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The design of clusters featuring non-classical planar hypercoordinate atoms (phAs) often depends on the delocalized multicenter bonds involving reactive electron-deficient elements, which both destabilize the clusters and lead to difficulty in achieving the phA arrangement for electronegative elements such as nitrogen due to their preference for localized bonds. In this work, we computationally designed a series of aluminum chalcogenide clusters NAl4X4+ (X = S, Se, Te) with a desired planar tetracoordinate nitrogen and meaningfully improved chemical stability, as evidenced by the wide gaps (6.51–7.23 eV) between their highest occupied molecular orbitals and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals, high molecular rigidity (dynamically stable up to 1500 K), and exclusively low global energy minima nature (their isomers locate at least 51.2 kcal/mol higher). Remarkably, these clusters are stabilized by peripheral chalcogen atoms, which not only sterically protect the NAl4 core moiety but also electronically compensate for the electron-deficient aluminum atoms via X → Al π back bonds, meeting the description of our recently proposed "electron-compensation" strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of digital marketing, consumers often express aversion to perk advertisements yet find it challenging to resist the temptation and forward it, resulting in inconsistent attitudes and behaviors. This study, based on the Associative Propositional Evaluation model and the Confirmation Bias theory, utilizes event-related potential experiments to identify the interactive impacts of immediate rewards and information diagnosticity in advertisements on consumer attitude change in specific contexts. The research findings indicate that when rewards were present, information diagnosticity positively influences attitude change and the willingness to forward. However, when rewards were absent, the impact of information diagnosticity on attitude change and the willingness to forward is not significant, and neuroscientific evidence supports these findings. Theoretically, this study extends the research perspective on attitude change in online advertising contexts and broadens the application of the Associative Propositional Evaluation model in the field of consumer attitude change towards advertisements. In practice, this research holds significant guiding value for constraining platform manipulation of consumer cognitive behaviors, guiding the healthy development of platform economics, and promoting digital technology ethics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies on rub-impact faults have mainly focused on the rub-impact between rotors and stators, with less research on inter-rotor rub impact. The impact of inter-rotor rub impact on rotor nonlinear vibration is particularly significant. This study investigates the effects of inter-shaft rub impact on the vibration characteristics and whirl behavior of dual-rotor systems. Initially, a dual-rotor model with inter-shaft bearings is established using the finite element method, and inter-shaft rub-impact forces are derived based on contact mechanics. Next, the system response is solved using the Newmark method. Vibration characteristics are analyzed through Campbell diagrams, 3D waterfall plots, time-frequency domain plots, and steady-state rub-impact force plots. Finally, the influence of inter-shaft rub impact on the whirl behavior of the dual-rotor system is studied based on the theory of full-spectrum analysis. The study concludes that inter-shaft rub-impact faults shift the system's resonance points backward, increase harmonic and combination frequency components, and significantly affect the system response under dual-rotor co-rotation. Excessive friction can lead to self-excited vibrations and sudden amplitude increases, particularly in the LP rotor frequency. Additionally, inter-shaft rub impact primarily affects the whirl behavior of the LP-compressor disk1, showing multiple cycles of forward and backward whirl alternation during acceleration due to combined unbalanced and rub-impact excitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The risk factors for respiratory insufficiency in children with Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) are poorly known. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with respiratory insufficiency in children with GBS. Methods This retrospective study included children diagnosed with GBS by pediatric neurologists and admitted at the Wuhan Children's Hospital and other hospitals from January 2013 to October 2022. The patients were divided into the respiratory insufficiency and nonrespiratory insufficiency groups according to whether they received assist breathing during treatment. Results The median (interquartile range) age of onset of 103 patients were 5 (3.1–8.5) years, 69 (67%) were male, and 64 (62.1%) had a history of precursor infection. Compared with the nonrespiratory insufficiency group, the respiratory insufficiency group showed more facial and/or bulbar weakness (p = 0.002), a higher Hughes Functional Grading Scale (HFGS) at admission (p < 0.001), and a shorter onset-to-admission interval (p = 0.017). Compared with the acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) subtype, the acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) subtype showed longer days from onset to lumbar (p = 0.000), lower HFGS at admission (p = 0.04), longer onset-to-admission interval (p = 0.001), and more cranial nerve involvement (p = 0.04). The incidence of respiratory insufficiency between AIDP and AMAN showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, facial and/or bulbar weakness, HFGS at admission, and onset-to-admission interval were associated with respiratory insufficiency and might be useful prognostic markers in children with GBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we are concerned with a Kirchhoff-Choquard type equation with L2-prescribed mass. Under different cases of the potential, we prove the existence of normalized ground state solutions to this equation. To obtain the boundedness from below of the energy functional and the compactness of the minimizing sequence, we apply the Gagliardo-Nirenberg inequality with the Riesz potential and the relationship between the different minimal energies corresponding to different mass. We also extend the results to the fractional Kirchhoff-Choquard type equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydraulic fracturing through a multiborehole cluster is a crucial technology for the enhancement of shale gas reservoir production. However, the impact of borehole interference and in situ stress on hydraulic fracturing is still unclear. This study developed a multiscale hydraulic coupling model by improving the algorithm of the traditional pipe domain model within discrete element method and the initiation and propagation of hydraulic fractures under in situ stress and three multi-borehole clusters were numerically studied. Numerical results indicate that fracture development is initially governed by bedding planes, followed by the maximum principal stress. Tensile fractures account for over 80% of the observed fractures. As the lateral pressure coefficient decreases from 1, the proportion of tensile fractures decreases, while shear fractures become more prominent. The circumferential stress primarily influences fracture propagation, while radial stress plays a key role in governing fracture connectivity. During hydraulic fracturing of multiborehole clusters, the vicinity of the boreholes is prone to stability loss, and the stress shadow significantly affects the generation of fracture network. These results can deepen our understanding on the fracture network development and provide a guidance for the application of hydraulic fracturing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been related to abnormal amygdala activity during emotional face processing. However, a recent large-scale study (n = 28,638) found no such correlation, which is probably due to the low precision of fMRI measurements. To address this issue, we used simultaneous fMRI and eye-tracking measurements during a commonly employed emotional face recognition task. Eye-tracking provide high-precision data, which can be used to enrich and potentially stabilize fMRI readouts. With the behavioral response, we additionally divided the active task period into a task-related and a free-viewing phase to explore the gaze patterns of MDD patients and healthy controls (HC) and compare their respective neural correlates. Our analysis showed that a mood-congruency attentional bias could be detected in MDD compared to healthy controls during the free-viewing phase but without parallel amygdala disruption. Moreover, the neural correlates of gaze patterns reflected more prefrontal fMRI activity in the free-viewing than the task-related phase. Taken together, spontaneous emotional processing in free viewing might lead to a more pronounced mood-congruency bias in MDD, which indicates that combined fMRI with eye-tracking measurement could be beneficial for our understanding of the underlying psychopathology of MDD in different emotional processing phases. Trial Registration: The BeCOME study is registered on ClinicalTrials (gov: NCT03984084) by the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich, Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue-resident macrophages play an important role in the local maintenance of homeostasis and immune surveillance. In the central nervous system (CNS), brain macrophages are anatomically divided into parenchymal microglia and non-parenchymal border-associated macrophages (BAMs). Among these immune cell populations, microglia have been well-studied for their roles during development as well as in health and disease. BAMs, mostly located in the choroid plexus, meningeal and perivascular spaces, are now gaining increased attention due to advancements in multi-omics technologies and genetic methodologies. Research on BAMs over the past decade has focused on their ontogeny, immunophenotypes, involvement in various CNS diseases, and potential as therapeutic targets. Unlike microglia, BAMs display mixed origins and distinct self-renewal capacity. BAMs are believed to regulate neuroimmune responses associated with brain barriers and contribute to immune-mediated neuropathology. Notably, BAMs have been observed to function in diverse cerebral pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, ischemic stroke, and gliomas. The elucidation of the heterogeneity and diverse functions of BAMs during homeostasis and neuroinflammation is mesmerizing, since it may shed light on the precision medicine that emphasizes deep insights into programming cues in the unique brain immune microenvironment. In this review, we delve into the latest findings on BAMs, covering aspects like their origins, self-renewal capacity, adaptability, and implications in different brain disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Secukinumab is an anti-interleukin (IL)-17A monoclonal antibody indicated for multiple immunological disorders. Here, we aim to summarize secukinumab safety in clinical trials (CTs) and post-marketing setting (PMS) until 25 June 2022. Methods: Adverse events (AEs) were summarized with crude reporting rate (RR) per 100 patient-years (PY) in PMS for all reported indications and with exposure-adjusted incident rates (EAIR) per 100 PY in pooled 47 CTs for approved indications. Results: Secukinumab exposure totaled 1,159,260 PY in PMS and 27,765 PY in CTs. AEs were mostly (> 80%) non-serious in PMS. EAIR for serious AEs was 7.0/100 PY. Nasopharyngitis (RR 0.59/100 PY, EAIR 16.08/100 PY) and pneumonia (RR 0.14/100 PY, EAIR 0.17/100 PY) were the most common infection and serious infection, respectively. Candida infections (RR 0.20/100 PY, EAIR 2.16/100 PY) were the most common fungal infections. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was observed in PMS (0.14/100 PY) and CTs (0.26/100 PY). Most (76%) patients with prior IBD did not report IBD flare during CTs. PMS monitoring identified paradoxical skin reactions including dyshidrotic eczema (RR 0.006/100 PY) and pyoderma gangrenosum (RR 0.003/100 PY). Conclusion: Secukinumab safety profile with increased patient exposure remained favorable. Paradoxical skin reactions were identified in post-marketing monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microenvironment is indispensable for functionality of various biomacromolecules, subcellular compartments, living cells, and organisms. In particular, physical properties within the biological microenvironment could exert profound effects on both the cellular physiology and pathology, with parameters including the polarity, viscosity, pH, and other relevant factors. There is a significant demand to directly visualize and quantitatively measure the fluctuation in the cellular microenvironment with spatiotemporal resolution. To satisfy this need, analytical methods based on fluorescence probes offer great opportunities due to the facile, sensitive, and dynamic detection that these molecules could enable in varying biological settings from in vitro samples to live animal models. Herein, we focus on various types of small molecule fluorescent probes for the detection and measurement of physical parameters of the microenvironment, including pH, polarity, viscosity, mechanical force, temperature, and electron potential. For each parameter, we primarily describe the chemical mechanisms underlying how physical properties are correlated with changes of various fluorescent signals. This review provides both an overview and a perspective for the development of small molecule fluorescent probes to visualize the dynamic changes in the cellular environment, to expand the knowledge for biological process, and to enrich diagnostic tools for human diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary This paper proposes a full‐range regulation method for half‐bridge secondary series resonant converter. With the proposed method, the resonant converter can achieve full‐range regulation within a narrow frequency range regardless of the load level. Besides, the converter can be used for the battery charger systems and programmable power supply systems. The primary‐side transistors and the secondary‐side diodes are zero‐voltage switching turned on and zero‐current switching turned off, respectively. In‐depth analysis reveals the characteristics, that is, operation principle, voltage conversion ratio, component stresses, and ZVS condition of the half‐bridge secondary series resonant converter with the proposed method. Besides, the performance comparisons among the different methods are conducted to present the merits of the proposed method. Further, the performance comparisons between the half‐bridge secondary series resonant converter and primary series resonant converter with the proposed method are executed to show their superiority with different turns ratio range of the transformer, respectively. When the turns ratio is larger than 0.5 and smaller than 1, the performance of the half‐bridge primary series resonant converter is better; when the turns ratio is equal to 1, the two configurations feature the same performance; while when the turns ratio is larger than 1, the half‐bridge secondary series resonant converter is preferable. The experimental results validate the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replacing one of the peripheral Se with a Se2 bridge is an effective strategy to flatten the C4v CB4Se4 cluster. The global minimum of CB4Se5 contains one fan-shaped planar tetracoordinate carbon (ptC) CB4 core, possessing double 2π + 6σ aromaticity. The peripheral Se2 bridge is dexterous and crucial for the stability of CB4Se5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatile compounds of fig (Ficus carica) are influenced by various factors. To explore the composition and difference of volatile compounds among figs, gas chromatography ion mobility spectrometry (GC‐IMS) was used to study the volatiles of figs from various regions, diverse cultivars, and after treatment with different drying methods. Aldehydes were the main volatile compounds in Bojihong from Shandong, while esters, ketones, and alcohols were the main volatile compounds in Bojihong from Sichuan and Guangdong. The volatiles of Branswick and Banane were similar, but differed significantly from those of Bojihong. Drying had the most significant effect on fig volatiles, which greatly reduced the content of benzaldehyde, (E)‐2‐hexenal, 2‐methylbutanal aldehydes, lost the content of esters such as isoamyl acetate, butyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, and generated some ketones and ethers. The results showed that Bojihong from Shandong was more suitable for the processing of subsequent fig drying products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells for refractory or relapsed (r/r) B cell no-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients have shown promising clinical effectiveness. However, the factors impacting the clinical response of CAR-T therapy have not been fully elucidated. We here investigate the independent influencing factors of the efficacy of CD19 CAR-T cell infusion in the treatment of r/r B-NHL and to establish an early prediction model. Methods: A total of 43 r/r B-NHL patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. The patients' general data were recorded, and the primary endpoint is the patients' treatment response. The independent factors of complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR) were investigated by univariate and binary logistic regression analysis, and the prediction model of the probability of CR was constructed according to the determined independent factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration plot were used to assess the discrimination and calibration of the established model. Furthermore, we collected 15 participators to validate the model. Results: Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis of 43 patients showed that the ratio of central memory T cell (Tcm) and naïve T cell (Tn) in cytotoxic T cells (Tc) was an independent risk factor for response to CD19 CAR-T cell therapy in r/r B-NHL. On this basis, the area under the curve (AUC) of Tcm in the Tc and Tn in the Tc nomogram model was 0.914 (95%CI 0.832–0.996), the sensitivity was 83%, and the specificity was 74.2%, which had excellent predictive value. We did not found the difference of the progression-free survival (PFS). Conclusions: The ratio of Tcm and Tn in Tc was found to be able to predict the treatment response of CD19 CAR-T cells in r/r B-NHL. We have established a nomogram model for the assessment of the CD19 CAR-T therapy response presented high specificity and sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) have attained enormous attention in the last few years. The cathode materials of aqueous zinc ion batteries play a vital effect in their electrochemical and battery properties. In this manuscript, Sandwich-like MXene@Na 2 V 6 O 16 ·3H 2 O (NVO@MXene) heterostructure was successfully prepared by the combination and cooperation of the layer lattice structure of Na 2 V 6 O 16 ·3H 2 O and the high conductivity of MXene. When used as the cathode material for AZIBs, NVO@MXene demonstrates preeminent rate capability and excellent reversible capacity of 175 mAh/g after 3000 cycles at 5 A/g with a retention rate of 88.9 % of initial discharge capacity. The outstanding battery performance can be attributed to the MXene layers with high conductivity for accelerating the ion diffusion rate and reducing the agglomeration of Na 2 V 6 O 16 ·3H 2 O nanowires during the (dis)charge process. Meanwhile, the stable layered structure of Na 16 V 6 O 6 ·3H 2 O with wide interlamellar spacing (d = 7.9 Å) is also favorable for the s fast intercalation/deintercalation of Zn2+. Finally, ex-situ X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were applied to study and reveal the energy storage mechanism of this novel material for aqueous zinc ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO 2 -based binary mixtures have good performance and environmental friendliness, which are considered a good choice for working fluid in cooling and power cycles. Analyzing the properties of the vapor-liquid equilibrium is used to calculate the enthalpy and entropy of the dew and bubble point, which are fundamental parameters of thermodynamics. In this study, we measure the vapor-liquid equilibrium experimental data of CO 2 -propylene mixture by static thermostatic analysis experimental system. The working fluids in this state are repeatedly collected from the equilibrium cell to the gas chromatograph by the two electromagnetic capillary samplers to analyze the molar fractions. The maximum pressure deviation and maximum relative pressure deviation of the saturation vapor pressure of propylene are -0.004 MPa and -0.38%, respectively. We measure 5 sets of isotherms from 283.73 to 323.72 K, two of which are supercritical temperatures (313.73 K and 323.72 K). The pressure is up to about 6.4 MPa. The standard experimental uncertainties of mole fractions, pressure, and temperature are within 0.004, 0.002 MPa, and 0.06 K, respectively. The association model (the Peng-Robinso equation incorporating the Wong-Sandler mixing rule and the Non-Random Two-Liquid model) is used to fit the obtained vapor-liquid equilibrium data. The value of the average absolute relative deviation of pressure (AARD p) and the average absolute deviation of vapor phase molar fractions of component 1 (AAD y 1) is 0.29 % and 0.0062, respectively. The relative volatility under the five isotherms is also calculated, and most of the experimental data were within ± 5 % deviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) remodeling in asthmatic airways may contribute to persistent airflow limitation and airway hyperresponsiveness. CD4+ T cells infiltrate the ASM layer where they may induce a proliferative and secretory ASM cell phenotype. We studied the interaction between activated CD4+ T cells and ASM cells in co‐culture in vitro and investigated the effects of CD4+ T cells on chemokine production by ASM cells. CD4+ T cells induced marked upregulation of C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligands (CXCL) 9, 10, and 11 in ASM cells. Blockade of the IFN‐γ receptor on ASM cells prevented this upregulation. Furthermore, T cell‐derived IFN‐γ and LIGHT (lymphotoxin, exhibits inducible expression and competes with HSV glycoprotein D for binding to herpesvirus entry mediator, a receptor expressed on T lymphocytes) synergize in a dose‐dependent manner to coordinately enhance CXCL9, 10, and 11 expression. The synergistic property of LIGHT was mediated exclusively through the lymphotoxin‐β receptor (LTBR), but not herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM). Disruption of LTBR signaling in ASM cells reduced CXCL9, 10, and 11 production and ASM cell‐mediated CD4+ T cell chemotaxis. We conclude that the LIGHT‐LTBR signaling axis acts together with IFN‐γ to regulate chemokines that mediate lymphocyte infiltration in asthmatics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To establish a model for predicting lymph node metastasis in bladder cancer (BCa) patients. Methods: We retroactively enrolled 239 patients who underwent three-phase CT and resection for BCa in two centers (training set, n = 185; external test set, n = 54). We reviewed the clinical characteristics and CT features to identify significant predictors to construct a clinical model. We extracted the hand-crafted radiomics features and deep learning features of the lesions. We used the Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance algorithm and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression algorithm to screen features. We used nine classifiers to establish the radiomics machine learning signatures. To compensate for the uneven distribution of the data, we used the synthetic minority over-sampling technique to retrain each machine-learning classifier. We constructed the combined model using the top-performing radiomics signature and clinical model, and finally presented as a nomogram. We evaluated the combined model’s performance using the area under the receiver operating characteristic, accuracy, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. We used the Kaplan–Meier survival curve to analyze the prognosis of BCa patients. Results: The combined model incorporating radiomics signature and clinical model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic of 0.834 (95% CI: 0.659–1.000) for the external test set. The calibration curves and decision curve analysis demonstrated exceptional calibration and promising clinical use. The combined model showed good risk stratification performance for progression-free survival. Conclusion: The proposed CT-based combined model is effective and reliable for predicting lymph node status of BCa patients preoperatively. Critical relevance statement: Bladder cancer is a type of urogenital cancer that has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Lymph node metastasis is an independent risk factor for death in bladder cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate the performance of a deep learning radiomics model for preoperatively predicting lymph node metastasis in bladder cancer patients. Key points: • Conventional imaging is not sufficiently accurate to determine lymph node status. • Deep learning radiomics model accurately predicted bladder cancer lymph node metastasis. • The proposed method showed satisfactory patient risk stratification for progression-free survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People often get support from others in regulating their emotions, a phenomenon known as interpersonal emotion regulation (IER). However, the relative effectiveness of specific IER strategies for improving emotional and relational wellbeing in daily life is unclear. Here, we report two preregistered, ecological momentary assessment studies, in which we examined how the use of six key IER strategies relates to emotional and relational wellbeing among romantic couples in daily life. Study 1 focused on enacted IER as reported by the regulator, whereas Study 2 focused on perceived IER as reported by the regulated partner. Using a dyadic experience sampling design (6 beeps/day for 7 days), Study 1 (N = 136) showed that when people reported to have given advice or encouraged their partner to suppress their emotions, their partners experienced impaired emotional wellbeing. When people reported to have distracted their partner, their partner experienced enhanced positive affect and felt closer to their partner. The use of interpersonal reappraisal, acceptance and ignoring was unrelated to partners' momentary wellbeing. Using a dyadic daily diary design (1 beep/day for 12 days), Study 2 (N = 361) showed that perceptions of one's emotions being ignored by the partner were associated with impaired emotional and relational wellbeing on the same day. The perceived use of other IER strategies was unrelated to momentary wellbeing. Taken together, the present set of studies illuminates how IER processes shape people's emotions and relationships in ecologically valid settings. Our findings indicate that enacted and perceived regulatory behaviors are associated with differential outcomes, highlighting the complex nature of interpersonal emotion dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sc 2 CCl 2 /WSe 2 and Sc 2 CCl 2 /WTe 2 heterostructures are identified for efficient photocatalytic overall water splitting with direct Z-schemes, although the conduct band minimum for the Sc 2 CCl 2 monolayer and the valence band maximums of the WSe 2 and WTe 2 ones do not match the redox potential conditions. The photocatalytic direct Z-schemes are constructed for the two heterostructures according to the built-in electric fields and band alignments. The solar-to-hydrogen efficiency η S T H , together with the Gibbs free energies are evaluated to understand the photocatalytic activities and feasibilities. The maximum η S T H can reach 20.70% with the Sc 2 CCl 2 /WTe 2 heterostructure and higher than 7.35% with the Sc 2 CCl 2 /WSe 2 one. Interestingly, the biaxial tensile strains remarkably boost the η S T H of the Sc 2 CCl 2 /WSe 2 heterostructure but weakly impact that of the Sc 2 CCl 2 /WTe 2 one, while the compressive strains substantially reduce the η S T H of the Sc 2 CCl 2 /WSe 2 heterostructure but raise that of the Sc 2 CCl 2 /WTe 2 one. Moreover, the Gibbs free energies indicate the considered hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions have thermodynamic feasibilities. [Display omitted] • Sc 2 CCl 2 /WX 2 (X = Se, Te) heterostructures can drive overall water splitting. • Solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies of Sc 2 CCl 2 /WTe 2 and Sc 2 CCl 2 /WSe 2 can reach 20.70% 7.35%. • Biaxial strains impact the η STH s of the Sc 2 CCl 2 /WX 2 (X = Se, Te) heterostructures remarkably. • Thermodynamic feasibilities of HER and OER are confirmed by the Gibbs free energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate assessment of infection presence risk level, timely diagnosis, and effective control are critical for decreasing mortality of Acute‑on‑chronic liver failure (ACLF). We aimed to develop and validate a novel diagnostic model to accurately assess infection presence risk level in ACLF patients. 185 ACLF patients with/without infection were enrolled, and their demographic, physical findings, immune-inflammatory, hepatic function, metabolism, and coagulation-fibrinolysis indicators were analyzed. Regression analysis was performed to identify the independent diagnostic parameters, which were further used to establish diagnostic models with a nomogram for visual. An area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), calibration plots, clinical impact curves, decision curve analysis, and net reclassification index were used to evaluate and identify the best model. An external validating cohort was introduced to verify the diagnostic accuracy. We screened out white blood cell (WBC) count, LYM%, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and D-dimer for assessing infection presence risk levels in ACLF patients. WBD (WBC + BUN + D-dimer) was established and proposed as a novel diagnostic model for infection presence risk levels assessment in ACLF patients with an AUROC of 0.803 (95%CI 0.723–0.883), 0.885 (95%CI 0.786–0.984) in training and external cohorts, respectively. In stratification analysis by ACLF etiology and stages, WBD achieved an AUROC of 0.791 (95%CI 0.691–0.891) and 0.873 (95%CI 0.78–0.966) in HBV-related and early-stage patients, respectively. Whereas a higher AUROC of 0.905 (95%CI 0.807–1.00) in the early-stage of HBV-related ACLF patients indicated its optimum application scope. WBD, a novel laboratory-based nomogram, can serve as a decision-making support tool for clinicians to assess infection presence risk levels in ACLF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in males worldwide. The risk stratification of PCa is mainly based on morphological examination. Here we analyzed the proteome of 667 tumor samples from 487 Chinese PCa patients and characterized 9576 protein groups by PulseDIA mass spectrometry. Then we developed a pathway activity-based classifier concerning 13 proteins from seven pathways, and dichotomized the PCa patients into two subtypes, namely PPS1 and PPS2. PPS1 is featured with enhanced innate immunity, while PPS2 with suppressed innate immunity. This classifier exhibited a correlation with PCa progression in our cohort and was further validated by two published transcriptome datasets. Notably, PPS2 was significantly correlated with poor biochemical recurrence (BCR)/metastasis-free survival (log-rank P-value < 0.05). The PPS2 was also featured with cell proliferation activation. Together, our study presents a novel pathway activity-based stratification scheme for PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel half-sandwich phosphinesulfonate cobaltic complex (Co(dppbsa)) was prepared and characterized, which surprisingly enabled the chemoselective N,N-dimethylation of nitroaromatics with CO2 using NaBArF4 as the promotor and a combination of PhSiH3 and Et3SiH as the reductant. Further studies demonstrated that the catalytic activity for reduction of nitroaromatics and CO2 could be modulated, respectively, by using a specific structure and composition of hydrosilanes. The semi-reduction products nitrosoarene and silyl formate are the key intermediates affording the most efficient C–N coupling for the N,N-dimethylation of nitroaromatics with CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gibberellins (GAs) are key phytohormones that regulate growth, development, and environmental responses in angiosperms. From an evolutionary perspective, all major steps of GA biosynthesis are conserved among vascular plants, while GA biosynthesis intermediates such as ent-kaurenoic acid (KA) are also produced by bryophytes. Here, we show that in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, KA and GA12 are synthesized by evolutionarily conserved enzymes, which are required for developmental responses to far-red light (FR). Under FR-enriched conditions, mutants of various biosynthesis enzymes consistently exhibited altered thallus growth allometry, delayed initiation of gametogenesis, and abnormal morphology of gamete-bearing structures (gametangiophores). By chemical treatments and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses, we confirmed that these phenotypes were caused by the deficiency of some GA-related compounds derived from KA, but not bioactive GAs from vascular plants. Transcriptome analysis showed that FR enrichment induced the up-regulation of genes related to stress responses and secondary metabolism in M. polymorpha, which was largely dependent on the biosynthesis of GA-related compounds. Due to the lack of canonical GA receptors in bryophytes, we hypothesize that GA-related compounds are commonly synthesized in land plants but were co-opted independently to regulate responses to light quality change in different plant lineages during the past 450 million years of evolution. Bryophytes do not generate canonical gibberellins, but M. polymorpha needs to produce gibberellin precursors to control anisotropic growth and accelerate gametogenesis under far-red enriched light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is attracting attention as one of large‐scale renewable energy storage systems. Its gas storage chamber is one of key components for its success. A successful utilization of an abandoned coalmine roadway depends on the stability of the gas storage chamber. The chamber is a multilayer structure and the redistribution of the stress and displacement in each layer is critical to the chamber stability. So far, this redistribution mechanism under any lateral pressure coefficient and internal air pressure has been unclear and thus a quick and easy evaluation on the CAES chamber stability becomes difficult. In this study, the redistributions of stress and displacement in each layer are analytically solved based on complex variable function theory. First, the stress and displacement in three CAES multilayer structures are obtained under any lateral pressure coefficient and internal air pressure. Then, a comprehensive parameter b1 is obtained to describe the redistribution of stress and displacement in rock mass, lining layer, and grout layer. Its linkage with lateral pressure coefficient, internal air pressure, and material properties is analytically expressed. Thirdly, an analytical expression is obtained for the influence range of internal air pressure on chamber stress. Finally, the role and selection of lining and grouting layers are explored at different lateral pressure coefficient and internal air pressure. It is found that the CAES chamber stability can be effectively and quickly evaluated by these analytical solutions and comprehensive parameters and enhanced by a material with low bulk modulus but high shear modulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reported a strategy to improve the storage stability of W1/O/W2 double emulsions with the combination of the gelled internal aqueous phase, crystallized lipid phase, and gelled external aqueous phase. The composite of κ-carrageenan and locust bean gum (κ-C/LBG) was a suitable gelling agent of the internal aqueous phase. Crystallized oils were formed by the addition of solid lipid (glycerol monostearate, GMS) into the oil phase. The double emulsions fortified by gelled inner droplets were filled in Ca-alginate hydrogel beads. The results demonstrated that GMS formed crystalline layers at the oil-water interface, and its concentration significantly affected the morphology and droplet size of double emulsions. The total polymer concentration of κ-C/LBG had an effect on the droplet size and entrapment efficiency of double emulsions. Furthermore, thermal stability study (2–21 days) and long-term storage stability study (24 weeks) showed that the gelation of the internal aqueous phase with a low concentration of 0.5 wt% κ-C/LBG appreciable increased the retention efficiency of the encapsulated double emulsions compared with the system of the non-gelled internal aqueous phase, which might provide a useful method to promote the production of double emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate assessment of infection presence risk level, timely diagnosis, and effective control are critical for decreasing mortality of Acute‑on‑chronic liver failure (ACLF). We aimed to develop and validate a novel diagnostic model to accurately assess infection presence risk level in ACLF patients. 185 ACLF patients with/without infection were enrolled, and their demographic, physical findings, immune-inflammatory, hepatic function, metabolism, and coagulation-fibrinolysis indicators were analyzed. Regression analysis was performed to identify the independent diagnostic parameters, which were further used to establish diagnostic models with a nomogram for visual. An area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), calibration plots, clinical impact curves, decision curve analysis, and net reclassification index were used to evaluate and identify the best model. An external validating cohort was introduced to verify the diagnostic accuracy. We screened out white blood cell (WBC) count, LYM%, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and D-dimer for assessing infection presence risk levels in ACLF patients. WBD (WBC + BUN + D-dimer) was established and proposed as a novel diagnostic model for infection presence risk levels assessment in ACLF patients with an AUROC of 0.803 (95%CI 0.723–0.883), 0.885 (95%CI 0.786–0.984) in training and external cohorts, respectively. In stratification analysis by ACLF etiology and stages, WBD achieved an AUROC of 0.791 (95%CI 0.691–0.891) and 0.873 (95%CI 0.78–0.966) in HBV-related and early-stage patients, respectively. Whereas a higher AUROC of 0.905 (95%CI 0.807–1.00) in the early-stage of HBV-related ACLF patients indicated its optimum application scope. WBD, a novel laboratory-based nomogram, can serve as a decision-making support tool for clinicians to assess infection presence risk levels in ACLF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes following extraction of impacted maxillary tooth adjacent to maxillary via submaxillary sinus membrane space approach. Materials and methods: Seventy-two patients were enrolled in our study. The positions of the maxillary impacted tooth were confirmed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Cases were randomly divided into two groups: the "submaxillary sinus membrane space approach" was applied in the new method (NM) group, and the conventional "avoid maxillary sinus membrane exposure" strategy was executed in the traditional method (TM) group. The clinical and follow-up data were recorded. Results: The duration of the procedure in the TM group was significantly longer than those in the NM group (P < 0.05). Four teeth were accidentally displaced into the maxillary sinus with MSM perforation. The MSM perforation rate was slightly higher in the TM group than in the NM group, however, without significant difference between the two groups (8/36 vs. 3/36, P = 0.19). The maxillary sinus membrane perforation was associated with the displacement of tooth into the maxillary sinus (OR = 16.2, P = 0.026). The root tip exposure of the adjacent tooth was significantly higher in the TM group than in the NM group (10/36 vs. 1/36, P = 0.006). The incidence of reduced pulp vitality of the adjacent tooth was significantly higher in the TM group (10/36 vs. 1/36, P = 0.006), and it was associated with the exposure of the root tip intraoperatively (OR = 456.5, P < 0.001). The incidence of external root resorption was significantly lower in the NM group, and there was no significant association with the root exposure intraoperatively (OR = 3.7, P = 0.47). Conclusions: Submaxillary sinus membrane space approach is a safe and efficient approach in extraction of impacted maxillary tooth. It is an alternative way for cases which are in close proximity to the maxillary sinus. Clinical relevance: A novel method to extract impacted maxillary tooth adjacent to maxillary sinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to provide a scoping review of the clinical literature on moxibustion therapy for the treatment of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Design: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched from January 1, 2020, to August 31, 2022. Essential data were extracted from each article, and the data were displayed using tables and graphs. The study did not require IRB approval. Results: This scoping review included 14 research articles: 8 observational studies, 5 randomized controlled trials, and 1 nonrandomized clinical trial. All the studies were published by Chinese scholars. The findings revealed that moxibustion can contribute to reducing the symptoms of patients with COVID-19, improving inflammation and immune indicators, and shortening the time of nucleic acid negative conversion. Moxibustion confers curative effects on patients of all ages and degrees of illness. In addition, moxibustion can optimize the prognosis of patients in the rehabilitation period. The most commonly chosen acupoints are ST36, RN4, RN8, and RN12. No side effect was mentioned in the included studies. Conclusion: Moxibustion can produce a good effect in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19. It is safe, effective, simple, and noninvasive and should be included as standard care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ocular artifact has long been viewed as an impediment to the interpretation of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals in basic and applied research. Today, the use of blind source separation (BSS) methods, including independent component analysis (ICA) and second‐order blind identification (SOBI), is considered an essential step in improving the quality of neural signals. Recently, we introduced a method consisting of SOBI and a discriminant and similarity (DANS)‐based identification method, capable of identifying and extracting eye movement–related components. These recovered components can be localized within ocular structures with a high goodness of fit (>95%). This raised the possibility that such EEG‐derived SOBI components may be used to build predictive models for tracking gaze position. Methods: As proof of this new concept, we designed an EEG‐based virtual eye‐tracker (EEG‐VET) for tracking eye movement from EEG alone. The EEG‐VET is composed of a SOBI algorithm for separating EEG signals into different components, a DANS algorithm for automatically identifying ocular components, and a linear model to transfer ocular components into gaze positions. Results: The prototype of EEG‐VET achieved an accuracy of 0.920° and precision of 1.510° of a visual angle in the best participant, whereas an average accuracy of 1.008° ± 0.357° and a precision of 2.348° ± 0.580° of a visual angle across all participants (N = 18). Conclusion: This work offers a novel approach that readily co‐registers eye movement and neural signals from a single‐EEG recording, thus increasing the ease of studying neural mechanisms underlying natural cognition in the context of free eye movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow in an idealized geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) containing bentonite comprised of equisized and equispaced square granules was simulated using a hydrodynamic model to quantitatively evaluate the premise that the hydraulic conductivity of GCLs diminishes as the bentonite granules hydrate and swell into adjacent intergranular pores, creating smaller and tortuous intergranular flow paths. Predictions with the model indicate that hydraulic conductivity decreases as granules swell and intergranular pores become smaller, and that greater granule swelling during hydration is required to achieve low hydraulic conductivity when the bentonite is comprised of larger granules, or the bentonite density is lower (lower bentonite mass per unit area). Predictions made with the model indicate that intergranular pores become extremely small (<1 μm) as the hydraulic conductivity approaches 10−11 m/s. These outcomes are consistent with experimental data showing that GCLs are more permeable when hydrated and permeated with solutions that suppress swelling of the bentonite granules, and that the hydraulic conductivity of GCLs with bentonite having smaller intergranular pores (e.g., GCLs with smaller bentonite granules, more broadly graded particles, or higher bentonite density) is less sensitive to solutions that suppress swelling. • Impact of bentonite granule swelling on flow through intergranular pores and hydraulic conductivity of GCLs is demonstrated. • Effect of granule size and bentonite density on flow in intergranular pores and hydraulic conductivity is illustrated. • Bentonite granule size can be selected to to make GCLs more resilient to chemical interactions that suppress swelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining data-sharing models and algorithm technologies has led to new data flow structures and usage patterns. In this context, the presentation time of shared low-sensitivity information across platforms has become a crucial factor that affects user perception and privacy-regulation behavior. However, previous studies have not conducted an in-depth exploration of this issue. Based on privacy process theory, this study discusses the impact and potential mechanism of the presentation time (immediate or delayed) of shared low-sensitivity information across platforms on privacy-regulation behavior. Through a pre-study and two online survey experimental studies, which included 379 participants in total, we verified that the immediate information presentation time has a significantly higher impact on online vigilance and privacy-regulation behavior than the delayed condition, βdirect = 0.5960, 95% CI 0.2402 to 0.9518; βindirect = 0.1765, 95% CI 0.0326 to 0.3397, and users' perceived control as the moderating role influences online vigilance and privacy-regulation behaviors (preventive or corrective), βpreventive = −0.0562, 95% CI −0.1435 to −0.0063; βcorrective = −0.0581, 95% CI −0.1402 to −0.0065. Based on these results, we suggest that the presentation time of using shared low-sensitivity information across platforms should be concerned by companies' recommendation algorithms to reduce users' negative perceptions and privacy behaviors and improve user experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modfied polyisobutylene succinimide T154) asphaltene dispersant was prepared by modifying PIBSA with hexyl hexanol, and was applied to the preparation of FCC slurry scale inhibitor. The effects of modification temperature, modification time and material mass ratio on asphaltene dispersion and scale inhibitor on FCC slurry were investigated. The results showed that when the modification temperature was 240 °C, the modification time was 4 h,and the mass ratio of polyisobutylene succinimide m) to hexyl hexanol m) was 1u 1,the dispersion performance was better than polyisobutylene succinimide. The product had exceHent thermal stability; when the dosage of scale inhibitor was 150 g/g, the scale inhibition rate was 91.3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Time in range (TIR) as assessed by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) measures an individual's glucose fluctuations within set limits in a time period and is increasingly used together with HbA1c in patients with diabetes. HbA1c indicates the average glucose concentration but provides no information on glucose fluctuation. However, before CGM becomes available for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) worldwide, especially in developing nations, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) are still the common biomarkers used for monitoring diabetes conditions. We investigated the importance of FPG and PPG to glucose fluctuation in patients with T2D. We used machine learning to provide a new estimate of TIR based on the HbA1c, together with FPG and PPG. Methods: This study included 399 patients with T2D. (1) Univariate and (2) multivariate linear regression models and (3) random forest regression models were developed to predict the TIR. Subgroup analysis was performed in the newly diagnosed T2D population to explore and optimize the prediction model for patients with different disease history. Results: Regression analysis suggests that FPG was strongly linked to minimum glucose, while PPG was strongly correlated with maximum glucose. After FPG and PPG were incorporated into the multivariate linear regression model, the prediction performance of TIR was improved compared with the univariate correlation between HbA1c and TIR, and the correlation coefficient (95% CI) increased from 0.62 (0.59, 0.65) to 0.73 (0.72, 0.75) (p < 0.001). The random forest model significantly outperformed the linear model (p < 0.001) in predicting TIR through FPG, PPG and HbA1c, with a stronger correlation coefficient 0.79 (0.79, 0.80). Conclusions: The results offered a comprehensive understanding of glucose fluctuations through FPG and PPG compared to HbA1c alone. Our novel TIR prediction model based on random forest regression with FPG, PPG, and HbA1c provides a better prediction performance than the univariate model with solely HbA1c. The results indicate a nonlinear relationship between TIR and glycaemic parameters. Our results suggest that machine learning may have the potential to be used in developing better models for understanding patients' disease status and providing necessary interventions for glycaemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In aqueous zinc (Zn) batteries, the Zn anode suffers from severe corrosion reactions and consequent dendrite growth troubles that cause fast performance decay. Herein, we uncover the corrosion mechanism and confirm that the dissolved oxygen (DO) other than the reputed proton is a principal origin of Zn corrosion and by‐product precipitates, especially during the initial battery resting period. In a break from common physical deoxygenation methods, we propose a chemical self‐deoxygenation strategy to tackle the DO‐induced hazards. As a proof of concept, sodium anthraquinone‐2‐sulfonate (AQS) is introduced to aqueous electrolytes as a self‐deoxidizing additive. As a result, the Zn anode sustains a long‐term cycling of 2500 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 and over 1100 h at 5 mA cm−2 together with a high Coulombic efficiency up to 99.6 %. The full cells also show a high capacity retention of 92 % after 500 cycles. Our findings provide a renewed understanding of Zn corrosion in aqueous electrolytes and also a practical solution towards industrializing aqueous Zn batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In aqueous zinc (Zn) batteries, the Zn anode suffers from severe corrosion reactions and consequent dendrite growth troubles that cause fast performance decay. Herein, we uncover the corrosion mechanism and confirm that the dissolved oxygen (DO) other than the reputed proton is a principal origin of Zn corrosion and by‐product precipitates, especially during the initial battery resting period. In a break from common physical deoxygenation methods, we propose a chemical self‐deoxygenation strategy to tackle the DO‐induced hazards. As a proof of concept, sodium anthraquinone‐2‐sulfonate (AQS) is introduced to aqueous electrolytes as a self‐deoxidizing additive. As a result, the Zn anode sustains a long‐term cycling of 2500 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 and over 1100 h at 5 mA cm−2 together with a high Coulombic efficiency up to 99.6 %. The full cells also show a high capacity retention of 92 % after 500 cycles. Our findings provide a renewed understanding of Zn corrosion in aqueous electrolytes and also a practical solution towards industrializing aqueous Zn batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do interactions between institutional investors and sponsors affect the quotations in IPOs? This paper provides evidence that connections between the above two agencies result in variations in the institutional investors' quoted prices and quotation frequency in China stock market. Using a Bartik-style identification strategy that links shocks to connections between institutional investors and sponsors in China, we find that a stronger connection between a sponsor and an institutional investor lowers the quoted price to a realistic level and increases the probability that the investor joins the quotation of the sponsor's main-board IPO during the "three highs" period in which the "favor quotation" is common. This relationship will be more significant for quotation frequency when more investors are connected to sponsors within a city. Moreover, the mouth-to-mouth effect tends to be weaker in cities with more investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the serious consequences of depression and the lack of information about it during the crucially developmental period from the National College Entrance Exam (CEE, i.e., Chinese gaokao) to college, this study aimed to estimate the cumulative incidence, prevalence, age of onset, correlates, and service use of depressive disorders (DDs) among youth who passed the CEE and were enrolled at Hunan Normal University in China. Methods: A two-stage cross-sectional epidemiological survey of DDs was conducted from October to December, 2017 among 6,922 incoming college students (98.5% effective response, N = 6,818, 71.4% female, age range: 16–25 years, mean age = 18.6). Using a stratified sampling method based on the risk of depression, 926 participants (mean age = 18.5, 75.2% female) were selected and subsequently interviewed with the Kiddie–Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia–Present and lifetime version (K-SADS-PL). Results: The sex-adjusted 9-month (i.e., 3 months pre-CEE, 3 months after CEE, and 3 months post-matriculation) incidence of new-onset DDs was 2.3% (standard error [S.E.] 0.3%), and the sex-adjusted 1-month, 6-month and lifetime prevalence were 0.7 (S.E. 0.3%), 1.7 (S.E. 0.2%) and 7.5% (S.E. 1.3%), respectively. The median age of onset was 17 (interquartile range: 16–18) years. Critically, over one-third (36.5%, S.E. 0.6) of depressed youth had their new onset during the 9-month period. The risk factors for depression included having mothers with higher education, experiencing major life events, being female, and experiencing parental divorce or death. The adjusted lifetime treatment rate was 8.7%. Conclusion: The 9-month incidence of new-onset depression from gaokao to college among the youth sample in China is similar to the global annual incidence (3.0%), but the 1-month and lifetime prevalence are significantly lower than the global point (7.2%) and lifetime prevalence (19%). These findings suggest a high proportion of new-onset depression during the CEE to college among the sample youth in China. The risk of depression is associated with familial and stress correlates. Low treatment is a serious concern. Emphasis on early prevention and available treatment for adolescent and young adult depression is a critical need in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we integrated the WAVEWATCH III model into the regional coupled model SKRIPS (Scripps–KAUST Regional Integrated Prediction System). The WAVEWATCH III model is implemented with flexibility, meaning the coupled system can run with or without the wave component. In our implementations, we considered the effect of Stokes drift, Langmuir turbulence, sea surface roughness, and wave-induced momentum fluxes. To demonstrate the impact of coupling we performed a case study using a series of coupled and uncoupled simulations of Tropical Cyclone Mekunu, which occurred in the Arabian Sea in May 2018. We examined the model skill in these simulations and further investigated the impact of Langmuir turbulence in the coupled system. Because of the chaotic nature of the atmosphere, we ran an ensemble of 20 members for each coupled and uncoupled experiment. We found that the characteristics of the tropical cyclone are not significantly different due to the effect of surface waves when using different parameterizations, but the coupled models better capture the minimum pressure and maximum wind speed compared with the benchmark stand-alone Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Moreover, in the region of the cold wake, when Langmuir turbulence is considered in the coupled system, the sea surface temperature is about 0.5 ∘ C colder, and the mixed layer is about 20 m deeper. This indicates the ocean model is sensitive to the parameterization of Langmuir turbulence in the coupled simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf area index (LAI) is a crucial variable in climate, ecological, and land surface modeling. However, the estimation of the LAI from coarse-resolution remote sensing data can be affected by the spatial scaling bias, which arises from the nonlinearity of retrieval models and the heterogeneity of the land surface. This study provides an algorithm named Arithmetic Mean and Geometric Mean (AM–GM) to correct the spatial scaling bias. It is established based on negative logarithmic functions and avoids second-order stationarity. In this algorithm, relationships are derived between the scaling bias of LAI and the arithmetic and geometric means of directional gap probability for two commonly used remote sensing models, the Beer–Lambert law and a semi-empirical transfer function, respectively. According to the AM–GM algorithm, the expression representing the model nonlinearity is derived and utilized for the analysis of LAI scaling bias. Furthermore, the AM–GM algorithm is simplified by a linear relationship, which is constructed between two quantities related to the directional gap probability between two specific resolutions. Two scenes simulated by the LargE-Scale remote sensing data and image Simulation framework (LESS) model and three sites are used to evaluate the proposed algorithm and analyze the scaling bias of LAI. The validation results show that the AM–GM algorithm provides accurate correction of LAI scaling bias. The analyses based on the AM–GM algorithm demonstrate that the scaling bias of LAI increases with the increase in the LAI value, with stronger surface heterogeneity and coarser spatial resolution. The validation results of the simplified AM–GM algorithm demonstrate that at the Sud-Ouest site, the absolute value of the bias for the estimated LAI decreases from 0.10, 0.22, 0.29, and 0.31 to 0.04, 0.01, 0.04, and 0.05 at 200 m, 500 m, 1000 m, and 1500 m resolutions, respectively. In conclusion, the proposed algorithm is effective in the analysis and correction of the scaling bias for coarse-resolution LAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports that monodispersed ultra-large mesopore mesoporous silica nanoparticles (LP-MSNs) can be facilely prepared by a simple and highly effective boric-assisted hydrothermal (BAH) process. This BAH process provides an easy and mild way to prepare LP-MSNs with tunable porous structure and mesopore size. Such BAH process enables the transformation from conventionally prepared MSNs with small mesopores (∼2.3 nm) into LP-MSNs with ultra-large mesopore size over 15 nm. This BAH process also enables reliable control over particle sizes (98 nm–278 nm) by varying synthesis conditions. The effect of different synthesis conditions on mesopore enlargement was investigated, including the amounts of initial ethanol, boric acid, and ethanol in mixtures during hydrothermal treatment (HT) and HT temperatures. It is newly found that the ethanol added in synthesis step (1st ethanol), boric acid and ethanol added in mixture during HT process (2nd ethanol) and HT conditions play synergistic roles in the preparation of LP-MSNs with variable mesopore sizes and particle sizes. The underlying principle of such mesopore enlargement by such experimental setup was also analyzed. The BET surface area, pore size, and total pore volume of typical LP-MSNs reach 238 m2/g, 15.3 nm, and 0.67 cm3/g, respectively. Such LP-MSNs can find different applications in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In designing three‐dimensional (3‐D) molecular stars, it is very difficult to enhance the molecular rigidity through forming the covalent bonds between the axial and equatorial groups because corresponding axial groups will generally break the delocalized π bond over equatorial frameworks and thus break their star‐like arrangement. In this work, exemplified by designing the 3‐D stars Be2©Be5E5+ (E = Au, Cl, Br, I) with three delocalized σ bonds and delocalized π bond over the central Be2©Be5 moiety, we propose that the desired covalent bonding can be achieved by forming the delocalized σ bond(s) and delocalized π bond(s) simultaneously between the axial groups and equatorial framework. The covalency and rigidity of axial bonding can be demonstrated by the total Wiberg bond indices of 1.46–1.65 for axial Be atoms and ultrashort Be‐Be distances of 1.834–1.841 Å, respectively. Beneficial also from the σ and π double aromaticity, these mono‐cationic 3‐D molecular stars are dynamically viable global energy minima with well‐defined electronic structures, as reflected by wide HOMO‐LUMO gaps (4.68–5.06 eV) and low electron affinities (4.70–4.82 eV), so they are the promising targets in the gas phase generation, mass‐separation, and spectroscopic characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The research assesses the properties of the phloretin‐loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) hydrogel bead. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used to investigate the properties of phloretin NLC hydrogel beads. The in vitro release study indicated that the phloretin NLC hydrogel beads continued to release within 24 h. The simulated digestibility studies showed that the phloretin NLC hydrogel beads could improve digestive behaviour by controlling lipid intake. The results showed that hydrogel beads could be used as an appropriate delivery system for the encapsulation of phloretin. Hence, the NLC hydrogel beads are a potential carrier of phloretin for application in healthy food, which can control lipid intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper present an effective numerical approach for solving a class of space-time fractional diffusion equations. By discretizing the time-fractional derivative, the original problem is transformed to a semi-discrete problem, which was solved by using the fractional reproducing kernel collocation method (FRKCM). Additionally, the stability and convergence analysis are given and some numerical examples demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical temperature and critical pressure of binary mixture of carbon dioxide (CO2) and propylene (R-1270) are measured in this study. Critical point is determined by the observation of disappearance and reappearance of the meniscus in a sapphire view cell. The experimental data were correlated by the Redlich–Kister equations, and the correlated results showed a good agreement with experimental data with average absolute deviation of 0.08% for critical temperature and 0.14% for critical pressure, respectively. Also, the experimental data are compared with the prediction results of Peng-Robinson equation of state and Helmholtz energy equation of state by using critical locus tracing method. The results show that the addition of propylene can increase critical temperature of pure CO2 and lower its critical pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) are common in aged population with bone fragility. This study aimed to identify the radiographic and bone fragility characteristic of acute single and multiple OVCF. Methods: OVCF patients hospitalized in a spine center between June 2016 and October 2020 were retrospectively studied. Demographics, comorbidity, bone mineral density, spine trauma, duration of pre-hospital back pain, anatomical location and distribution pattern of OVCF, extent of vertebral marrow edema, and degree of vertebral compression of patients with multi-segment vertebral fractures (MSVF) were summarized and compared to those with single segment vertebral fractures (SSVF). Results: A total of 1182 patients with 1530 acute fractured vertebrae were included. There were 944 SSVF (79.9%) and 238 MSVF (20.1%) simultaneously involving two (MSVF-2) or three and more vertebra (MSVF-3/m). The Female-Male ratio was 4.4 and differed not significantly between SSVF and MSVF. Females in SSVF were younger than males while MSVF-2 tended to occur in older females. L1, T12, and L2 were the three most frequently fractured vertebra and MSVF involved more vertebra in thoracic and lumbar spine. 31.1% in MSVF-2 and 83.1% in MSVF-3/m had at least two vertebral fractures in adjacent. The fractured thoracolumbar vertebra in MSVF was less compressed than that in SSVF. Apparent spine trauma was reported by 61.4% of SSVF, 44.1% of MSVF-2, and 36.3% of MSVF-3/m, while early hospitalization with pre-hospital back pain ≤ 1 week was 58.9% in SSVF, 45.3% in MSVF-2, and 25.9% in MSVF-3/m. Only females aged 70–80 years old in MSVF-3/m showed lower baseline bone mineral density than in MSVF-2 and SSVF. MSVF were not associated with increased comorbidity of hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, cerebral infarction, and chronic pulmonary disease. Conclusions: 20% of acute OVCF can involve multiple vertebra without significant spine trauma or lower baseline bone mineral density. Multiple OVCF tend to occur in adjacent vertebra with less thoracolumbar vertebral compression but longer duration of pre-hospital back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: TSC22D domain family genes, including TSC22D1-4, play a principal role in cancer progression. However, their expression profiles and prognostic significance in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain unknown. Methods: The online databases, including HPA, CCLE, EMBL-EBI, GEPIA2, BloodSpot, GENT2, UCSCXenaShiny, GSCALite, cBioportal, and GenomicScape, utilized the data of TCGA and GEO to investigate gene expression, mutation, copy number variation (CNV), and prognostic significance of the TSC22D domain family in adult AML. Computational analysis of resistance (CARE) was used to explore the effect of TSC22D3 expression on drug response. Functional enrichment analysis of TSC22D3 was performed in the TRRUST Version 2 database. The STRING, Pathway Commons, and AnimalTFDB3.0 databases were used to investigate the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of TSC22D3. Harmonizome was used to predict target genes and kinases regulated by TSC22D3. The StarBase v2.0 and CancermiRNome databases were used to predict miRNAs regulated by TSC22D3. UCSCXenaShiny was used to investigate the correlation between TSC22D3 expression and immune infiltration. Results: Compared with normal adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the expression of TSC22D3 and TSC22D4 in adult AML tissues was markedly up-regulated, whereas TSC22D1 expression was markedly down-regulated. The expression of TSC22D1 and TSC22D3 was significantly increased in adult AML tissues compared to normal adult tissues. High TSC22D3 expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in adult AML patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis showed that overexpression of TSC22D3 was independently associated with adverse OS of adult AML patients. High TSC22D3 expression had a adverse impact on OS and EFS of adult AML patients in the chemotherapy group. TSC22D3 expression correlated with drug resistance to BCL2 inhibitors. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that TSC22D3 might promote AML progression. MIR143-3p sponging TSC22D3 might have anti-leukemia effect in adult AML. Conclusions: A significant increase in TSC22D3 expression was observed in adult AML tissues compared to normal adult HSCs and tissues. The prognosis of adult AML patients with high TSC22D3 expression was unfavorable, which could severe as a new prognostic biomarker and potential target for adult AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4E-BP1 is a tumor suppressor regulating cap-dependent translation that is in turn controlled by mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) or cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) phosphorylation. 4E-BP1 serine 82 (S82) is phosphorylated by CDK1, but not mTOR, and the consequences of this mitosis-specific phosphorylation are unknown. Knock-in mice were generated with a single 4E-BP1 S82 alanine (S82A) substitution leaving other phosphorylation sites intact. S82A mice were fertile and exhibited no gross developmental or behavioral abnormalities, but the homozygotes developed diffuse and severe polycystic liver and kidney disease with aging, and lymphoid malignancies after irradiation. Sublethal irradiation caused immature T-cell lymphoma only in S82A mice while S82A homozygous mice have normal T-cell hematopoiesis before irradiation. Whole genome sequencing identified PTEN mutations in S82A lymphoma and impaired PTEN expression was verified in S82A lymphomas derived cell lines. Our study suggests that the absence of 4E-BP1S82 phosphorylation, a subtle change in 4E-BP1 phosphorylation, might predispose to polycystic proliferative disease and lymphoma under certain stressful circumstances, such as aging and irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) amplification is one of the mechanisms accounting for the resistance of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in lung cancer patients, as well as the poor prognosis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is the most widely used method for MET amplification detection. However, it is inapplicable when tissue samples were unavailable. Herein, we assessed the value of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in MET copy number gain (CNG) detection in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with EGFR-TKIs. Materials and methods: A total of 103 cancer tissues and the paired peripheral blood samples from NSCLC patients were collected for MET CNG detection using ddPCR. In parallel, MET amplification in tissue samples was verified by FISH. Also, the relationships between MET CNG and EGFR T790M, as well as the EGFR-TKI resistance were also evaluated using Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. Result: The concordance rate of ddPCR and FISH in detecting MET CNG in tissue samples was 100% (102/102), and it was 94.17% (97/103) for ddPCR method in detecting the MET CNG among peripheral blood and tissue samples. No statistical difference was observed between MET amplification and EGFR T790M (p = 0.65), while MET amplification rate was significantly increased in patients with resistance to third generations of EGFR-TKIs as compared with patients with resistance to first/second EGFR-TKIs (p < 0.05). Conclusions: ddPCR is an alternative method to detect MET CNG in both tissues and peripheral blood samples, which is of worthy in clinical promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectin is a natural prebiotic with great potential for encapsulating probiotics to prepare synbiotics. Despite that the variety of raw materials and the output of agricultural by-products facilitating the acquisition of pectin with desirable physicochemical properties are increasing, low coverage processing technologies and the lack of accurate mechanistic guidance lead to many resources not being underutilized. Furthermore, the structural basis of pectin in the prepared microsystems and its effects on the viability of probiotics under gastrointestinal digestive conditions and storage stability have not been systematically elucidated. This review discusses the rationalization of steps and sequences of pectin processing, the suitability of emerging technological applications, and the relationship between structure and intended function, involving three stages: pretreatment, extraction, and post-processing, aiming to improve the access of pectin and developing new bioavailability opportunities. Subsequently, multiple possibilities for pectin-based synbiotics are enumerated. The preparation methods, structural characteristics, and protective capacity against probiotics of pectin microsystems are analyzed, focusing on the role of pectin as a cell wall material. Collating, comparing, and inferring the similarities and differences of various factors in pectin extraction and processing improves resource utilization. Natural deep eutectic pretreatment is beneficial for subsequent water extraction, which can improve the extraction efficiency of ohmic heating. The right treatment sequence for emerging technologies enables pectin with unique rheological properties and prebiotic activity. Probiotic entrapment by pectin-coated metal nanoparticles significantly reduces the pore size of the microcapsules. Therefore, developing pectin-based synbiotics is important for protection of probiotic viability and promotion of human health. [Display omitted] • Precise application of emerging technologies improves pectin access and bioavailability. • Advanced synbiotic systems were constructed based on prebiotic activity and structural strength of pectin. • Introduction of pectin synbiotics into intestine contributes to regulate gut microbiota produce health-beneficial metabolites. • Protective effect of pectin as wall material on probiotic during gastrointestinal digestion and storage were explored. • Future development strategies and possibilities of pectin-based synbiotics were highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]