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Highlights Grinding could be used to enhance accuracy and quality of carbon fiber‐reinforced poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (CF/PEEK) composites. However, the grinding mode, namely up‐grinding (UG) or down‐grinding (DG), is usually neglected while unbefitting grinding mode choice may cause inferior surface quality. To investigate effects of grinding modes on grinding performance of anisotropic CF/PEEK, grinding experiments in UG and DG were carried out under different fiber orientation angles θ. Experimental results indicated that maximum grinding temperatures and normal grinding forces in UG were lower than DG regardless of the abrasive grit sizes. Material removal mechanisms of CF/PEEK affected by grinding mode were revealed by analyzing morphologies of surface, chip and grinding wheel. When θ = 0°, the dominant mechanisms in DG were extrusion fracture and fiber deformation, while they were interface shear debonding and bending fracture in UG. When θ = 90°, the dominant mechanisms in DG included interface layer separation and bending fracture, while they were shear and extrusion fracture of well‐supported fibers in UG. Thus, UG was more favorable for material removal, obtaining lower surface roughness values, fewer machining defects and less wheel wear than DG. This study will provide technical guidance for high‐quality grinding of carbon fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic composites. The effects of grinding modes (DG and UG) on the grinding performance of anisotropic CF/PEEK composites were investigated. Material removal mechanisms of CF/PEEK affected by grinding mode were revealed under different fiber orientation angles. The maximum grinding temperatures and normal grinding forces in UG were lower than DG. UG was more favorable for material removal in grinding, and could produce better ground surface quality than DG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to provide a basis for the structural analysis, design and maintenance of permeable asphalt pavements, and to promote their engineering promotion and application, this study investigated the dynamic viscoelastic properties of permeable asphalt mixtures (PAC-13) under complex stress states. A Simple Performance Tester (SPT) system was used to measure the dynamic modulus of the mix under complex stress states. The displacement factor and principal dynamic modulus curves were formed by fitting Sigmoidal functions and using 1stOpt (first optimization) software, the phase angle principal curves were further determined, and the dynamic modulus was predicted for the ambient phase (15–25 °C) using the Hirsch model. The results showed that the dynamic modulus of the mixtures decreases with an increasing temperature, and the maximum decrease in the dynamic modulus is 93% when the confining pressure is 100 kPa and the loading frequency is 10 Hz. The dynamic modulus increases with an increasing confining pressure and loading frequency, the maximum increase with an increasing confining pressure is 26.1% when the temperature is 25 °C and the loading frequency is 10 Hz, and the maximum increase with an increasing loading frequency is 411% when the temperature is 25 °C and the confining pressure is 100 Hz. The dynamic modulus has a strong frequency dependence at low temperatures, while it is stress-dependent at high temperatures. Meanwhile, based on the Hirsch model, a new modified prediction model was developed, which can well predict the dynamic modulus of permeable asphalt mixtures at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(Multichannel) Singular spectrum analysis is considered as one of the most effective methods for seismic incoherent noise suppression. It utilizes the low-rank feature of seismic signal and regards the noise suppression as a low-rank reconstruction problem. However, in some cases the seismic geophones receive some erratic disturbances and the amplitudes are dramatically larger than other receivers. The presence of this kind of noise, called erratic noise, makes singular spectrum analysis (SSA) reconstruction unstable and has undesirable effects on the final results. We robustify the low-rank reconstruction of seismic data by a reweighted damped SSA (RD-SSA) method. It incorporates the damped SSA, an improved version of SSA, into a reweighted framework. The damping operator is used to weaken the artificial disturbance introduced by the low-rank projection of both erratic and random noise. The central idea of the RD-SSA method is to iteratively approximate the observed data with the quadratic norm for the first iteration and the Tukeys bisquare norm for the rest iterations. The RD-SSA method can suppress seismic incoherent noise and keep the reconstruction process robust to the erratic disturbance. The feasibility of RD-SSA is validated via both synthetic and field data examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-emission ratio-fluorescent sensing nanohybrid based on Radix Hedysari green-synthesized carbon quantum dots (CDs) and glutathione-functionalized gold nanoclusters (GSH-AuNCs) had been developed for the determination of cefodizime sodium (CDZM). The designed fluorescence nanohybrid had two significant fluorescence emission peaks at 458 nm and 569 nm when excited at 360 nm, which was attributed to the CDs and GSH-AuNCs. With the addition of CDZM, the fluorescence at 458 nm was slightly weakened while the fluorescence at 569 nm was enhanced obviously. Based on the relationship between the I569/I458 fluorescence intensity ratio and the concentration of CDZM, the designed nanohybrid exhibited a good linearity range of 1.0–1000.0 μM and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.19 μM. The method was finally applied in the detection of CDZM in urine, showing the potential applications in complicated biological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To consolidate healthcare professionals' insights about waterbirths and water immersion during labour. Design: Mixed studies review. Data Sources: Seven electronic databases were searched from their inception dates till June 2023: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and Pluye and Hong's mixed studies review framework guided this review. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Findings were synthesized using the convergent qualitative synthesis method, and results were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke's framework. Results: Three main themes were identified from the 22 included studies: (1) believing in waterbirths, (2) opposing forces and (3) plotting the course ahead. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals reported different views about waterbirths and water immersion practices; midwives were most likely to support these practices, followed by nurses and lastly, few physicians supported them. Reasons for opposing waterbirths include insufficient training and support from colleagues as well as concerns about work efficiency, waterbirth safety and litigation issues. Impact: The available evidence suggests the need to provide waterbirth training for healthcare professionals, equip healthcare facilities with necessary waterbirth‐related infrastructure and develop appropriate waterbirth policies/guidelines. Healthcare professionals could also consider providing antenatal waterbirth education to women and obtain women's feedback to improve current policies/guidelines. Future research should explore the views of different types of healthcare professionals from more diverse cultures. Reporting Method: The PRISMA guidelines. No Patient or Public Contribution: Systematic review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights The two‐dimensional (2D) inorganic fillers could significantly improve the properties of polyolefin, thereby satisfying a wider range of applications. Herein, in this research, high‐performance polyethylene (PE)/siloxene nanocomposites were prepared through an in‐situ polymerization with layered siloxene‐supported Ti‐based catalyst. The catalytic ethylene polymerization activity of the siloxene‐supported Ziegler‐Natta catalyst was almost twice that of the MgCl2/TiCl4 catalyst when equal weights of catalysts were used. During the in‐situ polymerization, the layered siloxene fillers exhibited uniform dispersion within the PE matrix. The incorporation of a minimal amount of siloxene filler resulted in a notable enhancement in the thermal stability and mechanical properties of PE. The breaking strength, modulus, elongation at break, and Td5% of PE/siloxene nanocomposites with only 0.71 wt% siloxene were increased by 115.7%, 45.6%, 50.6%, and 58.2°C, respectively. Therefore, this research presents a straightforward method for manufacturing PE with outstanding performance. PE/siloxene nanocomposites were prepared through in‐situ polymerization. Siloxene is uniformly scattered in the PE matrix. The siloxene and matrix exhibit excellent interfacial adhesion. PE/siloxene nanocomposites with excellent properties were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Food waste ground by food waste disposers is easier to block pipes. • Liquid bridge force is the internal cause of deposits to aggregate. • Diameter of aggregations is positively correlated with adhesion on pipes. • Reducing particle size or choosing CI or HDPE pipes may reduce blockage. Food waste disposers (FWDs) streamline kitchen waste management and facilitate waste classification, whether they would increase the potential of blockage in kitchen drainage system is still unknown. This study conducted a theoretical analysis of the interactive forces between fat, oil, and grease (FOG) deposits and their aggregation on pipe walls. The study involved grading food waste particles processed by FWDs using sieving and weighing techniques to determine the mean weight diameter (MWD) of various aggregations. A full-scale experimental system, implemented in a 60-m high test tower, simulated blockages in horizontal pipes of high-rise buildings. The effect of pipeline materials and particle sizes on blockage were examined by measuring the adhesion of deposits on horizontal pipes. Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) analysis suggested that liquid bridge force is a primary factor in aggregate formation. Hand-cut particles formed aggregates with the highest MWD value. Particle size analysis revealed that sizes ranging from 2.36 to 4.75 mm, 1.18–2.36 mm, and 0.60–1.18 mm constituted over 80 % of particles ground by FWDs, with an average size of 2.16 mm. Results of full-scale experiment indicate particle diameters, friction coefficients and lipophilic coefficient significantly affected the propensity of these aggregates to adhere to pipes. Notably, particles processed by FWDs tended to cause blockages more frequently than hand-cut particles. These findings elucidate the deposition mechanism of FOG deposits and offer strategies to reduce blockages in kitchen drainage systems, such as reducing current grinding particle size by 18 % to 1.77 mm or selecting pipes like cast iron and high-density polyethylene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We established myocardial injury models in vivo and in vitro to investigate the cardioprotective effect of gomisin D obtained from Schisandra chinensis. Gomisin D significantly inhibited isoproterenol-induced apoptosis and hypertrophy in H9C2 cells. Gomisin D decreased serum BNP, ANP, CK-MB, cTn-T levels and histopathological alterations, and inhibited myocardial hypertrophy in mice. In mechanisms research, gomisin D reversed ISO-induced accumulation of intracellular ROS and Ca2+. Gomisin D further improved mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders by regulating the TCA cycle. These results demonstrated that gomisin D had a significant effect on isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting oxidative stress, calcium overload and improving mitochondrial energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the proven impermeability of graphene toward most standard gases, graphene/graphite sealed SiO2 cavities always exhibit a nonzero leak rate, and the physical leakage mechanism is still unclear. By measuring leak rates of different gases for the same cavities sealed by ultrathin graphite under identical conditions, we find that the leak rates generally depend on the kinetic diameter of the gas molecules, which implies that the leakage is caused by a molecular sieving mechanism. By comparing different samples, we find that the leak rate of any gas in a particular sample is well predicted by the leak rate of N2 in that sample. In addition, we observe enhanced leak rates of water-soluble molecules. We infer that the leakage path (i.e., the graphene/graphite–SiO2 interface) favors hydrophilic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractGlycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors contain a unique α-D-glucosamine-(1→6)-myo-inositol [αGlcN(1,6)Ins] motif in their conserved core structure. To facilitate investigations of the functional roles of this structural motif, two GPI analogues containing unnatural βGlcN(1,6)Ins, instead of αGlcN(1,6)Ins, and an alkyne group at different positions of the GPI core were designed and synthesized. To this end, an orthogonally protected pseudopentasaccharide derivative of GPIs with the βGlcN(1,6)Ins motif was convergently constructed via [3 + 2] glycosylation and used as the common intermediate to prepare both GPI analogues by streamlined synthetic protocols. The pseudopentasaccharide intermediate and developed protocols can be widely applicable to access various GPI analogues with the βGlcN(1,6)Ins motif. The target GPI analogues contain an alkyne, which allows their further modification to introduce various molecular labels via click chemistry, making them useful probes for the study of GPI anchorage. The differences in reactivity and NMR behavior of the two GPI analogues, as well as the differences of these analogues from previously reported GPI derivatives of similar structure containing an αGlcN(1,6)Ins motif, suggest that the 2-O-phosphoethanolamine moiety on mannose-I and the linkage form of GlcN in GPIs can have a decisive impact on the structure, which is likely relevant to biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Stanford Biodesign needs-centric framework can guide healthcare innovators to successfully adopt the 'Identify, Invent and Implement' framework and develop new healthcare innovations products to address patients' needs. This scoping review explored the application of the Stanford Biodesign framework for healthcare innovation training and the development of novel healthcare innovative products. Seven electronic databases were searched from their respective inception dates till April 2023: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations, and Theses Global. This review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews and was guided by the Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework. Findings were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework. Three themes and eight subthemes were identified from the 26 included articles. The main themes are: (1) Making a mark on healthcare innovation, (2) Secrets behind success, and (3) The next steps. The Stanford Biodesign framework guided healthcare innovation teams to develop new medical products and achieve better patient health outcomes through the induction of training programs and the development of novel products. Training programs adopting the Stanford Biodesign approach were found to be successful in improving trainees' entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership skills and should continue to be promoted. To aid innovators in commercializing their newly developed medical products, additional support such as securing funds for early start-up companies, involving clinicians and users in product testing and validation, and establishing new guidelines and protocols for the new healthcare products would be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is a vital global source of renewable fiber and ranks among the world's most important cash crops. While extensive nuclear genomic data of Gossypium has been explored, the organellar genomic resources of allotetraploid cotton, remain largely untapped at the population level. The plastid genome (plastome) is well suited for studying plant species relationships and diversity due to its nonrecombinant uniparental inheritance. Here, we conducted de novo assembly of 336 Gossypium plastomes, mainly from domesticated cultivars, and generated a pan‐plastome level resource for population structure and genetic diversity analyses. The assembled plastomes exhibited a typical quadripartite structure and varied in length from 160 103 to 160 597 bp. At the species level, seven allotetraploid species were resolved into three clades, where Gossypium tomentosum and Gossypium mustelinum formed an early diverging clade rooted by diploids, followed by splitting two sister clades of Gossypium darwinii–Gossypium barbadense and Gossypium hirsutum–Gossypium ekmanianum–Gossypium stephensii. Within the G. hirsutum clade the resolution of cultivated accessions was less polyphyletic with landrace and wild accessions than in G. barbadense suggesting some selection on plastome in the domestication of this adaptable species of cotton. The nucleotide diversity of G. hirsutum was higher than that of G. barbadense. We specifically compared the plastomes of G. hirsutum and G. barbadense to find mutational hotspots within each species as potential molecular markers. These findings contribute a valuable resource for exploring cotton evolution as well as in the breeding of new cotton cultivars and the preservation of wild and cultivated germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of low-dose aspirin for the prevention of preterm birth in nulliparous women. Data sources: We searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception to June 2022. Study eligibility criteria: Randomized controlled trials that compared aspirin to placebo in nulliparous women were eligible. Methods: This study was reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 checklist. The primary outcomes of this study were the rates of preterm birth at less than 37 weeks and less than 34 weeks of gestation. The secondary outcomes included postpartum hemorrhage, placental abruption, cesarean section, any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and small for gestational age. Relative risks with their 95% confidence intervals were calculated for analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q test and Higgins's I2. A random-effects model was used when I2 was > 50% to generate the RR and 95% CI; otherwise, a fixed-effects model was used. The risk of publication bias was assessed by funnel plots. We performed sensitivity analysis by sequentially omitting each included study to confirm the robustness of the analysis. Results: Seven studies with a total of 29,029 participants were included in this review. Six studies were assessed as having a low risk of bias or an unclear risk of bias, and one study was judged as having a high risk of bias. In nulliparous women, low-dose aspirin was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of preterm birth at less than 34 weeks of gestational age (RR 0.84,95% CI: 0.71–0.99; I2 = 0%; P = 0.04), but we did not observe a significant difference in the rate of preterm birth at less than 37 weeks of gestation (RR 0.96,95% CI: 0.90–1.02; I2 = 31%; P = 0.18). Low-dose aspirin was associated with a significant increase in the rates of postpartum hemorrhage (RR 1.32,95% CI: 1.14–1.54; I2 = 0%; P = 0.0003), placental abruption (RR 2.18,95% CI: 1.10–4.32; I2 = 16%; P = 0.02) and cesarean section (RR 1.053, 95% CI: 1.001–1.108; I2 = 0%; P = 0.05) in nulliparous women. We also did not observe a significant effect of low-dose aspirin on the rates of any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (RR 1.05, 95% CI: 0.96–1.14; I2 = 9%; P = 0.28) or small for gestational age (RR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.91–1.02; I2 = 0%; P = 0.16) in nulliparous women. Funnel plots indicated that no significant publication bias existed in this meta-analysis. Except for preterm birth at less than 34 weeks of gestation, placental abruption and cesarean section, the sensitivity analysis showed similar results, which confirmed the robustness of this meta-analysis. Conclusions: Low-dose aspirin might reduce the risk of preterm birth at less than 34 weeks of gestation in nulliparous women. The use of low-dose aspirin in nulliparous women increased the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and might increase the risk of placental abruption and cesarean section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia combustion offers the advantage of zero carbon emissions. However, its high ignition energy requirement and slow flame propagation limit its use as an engine fuel. Employing a technological approach that combines a high compression ratio with spark ignition can be beneficial for enhancing ammonia combustion, and this approach warrants further in-depth research. This study investigates the combustion of ammonia within a spark-ignition engine with a compression ratio of 15:1. It enhances combustion by introducing hydrogen as a reactivity-enhancing fuel. Both ammonia and hydrogen are introduced into the engine's intake port. The findings suggest that efficient pure ammonia combustion occurs at low engine speeds (1000 r/min) and high brake mean effective pressure (BMEP exceeding 0.6 MPa). Pure ammonia combustion achieves a brake thermal efficiency of 33.7% at a BMEP of 0.94 MPa. Introducing hydrogen at an energy ratio of 2–16% expands the engine's load range. With hydrogen blending, the efficiency rises to 35.8% at a BMEP of 0.63 MPa. The research on NOx emissions reveals that, under specific operating conditions, there is a reduction reaction between unburned ammonia and NOx, leading to a decrease in NOx emissions as BMEP increases. This study can offer support for the application of ammonia engines. • Pure ammonia engine achieved stable operation. • High compression ratio and spark ignition used in combination. • Adding 2–16% hydrogen improves ammonia combustion and emissions. • The emissions of NO X and N 2 O from the ammonia-hydrogen engine were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the causal relationship between lifestyle, diet, sleep, socioeconomic status and bronchial asthma by using two-sample Mendelian randomized method. Methods Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was performed based on inverse variance weighting method (IVW), and the stability and reliability of the results were verified by leaving -one -out method, heterogeneity test, and pleiotropy test. Results The results of IVW model showed that smoking (OR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.08-1.28), drinking (OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.05-1.41), sedentary behavior (OR=1.78, 95% CI:1.38-2.31), sleep duration (OR=2.29, 95% CI:1.38-2.31), and body mass index (OR =1.41, 95% CI: 1.29-1.53) were associated with the increased risk of bronchial asthma. Fresh fruit intake (OR =0.50, 95% CI: 0.34-0.73), dried fruit intake (OR =0.54, 95% CI: 0.34-0.73), cereal intake (OR =0.62, 95% CI: 0.41-0.94), education level (OR=0.57, 95% CI:0.34-0.73), and social activity (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.34-0.73) were associated with reduced risk of asthma. The results of MR-Egger intercept detection did not show pleiotropic effects, indicating that Mendelian randomization was an effective method for causal inference in this study. The heterogeneity test results of drinking (Q=139.92, P=0.001), sedentary behavior (Q=151.37, P=0.003), dried fruit intake (Q=40.00, P=0.007), cereal intake (Q=72.95, P=0.001), and body mass index (BMI) (Q=584.12, P < 0.001) were all statistically significant. Therefore, attention was paid to results of the random effect IVW model. Conclusion Smoking, drinking, sedentary behavior, sleep duration, and body mass index may be the risk factors of bronchial asthma. Fresh fruit intake, dried fruit intake, cereal intake, education level, and social activities may be the protective factors of bronchial asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal‐catalyzed annulations of four‐membered rings via C−C activation are powerful tools to construct complex fused and bridged ring systems. Despite significant progress in (4+1), (4+2) and (4+4) annulations, the (4+3) annulation remains unexplored. Herein, we develop an asymmetric Rh‐catalyzed intramolecular (4+3) annulation of α‐arylalkene‐tethered benzocyclobutenols for the synthesis of dihydrofuran‐annulated dibenzocycloheptanols with two discontinuous chiral carbon centers via a C−C and C−H activation cascade. The reaction features excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities and 100 % atom economy, and is applicable to late‐stage modification of complex molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal‐catalyzed annulations of four‐membered rings via C−C activation are powerful tools to construct complex fused and bridged ring systems. Despite significant progress in (4+1), (4+2) and (4+4) annulations, the (4+3) annulation remains unexplored. Herein, we develop an asymmetric Rh‐catalyzed intramolecular (4+3) annulation of α‐arylalkene‐tethered benzocyclobutenols for the synthesis of dihydrofuran‐annulated dibenzocycloheptanols with two discontinuous chiral carbon centers via a C−C and C−H activation cascade. The reaction features excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities and 100 % atom economy, and is applicable to late‐stage modification of complex molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional approach to event extraction requires predefined event types and their corresponding annotations to train event extractors. However, these prerequisites are often difficult to satisfy in real-world applications. To automatically induct event types, most work has been devoted to clustering event triggers, where a cluster of event triggers is represented as an event type. Some works use trigger semantics, while others use co-occurrence relationships to cluster triggers. However, the clustering results of event triggers obtained by the above work are not sufficiently detailed in describing event types, making it difficult to accurately determine the corresponding event types manually. This paper proposes an open-domain event type induction framework that automatically discovers a set of event types from a given corpus. Unlike previous work on event trigger clustering, this paper takes into consideration the hierarchical relationship of event types to partition the event trigger clusters into event mains and subtypes. The framework employs a latent variable-based neural generation module and a semantic-based clustering module, the former of which obtains event trigger clusters representing the main types of events by jointly projecting the co-occurrence and semantic information of event triggers into a latent space for event type latent variable mining, and the latter of which further divides these event trigger clusters into event subtypes based on semantic information. Finally, experiment results show that, compared with the benchmark model, the ETGen-Clus can improve event type quality scores of 6.23% and 3.11% on the two datasets, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorafenib is a targeted anticancer drug in clinic. Low-dose sorafenib has been reported to activate AMPK through inducing mitochondrial uncoupling without detectable toxicities. AMPK activation has been the approach for extending lifespan, therefore, we investigated the effect of sorafenib on lifespan and physical activity of C. elegans and the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, we found that the effect of sorafenib on C. elegans lifespan was typically hermetic. Sorafenib treatment at higher concentrations (100 μM) was toxic but at lower concentrations (1, 2.5, 5 μM) was beneficial to C. elegans. Sorafenib (1 μM) treatment for whole-life period extended C. elegans lifespan and improved C. elegans physical activity as manifested by increasing pharyngeal pumping and body movement, preserving intestinal barrier integrity, muscle fibers organization and mitochondrial morphology. In addition, sorafenib (1 μM) treatment enhanced C. elegans stress resistance. Sorafenib activated AMPK through inducing mitochondrial uncoupling in C. elegans. Sorafenib treatment activated DAF-16, SKN-1, and increased SOD-3, HSP-16.2, GST-4 expression in C. elegans. Sorafenib treatment induced AMPK-dependent autophagy in C. elegans. We conclude that low-dose sorafenib protects C. elegans against aging through activating AMPK/DAF-16 dependent anti-oxidant pathways and stimulating autophagy responses. Low-dose sorafenib could be a strategy for treating aging and aging-related diseases. [Display omitted] • Sorafenib extends C. elegans lifespan and improves C. elegans physical activity. • Sorafenib treatment enhances stress resistance of C. elegans. • Sorafenib extends C. elegans lifespan via AMPK/DAF-16 dependent anti-oxidant pathways. • Sorafenib induces AMPK-dependent autophagy in C. elegans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-channel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor, based upon a multimode-single mode-multimode-single mode- multimode (MSMSM) fiber structure, is reported for the simultaneous measurement of temperature and refractive index. One channel is coated with an indium tin oxide-silver layer for refractive index sensing, and the channel is coated with Au and cyclohexane layer for temperature sensing. The experiments show that the sensor provides high sensitivity with values of 3379 nm/RIU across the refractive index range from 1.333 to 1.3699 and −3.163 nm/°C from 40 °C to 90 °C. The cross-sensitivity problem is resolved by the dual-wavelength matrix method. Moreover, the proposed sensor has good stability, low cost, and a compact structure and may be employed in biology, chemistry, and environmental testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt-free manganese-based lithium-rich layered oxides (LLOs) have garnered research attention as prospective lithium-ion cathode materials owing to their large specific capacity and low price. However, their large-scale application is hindered by their low Coulombic efficiency, poor cycling performance, voltage attenuation, and structural phase transition. To address these issues, the LLO structure is modified via Ti doping at the manganese site herein. Ti-doped Li1.2Mn0.6−xTixNi0.2O2 (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15) is prepared using the high-temperature solid-state method. The Ti-doped Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 is calculated via first principles. The results show that Ti4+ doping improves the cycle stability and rate performance of Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2. Electrochemical test results show that the sample exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance when the Ti doping amount is 0.05. The discharge specific capacity at 0.1C is 210.4 mAh·g−1, which reaches 191.1 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles, with a capacity retention rate of 90.7%. This study proves the feasibility of using cheap cobalt-free LLOs as cathode materials for LIBs and provides a novel system for exploiting low-cost and high-performance cathode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Design Data Sources Methods Results Conclusion No Patient or Public Contribution What Does this Paper Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community? To examine the effectiveness of educational interventions in reducing stigma among healthcare professionals and students towards people with mental illness.A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs.Articles published from database inception to October 2023 were systematically searched from seven databases (CINAHL, Embase, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science), following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines.Random‐effect meta‐analyses were conducted. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi‐squared test. A quality appraisal conducted at the study level used the Cochrane risk of bias tool and an outcome‐level quality assessment utilized the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation Approach. Publication bias was assessed using the funnel plot.Twenty‐five articles were included in this review. Meta‐analysis reported statistically significant medium and small effect sizes for attitudes towards mental illness and attitudes towards people with mental illness respectively, showing the association between educational interventions and improved attitudes among healthcare professionals and students. However, a statistically non‐significant effect was reported for knowledge of mental illness. Subgroup analyses indicated that face‐to‐face and contact‐based interventions were particularly effective at reducing stigma. Notably, single‐session interventions were just as effective as multiple sessions, suggesting a potential for resource‐efficient approaches.Educational interventions demonstrate promise in fostering more positive attitudes towards mental health issues. Future research should aim to determine the long‐term effects of these interventions and include patient feedback on the stigmatizing behaviours of healthcare professionals and students, to holistically evaluate the effect of interventions.This study is a secondary review and does not require relevant contributions from patients or the public.Face‐to‐face contact‐based educational sessions have proven to be the most effective. Reinforcing learning may be achieved through a series of repeated single‐session interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The characteristics and prognostic value of all ECG parameters were investigated. • Quantitative ECG parameters correlated with disease severity in non-high-risk PE. • A lesser S-V5 (≤ 0.15mv) was predictive for early discharge in non-high-risk PE. Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities indicating right ventricular strain have been reported to have prognostic value in severe cases of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). We aimed to analyze the prognostic significance of other quantitative ECG parameters in non-high-risk acute PE. Consecutive patients with non-high-risk acute PE were prospectively enrolled. The following baseline ECG parameters were collected: rhythm, heart rate, QRS axis, right bundle branch block (RBBB) pattern, S1Q3T3 pattern, T-wave inversion, ST-segment elevation, Qr in lead V1, PR Interval, QRS complex duration, QT interval, P-wave amplitude and duration, R- and S-wave amplitudes. The primary endpoint was early discharge within three days. Associations between ECG parameters and early discharge were analyzed. Overall, 383 patients were enrolled (median age: 67 years, 57% female): 277 (72.3%) with low-risk and 106 (27.7%) with intermediate-risk. The two groups of patients differed in several ECG signs of right ventricular strain and many other quantitative parameters like R- and S-wave amplitudes. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the S-wave depth in lead V5 (S-V5) was the only independent prognostic factor for early discharge (odds ratio = 0.137, 95% confidence interval = 0.031-0.613, p = 0.009). The optimum cutoff value of S-V5 for predicting early discharge derived from the receiver operative characteristic curve was 0.15 mv (c-statistic = 0.66, p =0.003). Several ECG signs of right ventricular strain and many other quantitative parameters were associated with disease severity in non-high-risk acute PE. An S-V5 lesser than 0.15 mv was predictive for early discharge in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basic requirements for lithium-ion batteries in the field of electric vehicles are fast charging and high energy density. This will enhance the competitiveness of electric vehicles in the market while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and effectively preventing environmental pollution. However, the current lithium-ion batteries using graphite anodes cannot achieve the goal of fast charging without compromising electrochemical performance and safety issue. This article analyzes the mechanism of graphite materials for fast-charging lithium-ion batteries from the aspects of battery structure, charge transfer, and mass transport, aiming to fundamentally understand the failure mechanisms of batteries during fast charging. In addition, we review and discuss recent advances in strategies for optimizing fast-charging performance and summarize current improvement methods in graphite electrodes, electrolytes, battery structures, and charging algorithms. Moreover, the challenges and promising concepts for developing future fast-charging graphite anode are emphasized. This review is of great significance for better designing and optimizing graphite materials for high-safety and fast-charging lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3) is considered one of the most promising materials for PEC water splitting under solar light. However, the drawbacks of lower charge transfer efficiency and slow oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics seriously limited the practical application of α-Fe 2 O 3 photoanodes. In this work, a multilayer structure modified α-Fe 2 O 3 photoanode is proposed. Firstly, the In 2 O 3 nanolayers were loaded onto the surface of α-Fe 2 O 3 nanorods, significantly increasing the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation activity. The heterojunction form by the In 2 O 3 passivation layer with α-Fe 2 O 3 effectively promotes charge separation. Next, an electrodeposition method deposited a nanosheet combining ultrathin non-crystalline Co(OH) x and Mn 3 O 4 nanocrystals (Co–Mn) on the α-Fe 2 O 3 thin film. As an efficient co-catalyst, the Co–Mn nanosheets assisted the performance of α-Fe 2 O 3 PEC water oxidation. The optimized α-Fe 2 O 3 –In 2 O 3 –Co(OH) x -Mn 3 O 4 photoanode produces a high photocurrent density of 6.5 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V (vs. RHE), a maximum IPCE of 57.9% at 400 nm can reach. [Display omitted] • In 2 O 3 /α-Fe 2 O 3 heterojunction was constructed to achieve effective separation of photo-generated carriers. • Co(OH) x -Mn 3 O 4 (Co–Mn) nanosheet layer work as an efficient oxygen evolution co-catalyst. • Co(OH) x -Mn 3 O 4 (Co–Mn) is a selective capture site of photo-generated carriers that inhibits their recombination. • The interactions between α-Fe 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , and Co–Mn lead to an efficient photoelectrochemical water-splitting performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing drugs that are highly selective to host tissues but are the least toxic remains one of the most difficult challenges in cancer treatment. Recent studies have shown that tumor cells from a variety of sources can express vitamin D3 receptors and that the response to vitamin D3 and its analogs is prone to growth arrest and cell death. However, conventional vitamin D3 drug formulations lack dose control and cannot target specific cells or tissues. The aim of this study was to prepare vitamin D3 nanospray for inhalation delivery route. This study evaluated the physical properties of the formulation (particle size distribution and biological stability), the total number of sprays per bottle, the spray volume per spray, and the loading variance of the spray. The optimized vitamin D3 spray formula is easy to spray, has fewer drips, and has a fast drying time. It can be stored for 3 months at 37 ± 2 °C temperature, 75 ± 5% relative humidity, and away from light, and can maintain biological stability. This study showed that compared with traditional nasal sprays, the spray has a larger fan angle (82.1 degrees) and beam width (104.88 mm), more symmetrical spray on both sides of the spray column, a faster coverage of the administration site, and a wider range, which is suitable for inhalation delivery routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effectiveness of home-based interventions in improving loneliness and social connectedness (primary outcomes), and depressive symptoms (secondary outcome) among older adults. Eight electronic databases were searched from inception dates to February 2022. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi-squared test. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to appraise the included studies. Fourteen randomized controlled trials were included. Home-based interventions were found to significantly increase older adults' social connectedness (social support and social engagement) and reduce their loneliness and depressive symptoms. Subgroup analyses suggested that interventions which lasted more than three months and were delivered using mixed platforms were more favorable. Both professional-led and volunteer-led interventions showed favorable results. Future studies could be conducted in varied geographical regions and consider carrying out follow-up assessments. Home-based interventions could be improved by being more than months, delivered by mixed personnel, and using mixed platforms. Considering the low-quality rating by the GRADE approach, future research is needed to confirm current findings. Older adults can be at higher risk for loneliness and home-based interventions may help to address this issue. This review consolidated the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of home-based interventions in improving loneliness, social connectedness, and depressive symptoms among older adults. Home-based interventions could significantly increase older adults' social connectedness (social support and social engagement), and reduce their loneliness and depressive symptoms. Future research would be needed to ascertain the sustainability of home-based programs' effect on older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-axis electrical discharging machining (EDM) is the most commonly used manufacturing method for shrouded blisks. The discharge points and discharge gap distance are time-varying in a multi-axis EDM process. It is difficult to obtain an optimal servo feedrate. In traditional multi-axis EDM servo control systems, servo sensitivity is usually chosen as a smaller constant to avoid arc discharges. Thus, the servo feedrate is lower than the material removal rate in a machining process. The open circuit rate is high and the machining efficiency is decreased. This paper proposes an adaptive servo sensitivity control algorithm for multi-axis EDM of shrouded blisks. Servo sensitivity is adjusted according to discharge status, so as to decrease the open circuit rate and to improve the machining efficiency. Experiment results show that the proposed adaptive servo sensitivity control algorithm can improve the machining efficiency of shrouded blisks by 28.02% without deteriorating surface integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces three different methods to improve the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of PP/CF nonwoven composites: (A) mixing maleic anhydride-grafted-PP (MAPP) powder into polypropylene/carbon fiber (PP/CF) nonwoven preform, (B) grafting MAPP onto polydopamine-coated-CF (PCF) utilizing esterification reaction, and (C) coating ethylene–glycidyl methacrylate (E-GMA) copolymer onto CF through solution dipping. First, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results over modified CFs show that the MAPP and E-GMA were delivered onto CF. Surface Chemistry analysis validated the esterification between MAPP and PCF. Second, the tensile test and SEM observation of composites' tensile fracture region confirmed the improved interfacial adhesion. Tensile strength was improved by 42.5%, 44.6%, and 49.8% by Method A, B, and C, respectively. Finally, the Bowyer-Bader methodology estimated the IFSS improvement of 352%, 161%, and 136% produced by Method A, B, and C, respectively. Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alternating copolymerization of hydroxyalkyl vinyl ethers and dialkyl maleates is investigated by conventional radical polymerization and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). The influence of comonomer structure, comonomer feeding ratios, and monomer concentrations on the copolymerization and the copolymer structure have been investigated systematically. With 2-hydroxyethyl vinyl ether (HEVE) and dimethyl maleates (DMM) as comonomers, a well-defined alternating copolymer is prepared with Mn=3400 and Mw/Mn=1.93 up to 71.6% monomer. The alternating sequential chain structure of the copolymers has been proved by both NMR and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The experimental reactivity ratios and theoretical calculated highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of vinyl ethers and alkyl maleates support that these monomer pairs have tendency to form alternating copolymers. With 2-cyanopropan-2-yl N-methyl-N-(pyridin-4-yl)carbamodithioate as the RAFT agent, the molecular weight of HEVE and DMM copolymer increases with the monomer conversion, demonstrating a controlled radical polymerization feature with well-controlled molecular weight and relatively narrower molecular weight distribution. With alternating copolymer of HEVE and DMM as macro-CTA (Mn=5200 and Mw/Mn=1.46), both the chain extension with HEVE and DMM (Mn=10400 and Mw/Mn=1.72) and block copolymerization with vinyl acetate have been successfully achieved (Mn=8500 and Mw/Mn=1.52). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safe supply of feed grain is a powerful starting point for consolidating the foundation of food security in China. Ensuring the safe supply of feed grain can improve the ability to ensure the supply of grain production, enhance the supply quality of grain cultivated land, improve the science and technology support level of grain, and promote the replacement of feed grain reduction. Under the new pattern of double circulation, the focus of promoting the safe supply of feed grain needs to focus on promoting the reduction and replacement of feed grain, so as to ensure the safety of feed grain production and supply, to give play to the enabling effect of scientific and technological innovation as the starting point, increase the supply support for feed grain research and development, to improve the construction of feed grain policy system as the starting point, broaden the toughness of feed grain supply. In order to further promote the safe supply of feed grain under the new dual-cycle pattern, it is necessary to further implement the reduction and substitution action of feed grain, and consolidate the development foundation of feed grain industry, vigorously promote the application of science and technology, improve the efficiency of feed grain innovation, gradually improve the framework of feed grain policy system and stabilize the guarantee of feed grain production, make overall use of dual market resources at home and abroad to reduce the risk of feed grain import. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community‐based family‐focused interventions can offer support to families of children with chronic health conditions. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of community‐based family‐focused interventions in improving family functioning, disease knowledge, and child health outcomes among families of children with chronic health conditions. Eight electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global) and one trial registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched from their dates of inception to October 2022. Meta‐analysis was performed under the random‐effect model when appropriate otherwise, findings were narratively synthesized. I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi‐squared test were used to determine heterogeneity. Quality appraisal was conducted by the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach at the study and outcome level, respectively. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines guided this review. Eight studies were included in this review. Community‐based family‐focused interventions were viable methods that could support families of children with chronic health conditions. Family‐focused interventions that incorporate guided role‐playing exercises for parents and children, psychoeducational components, and elements from relationship‐focused interventions could support families more effectively. However, current findings are mostly limited to interventions conducted in patients' homes, and the long‐term effect of these interventions cannot be determined. Overall, community‐based family‐focused interventions have the potential to offer valuable support to families of children with chronic health conditions, and future research could seek to improve the effectiveness of these interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2124Ti aluminum alloy powder was self-designed and fabricated as the matrix, with micro-B4Cp and nano-SiCp adding a certain amount of Ti as the reinforcement, and the 10% B4Cp–2% SiCp/2124Ti composite material was prepared by powder metallurgy. The effects of three multistage solid solutions (G1: 480°C × 2 h + 490°C × 2 h, G2: 480°C × 2 h + 490°C × 2 h + 500°C × 2 h and G3: 480°C × 2 h + 490°C × 2 h + 500°C × 2 h + 510°C × 2 h) on the organization and properties of the 10% B4Cp–2% SiCp/2124Ti composite were investigated, and the optimal aging time of the material was explored after the solid solution. The results show that the G3 solid solution process had the best effect on improving the material performance. With the increase of solid solution temperature and the increase of solid solution time, the hardness of composite material increased significantly after solid dissolution. After 12h of 185°C aging, the hardness reached the peak, which increased by 23.6~50.6 HV compared with the hardness before the solid solution. With the increase of solid dissolution degree, the material conductivity decreased. Moreover, the compressive strength of the composite material was greatly improved after three solid solutions and 12h of aging, which was 690, 750 and 765 MPa namely, but the toughness of the material declined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "theory of imbalance of the essence and tendon" is an innovative theory proposed by our team that is based on the academic ideas of Chinese medicine master Tang Youzhi and famous master Zhuang Zengyuan and combines years of clinical experience. "Essence" includes both innate essence and the essence of the five zang-organs and six fu-organs required for postnatal growth and development, respectively. "Tendon" refers to a complex of nerves, soft tissue, and connective tissue, which not only has characteristic features but also functions such as connection, support, nutrition, and protection. The reason why the eye can see things is that essence is its material foundation, and tendon is the functional guarantee. During the occurrence and development of myopia, the "imbalance of the essence and tendon" runs through the entire process and is the core link in the occurrence and development of myopia. The word "imbalance" not only includes the disruption of the steady state of the essence and tendon, but also carries the connotation of biological rhythm imbalance. Modern research suggests that biological rhythms play an important role in the occurrence and development of myopia. This article explores the relationship between the imbalance of essence and tendon and biological rhythms based on the "theory of imbalance of essence and tendon" and preliminarily proposes that the main treatment method for treating myopia is to replenish essence, soften tendon, benefit the head, and regulate the rhythm. Guiding the treatment of myopia with the "theory of imbalance of essence and tendon" helps to deeply understand the etiology and pathogenesis of myopia and broaden clinical diagnosis and treatment ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the efficacy and safety of once‐weekly dulaglutide added to basal insulin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with inadequate glycaemic control. Materials and Methods: In the phase III, double‐blind AWARD‐CHN3 study, Chinese patients with T2DM (N = 291) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥7.0% and ≤11.0% receiving stable doses of basal insulin glargine with metformin and/or acarbose were randomized (1:1) to receive add‐on dulaglutide 1.5 mg once weekly or placebo once weekly. The primary endpoint was the superiority of dulaglutide/glargine to placebo/glargine for change from baseline in HbA1c at Week 28. Results: The least squares (LS) mean ± standard error change in HbA1c from baseline to Week 28 was −2.0 ± 0.08% with dulaglutide/glargine and −1.1 ± 0.07% with placebo/glargine (LS mean difference: −1.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] –1.1 to −0.8; P < 0.001), and more patients receiving dulaglutide/glargine achieved HbA1c levels <7.0% (75.9% vs. 33.8%; P < 0.001 vs. placebo/glargine). Body weight decreased with dulaglutide/glargine and increased with placebo/glargine (LS mean difference: −1.2 kg, 95% CI –1.8 to – 0.6; P < 0.001). Reductions in fasting serum glucose were greater with dulaglutide/glargine than with placebo/glargine (LS mean difference: −0.8 mmol/L, 95% CI –1.1 to – 0.5; P < 0.001). The incidence of hypoglycaemia was similar with dulaglutide/glargine and placebo/glargine (29.2% vs. 31.3%; P = 0.704); no patient in either group had severe hypoglycaemia. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events with dulaglutide/glargine were decreased appetite (22.2%), diarrhoea (13.2%) and nausea (10.4%). Conclusions: Dulaglutide added to basal insulin was efficacious and well tolerated in Chinese patients with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The controversy surrounding Roux-en-Y (R-Y) and Billroth II with Braun (BII + B) reconstruction as an anti-bile reflux procedure after distal gastrectomy has persisted. Recent studies have demonstrated their efficacy, but the long-term outcomes and postoperative quality of life (QoL) among patients have yet to be evaluated. Therefore, we compared the short-term and long-term outcomes of the two procedures as well as QoL. Methods: The clinical data of 151 patients who underwent total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) at the Gastrointestinal Surgery Department of the Second Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Of these, 57 cases with Roux-en-Y procedure (R-Y group) and 94 cases with Billroth II with Braun procedure were included (BII + B group). Operative and postoperative conditions, early and late complications, endoscopic outcomes at year 1 and year 3 after surgery, nutritional indicators, and quality of life scores at year 3 postoperatively were compared between the two groups. Results: The R-Y group recorded a significantly longer operative time (194.65 ± 21.52 vs. 183.88 ± 18.02 min) and anastomotic time (36.96 ± 2.43 vs. 27.97 ± 3.74 min) compared to the BII + B group (p < 0.05). However, no other significant differences were observed in terms of perioperative variables, including blood loss (p > 0.05). Both groups showed comparable rates of early and late complications. Endoscopic findings indicated similar food residuals at years 1 and 3 post-surgery for both groups. The R-Y group had a lower occurrence of residual gastritis and bile reflux at year 1 and year 3 after surgery, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Reflux esophagitis was not significantly different between the R-Y and BII + B groups in year 1 after surgery (p = 0.820), but the R-Y group had a lower incidence than the BII + B group in year 3 after surgery (p = 0.023). Nutritional outcomes at 3 years after surgery did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05). Quality of life scores measured by the QLQ-C30 scale were not significantly different between the two groups. However, on the QLQ-STO22 scale, the reflux score was significantly lower in the R-Y group than in the BII + B group (0 [0, 0] vs. 5.56 [0, 11.11]) (p = 0.003). The rest of the scores were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Both R-Y and B II + B reconstructions are equally safe and efficient for TLDG. Nevertheless, the R-Y reconstruction reduces the incidence of residual gastritis, bile reflux, and reflux esophagitis, as well as postoperative reflux symptoms, and provides a better quality of life for patients. R-Y reconstruction is superior to BII + B reconstruction for TLDG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In practical engineering, it is common to offset the drainage system axis to avoid conflicts with beams and columns. However, such an offset could significantly affect the system's discharge capacity and drainage safety, leading to a prominent positive pressure above the offset floor. To address this issue, we propose optimizing the system by changing the elbow shapes at the offset position. In our study, we conducted comparative experiments on three elbow shapes, namely, a normal 90° elbow, double 45° elbow, and large curvature elbow, in two experimental systems. Pressure fluctuation and water seal losses were used as experimental parameters to determine the maximum discharge capacity in accordance with the Standard for Capacity Test of Vertical Pipe of the Domestic Residential Drainage System. Our experimental results show that replacing the 90° elbow with the double 45° elbow slightly reduces positive pressure. On the other hand, using the large curvature elbow effectively increases the drainage flow and reduces the positive pressure caused by the upper floor bias. Furthermore, we employed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to simulate the flow of water and air in the system, demonstrating the benefits of increasing the elbow at the connecting position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airway mucus is a complex viscoelastic gel composed mainly of water, glycoproteins, lipids, enzymes, minerals, etc. Among them, glycoproteins are the main factors determining mucus's gel-like rheology. Airway mucus forms a protective barrier by secreting mucin, which represents a barrier for absorption, especially for more lipophilic drugs. It rapidly removes drugs from the airway through the physiological mucus clearance mechanism so drugs cannot remain in the lungs or reach the airway epithelial tissue for a long time. Significant progress has been made in enhancing drug lung deposition recently, but strategies are still needed to help drugs break through the lung mucosal barrier. Based on the physiopathological mechanisms of airway mucus, this paper reviews and summarizes strategies to enhance drug penetration and retention in the airway mucosa mediated by nano-delivery systems, including mucosal permeation systems, mucosal adhesion systems, and enzyme-modified delivery systems. On this basis, the potential and challenges of nano-delivery systems for improving airway mucus clearance are revealed. New ideas and approaches are provided for designing novel nano-delivery systems that effectively improve drug retention and penetration in the airway mucus layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suburban railways in megacities exert a pivotal role in propelling urbanization and shaping urban agglomeration. However, previous study endeavors have overlooked the transformations occurring in urban expansion along suburban railways, with a particular dearth of attention on the spatio-temporal evolution of landscape ecology and urban function. Therefore, this study employs the megacity of Beijing as an example. It utilizes remote sensing and point-of-interest (POI) data spanning from 2008 to 2022 to construct an indicator system from two essential dimensions: urban form and function. We explored the spatio-temporal characteristics of alterations in urban expansion within the gradient buffer zone adjacent to the suburban railway network in Beijing. The results showed that: (1) The rates of urban expansion were highest in 2008–2013 and lowest in 2013–2018; moreover, suburban railways had the greatest impact on the built-up area within 2–4 km along the route, and the impact gradually decreased beyond 4 km. (2) The direction of urban expansion shifted northward in the direction of latitude and eastward in the direction of longitude from 2008 to 2022, with the shift in latitude being more distinct. (3) The number of urban functions gradually increased from 2008 to 2018, but the number of medical services suddenly increased and the number of other urban functions decreased from 2018 to 2022; in addition, urban functions other than scenic spots were mainly distributed in the main urban areas, with very few clusters distributed near stations. (4) The landscape shape index became more irregular and fragmented from the center along the route to the edge of the buffer zone from 2008 to 2013, and the degree of fragmentation was highest in the 2–4 km buffer zone. In summary, this paper analyzes the spatio-temporal characteristics of urban expansion along suburban railways through four indexes, namely expansion rate, expansion direction, urban function, and landscape shape, and the results of this study are of great significance to the development and planning of suburban railways in megacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various wet‐laid nonwoven composites have been well‐developed in recent decades. However, studies that systematically investigate the factors affecting the void content of wet‐laid nonwoven composites are still missing. This paper aims to study the factors affecting the void content of wet‐laid nonwoven composites and propose a mechanism for void elimination in wet‐laid nonwoven composites. Polypropylene (PP) and carbon fiber (CF) were chosen to manufacture PP/CF wet‐laid nonwoven composites. An orthogonal experimental design found that the CF content and molding pressure can dominate the void content while molding temperature and time have non‐significant effects. Subsequently, this paper proposed that the void elimination mechanism is the compression of the impregnated CF network and the trapped air (compression mechanism) instead of the matrix's infiltration to the dry CF network (infiltration mechanism). In order to validate the compression mechanism, we developed an analytical model for predicting the void content of the PP/CF wet‐laid nonwoven composites. Good agreement between the predicted and the experimental void content suggests that void elimination follows the compression mechanism. Highlights: An orthogonal experimental design reveals that the CF content and molding pressure can dominate the void content of the PP/CF wet‐laid nonwoven composite, while molding temperature and time have non‐significant effects.A mechanism (i.e., compression mechanism) is proposed to explain the effect of CF content and molding conditions on the void content of the PP/CF wet‐laid nonwoven composite.Good agreement between the experimental and the predicted void content validates the compression mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) plays an important role in a number of diseases. Nevertheless, the function of MYH9 in glioma is unclear. The present research aimed to investigate the role of MYH9 in glioma and determine whether MYH9 is involved in the temozolomide chemoresistance of glioma cells. Our results showed that MYH9 increased the proliferation and temozolomide resistance of glioma cells. The mechanistic experiments showed that the binding of MYH9 to NAP1L1, a potential promoter of tumor proliferation, inhibited the ubiquitination and degradation of NAP1L1 by recruiting USP14. Upregulation of NAP1L1 increased its binding with c-Myc and activated c-Myc, which induced the expression of CCND1/CDK4, promoting glioma cell temozolomide resistance and proliferation. Additionally, we found that MYH9 upregulation was strongly related to patient survival and is therefore a negative factor for patients with glioma. Altogether, our results show that MYH9 plays a role in glioma progression by regulating NAP1L1 deubiquitination. Thus, targeting MYH9 is a potential therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of glioma in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of cheap, efficient, and active non-noble metal electrocatalysts for total hydrolysis of water (oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)) is of great significance to promote the application of water splitting. Herein, a heterogeneous structured electrode based on FeAlCrMoV high-entropy alloy (HEA) was synthesized as a cost-effective electrocatalyst for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions in alkaline media. In combination of the interfacial synergistic effect and the high-entropy coordination environment, flower-like HEA/MoS 2 /MoP exhibited the excellent HER and OER electrocatalytic performance. It showed a low overpotential of 230 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 for OER and 148 mV for HER in alkaline electrolyte, respectively. Furthermore, HEA/MoS 2 /MoP as both anode and cathode also exhibited an overpotential of 1.60 V for overall water splitting. This work provides a new strategy for heterogeneous structure construction and overall water splitting based on high-entropy alloys. In combination of the interfacial synergistic effect and the high-entropy coordination environment, flower-like HEA/MoS 2 /MoP exhibited the excellent HER and OER electrocatalytic performance. [Display omitted] • Flower-like HEA/MoS 2 /MoP heterostructure has been successfully synthesized. • HEA/MoS 2 /MoP displayed low overpotential of 148 mV for HER and 230 mV for OER. • SynErgistic effect at interface promoted the transfer of electrons and charges. • High-entropy coordination environment improved activity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rubbing wear behavior of the honeycomb land against labyrinth fin was investigated with finite-element-analysis method at a range of incursion conditions. The contact behaviors, material property, and material damage and failure are computed within the user-defined-subroutines. With the experimental data, the finite-element-analysis method was validated with respect to the frictional temperature and worn geometry. The effects of stator material, incursion depth, incursion rate and sliding velocity on the contact force, frictional temperature, material loss, and worn geometry are analyzed. The results show that the sliding velocity, final incursion depth and incursion rate are the important factors affecting the wear behaviors of honeycomb stator. The mushrooming extension is decreased with the increase of sliding velocity, and increased with the increase of incursion rate. At high sliding velocity and low incursion rate conditions, the material loss accounts more in the wear volume deformation compared to the plastic deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-rib design concept was proposed to reduce the heat transfer and enhance film cooling effect on squealer tip. Three different shapes of ribs (i.e. straight ribs, V-shape ribs, and L-shape ribs) were configured in the cavity of squealer tip of a turbine stage. The distributions of heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and film cooling effectiveness (FCE) on the multi-rib squealer tip were numerically predicted and compared against the conventional squealer tip. The results indicate that the configuration of multiple ribs is beneficial to weaken the development of cavity vortex system, and also traps more coolants in the squealer cavity. Compared to the conventional design, the implementation of L-shape ribs reduces the thermal loads on the cavity floor and entire tip by 82.4% and 34.7%, respectively, while the film cooling effects on the cavity floor and the entire tip are enhanced by 21.1 % and 72.2 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: DNA barcoding is a valuable taxonomic tool for rapid and accurate species identification and cryptic species discovery in black flies. Indonesia has 143 nominal species of black flies, but information on their biological aspects, including vectorial capacity and biting habits, remains underreported, in part because of identification problems. The current study represents the first comprehensive DNA barcoding of Indonesian black flies using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. Methods: Genomic DNA of Indonesian black fly samples were extracted and sequenced, producing 86 COI sequences in total. Two hundred four COI sequences, including 118 GenBank sequences, were analysed. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) trees were constructed and species delimitation analyses, including ASAP, GMYC and single PTP, were performed to determine whether the species of Indonesian black flies could be delineated. Intra- and interspecific genetic distances were also calculated and the efficacy of COI sequences for species identification was tested. Results: The DNA barcodes successfully distinguished most morphologically distinct species (> 80% of sampled taxa). Nonetheless, high maximum intraspecific distances (3.32–13.94%) in 11 species suggested cryptic diversity. Notably, populations of the common taxa Simulium (Gomphostilbia) cheongi, S. (Gomphostilbia) sheilae, S. (Nevermannia) feuerborni and S. (Simulium) tani in the islands of Indonesia were genetically distinct from those on the Southeast Asian mainland (Malaysia and Thailand). Integrated morphological, cytogenetic and nuclear DNA studies are warranted to clarify the taxonomic status of these more complex taxa. Conclusions: The findings showed that COI barcoding is a promising taxonomic tool for Indonesian black flies. The DNA barcodes will aid in correct identification and genetic study of Indonesian black flies, which will be helpful in the control and management of potential vector species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A temperature sensor based upon a single mode - multimode-single mode – multimode - single mode (SMSMS) fiber structure is experimentally demonstrated. The SMSMS structure is covered by ethanol-glycerol solution, and changing the ratio of ethanol to glycerol changes the temperature sensitivity. A theoretical calculation was developed to characterize the influence of the ethanol-glycerol content upon the sensor performance,. Multimode interference (MMI) occurs between single mode fibers (SMF) and multimode fibers (MMF), and temperature measurements were achieved by monitoring the movement of the interference profile in the transmission spectrum. The results show that covering the SMSMS structure with an ethanol-glycerol solution improves the temperature sensitivity of the sensor. The temperature sensitivity was is 0.700 nm/°C from 30 °C to 80 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In spine surgery, poor bone condition is associated with several complications like adjacent segment fractures, proximal junctional kyphosis, and screw loosening. Our study explored the prevalence of osteoporosis in spinal surgery patients older than 50 years through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA criteria. Three electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, were searched from inception to August 2022. We used the random-effects model to calculate the overall estimates, and the heterogeneity was measured using Cochran's Q and I2 tests. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were used to determine the source of the heterogeneity. Results: Based on the inclusion and criteria, we chose ten studies with 2958 individuals for our analysis. The prevalence of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and osteoporosis/osteopenia in the spinal surgery patients was 34.2% (95%CI: 24.5%–44.6%), 43.5% (95%CI: 39.8%–47.2%), and 78.7% (95%CI: 69.0%–87.0%), respectively. Regarding different diagnoses, the prevalence was highest in patients with lumbar scoliosis (55.8%; 95%CI: 46.8%-64.7%) and the lowest in patients with cervical disc herniation (12.9%; 95%CI: 8.1%-18.7%). In age groups 50–59, 50–69,70–79, the prevalence was 27.8%, 60.4%, 75.4% in females, and 18.9%, 17.4%, 26.1% in males. Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of osteoporosis in patients undergoing spine surgery, especially in females, people of older age, and patients who received degenerative scoliosis and compression fractures. Current osteoporosis screening standards for patients undergoing spine surgery may not be adequate. Orthopedic specialists should make more efforts regarding preoperative osteoporosis screening and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a double-sided polished microstructured fiber based on the refractive index that simultaneously measures the refractive index and temperature. Two polished planes were introduced into the cladding. A gold film and polydimethylsiloxane are deposited on one side of the plane for temperature measurements, and graphene layers are coated on the surface of the silver film on the other side for refractive index measurements. The finite element method is used to characterize the sensing characteristics of the sensor. The results show that when the liquid refractive index is from 1.36 to 1.4 and the temperature from 70 °C to 110 °C, the maximum sensitivity of the sensor is 15,000 nm/RIU and 8.8 nm/°C, respectively. The double-sided polished structure facilitates the development of multi-parameter measurement sensors for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]