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Using the cold target recoil-ion momentum spectroscopy, we measured the state-selective single electron capture in collisions of 3.5–6.3 keV u−1 Ne7+ ions and He and H2. The Q -value spectra and angular distributions as a function of the projectile incident energy were obtained. The results show that the single electron capture into n = 4 states is the dominant reaction channel for the Ne7+-He system, while the capture into n = 4 and n = 5 states both are dominant processes for the Ne7+-H2 system. The molecular coulombic barrier model and the potential energy curves can qualitatively explain the measured state populations for both systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact damage evolution of thermally sprayed WC-Ni coatings was studied under 1-8000 impacts at a fixed load of 10 kN order. With increasing impact number, the accumulative damages of coatings evolve by in-sequence occurrence of WC spallation, coating cracking, and mixed coating/interface cracking accompanied with crack length and width growing. To comprehensively evaluate the coated component performance by observed accumulative damages as the failure criteria, a critical impact number Nc with critical load Lc is proposed for the onsets of different cracking features. The impact resistance is quantified, by Nc(Lcc) for onset of the coating cracking, and Nc(Lcm) for the mixed coating/interface cracking. A subclassification is identified as Nc(Lcm1) and Nc(Lcm2), respectively, for sequential occurrence of the isolated interface cracking and the propagated interface cracking of the penetrated from the coating surface. As the coating thickness is increased from 50 to 200 μm, the impact resistance under a load of 11.1 kN is correspondingly improved with Nc(Lcc) prolonged from 3000 to 4500, and Nc(Lcm1) from 4500 to 5000. In particular, Nc(Lcm2) is 6000 for the 50 μm coating, but no Nc(Lcm2) failure for the 200 μm coating up to 8000 impacts. The impact stress field analysis reveals reduced amplitudes of cyclic surface tensile stress and interface shear stress for the thicker coating, together with the interface shear stress shifting from a tensile-compressive alternating mode to a monotonous tensile one. The impact resistance of coated components under repetitive impacts is interpreted on thermodynamics where the thicker coatings mitigate impact mechanical energy dissipation of plastic strain energy in both coating and steel substrate, and accommodate larger reversible elastic strain energy during the periodic loading-unloading of impact cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study assessed the feasibility of acquiring single-attempt access to the pelvicalyceal system during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using stereotactic optical navigation combined with cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging. Methods: Patients with a PCNL indication were prospectively included in this IRB approved study. After sterile preparation, fiducial markers were attached to patients’ skin. An initial intraprocedural CBCT scan was acquired, on which the urologist planned the needle trajectory using the navigation software. After verifying that no critical structures were crossed, the needle guide was aligned with the plan. A needle was manually inserted through the needle guide to the indicated depth and a second CBCT scan was performed for needle position confirmation. Both, scanning and needle insertion, were performed under apnea. The study evaluated technical success, accuracy, procedure time, complication rate, and radiation dose. Results: Between June 2022 and April 2023, seven patients were included. In all patients, the navigation system allowed safe puncture. However, the technical success rate was only 29%. In 42% of the cases, pelvicalyceal access was achieved by a small manual adjustment. In the remaining 29%, the needle was retracted and positioned per clinical standard. The average deviation between the needle and target was 5.9 ± 2.3 mm. The average total procedure time was 211 ± 44 min. The average radiation exposure was 6.4 mSv, with CBCT scanning contributing to 82% of this exposure. Conclusions: The optical navigation system facilitated safe needle insertion but did not consistently ensure accurate one-attempt needle positioning for PCNL. Real-time visualization and trajectory correction may improve the technical success rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contact of rock joints during shearing induced by underground excavation significantly impacts the hydro-mechanical behaviour of fractured rock mass, since fluid tends to flow through a rough-walled fracture along connected channels while bypassing the contact areas with tortuosity. However, previous research mostly considered joint roughness or aperture changes based on 2D joint profiles, while the contact and tortuosity using 3D surfaces were often overlooked. This paper considers the evolution of contact area and aperture distribution during shearing. The concept of the critical inclination angle is introduced and correlated with the contact area during shearing based on Grasselli's criterion. The standard deviation of the mean mechanical aperture is calculated using the modified algorithm. An improved model for estimating the hydraulic aperture with the mechanical aperture is then developed, applying an aperture correction term and a contact correction term. A number of shear-flow tests on artificial joint samples under constant normal loads are conducted. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed model are verified by comparing it against the experimental results and by comparing the prediction performance with other published models. Results show that the proposed model can improve the prediction of the hydraulic aperture and hydraulic conductivity of a single rock joint during shearing. Highlights: An improved model is proposed to estimate hydraulic aperture with mechanical aperture, incorporating aperture and contact correction terms. The evolutions of geometric morphologies during shear can be computed, and the effects on flow behaviour are well described. A series of coupled shear-flow tests are conducted on two artificial joints with different surface characteristics under constant normal loads. The proposed model can predict the shear-flow coupled behaviour of rock joints with good accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the value of orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in predicting the efficacy of intravenous chemotherapy (IVC) for patients with retinoblastoma (RB). The pretreatment clinical and MRI data of 100 eyes from 80 RB patients who underwent IVC were collected retrospectively. There were 59 eyes in the effective group and 41 eyes in the ineffective group, and the baseline data of the two groups were compared statistically. Three radiologists reviewed and evaluated each lesion independently based on 25 MRI features. The predictive values of the MRI features for IVC efficacy were assessed by multi-factor logistic regression analysis, and their odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) with the area under the curve (AUC) were used to determine the predictive abilities. A predictive model was constructed by integrating all independent predictors visualised by the nomogram. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in sex or age between the effective and ineffective groups. The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that laterality, margin, and anterior eye segment enhancement were identified as independent factors that could predict IVC efficacy. The predictive model combining these three features was constructed, and it had an AUC of 0.732 (95% CI: 0.633, 0.831, p <0.01), a sensitivity of 71.2%, and a specificity of 70.7%. CONCLUSION: The data demonstrate that the orbital MRI features can be used to predict IVC efficiency before RB patients are treated. • Value of orbital MRI in predicting the efficacy of IVC for RB were analyzed. • Laterality, margin, and AES enhancement could predict IVC efficacy. • Calcification yielded a poor predictive ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In traditional 2D animation, sketches drawn at distant keyframes are used to design motion, yet it would be far too labor‐intensive to draw all the inbetween frames to fully visualize that motion. We propose a novel efficient interpolation algorithm that generates these intermediate frames in the artist's drawing style. Starting from a set of registered rough vector drawings, we first generate a large number of candidate strokes during a pre‐process, and then, at each intermediate frame, we select the subset of those that appropriately conveys the underlying interpolated motion, interpolates the stroke distributions of the key drawings, and introduces a minimum amount of temporal artifacts. In addition, we propose quantitative error metrics to objectively evaluate different stroke selection strategies. We demonstrate the potential of our method on various animations and drawing styles, and show its superiority over competing raster‐ and vector‐based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact resistance of coating/substrate systems is still lacking comprehensive understanding, especially for the thermal spray of wear-resistant coatings for coated components in potential applications with heavy-load impact service condition. The impact responses of a thermal spray WC-Ni coating/steel substrate were studied systematically by varying the coating thicknesses from 50 to 300 μm under an impact load of 1–10 kN. Besides conventionally employed crater depth/volume for impact evaluation, a critical impact load is identified to quantify the impact resistance with cracking. Considering the observed cracking modes, two critical loads of Lcc and Lcm have been defined corresponding to the cohesive failure of cracking in coatings and the mixed cohesive–adhesive failure including interface cracking, respectively. Increasing the coating thickness up to 200 μm raised the critical load Lcm from 7.4 to 11.1 kN, followed by a drop to 7.4 kN of Lcc at 300 μm. To reveal the influence of coating thickness, a major surface integrity parameter is proposed as the coating deformation in proportion to the total value of coating/substrate system in correlation to the impact resistance. The dependence of impact resistance on coating thickness is interpreted through the surface integrity changes by the thermodynamic mechanism of effective energy input and dissipation into the coating/substrate system from the external impact load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on collaborative manufacturing process modelling and simulation is of great significance in improving production efficiency and product quality, reducing costs, promoting collaborative work, and supporting decision-making. However, current studies have not offered the optimal costs of node enterprises participating in collaborative manufacturing, and ignored the impact of demand uncertainty of suppliers, manufacturers and customers on costs and economic benefits. Therefore, this paper aimed to study the collaborative manufacturing process modelling and simulation of production cost and economic benefit accounting analysis. First, this paper summarized three cost types, conducted cost accounting for the collaborative manufacturing process, and analysed its economic benefits. Second, based on the basic timed automata (TA) model, this paper used a timed input/output automata with port labels (Lp-TIOA) for modelling test cases of the simulation system. Finally, the experimental results verified the effectiveness of the constructed simulation model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wear-yet impact-resistant demand is a big challenge for coated components under heavy-load service condition. To solve this high-performance manufacturing problem, a new strategy of design for manufacturing (DFM) with integrated design and processing is developed to incorporate processing effect on final performance via the pivot role of surface integrity. An impact performance model and the impact tester are constructed for a component with coated flat block/bulk cylinder mates for potential application in hydraulic machinery. A WC-12Ni/Ni60A two-layer coating on 17-4PH martensitic steel substrate is designed with thermal spray process. Impact crater depth, surface hardening, and residual stresses are identified as major surface integrity parameters determining wear/impact performance by the modeling with testing. The design parameters of geometry, material, and structure are quantitatively linked to the final performance by a process signature (PS) correlative analysis on the identified surface integrity to internal material loading of plastic/elastic strain energies. The PS correlation posts coating thickness as a high-sensitivity parameter for design, facilitating a buffering effect of reduced peak stresses among the coating-substrate system. The DFM optimization is understood by irreversible thermodynamics as reducing energy dissipation of the internal material loading from the external impact loads. The manufacturing inverse problem is thus solved by material-oriented regularization (MOR) on the homologous PS correlations integrating the design and processing phases. The manufactured component, with optimal Ni60A interlayer thickness of 75-100 µm at a top WC-12Ni coating of 200 µm, achieves a desired performance of up to 6000 impacts under a nominal load of 15 kN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the gearbox fails, the impulsive fault feature is usually submerged in other frequency component. The recognition accuracy of the network model will be seriously affected when directly using the vibration signal as the sample input of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). To solve this problem, a state recognition method based on vibration signal fusion feature convolutional learning network (FF-CNN) is proposed to conduct the gear fault diagnosis. This method uses the Resonance-based Sparse Signal Decomposition (RSSD) algorithm to separate the periodic and impulsive components that characterize different fault characteristics of the vibration signal. The impulsive feature is amplified by the Teager energy operator. And then the signal periodic and impulsive components are input into CNN to perform the targeted deep learning. Finally, the efficiency of this method is validated using the gear power transmission failure simulation experimental setup. The research in this paper improves the effectiveness of the feature learning, reduces the complexity of deep learning model, and ensures the accuracy of state recognition. Through experimental research, it is found that the recognition accuracy of the recognition model based on the method in this paper reaches more than 95.6%. Highlights: The experiments were carried out in the dynamic engineering laboratory. An FF-CNN method is proposed to conduct the fault diagnosis. T-SNE tool in the manifold learning method was used to visualize the results. FF-CNN can improve the accuracy of fault diagnosis by separating fault features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our randomized clinical study comparing stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and stereotactic body proton therapy (SBPT) for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was closed prematurely owing to poor enrollment, largely because of lack of volumetric imaging and difficulty in obtaining insurance coverage for the SBPT group. In this article, we describe technology improvements in our new proton therapy center, particularly in image guidance with cone beam CT (CBCT) and CT on rail (CTOR), as well as motion management with real-time gated proton therapy (RGPT) and optical surface imaging. In addition, we have a treatment planning system that provides better treatment plan optimization and more accurate dose calculation. We expect to re-start the SBPT program, including for early stage NSCLC as well as for other disease sites soon after starting patient treatment at our new proton therapy center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fragmentation dynamics of two isomers of C3H6, cyclopropane and propene, induced by 4 keV/u Ar8+ are investigated employing a reaction microscope. Four two-body and two three-body dissociation channels of C 3 H 6 2 + dications are identified for each isomer, among which the channels involving CC bond breaking are found to be much more favored than H 3 + and H 2 + formation channels. The observation of the CH 3 + or H 3 + formation channels from cyclopropane are direct evidence of the proton migration within the carbon skeleton before dissociation. Obvious isomer effects are revealed by comparing the relative branching ratios of different channels of the two isomers. Moreover, it was shown that a sequential dissociation mechanism with H elimination prior to CC bond cleavage may be dominant for the two three-body dissociation channels for both isomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheyletus, including Cheyletus malaccensis and Cheyletus eruditus and other species, is a predatory mite at genus level. Some studies have reported distribution rates of Cheyletus in dust samples, but their results are inconsistent. The aim of this meta analysis was to comprehensively evaluate the distribution rates of Cheyletus in dust samples. Articles concerning the distribution rates of Cheyletus species in dust samples were searched and screened in electronic databases. The pooled distribution rate with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. Thirteen articles were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 15 studies reported the rates of Cheyletus in all mites from dust and the pooled rate was 2.62% (95% CI: 2.32%–2.92%). A total of three studies reported the rates of dust samples with Cheyletus in all dust samples and their pooled rate was 19.82% (95% CI: 5.10%–34.54%). Heterogeneities existed within included studies and source of heterogeneities could not be found though subgroup analyses by species, publication year, sample size of all mites were conducted. There is a low rate of Cheyletus in all mites from dust and a low rate of dust samples with Cheyletus in all dust samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the utility of trio-based prenatal exome sequencing (pES), incorporating splice-site and mitochondrial genome assessment, in the prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with ultrasound anomalies and normal copy-number variant sequencing (CNV-seq) results.Methods: This was a prospective study of 90 ongoing pregnancies with ultrasound anomalies that underwent trio-based pES after receiving normal CNV-seq results, from September 2020 to November 2021, in a single center in China. By using pES with a panel encompassing exome coding and splicing regions as well as mitochondrial genome for fetuses and parents, we identified the underlying genetic causes of fetal anomalies, incidental fetal findings and parental carrier status. Information on pregnancy outcome and the impact of pES findings on parental decision-making was collected.Results: Of the 90 pregnancies included, 28 (31.1%) received a diagnostic result that could explain the fetal ultrasound anomalies. The highest diagnostic yield was noted for brain abnormalities (3/6 (50.0%)), followed by hydrops (4/9 (44.4%)) and skeletal abnormalities (13/34 (38.2%)). Collectively, 34 variants of 20 genes were detected in the 28 diagnosed cases, with 55.9% (19/34) occurring de novo. Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) associated with fetal phenotypes were detected in six (6.7%) fetuses. Interestingly, fetal (n = 4) and parental (n = 3) incidental findings (IFs) were detected in seven (7.8%) cases. These included two fetuses carrying a de-novo likely pathogenic (LP) variant of the CIC and FBXO11 genes, respectively, associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, and one fetus with a LP variant in a mitochondrial gene. The remaining fetus presented with unilateral renal dysplasia and was incidentally found to carry a pathogenic PKD1 gene variant resulting in adult-onset polycystic kidney, which was later confirmed to be inherited from the mother. In addition, parental heterozygous variants associated with autosomal recessive diseases were detected in three families, including one with additional fetal diagnostic findings. Diagnostic results or fetal IFs contributed to parental decision-making about termination of the pregnancy in 26 families (26/72 (36.1%)), while negative pES results or identification of VUS encouraged 40 families (40/72 (55.6%)) to continue their pregnancy, which ended in a live birth in all cases.Conclusion: Trio-based pES can provide additional genetic information for pregnancies with fetal ultrasound anomalies without a CNV-seq diagnosis. The incidental findings and parental carrier status reported by trio-based pES with splice-site and mitochondrial genome analysis extend its clinical application, but careful genetic counseling is warranted. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the simulation and experimental study of the high-power ion beam generation in an ion diode with a passive anode (accelerating voltage of 250–300 kV, pulse duration of 150 ns, beam energy per pulse of ≈50 J) are presented. The studies were carried out on a diode with a stainless steel anode during operation in the mode of double pulses of different polarities and plasma formation at explosive emission of electrons during the first pulse. It is found that a diode with a metal anode generates nitrogen ions, and the content of heavier ions of the anode material (Fe+) is insignificant. It is shown that the suppression of the heavy ion generation in an ion diode with a passive anode is caused by a higher expansion rate of the light-ion component of the anode plasma. The penetration depth of the electric field into the anode plasma is less than the layer thickness of lighter ions at its emission boundary; therefore, only light ions are emitted from the anode plasma and accelerated in the anode–cathode gap. The suppression of the heavy ion generation in a diode with a passive anode is a positive effect that provides an increase in the ion current when operating in the current limitation mode by the volume charge and a decrease in the density of impurity ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sagnac interferometry is advantageous in measuring time-reversal-symmetry breaking effects in ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic materials as it suppresses time-reversal symmetric birefringent effects that are ubiquitous and often overwhelming in optical detection systems. When its sensitivity is limited only by the amplifier noise in the photo-detector, one needs to optimize the optical power that returns to the detector. We demonstrate an experimental scheme that maximizes the returning optical power in a Sagnac interferometry when detecting the magneto-optic effect in ultrathin films. In this scheme, the optical beam bearing the Faraday effect on a thin film is reflected at a second surface coated with a highly reflective gold film. The gold film increases the returned optical power by a factor of 4–5. For a normal-incidence Sagnac interferometer, this scheme yields an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio by the same factor. For an oblique-incidence Sagnac interferometer, this scheme should yield an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of 20–25. For illustration, this scheme is used to measure magnetization curves and Kerr rotation images of 4.5-unit-cell thick SrRuO3(001) grown on SrTiO3(001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The counter jib and rod support are the main stress-bearing parts of crane due to large load. But the long weld seams of their joints produce great residual stress and deformation affecting the welding strength. In order to reduce the residual stress and the deformation simultaneously, an optimal welding procedure was proposed considering the effective length of welding seam. Firstly, a theoretic model of welding seam was built as T-joint of Q355 steel. The accuracy of model was verified by the welding experiments. By numerical simulation, the appropriate welding process parameters were obtained. Four welding procedures were designed to investigate the influence of the welding sequence. Results show that the welding sequence has a great influence on residual stress and deformation of the long welding seam. The welding quality can be improved by segmented welding and simultaneous welding. The optimized welding procedure of long welding seam can reduce the residual stress by 8.04 % and the maximum deformation by 74.1 % considering welding sequence. Therefore, it is recommended in the actual welding process of crane. (Received in April 2022, accepted in June 2022. This paper was with the authors 3 weeks for 1 revision.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Parastomal hernia poses a challenging problem in the field of hernia surgery. The high incidence and recurrence rates of parastomal hernia necessitate surgeons to enhance surgical techniques and repair materials. This study aimed to develop a rat model of parastomal hernia by inducing various types of defects on the abdominal wall with colostomy. This established method has potential for future studies on parastomal hernia.In this study, 32 male rats were included and randomly divided into four groups: the oblique abdominis excision (OE), oblique abdominis dissection (OD), rectus abdominis excision (RE), and rectus abdominis dissection (RD) groups. In each group, colostomy was performed and an abdominal wall defect was induced. The rats were observed for 28 days following surgery. The survival rate, body weight, parastomal hernia model scores, abdominal wall adhesion and inflammation, and collagen level in the hernial sac were compared.No significant differences in survival rate and weight were observed among the four groups. The parastomal hernia model scores in the RE and RD groups were significantly higher than those in the OE and OD groups. The ratio of collagen I/III in the RE and RD groups was significantly lower than that in the OE and OD groups. Adhesion and inflammation levels were lower in the RE group than in the RD group.Based on a comprehensive comparison of the findings, RE with colostomy emerged as the optimal approach for establishing parastomal hernia models in rats.Methods: Parastomal hernia poses a challenging problem in the field of hernia surgery. The high incidence and recurrence rates of parastomal hernia necessitate surgeons to enhance surgical techniques and repair materials. This study aimed to develop a rat model of parastomal hernia by inducing various types of defects on the abdominal wall with colostomy. This established method has potential for future studies on parastomal hernia.In this study, 32 male rats were included and randomly divided into four groups: the oblique abdominis excision (OE), oblique abdominis dissection (OD), rectus abdominis excision (RE), and rectus abdominis dissection (RD) groups. In each group, colostomy was performed and an abdominal wall defect was induced. The rats were observed for 28 days following surgery. The survival rate, body weight, parastomal hernia model scores, abdominal wall adhesion and inflammation, and collagen level in the hernial sac were compared.No significant differences in survival rate and weight were observed among the four groups. The parastomal hernia model scores in the RE and RD groups were significantly higher than those in the OE and OD groups. The ratio of collagen I/III in the RE and RD groups was significantly lower than that in the OE and OD groups. Adhesion and inflammation levels were lower in the RE group than in the RD group.Based on a comprehensive comparison of the findings, RE with colostomy emerged as the optimal approach for establishing parastomal hernia models in rats.Results: Parastomal hernia poses a challenging problem in the field of hernia surgery. The high incidence and recurrence rates of parastomal hernia necessitate surgeons to enhance surgical techniques and repair materials. This study aimed to develop a rat model of parastomal hernia by inducing various types of defects on the abdominal wall with colostomy. This established method has potential for future studies on parastomal hernia.In this study, 32 male rats were included and randomly divided into four groups: the oblique abdominis excision (OE), oblique abdominis dissection (OD), rectus abdominis excision (RE), and rectus abdominis dissection (RD) groups. In each group, colostomy was performed and an abdominal wall defect was induced. The rats were observed for 28 days following surgery. The survival rate, body weight, parastomal hernia model scores, abdominal wall adhesion and inflammation, and collagen level in the hernial sac were compared.No significant differences in survival rate and weight were observed among the four groups. The parastomal hernia model scores in the RE and RD groups were significantly higher than those in the OE and OD groups. The ratio of collagen I/III in the RE and RD groups was significantly lower than that in the OE and OD groups. Adhesion and inflammation levels were lower in the RE group than in the RD group.Based on a comprehensive comparison of the findings, RE with colostomy emerged as the optimal approach for establishing parastomal hernia models in rats.Conclusion: Parastomal hernia poses a challenging problem in the field of hernia surgery. The high incidence and recurrence rates of parastomal hernia necessitate surgeons to enhance surgical techniques and repair materials. This study aimed to develop a rat model of parastomal hernia by inducing various types of defects on the abdominal wall with colostomy. This established method has potential for future studies on parastomal hernia.In this study, 32 male rats were included and randomly divided into four groups: the oblique abdominis excision (OE), oblique abdominis dissection (OD), rectus abdominis excision (RE), and rectus abdominis dissection (RD) groups. In each group, colostomy was performed and an abdominal wall defect was induced. The rats were observed for 28 days following surgery. The survival rate, body weight, parastomal hernia model scores, abdominal wall adhesion and inflammation, and collagen level in the hernial sac were compared.No significant differences in survival rate and weight were observed among the four groups. The parastomal hernia model scores in the RE and RD groups were significantly higher than those in the OE and OD groups. The ratio of collagen I/III in the RE and RD groups was significantly lower than that in the OE and OD groups. Adhesion and inflammation levels were lower in the RE group than in the RD group.Based on a comprehensive comparison of the findings, RE with colostomy emerged as the optimal approach for establishing parastomal hernia models in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent experimental results showed that an electron gas in an asymmetrical double barrier heterostructure can be effectively cooled down under resonant tunneling condition, thus leading to the realization of an electronic cooler. The cooling process is a multi-parameters phenomenon and it is desirable to handle this problem through a reasonably simple approach, in order to understand the role of each parameter. To this end, we present a rate equation modeling of the electron cooling. We model the resonant tunnel injection of the electrons in the well and their thermionic emission assisted by Longitudinal Optical (LO) phonons absorption and emission. The influence of several parameters on the electronic temperature is discussed. This simple model compares rather well to the predictions of non-equilibrium Green function approach and to the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain growth behaviors of niobium free, 0.021 wt. % niobium microalloyed and 0.024 wt. % niobium‐0.0022 wt. % boron microalloyed 20MnCr5 steels are investigated in this paper. Optical microscopy and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the prior austenite grain. Transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to investigate the morphologies and compositions of the precipitates, respectively. The results show that adding niobium reduces the size of prior austenite grain. The addition of boron to niobium microalloyed steel, however, causes grain coarsening. Thermodynamic and kinetic calculations were performed to explain the mechanism of grain growth behavior. The results indicate that the addition of niobium and boron causes the difference in solution temperatures of aluminum nitride and niobium carbonitride precipitates. The addition of boron inhibits the precipitation of niobium carbonitride and aluminum nitride and causes precipitates coarsening. The precipitation observation backs up the calculation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The gut microbiota is an integral part of the host and plays an important role in both growth and development of host. The research on intestinal microbiota of Nibea albiflora and its relationship to fish disease have not been reported before. This study aimed to investigate the composition and differences of gut bacteria between healthy and diseased Nibea albiflora. Methods: The intestines were collected from forty fish (twenty healthy fish and twenty diseased). Total DNA was extracted and then amplified by nested PCR. The PCR product was subjected to the DGGE test and performed at the IlluminaMiseq sequencing. Result: The obtained results of both utilized techniques (DGGE and Next generation sequencing) showed that dominant bacteria could be grouped into four populations and the composition of intestinal bacteria differed significantly between healthy (NH) and diseased (ND) Nibea albiflora. NH has higher levels of γ-Proteobacteria and Firmicutes and with 46.91% Photobacterium supplied the dominant genus in NH. Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes were higher in ND and Cetobacterium occupied 62.31% and was the dominant genus in ND. More probiotics were detected in NH, such as Lactobacillus, Brevibacillus, Enterococcus and Lactococcus (occupying 1.77% -19.76%), while less than 0.2% were detected for both in ND. More genera that belonged to Vibrionaceae, such as Enterovibrio (9.27%) and Vibrio (2.17%), were detected in ND and their abundances in NH were 0.79% and 0.03%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Terpenes are major varietal aroma compounds significantly contributing to wine quality and style. Autochthonous microbial starters can promote the formation and release of the terpenes and thus highlight the terroir typicality of wines. This study compared the physicochemical parameters, changes in the terpene concentration, β‐D‐glucosidase activity and sensory attributes of Chardonnay wines fermented individually by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae autochthonous MQ3 strain isolated from spontaneous fermented grape must and by three commercial S. cerevisiae strains. Methods and Results: The evolution of terpenes during alcoholic fermentation was followed with ultrasound‐assisted liquid–liquid extraction combined with GC. The physicochemical parameters of wine fermented by the MQ3 strain were significantly different from those of the wines fermented by other yeasts. The pattern of the terpenes detected, including linalool, α‐terpineol, farnesol, geraniol, nerol and citronellol, varied during alcoholic fermentation. The MQ3 strain induced greater accumulation of terpenes with increased concentration of α‐terpineol, geraniol and (E,E)‐farnesol. Besides, the MQ3 strain exhibited an enhanced ability to produce β‐D‐glucosidase compared to that of the other three strains. With the exception of α‐terpineol and (E,E)‐farnesol, there was no significant correlation between the concentration of the other terpenoids and β‐D‐glucosidase activity as shown by Pearson's correlation analysis. Wine produced with the MQ3 strain was characterised by a distinctive complex flavour with enhanced floral and fruity aromas. Conclusions: The autochthonous MQ3 strain had a positive effect on the varietal aroma and sensory quality of the wines. Significance of the Study: Due to its aroma enhancing ability, the MQ3 strain could be applied to produce quality Chardonnay wine with terroir typicality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the production effects of N -acetyl- l -methionine (NALM; experiment 1) and to estimate its bioavailability (BA) and rumen escape (RE; experiment 2), respectively, in lactating dairy cows. In experiment 1, 18 multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated, 3 × 3 Latin square design experiment with three 28-d periods. Treatments were (1) basal diet estimated to supply 45 g/d digestible Met (dMet) or 1.47% of metabolizable protein (MP; control), (2) basal diet top-dressed with 32 g/d of NALM to achieve dMet supply of 2.2% of MP, and (3) basal diet top-dressed with 56 g/d of NALM to achieve dMet supply of 2.6% of MP. The NALM treatments supplied estimated 17 and 29 g/d dMet from NALM, respectively, based on manufacturer's specifications. In experiment 2, 4 rumen-cannulated lactating Holstein cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment with four 12-d periods. A 12-d period for baseline data collection and 4 d for determination of RE of NALM preceded the Latin square experiment. For determination of RE, 30 g of NALM were dosed into the rumen simultaneously with Cr-EDTA (used as a rumen fluid kinetics marker) and samples of ruminal contents were collected at 0 (before dosing), 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 18, and 24 h after dosing. Rumen escape of NALM was calculated using the estimated passage rate based on the measured Cr rate of disappearance. Bioavailability of abomasally dosed NALM was determined using the area under the curve of plasma Met concentration technique. Two doses of l -Met (providing 7.5 and 15 g of dMet) and 2 doses of NALM (11.2 and 14.4 g of dMet) were separately pulse-dosed into the abomasum of the cows and blood was collected from the jugular vein for Met concentration analysis at 0 (before dosing), 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, and 24 h after dosing. Supplementation of NALM did not affect DMI, milk yield, feed efficiency, or milk protein and lactose concentrations and yields in experiment 1. Milk fat concentration and energy-corrected milk yield decreased linearly with NALM dose. Plasma Met concentration was not affected by NALM dose. The estimated relative BA of abomasally dosed NALM (experiment 2) was 50% when dosed at 14.4 g/cow (11.2 g/d dMet from NALM) and 24% when dosed at 28.8 g/cow (14.4 g/d dMet from NALM). The estimated RE of NALM was 19% based on the measured k p of Cr at 11%/h. The total availability of ingested NALM was estimated at 9.5% for the lower NALM dose when taking into account RE (19%) and bioavailability in the small intestine (50%). Overall, NALM supplementation to mid-lactation dairy cows fed a MP-adequate basal diet below NRC (2001) recommendations (45 g/d or 1.47% Met of MP) decreased milk fat and energy-corrected milk yields but did not affect milk or milk true protein yields. Further evaluation of BA of NALM at different doses is warranted. In addition, intestinal conversion of NALM to Met needs additional investigation to establish a possible saturation of the enzyme aminoacylase I at higher NALM doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a simple model was developed to predict the dynamics of a spark-induced bubble under different ambient pressures. This work helps in developing a deep-towed plasma sparker, as the model can predict the dynamics of bubbles subjected to very high ambient pressures (about 20 MPa) which normally are difficult to obtain experimentally. Experimental results indicate that the maximum bubble radius for a fixed discharge energy decreases as a power-law function of the ambient pressure up to 1.0 MPa; the bubble period also decreases quickly with increasing ambient pressure. For a constant value of the ratio of bubble energy to discharge energy, the modeling results for both maximum radius and bubble period are in good agreement with the experimental results. Both sets of results indicate that the bubble period is proportional to the maximum radius under different ambient pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop and test the first causal model of thriving at work in Chinese nurses. Background: Nurses' ability to thrive at their work is critical to retain qualified nurses and meet the needs of a constantly changing health environment. However, this is a poorly researched area. Introduction: Thriving at work refers to the feeling of vitality and learning at work, which are evidenced to be solidly associated with nurses' development. Only a few factors have been explored regarding the effects of thriving at work. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was undertaken using stratified random sampling. This involved 565 nurses from five general hospitals in Dali city, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China. Data were collected from April to September 2019 using seven instruments. The model was constructed and tested using the Analysis of Moment Structure program and reported using the STROBE checklist. Results: All model variables provided direct and indirect effects to the outcome. The final model fitted the empirical data with acceptable indices. Discussion: Predicting variables of workplace mindfulness, authentic leadership, workplace violence, organizational justice and years of experience were found to affect thriving at work directly and indirectly. Psychological capital and perceived organizational support mediated the effects between predicting variables to the outcome. Conclusion and Implications for nursing and health policy: Recommendations for nursing and health leaders are provided to improve nurses' thriving at work by building fair, supportive, and safe working environments, improving head nurses' authentic leadership and cultivating nurses' mindfulness. Policies need to be promulgated to improve and regulate the nurse–patient ratio and to eliminate violence against Chinese nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charge exchange has been recognized as a primary source of soft X-ray emission in many astrophysical outflow environments, including cometary and planetary exospheres impacted by the solar wind. Some models have been set up by using different data collections of charge-exchange cross-sections. However, multiple-electron transfer has not been included in these models. In this paper, we set up a charge-exchange model with the inclusion of double-electron capture (DEC), and make a detailed investigation of this process on X-ray emissions of highly charged carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and neon ions by using available experimental cross-sections. We also study the effect of different n- selective cross-sections on soft X-ray emission by using available experimental n -distributions. This work reveals that DEC enhancement on line intensity is linearly proportional to the ratio of ion abundance in the solar wind. It is more obvious for soft X-rays from carbon ions (C4+) in collision with CO2, and the enhancement on line intensity can be up to 53 per cent with typical ion abundances [ Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE)] in the solar wind. The synthetic spectra with parameters from the Ulysses mission for the solar wind reveal velocity dependence, target dependence, as well as the non-negligible contribution from the DEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical topological insulators have enabled a myriad of unprecedented characteristics that are otherwise not conceivable in traditional periodic structures. While rich in dynamics, new developments in the domain of mechanical topological systems are hindered by their inherent inability to exhibit negative elastic or inertial couplings owing to the inevitable loss of dynamical stability. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to remedy this challenge by introducing a class of architected inertial metamaterials (AIMs) as a platform for designing mechanical lattices with novel topological and dispersion traits. We show that carefully coupling elastically supported masses via moment-free rigid linkages invokes a dynamically stable negative inertial coupling, which is essential for topological classes in need of such negative interconnection. The potential of the proposed AIMs is demonstrated via three examples: (i) a mechanical analogue of Majorana edge states, (ii) a square diatomic AIM that can sustain the quantum valley Hall effect (classically arising in hexagonal lattices), and (iii) a square tetratomic AIM with topological corner modes. We envision that the presented framework will pave the way for a plethora of robust topological mechanical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I present a magneto-optic effect study of magnetic domains in a ferrimagnetic yttrium iron garnet crystal at different stages of a hysteresis loop. By measuring the Faraday effect in response to the out-of-plane component and Kerr effects to the in-plane components of the sample magnetization, I examined the evolution of magnetic domains during a hysteresis loop in an in-plane external magnetic field. I found that crystalline anisotropy, magneto-static energy, and the presence of movable domain walls play indispensable roles in the domain orientation, particularly when the external field is near zero, and have led to seemingly unusual appearances of hysteresis loops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate has a considerable influence on tree growth. Forest managers benefit from the empirical study of the historic relationship between climatic variables and tree growth to support forest management frameworks that are to be applied under scenarios of climate change. Through this research, we have utilized long-term permanent sample plot records, historic climate data sets, and linear mixed modelling techniques to evaluate the historic influence of climatic variables on the growth rates of major boreal tree species in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. For the commercially significant spruce and fir forests of the province, we found growing degree-days (GDD) to negatively correlate with tree productivity in warmer regions, such as much of Newfoundland (±1350 GDD), but positively correlate with growth in cooler regions, such as those in Labrador (±750 GDD). With respect to precipitation, environmental moisture was not on average a limiting factor to species productivity in the province. These dynamics have implications for the productivity of the spruce–fir forests of the study area when considered alongside contemporary climate projections for the region, which generally entail both a warmer and wetter growing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe an oblique-incidence zero-area Sagnac interferometric microscope for studying spatial and temperature dependence of magneto-optic (MO) effects in samples under cryogenic conditions. The microscope is capable of independently measuring Kerr effects from three Cartesian components of a magnetization and thus can be used to map out the magnetization vector across the sample. For illustration, we present MO Kerr effect images of magnetic domains at 77 K of a LaCrGe3 crystal terminated with an a–c plane (the plane that contains the lattice a-axis and c-axis). We further present measurements of magnetization in these domains from 90 to 77 K during zero-field cooling and field cooling in an external magnetic field from 20 to 150 Oe. The inherently high sensitivity and the capability of detecting a magnetization without external modulation makes such a Sagnac interferometric microscope particularly useful for studying magnetic effects in novel materials at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the accuracy of unenhanced attenuation and early biphasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in differentiating adrenal metastases (AMs) from lipid-poor adrenal adenomas (AAs).Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 37 patients with 50 AMs and 86 patients with 89 lipid-poor AAs. Quantitative data including the longest diameter (LD), the shortest diameter (SD), LD/SD ratio, CT attenuation values (CTu, CTa, CTv), degree of enhancement (DEAP, DEPP, DEpeak, APW, RPW), and peak enhanced/unenhanced (PE/U) CT attenuation ratio were obtained. Qualitative data including enhancement pattern, location, shape, the presence of calcification or haemorrhage, and intra-lesion necrosis were analysed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were also calculated.Results: The PE/U ratio (≤1.25), CTu (≥32.2 HU), DEpeak (≤43.15 HU), DEPP (≤37.65 HU), presence of intralesional necrosis, location (bilateral adrenal glands), and irregular shape were significant variables for differentiating AMs from lipid-poor AAs (p<0.05). Among them, PE/U ratio (≤1.25) was of greater value in differentiating the two adrenal diseases, with sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating curve (ROC) curve (AUC) of 92%, 84%, 0.933, respectively. When at least any three of above criteria were combined, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for diagnosing AMs were 88%, 93%, 88%, and 88%, respectively.Conclusions: These seven CT criteria are conducive to differentiate AMs from lipid-poor AAs. Early biphasic contrast-enhanced CT is a high-efficient and practical imaging tool in differentiating them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exciton–polariton condensate is a hybrid light–matter state in the quantum fluid phase. The photonic component endows it with characters of spin, as represented by circular polarization. Spin-polarization can form stochastically for quasi-equilibrium exciton–polariton condensates at parallel momentum vector k|| ∼ 0 from bifurcation or deterministically for propagating condensates at k|| > 0 from the optical spin-Hall effect (OSHE). Here, we report deterministic spin-polarization in exciton–polariton condensates at k|| ∼ 0 in microcavities containing methylammonium lead bromide perovskite (CH3NH3PbBr3) single crystals under non-resonant and linearly polarized excitation. We observe two energetically split condensates with opposite circular polarizations and attribute this observation to the presence of strong birefringence, which introduces a large OSHE at k|| ∼ 0 and pins the condensates in a particular spin state. Such spin-polarized exciton–polariton condensates may serve not only as circularly polarized laser sources but also as effective alternatives to ultracold atom Bose–Einstein condensates in quantum simulators of many-body spin–orbit coupling processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study evaluated the bioequivalence of China-manufactured biosimilar, HLX02, to reference China (CN)- and European Union (EU)-sourced trastuzumab.Methods: This was a two-part Phase 1 study conducted in healthy Chinese males. Part 1 evaluated the safety of different doses of HLX02 (2, 4, 6 or 8 mg/kg; intravenous infusion over 90 min, n = 3 per group). Part 2, a randomized, double-blind study, investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and immunogenicity of study drugs (HLX02 [n = 37], CN-trastuzumab [n = 35] or EU-trastuzumab [n = 37] at the dose suggested by Part 1 results). The primary PK endpoint was the area under the serum concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUCinf). Equivalence was concluded if the 90% confidence interval (CI) for the geometric least squares mean ratio (GLSMR) fell in the equivalence criteria of 0.80-1.25.Results: In Part 1, all doses of HLX02 were well tolerated and 6 mg/kg was suggested for Part 2. The GLSMRs and 90% CIs for AUCinf were: 0.950 (0.891-1.013), 0.914 (0.858-0.973) and 0.962 (0.902-1.025) for HLX02 versus CN-trastuzumab, HLX02 versus EU-trastuzumab and CN-trastuzumab versus EU-trastuzumab, respectively. Secondary endpoints comparisons also fell in the equivalence criteria. Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 75.7, 86.5 and 70.3% of the subjects in HLX02, CN-trastuzumab, and EU-trastuzumab groups, respectively. No serious adverse events or deaths occurred. No treatment-related anti-drug antibodies were detected.Conclusion: This study demonstrated comparable safety profiles and PK bioequivalence among HLX02, CN-trastuzumab and EU-trastuzumab in healthy Chinese male subjects.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02581748, registered at October 19, 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the utility of expanded non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS), compared with chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities in high-risk pregnancies.Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective study of singleton pregnancies at high risk for chromosomal abnormality. Patients who underwent expanded NIPS and CMA sequentially during pregnancy from 2015 to 2019 were included in the analysis. Pregnancies with a positive result for sex chromosome aneuploidy were excluded as the full details could not be retrieved. The utility of expanded NIPS and CMA for detection of chromosomal abnormalities in this cohort was compared by assessing the concordance between the results.Results: Of the 774 included high-risk pregnancies, 550 (71.1%) had a positive NIPS result, while a positive CMA result was detected in 308 (39.8%) cases. The rate of full or partial concordance between NIPS and CMA was 82.2%, 59.6% and 25.0% for trisomies 21, 18 and 13, respectively. For rare aneuploidies and segmental imbalances, NIPS and CMA results were fully or partially concordant in 7.5% and 33.3% of cases, respectively. Copy-number variants < 5 Mb were detected more often by CMA, with an incidence of 7.9% (61/774) compared with 3.1% (24/774) by NIPS. A genetic aberration was detected by CMA in 1 in 17 (5.8%) high-risk pregnancies that had a negative or non-reportable NIPS result.Conclusion: CMA allows for comprehensive detection of genome-wide chromosomal abnormalities in high-risk pregnancies. CMA should be offered instead of expanded NIPS for high-risk pregnancies. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I report experimental methods for measuring real and imaginary parts of the linear electric quadrupole susceptibility tensor of nonlinear optical crystals that lack inversion centers. The third-ranked tensor is related to the corresponding second-order nonlinear susceptibility tensor. For opaque materials such as GaAs, the methods involve normal-incidence reflectivity difference detection schemes. For transparent materials, quadrupole susceptibility tensor elements may be measured with similarly construed transmission difference detection schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American eel population status in Canada was last assessed in 2012 and 2014. The present report re-assessed American eel abundance indices and investigated temporal trends in relative abundance in five management regions. Assessment included fishery-dependent and - independent data; however, the lack of data in several regions and/or for different life stages limited our ability to fully evaluate American eel population trends in Canada. Between 1874 and 2016, reported American eel landings in Canada varied between 200.6 and 1411.7 tons. From the 1880s to 1990 reported landings fluctuated without an overall trend, but showed relative stability in the 1970s and 1980s. Since about 1990 reported landings have steadily decreased. Fishery-independent indices, updated since the last assessment, were developed using generalized linear mixed models including temporal, environmental, and effort variables to account for changes in catchability. Overall, 12 fishery-independent datasets were evaluated of which 9 reflected yellow eel abundance. Trend analysis indicated that American eel abundance was stable (6 surveys), declining (4 surveys) or increasing (2 surveys). The 25th percentile reference point when compared to the initial year indicated 8 downward trends; however, when the 25th percentile reference point in the terminal year was compared to those in 2012 an increase in abundance was observed for 5 surveys over the last 5 years. Reference points for defining the stock status of American eel in Canada were not estimated as further data and analysis are needed. However, trends in relative abundance are similar to the last stock assessment in 2012 and recovery plan in 2014. Commercial landings and fisheriesindependent surveys suggest that American eel abundance has been stable since 2000 but at low abundance and the downward trend in several surveys remains a concern for the recovery of the population in Canada. Therefore, the American eel population is similar to 2012 and its stock continues to be at risk. We recommend continued monitoring and data gathering in order to better evaluate American eel status in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of metallographic observation, scanning electron microscopy and electron probe micro analysis, the quantity, particle size, distribution, morphology and composition of inclusions in the slab were discussed in detail. Which can provide a reference for the process optimization of IF steel and the production of pure steel slabs. The results show that the content of C, N and O in the IF steel continuous casting slab produced by this plant is controlled at about 20 ppm, and the content of P and S is lower and the steel is relatively pure. Most of the inclusions are below 2 μm. Most of the inclusions are pure Al2O3, a small part contains a small amount of microscopic MnS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution is a serious environmental problem and is increasing the threat to public health. In the experiment, a cadmium metal organic framework (MOF) with high selectivity and stability and a low detection limit is used to detect Fe3+ and ions in an aqueous solution. Luminescence spectra measurements show that Cd–MOF can selectively and sensitively detect and Fe3+ ions in an aqueous solution with low detection limits of 0.08 μM and 2.1 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The shear properties of the notched steel plate (NSP) as a novel shear connector were investigated by conducting push-out tests and FE analyses. • The shear capacity increased as the thickness increased from 9 mm to 12 mm. Moreover, the shear capacity increased and shear stiffness decreased as the height increased from 50 mm to 75 mm. • The nonlinear FE model considering the interface between the NSP and concrete block could effectively predict the shear stiffness, shear capacity and failure pattern of the push-out test. • Failure mechanism of NSP was steel yielding accompanying with concrete compression failure, which was investigated by the verified FE model. It shows that a good welding quality and reasonable concrete compressive strength are required in the manufacture process. • The experimental shear capacities of the NSP were most similar to those obtained using the AISC specifications and Eurocode 4 in case of channel and angle shear connectors. To ensure durability and save time in construction, steel–concrete composite slabs are widely used in aging bridge replacement. This paper proposes a novel type of shear connector named notched steel plate (NSP). The shear properties of four types of NSP shear connectors with heights of 50 mm and 75 mm and thickness values of 9 mm and 12 mm were evaluated by conducting push-out tests. Concrete cracks occurred firstly during the loading. After removing the concrete block, fracture of NSP shear connectors at the welding zone between NSP and steel plate was observed. A finite-element (FE) analysis was conducted considering the nonlinear properties of materials and interface between the NSP and concrete block. The shear stiffness, shear capacity and failure pattern obtained using the FE model matched with the test data. The verified FE model was used to investigate the failure mechanism of NSP and to clarify the effect of the constraint force, concrete compressive strength and steel strength on the NSP shear capacity. The experimental shear capacity values were compared with the values calculated by the specifications for channel and angle shear connectors. The results of the NSP shear capacity were similar to those obtained based on the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) specifications and Eurocode 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we summarize harvest and biological information for the Eastern Beaufort Sea (EBS) beluga to provide an updated stock assessment that combines science and Indigenous hunter knowledge. The number of EBS beluga whales harvested annually across its range has been variable, declining significantly over the available record in Canada (1980-2015). Including estimated and known loss rates from Canada and Alaska, the average annual removal of EBS beluga 2006-2015 (includes landed and struck but lost) was 145 whales (Standard Deviation 20.7). Catches in Chukotka, Russia, are < 10 belugas per year and we estimate mortality through ice entrapment averaged < 5 belugas per year from 1966 through 2015, but that too is highly variable from year-to-year. Declining interest and dependence on traditional foods and hunting, the high cost of hunting equipment and fuel, and increasingly challenging hunting conditions due to windier weather are described by hunters as the main reasons for the decline of the harvest over time. The decline in struck but lost rates is attributed to the establishment and implementation of beluga hunting by-laws by the local Inuvialuit Hunters and Trappers Committees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the detection of foodborne pathogen (Listeria monocytogenes) in milk using the laser light scattering sensor system, bacterial rapid detection using optical scattering technology (BARDOT), and verifies the reliability of the system. The BARDOT mainly includes colony location finder system and light scattering capture system. To apply BARDOT for detection, the library of Listeria monocytogenes and non-Listeria monocytogenes should be established. After that, the laser light scatter patterns of the milk samples will be collected and the features of scatter patterns can be extracted after selecting the appropriate wavelet moments; therefore, the detected colony can be classified and analysed based on the established library. To validate the effectiveness of the presented technology, we test the colonies which have been detected by BARDOT using polymerase chain reaction PCR and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods. Meanwhile, we also investigated whether the cell wall protein expression of Listeria monocytogenes in different medium would affect the detection result of BARDOT. Results reveal that the BARDOT system can accurately detect Listeria monocytogenes in milk and will not be affected by culture medium, which provides a label-free, real-time detection method for Listeria monocytogenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: NOD‐like receptor pyrin 7 (NLRP7) has been identified as the major gene responsible for the recurrent hydatidiform mole (RHM). The immunological role of NLRP7 mutation in HM patients has not been conclusively demonstrated. Hence, we aim to demonstrate this role in our study. We followed 12 new patients with NLRP7 non‐synonymous variations (NSVs) from date to date. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected separately from patients with and without NLRP7 mutation. Supernatant interleukin (IL)‐1β secretion, intracellular pro‐IL‐1β and mature IL‐1β expressions were measured after 24 h lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Plasmids with corresponding NSVs were generated to evaluate the ability of processing pro‐IL‐1β into mature IL‐1β in vitro. Homozygous or compound heterozygous NLRP7 mutations secreted less IL‐1β in roots of abnormal intracellular pro‐IL‐1β or mature IL‐1β, according to different domains. Plasmids with NSVs could also affect processing or/and trafficking together with caspase‐1 and apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein (ASC). Inflammasome‐related NLRP7 mutation is a potential mechanism of RHM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoflurane has been demonstrated to induce mitochondrial damage and cell apoptosis. The isoflurane-induced inflammation may be an important reason for this phenomenon. Studies have shown that ulinastatin (UTI) has an anti-inflammatory effect. Our aim was to investigate whether UTI could attenuate isoflurane-induced mitochondrial damage and cell apoptosis by inhibiting inflammation. Human neuroglioma H4 cells were exposed to isoflurane with or without UTI. The ratio of cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. β-Amyloid (Aβ) peptide and cleaved caspase 3 expression were evaluated by Western blot analysis. The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were detected by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Mitochondrial structural changes were detected by transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) was determined by 5,5′,6,6′-Tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanine iodide (JC-1). The activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes I, II, III, and IV was determined by assay kits. UTI attenuated the TNF-α and IL-1β release induced by isoflurane. UTI could also reduce mitochondrial structure damage, mitigate the decrease in Δψm, and improve ETC complexes dysfunction. Furthermore, it decreased cell apoptosis induced by isoflurane in H4 cells. UTI had no effect on isoflurane-induced Aβ expression. UTI may mitigate isoflurane-induced mitochondrial damage and cytotoxicity by inhibiting inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reactivity occurs when research participants alter their behaviours due to the awareness of being monitored, which is a concern with using wearable devices to measure physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine reactivity to accelerometer measurement among youth with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities (ID). Methods: A sample of 175 youth with ID (108 with moderate and 67 with severe ID) was recruited from residential centres in China. Demographic data were measured using a parent‐reported questionnaire, and light physical activity (LPA) and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured using the ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers. Data were analysed using an analysis of covariances where Day 1 LPA/MVPA, Day 2–6 LPA/MVPA, and Day 7 LPA/MVPA were repeated measures. Results: Youth with moderate ID had significantly higher LPA (8.01%) and MVPA (10.30%) on Day 1 than Day 2–6. Similarly, youth with severe ID had significantly higher LPA (21.69%) and MVPA (19.48%) on Day 1 than Day 2–6. An inverse reactivity was also found on Day 7 among youth with severe ID for LPA (−10.65%) and MVPA (−14.82%). Conclusions: Reactivity to accelerometer measurement was found for youth with moderate and severe ID. Findings support the utilisation of a 1‐day familiarisation period, as well as discounting the final day of measurement, when examining physical activity behaviours among youth with moderate and severe ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two different threshold electric fields, characterizing a lower field required for significant seed RE generation and sustainment and a higher field required for the RE avalanche onset, have been experimentally observed in the flattop of EAST discharges. These results demonstrate that the threshold electric field for the RE avalanche onset is 1.2-fold higher than the RE detection onset field required for the primary generation. An updated 0-D model, including the delay in the RE avalanche onset, suggests that the RE population should be less than the previous prediction. The delay in the RE avalanche onset also opens a possibility for RE suppression at relatively low electron density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfide nanocrystals and their composites have shown great potential in the thermoelectric (TE) field due to their extremely low thermal conductivity. Recently a solid and hollow metastable Au2S nanocrystalline has been successfully synthesized. Herein, we study the TE properties of this bulk Au2S by first-principles calculations and semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory, which provides the basis for its further experimental studies. Our results indicate that the highly twofold degeneracy of the bands appears at the Γ point in the Brillouin zone, resulting in a high Seebeck coefficient. Besides, Au2S exhibits an ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity (∼ 0.88 W⋅m−1⋅K−1 at 700 K). At 700 K, the thermoelectric figure of merit of the optimal p-type doping is close to 1.76, which is higher than 0.8 of ZrSb at 700 K and 1.4 of PtTe at 750 K. Our work clearly demonstrates the advantages of Au2S as a TE material and would greatly inspire further experimental studies and verifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-dimensional space-fractional PDEs are topics of special focus in applied disciplines, but solving them on irregular domains is challenging and deserves particular attention in scientific computing. In response to this issue, we establish a family of differential quadrature (DQ) methods for the space-fractional diffusion equations on 3D irregular domains. The fractional derivatives in space are represented by weighted linear combinations based on the functional values at scattered nodes with their weights determined by using radial basis functions (RBFs) as trial functions. The resulting system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are discretized by the weighted average scheme. The presented DQ methods have the virtues which are shared by the classical DQ methods. Several benchmark problems on typical irregular domains are solved to illustrate their advantages in flexibility and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of flow with different strengths, positions, and widths on the structure and dynamics of clusters is studied by two‐dimensional (2D) Langevin molecular dynamics simulations. The particles are confined by a quadratic confining potential. The horizontal position of the system centre, average inter‐particle distance, and coupling parameter are calculated to characterize the effect of changing the strength, position, and width of the flow on the cluster structure. The trajectories, the velocity autocorrelation function, and the mean square displacement are obtained to further uncover the dynamic properties of the 2D dusty plasma system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to characterize kinetics of non-treponamal antibody titres during the natural course of syphilis and explore their roles in monitoring syphilis treatment efficacy. Sixty New Zealand white male rabbits were challenged with Nichols or Amoy Treponema pallidum strains, and the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test was performed to quantify non-treponemal antibody titres during the infection course. Viable T. pallidum in the challenged rabbits was assessed with rabbit infectivity tests. The RPR titres of the Nichols or Amoy strain between no benzathine penicillin G (BPG) and BPG treatment subgroups displayed a similar trend: first ascending and then descending. Compared with baseline, the proportions of fourfold decline in RPR titres in the Nichols or Amoy group presented a similar result on days 30, 60 and 180 between the no BPG and BPG treatment subgroups (0%, 0/5; 80%, 4/5; 100%, 5/5; vs. 0%, 0/5; 80%, 4/5; 100%, 5/5; p 0.999; 0%, 0/5; 80%, 4/5; 80%, 4/5; vs. 40%, 2/5; 100%, 5/5; 100%, 5/5; p 0.098, respectively). Compared with the maximum baseline titre, the proportion of fourfold decline in PRR titre also showed a similar result in the two groups on days 30, 60 and 180 between the no BPG and the BPG treatment subgroups (0%, 0/5; 100%, 5/5; 100%, 5/5, vs. 40%, 2/5; 100%, 5/5; 100%, 5/5; p 0.129; 0%, 0/5; 100%, 5/5; 100%, 5/5, vs. 80%, 4/5; 100%, 5/5; 100%, 5/5; p 0.091, respectively. Moreover, regardless of whether the RPR titres presented a fourfold decline, viable T. pallidum could be detected in untreated rabbits' lymph nodes at 30, 60 and 180 days post infection, while viable T. pallidum was not detected in any of the treated rabbits' lymph nodes. The RPR titre increased and then decreased (even became negative) during the natural course of syphilis, similar to that seen after BPG treatment. The RPR tetre is thus a questionable indicator of syphilis treatment efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]