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The presence of T2-Al2MgC2 compound has significant influence on the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys. The mechanical, electronic and dynamical properties of T2-Al2MgC2 under high pressure are investigated by plane wave pseudopotential method based on the first-principles calculation. The results show that T2-Al2MgC2 is mechanically stable under high pressure, the elastic constants except C 1 4 increase with the increase of pressure. This compound presents brittleness and the brittleness decreases with increasing pressure when P < 4 0 GPa, but it displays ductility when P > 4 0 GPa. T2-Al2MgC2 has strong anisotropy, and the anisotropy decreases with increasing pressure. T2-Al2MgC2 is an indirect bandgap semiconductor material. Our calculated bandgap is 1.893 eV at ambient pressure, the bandgap first increases and then decreases with increasing pressure. The phonon band structure as well as the total and partial phonon density of the state under different pressures had been analyzed. The constant volume heat capacity C V and entropy S of T2-Al2MgC2 increase with increasing pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccine passport is recognized as a necessary policy to revive the economy during the outbreak of epidemic with asymptomatic infection, and has been widely adopted in the global world. But implementing vaccine passport inevitably increases the infection risk when the vaccine efficacy is not perfect. Choosing a suitable level of vaccine passport with the consideration of vaccine imperfection is extremely important, which is less studied in the existing literature. In this paper, a novel epidemic model is proposed to consider the mixed impacts of vaccination, including vaccination coverage, vaccine efficacy, and vaccine passport, and the heterogeneous mean-filed (HMF) method is used to analyze the model. Both analytical and numerical results indicate that the introduction of vaccine passport will largely weaken the effect of vaccination and decrease the epidemic threshold in either homogeneous or heterogeneous network structure. Especially, when the efficacy of vaccine is lower than a certain value, if vaccine passport is implemented, increasing vaccination coverage may instead increase the number of infections. The results suggest that the proper vaccination-related combinations are: medium/high vaccination coverage, high vaccine efficacy, and low/medium vaccine passport. In addition, the upper bounds of vaccine passport under different combinations of vaccination coverage and vaccine efficacy are explored based on the epidemic threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium dicarbide (MgC2) at high pressure has been systematically investigated using the first-principle methods. Ten possible structures were studied and three of them (Cmcm, C2/m, P-3m1) were found to be dynamically and mechanically stable under the given pressure. The calculated formation enthalpies indicated that the Cmcm structure was thermodynamically unstable while the C2/m and P-3m1 structures were thermodynamically stable. The interesting thing was that the P-3m1 structure of MgC2 could also be as potential hard materials owing to their Vickers hardness closing to 40 GPa with increasing pressure. The Cmcm and C2/m structures presented ductile behaviour while P-3m1 structure displayed brittle character. The elastic anisotropy of Young's modulus E and shear modulus G became smaller with the increasing pressure, and the P-3m1 structure possessed a lower anisotropy in E and G than Cmcm and C2/m structures. The Cmcm and C2/m structures of MgC2 had metallic characteristic; however, the P-3m1 structure of MgC2 was semiconductor with an indirect band gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Capturing non-spherical pathogen and aerosol deposition in a real human respiratory system. • Developing a technical framework for the transport and deposition of arbitrary shaped particles. • Clarifying the shape-induced distinct deposition patterns of pathogens aerosols and pathogens. • Over 180 % of deposition differences attributing to pathogen shape in the bronchi. • Decoding pathogenicity difference with deposition of shaped pathogen and aerosol. The shape of environmental aerosols contributes to the discrepancy in their dynamic behavior compared to spherical particles, which have received inadequate consideration. We reported deposition patterns of aerosols and aerosol-transmissible pathogens in real human respiratory systems, taking into account their actual shape, using a validated computational-based model. We found that the shape of the aerosols significantly influenced its deposits and accessibility within the respiratory system, significantly in the tracheobronchial region. As an example, we estimated that over 180 % of differences in deposits in the trachea and bronchi were attributable to pathogens shape, inferring the underlying pathogenicity difference of these regions. These findings, capturing the spatial heterogeneity of pathogens and aerosols deposition in human respiratory system, have major implication for understanding the evolution of aerosol-related disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adherence to oral nutritional supplement therapy among postoperative patients with gastric cancer is low. There is little knowledge about patients' priorities and needs regarding oral nutritional supplement therapy. The discrete choice experiment is an innovative method used to elicit patients' preferences. Good practice guidelines emphasize that the development of attributes and levels is a fundamentally important process. Objective: To comprehensively describe the identification, refinement, and selection of attributes and levels for a discrete choice experiment. Methods: A mixed-methods approach, consisting of three consecutive steps: a literature review, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. First, the literature review allowed quick identification of attributes and levels. Then, 15 in-depth interviews were conducted to gather a rich description of the experience of patients taking oral nutritional supplements after gastrectomy and to verify and enrich the attributes and levels list. Finally, four focus group participants discussed the wording of the attributes and levels and reduced the number of attributes to manageable numbers through voting ranking methods. Results: Following the literature review and qualitative data collection, eight attributes were finally generated, each with two to three levels. The following attributes were included: 1) information provider; 2) health guidance approach; 3) adverse reactions; 4) flavor; 5) follow-up method; 6) follow-up frequency; 7) psychological support; 8) cost. These attributes covered the important attributes of nutritional preparations and health guidance included in ONS therapy that were relevant to patients. Conclusions: This study's mixed-methods approach has been found highly suitable to identify, refine and select attributes and levels for a discrete choice experiment. The three methods have pros and cons, and they complement each other, especially the analysis of qualitative data led to a deeper and broader understanding of attributes and levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional system frequency response (SFR) model is not applicable to the study of the frequency response of contemporary power grid due to the response of the large capacity (single unit up to 500 MW) type-II doubly-fed variable speed pumped storage (VSPS) unit is not considered. This article proposes an improved reduced-order SFR model for the power grid integrated with the large-scale type-II VSPS. proposed models Compared with the traditional SFR model, this model takes into account the active power coupling effect of this type of VSPS, and the computational burden increase of the model is small due to the model of VSPS has been reduced to the greatest extent. Therefore, the SFR model can be used by the system operators to rapidly calculate and evaluate the frequency response of contemporary power grid. Firstly, a reduced-order frequency response transfer function model of the Type-II VSPS is established by using the state-space model and small-signal incremental method. Compared with the higher-order nonlinear model of the Type-II VSPS, the state variables and computation burden of the established model is dramatically decreased. Secondly, an improved SFR model for the power grid integrated with the type-II VSPS is presented, and then the reduced-order analytical solution for the frequency response of the grid is put forward based on the parameter weighted aggregation method. The improved SFR model is more realistic and can better express the frequency response characteristics of the contemporary power grid. The proposed SFR model have demonstrated advantages in solving speed and efficiency when contrast it with the higher-order nonlinear model of the grid. Finally, the simulation and experimental results are respectively compared with the analytical solution of the reduced-order models, and the results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Name-Your-Own-Price (NYOP) auction, the spread of bidding information among buyers is incredibly important for both buyers and sellers. However, the impact of hub nodes on the spread of bidding information is less investigated. In this research, we proposed a directed distance index, and used it to explore the roles of hub nodes during an NYOP auction. The results showed significant impacts of hub nodes on buyers' behaviors and seller profits, but the impacts highly depend on the fading speed of information. When information fades fast, the hub nodes should be more valued to increase buyers' bidding intention and make them bid more wisely. Seller's profits will also be increased. While information fades slow, the hub nodes and the regular nodes should be approximately valued. Moreover, we explored the case of sharing failed bids, and found that the roles of hub nodes become more salient when buyers are more willing to share the failed bids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased frequency of disasters keeps reminding us of the importance of effective resource distribution in postdisaster. To reduce the suffering of victims, this paper focuses on how to establish an effective emergency logistics system. We first propose a multiobjective optimization model in which the location and allocation decisions are made for a three-level logistics network. Three objectives, deprivation costs, unsatisfied demand costs, and logistics cost, are adopted in the proposed optimization model. Several cardinality and flow balance constraints are considered simultaneously. Then, we design a novel effective IFA-GA algorithm by combining the firefly algorithm and genetic algorithm to solve this complex model effectively. Furthermore, three schemes are proposed to improve the effectiveness of the IFA-GA algorithm. Finally, the numerical results provide several insights on the theory and practice of relief distribution, which also illustrate the validity of the proposed solution algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The relationship between the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and homocysteine is unclear. We evaluated the effect of H. pylori on serum homocysteine in a healthy Chinese population. Methods: A total of 21 184 individuals aged over 18 years underwent 13C/14C urease breath test (13C/14C‐UBT) and blood tests and 5042 individuals with follow‐up intervals greater than 6 months. Homocysteine levels are classified according to the Chinese expert consensus. Results: The rates of H. pylori infection of normal level, mild level, moderate level, and severe level were 40.9%, 43.8%, 45.8%, and 46.6%, respectively (P = 0.000). H. pylori infection increased the risk of higher homocysteine concentration (OR = 1.406, P = 0.000). In the case–control study, the rates of persistent negative, new infection, persistent infection, and eradication infection were 43.6%, 11.2%, 22.9%, and 22.3%, respectively. The percentage of changes in serum homocysteine levels varied significantly among the different H. pylori infection statuses only in mild level (P = 0.024). Mean changed homocysteine values were higher in the subgroup of persistent infection than in the persistent negative subgroup (P = 0.004) and the eradication infection subgroup (P = 0.034). Serum homocysteine values were elevated only in the subgroup with over 3 years interval time and persistent infection (n = 107, mean paired differences = 1.1 ± 4.6 μmol/L, P = 0.014). Conclusions: There is a relationship between H. pylori and serum homocysteine, and persistent infection leads to elevation of the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) has emerged as a pivotal tool for detecting lung cancer among ever‐smokers. This study aims to evaluate the gender‐specific outcomes of LDCT screening within the Chinese never‐smoking population. Methods: We conducted a single‐center, retrospective cohort study, which analyzed LDCT screening outcomes for 42,018 asymptomatic participants. Specifically, we focused on assessing gender‐specific differences in the prevalence of pulmonary nodules, and the incidence of lung cancer diagnosis among never‐smokers. Results: Among the 42,018 eligible participants, 41.50% were females and 58.50% were males. Most participants were non‐smokers (77.57%), with a significantly higher proportion of non‐smokers among females than males (99.33% vs. 62.14%). Pulmonary nodules were identified in 2.66% of participants, with a higher prevalence in females (2.99%) than males (2.43%) (p < 0.001). Non‐smoking females had a higher incidence of positive nodules than non‐smoking males (2.98% vs. 2.38%, p < 0.001). Invasive biopsies were performed in 334 individuals with nodules, confirming lung cancer in 258 cases. The majority of these cancer cases were non‐smokers (212), with non‐smoking females showing a higher incidence (0.85%) compared to males (0.43%) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the false‐positive rates between non‐smoking females (0.14%) and males (0.13%). Multivariate analysis showed that never‐smoking women were more likely to undergo biopsies (OR 1.65, p = 0.0016) and had a higher, though not statistically significant, probability of lung cancer diagnosis (OR 1.84, p = 0.06). Conclusion: This study elucidates sex‐based differences within the Chinese population, revealing a higher prevalence of pulmonary nodules and lung cancers among non‐smoking females. These findings offer valuable reference for both clinical practice and future research initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) and body mass index (BMI) is still inconclusive. Not only the high rate of H pylori infection but also the increasing higher BMI levels are endangering Chinese today. Methods: The aim of this research was to evaluate the association between different situations of H pylori infection and BMI values or levels in Chinese healthy population. A total of 39 091 individuals aged from 18 years to 80 years, performed healthy examination including a 13C/14C urease breath test (13C/14C‐UBT), were included. Among them, 30 224 individuals only had one time of health examination, and 8867 had two or more times. A case‐cohort data of 8752 with an interval time more than 6 months, collected by the first and the last time, were established from the latter. BMI groups are classified according to the China recommendation: low weight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5 ~ 23.9 kg/m2), overweight (24.0 ~ 27.9 kg/m2), and obesity (≥28.0 kg/m2). Results: The rate of H pylori infection among low weight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity was 43.2%, 44.7%, 46.4%, and 48.0%, respectively (P =.000). H pylori infection increased the risk of higher level of BMI (OR = 1.077, 95% confidence interval = 1.036‐1.119, χ2 = 14.048, P =.000) with adjustments for sex and age. In the case‐control study, the rate of persistent negative, persistent infection, new infection, and eradicated infection was 39.5%, 25.8%, 15.8%, and 18.9%, respectively, with a median interval time of 13 months. The mean obesity BMI descend values in the persistent negative subgroup were lower than those in the persistent infection subgroup (−0.21 ± 1.19 kg/m2 vs −0.003 ± 1.01 kg/m2, P =.021). But the change of BMI classifications had no difference between the subgroups of H pylori infection in different BMI levels. Conclusions: H pylori infection was positively correlated with higher BMI levels. And H pylori persistent infection had a negative effect on the fall of BMI values in Chinese obese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Evaluating the impacts related to stochastic forecast errors (SFE) of renewable energy generation and load demands on the operation of micro grid is an important issue. In previous researches, the negative effects of SFE on micro grid are mainly focusing on power quality, system control, and operation, etc. The objective of this study is to investigate how SFE affects the operation stability of energy storage system (ESS) from the perspective of the state of charge (SOC). To this end, novel SFE propagation and accumulation models are introduced. Efficient quantification models of impacts of SFE on the variance of SOC are presented. These models elucidate in detail the mechanism of ESS working from stable to unstable state due to SOC deviation. Then, some metrics are introduced to evaluate the impacts of SFE on service lifetime of units, the cycle life of ESS and operation economy of micro grid. Finally, illustrative numerical results are provided and compared using a self-developed new simulation program named MG-ROS, which can simulate the actual operation of micro grid under SFE. Highlights • Adverse impacts of SFE on the operation stability of ESS are investigated. • SFE propagation and accumulation models are introduced. • Cumulative impacts of SFE and uncertain factors on the variance of ESS SOC are quantified. • Impacts of SFE on service lifetime of MT, cycle life of ESS, and operation economy of MG are examined and evaluated. • A new simulation program MG-ROS is developed to simulate the actual operation of MG under SFE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly prevalent and underdiagnosed worldwide. The validity and reliability of COPD Population Screening (COPD-PS) questionnaire are not properly known in a large-sample Chinese population. Methods: This is a national multicenter prospective study that enrolled 1,824 outpatients from 12 hospital sites in China. Scores of the Chinese version of COPD-PS questionnaire, demographic data, and clinical information were collected. The validity and the test-retest reliability were evaluated. Results: 1,824 participants were involved in this study, and 404 (22.1%) were diagnosed with COPD. The overall area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for COPD-PS questionnaire was 0.761 (95% CI: 0.734–0.787). A cut-off point of 4 was recommended, corresponding to a sensitivity of 74.50% and a specificity of 64.37%. The COPD-PS questionnaire showed an overall Pearson's correlation of 0.88. Conclusions: The COPD-PS questionnaire can be used in screening COPD patients from the general Chinese population with respiratory symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a name-your-own-price (NYOP) auction, buyers can learn a lot of knowledge from their socially connected peers. Such social learning process makes them become more active to attend the auction and also helps them make decisions on what price to submit. Combining an information diffusion model and a belief decision model, we explore three effects of bidders’ information sharing on the buyers’ behaviors and the seller profit. The results indicate that information sharing significantly increases the NYOP popularity and the seller profit. When enlarging the quality or quantity of information sharing, or increasing the spreading efficiency of the network topology, the number of attenders and the seller profit are increased significantly. However, the spread of information may make bidders be more likely to bid higher and consequently lose surplus. In addition, the different but interdependent influence of the successful information and failure information are discussed in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is a severe disease in humans caused by human immunodeficiency virus. Several human genes were characterized as host genetic factors that impact the processes of AIDS disease. Recent studies on AIDS patients revealed a series disease is complicating with AIDS. To resolve gene interaction between AIDS and complicating diseases, a canonical correlation analysis was used to identify the global correlation between AIDS and other disease pathway genes expression. The results showed that HLA-B, HLA-A, MH9, ZNED1, IRF1, TLR8, TSG101, NCOR2, and GML are the key AIDS-restricted genes highly correlated with other disease pathway genes. Furthermore, pathway genes in several diseases such as asthma, autoimmune thyroid disease, and malaria were globally correlated with ARGs. It suggests that these diseases are a high risk in AIDS patients as complicating diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a new kind of partially coherent beam with nonconventional correlation function named rectangular Laguerre-Gaussian-correlated Schell-model (LGCSM) beam, whose degree of coherence is of rectangular symmetry, and analyze its propagation properties. We find that the rectangular LGCSM beam exhibits self-splitting properties on propagation in free space, i.e., the initial single beam spot evolves into ( m + 1) × ( n + 1) beam spots on propagation with m and n being the beam orders, which are totally different from that of a circular or elliptical LGCSM beam. The self-splitting properties of a rectangular LGCSM beam are also different from other self-splitting beam whose initial single beam spot only splits into two or four beam spots on propagation in free space. We also find that a focused rectangular LGCSM beam exhibits splitting and combining properties on propagation. Furthermore, we carry out experimental generation of a rectangular LGCSM beam and verify the splitting and combining properties of such beam focused by a thin lens. The rectangular LGCSM beam will be useful for manipulating multiple particles or attacking multiple targets simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Laguerre–Gaussian correlated Schell-model (LGCSM) beam was introduced theoretically [Mei and Korotkova, Opt. Lett. 38(2), (2013), 91–93] and generated experimentally [Wang et al., Opt. Lett. 38(11), (2013), 1814–1816]. In this paper, we treat the propagation of a LGCSM beam beyond the paraxial approximation. Based on the generalized Rayleigh–Sommerfeld diffraction integral, analytical expressions for the intensity and spectral degree of coherence of a nonparaxial LGCSM beam propagating in free space are obtained, and the corresponding results of a paraxial LGCSM beam are also derived as a special case. Our numerical results show that the nonparaxial propagation properties of a LGCSM beam are closely related to the initial beam parameters, such as the beam waist width, the coherence width and the mode order. Furthermore, in the far field, flat-topped, hollow intensity profiles can be formed through varying the initial beam parameters, which is different from that of a nonparaxial Gaussian Schell-model beam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,3-Dialkylimidazole-2-selenone as a novel substituted selenium heterocyclic catalyst was used to catalyze oxidative carbonylation of aromatic amines with carbon monoxide in the presence of air to symmetrical ureas in up to 97% yield in ionic liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coherence-orbital angular momentum (COAM) matrix describes the second-order spatial correlations among the pairs of the OAM states in a light beam at two radial positions. It provides a detailed information regarding the azimuthal features of the light beam itself or of the objects interacting with it. In this Letter, we reveal a close relationship existing between the COAM matrix's elements of a partially coherent light beam and the angular gratings that it passes through. It is demonstrated both in theory and in experiment that all the parameters of the angular gratings can be identified by measuring the COAM matrix elements. While the off-diagonal elements possess information about the angular shifts and the rotation speed of the angular grating, the diagonal elements account for the energy distribution among the OAM modes. The experimental results agree reasonably well with the theoretical analysis. One practically significant capability is that our technique offers the determination of angular shifts of azimuthally symmetric objects and/or their rotational speed, by means of a single-pixel detector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method for the synthesis of 1, 3-dialkylimidazole-2-selenones is described. The reaction of 1, 3-dialkylimidazolium salts with selenium using Na2CO3as a base in water under refluxing conditions afforded 1, 3-dialkylimidazole-2-selenones in yields up to 95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phase transition of MgS under high pressure is investigated using a first-principles method. It is found from energy-volume calculations that the rock-salt (B1) phase of MgS transforms into a FeSi-type (B28) phase at 143 GPa. The calculated ground-state parameters in the B1 phase are in excellent agreement with available experimental and theoretical data.Ab initiophonon calculations are also performed to investigate the structural behaviour of MgS under high pressure. An unstable transverse acoustic mode and a phase transition from B1 to B28 phase at ~143.7 GPa driven by this soft mode are predicted. The B28 structure of MgS is stable up to 350 GPa according to lattice dynamics calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An extended SAIS model is developed to explore the impacts of contact tracing on the epidemic with asymptomatic infection. • The three effects induced by contact tracing: social distancing, infection test, and arousing risk perception, are considered simultaneously. • Based on contact tracing, social distancing is more effective than the other two effects on reducing the number of infections. • Contact tracing and its three effects will not affect the epidemic threshold as it is completely epidemic-based. Contact tracing is widely adopted to inhibit the epidemics in the global world, and has been proved to be very effective in reducing infections. But it is rarely investigated whether contact tracing can completely eradicate an epidemic with asymptomatic infection. This paper proposes a novel model to explore the impacts of contact tracing on the outbreak size and outbreak threshold of an epidemic with asymptomatic infection in a two-layered network structure. Based on contact tracing, three types of effects are considered simultaneously: social distancing on the close contacts, infection test on the close contacts, and arousing risk perception from the close contacts. The results indicate that contact tracing and its three effects can largely reduce the number of infections. Among the three effects, the effect of social distancing is more effective because it acts on both the susceptible nodes and the asymptomatic nodes, while the other two only act on one type of nodes. However, contact tracing and its three effects are unable to change the epidemic threshold, even if the asymptomatic nodes and symptomatic nodes are all set to be infectious. The primary reason is that the identification of close contacts is driven by the detection of infections, and is lagged behind the outbreak of epidemic. In fact, the threshold for close contacts to emerge is highly dependent on the epidemic threshold. When the epidemic size approaches 0, close contacts will also disappear. To increase the efficiency of contact tracing on the epidemic threshold, the optimal strategy should directly target the normal people besides the close-contact individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT 1,3-Selenazolidin-2-ones were successfully synthesized by the reaction of 2-chloroethyl amine salts with the Se/CO system via selenation and carbonylation in the presence of NaOH under atmospheric pressure and temperature, and were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous studies have reported variable associations between ambient particulate matter (PM) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hospitalizations and mortality. Objective: To conduct a systematic study assessing the associations between hospitalizations and mortality from COPD and ambient PM 10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 10 μm, PM 10). Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in 6 common electronic databases. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) to evaluate the relationship between PM 10 and COPD hospitalizations and mortality. Publication bias and heterogeneity of samples were tested by Begg funnel plot and Egger test, respectively. Study findings were analyzed using random-effect model and fixed-effect model. Results: The search yielded 31 studies suitable for the meta-analysis during the period from Jan 1, 2000 to Oct 31, 2011. A 10μg/m3 increase in PM 10 was associated with a 2.7% (95%CI = 1.9%-3.6%) increase in COPD hospitalizations with an OR of 1.027 (95%CI: 1.019-1.036), and a 1.1% (95%CI: 0.8%-1.4%) increase in COPD mortality with an OR of 1.011 (95%CI: 1.008-1.014). Conclusions: Ambient PM 10 is associated with increased COPD hospitalizations and mortality. Further research is needed to elucidate whether this association is causal and to clarify its mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the help of a tensor method, we derive an explicit expression for the on-axis scintillation index of a circular partially coherent dark hollow (DH) beam in weakly turbulent atmosphere. The derived formula can be applied to study the scintillation properties of a partially coherent Gaussian beam and a partially coherent flat-topped (FT) beam. The effect of spatial coherence on the scintillation properties of DH beam, FT beam and Gaussian beam is studied numerically and comparatively. Our results show that the advantage of a DH beam over a FT beam and a Gaussian beam for reducing turbulence-induced scintillation increases particularly at long propagation distances with the decrease of spatial coherence or the increase of the atmospheric turbulence, which will be useful for long-distance free-space optical communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important gasotransmitter in the mammalian respiratory system. The enzymes that produce H2S – mainly cystathionine-β-synthase and cystathionine-γ-lyase – are expressed in pulmonary and airway tissues. Endogenous H2S participates in the regulation of the respiratory system''s physiological functions and pathophysiological alterations, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension, to name a few. The cellular targets of H2S in the respiratory system are diverse, including airway smooth muscle cells, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. H2S also regulates respiratory functions such as airway constriction, pulmonary circulation, cell proliferation or apoptosis, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and neurogenic inflammation. Cross-talk between H2S and other gasotransmitters also affects the net outcome of lung function. The metabolism of H2S in the lungs and airway may serve as a biomarker for specific respiratory diseases. It is expected that strategies targeted at the metabolism and function of H2S will prove useful for the prevention and treatment of selective chronic respiratory diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An improved approach to the synthesis of organic diselenides is reported. The process involves the reaction of organic halides with selenium, carbon monoxide, and water under atmospheric pressure in the presence of an inorganic base, sodium hydroxide, to afford organic diselenides in good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multienzyme redox system is the most important biological oxidation process in cellular respiration chain. Nicotinamide adanine dinucleotide redox state (NADH/NAD) can be directly control site in numerous biological processes linked to rhythm, senescence, cancer and death. Therefore, it is very important to investigate the influencing factor of this multienzyme redox system. We have already found a strong inhibitory effect of captopril on this enzyme-catalyzed reaction and further experimental results revealed that this inhibitory action belonged to competitive type. Based on this phenomenon, we developed a highly sensitive spectroflourimetry method for the determination of captopril in pharmaceuticals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the characteristics of urotensin II (U-II) receptor in the rat airway smooth muscle in China. Effect of the signal transduction pathway of U-II on the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells; Measurement of Bmax receptors; Increase of cytosolic free calcium concentration.

A type of vector beam arrays, called partially coherent full Poincaré (PCFP) beam arrays, is introduced and experimentally synthesized using modal-vector-decomposition method. Our experimental system involves a digital micro-mirror device, which can generate such beam arrays with controllable spatial coherence and array structure in almost real-time, enabling to test the impact of atmospheric turbulence on them. Furthermore, we experimentally examine the scintillations of four Stokes parameters (denoted as S 0 , S 1 , S 2 , and S 3 ) of PCFP beam arrays propagating through lab-simulated turbulence. The results indicate that the Stokes scintillations decrease as the number of beamlets increase or spatial coherence decreases. In contrast to S 0 scintillation (intensity scintillation), S 1 , S 2 , or S 3 scintillation is less affected by the turbulence under the same conditions. Our experimental results show that S 2 and S 3 scintillations could reduce by 67.2% and 52.4% compared to the intensity scintillation in strong turbulence. Our findings have potential applications in free-space optical communication when the Stokes parameter S 2 or S 3 is served as an information carrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of high‐energy‐density lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries is limited by the unmanageable deposition/dissolution kinetics of lithium anode and sulfur cathode, leading to subpar electrochemical efficiency. Prior to being deposited on the electrolyte/electrode interface or within the interior, the solvated lithium‐ion (Li+) must undergo de‐solvation to produce free Li+ ions. These ions then participate in subsequent Redox reactions. The sulfur cathode faces challenges related to solid–liquid transformation and polysulfide conversion/shuttle, which impact the deposition/dissolution process. These issues collectively create insurmountable electrochemical barriers in lithium–sulfur batteries. Atom‐level 2D catalysts, contributing to the consummate atomic efficiency (≈100 at%), play an important role in accelerating deposition/dissolution kinetics in lithium–sulfur batteries. In the review, the preparation of atom‐level 2D catalysts and catalytic kinetic process on accelerating Li+ de‐solvation, Li0 stripping/dissolution, Li0 nucleation/deposition of lithium anode, polysulfide conversion, and LixS deposition of sulfur cathode are summarized, and the outlook of high‐performance single‐atom, multiple atoms modified 2D catalysts in lithium, sodium, and zinc‐based batteries is putting forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: DNA methylation plays a critical role in asthma development, but differences in DNA methylation among adults with varying asthma severity are less well-defined. Objective: To examine how DNA methylomic patterns differ among adults with asthma based on asthma severity and airway inflammation. Methods: Peripheral blood T cells from 35 adults with asthma in Beijing, China, were serially collected over time (130 samples total) and analyzed for global DNA methylation using the Illumina MethylationEPIC Array. Differential methylation was compared among subjects with varying airway inflammation and severity, as measured by fraction of exhaled nitric oxide, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores. Results: Significant differences in DNA methylation were noted among subjects with different degrees of airway inflammation and asthma severity. These differences in DNA methylation were annotated to genes that were enriched in pathways related to asthma or T cell function and included gene ontology categories related to MHC class II assembly, T cell activation, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-12. Genes related to P450 drug metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and developmental pathways were also differentially methylated in comparisons between subjects with high vs low FEV1 and ACT. Notable genes that were differentially methylated based on asthma severity included RUNX3, several members of the HLA family, AGT, PTPRC, PTPRJ, and several genes downstream of the JAK2 and TNF signaling pathway. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate how adults with asthma of varying severity possess differences in peripheral blood T cell DNA methylation that contribute to differences in clinical indices of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the preventive effect of vitamin D2 on COVID-19 and the improvement of symptoms after COVID-19 infection. The study recruited 228 health care workers who tested negative PCR or antigen for COVID-19. Subjects were randomly allocated to vitamin D2 or non-intervention at a ratio 1:1. Subjects recorded PCR or antigen tests and the symptoms of COVID-19 twice a week during the follow-up visit. The concentration of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), C-reaction protein (CRP), complement component C1q and inflammatory cytokines were measured. The rates of COVID-19 infection were 50.5% in the vitamin D2 group and 52.4% in the non-intervention group (P = 0.785). There was no difference in the COVID-19 symptoms between the two groups. The mean 25(OH)D level significantly increased from 14.1 to 31.1 ng/mL after administration (P < 0.001). The difference between the two groups was not significant for the concentrations of CRP, C1q and inflammatory cytokines on the thirtieth day of the trial. According to the second level of vitamin D, there was a 14.3% difference in positive infection rates between the vitamin D adequate (> 30 ng/mL) and deficient groups (< 20 ng/mL). Adequate vitamin D had a tendency to prevent COVID-19. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05673980, dated: 12/2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A two-layer network is constructed to model the simultaneous impacts of spontaneous and public social distancing. • Social distancing can increase the epidemic threshold. • Spontaneous social distancing will not affect the epidemic threshold when infection sources are undetected. • Public social distancing should be more exerted in the subnetworks of higher infection risk. Social distancing can be divided into two categories: spontaneous social distancing adopted by the individuals themselves, and public social distancing promoted by the government. Both types of social distancing have been proved to suppress the spread of infectious disease effectively. While previous studies examined the impact of each social distancing separately, the simultaneous impacts of them are less studied. In this research, we develop a mathematical model to analyze how spontaneous social distancing and public social distancing simultaneously affect the outbreak threshold of an infectious disease with asymptomatic infection. A communication-contact two-layer network is constructed to consider the difference between spontaneous social distancing and public social distancing. Based on link overlap of the two layers, the two-layer network is divided into three subnetworks: communication-only network, contact-only network, and overlapped network. Our results show that public social distancing can significantly increase the outbreak threshold of an infectious disease. To achieve better control effect, the subnetwork of higher infection risk should be more targeted by public social distancing, but the subnetworks of lower infection risk shouldn't be overlooked. The impact of spontaneous social distancing is relatively weak. On the one hand, spontaneous social distancing in the communication-only network has no impact on the outbreak threshold of the infectious disease. On the other hand, the impact of spontaneous social distancing in the overlapped network is highly dependent on the detection of asymptomatic infection sources. Moreover, public social distancing collaborates with infection detection on controlling an infectious disease, but their impacts can't add up perfectly. Besides, public social distancing is slightly less effective than infection detection, because infection detection can also promote spontaneous social distancing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient method for the synthesis of 1,3-dialkylimidazole-2-selenones involves the reaction of 1,3-dialkylimidazole salts with selenium in the presence of potassium carbonate in ethanol or acetone under refluxing conditions to afford the products in good to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spatial coherence structure of a partially coherent light beam can be used as a novel tool for the manipulation of optical radiation force. • The symmetry of trapping area can be modulated by the symmetry of the spatial coherence structure of the incident light beam. • Two types of Rayleigh dielectric particles of different refractive indices can be trapped simultaneously by a focused rotational elliptical Laguerre–Gaussian correlated Schell-model beam. • The effects of beam order and spatial coherence widths on the radiation forces are analyzed in detail. We analyze the optical radiation forces, produced by a focused rotational elliptical Laguerre–Gaussian correlated Schell-model (ELGSM) beam, on the dielectric particles of different refractive indices in the Rayleigh scattering regime. It is found that through a judicious modulation of the initial spatial coherence width and the beam order of the correlation function of the rotational ELGSM beam, the particles with higher refractive index (compared with the ambient) can be trapped along an elliptical ring centered at the focus, the particles with lower refractive index, at the same time, will be trapped at the focal point. Our results also show that the trapping area/range can be modulated by structuring the correlation function of the beam. By comparing the gradient, scattering, Brownian, and gravity forces acting on the particles, the trapping stability is analyzed. Our results indicate that the coherence structure engineering can be used as an alternative approach to modulate the symmetry of the optical trapping area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spatial coherence structure of a partially coherent light beam can be used as a novel tool for the manipulation of optical radiation force. • The symmetry of trapping area can be modulated by the symmetry of the spatial coherence structure of the incident light beam. • Two types of Rayleigh dielectric particles of different refractive indices can be trapped simultaneously by a focused rotational elliptical Laguerre–Gaussian correlated Schell-model beam. • The effects of beam order and spatial coherence widths on the radiation forces are analyzed in detail. We analyze the optical radiation forces, produced by a focused rotational elliptical Laguerre–Gaussian correlated Schell-model (ELGSM) beam, on the dielectric particles of different refractive indices in the Rayleigh scattering regime. It is found that through a judicious modulation of the initial spatial coherence width and the beam order of the correlation function of the rotational ELGSM beam, the particles with higher refractive index (compared with the ambient) can be trapped along an elliptical ring centered at the focus, the particles with lower refractive index, at the same time, will be trapped at the focal point. Our results also show that the trapping area/range can be modulated by structuring the correlation function of the beam. By comparing the gradient, scattering, Brownian, and gravity forces acting on the particles, the trapping stability is analyzed. Our results indicate that the coherence structure engineering can be used as an alternative approach to modulate the symmetry of the optical trapping area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The impacts of knowledge diffusion on rumor and epidemic are studied in a two-layer network. • The competitive diffusions of rumor and knowledge are modeled on the communication layer. • The outbreak threshold of rumor increases linearly with the penetration intensity of knowledge. • The outbreak threshold of epidemic increases concavely with the penetration intensity of knowledge. • Rumor and epidemic can be stopped more efficiently by knowledge when people have more connections in the communication layer. The interaction between epidemic spreading and information diffusion is an interdisciplinary research problem. During an epidemic, people tend to take self-protective measures to reduce the infection risk. However, with the diffusion of rumor, people may be difficult to make an appropriate choice. How to reduce the negative impact of rumor and to control epidemic has become a critical issue in the social network. Elaborate mathematical model is instructive to understand such complex dynamics. In this paper, we develop a two-layer network to model the interaction between the spread of epidemic and the competitive diffusions of information. The results show that knowledge diffusion can eradicate both rumor and epidemic, where the penetration intensity of knowledge into rumor plays a vital role. Specifically, the penetration intensity of knowledge significantly increases the thresholds for rumor and epidemic to break out, even when the self-protective measure is not perfectly effective. But eradicating rumor shouldn't be equated with eradicating epidemic. The epidemic can be eradicated with rumor still diffusing, and the epidemic may keep spreading with rumor being eradicated. Moreover, the communication-layer network structure greatly affects the spread of epidemic in the contact-layer network. When people have more connections in the communication-layer network, the knowledge is more likely to diffuse widely, and the rumor and epidemic can be eradicated more efficiently. When the communication-layer network is sparse, a larger penetration intensity of knowledge into rumor is required to promote the diffusion of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent pathway of regulated cell death. But the exact mechanism of ferroptosis in ischemic stroke remains unclear. We hypothesize that conventional protein kinase cγ (cPKCγ) can attenuate neuronal death by regulating ferroptosis. In this study, primary cultured cortical neurons were used to establish 1 h oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) and reoxygenation (R) 0–12 h (i.e., 1 h OGD/R 0–12 h) as in vitro models of cell ischemia. After 1 h OGD/R 0–12 h, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) levels increased, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) levels decreased significantly. Concurrently, GPx4 activity decreases, and iron levels increased. The inhibition of ferroptosis by Liproxstatin-1 ameliorated OGD-induced neuronal injury. Liproxstatin-1 administration prominently induced GPx4 expression and suppressed COX2 expression. Additionally, Liproxstatin-1 administration substantially reduced iron accumulation and rescued GPx4 activity, accompanying by prominent changes in lipid peroxidation indicators. cPKCγ knockdown significantly aggravated neuronal death, and increased GPx4 depletion and COX2 and ACSL4 levels, thus dramatically increasing iron accumulation and GPx4 inactivation. Changes in lipid peroxidation indicators were also significantly increased. Ferroptosis is closely associated with OGD-induced ischemic injury, and cPKCγ can attenuate ischemic injury after OGD via ferroptosis suppression. • ferroptosis can occur after OGD/R injury. • ferroptosis inhibition could reduce neuronal death, iron levels and lipid peroxidation. • cPKCγ knockdown could aggravate OGD/R-induced neuronal death. • cPKCγ knockdown could aggravate OGD/R-induced neuronal ferroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inflammation within areas of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) is associated with kidney allograft failure. The aim of this study was to reveal new diagnostic markers of IF/TA based on bioinformatics analysis.Methods: Raw data of IF/TA samples after kidney transplantation and control samples after kidney transplantation were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE76882 and GSE120495 datasets), and genes that were differentially expressed between the two groups (DEGs) were screened. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), ESTIMATE and single sample GSEA (ssGSEA), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network were used to analyze the data.Results: The results of GSEA revealed that multiple immune-related pathways were enriched in the IF/TA group, and subsequent immune landscape analysis also showed that the IF/TA group had higher immune and stromal scores and up to 15 types of immune cells occupied them, such as B cells, cytotoxic cells, and T cells. LASSO regression analysis selected 6 (including ANGPTL3, APOH, LTF, FCGR2B, HLA-DQA2, and EGF) out of 14 DE-IRGs as diagnostic genes to construct a diagnostic model. Then, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed the powerful diagnostic value of the model, and the area under the curve (AUC) of a single diagnostic gene was greater than 0.75. The results of ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) also indicated that DEGs were involved in the immune system and kidney disease-related pathways. Finally, we found multiple miRNAs that could regulate diagnostic genes from the ceRNA network.Conclusion: This study identified 6 IF/TA-related genes, which might be used as a new diagnosis model in the clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bone regeneration is the synergistic effect of bone regeneration multicellular unit. • Bone regeneration incorporates osteoblast, endothelial cells and inflammatory cells. • Application of certain biochemical cues could optimize the repair microenvironment. • IL4-MOF@CaP nanosystem can optimize the microenvironment for bone regeneration. • Effects of IL4-MOF@CaP on the bone regeneration multicellular unit are elucidated. Biomaterials that could synchronize with complex tissue physiological healing processes would have significant potential in bioengineering applications. Inspired by the "scatter shot" pattern in the embryonal intramembranous ossification process, a multifunctionalized scaffold is proposed to provide multiple osteogenic nucleation sites for bone regeneration multicellular unit (BRMU). First, an inherently therapeutic nanoplatform was fabricated that is composed of a gallic-acid-magnesium-based metal-organic frameworks (Mg-MOF) core and a biodegradable calcium phosphate (CaP) shell. The obtained MOF@CaP can be used for efficient bioactive factor protection and can mimic the physiological inflammation resolution response through the release of the inflammatory microenvironment (low pH) stimuli-responsive IL4. In addition, the MOF@CaP nanoplatform can provide a preferable repair microenvironment, such as by supplying magnesium for angiogenesis, gallic acid for reactive oxygen species removal, and calcium and phosphate to ensure that the extracellular bone matrix is calcified. Subsequently, IL4-MOF@CaP served as the discrete core of the bone islands by BRMU, was incorporated into collagen (Col) scaffolds to fabricate a multifunctional biodegradable scaffold. Remarkable in vivo functional bone regeneration was achieved with an in situ bone island pattern formed internally. Thus, the biomaterials replicating the developmental process can be an attractive strategy for enhancing tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Impacts of SFE on the operation stability of ESS from the perspective of SOC deviation are investigated. • Cumulative effects of SFE on the variance of SOC of ESS are quantified. • Online closed-loop Hybrid-MPC strategy is developed to cope with SFE. • RO-MPC is utilized to handle small SFE while HC-MPC is applied to tackle large SFE. • Feedback correction is employed to keep SOC within the desired range. • A self-developed simulation tool MG-ROS is applied to simulate the actual operation of microgrid. Energy storage system (ESS) is crucial for microgrid to mitigate adverse impacts of renewable energy generation by participating in primary frequency regulation. In previous studies, research on evaluating the cumulative impacts of stochastic forecast errors (SFE) of renewable energy generation on the variance of SOC (state of charge) of ESS is lacking. This paper presents quantification models of the impacts of SFE on the variance of SOC of ESS. Novel SFE propagation and accumulation models are introduced. The effects of dispatch control and droop control on ESS at different time scales are comprehensively considered. The mechanism of ESS working from a stable state to an unstable state owing to SOC deviation is demonstrated. Then aiming at solving the problem that ESS is forced to quit operation owing to SOC deviation, an online hybrid model predictive control (Hybrid-MPC) based strategy is proposed. Hybrid-MPC consists of two hierarchies: one is decreasing horizon rolling optimization which is specially for handling small SFE and the other is heuristic cooperative control which is designed to tackle large SFE. Besides, feedback correction is applied to change the real-time operation status of microgrid in time. Finally, the strategy is tested in a self-developed program named microgrid real operation simulation (MG-ROS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The competition between rumor and knowledge has received significant attention from the global world. How to spread knowledge to better contain rumor has also become an important practical issue. In this study, we build a multi-compartment model in a multiplex network to study the competitive diffusion of knowledge and rumor. Two factors are emphasized in the model: penetration of knowledge into rumor, and spreading channel difference between knowledge and rumor. The model is further improved with the information-infected states divided into two sub-states: information-accepted and information-sharing. The mean-field method is adopted to analyze the model and then verified by the numerical results in both ER random networks and BA scale-free networks. The consistent results in ER and BA networks show that both rumor and knowledge thresholds are increased by the intensity of competition between them, and the rumor-knowledge competition goes through four phases: "no rumor and no knowledge", "rumor outbreak and no knowledge" (rumor wins), "no rumor and knowledge outbreak" (knowledge wins), and "rumor vs knowledge" (rumor competes and coexists with knowledge), where the thresholds of rumor and knowledge act as the boundary of different phases. The different results in ER and BA networks show that rumor and knowledge are generally easier to break out in BA networks. But the BA rumor threshold may exceed the ER rumor threshold with the increase of rumor-knowledge competition, making rumor instead become difficult to break out in ER networks than that in BA networks, which infers that the hub nodes play very important roles in knowledge spreading. Based on the results, two types of management on rumor-knowledge competition are explored to control rumor and accelerate knowledge. Interestingly, critical values are discovered in both types of management, highlighting the importance of strengthening knowledge sharing and penetrating knowledge into rumor spreaders and listeners. The results reveal the management complexity of rumor-knowledge competition under different conditions. • An extended UAU model is proposed to study the competitive diffusion of rumor and knowledge in a multiplex network. • The mechanism of knowledge penetrating rumor is introduced into the rumor-knowledge competitive diffusion model. • The information-infected state is divided into two sub-states: information-accepted and information-sharing. • The rumor-knowledge competition goes through four phases, and their thresholds are increased with competition. • Rumor-knowledge competition makes rumor be more difficult to break out in scale-free network than that in random network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Talaromyces marneffei (TM) is an emerging pathogenic fungus that can cause a fatal systemic mycosis in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although global awareness regarding HIV/TM coinfection is increasing little is known about the mechanism that mediates the rapid progression to HIV/AIDS disease in coinfected individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the serum proteome of HIV/TM coinfected patients and to identify the associated protein biomarkers for TM in patients with HIV/AIDS. Methods: We systematically used multiplexed isobaric tandem mass tag labeling combined with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to screen for differentially expressed proteins in the serum samples from HIV/TM-coinfected patients. Results: Of a total data set that included 1099 identified proteins, approximately 86% of the identified proteins were quantified. Among them, 123 proteins were at least 1.5-fold up-or downregulated in the serum between HIV/TM-coinfected and HIV-mono-infected patients. Furthermore, our results indicate that two selected proteins (IL1RL1 and THBS1) are potential biomarkers for distinguishing HIV/TM-coinfected patients. Conclusions: This is the first report to provide a global proteomic profile of serum samples from HIV/TM-coinfected patients. Our data provide insights into the proteins that are involved as host response factors during infection. These data shed new light on the molecular mechanisms that are dysregulated and contribute to the pathogenesis of HIV/TM coinfection. IL1RL1 and THBS1 are promising diagnostic markers for HIV/TM-coinfected patients although further large-scale studies are needed. Thus, quantitative proteomic analysis revealed molecular differences between the HIV/TM-coinfected and HIV-mono-infected individuals, and might provide fundamental information for further detailed investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three‐dimensional paper‐based microfluidic devices have shown great potential in various applications, including point‐of‐care diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and tissue engineering. However, their fabrication is still limited to stacking and origami methods. Inspired by the art of bamboo braiding in China, we developed a novel fabrication technique based on the braiding concept to create three‐dimensional paper‐based microfluidic devices with PDMS‐impregnated paper substrate as the building units. The resulting three‐dimensional paper device brings unique advantages, including compactness, facile disassembly, and real‐time flow visualization. The multiplexed glucose analysis with a braided device integrated with 16‐switchable valves for flow control was further fabricated to demonstrate the device's applicability. We envision braiding‐based fabrication technology opening new possibilities and bringing broad applications for three‐dimensional paper microfluidic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolytes are considered the lifeblood of lithium batteries, facilitating ion transfer between the cathode and anode. However, the flammability, volatility and corrosiveness of organic electrolytes impede the sustainable development of lithium batteries. Deep eutectic electrolytes (DEEs) have emerged as a promising alternative, exhibiting high stability, non-flammability and wide electrochemical window. Herein, a series of DEEs with varying molar ratios of azoles and LiTFSI were facilely prepared through the interaction of Li⋯N. These DEEs demonstrate unique advantages, including non-flammability, high conductivity and a favourable Li+ transference number. In particular, the DEEs ImL-4:1 and PyL-4:1 (Imidazole:LiTFSI = 4:1 and Pyrazole:LiTFSI = 4:1, respectively) achieve high ionic conductivities of 4.5 × 10−3 and 5.8 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 80 °C, respectively. Notably, the electrochemical window of PyL-4:1 is stable, making it a suitable electrolyte for the lithium metal-free Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 /LiFePO 4 full battery. This system exhibits an initial specific capacity of 147 mAh g−1 and maintains stable cycling performance over 200 cycles. This study offers valuable insights into the design of electrolytes, addressing the challenges posed by traditional organic electrolytes and paving the way for sustainable lithium battery development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the ReaxFF-lg reaction force field, the thermodynamic and kinetic quantities of LLM-105 decomposition at different shock waves were analysed. The equation of state, bulk modulus and pressure derivative of the shock decomposition process of LLM-105 were obtained. In addition, using Rankine-Hugoniot relationship, the detonation pressure was estimated to be 29.3 Gpa. The bond breaking of the molecular structure during the reaction was determined by the bond sequence, and the number of reactants, clusters and small molecules formed during the shock process was counted. Based on the obtained results, the decomposition of LLM-105 occurs when the shock wave velocity is greater than 8 km/s. The pyrazine ring in LLM-105 is connected by C–N–N or C–N–O–C to form the multimeric structure of LLM-105, accompanied by a small amount of hydrogen transfer, which is the main initial pathway for the shock-induced reaction of LLM-105. Subsequently, the multimer of LML-105 starts to decompose and finally forms small stable molecules such as N2 and H2O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Developing cartilage constructed with the appropriate matrix composition and persistent chondrogenesis remains an enduring challenge in cartilage defects. Cartilage progenitor cell (CPC)-based tissue engineering has attracted recent attention because of its strong chondrogenic differentiation capacity. However, due to the lack of a suitable chondrogenic niche, the clinical application of CPC-regenerated cartilage in the subcutaneous environment remains a challenge. In this study, exosomes derived from chondrocytes (CC-Exos) were used to provide the CPC constructs with a cartilage signal in subcutaneous environments for efficient ectopic cartilage regeneration. Methods: Rabbit CPC-alginate constructs were prepared and implanted subcutaneously in nude mice. CC-Exos were injected into the constructs at the same dose (30 μg exosomes per 100 μL injection) after surgery and thereafter weekly for a period of 12 weeks. Exosomes derived from bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-Exos) were used as the positive control. The mice in the negative control were administered with the same volume of PBS. At 4 and 12 weeks after implantation, the potential of CC-Exos and BMSC-Exos to promote chondrogenesis and stability of cartilage tissue in a subcutaneous environment were analyzed by histology, immunostaining, and protein analysis. The influences of BMSC-Exos and CC-Exos on chondrogenesis and angiogenic characteristics in vitro were assessed via coculturing with CPCs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Results: The CC-Exos injection increased collagen deposition and minimized vascular ingrowth in engineered constructs, which efficiently and reproducibly developed into cartilage. The generated cartilage was phenotypically stable with minimal hypertrophy and vessel ingrowth up to 12 weeks, while the cartilage formed with BMSC-Exos was characterized by hypertrophic differentiation accompanied by vascular ingrowth. In vitro experiments indicated that CC-Exos stimulated CPCs proliferation and increased expression of chondrogenesis markers while inhibiting angiogenesis. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the novel CC-Exos provides the preferable niche in directing stable ectopic chondrogenesis of CPCs. The use of CC-Exos may represent an off-the-shelf and cell-free therapeutic approach for promoting cartilage regeneration in the subcutaneous environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CL-20/HMX-solvent interface models were established to understand the effect of DMSO-acetonitrile co-solvent on the formation of CL-20/HMX cocrystal. The molecular dynamics simulations were applied to theoretically investigate the interactions of CL-20/HMX cocrystal surfaces and dimethyl sulfoxide/acetonitrile co-solvents. The binding energies were calculated, and the interaction between solvent molecules and CL-20/HMX cocrystal faces was analyzed. The results show that molecular interactions would be affected by the mole ratios of solvent, and the comparison of the binding energies with different mole ratios revealed that dimethyl sulfoxide/acetonitrile with mole ratio of 1:3 favors the formation of CL-20/HMX cocrystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]