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The fundamental principle of the transient state control method for turbofan engines, which is based on the acceleration ratio of high-pressure rotational speed (N-dot), involves sacrificing a portion of the safety margin to obtain satisfactory acceleration performance. However, it could induce surge in the engine's compressor. To prevent the destructive damage caused by surge to both the engine and its components, a surge-elimination control strategy for the engine based on an N-dot controller is proposed. First, the engine mathematical model, which incorporates the effects of engine volumetric dynamics, stall zone characteristics, and combustion chamber flameout characteristics, is established to simulate surge mechanism. Subsequently, the acceleration schedule of the N-dot is calculated by employing sequential quadratic programming (SQP) algorithm to solve the multiconstraint optimization problem, while designing the transition state controller of N-dot based on a high-order filter. Finally, the surge detection logic and surge-elimination strategy based on the µ-correction method are proposed and designed to realize active control of surge elimination. The simulation results demonstrate that the N-dot control method offers significant advantages in mitigating the steady-state errors resulting from inevitable engine degradations. The surge state is effectively suppressed by the proposed surge-elimination control method, and the surge duration is significantly shorten during the acceleration phases. Furthermore, compared to the one without any surge-elimination control, the proposed method decreases the acceleration time by 5.53%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a network model named DCC-Net based on infrared image sensor is developed for sports data management. Optical imaging plays an important role in the collection and analysis of sports data, but the traditional methods have limitations in the aspects of illumination change and motion blur. To solve these problems, we propose a DCC-net network model based on infrared image sensor. The background of this study is to improve the efficiency of collection and management of sports data in order to promote the improvement of athletes' training and competitive performance. We use a combination of convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks to extract and understand motion information in infrared images. The experimental results show that the DCC-net network model has better performance than the traditional optical method in the aspects of illumination variation and motion blur, and provides more accurate and stable motion data. Therefore, DCC-net network model based on infrared image sensor is an effective sports data management tool, which can provide more comprehensive and accurate training and competitive support for athletes and coaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important principle of international environmental law, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (the CBDR principle) is being applied to various international environment protection regimes including environmental governance on the high seas as an important guiding principle in the law of the sea. This may be beneficial for engaging the international community to protect the high seas in solidarity. However, the application of the CBDR principle encounters difficulties, which include obstacles regarding cross-sector application, different understandings of the CBDR principle and difficulties in implementation of international instruments. This article argues that the differentiation should not depend exclusively on the traditional dichotomy of developing and developed countries but must be determined on a fluid and case-by-case basis. This suggests that the details of the differentiated responsibilities should also be context-specific rather than uniform for all States. Moreover, the implementation of the CBDR principle to address environmental problems on the high seas should be based on substantive fairness. Finally, this article makes several observations. First, the demands of developing countries in the field of maritime emission reduction should be considered. Second, obligation of capacity building and the transfer of marine technology prescribed in the BBNJ Agreement should be encouraged and implemented. Third, strengthening international cooperation in plastic pollution control on the high seas is expected. Fourth, the international community should provide developing countries with the financial support and technical assistance in persistent organic pollutants control. All of these may contribute to the protection of the high seas environment and the future realization of the sustainable development of the oceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of the expression levels of tumor protein D52 (TPD52) and miR-133a on the prognosis assessment of pancreatic cancer surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective study. Ninety-seven patients who underwent radical surgery for pancreatic cancer in Cangzhou Central Hospital from January 2018 to January 2022 were selected and divided into four groups: TPD52 high expression group, TPD52 low expression group, miR-133a high expression group and miR-133a low expression group. The relationship between the expression levels of TPD52 and miR-133a and the clinicopathological features of patients with pancreatic cancer was analyzed. The COX regression model was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. Results: The high expression rate of TPD52 and the low expression rate of miR-133a in pancreatic cancer tissues were higher than those in normal paracancerous tissues(P<0.05). Based on the comparison of prognosis and survival, the median survival time of patients with high expression of TPD52 and low expression of miR-133a was lower than that of patients with low expression of TPD52 and high expression of miR-133a, with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05). Moreover, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that low differentiation of pancreatic cancer, III-IV stage of TNM, high expression of TPD52, as well as low expression of miR-133a were independent risk factors for postoperative survival of patients with pancreatic cancer(P<0.05). Conclusion: TPD52 is expressed at a high level whereas miR-133a at a low level in pancreatic cancer tissues, both of which together with low differentiation of pancreatic cancer and III-IV stage of TNM constitute independent risk factors affecting the surgical prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As high-energy cathode materials, conversion-type metal fluorides provide a prospective pathway for developing next-generation lithium-ion batteries. However, they suffer from severe performance decay owing to continuous structural destruction and active material dissolution upon cycling, which worsen at elevated temperatures. Here, we design a novel FeF2 cathode with in situ polymerized solid-state electrolyte systems to enhance the cycling ability of metal fluorides at 60 °C. Novel FeF2 with a mesoporous structure (meso-FeF2) improves Li+ diffusion and relieves the volume change that typically occurs during the alternating conversion reactions. The structural stability of the meso-FeF2 cathode is strengthened by an in situ polymerized solid-state electrolyte, which prevents the pulverization and ion dissolution that are inevitable for conventional liquid electrolytes. Under the double action of this in situ polymerized solid-state electrolyte and the meso-FeF2's mesoporous structure, the active material maintains an intact SEI layer and part of the mesoporous structure after long charge-discharge cycling, showing excellent cycling stability at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) has become a common option for the treatment of prostate cancer. The aim of our study was to examine whether LRP performed within 12 weeks of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is associated with surgical difficulty or outcomes. Material and methods: A single-institutional retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent LRP for incidental prostate cancer after TURP between July 2009 and December 2017. The interval between TURP and LRP was determined and patients with intervals of = 12 weeks were compared to those with intervals of > 12 weeks. Patient characteristics, perioperative, pathological, and postoperative functional outcomes were analyzed to determine statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. Multivariable analyses were performed to determine whether the interval between TURP and LRP was a significant independent predictor of these outcomes. Results: A total of 56 incidental prostate cancer patients detected by TURP were included in this study. No significant differences were detected in estimated blood loss, operative duration, postoperative length of stay, and rate of positive margin, Gleason score upgrading, major complications, incontinence and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence in patients with a TURP to LRP interval above and below 12 weeks. The TURP to LRP interval was not an independent predictor of outcomes during or after LRP. Conclusions: Our results showed that performing LRP within 12 weeks after TURP does not adversely influence surgical difficulty or outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most predominant RNA epigenetic regulation in eukaryotic cells. Numerous evidence revealed that m6A modification exerts a crucial role in the regulation of tumor microenvironment (TME) cell infiltration in several tumors. Nevertheless, the potential role and mechanism of m6A modification in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unknown. mRNA expression data and clinical information from GSE102349, and GSE53819 datasets obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was used for differential gene expression and subsequent analysis. Consensus clustering was used to identify m6A-related molecular patterns of 88 NPC samples based on prognostic m6A regulators using Univariate Cox analysis. The TME cell-infiltrating characteristics of each m6A-related subclass were explored using single-sample gene set enrichment (ssGSEA) algorithm and CIBERSORT algotithm. DEGs between two m6A-related subclasses were screened using edgeR package. The prognostic signature and predicated nomogram were constructed based on the m6A-related DEGs. The cell infiltration and expression of prognostic signature in NPC was determined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. Chi-square test was used to analysis the significance of difference of the categorical variables. And survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests. The NPC samples were divided into two m6A-related subclasses. The TME cell-infiltrating characteristics analyses indicated that cluster 1 is characterized by immune-related and metabolism pathways activation, better response to anit-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 treatment and chemotherapy. And cluster 2 is characterized by stromal activation, low expression of HLA family and immune checkpoints, and a worse response to antiPD1 and anti-CTLA4 treatment and chemotherapy. Furthermore, we identified 1558 DEGs between two m6A-related subclasses and constructed prognostic signatures to predicate the progression-free survival (PFS) for NPC patients. Compared to non-tumor samples, REEP2, TMSB15A, DSEL, and ID4 were upregulated in NPC samples. High expression of REEP2 and TMSB15A showed poor survival in NPC patients. The interaction between REEP2, TMSB15A, DSEL, ID4, and m6A regulators was detected. Our finding indicated that m6A modification plays an important role in the regulation of TME heterogeneity and complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oils and fats are an important source of energy for animals and a good carrier of fat-soluble nutrients, which can participate in various life activities of the body and are widely used in animal production. With the improvement of the scale of aquaculture, many kinds of oils and fats have been used in animal diets to improve production efficiency of aquaculture. The paper reviews the research progress on the application of dietary fat in the laying poultry industry, introduces the characteristics of digestion and absorption of oils and fats in laying poultry and the nutritional effect of oils and fats on laying poultry, discusses the effects of feeding with different kinds and levels of oils and fats on laying performance, egg quality, nutrients in eggs and health of laying poultry, in order to provide reference for the efficient application of oils and fats in laying poultry feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, significant oil discoveries have been made in the shallower pay zones of the Jurassic Badaowan Formation (J1b) in the Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin, Northwest China. However, little work has been done on the geochemical characteristics and origins of the oil in the J1b reservoir. This study analyzes 44 oil and 14 source rock samples from the area in order to reveal their organic geochemical characteristics and the origins of the oils. The J1b oils are characterized by a low Pr/Ph ratio and high β-carotene and gammacerane indices, which indicate that they were mainly generated from source rocks deposited in a hypersaline environment. The oils are also extremely enhanced in C29 regular steranes, possibly derived from halophilic algae. Oil-source correlation shows that the oils were derived from the Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation (P1f) source rocks, which were deposited in a strongly stratified and highly saline water column with a predominance of algal/bacterial input in the organic matter. The source rocks of the Middle Permian lower-Wuerhe Formation (P2w), which were deposited in fresh to slightly saline water conditions with a greater input of terrigenous organic matter, make only a minor contribution to the J1b oils. The reconstruction of the oil accumulation process shows that the J1b oil reservoir may have been twice charged during Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous and the Paleogene–Neogene, respectively. A large amount volume of hydrocarbons generated in the P1f source rock and leaked from T1b oil reservoirs migrated along faults connecting source beds and shallow-buried secondary faults into Jurassic traps, resulting in large-scale accumulations in J1b. These results are crucial for understanding the petroleum system of the Mahu Sag and will provide valuable guidance for petroleum exploration in the shallower formations in the slope area of the sag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient electromagnetic Method (TEM) is an efficient geophysical detection technology suitable for detection of urban near-surface space. However, its detection results are well affected by the low resistance anomaly, which interferes with the interpretation of the inversion results. This article used finite element method to simulate the entire process of urban underground pipeline under TEM detection. The causes of interference and the degree of interference under different working conditions were analyzed. The results demonstrate that low resistance anomaly in magnetic field will caused electromagnetic energy absorption and resulting eddy current losses, which lead to a distortion of the primary magnetic field in the vicinity of the pipeline, and formation of a weak field zone beneath the pipeline. The size and shape of the shielding zone are affected by burial depth, transmitter coil diameter, and anomaly size. When the burial depth exceeds 10 times the diameter of the coil or pipeline, the shielding range stabilizes at 1.5–2 times the pipeline's transverse diameter. Moreover, when the pipeline's transverse diameter exceeds twice the transmitter coil diameter, the weak field zone beneath the pipeline will transform into a strong field zone, this is due to the refractive and reflective effects of the electromagnetic field. Finally, experiments were conducted and the inverted results was found to be larger than the actual pipeline diameter, with an error margin similar to that explained by the simulation. These results have implications for high accuracy detecting underground pipelines in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (RIRI) represents the principal factor underlying acute kidney injury (AKI), which primarily stems from cellular injuries and ferroptosis caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Salidroside (SA), an antioxidant natural ester, has been attributed with the potential to protect against RIRI. In the present study, rats received daily SA doses (1, 10, or 100 mg/kg) by gavage for 7 consecutive days before surgery. The results revealed aggravated renal injury in the RIRI group, which was effectively prevented by SA pretreatment (10 and 100 mg/kg), with the 1 mg/kg dosage demonstrating lesser efficacy. Additionally, the results indicated that SA pretreatment mitigated the RIRI-related upregulation of antioxidative superoxide dismutase. In vitro studies corroborated SA's ability to maintain hypoxia/reoxygenation-treated NRK cell viability, with the protective effect being observed at SA concentrations ≥1 µM and peaking at 100 µM. Furthermore, the results showed that SA safeguarded renal tubular epithelial cells from oxidative damage, reduced ROS accumulation, and inhibited ferroptosis via activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, the results of the present study highlight the promising therapeutic potential of SA as an effective intervention for RIRI via targeting of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-mediated anti-oxidative and anti-ferroptotic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermodynamic equilibrium of deoxidation reactions between molten slag and steel was calculated using a slag-steel coupling thermodynamic model and the mass conservation model based on the ion-molecular coexistence theory. The study focused on the effects of slag composition and deoxidizer type on the oxygen content of low alloy steel during the electroslag remelting (ESR) process. The measured and predicted values of the oxygen content in remelted ingots, and the contents of FeO and MnO in slags were compared and analyzed. Results show that the measured content of total oxygen has a certain correlation with the trend of dissolved oxygen predicted by the model when using Ca-Si alloys as deoxidizer, but it is not correlated with the trend of dissolved oxygen predicted by the model when using Al as deoxidizer. The deoxidation mechanisms of Ca-Si and Al are different. Ca-Si alloy directly reacts with FeO and MnO in slag to reduce the oxygen potential of slag, hence it can inhibit the transfer of oxygen from the slag to molten steel. While, when Al deoxidizer is used, the oxygen content in steel is mainly reduced through floating up the alumina inclusions. Compared to Al, utilizing Ca-Si alloy as a deoxidizer is more effective in reducing the oxygen content and the amount of inclusions in ESR ingot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earth’s inner core is predominantly composed of solid iron (Fe) and displays intriguing properties such as strong shear softening and an ultrahigh Poisson’s ratio. Insofar, physical mechanisms to explain these features coherently remain highly debated. Here, we have studied longitudinal and shear wave velocities of hcp-Fe (hexagonal close-packed iron) at relevant pressure–temperature conditions of the inner core using in situ shock experiments and machine learning molecular dynamics (MLMD) simulations. Our results demonstrate that the shear wave velocity of hcp-Fe along the Hugoniot in the premelting condition, defined as T/Tm (Tm: melting temperature of iron) above 0.96, is significantly reduced by ~30%, while Poisson’s ratio jumps to approximately 0.44. MLMD simulations at 230 to 330 GPa indicate that collective motion with fast diffusive atomic migration occurs in premelting hcp-Fe primarily along [100] or [010] crystallographic direction, contributing to its elastic softening and enhanced Poisson’s ratio. Our study reveals that hcp-Fe atoms can diffusively migrate to neighboring positions, forming open-loop and close-loop clusters in the inner core conditions. Hcp-Fe with collective motion at the inner core conditions is thus not an ideal solid previously believed. The premelting hcp-Fe with collective motion behaves like an extremely soft solid with an ultralow shear modulus and an ultrahigh Poisson’s ratio that are consistent with seismic observations of the region. Our findings indicate that premelting hcp-Fe with fast diffusive motion represents the underlying physical mechanism to help explain the unique seismic and geodynamic features of the inner core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanistic steps that underlie the formation of higher hydrocarbons in catalytic carbon monoxide (CO) hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure over cobalt-based catalysts (Fischer-Tropsch synthesis) have remained poorly understood. We reveal nonisothermal rate-and-selectivity oscillations that are self-sustained over extended periods of time (’24 hours) for a cobalt/cerium oxide catalyst with an atomic ratio of cobalt to cerium of 2:1 (Co2Ce1) at 220°C and equal partial pressures of the reactants. A microkinetic mechanism was used to generate rate-and-selectivity oscillations through forced temperature oscillations. Experimental and theoretical oscillations were in good agreement over an extended range of reactant pressure ratios. Additionally, phase portraits for hydrocarbon production were constructed that support the thermokinetic origin of our rate-and-selectivity oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual oil zones (ROZs) have large potential for CO2 enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and geologic storage. During CO2 injection, the migration of CO2 in ROZs controls the performance of both EOR and storage. However, it has not been clearly visualized and understood that how geological heterogeneity factors control the transport of CO2 in ROZs. In this study, the oil recovery performance and geologic storage potential during continuous CO2 injection in a representative ROZ are studied based on geostatistical modelling and high-fidelity three-phase flow simulation. We examined the influence of autocorrelation length of permeability, global heterogeneity (Dykstra–Parsons coefficient), and permeability anisotropy on cumulative oil recovery and CO2 retention fraction. Simulation results indicate that, as the permeability autocorrelation length increases, the cumulative oil recovery and CO2 storage efficiency decrease. This results from the accelerated migration of CO2 along high permeability zones (i.e., gas channeling). The increase in global heterogeneity and permeability anisotropies can lead to low oil recovery and poor CO2 sequestration performance, depending on the degree of CO2 channeling. The net utilization ratio of CO2 (CO2 retained/oil produced) unfavorably increases with both autocorrelation length and Dykstra–Parsons coefficient, but decreases with the increase in kv/kh. Such a decrease is attributed to enlarged swept volume induced by gravity override. The study provides important implications for field-scale CO2 EOR and storage applications in ROZs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mutual optical intensity (MOI) model is a partially coherent radiation propagation tool that can sequentially simulate beamline optics and provide beam intensity, local degree of coherence and phase distribution at any location along a beamline. This paper extends the MOI model to non-ideal two-dimensional (2D) optical systems, such as ellipsoidal and toroidal mirrors with 2D figure errors. Simulation results show that one can tune the trade-off between calculation efficiency and accuracy by varying the number of wavefront elements. The focal spot size of an ellipsoidal mirror calculated with 100 × 100 elements gives less than 0.4% deviation from that with 250 × 250 elements, and the computation speed is nearly two orders of magnitude faster. Effects of figure errors on 2D focusing are also demonstrated for a non-ideal ellipsoidal mirror and by comparing the toroidal and ellipsoidal mirrors. Finally, the MOI model is benchmarked against the multi-electron Synchrotron Radiation Workshop (SRW) code showing the model's high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape berry shape is an important agricultural trait. Clarifying its genetic basis is significant for cultivating grape varieties that meet market demands. However, the current study by forward genetics has not achieved in-depth results. Here, a high-density map was constructed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for berry shape. A total of 358 709 polymorphic SNPs were obtained using whole-genome resequencing (WGS) based on 208 F2 individuals derived from round grape 'E42-6' and oblong grape 'Rizamat'. The 1 635.65 cM high-density map was divided into 19 linkage groups with an average distance of 0.37 cM. Using this map, three significant QTLs for fruit shape index (ShI: ratio of berry length to berry width) identified over three years were mapped onto LG4 and LG5, including one stable QTL on Chr5 with the genomic region of 0.47e1.94 Mb. Combining with gene annotation and expression patterns based on RNA-seq data from two contrasting F2 individuals with round and oblong berry (their average ShI was 1.89 and 1.10, respectively) at four developmental stages, four candidate genes were selected from the above QTLs. They were mainly involved in DNA replication, cell wall modification, and phytohormone biosynthesis. Further analysis of RNAseq data revealed that several important phytohormone synthesis and metabolic pathways were enriched based on differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which was consistent with the results of QTL mapping for genes related to plant hormone biosynthesis in the F2 population. Furthermore, a comparison of plant hormone content showed that there were significant differences in IAA and tZ content between the two contrasting F2 individuals at different developmental stages. Our findings provide molecular insights into the genetic variation in grape berry shape. Stable QTLs and their tightly linked markers offer the possibility of marker-assisted selection to accelerate berry shape breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the three-dimensional compressible elastic Navier--Stokes--Poisson equations induced by a new bipolar viscoelastic model derived here, which model the motion of the compressible electrically conducting fluids. The various boundary conditions for the electrostatic potential including the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions are considered. By using a unified energy method, we obtain the unique global H² solution near a constant equilibrium state in the half-space or exterior of an obstacle. The elasticity plays a crucial role in establishing the L² estimate for the electrostatic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining wave optics propagation and geometric ray tracing, the mutual optical intensity (MOI) model is extended to quantitatively simulate the propagation of partially coherent light through a kinoform lens at high speed. The MOI model can provide both a high accuracy and a high efficiency simulation. The intensity and coherence degree distributions at the focal plane are calculated using the MOI model. It is beneficial to improve the focusing capability of the kinoform lens by reducing the coherence or increasing the number of lens steps. In addition, increasing the number of steps is also beneficial to increase the photon flux and reduce the depth of focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the functionality of commercial plant proteins is essential for food application. Here an alternative strategy is provided to modify the structure of pea protein by microbial transglutaminase-induced cross-linking with whey protein for enhancing emulsifying and encapsulation properties. The protein structures and the physicochemical stability of 0-carotene-loaded emulsions were investigated subject to protein ratio and cross-linking. Formation of disulphide and isopeptide bonds between heteroproteins according to crosslinking changed protein structures by exposing the hydrophobic sites of proteins with stiffer network. The cross-linked pea/whey protein complexes at protein ratio of 2:1 formed a stable emulsion with a droplet size of 0.10 _m, showing no phase separation for 30 days of storage and high encapsulation efficiency of 92%. These findings provided a novel strategy to design plant/dairy protein networks to protect lipophilic bioactive compounds by replacing half or more dair-y protein with plant protein, leading to gradual change towards plant-based diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seedless grapes play an important role in fresh food and dry production. New varieties breeding by hybridization with seedless varieties as female parents is the most effective way to cultivate seedless varieties. However, the embryos of seedless varieties cannot develop normally, so it is difficult to obtain hybrid offspring as hybrid female parent. Moreover, grape is a perennial tree species with highly heterozygous genes, with long breeding cycle and low efficiency. In this study, embryo rescue technique was used to cultivate hybrid offspring by crossing with 'Ruby Seedless' as female parent and 'Hongqitezao' as male parent, so as to solve the problem that seedless varieties cannot be female parent; and molecular markers technology was used to carry out assisted breeding research to solve the problems of long cycle and low efficiency. TP-M13-SSR technique was used to carry out authenticity breeding. SCAR marker SCF27 was used to detect the seedless traits of hybrid plants, phenotypic traits was used to verify the results of molecular markers, and seedless trait-related SSR markers VMC7F2, VrSD10 and P3_VvAGL11 was used to detect and verify the genotypes of individual plants with inconsistent detection results by the two methods. The results showed that a total of 384 hybrid offspring were finally obtained, and the hybridization rate was 84.43%. The seed phenotypes of 163 fruit-bearing plants were identified, and the coincidence rate of genotypic and phenotypic analyses was 95.71%. Additionally, 305 F1 plants were detected using the SCF27 marker, and the abortion rate was 64.92%. This study shows that embryo rescue is an effective method for breeding seedless grape cultivars, and the application of molecular markers could facilitate the early identification of hybrid traits, and improve breeding efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volcanic ash interbeds in the Late Ordovician strata in South China record high-frequency volcanic activity. To assess the impact of these volcanic events on the climate and marine biological evolutionary crisis during the Late Ordovician Mass Extinction (LOME), we present high-resolution measurements of mercury (Hg) concentrations and organic carbon isotope ratios (d13Corg) in an Ordovician-Silurian sedimentary succession (Muchanggou section). The results show that high-frequency volcanic ash layers and Hg enrichments developed synchronously in the Katian graptolite P. pacificus (Lower Subzone) and T. typicus biozones and are coupled with a negative shift of ~1? in d13Corg, which reflects the perturbation of the surface carbon and mercury cycles by intense volcanic activity. Based on volcanic Hg fluxes, it is estimated that more than 1.1 × 1013 tons of CO2 were emitted by the Katian volcanic activities in South China, which interrupted the growth of the polar ice sheet and the rapid cooling of tropical oceans in the mid-Boda event. As volcanism weakened, increased weathering led to the growth of the polar ice sheet and cooling in the Hirnantian. Both regional and global biodiversity declined rapidly with the end of volcanism, which suggests that the marine ecological crisis was related to a series of disruptions in biogeochemical cycles in the post-volcanic period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneous imbibition is an important phenomenon in tight reservoirs. The existence of a large number of fractures and micro-nano pores is the key factor affecting the spontaneous imbibition of tight reservoirs. In this study, based on high-pressure mercury injection and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments, the pore distribution of tight sandstone is described. The influence of fractures, core porosity and permeability, and surfactants on the spontaneous imbibition of tight sandstone are studied by physical fracturing, interfacial tension test, wettability test and imbibition experiments. The results show that: the pore radius of tight sandstone is concentrated in 0.01e1 mm. Fractures can effectively reduce the oil drop adsorption on the core surface, enhancing the imbibition recovery of the tight sandstone with an increase of about 10%. As the number of fractures increases, the number of oil droplets adsorbed on the core surface decrease and the imbibition rate increases. The imbibition recovery increases with the increase in pore connectivity, while the imbibition rate increases with the increases in core porosity and permeability. The surfactant can improve the core water wettability and reduce the oil-water interfacial tension, reducing the adsorption of oil droplets on the core surface, and improving the core imbibition recovery with an increase of about 15%. In a word, the existence of fractures and surfactants can enhance the pore connectivity of the reservoir, reduce the adsorption of oil droplets on the core surface, and improve the imbibition rate and recovery rate of the tight oil reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the Hopf bifurcations and Turing bifurcations of the Gierer-Meinhardt activator-inhibitor model are studied. The very interesting and complex spatially periodic solutions and patterns induced by bifurcations are analyzed from both theoretical and numerical aspects respectively. Firstly, the conditions for the existence of Hopf bifurcation and Turing bifurcation are established in turn. Then, the Turing instability region caused by diffusion is obtained. In addition, to uncover the diffusion mechanics of Turing patterns, the dynamic behaviors are studied near the Turing bifurcation by using weakly nonlinear analysis techniques, and the type of spatial pattern was predicted by the amplitude equation. And our results show that the spatial patterns in the Turing instability region change from the spot, spot-stripe to stripe in order. Finally, the results of the analysis are verified by numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining geometric ray tracing and wave optics propagation, a new simulation model named LWF is established to calculate the full coherent X-ray propagation through a kinoform lens. The LWF model is used to analyze the X-ray propagation through long and short kinoform lenses and calculate the intensity distribution at the focal plane. When the aperture is large, the focal spot for the long kinoform lens is smaller than that for the short kinoform lens. Due to the use of the geometric ray-tracing method to calculate the beam propagation inside the kinoform lens, the LWF model takes a low number of transversal wavefront segments, i.e. a short time, to achieve high accuracy. The simulation times for the one-dimensional and two-dimensional LWF models are 0.025 s and 5.3 s, respectively, with a calculation error of less than 0.5%. The high efficiency and high accuracy make the LWF model a strong tool in designing kinoform lenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Temperature-dependent bending fatigue of nano-fillers/polymer pressure sensor. • Ternary synergistic network enhances low-temperature fatigue endurance of sensor. • Synergistic effects can relieve the friction energy at filler/polymer interface. Flexible pressure sensors based on polymeric nanocomposites have attracted widespread attention owing to exceptional low-temperature fatigue tolerance, yet the damage evolution of the nano-filler/matrix interface is still unclear. Herein, we prepare Cu/MXene/multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/Cu and Cu/MXene/MWCNTs/carbon black (CB)/TPU/Cu pressure sensors using solution blending-casting method, and systematically investigate the influence of the nano-fillers/matrix interfacial friction damage on low-temperature bending fatigue of the sensor under cyclic bending. It is found that the sensing performance of the device with binary [MXene/MWCNTs] synergistic network decreases by 65 % with decreasing temperature from 20 down to − 40 °C under 20,000 bending cycles, while that of the sensor with ternary [MXene/MWCNTs/CB] synergistic network drops by only 14.9 %. For the ternary composites, owing to the introduction of CB particles, the synergistic lubrication effect among the nano-fillers and the nano-mechanical interlocking interface between the nano-fillers and the polymer can cooperatively enhance the anchorage of the nano-fillers to the TPU chains, and hence alleviating friction energy accumulation at the nano-fillers/polymer interface. Our work shows that the synergistic reinforcing strategy may be valuable for the development of ultra-flexible sensors with low-temperature fatigue resistant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel nickel-catalyzed carbonylation of arylboronic acids. • A new carbonylative procedure toward benzyl benzoates. • Facile synthesis of 18O-labeled esters. Here, we report a nickel-catalyzed carbonylation of arylboronic acids and alkylarenes to benzyl benzoates. The reaction was well tolerated by various functional groups, resulting in the formation of wide range of functional group substituted esters in moderate to good yields. Furthermore, the reaction also allowed for the synthesis of 18O-labeled esters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the scene of paddy field rotary tillage, a real-time detection method of rotary tillage condition based on machine vision is proposed, and the quality of rotary tillage is evaluated by the index of residual stubble. The residual root stubble is selected as the research object, and the root stubble detection method based on the standard deviation of Y component in YCrCb space is proposed to determine the residual root stubble of soil after rotary tillage, which is divided into three levels: less root stubble, medium root stubble, and more root stubble. Finally, the accuracy of the algorithm is verified by field test and questionnaire survey. On the basis of manual evaluation, the accuracy rate of the working condition is 83.6 %, which provides a more accurate basis for the real-time adjustment of the control strategy for the unmanned operation of agricultural machinery in the field, and realizes the rotary tillage quality from qualitative evaluation to quantitative evaluation, and lays the foundation for the data of rotary tillage quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The underframe passive inerter-based suspended device, based on the inerter-spring-damper vibration attenuation structure, could improve the dynamic performance of the train body, but its parameters are fixed and cannot meet the dynamic performance requirements under different operating conditions. Therefore, a semi-active inerter-based suspended device based on the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) control strategy is proposed to further enhance the dynamic performance. The rigid-flexible coupling vertical dynamic model of the train body and an underframe semi-active inerter-based suspended device are established. The structural parameters of the semi-active inerter-based suspended device are adjusted using LQR control strategy. Dynamic response of the system is obtained using the virtual excitation method. The dynamic characteristic of the system is evaluated using the Sperling index and compared with those of the passive and semi-active traditional suspended devices as well as the passive inerter-based suspended devices. The vertical vibration acceleration of the train body and Sperling index using the semi-active inerter-based suspended device is the smallest among the four suspended devices, which denotes the advantages of using the inerter and LQR control strategy. The semi-active inerter-based suspended device could decrease the vertical vibration acceleration of the train body and further suppress its elastic vibration in the lower frequency band, more effectively than the other three suspended devices. Overall, the semi-active inerter-based suspended device could significantly reduce elastic vibration of the train body and improve its dynamical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2018-2020, we isolated 32 Eurasian avian-like swine influenza A(H1N1) viruses and their reassortant viruses from pigs in China. Genomic testing identified a novel reassortant H3N1 virus, which emerged in late 2020. Derived from G4 Eurasian H1N1 and H3N2 swine influenza viruses. This virus poses a risk for zoonotic infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the most important strategic resource of enterprises, big data has become the basic background of business model innovation. From the perspective of psychological contract, this paper discusses the mechanism of psychological contract in customer value proposition driven business model innovation and puts forward four research hypotheses. This paper adopts the confirmatory factor analysis method of structural equation to verify these four hypotheses. It is concluded that there is a significant positive relationship between customer value proposition and psychological contract; there is a significant positive correlation between psychological contract and business model innovation; and psychological contract has intermediary effect between value proposition and business model innovation. Furthermore, value proposition has a significant positive correlation with business model innovation, which has not been verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poststroke and traumatic elbow injuries are the most common cause of elbow stiffness, which results in loss of functional range of motion (ROM). Various studies support early mobilization of the elbow joint after injury or after surgery to reduce risks of elbow stiffness development. After hospitalization, patients are required to follow a long-term rehabilitation program during home recovery. Still, most patients do not adhere to their clinical therapy schedule due to either rehabilitation cost, social obligations, negligence, or lack of inspiration. Moreover, the numbers of therapists and assessment equipment are insufficient. This study introduces a smart elbow brace (SEB) as a home-based rehabilitation device that reduces regular in-patient rehabilitation costs and therapist workload and motivates patients to comply with the rehabilitation program that enhances the achievement of rehabilitation goals. Our device has two active degrees of freedom (2-DoF) that allow extension, flexion, pronation, and supination elbow motions. An extra sliding joint between forearm and wrist is added, which helps dump forces concentration at the elbow joint during extension-flexion movement. Mechanical design requirements, motion-tracking systems, and serious game development are described. The feasibility of a proposed SEB device is tested with five healthy subjects playing developed serious games with the device. The results show that subjects can attain maximum and minimum angles of flexion-extension and pronation-supination motion designed for elbow stiffness rehabilitation. The SEB device will be beneficial and be used at home as a complementary tool to support elbow stiffness rehabilitation during long-term home recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All current global climate models (GCMs) only utilize grid-averaged surface heat fluxes to drive the atmosphere, and thus, their subgrid horizontal variations and partitioning are absent. This can result in many simulation biases. To address this shortcoming, a novel parameterization scheme considering the subgrid variations of the sensible and latent heat fluxes to the atmosphere and the associated partitioning is developed and implemented into the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Climate Earth System Model 1.2 (CESM1.2). The evaluations show that in addition to the improved boreal summer precipitation simulation over eastern China and the coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal, the longstanding overestimations of precipitation on the southern and eastern margins of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) in most GCMs are significantly mitigated. The improved precipitation simulation on the southern and eastern margins of the TP is from suppressed large-scale precipitation. Moisture advection for precipitation production is blocked toward the southern edge of the TP, and the intensity of the moisture transport to the eastern edge is weakened. The corrected large-scale circulation in the lower atmosphere due to the realistic simulations of the grid-scale surface radiative and heat fluxes is responsible for the change in moisture transport. In terms of global annual mean states, some improvements are obtained by the new scheme compared to the default CESM1.2 and the scheme stochastically allocating the subgrid surface heat fluxes to the atmosphere (i.e., without subgrid partitioning included). This study highlights the importance of subgrid surface energy variations and partitioning to the atmosphere in the simulation of the hydrological and energy cycles in GCMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the steady Boltzmann equation in half-space, which arises in the Knudsen boundary layer problem, with diffusive reflection boundary conditions. Under certain admissible conditions, we establish the existence of a boundary layer solution for both linear and nonlinear Boltzmann equations in half-space with diffusive reflection boundary condition in L∞x,v when the far-field Mach number of the Maxwellian is zero. The continuity and the special decay of the solution are obtained. The uniqueness is established under some constraint conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Femtosecond laser (fs-laser) is a novel tooth preparation tool. After cavities were prepared by fs-laser, their axial-wall taper is closely related to the retention force and success of restorations, while the taper after preparation by fs-laser is not clear yet. This study aimed to explore the value of the taper after fs-laser tooth preparation and the effect of laser fluence, scanning line spacing, and scanning layers on taper. Materials and methods: Twenty cavities with a width of 0.5mm were prepared by an fs-laser both in enamel and dentin to obtain the axial-wall taper (No. PKUSSIRB-201949124). To study the effects of three parameters of fs-laser, five different laser fluence were set as 1.56, 3.13, 4.69, 6.25, and 7.81 J/cm² of five cavities. Scanning line spacing was set as 6, 12, 25, 30, 40, and 50 lm of six cavities and the scanning layers were 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, 300, and 400, respectively, of nine cavities. Laser pulses irradiated perpendicular to the tooth and the scanning path was controlled via a vibratory mirror. The taper was measured with a laser confocal microscope. Curves of the taper versus different parameters were drawn. Results: There was a significant difference in taper between enamel and dentin. Overall, the taper decreased gradually with the increase of laser fluence. The optimal taper obtained was 20.53°- 0.28° in dentin and 38.71°- 0.46° in enamel when the corresponding fluence was 6.25 J/cm². In comparison, the scanning line spacing has little effect on the taper. The scanning layers significantly affect the taper, which decreased dramatically as scanning layers increased within 75 layers and does not change considerably as it was beyond 100 layers. Conclusions: Reasonable selection of laser fluence, scanning line spacing, and the number of scanning layers can optimize the cavity taper by fs-laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucommia ulmoides is a rare tree species in China with high medicinal and gum value. Nine strains of hyphomycetous fungi were isolated from the leaf litter of E. ulmoides in Guizhou Province. Preliminary identifications based on ITS indicated that they belong to the genus Cladosporium. Morphology and phylogenetic analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) of the nrDNA, the partial translation elongation factor 1-a (tef1) gene and partial of actin (act) gene confirmed that the strains represent four species, including two novel taxa, viz., Cladosporium eucommiae and C. guizhouense and two new substrate records for known species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, heat transfer characteristics of phase change material in rectangular containers are numerically analyzed. The inclination angles of the container refer to 0°, 90°, and 180°. Both theoretical and practical periodic temperature boundary conditions are taken into consideration, in which the periodic temperature boundary conditions include 50-80 °C and 65-80 °C. The comparison study is carried out through the liquid fraction and temperature histories during the heat transfer process under these different boundary conditions. It is indicated that there are large differences between the calculated results under the theoretical and the practical periodic temperature boundary conditions when the temperature boundary is 50-80 °C, while the theoretical and the practical periodic temperature boundary conditions of 65-80 °C have relatively little effect on the numerical results of the heat transfer process of the phase change material. Furthermore, compared with the temperature increasing stage, the numerical results calculated under the theoretical and the practical boundary conditions have more significant differences in the temperature decreasing stage. The research conclusion of this paper can provide a theoretical basis for the application of phase change material under periodic temperature boundary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gaseous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) oxidative removal technology by a dual ions-dual oxidants coupling activation system (i.e., Cu2*/Fe 2*/persulfate(PS)/H 2O2 coactivation system) was put forward. The fundamental issues, mainly including H2S removal performance, process parameters optimization, products, free radicals, synergy mechanism and desulfurization mechanism were studied systematically in a bubble column reactor. The study indicates that compared with Fenton system and non-coupling activation systems, the new dual ions-dual oxidants coupling coactivation system shows much higher free radical yield and H2S removal efficiency owing to significant synergistic activation effect. Higher concentrations of Cu2+ or Fe2+ greatly increase the H2S removal efficiency. With the increase of PS concentration, H2O2 concentration or reagent pH value, the H2S removal efficiency is first enhanced, and afterwards slightly declined. The H2S removal efficiency is declined via increasing operating temperature, gas flow rate and contents of H2S, SO2, NO and CO, and is almost not affected by content of Hg°. Sulfate, CuS and elemental sulfur are determined to be the products of H2S removal, and no by-products are produced after the reaction. Oxidation via -OH and S04'-plays a crucial role in H2S removal, which is proved to be the primary pathways of H2S removal. Finally, the recovery strategy of the products is discussed preliminarily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An active inerter-based suspension with acceleration feedback control is proposed in this paper, the time delay generated in the controllers and actuators is considered, which constitutes the time-delayed active inerter-based (TDA-IB) suspension. The dynamic equation of the TDA-IB suspension is established and is a neutral type of delay differential equation (NDDE) in which the time delay exists in the highestorder derivative. The stability analysis is conducted by calculating the number of unstable characteristic roots based on the definite integral stability method, the stable and unstable regions are determined. The effect of time delay and feedback gain on the dynamic performance of the TDA-IB suspension under harmonic, random, and shock excitations is studied in detail and compared with the parallel-connected inerterbased (PC-IB) and traditional suspensions. The results show that the TDA-IB suspension is asymptotically stable for smaller feedback gain and time delay, through increasing the feedback gain, the stable regions shrink, and a smaller time delay could cause the system to become unstable. Furthermore, the time delay could regulate the resonance peak around the unsprung mass natural frequency and generate multiple high-frequency resonance peaks. If the time delay is chosen appropriately and falls into the stable range, the TDA-IB suspension could improve the dynamic performance for the suspension stroke and dynamic tire load while having a deterioration for the vehicle body acceleration compared with the PC-IB and traditional suspensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to overcome the problem of significant drop in operational efficiency remarkably while power turbine speed varies among a large range, an optimal speed control method of multiple turboshaft engines based on sequential shifting control (SSC) algorithm is proposed. Firstly, combined with multispeed gearboxes, a sequential shifting control algorithm of multiple turboshaft engines is proposed and designed to accomplish continuously variable speed control. Then, selecting the minimum engine fuel flow as the optimization objective, an integrated optimization method of optimal speed based on multiple engines and multispeed gearboxes is proposed to promote the operational economy. Finally, the simulation tests of the optimal speed control method of twin and triple turboshaft engines are conducted separately. The results demonstrate that the optimal speed control method of multiple turboshaft engines based on SSC algorithm can change the power turbine speeds by no more than 7% and the main rotor speed by over 8% simultaneously. In addition, compared with the fixed-ratio transmission (FRT), engine fuel flows decrease by more than 2% under different cruise states. It proves that the optimal speed control method is beneficial to obtain more superior overall performances of the integrated helicopter/multi-engine system without considerable loss of compressor surge margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interaction with a rapidly changing world relies on dynamically integrating sensory inflows and motor outflows. Numerous studies have shed light on sensorimotor transformations in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), but most have emphasized reactive movements toward static targets, in which the relationship between the sensory cues and the motor goals is fixed, making it difficult to distinguish neural activity relating to the movement from that reflecting the stimulus. To resolve this, we recorded single-neuron activity from the PPC in monkeys performing a manual interception task in which the instantaneous stimulus location is decoupled from the impending movement direction by different target speeds. Intriguingly, the results suggest that the PPC explicitly conveys information concerned with the forthcoming movement, rather than the instantaneous stimuli, suggesting an intimate role in motor planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Deregulation of autophagy is involved in the development and progression of Parkinson's disease. ATG7, an E1 like enzyme, plays a key role in autophagy. This study aimed to investigating the association between ATG7 polymorphisms and PD susceptibility. Methods: Single nucleotide polymorphisms of ATG7, including rs7625184 and rs2606750, were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in a Han Chinese population consisting of 312 PD patients and 309 healthy controls. Results: Genotyping analyses showed that none of the 2 SNPs was significantly associated with PD risk. Conclusions: Our results suggest that rs7625184 and rs2606750 are not associated with PD susceptibility. Further studies are warranted to reveal the links between ATG7 and PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are currently considered as the standard therapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have EGFR-activating mutations. However, despite an initially profound response to these drugs, these patients ultimately develop drug resistance. The most common resistance mechanism is the development of a secondary mutation in EGFR (T790M), although activation of the MNNG/HOS transforming gene (MET), amplification of the Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 gene and histological transformation to small cell lung cancer may also lead to resistance. In addition, there may be additional, rare mechanisms leading to resistance that remain unidentified. Mutations in the EGFR kinase domain duplication (EGFR-KDD) are rare, although they act as oncogenic drivers in NSCLC. To the best of our knowledge, all studies to date have reported EGFR-KDD as the primary mutation in NSCLC. The aim of the present study was to report the case of an EGFR-KDD mutation in a patient with NSCLC who developed acquired resistance to gefi- tinib, but responded well to afatinib. Therefore, EGFR-KDD mutation is an additional potential mechanism underlying the development of acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy extraction capacity of controllably flexible hydrofoil was studied under two identified deformation modes. Deformation modes, flexure parameters (flexure amplitude α and flexure coefficient α) and motion parameters (reduced frequency f* and pitching amplitude θ0) were investigated to understand the effects of controllably flexible deformation on energy extraction. The results reveal that deformation modes affect the effective angle of attack and vortex structure, which influence hydrodynamic performance. The energy extraction capacity improves from the deformation mode 2 to the rigid hydrofoil and then to the deformation mode 1. Under the deformation mode 1, lift, moment and power coefficients are increased obviously with the increase of α, while they increase slightly with β. Power coefficients and efficiency are sensitive to α, which influences the development of leadingedge vortices. The flexible coefficient β affects the wake structure, which has less impact on variation of force coefficient. As the increase in f*, averaged power coefficients firstly increase and then decrease. Further, the optimal f* is subjected to θ0. Interestingly, a critical reduced frequency f*s, which is generally increase with increasing θ0, was found under three modes. The condition that f* > f*s. is a prerequisite for subsequent adjustments of flexure modes and parameters according to different requirement of power coefficient under different tidal currents. The range of high efficiency (η) is: deformation mode 1 (36.1%<η<54.3%) > rigid hydrofoils (34.2%<η<41%) > deformation mode 2 (26.9%<η<30.3%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we compute the Bott connection and their curvature on three-dimensional Lorentzian Lie groups with three different distributions, then we classify affine Ricci solitons associated to the Bott connection on the spaces under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stent insertion is the most frequently used option to treat malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) patients. Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is the most common disease that causes hilar MBO. Aim: To assess the clinical efficacy and long-term outcomes of I-125 seed-loaded stent (ISS) insertion for HCCA patients. Material and methods: Consecutive patients with HCCA underwent either normal stent (NS) or ISS insertion between January 2017 and December 2019. The baseline and treatment data of these two groups were compared. Results: During the period, a total of 93 patients with inoperable HCCA were divided into either NS (n = 48) or ISS (n = 45) insertion groups at our centre. Technical success rates of the NS and ISS insertion were 91.7% and 95.6%, respectively (p = 0.733). Clinical success rates were 93.2% and 100% in the NS and ISS groups, respectively (p = 0.24). Stent dysfunction was observed in 11 and 8 patients in the NS and ISS groups, respectively (p = 0.47). The median stent patency was 143 days and 208 days in the NS and ISS groups, respectively (p < 0.001). All patients died in the follow-up period, with median survival duration of 178 days and 220 days in the NS and ISS groups, respectively (p < 0.001). ISS insertion was the only predictor of longer patency (p = 0.002) and survival (p = 0.01). Conclusions: ISS insertion might achieve longer patency and overall survival in patients with inoperable HCCA as compared with NS insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social stratum differences lay behind the winter sports body-building activities of Chinese residents. Guided by social stratification theory this paper takes heterogeneity research as the paradigm, and carries out in-depth interviews to explore the winter sports body-building behaviors and concepts of Chinese citizens in three classes, namely, middle class (white collar), working class (blue collar), and unemployed (jobless) class. In addition, the authors explored the correlation of participation and experience of each class with economy, education, and society dimensions of snow sports culture. This paper holds that: a. Difference in economic conditions determine the level, scope, and degree of the participation of winter sports; b. The improvement of education level accelerates the socialization progress of participants, but it also increases the differentiation of individual participation and intensifies social stratification; c. The bidding and holding of Beijing Winter Olympics greatly promotes the development of winter sports in China, and forms a feature of "middle-class consumers", while the consumption of the working class and unemployed (jobless) residents is more "rational". The paradigm of social stratification and heterogeneity research helps relevant researchers to break away from the narrow perspective of finding the individual-level causality behind winter sports body-building, laying the basis for social, and sports researchers to recognize and understand the unequal social structure of winter sports participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trachelospermi Caulis et Folium, the stems and leaves of Trachelospermumjasminoides (Lindl.) Lem, has been used as a remedy for rheumatism, gonarthritis, backacheand pharyngitis, according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However, the correspondingchemical substances of this ethnic medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory activitykept unclear. This study aimed to explore the active substances attribute to its anti-rheumaticactivity of this medical plant. Methods: Ultra-high performance liquid chromatographycombined with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to identifythechemical components in the extract of T. jasminoides. Molecular docking was appliedtoanalyze the binding affinity of potential active lignans to inducible nitric oxide synthaseenzyme. The anti-inflammatory effects of the potential active fraction were verifiedbycell experiments in vitro. Results: Forty-one compounds, mainly are lignans and nine of whichwere reported for the first time from the genus of Trachelospermum, were characterizedusingultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometrymethod. Molecular docking results showed these identified lignans had excellent interactions with the inducible nitric oxide synthase enzyme, and the lignans-enrichedfraction could significantly inhibit the release of nitric oxide and the expression of induciblenitric oxide synthase protein in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Conclusion: Lignans arethemain active substances that responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethnicherbal medicine T. jasminoides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initial characteristics of the surface layer following the quenching and tempering treatment of ultra-high-strength steel play a significant role in determining the subsequent precision machining. This study focus on investigating the influence of machining processes on the quenching and tempering surface layer. The machining processes affect both the oxidation of the quenching and tempering treatment and the development of a distinct preferred grain orientation. Gradual diminishment of surface abrasions leads to the transformation of the needle-like oxidation pattern into a layered oxidation structure. The preferred orientation of the grains prevents the grains from shear sliding, thereby enhancing the Taylor effect. Formation mechanisms of the microhardness and residual stress of the quenching and tempering surface layer induced by machining processes were also discussed and completely revealed. The microhardness is mainly attributed to the dynamic Hall-Petch effect, while plastic strain, dislocation energy storage, and phase transformation contribute to the residual stress changes. • Formation mechanisms of the quenching and tempering surface layer induced by machining processes were revealed. • Machined surface morphology affects preferred grain orientation preference and austenitization characteristics. • Microhardness of the surface layer induced by machining processes is mainly attributed to the dynamic Hall-Petch effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]