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Herein, two emerging device optimization methods, solid additive and layer‐by‐layer (LBL) process, for organic solar cells (OSCs) are simultaneously studied. Through traditional blend cast and recently proposed identical solvent LBL cast, BDCB (2‐monobromo‐1,3‐dichloro‐bezene), a benzene derivative, is used to improve the device performance based on celebrity combination PM6:L8‐BO. The results reveal that finely optimized BDCB concentration in PM6 solution can push the efficiency of LBL to 19.03% compared to blend cast with only 18.12% while the power conversion efficiency (PCE) changing trend is determined by BDCB's ratio in L8‐BO's precursor. The morphology characterizations confirm there exists no significant stratification for LBL‐processed devices, supported by a previously reported swelling‐intercalation‐phase separation (SIPS) model. Thereby, the solid additive's 2D optimization is considered a smart strategy for finely tuning the SIPS process, which results in various final morphology states. This work not only reports a cutting‐edge efficiency for binary OSCs, but also new insight and deep understanding for LBL method‐based morphology optimization strategy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionsClinical ImplicationsAlthough the association between sleep disorders and frailty has been well established, little is known about the cognitive appraisal mechanisms underlying this association. Building on the transactional theory of stress and coping, this study explores the role of self-efficacy and coping style in the association between sleep quality and frailty among community-dwelling older adults.In this cross-sectional study, 585 community-dwelling older adults were investigated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Tilburg Frailty Indicator, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression were performed. A moderated mediation model was established using the PROCESS macro.Poor sleep quality affects frailty directly (B = 0.193, p < .01) and indirectly via self-efficacy (B = 0.063, p < .01). The negative impact of poor sleep on frailty through self-efficacy was moderated by both positive and negative coping style (index =  −0.007). The moderating effect was stronger when participants’ negative coping tendencies increased.Poor sleep quality indirectly influences frailty by modifying self-efficacy. Effective coping strategies can help attenuate this association.Timely sleep assessment and tailored strategies such as psychoeducational programs and targeted coping skills training may be beneficial for preventing frailty in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green development is an important component of China's new development concept. Pilot Free Trade Zones (PFTZs), as "experimental fields" for promoting reform, deepening opening-up, and raising the level of an open economy, are important open areas for China to promote green development. However, existing related research is not extensive. This article takes PFTZs as quasi-natural experiments, with the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) as the research area. Based on urban panel data from 2006 to 2020, using multi-period differences-in-differences and spatial differences-in-differences models, it explores the impact effects of PFTZs on urban green development and their potential mechanisms. The research findings indicate: (1) Overall, PFTZs significantly promote urban green development, with variations in impact effects due to different batches and locations of establishment. (2) Mechanism tests show that PFTZs mainly promote urban green development by stimulating technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and reducing government intervention. (3) From the perspective of spatial spillover effects, the establishment of PFTZs not only promotes the green development process in the host cities but also has a promoting effect on the green development of surrounding cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed tomography (CT)-guided thermal ablation is an emerging treatment method for lung tumors. Ablation needle path planning in preoperative diagnosis is of critical importance. In this work, we proposed an automatic needle path-planning method for thermal lung tumor ablation. First, based on the improved cube mapping algorithm, binary classification was performed on the surface of the bounding box of the patient's CT image to obtain a feasible puncture area that satisfied all hard constraints. Then, for different clinical soft constraint conditions, corresponding grayscale constraint maps were generated, respectively, and the multi-objective optimization problem was solved by combining Pareto optimization and weighted product algorithms. Finally, several optimal puncture paths were planned within the feasible puncture area obtained for the clinicians to choose. The proposed method was evaluated with 18 tumors of varying sizes (482.79 mm3 to 9313.81 mm3) and the automatically planned paths were compared and evaluated with manually planned puncture paths by two clinicians. The results showed that over 82% of the paths (74 of 90) were considered reasonable, with clinician A finding the automated planning path superior in 7 of 18 cases, and clinician B in 9 cases. Additionally, the time efficiency of the algorithm (35 s) was much higher than that of manual planning. The proposed method is expected to aid clinicians in preoperative path planning for thermal ablation of lung tumors. By providing a valuable reference for the puncture path during preoperative diagnosis, it may reduce the clinicians' workload and enhance the objectivity and rationality of the planning process, which in turn improves the effectiveness of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coating process is an essential part of stereolithography technology to mold alumina paste, achieved using a scraper. The characteristics of the scraper (geometry and roughness) are investigated to discover the potential influence mechanism on the coating process. To complete the analysis, the bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) optimized by the marine predator algorithm (MPA) is proposed to provide a predicted model for the rheological data instead of the traditional fitting by using the known rheological equations. Then, a pseudo-lattice Boltzmann (pseudo-LB) method is proposed to conduct the coating flow simulation without a specific rheological equation, where the predicted rheological model is applied to obtain the relaxation time for each iteration. Based on the above MPA-BiGRU pseudo-LB method, three geometries and different roughnesses are explored for the coating process. The results indicate that the rectangle geometry suits the large coating speed, and the trapezium geometry is recommended for conditions with the small coating speed. The roughness significantly affects the coating process with the rectangle geometry, and the smoother scraper generates a minor disturbance. However, it is almost ineffective in the cases with trapezium geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultra-deep genesis of ophiolitic peridotite has reshaped our perception of the genesis of the oceanic mantle. Although ultra-high pressure (UHP) mineral assemblages have been unearthed in dozens of ophiolites in different orogenic belts around the world, the vast majority of them have been limited to podiform chromitites formed in suprasubduction zone (SSZ) settings, leaving uncertainty about whether such UHP minerals are intrinsic to the oceanic mantle or influenced by a specific mantle rock type. Here, we report on the occurrence of diamonds recovered from the harzburgites within the Skenderbeu massif, Mirdita ophiolite. The whole-rock, mineralogical major and trace element compositions, and redox states of the harzburgites align with modern abyssal harzburgites. Trace element modeling of clinopyroxene indicates that harzburgites have endured varying degrees of garnet-facies melting (~2%–5%) before progressing to spinel-facies melting (~10%–12%). Mineralogical characteristics further support that the Skenderbeu harzburgites underwent late-period MORB-like melt metasomatism in a forearc spreading center. An unusual mineral assemblage of diamonds has been separated from the studied harzburgites. The first occurrence of ophiolite-hosted diamonds discovered in the forearc harzburgites, together with previous similar discoveries in the SSZ ophiolitic chromitites, suggest that the ophiolite-hosted diamonds are not specific to certain mantle rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: A novel fluoro-methoxylated end group for Y-series acceptors is produced, and asymmetric substitution strategy is applied as a step-by-step optimization. 19.24% power conversion efficiency is achieved for industrially compatible solvent ortho-xylene processed organic solar cells. Underlying morphological and photo-physical variation is revealed for device performance difference brought by solvent selection, which could set up a template for future research on similar topics. With plenty of popular and effective ternary organic solar cells (OSCs) construction strategies proposed and applied, its power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) have come to a new level of over 19% in single-junction devices. However, previous studies are heavily based in chloroform (CF) leaving behind substantial knowledge deficiencies in understanding the influence of solvent choice when introducing a third component. Herein, we present a case where a newly designed asymmetric small molecular acceptor using fluoro-methoxylated end-group modification strategy, named BTP-BO-3FO with enlarged bandgap, brings different morphological evolution and performance improvement effect on host system PM6:BTP-eC9, processed by CF and ortho-xylene (o-XY). With detailed analyses supported by a series of experiments, the best PCE of 19.24% for green solvent-processed OSCs is found to be a fruit of finely tuned crystalline ordering and general aggregation motif, which furthermore nourishes a favorable charge generation and recombination behavior. Likewise, over 19% PCE can be achieved by replacing spin-coating with blade coating for active layer deposition. This work focuses on understanding the commonly met yet frequently ignored issues when building ternary blends to demonstrate cutting-edge device performance, hence, will be instructive to other ternary OSC works in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Red River fault is a massive tectonic shear zone of the Sichuan-Yunnan block, southern Tibet Plateau. The target area of this study is the Red River fault's middle-northern section and adjacent areas. Considering the spatial difference of tectonic structures and the inhomogeneity of focal mechanism solutions, we divided the target area into three structural units: the northern extension area, the middle strike-slip movement area, and the west complex rupture area. The study is carried out on the basis of zoning. Using the CAP method to invert the focal mechanism of moderate earthquakes and the principal compressive and tensile stress. Restoring the seismic source spectrum of small and medium earthquakes, then inversion the stress drops in three sub-units based on Brune model using digital waveform records. Our study suggests that: (1) Many high-stress drop earthquakes occurred in the transitional areas from the Weixi-Qiaohou fault to the Red River fault and from the Chuxiong fault to the Qujiang fault, also occurred in the Changning-Baoshan-Yongping area, revealing a large accumulation of local tectonic stress. (2) Some events with Δσ ≥ 20 MPa have occurred in the prominent low-speed anomaly area, indicating that a passive deformation crossed the Red River fault and extended to the west. Yangbi M S 6.4 earthquake (2021) occurred in a strongly locked area with high potential earthquake risk. (3) In the north of the study region, the movement of the Sichuan-Yunnan block to SE-SSE orientation was governed by the dextral strike-slip movement of the NW strike fault; in the middle region, the SE-orientated movement of the block relative to the South China block was governed by the sinistral slip movement of the SN-strike faults; and in the west region, the tectonic stress was governed by clockwise rotation of the block and the sinistral slip movement of the NE strike faults. We suggest that strike slip and rotation of the Red River fault's middle section may drive and aggravate passive movement in the north section, resulting in locally geophysical field responses. Therefore, the potential risk of a large earthquake in the middle-northern section of the Red River fault should be monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dari fault is one of several large NW-trending left-lateral strike-slip faults with Holocene activity inside the Bayan Har Block in the east of the Tibetan Plateau. Through interpretation of high-resolution images, field investigations, and trench excavations, we estimated that the average horizontal slip rate has been 2.6 ± 0.6 mm/y since the late Quaternary. We also identified three earthquake events dated to 15,609–12,658 cal BP, 6741–5074 cal BP, and 1947 AD. The large NW-trending strike-slip faults (such as the Awancang fault, Madoi–Gardê fault, Dari fault, and Wudaoliang–Changshagongma fault, which are located in the Bayan Har Block, eastern Tibetan Plateau) all exhibit late Quaternary activity, and appear to have divided the Bayan Har Block into several subblocks. The faults transmit crustal deformation from the interior of the block to the Longriba fault, and the long-term tectonic deformation is converted into vertical uplift in the Longmen Shan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: 3D printing provides a new way of molding chocolate with complex geometrical structures. The screw extruder can efficiently transport the liquid chocolate, which has been adopted to investigate the effect of the profile of the screw flight on the flow. First, the rheological behavior of the liquid chocolate is measured and the Cross equation is demonstrated as the proper rheological model. Then, based on the rheological behavior, an improved lattice Boltzmann method is creatively proposed, for which the effectiveness is validated by the classical Poiseuille flow. Third, the geometrical structure of the screw extruder is analyzed and transformed. The possible changes in the profiles of the screw flights are listed. Finally, the fluid analysis is conducted and the necessary streamlines figures, cloud charts and velocity distributions are obtained. RESULTS: The large dip angle in straight cases has an obvious effect on the velocity distribution and the common flow area. The position of the convex point is the additional important factor, whereas the concave profiles are the most moderate in the proposed cases. CONCLUSION: The changes in the profiles will affect the chocolate flow. The work is significant for extrusion theory in 3D printing. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When printing Al2O3 parts by stereolithography technology, the laying process is an extremely important part. In the current work, the referred flow analysis was numerically investigated. The rheological behavior was measured to determine the rheological type of the slurry. According to the fitting analysis, a Sisko model was available to describe the non-Newtonian behavior. Then, the modified multiple relaxation time lattice Boltzmann method was proposed and validated to effectively improve the stability of the simulation. Based on the proposed method, the situations without and with printed solids in the previous layer were investigated by a series of simulations. The laying velocity and layer thickness were considered as two important factors on the laying process. When the situation without printed solids in the previous layer is analyzed, the streamlines and flow velocities curves were almost horizontal. With different laying velocities, the flow velocities show obvious differences at the same thickness. With different layer thicknesses, the difference is mainly embodied in the vertical velocity component. When the printed solid is considered, the solid seriously affected the smooth flow. The vortices appeared near the printed solid, which also caused the disturbance in both horizontal and vertical velocity components. The mentioned interfering factors indicated different actions on the flow. The research will contribute to understanding the flow of the laying process. It can help to select suitable laying velocity and layer thickness to avoid severe flow velocity fluctuation and redundant vertical velocity components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is a cancer/testis antigen (CTA) that is predominantly expressed in normal male gonad tissues and a variety of tumors. PRAME proteins are present in the acrosome and sperm tail, but their role in sperm function is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the function of the bovine Y-linked PRAME (PRAMEY) during spermatozoal capacitation, the acrosome reaction (AR), and fertilization. Freshly ejaculated spermatozoa were induced to capacitate and undergo AR in vitro. Western blotting results revealed a decrease in the PRAMEY protein in capacitated spermatozoa, and the release of the PRAMEY protein from the acrosome during the AR, suggesting its involvement in sperm capacitation and AR. IVF was performed using in vitro matured bovine oocytes and cauda epididymal spermatozoa either treated with PRAMEY antibody, rabbit IgG, or DPBS. Sperm-egg binding and early embryos were examined at 6 and 45 h post IVF, respectively. The number of spermatozoa that bound per oocyte was nearly two-fold greater in the PRAMEY antibody treatment group (34.4) when compared to both the rabbit IgG (17.6) and DPBS (18.1) controls (P < 0.01). Polyspermy rate in the antibody-treated group (18.9%) was three-fold greater than the rabbit IgG control (6.0%) (P < 0.01). The results indicate that PRAMEY may play a role in anti-polyspermy defense. This study thus provides the initial evidence for the involvement of the PRAME protein family in sperm function and fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mn(II) promoted the microbial communities-catalyzed reductive mobilization of As. • A novel As(V)-respiring bacterium (Bacillus sp. F11) was isolated. • Mn(II) increased the F11-catalyzed reductive mobilization of arsenic from solid phase. • Mn(II) enhanced the abundances of As(V)-respiring reductase genes in microcosm assays. • This work gained a new insight into the interaction between As and Mn geochemical cycles. Many investigations suggest that dissimilatory arsenate-respiring prokaryotes (DARPs) play a key role in stimulating reductive mobilization of As from solid phase into groundwater, but it is not clear how environmental Mn(II) affects the DARPs-mediated reductive mobilization of arsenic. To resolve this issue, we collected soil samples from a realgar tailings-affected area. We found that there were diverse arsenate-respiratory reductase (arr) genes in the soils. The microbial communities had high arsenate-respiring activity, and were able to efficiently stimulate the reductive mobilization of As. Compared to the microcosms without Mn(II), addition of 10 mmol/L Mn(II) to the microcosms led to 23.99%-251.79% increases in the microbial mobilization of As, and led to 133.3%-239.2% increases in the abundances of arr genes. We further isolated a new cultivable DARP, Bacillus sp. F11, from the arsenic-contaminated soils. It completely reduced 1 mmol/L As(V) in 5 days under the optimal reaction conditions. We further found that it was able to efficiently catalyze the reductive mobilization and release of As from the solid phase; the addition of 2 mmol/L Mn(II) led to 98.49%-248.78% increases in the F11 cells-mediated reductive mobilization of As, and 70.6%-104.4% increases in the arr gene abundances. These data suggest that environmental Mn(II) markedly increased the DARPs-mediated reductive mobilization of As in arsenic-contaminated soils. This work provided a new insight into the close association between the biogeochemical cycles of arsenic and manganese. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheological measurements typically require at least 20–50 mg of sample. We set up a miniaturized sliding-plates shear rheometer (mgRheo) that requires only 2 mg sample or even less. We designed a flexure-based force-sensing device that could measure force ranging from the micronewton to millinewton scale, e.g., 40 μN–400 mN for one particular spring constant. The setup was strain-controlled by a piezostage and could perform standard rheological tests such as small amplitude oscillatory shear, step strain, and stress relaxation. The accuracy and consistencies were evaluated on polydimethylsiloxane viscoelastic standard, entangled poly(hexyl methacrylate), and polystyrene. The obtained phase angles quantitatively agreed with those from commercial rheometers. The exact values of the modulus are prone to the overfilling of the sample. The storage G′ and loss G″ moduli from the mgRheo were systematically higher than those from commercial rheometers (i.e., within 5% with careful trimming or 30% with excessive overfilling). Between 102 and 106 Pa, G′ and G″ were in good agreement with commercial rheometers. Such a setup allowed for general rheometric characterizations, especially obtaining linear viscoelasticity on soft matters that are synthetically difficult to obtain in a large quantity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an applicable noise attenuator, Helmholtz resonator is mainly used to dampen acoustic noise at low- and medium-frequency ranges. It is typically implemented in combustion-engines and gas turbines to dampen thermoacoustic instabilities. However, it has a narrow effective frequency range and does not work effectively at off-design conditions. In this work, we consider a modified structured Helmholtz resonator (HR) at its neck by applying a rigid baffle in order to maximize its' noise damping effect and to broaden its frequency bands. The resonator is attached to a cylindrical duct/pipe in presence of a mean flow (grazing flow), aiming to simulate the practical engines flow configuration. For this, a two-dimensional frequency domain numerical model is developed by using COMSOL V5.3. The numerical simulations are carried out by solving the linearized Navier–Stokes equation in frequency domain with low computational cost and time. In order to obtain an optimum design in terms of the maximum noise damping performances, 10 new different configurations/designs are proposed. The effects of 1) the single baffle attached to the upstream or downstream sidewall of the neck ends, that is, Design A, B, C, and D or double baffles, that is, Design E, F, G, and H), 2) the baffle implementation location, 3) the length of the rigid baffle, and 4) the grazing flow low Mach number are evaluated and compared. It is found that Design C is associated with improved TL by 50% and decreased resonant frequency by 20% comparing with the conventional HR. The present preliminary study shows that Design C is the better design. Further experimental and optimization researches are needed to sheds light on the optimum design of a Helmholtz resonator with neck structure being modified, as there is a low Mach number grazing flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Circular (Circ)RNA circFAT1 play tumor-suppressive or oncogenic roles in different cancers. Microarray analysis observed altered expression of circFAT1 in endometrial cancer (EC) and its inverse correlation with miR-21. Materials and Methods: Expression of circFAT1 and miR-21 in EC and paired nontumor tissues collected from 62 EC patients was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). An experiment was conducted to evaluate the expression and interaction between circFAT1 and miR-21, followed by RT-qPCR and methylation-specific PCR. The role of circFAT1 and miR-21 in regulating the stemness was assessed by cell stemness assay. Heml 1.0 software was used to show differential gene expression. ANOVA Tukey's test and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used. Results: CircFAT1 was upregulated in EC and positively correlated with miR-21 across EC tissues. In RL95-2 and HEC-1-A cells, overexpression of circFAT1 increased the expression levels of miR-21 and decreased the methylation of miR-21 gene, whereas overexpression of miR-21 did not alter the expression of circFAT1. Cell stemness analysis showed that overexpression of circFAT1 and miR-21 increased cell stemness, and miR-21 inhibition decreased cell stemness. Moreover, inhibitor of miR-21 suppressed the role of circFAT1. Conclusions: In conclusion, circFAT1 is upregulated in EC and it may increase cancer cell stemness by upregulating miR-21. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor, controls the expression of more than 1000 genes that can be clustered into different categories with distinct functions ranging from redox balance and metabolism to protein quality control in the cell. The biological consequence of Nrf2 activation can be either protective or detrimental in a context-dependent manner. In the cardiovascular system, most studies have focused on the protective properties of Nrf2, mainly as a key transcription factor of antioxidant defense. However, emerging evidence revealed an unexpected role of Nrf2 in mediating cardiovascular maladaptive remodeling and dysfunction in certain disease settings. Herein we review the role of Nrf2 in cardiovascular diseases with a focus on vascular disease. We discuss the negative effect of Nrf2 on the vasculature as well as the potential underlying mechanisms. We also discuss the clinical relevance of targeting Nrf2 pathways for the treatment of cardiovascular and other diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The efficacy of endurance training (ET) on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been controversial. This study was aimed at meta-analyzing the effect of ET in COPD patients undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation. Methods. The literature retrieval was performed in databases to screen relevant literature. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) subjects—COPD patients; (2) inclusion of interventional and control groups; (3) intervention measures—the interventional group received whole-body ET and other lung rehabilitation training, while the control group did not receive intervention or other lung rehabilitation training; (4) outcome indicators which included at least one of the following—6MWD, modified Medical Research Council questionnaire (mMRC), and COPD Assessment Test (CAT); and (5) study type—randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the magnitude of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was used to explore the source of heterogeneity. A funnel plot and Egger's test were used to evaluate publication bias. Results. The 6MWD in the ET group was significantly higher than that in the control group (MD = 47.20 , 95% CI [28.60, 65.79], P < 0.00001). Significant heterogeneity (P < 0.00001 , I 2 = 76 %) without publication bias (P > 0.05) was noted. Subgroup analysis showed that the 6MWD of the ET group was significantly larger than that of the control group without heterogeneity (P = 0.63 , I 2 = 0 % ; P = 0.59 , I 2 = 0 %) in both the no training subgroup (MD = 79.26 , 95% CI [72.69, 85.82], P < 0.00001) and other rehabilitation training group (MD = 23.64 , 95% CI [6.70, 40.57], P = 0.006). The mMRC score (MD = − 0.72 , 95% CI [-1.09, -0.34], P = 0.002) and CAT (MD = − 6.07 , 95% CI [-7.28, -4.87], P < 0.00001) of the ET group were significantly lower than those of the control group. There was no heterogeneity (P = 0.32 , I 2 = 15 % ; P = 0.16 , I 2 = 41 %). Conclusion. ET can improve patients' motor function and reduce dyspnea. ET might be incorporated as an important part of lung rehabilitation training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a frequency selective absorber (FSR) with a selective passband and two wide absorption bands. The structure is composed of a resistive layer and a bandpass frequency selective surface (FSS) layer. The resistive layer is a combination of a metallic ring with loaded resistors and meander‐line elements, which generates parallel resonances. Multiple metallic square loops are designed in the bandpass FSS to produce series and parallel resonances. The simulation results show that the 3 dB transmission band ranges from 6.55 to 8.39 GHz, and the minimum insertion loss of 0.5 dB is at 7.47 GHz. The dual‐polarized FSR realizes two transmission zeros on both sides of the passband. The reflection coefficient lower than −10 dB is from 3.68 to 13.67 GHz. Moreover, the FSR is manufactured and measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, capsular genotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility, and associated factors of colonizing Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women admitted to a hospital in Jinan, East China. Methods. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and vaginal and rectal swabs were obtained from a group of expecting mothers subjected to GBS screening at the late stage of pregnancy who went into labor over the period from November 2019 to October 2020. Identification of GBS and determination of antimicrobial resistance patterns were performed using a BD Phoenix-100 system. Capsular genotypes were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction and the associated factors were evaluated via logistic regression. Result. A total of 2761 pregnant women were recruited for this study. The GBS colonization rate was 6.70% (185/2761). Among the 172 GBS strains examined, all were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid. Resistance was the highest for erythromycin (80.2%), followed by clindamycin (75.0%), levofloxacin (65.1%), and tetracycline (57.6%). The most common serotype identified was Ia (61.0%), followed by III (29.7%), VI (4.6%), II (3.5%), VII (0.6%), and a nontypeable strain. Risk factors for maternal GBS colonization included maternal age (older than 30 years) (OR = 1.913 (1.662, 2.478)), gestational age at birth (average gestational age) (OR = 1.992 (1.445, 2.746)), and prelabor rupture of membrane (OR = 3.838 (1.619, 9.099)). Conclusion. The prevalence of GBS was relatively low. The maternal age was a factor associated with GBS colonization. Subjects showing GBS positivity during late pregnancy were prone to prolonged rupture of the membrane (PROM) and birth at lower a gestation age than the GBS-negative group. Penicillin could still be used as the first agent of choice for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater planarian Dugesia japonica is an excellent model organism for investigating stem cell behavior during regeneration. Despite studies showing that numerous genetic factors are involved in regeneration, much more research is required to fully understand the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate regeneration. In this study, we identified an evolutionarily conserved gene DjPtpn11 (DjShp2). DjPtpn11 transcripts are expressed in neoblasts and some differentiated cells, with a high expression at the newly formed blastema. Its silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) affected anterior regeneration and inhibited the regeneration of posterior regions, including cholinergic and serotonergic neuron regeneration. In adult planarians, DjPtpn11 knockdown did not affect neoblast survival and proliferation but might prevent the stem cell migration and differentiation through ERK signaling. DjPtpn11 was demonstrated to be necessary for the anterior blastema cell differentiation partially via regulating ERK- Dj MkpA activity. DjPtpn11 also influenced posterior specification via DjIslet , suggesting that DjPtpn11 may be involved in regulating the Wnt signaling pathway during the development of posterior blastema. Together, these data identified that DjPtpn11 is an essential modulator for the regeneration of planarians, and it may influence the appropriate differentiation of blastema cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and its DNA adducts has been suggested to increase the risk of preterm birth (PB). Yet, few studies have been conducted to investigate this association, and the role of dietary nutrients intakes including vitamins, folate, and carotene during pre- and post-conception on this association has not been studied. Methods: Building upon a birth cohort in Taiyuan China, we conducted a nested case control study including 83 PB and 82 term births. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-DNA adducts were measured by an improved LC-MC/MC analytic method. Dietary nutrient intakes were estimated from food frequency questionnaire using the Chinese Standard Tables of Food Consumption. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the associations. Results: Increased risk of PB was observed as per interquartile increase in maternal BaP-DNA adduct level (OR = 1.27, 95%CI 0.95–1.67). Compared to low level (below mean) of maternal adducts, high level (above mean) of adducts was associated with the risk of PB (OR = 2.05, 95%CI 1.05–4.01). After stratified by dietary nutrients intakes, high adducts levels were associated with approximately 2–fourfold times increases in risk of PB among women with low vitamin A, C, E, folate, and carotene intakes during pre- and/or post-conception. Stronger stratified associations were consistently seen during preconception. Similar patterns were observed after additional adjustment for supplementation. Conclusions: Our study supports the hypothesis that high level of maternal PAHs exposure was significantly associated with increased risk of PB, and provides the first evidence that dietary vitamins, carotene, and folate intake levels may modify this association during different pregnancy windows. Our findings are relevant to identify recommendation for environment management and prenatal nutrition regarding pregnant women and newborns. Further investigation in other populations is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and its DNA adducts has been suggested to increase the risk of preterm birth (PB). Yet, few studies have been conducted to investigate this association, and the role of dietary nutrients intakes including vitamins, folate, and carotene during pre- and post-conception on this association has not been studied. Methods: Building upon a birth cohort in Taiyuan China, we conducted a nested case control study including 83 PB and 82 term births. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-DNA adducts were measured by an improved LC-MC/MC analytic method. Dietary nutrient intakes were estimated from food frequency questionnaire using the Chinese Standard Tables of Food Consumption. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the associations. Results: Increased risk of PB was observed as per interquartile increase in maternal BaP-DNA adduct level (OR = 1.27, 95%CI 0.95–1.67). Compared to low level (below mean) of maternal adducts, high level (above mean) of adducts was associated with the risk of PB (OR = 2.05, 95%CI 1.05–4.01). After stratified by dietary nutrients intakes, high adducts levels were associated with approximately 2–fourfold times increases in risk of PB among women with low vitamin A, C, E, folate, and carotene intakes during pre- and/or post-conception. Stronger stratified associations were consistently seen during preconception. Similar patterns were observed after additional adjustment for supplementation. Conclusions: Our study supports the hypothesis that high level of maternal PAHs exposure was significantly associated with increased risk of PB, and provides the first evidence that dietary vitamins, carotene, and folate intake levels may modify this association during different pregnancy windows. Our findings are relevant to identify recommendation for environment management and prenatal nutrition regarding pregnant women and newborns. Further investigation in other populations is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and its DNA adducts has been suggested to increase the risk of preterm birth (PB). Yet, few studies have been conducted to investigate this association, and the role of dietary nutrients intakes including vitamins, folate, and carotene during pre- and post-conception on this association has not been studied. Methods: Building upon a birth cohort in Taiyuan China, we conducted a nested case control study including 83 PB and 82 term births. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-DNA adducts were measured by an improved LC-MC/MC analytic method. Dietary nutrient intakes were estimated from food frequency questionnaire using the Chinese Standard Tables of Food Consumption. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the associations. Results: Increased risk of PB was observed as per interquartile increase in maternal BaP-DNA adduct level (OR = 1.27, 95%CI 0.95–1.67). Compared to low level (below mean) of maternal adducts, high level (above mean) of adducts was associated with the risk of PB (OR = 2.05, 95%CI 1.05–4.01). After stratified by dietary nutrients intakes, high adducts levels were associated with approximately 2–fourfold times increases in risk of PB among women with low vitamin A, C, E, folate, and carotene intakes during pre- and/or post-conception. Stronger stratified associations were consistently seen during preconception. Similar patterns were observed after additional adjustment for supplementation. Conclusions: Our study supports the hypothesis that high level of maternal PAHs exposure was significantly associated with increased risk of PB, and provides the first evidence that dietary vitamins, carotene, and folate intake levels may modify this association during different pregnancy windows. Our findings are relevant to identify recommendation for environment management and prenatal nutrition regarding pregnant women and newborns. Further investigation in other populations is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new monotypic diatom genus Chinia gen. nov. from estuarine mangrove habitats in Fujian, China is described. Light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy observations of its morphology show that this diatom differs from any established raphid diatom genus. The new genus is distinguished by a strongly undulate valve face, eccentric raphe canal, and perforated copulae. Its distinctly elevated and perforated raphe canal, classified as simonsenioid type, is supported by sparse infundibulum-like portulae, and the portulae are separated by large fenestrae. The valves of Chinia also have hymenate areolar occlusions and the raphe lacks a central nodule. However, unlike most Bacillariaceae with two plastids, including Simonsenia, Chinia has a single plastid similar to those in Entomoneis and Surirella. Despite the similarities to Simonsenia, Chinia features porous raphe canal and loose striation, which is different from those of Simonsenia that has a solid raphe canal and distinct rows of areolae. These distinctive cytological and morphological characters suggest an affinity of the new genus to the Bacillariaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion environment of a steel truss bridge significantly shortens its service life, particularly the chemical pollution in the air. A linear corrosion prediction model is proposed based on Miner's linear cumulative damage concept to solve the difficulty of implementing accelerated corrosion tests. Moreover, an equivalent fatigue test is designed in combination with the corrosion prediction model. The results indicate that the bridge's fatigue resistance can meet the design requirements when the corrosion environment is not considered. When the corrosion effects are jointly considered, the fatigue durability of the bridge is insufficient. With the increase in fatigue cycles, stiffness degradation presents a three-stage trend. The intermediate stage is a gentle development stage from the fatigue test results, accounting for approximately 80% of the total life cycles. Finally, a fatigue damage prediction model considering corrosion factors is established, and the law of fatigue damage and stiffness degradation of the structure under a corrosive environment is determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Maximum postseismic horizontal displacement of 2008 Wenchuan earthquake is ∼18.2 cm. • An updated horizontal crustal movement velocity field is derived from 34 GPS stations. • The Longriba fault slips right-laterally with a rate of 5.2 ± 0.5 mm/yr. • Crustal shortening rate across the Longriba and the Longmenshan faults is ∼0.5 mm/yr. • The Longriba fault has a great potential to generate strong earthquakes in the future. After the 2021 Ms 7.4 Madoi, China earthquake located south of the eastern Kunlun fault, the coseismic Coulomb stress changes show that the earthquake potential is enhanced towards the easternmost segment of the Kunlun fault. Before the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan, China earthquake, the easternmost segment of the Kunlun fault is considered to being a region with the highest frequency occurrence of moderate-to-strong earthquakes in mainland China, where there are still at least three seismic gaps at present, indicating an urgent earthquake hazard. The tectonic deformation pattern is closely related to the development and occurrence of earthquakes. In this study, we collect all the available GPS data to obtain a crustal movement velocity field with high precision and high resolution by removing nontectonic effects within the study area. The GPS velocity profile and two-dimensional strain rates are then derived from the updated GPS velocities to analysis the characteristics of crustal deformation. Our results demonstrate that the Longriba fault zone slips predominantly right-laterally with the rate of 5.2 ± 0.5 mm/yr and the crustal shortening rate is ∼0.5 mm/yr across the Longriba and Longmenshan faults. Along with notable crustal extension and contraction, the principal strain rate field is distributed in a wide area on the northwest part of the Longmenshan fault, and decreases southwestward along the Longmenshan fault zone. In addition, we provide the time series of 8 campaign GPS stations which have never been published before. Moreover, the moment deficit estimate is a well-established way of assessing the earthquake hazard at a specific fault. Accompanying with the inverted slip rates and locking depth, we estimate the rates of moment accumulation on major faults and compare them with the seismic moment released on each fault derived from the Chinese historical earthquake catalog which extends for more than 2000 years in many regions. We find that the moment deficit is mainly concentrated on the Longriba fault with a value of 4.18 × 1017 Nm/yr. The Longriba fault have accumulated enough seismic energy to generate one Mw > 7.7 earthquake on it, or two Mw > 7.5 earthquakes on its two branches in the future. This study is an essential indicator for understanding the present-day tectonic deformation pattern in the Tibetan Plateau and is also helpful for seismic hazard assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Biodegradable HPDCP nanocomposite is designed for effective CPO enzyme delivery. • The resultant HPDCP@CPO@PEG-RGD displays H 2 O 2 self-supply property in acidic TME. • HPDCP@CPO@PEG-RGD could self-trigger cascade reactions by generating •OH and 1O 2. • HPDCP@CPO@PEG-RGD effectively inhibits tumors by synergistic •OH/1O 2 anticancer effect. • The synergistic •OH/1O 2 anticancer mechanism is elucidated. Recently, enzyme dynamic therapy (EDT) has gained enormous attraction in cancer therapy. However, the efficiency of EDT is still largely restricted by the inefficient delivery efficiency of chloroperoxidase (CPO) and the insufficient hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) content in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In the present work, a biodegradable cupper peroxide decorated hollow polydopamine nanocomposite (HPDCP) with surface functionalization of PEGlated tumor targeting peptide RGD (PEG-RGD) was designed for effective CPO delivery. The resultant nanosystem of HPDCP@CPO@PEG-RGD displayed high CPO delivery efficiency to breast tumors without comprising the enzyme activity. Moreover, the nanosystem can dissociate rapidly in acidic TME by supplying substantial H 2 O 2 and simultaneously releasing Cu2+ and CPO, followed by initiating self-activated cascade reactions. At the one hand, the self-supplied H 2 O 2 greatly enhanced the singlet oxygen (1O 2) generation via the CPO-mediated enzyme dynamic reaction. At the other hand, substantial hydroxyl radical (•OH) was produced via the Cu2+-driven Fenton reaction for chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Therefore, the anticancer efficiency of EDT was significantly enhanced due to the synergistic EDT/CDT effect. Mechanism study revealed that 1O 2 /•OH generated by HPDCP@CPO@PEG-RGD synergistically inhibited breast cancer cells by firstly causing severe lipid peroxidation, followed by triggering mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and causing irreversible DNA damage by inhibiting the expression of DNA repair enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct ink writing (DIW), as an additive manufacturing method, can effectively mould ceramic parts. The single screw extruder is used here to extrude viscous SiC slurry. The deposits caused by the low viscosity and the agglomerations resulting from the nonuniform mixing, form the obstacles in the channel, which affect the normal theoretical flow of the slurry, and interaction with other printing parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the effect mechanism of the obstacles on the flow. The obstacles are always irregular, which makes it difficult to directly analyse them. The irregular geometries are always composed of linear and/or arcuate elements; therefore, the obstacles can be simplified into regular geometries. In the previous work, linear elements have been analysed first. As the continuous work, arcuate elements are investigated in the current research. To conduct the required simulations, an improved MRT LBM (multiple relaxation time lattice Boltzmann method) with a pseudo external force is proposed. The above numerical method is combined with the rheological model to analyse cases with two obstacles, and the obtained results are used to reveal the general mechanism in cases with multiple obstacles. The results show that the central angles, radii, and positions of the obstacles are important factors affecting the flow. To obtain a stable and controllable slurry flow, it is recommended that the central angle and the radius should be small enough. The number of obstacles should be minimized, and the position of the last obstacle is expected to be far away from the outlet to avoid the negative velocity. In addition, the adjacent obstacles should maintain a certain distance to ensure the full development of the vortex and avoid affecting the following obstacles or back vortices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, modified designs of Helmholtz resonators with extended deflected neck are proposed, numerically evaluated and optimized aiming to achieve a better transmission loss performance over a broader frequency range. For this, 10 Helmholtz resonators with different extended neck configurations (e.g. the angle between extended neck and the y-axis) in the presence of a grazing flow are assessed. Comparison is then made between the proposed resonators and the conventional one, i.e. in the absence of an extended neck (i.e. Design A). For this, a two-dimensional linearized Navier Stokes equations-based model of a duct with the modified Helmholtz resonator implemented was developed in frequency domain. The model was first validated by comparing its numerical predictions with the experimental results available in the literature and the theoretical results. The model was then applied to evaluate the noise damping performance of the Helmholtz resonator with (1) an extended neck on the upstream side (Design B); (2) on the downstream side (Design C), (3) both upstream and downstream sides (Design D), (4) the angle between the extended neck and the y-axis, i.e. (a) 0°, (b) 30°, and (c) 45°, (d) 48.321°. In addition, the effects of the grazing flow Mach number (Ma) were evaluated. It was found that the transmission loss peaks of the Helmholtz resonator with the extended neck was maximized at Ma = 0.03 than at the other Mach numbers. Conventional resonator, i.e. Design A was observed to be associated with a lower transmission loss performance at a lower resonant frequency than those as observed on Designs B–D. Moreover, the optimum design of the proposed resonators with the extended neck is shown to be able to shift the resonant frequency by approximately 90 Hz, and maximum transmission loss could be increased by 28–30 dB. In addition, the resonators with extended necks are found to be associated with two or three transmission loss peaks, indicating that these designs have a broader effective frequency range. Finally, the neck deflection angles of 30° and 45° are shown to be involved with better transmission loss peaks than that with a deflection angle of 0°. In summary, the present study sheds light on maximizing the resonator's noise damping performances by applying and optimizing an extended neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct ink writing (DIW) provides a new way to mould ceramic parts. When a single screw extruder is used to extrude SiC slurry, the deposits caused by low viscosity and the agglomerations resulting from the nonuniform mixing, form the obstacles in the channel, which affect the normal flow of the slurry, theoretical outlet velocity, and interaction with other printing parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to study the mechanism responsible for the effects of the obstacles on the flow. The obstacles are always irregular, which makes it difficult to directly analyse them. Irregular geometries are always composed of linear and/or arcuate elements; therefore, the obstacles can be simplified into regular geometries. In the present work, linear elements are analysed first. Then, an improved MRT LBM (multiple relaxation time lattice Boltzmann method) with a pseudo external force is proposed for the flow analysis. The improved MRT LBM is combined with rheological test data to investigate cases with two obstacles, and the results are applied to reveal the general mechanism in cases with multiple obstacles. The results show that the angles, sizes, and positions of the obstacles are three important factors influencing the flow. To obtain a stable and controllable slurry flow, it is recommended that the first angle θ 1 be an acute angle. In addition, the number of obstacles should be minimized, and the position of the last obstacle should be far away from the outlet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eccrine poroma (EP), as first described in 1956 by Goldman et al.,1 is a rare benign adnexal neoplasms originating from intraepidermal region of the eccrine sweat duct that mainly affects the palmoplantar skin. Note the intracytoplasmic eccrine duct lumina (black arrow) gl Confocal microscopic analysis revealed a well-demarcated tumour consists of bright tumour islands with surrounding homogeneous dark stroma. Effectiveness of RCM for inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases has been widely reported in literature.2 Nowadays, dermoscopy is an in indispensable part of the clinical skin examination and greatly improves the clinical diagnosis of many skin tumours. [Extracted from the article]

It is critical in the study of crustal deformation to reduce TRF-related system errors and enhance the accuracy of GPS coordinate time series. To reduce system errors associated with the coordinate time series, which are related to the terrestrial reference frame (TRF) realization, we develop a recursive TRF realization strategy in regional GPS data processing. We have processed the whole set of CMONOC (Crustal Movement Observation Network of China) GPS data by using the Bernese 5.2 software and employed the controlled datum removal (CDR) filter to deal with the rank defect problem in the daily coordinate normal equations (NEQs). On the recursive TRF realization, we sequentially perform time series modeling with integral trajectory models, TRF realization with all continuous stations treated as "pseudo" fiducial stations, and frame alignment to the ITRF2014 with the 6-parameters Helmert transformation, in an iterative mode. We obtain the final coordinate time series through 3 times of iterations. Compared to the results derived from the conventional TRF realization strategy with the average root mean squares (RMS) being 1.98 mm, 2.62 mm and 5.39 mm for the east, north and up components, respectively, the average RMS scatters earn significant reduction up to 30%, 43% and 16% in the first loop, with their quantities being 1.41 mm, 1.51 mm and 4.57 mm for the east, north and up components, respectively, and negligible changes in the following 2 loops. In contrast to previous studies, our strategy is feasible in the processing of regional geodetic networks and concentrated on the TRF-related system errors without any pre-assumption and spatial limitation. In essence, the recursive strategy enhances the weights for the CMONOC stations and inevitably weakens the weights for stations exterior to the CMONOC to accommodate the misfits between the referential and estimated daily solutions in the least squares adjustment, thus resulting in the slightly increase of RMS scatters for the coordinate time series of globally distributed stations. For the CMONOC stations, the north component of coordinates time series has a maximum RMS reduction, revealing the identical precision for both horizontal components, thus indicating that our strategy remedies the frame defects stemming from the extremely uneven distribution of the fiducial network, and retrieves the "real" precision of GPS observations. The insignificant RMS reduction on the vertical component may be attributed to the insufficiency in the time series modeling. Our recursive TRF realization strategy can benefit the velocity estimation for campaign stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional channel encryption method is interfered by noise signal, which leads to long encryption time and poor security. This paper proposes a communication channel security encryption method based on cloud computing technology. In order to obtain the minimum benefits of the same channel and orthogonal channel in the frequency conversion receiver, the dual input and dual output model is constructed; the influence of time domain and frequency domain on the transmission signal is analyzed, and the nonlinear transmission characteristics of the channel signal are obtained. Through cloud computing technology, the channel transmission characteristics are divided into dynamic parameters and static parameters to realize the key distribution of communication channel under cloud computing technology; the balance factor is used to provide the key for the sorted generators to realize the secure encryption of communication channel. The results show that the average error probability of the proposed method is about 0.275, and the signal-to-noise ratio is between 115 and 118 SNR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, biomimetic scaffold is one of the most promising strategies in the field of bone tissue engineering. Zirconia (ZrO2), as a kind of bioceramic material, has attracted much attention in biomimetic scaffolds due to its excellent biocompatibility, high mechanical strength and great chemical stability. A lot of work has been carried out to investigate the characteristics and applications of the zirconia-based biomimetic scaffolds. However, there is few work which can provide a systematic comparison and overview on the research progress of zirconia-based biomimetic scaffolds. This review focuses on the properties and preparations of ZrO2 and its composite materials. In addition, the roles of ZrO2 along with other materials as scaffolds for bone tissue repair applications are highlighted. Simultaneously, the limitations of materials and technology are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Eu3+ and Tb3+ singly doped Ba3YB3O9 phosphors were synthesized by a solution combustion approach. The most luminescent phosphors were selected as the starting materials to fabricate phosphor ceramic plates (PCPs). More intense red and green emission is observed from the PCPs than the corresponding phosphors. The emission colour can be effectively tuned by varying the mass ratio of the red and green phosphors and the excitation wavelength. White light emission was obtained by incorporating the blue-emitting Eu2+ doped BaMgAl10O17 phosphor into the PCP component. The synthesized phosphors and PCPs show robust thermal stability, maintaining more than 80% of emission intensity at 423 K of that at 298 K after a long time operation. The results indicate that the prepared red and green PCPs are promising candidates for high-power wLED applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Aiming at the shortcomings of artificial surgical path planning for the thermal ablation of liver tumors, such as the time-consuming and labor-consuming process, and relying heavily on doctors' puncture experience, an automatic path-planning system for thermal ablation of liver tumors based on CT images is designed and implemented. Methods: The system mainly includes three modules: image segmentation and three-dimensional reconstruction, automatic surgical path planning, and image information management. Through organ segmentation and three- dimensional reconstruction based on CT images, the personalized abdominal spatial anatomical structure of patients is obtained, which is convenient for surgical path planning. The weighted summation method based on clinical constraints and the concept of Pareto optimality are used to solve the multi-objective optimization problem, screen the optimal needle entry path, and realize the automatic planning of the thermal ablation path. The image information database was established to store the information related to the surgical path. Results: In the discussion with clinicians, more than 78% of the paths generated by the planning system were considered to be effective, and the efficiency of system path planning is higher than doctors' planning efficiency. Conclusion: After improvement, the system can be used for the planning of the thermal ablation path of a liver tumor and has certain clinical application value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality among severe burns. This study was conducted to investigate the predictive role of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) for sepsis and prognosis in severe burns. Methods. Patients with severe burn injuries from 2013 to 2017 were enrolled and divided into septic and nonseptic groups based on the presence of sepsis within 30 days postburn. Independent risk factors for sepsis were performed by the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The association between CAR level at admission and postburn 30-day mortality was designed via the Kaplan–Meier method. Results. Of all the 196 enrolled patients, 83 patients developed sepsis within 30 days postburn injury, with an incidence of 42.3%. TBSA percentage (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.17-2.32, P = 0.014) and CAR at admission (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.33-3.56, P = 0.009) were the two independent risk factors for sepsis in severe burns by the multivariate logistic regression analysis. A higher CAR level (≥1.66) at admission was associated with a lower postburn 30-day survival rate (P = 0.005). Conclusions. The CAR level at admission was an independent risk factor for sepsis and prognosis in severe burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotypes of 42 Y chromosome STR (Y-STR) loci were analyzed for a sample of 1420 unrelated males and 1160 father-son pairs from a Chinese Han population. Deletions of Y-STR loci were detected at DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS437, DYS446, DYS447, DYS448, and DYS557 loci. The most common deletion occurred at DYS448 and DYS557 with a frequency of 0.0056 and 0.0035, respectively. On the other hand, duplications of alleles were observed at DYF387S1a/b, DYS385a/b, DYS460, DYS527a/b, DYS459a/b, and DYS557 loci. The DYF387S1a/b, DYS527a/b, and DYS385a/b showed the highest duplicated frequencies of 0.0148, 0.0134, and 0.0099, respectively. The Y-STRs located on palindromes significantly exhibited more deletions or duplications than those non-palindromic loci. Also, duplications were more frequent than deletions. Hence, deletions or duplications of Y-STRs related to their positions on the Y chromosome. All the 52 deleted or duplicated events occurred in the two-generation families inherited stably. Furthermore, the deletions may show the Chinese Han population specificity, but the duplications may not have a similar phenomenon. Our results will be helpful to correct interpretation of the genetic profile of Y-STR loci in forensic casework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-band dual-polarized FSR is proposed in this paper. The structure consists of two layers, a resistive layer and a lossless layer. The units of the resistive layer are designed based on the Jerusalem cross and absorbing waves are achieved by mounting resistors on the metal arms. the double-ring interdigital capacitor structures are embedded in the center of the cross to generate two parallel resonances, resulting in two transmissive windows. The lossless layer is designed for double bandpass by etching double square slots. The two layers transmit electromagnetic signals in two passbands and form absorbers outside the passbands to produce two absorption bands. The simulation results show that the reflection coefficient of the proposed FSR is under -10 dB from 2.96 to 10.31 GHz, and the fractional bandwidth is 110.8%, while the FSR has a stable performance within 40°. The equivalent circuit model of the FSR is also illustrated. Furthermore, the FSR is processed and the measurement results verify the design. The measurement results demonstrate that the insertion losses of the passbands are -0.35 dB and -0.2 dB at 5.91 GHz and 9.67 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) may either ameliorate or worsen diabetic cardiomyopathy. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Herein we report a novel mechanism of Nrf2-mediated myocardial damage in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Global Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2KO) hardly affected the onset of cardiac dysfunction induced by T1D but slowed down its progression in mice independent of sex. In addition, Nrf2KO inhibited cardiac pathological remodeling, apoptosis, and oxidative stress associated with both onset and advancement of cardiac dysfunction in T1D. Such Nrf2-mediated progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy was confirmed by a cardiomyocyte-restricted (CR) Nrf2 transgenic approach in mice. Moreover, cardiac autophagy inhibition via CR knockout of autophagy-related 5 gene (CR-Atg5KO) led to early onset and accelerated development of cardiomyopathy in T1D, and CR-Atg5KO-induced adverse phenotypes were rescued by additional Nrf2KO. Mechanistically, chronic T1D leads to glucolipotoxicity inhibiting autolysosome efflux, which in turn intensifies Nrf2-driven transcription to fuel lipid peroxidation while inactivating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense and impairing Nrf2-coordinated iron metabolism, thereby leading to ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes. These results demonstrate that diabetes over time causes autophagy deficiency, which turns off Nrf2-mediated defense while switching on an Nrf2-operated pathological program toward ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes, thereby worsening the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) may either ameliorate or worsen diabetic cardiomyopathy. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Herein we report a novel mechanism of Nrf2-mediated myocardial damage in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Global Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2KO) hardly affected the onset of cardiac dysfunction induced by T1D but slowed down its progression in mice independent of sex. In addition, Nrf2KO inhibited cardiac pathological remodeling, apoptosis, and oxidative stress associated with both onset and advancement of cardiac dysfunction in T1D. Such Nrf2-mediated progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy was confirmed by a cardiomyocyte-restricted (CR) Nrf2 transgenic approach in mice. Moreover, cardiac autophagy inhibition via CR knockout of autophagy-related 5 gene (CR-Atg5KO) led to early onset and accelerated development of cardiomyopathy in T1D, and CR-Atg5KO–induced adverse phenotypes were rescued by additional Nrf2KO. Mechanistically, chronic T1D leads to glucolipotoxicity inhibiting autolysosome efflux, which in turn intensifies Nrf2-driven transcription to fuel lipid peroxidation while inactivating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense and impairing Nrf2-coordinated iron metabolism, thereby leading to ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes. These results demonstrate that diabetes over time causes autophagy deficiency, which turns off Nrf2-mediated defense while switching on an Nrf2-operated pathological program toward ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes, thereby worsening the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a case study of spatial and temporal variations in earthquake stress drops between the 2008 Ms 8.0 Wenchuan and 2013 Ms 7.0 Lushan earthquakes, we computed 1828 stress‐drop values for earthquakes with magnitudes 1.7 ≤ ML ≤ 5.0 during an eight‐year time span before and after major earthquakes. We divide the study area into three subregions (the southern segment of the Longmen Shan fault zone; the southwestern junction of the Longmen Shan and Sichuan Basin; and the southwestern margin of the Sichuan Basin) and calculate individual event stress drops in each. The results show that regions of alternating high and low stress drop are found on either side of the southwestern segment of the Longmen Shan fault zone. During the two‐year period after the 2008 Ms 8.0 Wenchuan earthquake, the stress state of the southern Longmen Shan fault shows no significant change. A marked increase in stress level appears about 18 months before the 2013 Ms 7.0 Lushan earthquake near the Lushan hypocenter zone. Two months after the Ms 7.0 event, the stress drops suddenly attenuate, with significantly less seismic energy release per event. We find that changes in the patterns of high and low stress drop values are consistent with the process of stress accumulation or transfer from the pre‐mainshock to post‐mainshock periods. The results indicate that major earthquakes are the dominant cause of temporal and spatial evolution in stress levels. Stress drop variations show obvious temporal and spatial patterns that may suggests subtle changes in the character of stress fields on faults and spatial variations related to local intense compression and tectonic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The effects of infiltrant-related factors during post-processing on mechanical performance are fully considered for three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology. The factors contain infiltrant type, infiltrating means, infiltrating frequency and time interval of infiltrating. Design/methodology/approach: A series of printing experiments are conducted and the parts are processed with different conditions by considering the above mentioned four parameters. Then the mechanical performances of the parts are tested from both macroscopic and microscopic papers. In the macroscopic view, the compressive strength of each printed part is measured by the materials testing machine – Instron 3367. In the microscopic view, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersion spectrum are used to obtain microstructure images and element content results. The pore size distributions of the parts are measured further to illustrate that if the particles are bound tightly by infiltrant. Then, partial least square (PLS) is used to conduct the analysis of the influencing factors, which can solve the small-sample problem well. The regression analysis and the influencing degree of each factor are explored further. Findings: The experimental results show that commercial infiltrant has an outstanding performance than other super glues. The infiltrating action will own higher compressive strength than the brushing action. The higher infiltrating frequency and inconsistent infiltrating time interval will contribute to better mechanical performance. The PLS analysis shows that the most important factor is the infiltrating method. When compare the fitted value with the actual value, it is clear that when the compressive strength is higher, the fitting error will be smaller. Practical implications: The research will have extensive applicability and practical significance for powder-based additive manufacturing. Originality/value: The impact of the infiltrating-related post-processing on the performance of 3DP technology is easy to be ignored, which is fully taken into consideration in this paper. Both macroscopic and microscopic methods are conducted to explore, which can better explain the mechanical performance of the parts. Furthermore, as a small-sample method, PLS is used for influencing factors analysis. The variable importance in the projection index can explain the influencing degree of each parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the dynamic co-evolution of technology management capability and technological capability in the system of product innovation. It is motivated by the increasing attention that product innovation has received recently, as it is considered one of the most important factors that can bring about competitive advantages for firms to compete with their rivals in the current competitive business environment. Framing the system of product innovation as a complex adaptive system and focusing on the roles of technology management capability and technological capability in the system, the most suitable synergistic mechanisms between technology management capability and technological capability that can make the system reach the highest fitness under their diverse coupling relationships are identified by means of NK fitness landscape model. The simulation results show that there are matches between the coupling relationships among the elements of technology management capability and technological capability and their synergistic mechanisms in the system of product innovation. This paper provides a better understanding of the relationships between technology management capability and technological capability and managerial implications for firms to innovate products successfully and promptly and thus improve their competitive advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel prediction approach based on the hidden Markov model and improved particle filtering for numerical control rotary table was proposed to estimate the degradation trend of repetitive positioning accuracy. Here, the resampling algorithm of the particle filter is improved and data-driven methods are introduced for the first time to study accuracy. The vibration signal obtained from an accelerated accuracy degradation test was selected as the test data. First, the original signal was de-noised and reconstructed by ensemble empirical mode decomposition-principal component analysis. Second, a hidden Markov model was trained by an observation matrix, which was composed of statistical characteristic values. Then, an early diagnosis of repetitive positioning accuracy degradation was obtained and the health status indicator of accuracy was built. Finally, the degradation trend model of repetitive positioning accuracy was established by improved particle filtering, and the residual accuracy life can also be calculated. With model calculations and experimental measurements, the results show that the approach is effective for numerical control rotary tables to estimate the degradation trend of repetitive positioning accuracy and residual accuracy life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: RelB, a member of the NF-κB family, plays a critical role in the development of T cells. However, the role of RelB in Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) remains controversial. Results: Using a bone marrow chimeric mouse model, we demonstrated that the expansion of Foxp3+ Tregs in vivo could be mediated by extrinsic mechanisms. RelB plays an important role in inhibiting the homeostatic proliferation of Tregs, but not their survival. Even with the heightened expansion, RelB−/− Treg cells displayed normal suppressive function in vitro. Among the expanded populations of Treg cells, most were nTreg cells; however, the population of iTregs did not increase. Mechanistically, RelB seems to regulate Treg proliferation independently of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) pathway. Conclusions: These data suggest that RelB regulates Treg proliferation independently of the STAT5 pathway, but does not alter the function of Tregs. Further studies are warranted to uncover such mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder which is mostly sporadic but familial-linked PD (FPD) cases have also been found. The first reported gene mutation that linked to PD is α-synuclein (α-syn). Studies have shown that mutations, increased expression or abnormal processing of α-syn can contribute to PD, but it is believed that multiple mechanisms are involved. One of the contributing factors is post-translational modification (PTM), such as phosphorylation of α-syn at serine 129 by G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) and casein kinase 2α (CK2α). Another known important contributing factor to PD pathogenesis is oxidative and nitrosative stress. In this study, we found that GRK6 and CK2α can be S-nitrosylated by nitric oxide (NO) both in vitro and in vivo. S-nitrosylation of GRK6 and CK2α enhanced their kinase activity towards the phosphorylation of α-syn at S129. In an A53T α-syn transgenic mouse model of PD, we found that increased GRK6 and CK2α S-nitrosylation were observed in an age dependent manner and it was associated with an increased level of pSer129 α-syn. Treatment of A53T α-syn transgenic mice with Nω-Nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) significantly reduced the S-nitrosylation of GRK6 and CK2α in the brain. Finally, deletion of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in A53T α-syn transgenic mice reduced the levels of pSer129 α-syn and α-syn in an age dependent manner. Our results provide a novel mechanism of how NO through S-nitrosylation of GRK6 and CK2α can enhance the phosphorylation of pSer129 α-syn in an animal model of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]