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Objective: Auricular pseudocysts are rare, painless, benign intracartilaginous cysts of the auricle that are not lined by epithelium and have no known aetiology. Method: This was a prospective study conducted in an ENT department from January 2020 to June 2022. In 21 patients, complete aspiration of the pseudocyst with enhanced negative drainage was performed. They were followed for a minimum of six months. Results: All patients completely responded to the negative drainage treatment. No cases of recurrence or obvious deformities were observed. Conclusion: Aspiration with intensified negative drainage was associated with a positive response in patients with auricular pseudocysts. Complete resolution of the swelling can be achieved without any serious complications. Thus, it appears to be a simple and effective method for managing the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia L. is the largest genus in the Asteraceae, and well known for its high medicinal value. The morphological features of Artemisia species are similar, making taxonomic identification and evolutionary research difficult.We sequenced chloroplast genomes of eight Artemisia species, all of which are common adulterants of A. argyi. We used novel genetic data and compared these data to the published A. argyi chloroplast genome in to develop molecular markers for species identification and reconstructing phylogenetic relationships between Artemisia species.The eight chloroplast sequences were highly similar in gene order, content, and structure, encoding a total of 114 genes (82 protein‐coding genes, 28 tRNAs, and four rRNAs). All species harboured similar repeat sequences and simple sequence repeats (SSRs), ranging from 47 to 49 and 38 to 40 repeats, respectively. In addition, we identified five hypervariable regions (rpl32‐trnL, rps16‐trnQ, petN‐psbM, trnE‐rpoB, and atpA‐trnR) and ten variable coding genes (ycf1, psbG, rpl36, psaC, psaI, accD, psbT, ndhD, ndhE, and psbH), which can be used to develop chloroplast molecular markers. Finally, phylogenetic reconstructions based on six datasets produced similar topologies, revealing A. argyi is closely related to species often found as adulterants, as expected.Our research provides valuable new information on the evolution and phylogenetic relationships between Artemisia chloroplast genomes and identifies valuable molecular makers to distinguish it from closely related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present manuscript, we investigate a new type of fuzzy fractional stochastic delay system (FFSDS), in which the derivative is defined by Granular differentiability. We first transform the considered system into an equivalent integral system with the aid of fuzzy Laplace transformation and its inverse involving Mittag-Leffler function. Subsequently, existence and uniqueness results of the solutions for FFSDS are derived by applying Carath´eodory approximation, under non-Lipschitz conditions, and contradiction method, respectively. In addition, we establish the finite-time stability of the system by utilizing the generalized Gr¨onwall delay inequality. Finally, the obtained conclusions are expound via an example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to gain an insight into the utilisation, self-perceived needs, and attitudes towards and influencing factors of assistive device (AD) usage among community-dwelling older adults in China. This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 5790 elderly people from eight communities within three provinces in China were recruited by convenience sampling. Utilisation, needs and attitudes towards ADs were assessed by a questionnaire designed by the authors. Barthel activities of daily living scale was used to determine disability, whereas cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination. The impact of participant characteristics, enabling factors and demand factors on the utilisation of ADs were assessed by univariate and multifactor analyses. The prevalence of AD ownership among participants was 10.9% (n = 634), whereas the self-perceived need for ADs was 46.1% (n = 2670). Most participants had negative attitudes towards ADs, with only 37.6% (n = 2175) of participants believing that ADs were of significant help. Factors influencing the usage of ADs included participant characteristics (age, occupation, living area, education), enabling factors (economic situation, number of children) and demand factors (activities of daily living score, attitudes, self-perceived needs). Although ADs for the elderly in China have become more affordable and accessible after a series of reforms, there remains a gap in AD services resulting in low AD utilisation, high self-perceived needs and misconceptions of ADs. Certain factors influencing the use of ADs are more significant than others. The findings from this study will be informative for healthcare providers and decision-makers when designing strategies to achieve universal elderly AD usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of cancer is related to the dysregulation of multiple signal pathways and of physiological processes. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has become an attractive target for the development of anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents since it can epigenetically regulate the transcription of growth-promoting genes. The synthesized BRD4 inhibitors with new chemical structures can reduce the drug resistance, but their binding modes and the inhibitory mechanism remain unclear. Here, we initially constructed robust QSAR models based on 68 reported tetrahydropteridin analogues using topomer CoMFA and HQSAR. On the basis of QSAR results, we designed 16 novel tetrahydropteridin analogues with modified structures and carried out docking studies. Instead of significant hydrogen bondings with amino acid residue Asn140 as reported in previous research, the molecular docking modelling suggested a novel docking pose that involves the amino acid residues (Trp81, Pro82, Val87, Leu92, Leu94, Cys136, Asp144, and Ile146) at the active site of BRD4. The MD simulations, free energy calculations, and residual energy contributions all indicate that hydrophobic interactions are decisive factors affecting bindings between inhibitors and BRD4. The current study provides new insights that can aid the discovery of BRD4 inhibitors with enhanced anti-cancer ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to solve the prediction problem of nonlinear sequences with multiperiodic features, and a multiperiod grey prediction model based on grey theory and Fourier series is established. For nonlinear sequences with both trend and periodic features, the empirical mode decomposition method is used to decompose the sequences into several periodic terms and a trend term; then, a grey model is used to fit the trend term, and the Fourier series method is used to fit the periodic terms. Finally, the optimization parameters of the model are solved with the objective of obtaining a minimum mean square error. The novel model is applied to research on the loss rate of agricultural droughts in Henan Province. The average absolute error and root mean square error of the empirical analysis are 0.3960 and 0.5086, respectively. The predicted results show that the novel model can effectively fit the loss rate sequence. Compared with other models, the novel model has higher prediction accuracy and is suitable for the prediction of multiperiod sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. This study explored the effects of Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide (APS) on intestinal inflammatory damage of goslings infected with parvovirus ('gosling plague'). 2. A total of 90 healthy goslings were randomly divided into three groups; control, infected or APS treated, respectively. Goslings in the infection and APS treatment groups were inoculated with 0.3 ml allantoic fluid containing goose parvovirus (ELD50 = 1 × 103/0.3 ml) by intramuscular injection and the control group were injected with saline (0.3 ml) twice a day for 15 days. 3. Blood serum and the jejunum were collected at 5, 10 and 15 days after the start of the experiment to detect the activities of SOD and GSH-Px, levels of MDA, sIgA, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, LITAF, NF-κB, COX-2 and PGE2, pathological damage in the jejunum and serum IgG, IgM, C3, C4, IFN-γ levels. 4. After APS treatment, SOD and GSH-Px activities increased, MDA content decreased; sIgA, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α protein content, and IL-1β, IL-6, LITAF, NF-κB, COX-2 and PGE2 mRNA expression decreased in the jejunal tissue, serum IgG, IgM, C3, C4, IFN-γ significantly increased and pathological damage of jejunum significantly improved. 5. In conclusion, APS reduced intestinal inflammatory damage in goslings infected with parvovirus by improving the immune and antioxidant functions of goslings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have successfully developed a C60:LiF/BCP (bathocuproine) bilayer-buffer structure to optimize both the light absorption enhancement and the exciton-blocking at the cathode interface of a small molecular photovoltaic cell based on the archetypical CuPc/C60 structure. The function of the C60:LiF layer is to serve as an optical spacer and is found to yield a peak power conversion efficiency (PCE) with a 50 wt. % LiF at a thickness of 30 nm. A BCP layer is added between the optimized C60:LiF layer and the Al metal electrode to function as a barrier for excitons. This combined bilayer-buffer structure yields an optimal performance in short circuit current (Jsc) and PCE. A detailed study using a single carrier electron-only structure and a numerical simulation of optical electric-field distribution suggests that C60:LiF layer enhances light absorption at long wavelengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The copper pyrometallurgical industry faces the precipitation of un-soluble slimes containing bismuth, arsenic and antimony that can reduce copper purity. Ion-exchange resins are used to treat the electrolyte to avoid their precipitation. After resin saturation, a regeneration stage with 17%(w/w) hydrochloric acid containing antimony and bismuth (e.g. up to 10 g/L) is currently limed. In this work, a selective precipitation process was developed to recover both elements as pure as possible from the eluate, considering that also high contents of As(V) are present. Results showed that during the precipitation process, As(V) forms insoluble antimony-arsenates. Therefore, the eluate was pre-treated to reduce As(V) and Sb(V) using SO 2 (g) or NaHSO 3 (s). In this case, it was possible to obtain sequentially antimony oxychloride (Sb 4 O 5 Cl 2 , purity> 93%) and bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl, purity> 95%) under appropriate pH control using sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate and/or sodium carbonate. The use of calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate resulted in the precipitation of calcium sulphates (CaSO 4 :H 2 O(s) and CaSO 4: 2H 2 O(s)), which reduced the by-products purity. [Display omitted] • Lack of primary sources for Sb and Bi in the European Union. • Disposal as sludge of effluents rich in Sb and Bi (c.a. 10 g/L) containing As. • Selective separation process of Sb and Bi from As by controlling speciation. • SO 2 (g) and NaHSO 3 as reducing agents to control Sb and As redox states. • Recovery of Sb 4 O 5 Cl 2 (purity> 93%) and BiOCl (purity> 95%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dietary crude fibre (CF) levels on the chemical composition, amino acid (AA) and fatty acid (FA) profiles of breast muscle in male China Micro-ducks (21 - 56 d) were investigated in this study. The birds were randomly allocated to four treatments, of which dietary CF levels were 16.7, 42.6, 77.9 and 101.6 g/kg of dry matter (DM), respectively. No influences on the proportions of crude ash, crude protein, lysine, methionine, threonine, phenylalanine, histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, serine, cysteine, tyrosine, proline, C12:0, C18:0, C18:1n9, C20:0 and C22:1n9 in muscle were observed across the treatments. Consequently, the concentrations of semi-essential AA, non-essential AA, total AA, aromatic AA and delicious AA in muscle, along with the Δ-9-desaturase (18) index, were not affected by the treatments. Significant lower concentrations of valine, leucine, isoleucine, essential AA, branched-chain AA, C16:1n7 and monounsaturated FA in muscle, along with a lower ratio of branched-chain to aromatic AA, were noted in a dietary treatment with a CF level of 16.7 g/kg DM compared to other dietary treatments. The rise of the dietary CF level significantly increased the proportions of DM, ether extract, gross energy, C18:2n6, C18:3n3, C20:4n6, unsaturated FA, total FA, polyunsaturated FA, n-3 polyunsaturated FA, n-6 polyunsaturated FA, essential FA, and the Δ-9-desaturase (16) index. Furthermore, the rise of the dietary CF level increased the ratios of unsaturated to saturated FA, polyunsaturated to saturated FA, and n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated FA in muscle. However, it decreased the atherogenic index and the proportions of C14:0, C16:0, and saturated FA significantly. In conclusion, depending largely on dietary levels, CF profoundly and positively influenced the nutritional quality of breast muscle, especially the FA profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The barramundi or Asian Sea bass (Lates calcarifer) is of high economic importance for aquaculture worldwide. The present work report a trypanosomiosis of net cage reared barramundi in South China Sea and identified Trypanosoma epinepheli to be the causative agent, which expand the host range of this blood flagellate. This epizootic trypanosomiosis was of distinctly seasonal pattern which occurred from middle-to-late March to middle-to-late May, when water temperature ranged from 21 to 28°C and salinity from 30-33ppt.The infected fish showed typical clinical symptoms of fish trypanosomiosis, including loss of appetite, lethargy, slight emaciation, slightly darken body, swimming lonely and restlessly at the water surface. Mild anemia in gills and remarkable splenomegaly were observed after necropsy. Histopathological investigations showed distinct pathological changes in gill, brain, liver, spleen and kidney, almost consistent with the previous report. This study is the first report of trypanosomiasis in this increasingly important mariculture fish in China. Highlights • This is the first report of trypanosomiasis of Chinese reared barramundi and extends the host range of Trypanosoma epinepheli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Timidity in dogs is a trait with high heritability. However, the relevant genetic factors and markers associated with this condition are largely unknown. The function of the catechol‐O‐methyl transferase (COMT) gene has been found to be associated with human fearful or anxious emotions, and the COMT:p.Val158Met polymorphism locus is significantly related to anxious behavior. In the present study, the correlation between timidity and four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations (C.‐1666C>G c.39A>G, c.216G>A, c.482G>A) of the COMT gene was investigated in dogs. The evaluation was based on the dog courage assessment assay and a genotype and haplotype analysis in Labrador Retrievers (LR) and Golden Retrievers (GR). The principal components analysis factor structure of the courage phenotype was invariant between LR and GR. Sex, breed and age had no statistically significant effect on the timidity of the dogs. All SNP loci detected were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The c.39A>G locus was removed in the subsequent association analysis due to the significant difference between LR and GR in genotype distributions. Intriguingly, the genotypes and haplotypes of the COMT gene were significantly and highly correlated with the timidity of LR and GR. The A alleles of the COMT:c.216G>A and c.482G>A loci appeared to play a dominant role in the timid behavior of the dogs. This result supports and broadens the warrior/worrier hypothesis and will have important implications for the understanding of the evolution of temperament in dogs. Additionally, the results provide predictive genetic markers for temperament in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature dependent lasing was demonstrated in a dye-doped two-dimensional hexagonal photonic crystal made of holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (LCs) along ΓM direction in TE polarization. A redshift in lasing peaks was observed as the temperature increased from 25 to 45 °C. The downward movement of photonic band of TE polarization, majorly caused by the decrease in the anisotropy of LC droplets with the increase in temperature, is responsible for the redshift in lasing peaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we apply fractional calculus to analyze a class of economic growth modelling (EGM) of the Spanish economy. More precisely, the Grünwald-Letnnikov and Caputo derivatives are used to simulate GDP by replacing the previous integer order derivatives with the help of Matlab, SPSS and R software. As a result, we find that the data raised from the Caputo derivative are better than the data raised from the Grünwald-Letnnikov derivative. We improve the previous result in [12]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conventional low-beam projector headlight design for a motorcycle conventionally uses a combination of an elliptical reflector and a baffle plate. A clear cutoff line is formed by the baffle plate. Since only one freeform surface is used, the dispersion phenomena will occur with a white LED light source because the blue and yellow light is mixed unevenly. This leads to a high colour temperature. Another method uses a micro-lens array to solve the colour temperature problems. Without using the baffle plate, it is difficult to form a clear cut-off line. What's more, the freeform surface of the lens is complex and difficult to fabricate. We propose a combined lens, which uses a double freeform surface lens combined with a single freeform surface lens. In the combined lens, the double freeform surface lens is designed to solve the colour temperature drift and the single freeform surface lens is designed to solve the problem of the cut-off line. The simulation results can meet the ECE Regulation R113 revision 2(Class B) of the motorcycle low-beam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in the mechanical properties of gas hydrate-bearing sediments (GHBS) induced by gas hydrate (GH) dissociation are essential to the evaluation of GH exploration and stratum instabilities. Previous studies present substantial mechanical data and constitutive models for GHBS at a given GH saturation under the non-dissociated condition. In this paper, GHBS was formed by the gas saturated method, GH was dissociated by depressurization until the GH saturation reached different dissociation degrees. The stress-strain curves were measured using triaxial tests at a same pore gas pressure and different confining pressures. The results show that the shear strength decreases progressively by 30%-90% of the initial value with GH dissociation, and the modulus decreases by 50% -75%. Simplified relationships for the modulus, cohesion, and internal friction angle with GH dissociated saturation were presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Impurities in the ores (Sb, Bi and As) can compromise Cu quality. • Purification of the electrorefining electrolyte using ion-exchange resins. • Generation of a stream containing up to 8 g/L Sb and 9 g/L Bi. • Separation of Sb and Bi from As using solvent extraction. The lack of high-purity ores has made the copper industry exploit low-impurity ores containing As, Sb and Bi which can affect the final product quality due to the floating insoluble arsenates. This is usually solved by treating the electrorefining electrolyte in a polishing stage devoted to removing Sb and Bi using aminophosphonic resins. Once the resin is saturated, it is regenerated using 6 M HCl, and the eluate produced is treated with CaO(s) to precipitate both Sb and Bi. However, this stream is of interest due to the inclusion of both elements in the Critical Raw Material list from the European Union. Therefore, the linear management option must be substituted by a circular approach. This work aims to develop such approach by the selective separation and recovery of Sb and Bi from HCl stream polluted with As. The method presented was based on the use of using a solvating mixture of alkylphosphine oxides commercialized as Cyanex 923 dissolved in kerosene and 1-decanol (10 %) as phase modifier. The separation factors of Sb(III) and Bi(III) from As(V) were evaluated and optimized as function of both extractant concentration and the aqueous to organic phase ratio. Results showed that at the lowest Cyanex 923 concentration (0.15 mol/L) and working at an A/O ratio of 1/3, it could be possible to extract 39 % Bi and 78 % Sb with As co-extraction below 2.5 %. Both Sb and Bi were easily recovered (>90 %) using 8 M HNO 3 as stripping agent. Following a treatment using NaOH/NaCl or NaOH, both elements could be recovered either as oxychlorides (SbOCl(s) and BiOCl(s)) or oxides (Sb 2 O 3 (s) and BisO 3 (s)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnO-multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites were prepared for application in supercapacitor electrodes and devices. Good dispersion and mixing of the individual components were achieved using conceptually new strategies, allowing for significant improvement in the electrochemical charge storage properties. Composite C1 was prepared using chelating polyaromatic sulfasalazine molecules, which adsorbed on the individual components, allowed for their good dispersion and improved mixing by creating links between the components. Composite C2 utilized a Schiff base linkage mechanism for improved mixing between MnO and MWCNT. New electrochemical strategies allowed for high capacitance and good capacitance retention at high charge-discharge rates at high active mass loading, which was 30 mg cm. Composites C1 and C2 showed capacitances of 4.5 and 4.4 F cm, respectively, at a scan rate of 2 mV s. However, composite C2 showed a higher capacitance retention at high scan rates, which was found to be 66% at a scan rate of 100 mV s. The asymmetric devices, prepared using composite C2 as positive electrodes and activated carbon-carbon black negative electrodes, showed promising performance in a voltage window of 1.6 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid) (PSM) exhibits a number of unique properties, which are important for diverse biomedical applications. A conceptually new strategy has been utilized for dispersion, charging and electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of advanced materials for biomedical applications, such as hydroxyapatite, bioglass, TiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 using PSM. The approach is based on the use of chelating properties of maleic acid monomers, which created multiple bonds with surface atoms on the particle surface and allowed strong PSM adsorption and efficient particle dispersion. The deposition kinetics and mechanism have been investigated and the advantages of PSM have been discussed. Our new findings in the colloidal electrochemistry allowed for the co-deposition of PSM with hemoglobin and albumin, which have been utilized as model proteins for the development of the deposition mechanism. Another major finding was the possibility of efficient deposition of various composites, containing PSM, hydroxyapatite, bioglass, TiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , proteins and carbon nanotubes. Comprehensive electron microscopy data was used for the analysis of film morphologies at different experimental conditions. The results of this investigation paved the way for EPD of composite films, utilizing properties of different functional biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fitted the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of members of a large sample of Fermi 2LAC blazars to synchrotron and inverse Compton (IC) models. Our main results are as follows. (i) As suggested by previous works, the correlation between the peak frequency and curvature can be explained by statistical or stochastic particle acceleration mechanisms. For BL Lacs, we found a linear correlation between the synchrotron peak frequency and its curvature. The slope of the correlation is consistent with stochastic acceleration mechanisms and confirms the results of previous studies. For flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs), we also found a linear correlation, but in this case the slope cannot be explained by previous theoretical models. (ii) We found a significant correlation between IC luminosity and synchrotron luminosity. The slope of the correlation for FSRQs is consistent with the external Compton (EC) process. The slope of the correlation for BL Lacs is consistent with the synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) process. (iii) We found several significant correlations between IC curvature and various basic parameters of blazars (black hole mass, broad-line luminosity, the Lorentz factor of the jet).We also found significant correlations between the bolometric luminosity and these basic parameters of blazars, which suggests that the origin of jets is a mixture of the mechanisms proposed by Blandford & Znajek and by Blandford & Payne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Osteocyte is the orchestrator of bone remolding and decline in osteocyte autophagy is involved in senile osteoporosis. Our results suggested that rapamycin, at least in part by activating osteocyte autophagy, reduced the severity of age-related bone changes in trabecular bone of old male rats. Introduction: Previous literatures have showed that osteocyte is the orchestrator of bone remolding and age-related decline in osteocyte number is associated with senile osteoporosis. Autophagy is an important cellular protective mechanism which can preserve osteocyte viability and failure of autophagy in osteocyte with age has been linked to senile osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to explore whether rapamycin, one activator of autophagy, has protective effects on senile osteoporosis through inducing osteocyte autophagy. Methods: Fifty-two 24-month-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two groups. Rapamycin (1 mg/kg weight/day) or DMSO vehicle control was administered intraperitoneally for 12 weeks. BMD and bone microstructure were determined by Micro-CT. Fluorochrome labeling of the bones was performed to measure the mineral apposition rate (MAR). TRAP staining was performed to evaluate osteoclast number. The plasma levels of bone turnover markers were also analyzed. The effects of rapamycin on osteocyte autophagy were determined by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and q-PCR. TUNEL was used to determine the prevalence of osteocyte apoptosis. Results: Micro-CT evaluation demonstrated that rapamycin had a protective effect on age-related bone loss in trabecular bone. Besides, rapamycin resulted in an obvious increase of MAR and a decrease of osteoclast number in contrast to the control group. Furthermore, rapamycin also induced autophagy in osteocyte demonstrated by increased LC3-positive osteocyte and increased LC3 turnover. In addition, rats treated with rapamycin exhibited decreased apoptosis of osteocyte determined by TUNEL. Conclusions: These results suggested that rapamycin, at least in part by activating osteocyte autophagy, reduced the severity of age-related bone changes in trabecular bone of old male rats. Therefore, rapamycin might be a feasible therapeutic approach for senile osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extinction efficiencies of Ag-Cu and Ag-Au alloy nanospheres are studied based on the Mie theory. The effect of the radius size and the alloy composition on the extinction efficiency has been considered. In alloy nanoparticles such as Ag Au nanospheres, the extinction efficiencies vary with the Ag component x. The full width half maxima of the extinction efficiency band becomes broad with decrease in x, however the extinction peak value decreases at the same time. The optimal radius was investigated when double equal extinction peaks arise and the modulation effect of the extinction efficiencies was found. While the Ag component x increases, the extinction peak value becomes greater, but the separation distance between the peaks decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new type of Mg-8Al-1Sn (AT81) magnesium matrix composites reinforced with different volume fractions (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 vol.-%) of SiC particles (average size of 10 μm) was fabricated by powder metallurgy. With the increasing volume fraction of SiC particles (SiCp), the particles gradually show more homogeneous distribution. Compared with the AT81 alloy, the yield strength (YS) and ultimate compressive strength of the SiCp/AT81 composites are improved simultaneously. With the increasing SiCp from 0 to 30 vol.-%, the YS and ultimate compressive strength increase from 69 to 239 MPa and 286 to 385 MPa respectively, while the corresponding fracture strain ( ε) decreases from 19·3 to 4·8%. The improvement of the YS and ultimate compressive strength of the SiCp/AT81 composites benefits from the more homogeneous microstructure due to the increase in the SiC particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mountainous areas of southwestern China, especially Guizhou province, continuous, broadly distributed karst landscapes with harsh and fragile habitats often lead to land degradation. Research indicates that vegetation located in karst terrains has low aboveground biomass and land degradation that reduces vegetation biomass, but belowground biomass measurements are rarely reported. Using the soil pit method, we investigated the root biomass of karst vegetation in five land cover types: grassland, grass- scrub tussock, thorn-scrub shrubland, scrub-tree forest, and mixed evergreen and deciduous forest in Maolan, southern Guizhou province, growing in two different soil-rich and rock-dominated habitats. The results show that roots in karst vegetation, especially the coarse roots, and roots in rocky habitats are mostly distributed in the topsoil layers (89% on the surface up to 20 cm depth). The total root biomass in all habitats of all vegetation degradation periods is 18.77 Mg ha-1, in which roots in rocky habitat have higher biomass than in earthy habitat, and coarse root biomass is larger than medium and fine root biomass. The root biomass of mixed evergreen and deciduous forest in karst habitat (35.83 Mg ha-1/ is not greater than that of most typical, nonkarst evergreen broad-leaved forests in subtropical regions of China, but the ratio of root to aboveground biomass in karst forest (0.37) is significantly greater than the mean ratio (0:26±0:07) of subtropical evergreen forests. Vegetation Vegetation restoration in degraded karst terrain will significantly increase the belowground carbon stock, forming a potential regional carbon sink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of a cohesive zone model on the effective plastic strain and stress concentration factor of carbon nano-tube composites with debonding interfaces was investigated in this paper. The finite element process was carried out by ANSYS with the cohesive zone model. Three parameters derived from a surface potential functionwere applied to represent the interface separation and traction in the cohesive zone model, and the effective plastic strain and stress concentration factors were calculated for the models with and without a cohesive zone model. The results showed that the effective plastic strain increased and the stress concentration factor decreased with the application of the cohesive zone model, and it was able to improve the mechanical properties of the carbon nano-tube composites with debonding interfaces by applying the cohesive zone model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystallization dynamic parameters of calcium sulphate were determined in the course of the precipitation conversion process of calcium in lixivium. The crystallization dynamic equations of calcium sulphate were achieved by multiple linear regression. The study results indicate that CaSO4⋅2H2O crystal nucleation-growth kinetics equation in nitric acid leaching liquid of yellow phosphorus slag at room temperature is expressed by B0 = 2.904 ⋅ 1011 ⋅ G0.83 ⋅ MT0.167. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured bainite is extremely resistant to severe tempering making it difficult to reduce its hardness sufficiently to allow certain processing before heat treatment into its final state. An attempt is therefore made to introduce the divorced pearlite reaction that relies on the presence of pro-eutectoid cementite in the austenite in order to produce a microstructure containing spheroidal cementite particles simply by continuous cooling from the two phase austenite and cementite field. It is demonstrated that dramatically reduced hardness values can be achieved using this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uniaxial tensile tests of a new type of hot rolled Mg-3Sn-1Zn (TZ31) alloy have been investigated within the temperature range of 25 to 200°C. The elongation to failure ϵf increases from 21·9% at 25°C to 79·0% at 200°C, while the 0·2% offset yield strength and peak true strength σp decrease from 141 to 60 MPa and from 264 to 91 MPa respectively. The thermal stability of globular Mg2Sn precipitates is beneficial to the strength of the rolled TZ31 alloy at elevated temperatures. However, dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallisation play an important role in the elevated temperature elongation. Results obtained here can be used as a reference to develop inexpensive new types Mg alloys with potential for applications at elevated temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ITER correction coils (CCs) are designed to be arranged toroidally around the machine inside the poloidal field coils and mounted on the toroidal field coils in order to compensate field errors arising from misalignment of the coils and winding deviations from the nominal shape as a result of fabrication tolerances, joints, leads, busbars CCs, and assembly tolerances. China is responsible for manufacturing all the CCs and their conductor. The paper presents the qualification progress and results of ITER CCs and CC conductor, including the test results of CC SULTAN samples, double pancakes winding experiments, CC case welding techniques, and manufacturing experiment of CC helium inlet/outlets. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A nanocomposite interconnecting layer of C60:LiF/Ag/MoOx had been applied in the tandem structure of organic photovoltaic cells to achieve high short circuit current (Jsc) and power conversion efficiency (PCE). The Jsc had been enhanced 40% after applying the nanocomposite interconnecting layer into a tandem structure compared to the conventional interconnecting layer of Bathocuproine (BCP)/Ag/MoOx. The improvement is due to the enhancement of the light absorption of the devices. A tandem device PCE of 3.04% was achieved by further improving the light absorption in the individual subcell units in the tandem structure by means of a bi-functional buffer layer of C60:LiF/BCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the entropy of the solution to the heat equation on a Riemannian manifold. When the manifold is compact, we provide two estimates on the rate of change of the entropy in terms of the lower bound on the Ricci curvature and the spectral gap respectively. Our explicit computation for the three dimensional hyperbolic space shows that the time derivative of the entropy is asymptotically bounded by two positive constants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is an herb used to reduce the forage deficit of ryegrass-based pastures during the summer. This herb is being promoted for its reduced environmental impact in terms of nitrogen emissions, particularly reducing urinary nitrogen. However, the effect of plantain on emissions of enteric CH 4 , the main greenhouse gas produced from ruminant-based production systems, is not known. The aim of the present trial was to determine CH 4 emissions and rumen fermentation characteristics of nonlactating dairy cows fed 100% plantain (PLT) or 100% perennial ryegrass (RG; Lolium perenne) in 2 experiments (E1 and E2). The forages were in a vegetative growth stage in E1 and were in a reproductive growth stage in E2. Methane emissions from 16 cows in each experiment were measured in respiration chambers for 2 d. Methane emissions per unit of dry matter intake (CH 4 yield) were 15 and 28% less for cows fed PLT than those fed RG in E1 and E2, respectively. Dry matter digestibility of PLT was 7 and 27% less than that of RG in E1 and E2, respectively, and CH 4 per unit of dry matter digested was similar for PLT and RG in both experiments. There were only minor (but some significant) differences in rumen fermentation characteristics between cows fed PLT and RG in both experiments. In conclusion, CH 4 yield was lower for cows fed PLT compared with those fed RG in both experiments and this reduction was largely explained by the lesser dry matter digestibility of PLT. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and study aims: Endoscopic therapy of upper gastrointestinal bleeding remains challenging with conventional endoscopic devices. Use of Hemospray, where a nanopowder with clotting abilities is sprayed onto the bleeding site, had been highly effective for management of arterial bleeding in a heparizined animal model. The safety and effectiveness of Hemospray for hemostasis of active peptic ulcer bleeding in humans was evaluated. Patients and methods: In a prospective, single-arm, pilot clinical study, consecutive adults with confirmed peptic ulcer bleeding (Forrest score Ia or Ib), who had all given informed consent to participation, underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and application of Hemospray within 24 hours of hospital admission once hemodynamically stable. Up to two applications of Hemospray, not exceeding a total of 150 g were allowed. Bleeding recurrence was monitored post procedurally, by second-look endoscopy (72 hours post treatment), and by phone at 30 days. Rate of hemostasis, recurrent bleeding, mortality, need for surgical intervention, and treatment-related complications were assessed. Results: 20 patients were recruited (18 men, 2 women; mean age 60.2 years). Acute hemostasis was achieved in 95 % (19 / 20) of patients; 1 patient had a pseudoaneurysm requiring arterial embolization. Bleeding recurred in 2 patients within 72 hours (shown by hemoglobin drop); neither had active bleeding identified at the 72-hour endoscopy. No mortality, major adverse events, or treatment- or procedure-related serious adverse events were reported during 30-day follow-up. Conclusion: These pilot results indicate that Hemospray is safe in humans. Hemospray was effective in achieving acute hemostasis in active peptic ulcer bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A pair of electrically switchable finite energy Airy beams is generated by a liquid crystal (LC) cell, where one electrode is patterned by a photomask with a binary-phase pattern. Applying voltage across the LC cell, an index modulation is produced due to the liquid crystal molecules realignment, and the finite energy Airy beams can be generated or erased corresponding to the phase difference between the regions with and without electrode. The diffraction-free and transverse acceleration dynamics of this binary-phase element based finite energy Airy beams were experimentally verified, exhibiting excellent agreement with the theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We study the superbending effect in a two-dimensional graded photonic crystal (GPC) for both TE and TM modes. We show that the lateral beam shift is extremely sensitive to the wavelength for the TM mode but not TE mode, indicating the potential in designing some special superbending devices, for example, TE/TM splitter and polarization-indifference waveguide at prescribed wavelengths. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One type of traditional Chinese medicines, epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) has been commonly used as a clinical and skin health protective ingredient. It has been known to have photo-protective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant effects. However, little is known about the mechanisms of EGCG on UV-induced photo-aging and photo-carcinogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the photo-protective mechanisms of EGCG on UVB-induced skin damage, including the potency of EGCG to inhibit the UVB-induced cytotoxicity, secretion of cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-alpha), cellular apoptosis, expression of apoptosis-regulatory genes (p53-p21) and c-fos gene in cultured immortalized human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. EGCG treatment decreased UVB- induced cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis. It also inhibited the mRNA expressions of apoptosis-regulatory gene (p53 and p21) and c-fos gene. These results suggest that EGCG may have an inhibitory effect on UVB-induced photo-damage and apoptosis by blocking the cytokine secretion and the mRNA expressions of p53, p21 and c-fos genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The electrocardiograms (ECGs) record the electrical activity of the heart and are used to diagnose many heart disorders. This paper proposes a two-stage feed forward neural network for ECG signal classification. The research is aimed at the design of an intelligent ECG diagnosis tool that can recognise heart abnormalities while reducing the complexity, cost, and response time of the system. A number of neural network architectures are designed and compared for their ability to classify six different heart conditions. Two network architectures based on one stage and two stage feed forward neural networks are chosen for this investigation. The training and testing ECG signals are obtained from MIT-BIH database. The network inputs are comprised of 12 ECG features and 13 compressed components of each heart beat signal. The performance of the different modules as well as the efficiency of the whole system is presented. Among different architectures, a proposed multi-stage network named NET_BST possesses the highest recognition rate of around 93%. Therefore, this network proves to be a suitable candidate in ECG signal diagnosis systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A three-dimensional problem of fully developed turbulent flow through an equilateral triangular duct with internal ribbed surfaces has been simulated numerically through two two-dimensional approaches: turbulent forced convection between two parallel plates with ribbed bottom surface and that in an equilateral triangular duct with smooth internal surfaces. Effects of the complicated geometry on the turbulent forced convection, as well as the formation of the secondary flows around the ribs and in the triangular duct's corners, are analyzed in detail. Comparisons between the calculated and experimental results have been carried out and it has been found that the geometry effect from the attached uniformly spaced ribs on the triangular duct's thermal performance is more significant than that from the duct's corners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient diffraction gratings in poly(methyl methacrylate) films doped with an azo dye Disperse Red 13 (DR13) are reported. The recording mechanism performed by laser light within the dye absorption range (514 nm) is due to photo-induced anisotropy in which light-induced repeated trans­cis photo-isomerization of DR13 molecules leads to quasi-stable molecular reorientation. The characteristics of transient gratings recorded by two mutually parallel polarized beams (PP and SS) as well as orthogonal linearly polarized beams (PS and ±45°) were measured by monitoring the first- order diffraction intensity of the readout He­Ne laser beam. Furthermore, the potential application of such kinds of transient gratings in an all-optical switch is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PET/CT for RT simulation of NSCLC is typically conducted in two separate imaging sessions of gated 4D-CT in radiation oncology and fusion with non-gated PET/CT in diagnostic imaging, making treatment response assessment (TRA) with PET/CT and radiation treatment planning (RTP) challenging. To remedy this short-coming, we designed a new data-driven gated (DDG) PET/CT, based on the self-gated PET and self-gated CT data to derive the gated PET/CT data free of tumor blurring and misregistration artifacts without any respiratory monitoring device (ease of use and cost reduction). The new DDG PET/CT also provides the important 4D-CT information of end-inspiratory (EI), end-expiratory (EE), maximum-intensity-projection (MIP) and average-intensity-projection (AIP) CT's. The total imaging time is < 15 min, which makes DDG PET/CT simulation in a single session without any respiratory monitoring device possible. Acquisition is standard PET/CT imaging protocol followed by a cine CT imaging of the tumor area. We utilized the commercial DDG PET from GE Discovery PET/CT and designed a new DDG CT for attenuation correction of the DDG PET for reduction of tumor motion and mis-registration. The AIP and MIP images were from the average and maximum pixel values of the cine CT images, respectively. The cine CT images with the largest and smallest average CT number in the lung region were identified as the EE and EI CT images, respectively. For the image slices without any lung region present, the largest and smallest expansions of the body outline contour were selected to be the EE and EI CT phases, respectively. The AIP and EE CT images were used for attenuation correction of the PET and DDG PET data, respectively. Both DDG PET/CT and 4D-CT of (EI, EE, AIP and MIP) are for RT simulation of NSCLC. 38 4D-CT patient data sets were compared at the EE and EI phases between our DDG CT and 4D-CT to demonstrate the applicability of the newly designed DDG CT. A prototype software on a Dell PC of i5-6500 CPU has been successfully developed to enable DDG PET/CT and 4D-CT on seven GE Discovery PET/CT scanners. The operating system was Ubuntu and the computer language was Python. In the EE phase, the images selected by DDG CT and 4D CT were identical 62.5±21.6% of the time. In the EI phase, the images selected by DDG CT and 4D CT were identical 68.2±18.9% of the time. Inspection of the EE and EI phases of DDG CT and 50% and 0% of 4D-CT demonstrated both data sets of DDG CT and 4D CT were almost identical. A new DDG PET/CT and 4D-CT in a single imaging session without any hardware gating has been developed for TRA and RTP of NSCLC. The utility is available on the network and it enables all PET/CT scanners on the network for TRA and RTP. The new DDG CT provides the benefits of 4D-CT without any requirement of external hardware gating and make possible DDG PET/CT free of tumor motion and misregistration artifacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the creation of quasi-1D excited matter-wave solitons, "breathers," by quenching the strength of the interactions in a Bose-Einstein condensate with attractive interactions. We characterize the resulting breathing dynamics and quantify the effects of the aspect ratio of the confining potential, the strength of the quench, and the proximity of the 1D-3D crossover for the two-soliton breather. Furthermore, we demonstrate the complex dynamics of a three-soliton breather created by a stronger interaction quench. Our experimental results, which compare well with numerical simulations, provide a pathway for utilizing matter-wave breathers to explore quantum effects in large many-body systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mode-dependent electrically tunable lasing of transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes is demonstrated in a dye-doped two-dimensional hexagonal photonic crystal made of holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (LCs). Over 10 nm redshifting in lasing with multiple peaks in nonpolarizing spectra is obtained by applying external voltages up to 40 V. The splitting of lasing spectra between two perpendicular polarizations with the applied voltage is observed, which can be explained through the difference in effective refractive index of LC droplet change with the applied electric field for TE and TM modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquagenic syringeal acrokeratoderma (ASA) is a rare acquired disorder that develops predominantly in young women. It is clinically characterized by a burning sensation and whitish discolouration on the hands and rarely on the soles after brief immersion in water, which resolves within a short time after drying. Topical aluminium chloride and salicylic acid are reportedly beneficial in some cases. In total, 20 female and 8 male patients with ASA have been reported previously. We present another male patient, who failed to respond to treatment with antihistamines and topical steroids, but responded well to formalin 3% in alcohol without any side-effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lasing actions are demonstrated in two high-symmetry directions (ΓM and ΓK) of a two-dimensional hexagonal photonic crystal from dye-doped holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystals. The group velocity anomaly, which is peculiar to two-dimensional and three-dimensional photonic crystals, leads to substantial enhancement in local fields in the two-dimensional photonic crystal with a low-index contrast. The difference on the lasing thresholds between the two directions is interpreted as the result of different group velocities of the flat bands where laser oscillation occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel [4-(2-nitrobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl](phenyl)methanone derivatives containing piperazine structures were designed and synthesized. (3,7-Dichloroquinolin-8-yl)[4-(2-nitrobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl]methanone was selected to confirm the spatial structure through X-ray diffraction. Herbicidal activity of the target compounds was evaluated against the pre-emergence of Echinochloa crusgalli L., Lolium perenne L., Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort. Herbicidal activity of compounds with different substituent on the phenyl followed an order of magnitude that was given as: donor-drawing group > neutral group > electron-drawing group on Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort. (2,3-Dimethylphenyl)[4-(2-nitrobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl]methanone showed stronger herbicidal activity against the pre-emergence of Echinochloa crusgalli L. and Lolium perenne, while (2-chlorophenyl)-[4-(2-nitrobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl]methanone showed stronger herbicidal activity against Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a special type of metastasis of several cancers and has been reported as being a factor for poor prognosis in colorectal carcinoma. However, investigations of PNI in only rectal cancer and a comprehensive analysis combining meta-analyses with real-world case studies remain lacking. First, articles from 2000 to 2020 concerning the relationship between PNI and rectal cancer prognoses and clinical features were meta-analysed. Subsequently, we carried out a retrospective analysis of 312 rectal cancer cases that underwent radical surgery in the real world. The incidence of PNI and the relationship between PNI and prognosis, as well as clinicopathological factors, were investigated. The incidence of PNI was 23.09% and 33.01% in the meta-analysis and clinical cases, respectively. PNI occurred as early as stage I (2.94%). Moreover, neoadjuvant therapy significantly reduced the PNI-positive rate (20.34% versus 26.54%). Both meta-analysis and real-world clinical case studies suggested that PNI-positive patients had poorer prognoses than PNI-negative patients. We established an effective risk model consisting of T stage, differentiation and lymphovascular invasion to predict PNI in rectal cancer. PNI is a poor prognostic factor for rectal cancer and could occur even in stage I. Additionally, neoadjuvant therapy could sufficiently reduce the PNI-positive rate. T stage, lymphovascular invasion and differentiation grade were independent risk factors for PNI and the risk model that included these factors could predict the probability of PNI. • Firstly, we explored the incidence of PNI and its relationship with relevant clinicopathological features from the perspective of meta-analysis and real world clinical, as well as its impact on the prognosis of patients with rectal cancer. • Secondly, PNI did have a high incidence in rectal cancer (even up to 30%), which could occur as early as stage I and is a risk factor for poor prognosis. • Thirdly, neoadjuvant therapy reduced the positive rate of postoperative pathological PNI. It is important to assess PNI status before surgery. • Finally, T stage, lymvascular invasion and differentiation grade are the independent risk factors for PNI and the risk prediction model they composed in combination could complement the diagnosis of PNI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]