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The capacity to externally manipulate magnetic properties is highly desired from both fundamental and technological perspectives, particularly in the development of magnetoelectronics and spintronics devices. Here, using first-principles calculations, we have demonstrated the ability of controlling the magnetism of magnetized graphene monolayers by interfacing them with a two-dimensional ferroelectric material. When the 3d transition metal (TM) is adsorbed on the graphene monolayer, its magnetization easy axis can be flipped from in-plane to out-of-plane by the ferroelectric polarization reversal of In2Se3, and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy (MAE) can be high to −0.692 meV/atom when adopting the Fe atom at bridge site with downward polarization. This may be a universal method since the 3d TM-adsorbed graphene has a very small MAE, which can be easily manipulated by the ferroelectric polarization. As a result, the inherent mechanism is analyzed by the second variation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High pressure has been recognized as an important tool in molecule and materials research, and thus, it is expected to be used to understand the evolution of electronic states and geometric structures in superatoms. In this work, by studying three characteristic axial compressions on a typical endohedral metallofullerene superatom U@C28 with Td symmetry, we find that the triplet ground electronic state is preserved when the compression moves along the direction that reduces the symmetry to D2d, but the electronic state of the structure compressed along the direction of symmetry reduction to C2v or Cs is transformed into a singlet. The transition is attributed to the distinction in the response of electron spin to different axial compressions, which results in a change in the electron occupation mode of the system. Furthermore, we also confirm the gradual evolution from stereo to near-plane superatoms and the connection between their electron structures. This is reflected in the fact that the electron density distributions of the superatomic molecular orbitals (SAMOs) with extension along the restricted degrees of freedom ( D z 2 , F z 3 SAMOs) gradually contract, and the delocalization destruction of special orbitals is associated with this freedom. In addition, Raman and ultraviolet–visible spectra show a hyperchromic effect and redshift of characteristic peaks during axial compression, which are expected to be used for fingerprinting the superatomic planarization. Therefore, our work provides new insights based on high pressure for future research toward the discovery of physical properties and applications of superatoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of Al on the defect behaviors of AlxCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloys (HEAs) is studied by ab initio calculations. The lattice distortion, defect formation energies, and defect migration energies were calculated for different Al concentrations ranging from 0 to 6.25 at. %. First, the increase in the lattice distortion of AlxCoCrFeNi by the addition of Al is demonstrated, but the increment is smaller than that predicted by the atomic size difference of constituent elements. Second, although formation energies of Al vacancies and dumbbells containing Al are higher, the addition of Al decreases the average formation energies of vacancies and interstitials, which is probably due to the Al-induced local strain field and lattice distortion. The migration energies of interstitials and vacancies exhibit opposite variations, the migration energies of interstitials are increased while that of vacancies are decreased with the Al content. Moreover, the distributions of formation and migration energies of both defects are significantly broadening with increasing Al content, which could further enhance the characteristic effects of HEAs and play a more important role in the irradiation resistances of HEAs. Based on the calculation results, the effects of Al on the irradiation responses of AlxCoCrFeNi are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumol (Cur), a guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid hemiketal, is an important and representative bioactive component extracted from the essential oil of the rhizomes of Curcumae rhizoma which is also known as "Ezhu" in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, Cur has received considerable attention from the research community due to its favorable pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-convulsant, and other activities, and has also exerted therapeutic effect on various cancers, liver diseases, inflammatory diseases, and infectious diseases. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that Cur is rapidly distributed in almost all organs of rats after intragastric administration with high concentrations in the small intestine and colon. Several studies focusing on structure–activity relationship (SAR) of Cur have shown that some Cur derivatives, chemically modified at C-8 or C-14, exhibited more potent anti-cancer activity and lower toxicity than Cur itself. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the latest advances in the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of Cur in the last decade with a focus on its anti-cancer and hepatoprotective potentials, as well as the research progress in drug delivery system and potential applications of Cur to date, to provide researchers with the latest information, to highlighted the limitations of relevant research at the current stage and the aspects that should be addressed in future research. Our results indicate that Cur and its derivatives could serve as potential novel agents for the treatment of a variety of diseases, particularly cancer and liver diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes exposes the body to a state of high blood sugar for a long time and causes varying degrees of hardening of the arteries, making it more prone to cardiovascular emergencies. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the risk factors of early arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 316 T2DM patients without macroangiopathy in The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao. Early arterial stiffness was evaluated by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Results: Ninety patients (28.5%) had baPWV≥1800cm/s. baPWV showed positive correlation with systolic blood pressure (r=0.456, p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (r=0.133, p=0.018), urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) (r=0.232, p<0.001), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (r=0.185, p=0.001), and visceral fat area (r=0.139, p=0.014). In multiple linear regression analysis, systolic blood pressure (β=6.240, p<0.001), UACR (β=3.805, p=0.019), NLR (β=43.722, p=0.013), and visceral fat area (β=0.778, p=0.030) were significant independent predictors for baPWV. Conclusion: The decline of arterial elasticity was common in T2DM patients without macroangiopathy. Elevated blood pressure, microangiopathy, chronic inflammation, and visceral fat accumulation were the risk factors of early arterial stiffness in patients with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strontium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) are commonly used to assess the age of Cenozoic dolostones found on many isolated oceanic islands. The possible influence of Rubidium (Rb) content on the 87Sr/86Sr ratios, however, has generally been ignored. This critical issue is assessed by examining the 87Sr/86Sr ratios and elements (Rb, Sr, Al, Ti and K) of seventy‐one samples that came from a ca 339 m thick cored interval of Cenozoic dolomite on the Xisha Islands, South China Sea. For the dolomite from the upper Pliocene Yinggehai Formation (180.5 to 308.5 m; average 23% dolomite) there is a positive correlation between the 87Sr/86Sr ratios and Rb concentrations, whereas for the dolomite from the lower late Miocene Huangliu Formation (308.5 to 519 m; average >98% dolomite) such a correlation is not evident. Combined with high‐temperature experiments, correlation between Al, Ti, K, Rb and 87Sr/86Sr indicates that Rb containing old 87Rb from terrestrial materials modified the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the Yinggehai dolomite, but not those from the Huangliu dolomite. This is mainly attributed to the different sources of terrestrial dust carried by different East Asian monsoon systems between the late Miocene and Pliocene, and probably also influenced by the dolomitization process to some extent. To test for 87Rb contamination, extrapolation of results from the Yinggehai dolomite and Huangliu dolomite indicate that concentrations of Rb < 1 ppm, Al < 1000 ppm, Ti < 15 ppm and K < 250 ppm in the dolomite indicates that terrestrial inputs are minimal and that the measured 87Sr/86Sr ratios can be used for determining the dolomitization age. Potentially, these concentration thresholds may serve as a screening criterion for assessing the reliability of Sr isotope chronostratigraphy of other island dolostones throughout the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tensile mechanical tests of GH4169 superalloy were performed for smooth and notch specimens at room temperature. Moreover, a finite element method (FEM) was employed by an Abaqus simulation software to provide the tensile test processes during elastic and plastic deformation. Comparing the experimental measurements with the simulation and analysis results, it was found that the K et value decreased with increasing K t value, and the K et value of smooth and notched specimens were close to the K ε ⋅ K σ value of both elastic deformation and plastic deformation. Reasonable explanations were also provided for the stress concentration factor K σ and strain concentration factor K ε . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol under atmospheric oxygen is a sustainable route for the synthesis of benzaldehyde. The development of low-cost metal catalysts is a challenging research topic. Herein, supported vanadia catalysts on carbon nitride were prepared using vanadyl acetylacetonate as a precursor through a wet-impregnation method. The synthesized VO/eg-C3N4 were characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption, TG, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, UV–Vis, SEM, and O2-TPD. The eg-C3N4 material could disperse the vanadia species, and the distributions of vanadium cations (V5+/V4+) were largely dependent on the preparation temperature. In the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol under atmospheric oxygen, the catalysts showed moderate catalytic activity. Under identical reaction conditions, the activity of VO/eg-C3N4 was higher than vanadia catalysts supported on SBA-15 and CNTs materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Patients with severe stroke are at high risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but this severe complication was often under-diagnosed and rarely explored in stroke patients. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, early predictors, and outcomes of ARDS in severe stroke. Methods: This prospective study included consecutive patients admitted to neurological intensive care unit (neuro-ICU) with severe stroke, including acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The incidence of ARDS was examined, and baseline characteristics and severity scores on admission were investigated as potential early predictors for ARDS. The in-hospital mortality, length of neuro-ICU stay, the total cost in neuro-ICU, and neurological functions at 90 days were explored. Results: Of 140 patients included, 35 (25.0%) developed ARDS. Over 90% of ARDS cases occurred within 1 week of admission. Procalcitonin (OR 1.310 95% CI 1.005–1.707, P = 0.046) and PaO2/FiO2 on admission (OR 0.986, 95% CI 0.979–0.993, P < 0.001) were independently associated with ARDS, and high brain natriuretic peptide (OR 0.994, 95% CI 0.989–0.998, P = 0.003) was a red flag biomarker warning that the respiratory symptoms may be caused by cardiac failure rather than ARDS. ARDS patients had longer stays and higher expenses in neuro-ICU. Among patients with ARDS, 25 (62.5%) were moderate or severe ARDS. All the patients with moderate to severe ARDS had an unfavorable outcome at 90 days. Conclusions: ARDS is common in patients with severe stroke, with most cases occurring in the first week of admission. Procalcitonin and PaO2/FiO2 on admission are early predictors of ARDS. ARDS worsens both short-term and long-term outcomes. The conflict in respiratory support strategies between ARDS and severe stroke needs to be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation process of core–shell structure from multiple graphdiyne‐like chains and carbon nanotube is investigated by a molecular dynamics simulation. Multiple graphdiyne‐like chains self‐curl into helical structures located inside carbon nanotubes. The entire process involves two steps: sliding and twisting. A detailed analysis is conducted on the formation mechanism. Both the van der Waals potential well and the π–π stacking interaction between carbon nanotube and graphdiyne‐like chains play a major role in the self‐assemble process. Furthermore, the influence factors such as the number of graphdiyne‐like chains, the diameter of carbon nanotube, the length of carbon nanotube, the length of graphdiyne‐like chains, and the simulation temperature is also investigated. The research results are an important theoretical basis for manufacturing high‐quality carbon nanomaterials and other novel nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To evaluate the tubular function in an alloxan-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) rabbit model measured by renal oxygenation (R2*), oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), and renal blood flow (RBF) using blood oxygenation level dependent, asymmetric spin echo, and arterial spin labeling MRI. Methods Twenty-six rabbits were randomized into the 3-day DM group (n = 13) and the 7-day DM group (n = 13). We performed pairs of multiparametric MRIs (before and after furosemide injection) at baseline and 3/7 days post-DM, and scored pathological kidney injury. We performed statistical analyses using non-parametric, chi-square, and Spearman correlation tests. Results At baseline, medullary R2* significantly decreased by 24.97% and 16.74% in the outer and inner stripes of the outer medulla (OS and IS, p = 0.006 and 0.003, respectively) after furosemide administration. While the corresponding OEF decreased by 15.91% for OS and 16.67% for IS (both p = 0.003), and no significant change in medullary RBF was observed (p > 0.05). In the 3-day DM group, the decrease of medullary R2* and OEF post-furosemide became unremarkable, suggesting tubular dysfunction. We noticed similar changes in the 7-day DM group. Correlation analysis showed pathological tubular injury score significantly correlated with medullary ∆ R 2 * (post-furosemide – pre-furosemide difference, r = 0.82 for OS and 0.82 for IS) and ∆ OEF (r = 0.82 for OS and 0.82 for IS) (p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The combination of medullary OEF and R2* in response to furosemide could detect renal tubular dysfunction in early DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis between men and women is considerably different. However, the full-scale metabolic changes between genders with CaOx urolithiasis have not been reported. The metabolic profiles in 112 urine samples obtained from 61 males and 51 females diagnosed with CaOx stones were characterized using electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Univariate, multivariate, and bioinformatic analyses were employed to reveal the differential metabolites and perturbed metabolic pathways between genders. In total, 30 dysregulated metabolites were identified as differential metabolites between males and females with CaOx urolithiasis. The primary metabolic pathways were caffeine metabolism, metabolic pathways, and biosynthesis of amino acids. Furthermore, 10 potential metabolites which were mostly contributed to separating the males and female were selected using feature weight calculation. These compounds included creatinine, 3-methylhistidine, n-acetylneuraminic acid, decanoyl-l-carnitine, cortisone, nicotine, 1-methyluric acid, androsterone sulfate, citramalic acid, and 1,7-dimethylxanthine. Finally, a subset of the differential metabolites was identified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, including creatinine, 3-methylhistidine, n-acetylneuraminic acid, decanoyl-l-carnitine, and 1-methyluric acid (area under the curve = 0.924, 0.844, 0.846, 0.814, 0.814). These metabolites had higher risks in the CaOx stone formation of males than females. The study showed that there were a group of differential metabolites between the males and females with CaOx stones. A subset of these compounds was more closely and positively related to renal stone formation in males than females. Moreover, these metabolites may be the cause of the differences in the incidence of CaOx urolithiasis between genders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leading enterprises in the industry chain play a demonstrative role, and promoting green innovation among leading enterprises is a meaningful approach to unlocking industry chain dividends. According to an analysis of the game process between customers and leading firms that incorporates the open innovation theory, we find a nonlinear role for the consumer discourse power in the leading firms' innovation. Furthermore, using data from Chinese A-share listed companies between 2012 and 2021, we observe an inverted "U" relationship between customer discourse power and green innovation. Notably, this effect is more pronounced in leading non-technology-intensive enterprises, industries with a high degree of industrial innovation, or regions with a high marketization degree. Our analysis also reveals that leading enterprises' client leads to financial limitations that influence green innovation. Additionally, leading enterprises play a driving role in achieving "joint progress" in green innovation with local non-leading firms, and this effect exhibits spatial spillover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐rich cobalt‐free cathodes, such as Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 (LMR), are promising next‐generation cathode materials because of their high energy density, cost efficiency, and sustainability. Nevertheless, LMRs suffer from degradation problems such as voltage decay during cycling. Different LMR surface doping and coating strategies are proposed to suppress LMR voltage decay with varying extents of success. Here, the role played by different electrolyte solvents in oxygen loss from the LMR surface is instead investigated. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), synchrotron XRD, and online electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS) results show that ethylene carbonate (EC) leads to accelerated oxygen loss from the LMR surface. As a result, cycling LMR cathodes in EC‐free electrolytes such as pure EMC, improves the capacity retention and reduces voltage decay. This approach provides a new strategy to increase the cycling stability of LMR cathodes, which is important for the development of more sustainable high‐performance batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition-gut cross-talk holds a vital position in sustaining intestinal function, and micronutrient metabolism has emerged as the foremost metabolic pathway to preserve gut homeostasis. Among micronutrients, B vitamins have evolved prior to DNA/RNA and are known for their vital roles for major evolutionary transitions in extant organisms. Despite their universal requirement and critical role, not all the three domains of life are endowed with a natural ability for de novo B vitamins synthesis. The human gut microbiome constitutes prototrophs and auxotroph which are entirely dependent on dietary intake and gut microbial production of B vitamins. The syntrophic metabolism involving cross-feeding of B vitamins and community-wide exchange between commensal bacteria elicit important changes in the diversity and composition of the human gut microbiome. Hereto, we discuss the B-vitamins sharing among prototrophic and auxotrophic gut bacteria, their absorption in small intestine and transport in distal gut, functional role in relation to the gut homeostasis and symptoms linked to their deficiency. We also briefly explore their potential involvement as psychobiotics in brain energetic metabolism (kynurenines/tryptophan pathway) for neurological functions and highlight their deficiency related malfunctioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amino acids are the basic components of protein and an important index to evaluate meat quality. With the rapid development of genomics, candidate regions and genes affecting amino acid content in livestock and poultry have been gradually revealed. Hence, genome-wide association study (GWAS) can be used to screen candidate loci associated with amino acid content in duck meat. Result: In the current study, the content of 16 amino acids was detected in 358 duck breast muscles. The proportion of Glu to the total amino acid content was relatively high, and the proportion was 0.14. However, the proportion of Met content was relatively low, at just 0.03. By comparative analysis, significant differences were found between males and females in 3 amino acids, including Ser, Met, and Phe. In addition, 12 SNPs were significantly correlated with Pro content by GWAS analysis, and these SNPs were annotated by 7 protein-coding genes; 8 significant SNPs were associated with Tyr content, and these SNPs were annotated by 6 protein-coding genes. At the same time, linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis was performed on these regions with significant signals. The results showed that three SNPs in the 55–56 Mbp region of chromosome 3 were highly correlated with the leader SNP (chr3:55526954) that affected Pro content (r2 > 0.6). Similarly, LD analysis showed that there were three SNPs in the 21.2–21.6 Mbp region of chromosome 13, which were highly correlated with leader SNP (chr13:21421661) (r2 > 0.6). Moreover, Through functional enrichment analysis of all candidate genes. The results of GO enrichment analysis showed that several significant GO items were associated with amino acid transport function, including amino acid transmembrane transport and glutamine transport. The results further indicate that these candidate genes are closely associated with amino acid transport. Among them, key candidate genes include SLC38A1. For KEGG enrichment analysis, CACNA2D3 and CACNA1D genes were covered by significant pathways. Conclusion: In this study, GWAS analysis found a total of 28 significant SNPs affecting amino acid content. Through gene annotation, a total of 20 candidate genes were screened. In addition, Through LD analysis and enrichment analysis, we considered that SERAC1, CACNA2D3 and SLC38A1 genes are important candidate genes affecting amino acid content in duck breast muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While it is commonly believed that teachers take more absences than other professionals, few empirical studies have systematically investigated the prevalence of teacher absences in the U.S. This study documents the level of teacher absences and compares it with other college-educated workers. Using the Monthly Current Population Survey between the 1995 and 2019 school years, we conduct descriptive and regression analysis to estimate the level of teacher absences and the absence gaps between teachers and other college-educated workers. Additional regression analysis using data from the Leave Module of the American Time Use Survey is conducted to explain the gaps in absences between teachers and other observationally similar college-educated workers. The analysis reveals that 7% of teachers are absent at least once weekly, accounting for around 4% of their weekly working time. Compared to observationally similar college-educated workers, teachers take the same, if not less, amount of absences. Further investigation of teachers’ absence behaviour indicates that teachers report fewer demands for absences, have fewer paid leaves, and are more likely to attend work despite needing to be absent. We also find that individuals who prefer fewer absences tend to enter the teaching profession. This study adds to the emerging group of research examining the nature, determinants, and consequences of teacher absences using national-level data. Our findings imply that policymakers may be able to use more support programmes to increase teacher attendance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germanium diselenide (GeSe2) has recently emerged as a promising material for high‐performance optoelectronic devices due to its high absorption coefficient, wide direct bandgap, and anisotropic electronic properties. For the future applications, it is necessary to understand the dynamic evolution of carriers with ultrafast response. In this work, the transient absorption spectroscopy measurements are performed to study the anisotropic dynamic evolution of GeSe2 under the polarized photoexcitation. It is find that the dynamics exhibit linear dichroism and show a significant Auger recombination process when the photoexcitation is perpendicular to the b‐axis of GeSe2. Using first‐principle and transition dipole moment calculations, it is confirmed that the more carrier localization at Γ point along the Γ‐X (perpendicular to the b‐axis) and increase the Auger recombination. In addition, the Auger recombination coefficient ≈ 1.1×10−31 cm6 s−1 is determined and demonstrated that the defect‐assisted indirect Auger recombination plays a key role in the carrier relaxation process. Through time‐resolved transient absorption spectra, it is further revealed that the ultrafast dynamical evolution of excited state absorption peaks under polarized photoexcitation. These results have implications for improving the quantum efficiency of high‐field polarization‐sensitive optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we mainly investigate the complete convergence and complete moment convergence for arrays of rowwise asymptotically almost negatively associated (AANA, in short) random variables. First, some exponential inequalities are presented. By using these inequalities, we establish the complete convergence and complete moment convergence for arrays of rowwise AANA random variables under much weaker conditions. As applications, we provide some corollaries on complete moment convergence for AANA random variables and present an example that satisfies the conditions of the main result. The results obtained in the article generalize and improve some known ones for negatively associated random variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we mainly study the weak consistency for the Gasser and Müller (G-M) kernel estimator (a weighted kernel estimator with integral form) in a nonparametric regression model based on negatively associated random errors under some suitable conditions. In addition, a simulation to study the numerical performance of the consistency for the G-M estimator is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, Fe–Si–Al-based soft magnetic composites (SMCs) doped with carbonyl iron powders (CIPs) at different concentrations were successfully prepared. The reaction between CIPs and core–shell Fe–Si–Al/SiO 2 heterogeneous composite powders, induced by the high temperature and concentration gradient during heat treatment, was investigated. The effect of doping CIPs at different concentrations on the microstructure and magnetic properties of Fe–Si–Al-based SMCs was also studied. During heat treatment, the Fe–Si–Al/SiO 2 powders inside the SMCs exhibited a complex reaction with the doped CIP. The reaction involved multidirectional migration of Al and Si, evolution of an Al 2 O 3 + SiO 2 -composite insulating layer and formation of composite ferromagnetic phases. Furthermore, the density, saturation magnetisation, permeability and core loss of Fe–Si–Al-based SMCs were improved by doping the composites with moderate amounts of CIPs. The Fe–Si–Al-based SMCs doped with 8-wt% CIPs exhibited the best comprehensive magnetic properties (permeability = 43.5, saturation magnetisation = 160.1 emu/g and core loss = 481.7 kW/m3 at 10 mT and 100 kHz). Compared with undoped Fe–Si–Al-based SMCs, the permeability and saturation magnetisation increased by 40.3% and 24.0%, respectively, and the core loss decreased by 18.8%. Thus, the proposed method can effectively address the restrictive relation problem between permeability and energy loss in these composites. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been recognized as a potential trigger for the transformation of benign melanocytic nevi into melanoma. However, the mechanisms governing the formation and progression of melanocytic nevi remain poorly understood. This lack of understanding is partly due to the difficulty in isolating and culturing nevus tissues in vitro, resulting in a dearth of robust ex vivo models for nevi. Therefore, the establishment of a reliable melanocytic nevus model is imperative. Such a model is essential for elucidating nevus pathogenesis and facilitating the development of effective therapeutic interventions. Therefore, we have sought to establish an ex vivo nevus explant model to study UVR stimulation. And the structural integrity and tissue activity of the ex vivo nevi explant model was evaluated. We then observed melanogenesis and proliferation activity of the explants after UVR stimulation. There was less blister formation after Day 3 in nevi explants under our modified medium conditions. The nevi explant was able to maintain almost the same morphological structure and tissue activity as in vivo tissue within 24 h. Following UVR stimulation, we observed increased melanogenesis and proliferation activity in nevi explants. Nevi explants could serve as an ex vivo model for UVR‐induced nevi stimulation research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most spectral–spatial classification methods for hyperspectral images (HSIs) can achieve satisfactory classification results. However, the common problem faced with these approaches is the need for a long training time and sufficient training samples. To address this issue, this study proposes an effective spectral–spatial HSI classification method based on superpixel merging, superpixel smoothing and broad learning system (SMS‐BLS). The newly introduced parameter‐free superpixel merging technique based on local modularity not only enhances the role of local spatial information in classification, but also maintains class boundary information as much as possible. In addition, the spectral and spatial information of HSIs is further fused during the superpixel smoothing process. As a result, with limited training samples, using merged and smoothed superpixels instead of pixels as input to the broad learning system significantly improves its classification performance. Moreover, the merged superpixels weaken the dependence of the classification results on the superpixel segmentation scale. The effectiveness of the proposed method was validated on three HSI benchmarks, namely Indian Pines, Pavia University and Salinas. Experimental and comparative results show the superiority of the method to other state‐of‐the‐art approaches in terms of overall accuracy and running time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe patterns of antipsychotic switching among patients hospitalized for schizophrenia and to correlate antipsychotic switching with hospital readmission risk. We identified 3295 patients with index hospitalizations for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder from New York State Medicaid claims 2017–2018 who had filled at least one prescription for an antipsychotic in both the 44 days (one month +14 day grace period) prior to and after their admission. We identified patients who had kept or switched any of their antipsychotic medication between the pre- and post-periods surrounding their index hospitalization. We compared the kept and switched any groups, adjusting for patient characteristics. Of patients who had filled antipsychotic prescriptions in both the 44 days prior to and after their hospitalization, 1599 (48.6 %) had switched at least one antipsychotic and 1215 (36.8 %) had switched their primary antipsychotic. Switching any antipsychotic was associated with increased hazards of readmission, HR = 1.21, 95%CI 1.09–1.35, which was slightly concentrated during the first 90 days after hospital discharge. Switching antipsychotic medications during hospitalization occurs commonly and is associated with higher rehospitalization risk following hospital discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite of the relatively rare occurrence of alkaline igneous rocks on Earth, they are the most diverse group of igneous rocks due to variations in their mineral assemblages and geochemical compositions. Alkaline igneous rocks are generally characterized by Si undersaturation, and K-Na (and in some cases C) enrichment. Although there is no unified alkaline igneous rock classification scheme, diagrams such as total alkalis-SiO2 or K2O-SiO2 can be used to classify alkaline igneous rocks. The origins of silica-saturated alkaline rocks (SiO2>52 wt.%) are relatively complex because multiple episodes of magmatism are often involved, therefore most studies have focused on the origins of silica-undersaturated alkaline magmas. Numerous experimental petrological studies have been conducted in the past few decades. Initially, it was considered that enrichment of trace elements was only achieved by low-degree partial melting of mantle peridotite, but the experimental melts could not reproduce the geochemical composition of natural alkaline igneous rocks. Subsequent studies have focused on carbonate-bearing eclogites that represent the average component of subducted oceanic crust. Although experimental studies indicate that silica-undersaturated and alkali-oversaturated melts can be generated from eclogites, some studies have considered that natural silica-undersaturated alkaline igneous rocks are the result of multi-stage source enrichment by incompatible elements. Low-degree partial melts of the mantle can be emplaced in the lithospheric mantle, forming veins consisting of phlogopite, amphibole, and pyroxene. Melting experiments including these components show that the produced melts better reproduce the naturally occurring silica-undersaturated alkaline magmas. Silica-deficient alkaline igneous rocks occur in various tectonic settings. Those in intraplate and divergent settings (i.e., mainly continental rifts) normally involve contributions from recycled components such as subducted slabs at the mantle transition zone (MTZ) or metasomatized lithospheric mantle. At convergent plate boundaries, silica-undersaturated alkaline magmas can be derived by the melting of mélange or the focused breakdown of phlogopite at back-arc depths. We compiled global data for alkaline igneous rocks and discovered that silica-undersaturated alkaline igneous rocks in continental collisional zones are K-rich and differ from those from other tectonic settings. We suggest that subducted continental sediment is an important K-rich end-member, which contributes a large amount of K to the alkaline magmas in the collision zone. Moreover, the solidus of K-rich minerals in the subducted plate implies that K can only participate in magmatism in the subduction zone. Before the plate reaches a depth of ∼300 km, the mica-group minerals, K-feldspar, evaporitic minerals, and other K-rich minerals are gradually consumed and rarely participate in deeper processes. In contrast, relatively Na-rich minerals such as pyroxene can be transported into the deeper mantle with eclogitic oceanic crust, and the resultant melt can enter the lithosphere owing to convective mantle flow. This forms metasomatic minerals, such as amphibole, in the lithospheric mantle, which melt to generate Na-rich and low-Si alkaline magmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, we take a fresh look at embryo assessment and selection methods from the perspective of diagnosis and prognosis. On the basis of a systematic search in the literature, we examined the evidence on the prognostic value of different embryo assessment methods, including morphological assessment, blastocyst culture, time-lapse imaging, artificial intelligence, and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A self-structuring neural network can optimize the number of effective neurons, and reduce the computational burden. • An output filtering feedback control method can deal with oscillations in the estimate of unknown parameters. • The prescribed performance control keeps tracking error of the system states within the specified boundary ranges. An adaptive self-structuring neural network for full-state constrained systems with a prescribed performance control scheme is proposed for hydraulic systems to achieve asymptotic tracking under parametric uncertainties and time-varying disturbances. To overcome external disturbances in hydraulic systems, a self-structuring neural network is employed to approximate mismatched disturbances, reducing the computational burden. Additionally, an output feedback filtering control technique is introduced to address the challenges of uncertain parameter sets, which deteriorates the control performance when affected by oscillations triggered by high-frequency noise. The prescribed performance control achieves the desired transient and steady-state performance of the system by constructing a sequence of error transition variables that guarantee that all the state errors of the hydraulic systems are within the appointed-time reachable performance function boundary range. For the proposed control scheme, the stability of the closed-loop system can be demonstrated via Lyapunov theory, and all signals are guaranteed to be bounded. Ultimately, the tracking performance of the proposed controller is verified through abundant comparative experiments under the influence of parameter uncertainty and time-varying disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, old urban neighborhood transformation has become a new urban sustainability focus for its significant contribution to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 11. A regeneration-oriented approach is particularly important for Chinese cities with a dwindling land supply, obsoleting infrastructure, and inadequate standard of living. Using a mixed-methods approach informed by BREEAM Communities, we examined two Chinese initiatives—old urban neighborhood renewal (OUNR) and sponge city development (SCD)—through a comprehensive study of pilot project sustainability, policy emphases and gaps, and broader governance implications. We found that SCD's top-down technocratic management was highly efficient in enhancing neighborhood hydrological functions and physical environment. However, successes were undermined by the lack of climate considerations and civic participation. Besides actionable recommendations for applied scholarship and policymaking in China, we provide insight into how the OUNR/SCD initiatives may broadly inform worldwide urban regeneration practices through project and policy experimentations that build adaptive capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a rediscovered ternary two-dimensional (2D) material, defect-rich Znln2S4 has great potential for energy-harvesting applications. However, the effect of defects on its physical properties and device performance remains elusive. Herein, we explored the influence of defects (S vacancies and In–Zn substitutions) in few-layer Znln2S4 on the charge transport and photoelectric performance. It is demonstrated that the defect-rich Znln2S4 device exhibits two-dimensional variable range hopping transport mechanism, with uniform charge transport along the channel and low contact resistance at the electrical contacts of Znln2S4/Au. Importantly, due to the contribution of the donor and acceptor energy levels inside the bandgap, the flake exhibits pronounced extrinsic absorption, leading to the competitive photodetector performance under sub-bandgap photo-excitation. Explicitly, the device exhibits a maximum responsivity of 4.08 × 104 A W−1, a photo-gain of >108 electrons per photon, and a specific detectivity of ∼1015 Jones under 532 nm laser excitation, with detection wavelength extending from 400 to 980 nm. Our findings underscore the significant potential of defect-engineering to enrich the functionalities of 2D semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concrete, in particular application scenarios, such as crack repair, disaster rescue and relief, and 3D printing, needs to be cured quickly. In this work, a novel synthesis strategy, UV‐initiated frontal polymerization (FP), for fast preparation of high‐strength polymer concrete at room temperature is proposed, and the whole fabrication progress within several minutes, in which coarse aggregates and a small amount of short carbon fibers (CF) are used to enhance mechanical properties and heat conduction and reduce the amounts of chemical adhesives. SEM, DSC, MIP, Ultra depth of field microscope, and Rheometer are employed to characterize the properties of chemical adhesives, polymer concrete, and polymerization process. In addition, the finite element method is used to investigate the internal temperature field status of the FP process. The results indicate that the compressive and flexural strengths of the polymer concrete with 1.0 wt%‐1 mm‐CF‐50 vol.%‐quartz sand exceeded 70 and 20 MPa, respectively, in which the average self‐propagation velocity reached 58 mm min−1. The investigation provides a promising approach for the rapid construction of structural facilities, emergency repair after disasters, 3D printing concrete, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regarding neurophysiological and developmental findings, anxiety and depression are usual comorbidities of gastritis patients. However, research related to anxiety and depression among chronic gastritis patients was conducted on the disease level while ignoring symptoms. Hence, we rendered the network approach to reveal the symptoms of anxiety and depression among chronic gastritis patients. Three hundred and sixty‐nine chronic gastritis patients (female = 139, Mage = 55.87 years) were asked to complete the Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale and Self‐Rating Depression Scale. Three symptom networks and one directed acyclic graph (DAG) network were formed. First, in the anxiety network of chronic gastritis patients, dizziness was the most influential symptom. In the depression network of chronic gastritis patients, depressed affect and psychomotor retardation were the influential symptoms. Second, panic, easy fatiguability, weakness, palpitation, depressed affect, tachycardia, fatigue, and psychomotor agitation bridged the anxiety–depression network of chronic gastritis patients. Third, DAG networks showed that anxiousness and hopelessness could trigger other symptoms in the anxiety–depression networks of chronic gastritis patients. The current study provided insightful information on patients with chronic gastritis by examining the structures of symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both individually and cluster randomized study designs have been used for vaccine trials to assess the effects of vaccine on reducing the risk of disease or infection. The choice between individually and cluster randomized designs is often driven by the target estimand of interest (eg, direct versus total), statistical power, and, importantly, logistic feasibility. To combat emerging infectious disease threats, especially when the number of events from one single trial may not be adequate to obtain vaccine effect estimates with a desired level of precision, it may be necessary to combine information across multiple trials. In this article, we propose a model formulation to estimate the direct, indirect, total, and overall vaccine effects combining data from trials with two types of study designs: individual‐randomization and cluster‐randomization, based on a Cox proportional hazards model, where the hazard of infection depends on both vaccine status of the individual as well as the vaccine status of the other individuals in the same cluster. We illustrate the use of the proposed model and assess the potential efficiency gain from combining data from multiple trials, compared to using data from each individual trial alone, through two simulation studies, one of which is designed based on a cholera vaccine trial previously carried out in Matlab, Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: Routine preoperative type and screen (T&S) is often ordered prior to urogynecological surgery but is rarely used. We aimed to assess the cost effectiveness of routine preoperative T&S and determine transfusion and transfusion reaction rates that make universal preoperative T&S cost effective. Methods: A decision tree model from the health care sector perspective compared costs (2020 US dollars) and effectiveness (quality-adjusted life-years, QALYs) of universal preoperative T&S (cross-matched blood) vs no T&S (O negative blood). Our primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Input parameters included transfusion rates, transfusion reaction incidence, transfusion reaction severity rates, and costs of management. The base case included a transfusion probability of 1.26%; a transfusion reaction probability of 0.0013% with or 0.4% without T&S; and with a transfusion reaction, a 50% probability of inpatient management and 0.0042 annual disutility. Costs were estimated from Medicare national reimbursement schedules. The time horizon was surgery/admission. We assumed a willingness-to-pay threshold of $150,000/QALY. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: The base case and one-way sensitivity analyses demonstrated that routine preoperative T&S is not cost effective, with an ICER of $63,721,632/QALY. The optimal strategy did not change when base case cost, transfusion probability, or transfusion reaction disutility were varied. Threshold analysis revealed that if transfusion reaction probability without T&S is >12%, routine T&S becomes cost effective. Scenarios identified as cost effective in the threshold and sensitivity analyses fell outside reported rates for urogynecological surgery. Conclusions: Within broad ranges, preoperative T&S is not cost effective, which supports re-evaluating routine T&S prior to urogynecological surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship among gut microbiota, mitochondrial dysfunction/neuroinflammation, and diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) has received increased attention. Ginger has antidiabetic and analgesic effects because of its anti-inflammatory property. We examined the effects of gingerols-enriched ginger (GEG) supplementation on pain-associated behaviors, gut microbiome composition, and mitochondrial function and neuroinflammation of colon and spinal cord in DNP rats. Thirty-three male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, DNP group (high-fat diet plus single dose of streptozotocin at 35 mg/kg body weight, and GEG group (DNP+GEG at 0.75% in the diet for 8 weeks). Von Frey and open field tests were used to assess pain sensitivity and anxio-depressive behaviors, respectively. Colon and spinal cord were collected for gene expression analysis. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was done from cecal samples and microbiome data analysis was performed using QIIME 2. GEG supplementation mitigated mechanical hypersensitivity and anxio-depressive behavior in DNP animals. GEG supplementation suppressed the dynamin-related protein 1 protein expression (colon) and gene expression (spinal cord), astrocytic marker GFAP gene expression (colon and spinal cord), and tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression (colon, P <.05; spinal cord, P =.0974) in DNP rats. GEG supplementation increased microglia/macrophage marker CD11b gene expression in colon and spinal cord of DNP rats. GEG treatment increased abundance of Acinetobacter, Azospirillum, Colidextribacter , and Fournierella but decreased abundance of Muribaculum intestinale in cecal feces of rats. This study demonstrates that GEG supplementation decreased pain, anxio-depression, and neuroimmune cells, and improved the composition of gut microbiomes and mitochondrial function in rats with diabetic neuropathy. GEG supplementation mitigated pain-associated behaviors, favored gut microbiome composition, and improved mitochondrial function in HFD + STZ rats. Abbreviations: GEG, gingerol-enriched ginger; HFD+STZ, high-fat diet and streptozocin. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration flocks have different forms, including single individuals, formations, and irregular clusters. The shape of a flock can change swiftly over time. The real-time clustering of multiple groups with different characteristics is crucial for the monitoring of dynamically changing migratory flocks. Traditional clustering algorithms need to set various prior parameters, including the number of groups, the number of nearest neighbors, or the minimum number of individuals. However, flocks may display complex group behaviors (splitting, combination, etc.), which complicate the choice and adjustment of the parameters. This paper uses a real-time clustering-based method that utilizes concepts from the algebraic graph theory. The connected graph is used to describe the spatial relationship between the targets. The similarity matrix is calculated, and the problem of group clustering is equivalent to the extraction of the partitioned matrices within. This method needs only one prior parameter (the similarity distance) and is adaptive to the group's splitting and combination. Two modifications are proposed to reduce the computation burden. First, the similarity distance can be broadened to reduce the exponent of the similarity matrix. Second, the omni-directional measurements are divided into multiple sectors to reduce the dimension of the similarity matrix. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified using the experimental results using real radar data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bis (3′,5′)-cyclic diguanylic acid (c-di-GMP) is a ubiquitous second messenger that controls several metabolic pathways in bacteria. In Streptomyces, c-di-GMP is associated with morphological differentiation, which is related to secondary metabolite production. In this study, we identified and characterized a diguanylate cyclase (DGC), CdgB, from Streptomyces diastatochromogenes 1628, which may be involved in c-di-GMP synthesis, through genetic and biochemical analyses. To further investigate the role of CdgB, the cdgB-deleted mutant strain Δ-cdgB and the cdgB-overexpressing mutant strain O-cdgB were constructed by genetic engineering. A phenotypic analysis revealed that the O-cdgB colonies exhibited reduced mycelium formation, whereas the Δ-cdgB colonies displayed wrinkled surfaces and shriveled mycelia. Notably, O-cdgB demonstrated a significant increase in the toyocamycin (TM) yield by 47.3%, from 253 to 374 mg/L, within 10 days. This increase was accompanied by a 6.7% elevation in the intracellular concentration of c-di-GMP and a higher transcriptional level of the toy cluster within four days. Conversely, Δ-cdgB showed a lower c-di-GMP concentration (reduced by 6.2%) in vivo and a reduced toyocamycin production (decreased by 28.9%, from 253 to 180 mg/L) after 10 days. In addition, S. diastatochromogenes 1628 exhibited a slightly higher inhibitory effect against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum and Rhizoctonia solani compared to Δ-cdgB, but a lower inhibition rate than that of O-cdgB. The results imply that CdgB provides a foundational function for metabolism and the activation of secondary metabolism in S. diastatochromogenes 1628. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the stability regions of wind turbines in the islanding mode have been widely researched, small-signal modeling of grid-forming wind turbines (GFWTs) in the islanding mode has yet to be explored. In addition, the state-space matrix of the wind turbine system has yet to be fully represented. Therefore, this paper proposes a small-signal modeling of GFWT and a method for identifying the stabilization region of a system with variable parameters. First, small-signal modeling of a GFWT based on virtual synchronous generator control is developed. Second, the bialternate sum matrix approach is used to determine the system stabilization region. The system matrix with multiple variable parameters is first decomposed into the sum of several matrices in this paper. Furthermore, the rotor-side generator control is simplified. It can reduce the dimensionality of the system matrix model. Finally, the simulation shows that the proposed method for determining the stabilization region of the variable system is accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroptosis has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for glioma. However, its efficacy is often compromised by the activated GPX4-reduced glutathione (GSH) system and the poor brain delivery efficiency of ferroptosis inducers. Therefore, suppression of the GPX4-GSH axis to induce the accumulation of lipid peroxides becomes an essential strategy to augment ferroptosis. In this study, we present a metalloimmunological strategy to target the GPX4-GSH axis by inhibiting the cystine/glutamate antiporter system (system Xc−) and glutathione synthesis. To achieve this, we developed a complex of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) chelated with copper and ferrous ions (DDC/Cu-Fe) to trigger T-cell immune responses in the tumor microenvironment, as well as to inhibit tumor-associated macrophages, thereby alleviating immunosuppression. To enhance brain delivery, the DDC/Cu-Fe complex was encapsulated into a hybrid albumin and lactoferrin nanoparticle (Alb/LF NP), targeting the nutrient transporters (e.g., LRP-1 and SPARC) overexpressed in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and glioma cells. The Alb/LF NP effectively promoted the brain accumulation of DDC/Cu-Fe, synergistically induced ferroptosis in glioma cells and activated anticancer immunity, thereby prolonging the survival of glioma-bearing mice. The nanoformulation of DDC/Cu-Fe provides a promising strategy that combines ferroptosis and metalloimmunology for glioma treatment. Albumin and lactoferrin hybrid nanoparticles (Alb/LF NP) loaded with DDC/Cu-Fe are developed for glioma therapy by activating anti-tumor immunity and inducing ferroptosis. The Alb/LF NP can efficiently target the glioma, remodel the immune microenvironment, and suppress the GSH/GPX4 system to augment ferroptosis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivity in individual immunologic and nucleic acid tests (NAT) tests does not represent the true infectious status of the blood donor. This study discusses the use of confirmatory tests to determine when deferral of blood donors is appropriate. Methods: HBsAg or HBV NAT reactive samples were confirmed via a neutralisation test. All the HBsAg reactive but neutralisation test negative samples were subjected to further anti‐HBc testing. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to obtain the best threshold value using signal‐to‐cut‐off ratios of two HBsAg enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay reagents. Results: Of the 780 HBV reactive samples collected, there were 467 HBsAg reactive but HBV DNA negative samples, of which 65 (13.92%) and 402 (86.08%) were neutralisation test positive and negative, respectively. Of the 402, 91 samples (30% of tested samples) were anti‐HBc reactive. HBV DNA positive specimens negative by virus neutralisation were >80% HBcAg positive. A screening strategy was proposed for Chinese blood collection agencies. Conclusion: These findings suggest that adopting a screening algorithm for deferring HBV reactive blood donors based on HBsAg and NAT testing followed with HBsAg S/CO consideration and HBcAg testing can be both safe and feasible in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction Materials and Methods Results Conclusions The aim of the present study was to evaluate the status of glycemic control, and assess the effects of the disease course and comprehensive management measures on the blood glucose level in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus.The study collected the clinical data of type 2 diabetes patients in Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2015 to September 2020. Patients were grouped based on the disease course to compare their glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, islet β‐cell function, insulin resistance and comprehensive management measures.Of the 170 participants, the median disease course was 2.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.0–4.0 years). The baseline HbA1c was 11.2% (IQR 9.2–12.4%). According to the grouping by the disease course, the median HbA1c was the lowest (5.7% [IQR 5.3–6.1%]) in the half‐year course group and the highest in the 4‐year course group (9.0 [IQR 6.8%–11.3%]). Compared with the group with a disease duration <2 years, patients in the >4 years group had a lower proportion of patients with HbA1c <7% (29.2% vs 66.2%), a lower homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function, and a lower proportion with a controlled diet, moderate‐intensity exercise, regular follow up and no drug treatment. We deemed HbA1c as the dependent variable, and found that disease duration, homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function at follow up, continuous moderate‐intensity exercise, regular review and treatment regimen were significant influencing factors for glycemic control.Children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes and a prolonged disease course showed poor glycemic control and decreased islet β‐cell function. A good lifestyle, especially moderate‐intensity exercise, can help such cases better control their blood glucose level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Depressive complications in chronic pain are detrimental to rehabilitation. This study was aimed at determining the influence of the presence of depressive symptoms on the efficacy of physical therapy among participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods. Data was collected from a randomized controlled trial on 113 participants with CLBP. Participants were reallocated into the depressed or nondepressed groups based on the 50-cutoff point of the self-rating depression scale. All patients received 60 min sessions of physical therapy twice a week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was back-related disability. Secondary outcomes included pain ratings, sleep quality, life quality, other psychological outcomes, and minimal clinically important differences. These outcomes were collected at baseline, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. Results. 31 (27.4%) were accompanied by depressive symptoms. At 12 weeks, the initial depression score was only associated with anxiety score (β = 1.196 [0.531 to 1.860], P = 0.001) and depression score (β = 0.742 [0.200 to 1.284], P = 0.009) in the depressed group, but the initial depression score was associated with anxiety score (β = 0.409 [0.138 to 0.681], P = 0.004), depression score (β = 0.920 [0.658 to 1.184], P < 0.001), sleep quality (β = 0.108 [0.018 to 0.199], P = 0.020), and pain anxiety (β = 0.465 [0.034 to 0.897], P = 0.035) and negatively associated with life quality (β = − 0.815 [−1.267 to −0.363], P = 0.001) in the nondepressed group. Conclusions. Physical therapy is effective to CLBP with depressive symptoms. A higher initial depression score may weaken the efficacy of physical therapy in the nondepressed group. Depressive complications may adversely influence intervention efficacy for CLBP. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1800016396. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As concerns about social bots online increase, studies have attempted to explore the discourse they produce, and its effects on individuals and the public at large. We argue that the common reliance on aggregated scores of binary classifiers for bot detection may have yielded biased or inaccurate results. To test this possibility, we systematically compare the differences between non-bots and bots using binary and non-binary classifiers (classified into the categories of astroturf, self-declared, spammers, fake followers, and Other). We use two Twitter corpora, about COVID-19 vaccines (N = 1,697,280) and climate change (N = 1,062,522). We find that both in terms of volume and thematic content, the use of binary classifiers may hinder, distort, or mask differences between humans and bots, that could only be discerned when observing specific bot types. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfenamides are organosulfur compounds that contain a single bond between nitrogen and sulfur in their structures. Sulfur can react with nucleophiles to yield new compounds. The compounds having nitrogen–sulfur bonds are used in polymers for a variety of purposes, including medicines, agrochemicals, veterinary medications, and environmental studies. This review will examine several chemical reactions that lead to sulfenamide production as well as how they are used in cell biology and biochemical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As numerous travel information is provided on digital platforms, information literacy is becoming increasingly important for tourists to address travel-related problems and ensure a smooth tour experience. This study conceptualizes e-tourism information literacy (eTIL) based on previous researches and develops a scale to measure this construct following a systematic approach, from which, 14 items were generated to measure four underlying dimensions of eTIL: information knowledge, information skills, information awareness, and information ethics. Additionally, to examine the interplay between eTIL, information quality, and system quality, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is employed on 399 samples to obtain equifinal configurations that lead to tourist satisfaction with online travel information (TSOTI). The results revealed two configurations leading to high TSOTI and three configurations leading to low TSOTI. This study contributes theoretically by constructing the concept of eTIL and explaining its role in driving TSOTI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TMA+ exposure significantly inhibited the swimming activities of larval zebrafish. • Swimming path angle is the most sensitive endpoint in response to TMA+ exposure. • Neurobehavior endpoints of larvae were significantly related with oxidative stress. • The calculated 96 h-LC 50 of TMA+ was lower for zebrafish juveniles than larvae. • TMA+ evoked greater inhibitions on multi-biomarkers of juveniles than larvae. Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) is an important compound that utilized and released by the rapidly expanding semiconductor industry, which could hardly be removed by the conventional wastewater treatment techniques. As a cholinergic agonist, the tetramethylammonium ion (TMA+) has been reported to induce toxicity to muscular and respiratory systems of mammals and human, however the toxicity on aquatic biota remains poorly known. We investigated the neurotoxic effects of TMA+ exposure on zebrafish, based on neurobehavior tests and a series of biomarkers. Significant inhibitions on the swimming distance of zebrafish larvae were observed when the exposure level exceeded 50 mg/L, and significant alterations on swimming path angles (straight and deflective movements) occurred even at 10 mg/L. The tested neurobehavioral endpoints of zebrafish larvae were significantly positively correlated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), significantly negatively related with the activities of antioxidant enzymes, but not significantly correlated with the level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Such relationship indicates that the observed neurotoxic effects on swimming behavior of zebrafish larvae is mainly driven by oxidative stress, rather than the alterations of neurotransmitter. At the highest exposure concentration (200 mg/L), TMA+ evoked more severe toxicity on zebrafish juveniles, showing significantly stronger elevation on the MDA activity, and greater inhibitions on the activities of antioxidant enzymes and AChE, suggesting juveniles were more susceptible to TMA+ exposure than larval zebrafish. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global increase in urbanization has coincided with a rise in depression prevalence. However, the effect of urbanization on depression remains controversial, especially for the elderly. To clarify how urbanization impacts depression in the elderly from a network perspective. This sectional cohort study used data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The occurrence of depressive symptoms in urban and rural elderly residents. Network metrics of depressive symptoms. Of the 13,993 participants, lower incidence of depressive symptoms was observed in urban (26.3 %, 95 % CI, 24.7 %–27.8 %) than in rural (40.4 %, 95 % CI, 39.5 %–41.3 %, P < 0.0001) residents. However, higher incidence of depressive symptoms was observed in urban (26.3 %, 95 % CI, 25.2 %–28.4 %) than in rural (17.5 %, 95 % CI, 16.1 %–18.9 %, P < 0.0001) residents in a subset of 2898 pairs of participants after PSM. No difference in the network structure and metrics between urban and rural residents before (M = 0.071, p = 0.054, S = 0.037, p = 0.80) and after (M = 0.085, p = 0.133, S = 0.086, p = 0.47) PSM was detected. The networks structure revealed that negative affect was strongly connected to somatic symptoms and that the two anhedonic symptoms were also strongly connected. The current study indicated the homogeneity of the ultimate nature of depression between rural and urban residents from the network perspective, supporting the viewpoint that urbanization might not impose influence on depression. Further researches delving deeper into the complexity of the issue may provide new insights into our understanding of depression in an urban environment among the elderly. • The association between urbanization and depressive sympotoms in the elderly were investigated through network analysis. • It might be insufficient to decipher the influence of urbanization on depression in the elderly just from the aspect of prevalence • No difference in the network structure and metrics of depressive symptoms was observed between urban and rural residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a simple approach to locally modify the conductance of molybdenum oxide thin films with thermal annealing in oxygen atmosphere at relatively low temperature for constructing a visible-blind ultraviolet photoconductor. The amorphous MoO x is grown by remote plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (RPALD), and then crystallized into α -MoO x at 500 °C in argon atmosphere, which exhibits good conductance with resistivity of 3.9 × 10−3 Ω cm due to the formation of oxygen vacancies. Good ohmic contact between Ti and the crystallized MoO x is demonstrated with specific contact resistance of 9.74 × 10−4 Ω cm2. The lateral Au/Ti-MoO x -Ti/Au structures are defined and the conductance of the exposed MoO x channel is significantly modified by thermal annealing in oxygen atmosphere to form a photodetector, which shows obvious photoresponse at the wavelength of less than 372 nm with low dark current of 0.9 pA at 5 V, and the remarkable responsivity of 0.75 mA W−1 at 280 nm is achieved with a high ultravoilet/visible rejection ratio. The low dark current and incredible responsivity can be attributed to the good ohmic contacts of untreated MoO x and the reduction of number of oxygen vacancies in the MoO x channel. The key role of oxygen vacancy on the conductance of MoO x has been demonstrated. Those results suggest that the MoO x thin films are promising candidate for visible-blind ultraviolet photodetectors in a simple complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving active site engineering at the atomic level poses a significant challenge in the design and optimization of catalysts for energy‐efficient catalytic processes, especially for a reaction with two reactants competitively absorbed on catalytic active sites. Herein, we show an example that tailoring the local environment of cobalt sites in a robust metal–organic framework through substituting the bridging atom from −Cl to −OH group leads to a highly active catalyst for oxygen activation in an oxidation reaction. Comprehensive characterizations reveal that this variation imparts drastic changes on the electronic structure of metal centers, the competitive reactant adsorption behavior, and the intermediate formation. As a result, exceptional low‐temperature CO oxidation performance was achieved with T25(Temperature for 25 % conversion)=35 °C and T100 (Temperature for 100 % conversion)=150 °C, which stands out from existing MOF‐based catalysts and even rivals many noble metal catalysts. This work provides a guidance for the rational design of catalysts for efficient oxygen activation for an oxidation reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The allocation of assets across different markets is a crucial element of investment strategy. In this regard, stocks and bonds are two significant assets that form the backbone of multi-asset allocation. Among publicly offered funds (The publicly offered funds in China correspond to the mutual funds in the United States, with different names and details in terms of legal form and sales channels), the stock-bond hybrid fund gives investors a return while minimizing the risk through capital flow between the stock and bond markets. Our research on China's financial market data from 2006 to 2022 reveals a cross-asset momentum between the stock and bond markets. We find that the momentum in the stock market negatively influences the bond market's return, while the momentum in the bond market positively influences the stock market's return. Portfolios that exploit cross-asset momentum have excess returns that other asset pricing factors cannot explain. Our analysis reveals that hybrid funds play an intermediary role in the transmission mechanism of cross-asset momentum. We observe that the more flexible the asset allocation ratio of the fund, the more crucial the intermediary role played by the fund. Hence, encouraging the development of hybrid funds and relaxing restrictions on asset allocation ratios could improve liquidity and pricing efficiency. These findings have significant implications for investors seeking to optimize their asset allocation across different markets and for policymakers seeking to enhance the efficiency of China's financial market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As traditional fossil fuel energy development faces significant challenges, two-dimensional layered materials have become increasingly popular in various fields and have generated widespread research interest. MXene is an exceptional catalytic material that is typically integrated into functional composite materials with other substances to enhance its catalytic-reaction performance. Improving the thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and electrochemical activity, as well as enhancing the specific surface structure, can make the material an excellent catalyst for photoelectrocatalysis and energy-regeneration reactions. The article mainly outlines the structural characteristics, preparation methods, and applications of MXene in the field of catalysis. This text highlights the latest progress and performance comparison of MXene-based catalytic functional materials in various fields such as electrochemical conversion, photocatalysis, renewable energy, energy storage, and carbon capture and conversion. It also proposes future prospects and discusses the current bottlenecks and challenges in the development of MXene-based catalytic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]