train the network's classification layers. Focusing on feedforward DNNs that use atom- and bond-based structural fingerprints as input, we examined whether layers of a fully trained DNN based on large amounts of data to predict one property could be used to develop DNNs to predict other related or unrelated properties based on limited amounts of data. Hence, we assessed if and under what conditions the dense layers of a pre-trained DNN could be transferred and used for the development of another DNN associated with limited training data. We carried out a quantitative study employing more than 400 pairs of assay datasets, where we used fully trained layers from a large dataset to augment the training of a small dataset. We found that the higher the correlation r between two assay datasets, the more efficient the transfer learning is in reducing prediction errors associated with the smaller dataset DNN predictions. The reduction in mean squared prediction errors ranged from 10 to 20% for every 0.1 increase in r2 between the datasets, with the bulk of the error reductions associated with transfers of the first dense layer. Transfer of other dense layers did not result in additional benefits, suggesting that deeper, dense layers conveyed more specialized and assay-specific information. Importantly, depending on the dataset correlation, training sample size could be reduced by up to tenfold without any loss of prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a type of potentially fatal malignant tumor. Immunotherapy has shown a lot of potential for various types of solid tumors, but the benefits have been less impressive in PCa. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is one of the three core subunits of the polycomb repressive complex 2 that has histone methyltransferase activity, and the immune effects of EZH2 in PCa are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential of EZH2 as a prognostic factor and an immune therapeutic biomarker for PCa, as well as the expression pattern and biological functions. All analyses in this study were based on publicly available databases, mainly containing Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), UCSCXenaShiny, and TISIDB. We performed differential expression analysis, developed a prognostic model, and explored potential associations between EZH2 and DNA methylation modifications, tumor microenvironment (TME), immune-related genes, tumor mutation burden (TMB), tumor neoantigen burden (TNB), and representative mismatch repair (MMR) genes. We also investigated the molecular and immunological characterizations of EZH2. Finally, we predicted immunotherapeutic responses based on EZH2 expression levels. We found that EZH2 was highly expressed in PCa, was associated with a poor prognosis, and may serve as an independent prognostic factor. EZH2 expression in PCa was associated with DNA methylation modifications, TME, immune-related genes, TMB, TNB, and MMR. By gene set enrichment analysis and gene set variation analysis, we found that multiple functions and pathways related to tumorigenesis, progression, and immune activation were enriched. Finally, we inferred that immunotherapy may be more effective for PCa patients with low EZH2 expression. In conclusion, our study showed that EZH2 could be a potentially efficient predictor of prognosis and immune response in PCa patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate and conduct a meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of carbon ion radiotherapy for bone sarcomas.Methods: We searched for articles using the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science databases from their inception to January 12, 2022. Two researchers independently screened the literature and extracted data based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 14.0.Results: We searched for 4378 candidate articles, of which 12 studies were included in our study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 897 BSs patients who received carbon ion radiotherapy in the studies, 526 patients had chordoma, 255 patients had chondrosarcoma, 112 patients had osteosarcoma, and 4 patients had other sarcomas. The local control rate at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 years in these studies were 98.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.961-1.009, I2 = 0%), 85.8% (95% CI = 0.687-1.030, I2 = 91%), 86% (95% CI = 0.763-0.957, I2 = 85.3%), 91.1% (95% CI = 0.849-0.974), 74.3% (95% CI = 0.666-0.820, I2 = 85.2%), and 64.7% (95% CI = 0.451-0.843, I2 = 95.3%), respectively. The overall survival rate at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 years in these studies were 99.9% (95% CI = 0.995-1.004, I2 = 0%), 89.6% (95% CI = 0.811-0.980, I2 = 96.6%), 85% (95% CI = 0.750-0.950, I2 = 89.4%), 92.4% (95% CI = 0.866-0.982), 72.7% (95% CI = 0.609-0.844, I2 = 95.3%), and 72.1% (95% CI = 0.661-0.781, I2 = 46.5%), respectively. Across all studies, the incidence of acute and late toxicities was mainly grade 1 to grade 2, and grade 1 to grade 3, respectively.Conclusion: As an advanced radiotherapy, carbon ion radiotherapy is promising for patients with bone sarcomas that are unresectable or residual after incomplete surgery. The data indicated that carbon ion radiotherapy was safe and effective for bone sarcomas, showing promising results for local control, overall survival, and lower acute and late toxicity.Prospero Registration Number: CRD42021258480. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SPS is integrated with melting (even evaporation), diffusion and plastic deformation. • The current flows preferentially through the particle surface. • The temperature at the particles contact point can be up to 1979 °C. • High frequency pulse current assisted sintering is proposed creatively based on SPS. In this study, high-quantity pure magnesium was prepared by SPS, and the sintering densification mechanism was discussed by using numerical simulation and simultaneous experiment. Results show that a layer of dense magnesium oxide was formed at the surface of Mg particles, and the oxide reduction can be observed owing to the effect of oxide film removal in SPS. The high energy pulsed current flows preferentially through particle contact surfaces, which provides the conditions for the generation of micro-arc between particles and the temperature at the particles contact point can be up to 1979 °C. With the low pressure at the initial sintering stage, local high temperature induced by micro-arc makes the melting (even evaporation) appearance. At the same sintering temperature of 570 °C, the obvious difference in bending strength also demonstrates the significance of spark discharge in SPS. The formation process of sintering neck demonstrates that sintering process is the reflection of melting (even evaporation), diffusion and plastic deformation. In order to realize tiny area and high-quality connection between powder particles, an innovative powder sintering technology using high-frequency pulse electric current (High frequency pulse current assisted sintering) is proposed based on the enlightenment of the skin, proximity and arc discharge effect of high-frequency pulse current. This technology is also instructive for other alloys and engineering materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a CMOS DSRC transmitter architecture for China electronic toll collection systems. A digitally configurable transmitter architecture is proposed to reduce chip area, power, cost, and design complexity. This transmitter consists of only two digitally configurable analog blocks: an ASK modulator and a power amplifier, other than the digital baseband. The use of digital configuration extends output dynamic range, and facilitates rapid prototyping in different process technologies. The RF-SoC is fabricated using a 0.13 μm CMOS technology. Chip measurement results show that the maximum output power from a single-end port is 7.23 dBm, the occupied bandwidth is 2 MHz, the adjacent channel power ratio is −38 dBc at a 10 MHz offset, the adjustment range of modulation index is 77%–95%, and the transmitter dissipates 36 mA in active mode under a 2 V supply. Compared with state-of-the-art designs in the literature, this design demonstrates remarkable advantages in design complexity, modulation index, chip area, power consumption, output dynamic range, and output peak power. The chip area savings is at least 60%, the power consumption is reduced by at least 10%, the output dynamic range is enhanced by 9%, and the single-end output peak power is improved by at least 45%. • This paper presents a CMOS DSRC transmitter architecture for China electronic toll collection systems. • A digitally configurable transmitter architecture is proposed to reduce chip area, power, cost, and design complexity. • The use of digital configuration extends output dynamic range, and facilitates rapid prototyping in different technologies. • The RF-SoC is fabricated using a 0.13 μm CMOS technology. • Chip measurement shows remarkable advantages in chip area, power consumption, output dynamic range, and output peak power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the status of stress concentration and anisotropy of the as-rolled SiC/Al composites, high frequency pulse current was employed to modify the microstructure and mechanical property. Results show that the skin effect makes the current concentrate on the surface zone. The high density current makes the static recrystallization of 35.8% occurred under the condition that the surface temperature is much lower than that of recrystallization temperature of Al alloy, and the grain size is refined from 2.52 μm to 2.06 μm. The obvious recrystallization behavior in the surface area indicates that the non-thermal effect plays a dominant role in the pulse current treatment process. As a contrast, subgrains growth and partial recrystallization occurred in the internal region and transition region under the non-thermal effect, resulting in a slight increase in average grain size to 2.78 μm and 2.75 μm. Nano-indentation results show that the micro-hardness and the indention work recovery rate in the surface area reach 2.09 GPa and 39.8%, respectively, which are 48.2% and 29.2% higher than that of the as-rolled composites, which proves that the mechanical properties have been improved comprehensively compared with as-rolled composites. • High frequency pulse current was employed to modify the microstructure and mechanical property of SiC/Al composites. • Gradient SiC/Al composites with hardening layer in the surface were obtained. • The tensile strength, yield strength and elongation can reach 122 MPa，440 MPa and 17.6 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, as-rolled micro-/nano-bimodal size B 4 C particle-reinforced aluminium matrix composites were subjected to T6 treatment (as-heated1) and electropulsing treatment (as-heated2). The recrystallization behaviour and nanoindentation properties of the as-rolled, as-heated1 and as-heated2 composites were investigated. Results showed that nanosized B 4 C particles were distributed uniformly in matrix, and the deformed grains accounted for the majority of as-rolled composites. After T6 treatment, fine recrystallized grains appeared around the microsized B 4 C particles due to the high dislocation density and large orientation gradient at the particle/matrix interface. The Al grains with dispersed, nanosized B 4 C grew slightly. After electropulsing at the same temperature, the deformed grains were replaced by completely recrystallized grains. This transformation was due to the extra driving force of recrystallization induced by electropulsing, indicating that the non-thermal effect played a dominant role. The texture orientation of the 6061Al grain existed in the as-rolled and as-heated1 composites, whereas that of the as-heated2 composites disappeared owing to full recrystallization. Compared with the as-rolled composites, as-heated1 and as-heated2 composites exhibited decreased microhardness owing to the coarse grains and residual stress release. The plasticity of as-heated2 composites was improved significantly according to the calculation of indentation work recovery rate based on the nanoindention results. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • T6 and electropulsing treatment were conducted on B 4 C/6061Al nanocomposites. • Microstructure evolution were observed to investigate the recrystallization mechanism. • Nanoindentation tests were conducted and the recovery rate of indentation work was calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wavefront sensing is an essential tool in wide research areas. However, the auxiliary reference beam and the pixel-array detector are indispensable in most of the wavefront sensing schemes. Here, we introduce a method to simultaneously measure the amplitude and the phase of an unknown complex wavefront using a single-pixel detector. A checkerboard pattern is used to sample the complex field and the reference beam, which makes sure that our scheme is free from the intensity distribution of the unknown complex amplitude field. In the experiments, various complex fields with discretized pixels of 64 × 64 and 128 × 128 at the corresponding pixel size of 109.44 × 109.44 μm2 and 54.72 × 54.72 μm2 are reconstructed. Using a high-speed digital micromirror device, we implement the complex wavefront reconstruction of 32 × 32 pixels with a frame rate of 6 Hz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease. Our previous studies revealed abnormal immune regulation of skin mesenchymal stem cells (S‐MSCs) in psoriatic lesions. Circular RNA (circRNA) molecules were recently discovered as a new class of non‐coding regulatory RNAs. Their role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis has not yet been studied. To explore potential circRNA‐mediated mechanisms of S‐MSCs in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, we sequenced mRNAs and circRNAs of MSCs from normal skin and psoriatic lesions, followed by functional prediction and interaction analyses. In total, 129 circRNAs were differentially expressed, including 123 up‐regulated and 6 down‐regulated circRNAs, in MSCs from psoriatic lesions. Pathway analysis showed that the genes significantly down‐regulated in psoriatic as compared to normal S‐MSCs were mainly involved in JAK‐STAT signalling. According to a circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA interaction network, the expression of circRNAs associated with these mRNAs was also down‐regulated in MSCs of psoriatic skin lesions. Knockdown of the circRNA gene chr2:206992521|206994966 reduced the capacity of S‐MSCs to inhibit T‐cell proliferation upon co‐culture in normal as well as lesion‐derived S‐MSCs. Secreted‐cytokine profiles (IL‐6, IL‐11 and hepatocyte growth factor) were also similar in normal and lesion‐derived S‐MSCs after circRNA knockdown. Thus, the circRNA chr2:206992521|206994966 in S‐MSCs from psoriatic lesions affects the activity of T lymphocytes in local lesions by influencing their cytokine secretion. Taken together, our findings indicate that circRNA mediates the role of S‐MSCs in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the role of microRNA-135a (miR-135a) in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) proliferation. Compared with the normal T lymphocyte control cell line, the mRNA and protein levels of GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3) were markedly increased in the Hut78 cell line and miR-135a was markedly decreased (P<0.05). Based on bioinformatics, the target gene of miR-135a was identified as GATA-3. Dual luciferase and pre-miR-135a assays showed that miR-135a regulated the translation of GATA-3. In addition, the overexpression of miR-135a mimics decreased the protein levels of GATA-3 and thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box (TOX). The substantially increased mRNA and protein levels of GATA-3 may be associated with the downregulation of miR-135a, leading to T-cell deregulation and proliferation through GATA-3/TOX regulation and subsequently causing CTCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Dynamic fracture behavior under impacting loads has been well studied, but for that under blasting loads, less attention has been paid. In order to investigate mode I crack propagation behavior of brittle materials under blasting, a new configuration specimen, i.e. single internal crack circular disc (SICCD) specimen was proposed in this paper, and it was applied in the blasting experiments. Crack propagation gauges (CPGs) were stuck along crack propagation paths to measure crack initiation and propagation time and crack propagation speeds. Green sandstone and PMMA were selected to make the SICCD specimens. Finite difference models were established by using AUTODYN code according to the SICCD specimen dimension and the loading curve measured near the borehole. Generally, the simulation results of crack propagation paths agree with the test results. Finite element code ABAQUS was applied in the calculation of dynamic stress intensity factors (SIFs), and the curves of dynamic SIFs versus time were obtained. By using these curves and the breaking time of the CPG wires, the mode I critical dynamic SIFs in initiation and in propagation were obtained. The results show that the measuring method of the critical dynamic SIFs of brittle materials under blasting presented in this paper is feasible and applicable. During crack propagations, the crack speed is not a constant, and the critical dynamic SIFs in propagation decreases with the increase of crack propagation speeds. Highlights • A measuring method of the critical dynamic stress intensity factors (SIFs) was proposed. • A new configuration sample SICCD was proposed to measure dynamic fracture toughness. • The method for measuring dynamic fracture toughness proposed is applicable. • The critical dynamic SIFs in propagation decrease with the increase of crack speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A graphene coated coal liquefaction residue (CLR) derived hard carbon (HC@G) composite anode for sodium ion batteries was prepared by thermal annealing the mixture of the chemically modified hard carbon with graphene oxide. The irregular shaped hard carbon particles were coated uniformly by wrinkled graphene sheets. Both HC and HC@G possess large inter-layer spacing and poor porosity, but a richer pore structure that facilitating ion transport was generated after graphene coating. Because poor conductive hard carbon particles are bridged by graphene sheets, a better conductivity of HC@G is detected by voltammetry test and the EIS analysis. Graphene coating contributes little to the sodium storage capacity. However, HC@G exhibits a much better rate performance and a dramatic improvement of cycling capability with the capacity retention 83% after 2000 cycles at a high current density of 2 A·g −1 . The impressing rate and cycle performances of HC@G anode are attributed to the hierarchical structure with rich ion diffusion channels and extensive electronic conduction path. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal-based methods for assessing chemical toxicity are struggling to meet testing demands. In silico approaches, including machine-learning methods, are promising alternatives. Recently, deep neural networks (DNNs) were evaluated and reported to outperform other machine-learning methods for quantitative structure–activity relationship modeling of molecular properties. However, most of the reported performance evaluations relied on global performance metrics, such as the root mean squared error (RMSE) between the predicted and experimental values of all samples, without considering the impact of sample distribution across the activity spectrum. Here, we carried out an in-depth analysis of DNN performance for quantitative prediction of acute chemical toxicity using several datasets. We found that the overall performance of DNN models on datasets of up to 30 000 compounds was similar to that of random forest (RF) models, as measured by the RMSE and correlation coefficients between the predicted and experimental results. However, our detailed analyses demonstrated that global performance metrics are inappropriate for datasets with a highly uneven sample distribution, because they show a strong bias for the most populous compounds along the toxicity spectrum. For highly toxic compounds, DNN and RF models trained on all samples performed much worse than the global performance metrics indicated. Surprisingly, our variable nearest neighbor method, which utilizes only structurally similar compounds to make predictions, performed reasonably well, suggesting that information of close near neighbors in the training sets is a key determinant of acute toxicity predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustained attention is essential in important behaviors in daily life. Many neuropsychiatric disorders are characterized by a compromised ability to sustain attention, making this cognitive domain an important therapeutic target. In this study, we tested a novel method of improving sustained attention. Monkeys were engaged in a continuous performance task (CPT) while the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NB), the main source of cholinergic innervation of the neocortex, was stimulated. Intermittent NB stimulation improved the animals' performance by increasing the hit rate and decreasing the false alarm rate. Administration of the cholinesterase inhibitor donepezil or the muscarinic antagonist scopolamine alone impaired performance, whereas the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine alone improved performance. Applying NB stimulation while mecamylamine or donepezil were administered impaired CPT performance. Methylphenidate, a monoaminergic psychostimulant, was applied in conjunction with intermittent stimulation as a negative control, as it does not directly modulate cholinergic output. Methylphenidate also improved performance, and it produced further improvement when combined with NB stimulation. The additive effect of the combination suggested NB stimulation altered behavior independently from methylphenidate effects. We conclude that basal forebrain projections contribute to sustained attention, and that intermittent NB stimulation is an effective way of improving performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the structure and vibrational frequencies for a radical and its cations using quadratic configuration interaction and complete active space self-consistent field methods. Heat of formation for the radical; Adiabatic ionization potential; vertical excitation for low-lying excited state.

The mechanism of photodecomposition of trans-azomethane (CH3–N=N–CH3→2CH3·+N2) has been investigated with high level ab initio molecular orbital calculations. Potential surfaces of the low-lying electronic states were explored by state-average complete active space self-consistent-field (sa-CASSCF) and multireference configuration interaction with single and double excitation (MRCISD) methods. The calculated vertical excitation energies for S0→S1 and S0→T1 transitions are in good agreement with experiments. The lowest crossing point between the S0 and S1 surfaces, around which excited molecules would make efficient internal conversion to the ground state, is found to be asymmetrical with a CNNC dihedral angle of 92.8° and two CNN angles of 132.0° and 115.6°, respectively. Transition structures for both simultaneous and sequential C–N bond cleavages on the S0 surface were found. Though the activation energy of sequential C–N bond cleavage is about 7 kcal/mol higher than that of the simultaneous C–N bond cleavage, the Gibbs free energy of activation is lower above 0 °C, indicating that thermal decomposition of trans-azomethane is sequential. Photodissociation is expected to take place sequentially as well. In the sequential mechanism, dissociation of the first C–N bond on the S0 surface takes place endoergically without reverse barrier resulting in CH3N2 intermediate, which should decompose almost immediately over a barrier of less than 1 kcal/mol. Thus, the photodissociation reaction is highly asynchronous but is nearly concerted. This mechanism can explain two seemingly contradictory photodissociation experiments that two methyl radicals have very different translational as well as internal energies and that the velocity vectors of the three fragments are strongly correlated. © 1996 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geometry and harmonic force field of the phenoxyl radical are determined by ab initio calculations of the electronic structure. All the π electrons are involved in strong nondynamical correlations, which are treated in a complete π active space wave function. Results from using multiconfigurational self-consistent-field orbitals in the active space are found to be closely approximated by use of the more economical unrestricted Hartree–Fock natural orbitals. Large polarized basis sets are also required to obtain qualitatively correct results. Properties of the carbonyl chromophore are particularly interesting. Compared to closed-shell analogs, the equilibrium geometry indicates the CO bond in phenoxyl to be nearly as short as a typical double bond, whereas the scaled quantum-mechanical force field shows it to have strength intermediate between those of typical single and double bonds. The calculated fundamental vibrational frequencies generally confirm current interpretations of the major features of the observed experimental resonance Raman spectra, while leading to reassignments of some minor features. Some limited theoretical characterization of valence excited states provides qualitative explanation of the observed intensity pattern. Calculations carried out at lower levels of theory consistently find the CO bond to be too long and weak, leading to misassignment of the observed vibrational spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unrestricted natural orbital–complete active space (UNO–CAS) calculation on the ground state C6H radical confirmed the matrix IR frequency at 1953.4 cm-1 in the vacuum ultraviolet photolysis of acetylene and butadiene is the ω2(C≡C stretching) mode. The calculation also predicts another strong C≡C stretching IR mode, ω4, at about 1770 cm-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advantage of micro-size and nano-size B 4 C particles, micro-/nano-bimodal size B 4 C particles have been widely used to fabricate excellent composites with high strength and ductility. In this study, micro-/nano-bimodal size B 4 C particles reinforced aluminum matrix composites with three different volume fractions (3%, 5% and 7%) were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) followed by hot extrusion and rolling (HER). The microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of as-SPSed, as-extruded and as-rolled composites were investigated. Results show that the microscopic electrical discharge between the particles in SPS promotes the densification of composites. The maximum relative density of as-SPSed composites increases from 99.21% to 99.65% after HER. Nano-size B 4 C particles distribute mainly at the gap of 6061Al particles in as-SPSed composites, while the microstructure presents more homogeneous after HER. Pin effect of nano-size B 4 C particles stimulates dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and grain refining. Texture orientation of the 6061Al grain exists in the as-extruded and as-rolled B 4 C/6061Al NCs. No new phases are detected in composites in all deformation stages. The tensile strength of as-SPSed composites increases when compared with 6061Al matrix, and the tensile strength of as-rolled composites after hot extrusion is enhanced to 305 MPa. Fracture mechanisms of as-extruded and as-rolled composites mainly include 6061Al matrix tear, particle/matrix interfacial tear and micro-size B 4 C particle fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endosulfan was once the most commonly used pesticide in agriculture and horticulture. It is an environmentally persistent organochlorine compound with the potential to bioaccumulate as it progresses through the food chain. Its acute and chronic toxicity to mammals, including humans, is well known, but the molecular mechanisms of its toxicity are not fully understood. To gain insight to these mechanisms, we examined genome-wide gene expression changes of rat liver, heart, and kidney cells induced by endosulfan exposure. We found that among the cell types examined, kidney and liver cells were the most sensitive and most resilient, respectively, to endosulfan insult. We acquired RNA sequencing information from cells exposed to endosulfan to identify differentially expressed genes, which we further examined to determine the cellular pathways that were affected. In kidney cells, exposure to endosulfan was uniquely associated with altered expression levels of genes constituting the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway. In heart and liver cells, exposure to endosulfan altered the expression levels of genes for many members of the extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction pathway. Because both HIF-1 signaling and ECM-receptor interaction pathways directly or indirectly control cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, our findings suggest that dysregulation of these pathways is responsible for endosulfan-induced cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a monolithic received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and an ultra-low power SAR ADC for 5.8 GHz DSRC transceiver in China electronic toll collection systems. In order to meet the stringent requirement of wide input range for the transceiver, two RSSIs collaborate with auxiliary ADC circuits to provide the digitalized received signal strength to the digital baseband of a transceiver. The RSSI design achieves fast transient response and low power consumption with a small die area by using internal active low-pass filters instead of external passive ones. The proposed design has been fabricated using a 0.13 µm 2P6M CMOS technology. Measurement results show that the overall input dynamic range is 86 dB with an accuracy of  ±1.72 dB and a transient response of less than 2 µs. Compared with the state-of-the-art designs in the literature, the overall input range and transient settling time are improved by at least 14.6%, and 300%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon ion therapy (CIT) is a form of particle therapy, which not only spares normal tissues but may also improve local control of recurrent intracranial tumours. Cerebral radiation necrosis (RN) is one of the most serious adverse reactions of recurrent brain tumours following reirradiation, which may lead to neurological decline or even death. Bevacizumab is an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody, which has been used to treat symptomatic RN. However, studies on bevacizumab for the treatment of CIT-induced RN are sparse. The present study described two cases that were successfully treated with bevacizumab for symptomatic RN following CIT for recurrent intracranial malignant tumours. The two recurrent intracranial malignant tumours, a chondrosarcoma in the right cavernous sinus and an anaplastic meningioma in the right frontal lobe, were enrolled in a clinical trial of CIT. Both cases were treated intravenously with bevacizumab when deterioration that appeared to be symptomatic brain RN was observed. Just before CIT, enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in each case to confirm tumour recurrence. Both cases exhibited a deterioration in symptoms, as well as on MRI, at 12-month intervals following CIT. The first case underwent positron emission tomography/computed tomography to confirm no increase in fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in lesion areas. Both cases were diagnosed as having symptomatic brain RN and began intravenous administration of four cycles of 5 mg/kg bevacizumab biweekly. The patients responded well, with rapid and marked improvements on MRI, and in clinical symptoms. No tumour progression was observed 24 months after CIT. In conclusion, bevacizumab was revealed to exert marked effects on symptomatic brain RN following CIT. Notably, cycles of bevacizumab should be administered specifically based on the aim of treating brain necrosis, and long-term or prophylactic applications are not recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit high proliferation and self-renewal capabilities and are critical for tissue repair and regeneration during ontogenesis. They also play a role in immunomodulation. MSCs can be isolated from a variety of tissues and have many potential applications in the clinical setting. However, MSCs of different origins may possess different biological characteristics. In this study, we performed a comprehensive comparison of MSCs isolated from bone marrow and skin (BMMSCs and SMSCs, resp.), including analysis of the skin sampling area, separation method, culture conditions, primary and passage culture times, cell surface markers, multipotency, cytokine secretion, gene expression, and fibroblast-like features. The results showed that the MSCs from both sources had similar cell morphologies, surface markers, and differentiation capacities. However, the two cell types exhibited major differences in growth characteristics; the primary culture time of BMMSCs was significantly shorter than that of SMSCs, whereas the growth rate of BMMSCs was lower than that of SMSCs after passaging. Moreover, differences in gene expression and cytokine secretion profiles were observed. For example, secretion of proliferative cytokines was significantly higher for SMSCs than for BMMSCs. Our findings provide insights into the different biological functions of both cell types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysregulation of the metabolism of the extracellular matrix (ECM) may contribute to coronary artery ectasia (CAE). This study evaluated the turnover of main ECM components and related proteolytic enzymes activities. In this study, thirty patients with CAE, 30 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 30 subjects with normal coronary arteries (Control) were selected. The following circulating ECM metabolism markers were measured: soluble elastin (sElastin), collagen type I cross-linked telopeptides (ICTP), procollagen type I carboxy terminal peptide (PICP), protocollagen III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP), and procollagen a1(III) C-terminal propeptide (PIIICP). Serum total elastase activity and total matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity were also determined. The level of sElastin was higher in the CAE group than in the CAD and Control groups ( P1 = 0.009, P2 = 0.000). There was no difference in ICTP ( P = 0.168) or PIIICP ( P = 0.079) among the three groups. PICP was significantly elevated in CAE ( P1 = 0.001, P2 = 0.002). PIIINP was also significantly increased in CAE ( P1 = 0.002, P2 = 0.007). Total elastase activity was higher in the CAE group than in the other two groups ( P1 = 0.006, P2 = 0.022). Total MMP activity was significantly higher in the CAE group than the Control group ( P2 = 0.013) but not higher than the CAD group ( P1 = 0.477). In conclusion, within CAE patients the main changes in ECM metabolism were increased degradation of elastin fibres and the transition of collagen from type III to type I. Elastase and MMPs appear to be associated with this kind of ECM turnover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Particle therapy, mainly including carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) and proton beam therapy (PBT), has dose distribution advantages compared to photon radiotherapy. It has been widely reported as a promising treatment method for early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its application in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) is relatively rare, and its efficacy and safety are inconclusive. This study aimed to provide systematic evidence for evaluating the efficacy and safety of particle therapy for inoperable LA-NSCLC. Methods: To retrieve published literature, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library until September 4, 2022. The primary endpoints were local control (LC) rate, overall survival (OS) rate, and progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 2 and 5 years. The secondary endpoint was treatment-related toxicity. The pooled clinical outcomes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using STATA 15.1. Results: Nineteen eligible studies with a total sample size of 851 patients were included. The pooled data demonstrated that the OS, PFS, and LC rates at 2 years of LA-NSCLC treated by particle therapy were 61.3% (95% CI = 54.7-68.7%), 37.9% (95% CI = 33.8-42.6%) and 82.2% (95% CI = 78.7-85.9%), respectively. The pooled 5-year OS, PFS, and LC rates were 41.3% (95% CI = 27.1-63.1%), 25.3% (95% CI = 16.3-39.4%), and 61.5% (95% CI = 50.7-74.6%), respectively. Subgroup analysis stratified by treatment type showed that the concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT, PBT combined with concurrent chemotherapy) group had better survival benefits than the PBT and CIRT groups. The incidence rates of grade 3/4 esophagitis, dermatitis, and pneumonia in LA-NSCLC patients after particle therapy were 2.6% (95% CI = 0.4-6.0%), 2.6% (95% CI = 0.5-5.7%) and 3.4% (95% CI = 1.4-6.0%), respectively. Conclusions: Particle therapy demonstrated promising efficacy and acceptable toxicity in LA-NSCLC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A larger specimen named SICCD was used to calculate crack dynamic stress intensity factors under blasting loads. • Crack propagation gauges were applied in crack propagation speed calculation. • The initiation time and delayed fracture time increases with the increase of pre-crack length. • The dynamic propagation speed of crack is variable and the propagation toughness is inversely proportional crack propagation speed under blasting. • The shear stress τ xy has little effect at initiation but increases obviously when overcoming the propagation resistance during the propagation process. Dynamic response under blasting is significantly different from these under impacts, as an important factor of response law crack length has been paid less attention. In order to investigate the dynamic initiation and propagation law, propagation speed of mode I crack with different lengths in sandstone materials, a new configuration specimen named SICCD was applied in the blasting experiments. Crack initiation and propagation time were measured by crack propagation gauges (CPGs) to calculate the crack propagation speeds. Numerical models were established by using AUTODYN code to simulate the crack propagation and ABAQUS code to calculate the dynamic stress intensity factors (SIFs). The results show that the initiation time and delayed fracture time increases with the increase of pre-crack length and then the change tends to be flat when length exceeds 120 mm. The dynamic propagation speed of crack is variable and the propagation toughness is inversely proportional crack propagation speed. The shear stress τ xy has little effect at initiation but increases obviously when overcoming the propagation resistance during the propagation process, and it does not play a major role which is consistent with the mode I fracture of the crack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An excellent ternary Z-scheme photocatalytic heterojunction of g-C3N4 nanosheet/WO3/graphene oxide (CWG) was prepared by in-situ growth of WO3 during thermal exfoliation bulk g-C3N4 to g-C3N4 nanosheet, followed by electrostatic self-assembly of graphene oxide (GO) and g-C3N4 nanosheet in the HNO3 solution. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated by the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The CWG heterojunction exhibited outstanding photocatalytic efficiency for RhB degradation, which was about 4.6 and 23 times that of CN and WO3, indicating the introduction of GO and WO3 improved the capability of the photocatalysis due to an efficient charge separation and transfer between g-C3N4 nanosheets and WO3. In addition, the possible for the enhancing photocatalytic mechanism was revealed based on the active species trapping and ESR analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diffracted intensity distribution of a Laguerre–Gaussian beam is studied with an angular-double-slit interferometer. We experimentally demonstrate that the spiral phase structure of a vortex beam can be clearly revealed in this interference geometry, and it gives us an efficient way to distinguish different orders of Laguerre–Gaussian beams. This angular-double-slit interferometer gives us a better understanding of the phase structure of a vortex beam and the interference phenomenon of vortex beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicological experiments in animals are carried outto determinethe type and severity of any potential toxic effect associated witha new lead compound. The collected data are then used to extrapolatethe effects on humans and determine initial dose regimens for clinicaltrials. The underlying assumption is that the severity of the toxiceffects in animals is correlated with that in humans. However, thereis a general lack of toxic correlations across species. Thus, it ismore advantageous to predict the toxicological effects of a compoundon humans directly from the human toxicological data of related compounds.However, many popular quantitative structure–activity relationship(QSAR) methods that build a single global model by fitting all trainingdata appear inappropriate for predicting toxicological effects ofstructurally diverse compounds because the observed toxicologicaleffects may originate from very different and mostly unknown molecularmechanisms. In this article, we demonstrate, via application to thehuman maximum recommended daily dose data that locally weighted learningmethods, such as k-nearest neighbors, are well suitedfor predicting toxicological effects of structurally diverse compounds.We also show that a significant flaw of the k-nearestneighbor method is that it always uses a constant number of nearestneighbors in making prediction for a target compound, irrespectiveof whether the nearest neighbors are structurally similar enough tothe target compound to ensure that they share the same mechanism ofaction. To remedy this flaw, we proposed and implemented a variablenumber nearest neighbor method. The advantages of the variable numbernearest neighbor method over other QSAR methods include (1) allowingmore reliable predictions to be achieved by applying a tighter moleculardistance threshold and (2) automatic detection for when a predictionshould not be made because the compound is outside the applicabledomain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A rapid throughput equilibrium solubility measurement is described. The method utilizes central liquid storage where compounds are stored as 10mM solution in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The DMSO is subsequently removed to generate solid like material used for solubility measurement. A full range of available technologies is used including automated liquid handling, automated data collection using both HPLC/UV and LC/MS/MS. The method is fully validated and has been used to measure solubility for over 20,000 compounds across all phases of drug discovery. A detailed discussion on data interpretation and comparison to traditional solubility measurement using solid material is presented. An in-house solubility predictive model has been developed from the vast data set and has been employed successfully as part of compound design resulting in over 30% reduction in the number of poorly soluble compound synthesized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of indirect injury of dental pulp caused by high-speed missile projectile to mandible in dogs. Eighteen dogs aged 12–13 months were divided equally into six groups ( n = 3 in each group) with random allocation, then a high-speed missile projectile (a ball bearing of stainless steel, ϕ6.0 mm, 0.88 g) was shot at right mandible body (the wound tract was below the fourth premolar, 1 cm or so to the root tips) of each dog, but the teeth were not wounded directly. The dogs were killed 6 h ( n = 3), 24 h ( n = 3), 3 days ( n = 3), 7 days ( n = 3), 2 weeks ( n = 3) and 4 weeks ( n = 3) after the wound, respectively; then ultrastructural change of dental pulp of the fourth premolar and the second premolar of right mandible, and the second premolar of left mandible was observed through transmission electron microscope. The results showed that mean initial velocity of projectiles was 778.0 ± 33.2 m s−1 and mean projection energy was 266.1 ± 19.1 J, which were in conformity with parameters of gunshot wound. On the wound side, dental pulp of the fourth mandibular premolar was injured seriously and irreversible necrosis happened in the end; yet, dental pulp of the second mandibular premolar was injured less seriously, reversibly; on the opposite side, dental pulp of the second mandibular premolar was injured slightly and temporarily. It may be concluded that there are several characteristics in indirect injury of dental pulp caused by high-speed missile projectile to dogs’ mandible: the injured area is relatively extensive; traumatic degree decreases progressively and sharply with the distance to the wound tract increasing; ultrastructural change of nerval damage takes place in early stage after wound, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) causes morbidity to livestock and serious economic consequences to its associated industry and therefore it is necessary to develop a safe and efficient vaccine to prevent or control this disease. A recombinant live attenuated virus vaccine, designated PRV-P1, was generated by insertion of an expression cassette containing CMV promoter, FMDV P1 gene and SV 40 poly-A into the gG gene region of a live attenuated pseudorabies virus vaccine strain (TK−/gG−/LacZ+). To determine the induction of protective immunity, 16 FMDV and PRV seronegative white swine were randomly divided into four groups and immunized intramuscularly. The parental virus (TK−/gG−/LacZ+) was injected into three pigs, the recombinant virus PRV-P1 into five pigs and commercial FMD-inactivated vaccine into five pigs, with PBS (negative control) into three pigs. All animals were immunized again 4 weeks later to boost the immune response and challenged with virulent type O FMDV O/ES/2001 strain 4 weeks after the second immunization. Results showed PRV-P1 vaccinated pigs induced high-level neutralizing antibody response to both FMDV and PRV, and strong CTL response against FMD antigen activation. Three of five pigs were completely protected against challenge with FMDV, one pig minimally protected and the other one had increased protection but not complete. However, one pig vaccinated with commercial FMD vaccine developed constant pyrexia. Average levels of antibodies against non-structural 3ABC proteins were significantly lower and efficacy on inhibition of FMDV replication was much increased in swine vaccinated with PRV-P1 than those immunized with commercial FMD vaccine after FMDV challenge. Our results showed that the recombinant PRV-P1 can induce not only humoral and cell-mediated immune responses but also partial protection against FMDV challenge, making it a good candidate for future development of the FMD vaccine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mesenchymal stem cells ( MSCs) have immunoregulatory and proangiogenic effects and are suggested to be involved in the pathological processes of immune-related diseases, including psoriasis. Biological characteristics of bone marrow MSCs ( BMSCs) from patients with autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis, but not psoriasis, have been characterized. We compared the gene expression profile and biological characteristics of BMSCs from patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. Although the phenotype, differentiation potential and ability to support CD34+ cell proliferation were similar to those of normal BMSCs, psoriatic BMSCs showed aberrant proliferative activity, increased apoptosis rate and a characteristic gene expression profile. These aberrations may develop after the abnormal immune response in psoriasis and result in BMSC dysfunction. The functionally deficient BMSCs may then fail to suppress overactive immune cells, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Observational studies on the use of commercially available wearable devices for infection detection lack the rigor of controlled clinical studies, where time of exposure and onset of infection are exactly known. Towards that end, we carried out a feasibility study using a commercial smartwatch for monitoring heart rate, skin temperature, and body acceleration on subjects as they underwent a controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) challenge. Methods: Ten subjects underwent CHMI and were asked to wear the smartwatch for at least 12 hours/day from 2 weeks pre-challenge to 4 weeks post-challenge. Using these data, we developed 2B-Healthy, a Bayesian-based infection-prediction algorithm that estimates a probability of infection. We also collected data from eight control subjects for 4 weeks to assess the false-positive rate of 2B-Healthy. Results: Nine of 10 CHMI subjects developed parasitemia, with an average time to parasitemia of 12 days. 2B-Healthy detected infection in seven of nine subjects (78% sensitivity), where in six subjects it detected infection 6 days before parasitemia (on average). In the eight control subjects, we obtained a false-positive rate of 6%/week. Conclusion: The 2B-Healthy algorithm was able to reliably detect infection prior to the onset of symptoms using data collected from a commercial smartwatch in a controlled human infection study. Significance: Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of wearables as a screening tool to provide early warning of infection and support further research on the use of the 2B-Healthy algorithm as the basis for a wearable infection-detection platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiconfigurational ab initio calculations on the ground state linear C6 molecule indicate that the symmetric stretching modes ν2 and ν3 are significantly higher than the recent experimental assignment of Arnold et al., which suggests the results of the threshold photodetachment and autodetachment study are in error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has experienced a series of high-profile food safety scandals in the past few years that seriously challenged public confidence in the domestic food industry. Much attention has been paid to Chinese government's food regulatory and inspection systems. Scant research, however, has been devoted to analyzing Chinese consumers' food safety concerns. This study interviewed 2092 Chinese consumers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Jinan, and Harbin and used the Conditional Logit model, Mixed Logit model, and the Latent Class model to analyze consumer preferences and marginal willingness to pay (WTP) for selected food safety attributes of Fuji apple products. We identified three consumer segments: certification-oriented (65.9%), price and origin-oriented (19.1%), and not interested (15.0%). Results reveal that Chinese consumers, in general, are willing to pay a premium for selected food safety attributes. Consumers' perceptual and attitudinal factors and socio-demographic characteristics are used to determine the sources of preference heterogeneity. Marginal analysis is also conducted to estimate the response of the model and selectione'd probability to potential policy levels, such as increasing the perception of food safety and the trust on labeling and traceability information to improve the evaluation of food safety. • Conduct a discrete choice experiment in five cities across China. • Identify three consumer segments but most consumers are certification-oriented. • Find consumers valuate the government certification most. • Conclude region of origin and price are major attributes of consumer choices. • Suggest simplifying labeling application and specific information program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new configuration sample SICCD was proposed to measure dynamic fracture toughness. • The ingredient and microstructure of the brittle materials affect fracture behaviors. • The method for measuring dynamic fracture toughness proposed is applicable. • Fracture toughness increases with material elastic modulus under blasting loads. The study on dynamic fracture toughness (DFT) is of considerable practical interest because it can be used to predict cracked rock structure stability under blasting. The measurement method of dynamic fracture toughness under blasting loads is less addressed until now. In order to study the measurement method of DFT and crack propagation behavior under blasting, a new configuration specimen, i.e. single internal cracked circular disc (SICCD) specimen was proposed in this paper. Four types of brittle materials, black sandstone, red sandstone, green sandstone and PMMA were selected to prepare the SICCD specimens. Crack propagation gauges (CPGs) were glued along crack propagation paths to measure crack initiation and propagation time and crack propagation speeds. An oscilloscope and an ultra-dynamic strain amplifier were employed in the blasting tests. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to analyze the ingredient and microstructure of the brittle materials respectively. Finite element code ABAQUS was applied in the calculation of dynamic stress intensity factors (DSIFs), and the curves of the DSIF versus time were obtained. By using these curves and the breaking time of CPG filaments, the critical DSIFs of mode I crack at initiation and propagation were obtained. The results show that the measurement method of the critical DSIF of brittle materials under blasting is feasible and applicable. During crack propagations, the crack propagation speed and dynamic energy release rate are not constant. Comparing the test results of these four brittle materials, the initiation toughness and crack propagation speed increase with the elastic modulus of the brittle material under same blasting conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Conduct a choice experiment on Fuji apples in a face-to-face survey in six cities. • Assess the interaction of consumers' trust and preferences for traceable foods. • WTPs depend on degree of consumers' trust on supervision and on food labels. • Find government isn't the most trusted safety inspection and certificate authority. Food safety is a very important topic in China. We investigate Chinese consumers' preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for food traceability using a choice experiment. Given that consumers' trust in the food system may affect their preferences and WTP, we also assess the interaction between consumers' trust in government's supervision of food safety and food labels and consumers' preferences for traceable food products. Using data collected from a choice experiment on Fuji apples in a face-to-face survey in six Chinese cities, the results show that (i) consumers are willing to pay for traceable food but their valuations can differ upon the degree of their trust in government's supervision of food safety and food labels; (ii) consumers are willing to pay for traceability with strong evidence of preference heterogeneity; (iii) government is not the most trusted safety inspection and certificate authority as found in prior studies using animal food products in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretically, agricultural insurance influences farmers' use of pesticides by changing the expected income of agricultural production. Full-cost insurance, with high guarantee and high compensation characteristics, may significantly affect farmers' pesticide use. First, this paper constructs a production function to characterize and compare the marginal incomes of insured and uninsured farmers under risk uncertainty and analyses how insured farmers can increase marginal income by increasing or reducing factor inputs. Considering scale differentiation, it discusses pesticide use strategies different types of farmers may adopt to maximize household utility. Second, using survey data of the pilot counties of full-cost insurance for wheat in Henan Province, China, the simultaneous equation model is used for empirical testing. The results reveal the following: (i) Farmers' insurance participation and pesticide application behaviour are not mutually independent. (ii) For the whole sample, full-cost insurance for wheat has a significant pesticide reduction effect. (iii) However, considering scale differentiation, pesticide application decreases significantly among insured ordinary farmers but does not change significantly among insured large-scale farmers. Third, policy measures are proposed to activate the green development function of agricultural insurance. • Construct a production function and a utility function to conduct mechanism analysis. • Estimate simultaneous equation model based on pilot area household level dataset. • Analyse the effect of full-cost insurance on pesticide input behavior. • Find full-cost insurance significantly reduces the pesticide use of ordinary farmers. • But insignificant effect on the pesticide use of large-scale farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central kitchen engineering for industrial production of prepared dishes is gaining prominence in response to urbanization, socioeconomic shifts, evolving family structures, and COVID-19 impacts. These dishes, including staple foods, convenience items, fresh-cut vegetables, and sides, cater to the demand for convenient, diverse, and health-conscious options. Central kitchen engineering significantly enhances production efficiency, reduces labor and space requirements, and advances food industrialization. However, central kitchen engineering still faces challenges such as conceptual clarity, outdated technology, sensory quality decline, inconsistent standards, and heightened nutrition and safety concerns. To enhance quality and safety, research efforts are currently focusing on innovative and emerging technologies. Innovations cover cooking/reheating techniques, cooling/freezing methods, sterilization, packaging, natural extracts, and fat substitutes. The current state, research progress, and innovations in prepared dishes are critically analyzed in this paper, offering insights into future directions. By addressing challenges and presenting growth opportunities, this study aims to guide both academic researchers and industry practitioners, fostering progress and innovation in this dynamic field. Panoramic view of the prepared dish industry based on central kitchen engineering: the comprehensive amalgamation of raw material primary processing at the forefront, agricultural product deep processing in the middle, proceeding with catering and food logistics, and food market consumption and supply at the rear end, along with future opportunities. [Display omitted] • Urbanization, evolving families, and COVID-19 drive prepared dishes' popularity. • Critically analyze challenges in processing, from outdated technology to safety concerns. • Research and production tackles challenges with innovative and emerging technologies. • Roadmap for prepared dish progress is proposed for greater safety, convenience and nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc halides have been less explored even though they are a promising lead‐free family with the merits of environmental friendliness and low cost. Here, the organic–inorganic hybrid zinc halides are screened with aromatic molecules containing amino groups (MXDA: m‐Xylylenediamine, ABI: 2‐Aminobenzimidazole, pipda: 2‐piperidylmethylamine, p‐MPEA: p‐Methylphenethylamine), and six new compounds are discovered: (MXDA)ZnCl4 (1), (ABI)2ZnCl4 (2), (pipda)2H2OZnCl2 (3), [(pipda)4Zn2Br4]·H2O (4), (p‐MPEA)2ZnCl4 (5), and (p‐MPEA)2ZnBr4 (6). The discovered compounds exhibit diverse efficient light emissions (blue, green, yellow, and ultraviolet) under ultraviolet light irradiation. By doping Sb and Mn at the Zn site, (MXDA)ZnCl4 exhibits different colors of light under excitation light of different wavelengths, so it is successfully used for anti‐counterfeiting. (MXDA)Zn0.91Mn0.09Cl4 is also found to be an efficient X‐ray scintillator for X‐ray imaging. Among the as‐explored new phases, a maximum photoluminescent quantum yield of 82.60% is realized, enabling the utilization for white light‐emitting diodes. The results suggest that the zinc halides are a new lead‐free family with superior optoelectronic properties, which can be used for multiple applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is concluded in this comment that the vibrational assignment of n-propylbenzene cation given in the above-mentioned paper should not be considered conclusive, because the level of their ab initio calculation is too low and there is no sufficient experimental information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of the drying endpoint is crucial for the success of the freeze-drying process. However, nondestructive determination methods of the freeze-drying endpoint are often not applicable in spray freeze-drying equipment and process. To address this issue, an integrated spray freeze-drying equipment was developed that atomizes and freezes materials in the drying room through an atomizer, and freezes the frozen particles in the same drying room for vacuum freeze-drying to achieve one-step drying to prepare freeze-dried powder. The temperature and pressure method is used for real-time nondestructive monitoring of the entire drying process while ensuring no pollution in the materials. Experimental studies using pure water and milk as typical materials showed that a heating temperature of 45 °C and a pressure drop to 4.4 Pa can be considered as the drying endpoint, applicable to the monitoring of spray freeze-drying process. The temperature pressure method can be used as a method for judging the sublimation endpoint of spray freeze-drying. The relationship between temperature and pressure of the drying chamber can reflect the dry basis water content of freeze-dried materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tumor enlargement is the most common parameter identifying disease progression during active surveillance, but the value and significance of the changes in tumor diameter and volume in the evaluation of tumor growth have not been compared. Methods: This cohort study included 468 patients with high-risk thyroid nodule, in whom nodule size change was monitored using ultrasound, to compare the changes in tumor diameter and volume in assessing tumor growth. Results: A total of 569 high-risk thyroid nodules were found in the 468 patients. A total of 14 nodules (2.5%) showed a diameter increase ≥ 3 mm. The number of nodules with a peak volume change exceeding 50% and 100% was 185 (32.5%) and 86 (15.1%), respectively. Among the 555 stable nodules, the number of nodules with volume fluctuations exceeding 50% and 100% was 171 (30.8%) and 72 (13.0%), respectively. Among 212 stable nodules at the baseline and in the first three follow-up, the percentage of peak volume fluctuations exceeding 50% (48.5% vs. 28.5%, p = 0.004) and 100% (26.5% vs. 8.3%, p < 0.001) in the nodules with the sum of three diameters (SOTDs) ≤ 1 cm was significantly higher than that of nodules with SOTDs > 1 cm. A statistically significant difference was also found in the range distribution of SOTDs ≤ 1 cm and SOTDs > 1 cm (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Volume is not an appropriate method for determining tumor growth. Tumor diameter measurement alone serves as a better surrogate for disease progression in sonographically high-risk thyroid nodules than volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Acetylcholine in the neocortex is critical for executive function [ 1–3 ]. Degeneration of cholinergic neurons in aging and Alzheimer’s dementia is commonly treated with cholinesterase inhibitors [ 4–7 ]; however, these are modestly effective and are associated with side effects that preclude effective dosing in many patients [ 8 ]. Electrical activation of the nucleus basalis (NB) of Meynert, the source of neocortical acetylcholine [ 9, 10 ], provides a potential method of improving cholinergic activation [ 11, 12 ]. Here we tested whether NB stimulation would improve performance of a working memory task in a nonhuman primate model. Unexpectedly, intermittent stimulation proved to be most beneficial (60 pulses per second, for 20 s every minute), whereas continuous stimulation often impaired performance. Pharmacological experiments confirmed that the effects depended on cholinergic activation. Donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor, restored performance in animals impaired by continuous stimulation but did not improve performance further during intermittent stimulation. Intermittent stimulation was rendered ineffective by either nicotinic or muscarinic receptor antagonists. In the months after stimulation began, performance also improved in sessions without stimulation. Our results reveal that intermittent NB stimulation can improve working memory, a finding that has implications for restoring cognitive function in aging and Alzheimer’s dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]