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Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-ĸB) plays a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immune systems, significantly influencing various physiological processes such as cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, survival, and stemness. The function of NF-ĸB in cancer progression and response to chemotherapy has gained increasing attention. This review highlights the role of NF-ĸB in inflammation control, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic implications in cancer treatment. NF-ĸB is instrumental in altering the release of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, which are key in the regulation of carcinogenesis. Specifically, in conditions including colitis, NF-ĸB upregulation can intensify inflammation, potentially leading to the development of colorectal cancer. Its pivotal role extends to regulating the tumor microenvironment, impacting components such as macrophages, fibroblasts, T cells, and natural killer cells. This regulation influences tumorigenesis and can dampen anti-tumor immune responses. Additionally, NF-ĸB modulates cell death mechanisms, notably by inhibiting apoptosis and ferroptosis. It also has a dual role in stimulating or suppressing autophagy in various cancers. Beyond these functions, NF-ĸB plays a role in controlling cancer stem cells, fostering angiogenesis, increasing metastatic potential through EMT induction, and reducing tumor cell sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Given its oncogenic capabilities, research has focused on natural products and small molecule compounds that can suppress NF-ĸB, offering promising avenues for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The diagnosis of hidden hearing loss (HHL) in calm state has not yet been determined, while the nutritional status is not involved in its pathogenic risk factors. In utero iron deficiency (ID) may delay auditory neural maturation in infants. We evaluated the association between ID and HHL as well as the modification effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on this association in newborns. Study design: We included 859 mother-newborns from the baseline of this observational northeast cohort. Data on exposure assessment included iron status [maternal hemoglobin (Hb) and neonatal heel prick serum ferritin (SF)] and SES (occupation, education and income). Auditory neural maturation was reflected by auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing and electrocochleography (ECochG). Results: Iron status and SES were independently and jointly associated with the prediction of neonatal HHL by logistic and linear regression model. The mediation effects were performed by Process. ID increased absolute latency wave V, interpeak latency (IPL) III-V, and summting potentials (SP) /action potentials (AP), which were combined as HHL. Low SES showed the highest risk of HHL and the highest levels of related parameters in ID newborns. Moreover, after Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) were positive, preschool children who experience ID in neonatal period were more likely to suffer from otitis media with effusion (OME). High SES also showed similar risk effects. Conclusion: Both low and high SES may strengthen the risk of ID on neonatal HHL in Northeast China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to identify the key genes involved in the development of multiple primary lung cancers. Methods: Differential expression analysis was performed, followed by comparing the infiltration levels of 22 immune cell types between multiple and single primary lung adenocarcinomas. Marker genes for epithelial cells with different proportions between the two types of lung adenocarcinomas were identified. The common genes between the marker genes and differentially expressed genes were identified. Finally, the effects of the key genes were tested on the in vitro proliferation, migration and morphology. Results: The infiltration levels of helper follicular T cells, resting NK cells, activated NK cells, M2 macrophages and resting mast cells were higher in the patients with multiple than in those with single primary lung adenocarcinomas. A total of 1553 differentially expressed genes and 4414 marker genes of epithelial cells were identified. Logistic regression analysis was performed on the 164 resulting genes. The macrophage migration inhibitory factor expression was positively associated with the occurrence of multiple primary lung adenocarcinomas. Moreover, its signalling pathway was the key pathway among the epithelial cells and multiple and single primary lung adenocarcinoma cells, and it was upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma cells. It also increased the expression of lung cancer markers, including NES and CA125, induced morphological changes in alveolar epithelial type II cells, and promoted their proliferation, migration and invasion. Conclusions: Multiple and single primary lung adenocarcinomas have different tumour immune microenvironments, and migration inhibitory factor may be a key factor in the occurrence of multiple primary lung adenocarcinomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the performance and feasibility of magnesia‐alumina spinel (MgAl2O4) ceramics for thermal storage in solar thermal power generation, MgAl2O4 was prepared by theoretical composition using α‐Al2O3 as aluminium source, fused magnesia, magnesite, and light burned magnesia as different magnesium sources and kaolin as additive. The effects of magnesium source and the additive on sintering properties, thermal shock resistance and thermal properties of MgAl2O4 ceramics were researched. The results shown sample A1 (with fused magnesia) sintered at 1670°C possessed the optimum comprehensive properties, the bending strength increased by 7.71% after 30 thermal shock times (room temperature‐1000°C, air cooling), the specific heat capacity was 1.05 J/ (g·K). Therefore, the MgAl2O4 ceramics exhibited great potential in high‐temperature thermal storage material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of Li dendrites in a solid electrolyte is commonly idealized by a pressure‐filled crack. Recent observations in both garnet and sulfide electrolytes show that sparsely filled cracks exist prior to shorting of the cell, thereby invalidating this assumption. Herein, a variational principle that uses the Onsager formalism to couple Li deposition into the crack, elastic deformation of the electrolyte, and cracking of the electrolyte with the electrochemical driving forces and dissipation within the electrolyte and interfaces is developed. Consistent with observations, it is shown that Li ingress and cracking occur together for garnet electrolytes, but the cracks are sparsely filled. This sparse filling is a direct consequence of the mismatch between the elastic opening of the cracks and the deposition of Li into the cracks across the crack flanks. An increase in the resistance of Li ingress into the tips of Li filaments results in crack propagating ahead of the Li filaments, as observed for sulfide electrolytes. In such cases, the cracks are largely dry. The results provide a framework to model Li ingress into solid electrolytes and explain why the observations are qualitatively so different from dendrites in liquid electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mantle metasomatism refers to the interaction between mantle melt, fluid, and mantle rock. It not only affects the physical and chemical properties of the lithospheric mantle but also plays an important role in the process of metal and gem mineralization. In order to explore the nature and evolution of metasomatism in the lithospheric mantle of the Mengyin area in the eastern part of the North China Craton, this paper combines the previous data of garnet inclusions in diamonds and analyzes the major and trace elements of garnet xenocrysts in the Shengli No. 1 kimberlite pipe from the EPMA and LA-ICP-MS experiments. The experiments show that the garnet xenocrysts of the Shengli No. 1 kimberlite pipe are mainly lherzolitic and harzburgitic garnets. The content of Zr and TiO2 in some garnets are low, which are the characteristics of depleted garnets. Conversely, another group of garnets display high Zr and TiO2 contents, indicative of high-temperature melt metasomatism. When comparing the Ti/Eu ratio of the depleted garnets to that of the primary mantle, a significantly lower value is observed. Additionally, the (Sm/Er)N value undergoes minimal changes, while the Zr/Hf value exceeds that of the primary mantle. These characteristics are indicators of carbonatite melt metasomatism. Garnets that are affected by high-temperature melt metasomatism exhibit low (Sm/Er)N content, a significant variation in the Ti/Eu ratio, and a Zr/Hf value greater than that of the primary mantle. These characteristics indicate the influence of kimberlite melt metasomatism. Garnets impacted by carbonatite melt metasomatism display a strong sinusoidal distribution pattern of rare earth elements (REE) and are often found as lherzolitic garnet xenocrysts and garnet inclusions in diamond. On the other hand, garnets influenced by kimberlite melt metasomatism exhibit a slight sinusoidal REE distribution pattern in harzburgitic garnets and a slight sinusoidal REE distribution or a flat pattern from medium rare earth elements (MREEs) to heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) in lherzolitic garnet xenocrysts. Based on these findings, it is evident that there are at least two types of metasomatism occurring in the lithospheric mantle of the Mengyin area in the eastern part of the North China Craton. The first type involves the metasomatism of early carbonatite melt to the mantle peridotite. Garnets formed under this condition exhibit high Sr and LREE contents, as well as low Zr, Hf, Ti, Y, and HREE contents, indicating depletion characteristics. The second type entails the metasomatism of late kimberlite melts affecting the mantle peridotite. Garnets formed under this process display high Zr, Hf, Ti, Y, and HREE contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To construct a survival prediction model for patients with TNM stage III hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to guide the clinical diagnosis and treatment of HCC patients and improve prognosis. Methods: Based on data from patients with stage III (AJCC 7th TNM stage) recorded by the American Institute of Cancer Research from 2010 to 2013, risk factors affecting the prognosis were screened by Cox univariate and multivariate regression, line plots was constructed, and the credibility of the model was verified by Boostrap method. ROC operating curves, calibration curves and DCA clinical decision curves were used to evaluate the model, and Kaplan–Meier was used for survival analysis was used to evaluate the efficacy of the model. External survival data from patients newly diagnosed with stage III hepatocellular carcinoma during 2014–2015 were used to validate and fit the model and to optimize the model. Results: Age > 75 years vs.18-53 years [HR = 1.502; 95%CI(1.134–1.990)], stage IIIC vs. Stage IIIA [HR = 1.930; 95%CI(1.509–2.470)], lobotomy vs. non-surgery [HR = 0.295; 95%CI(0.228–0.383)], radiotherapy vs. non-radiotherapy [HR = 0.481; 95%CI(0.373–0.619)], chemotherapy vs. Non-chemotherapy [HR = 0.443; 95%CI(0.381–0.515)], positive serum AFP before treatment vs. negative [HR = 1.667; 95%CI(1.356–2.049)], the above indicators are independent prognostic factors for patients with stage III hepatocellular carcinoma, and the P values for the above results were less than 0.05. A joint prediction model was constructed based on age, TNM stage, whether and how to operate, whether to receive radiotherapy, whether to receive chemotherapy, pre-treatment serum AFP status and liver fibrosis score. The consistency index of the improved prognosis model was 0.725. Conclusions: The traditional TNM staging has limitations for clinical diagnosis and treatment, while the Nomogram model modified by TNM staging has good predictive efficacy and clinical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the influence of SiC on the composition and structure of mixed slag (blast-furnace slag: steel slag = 1:9), the chemical composition, equilibrium-phase composition, and microscopic morphological characteristics and elemental distribution in the microscopic region of the SiC-reagent-tempered slag samples were analyzed by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), FactSage7.1 thermodynamic analysis software, scanning electron microscope, and energy spectrum analyzer. It was found that the main physical phases of the tempered slag samples were magnesia–silica–calcite (Ca3Mg(SiO4)2, C3MS2), calcium–aluminum yellow feldspar (Ca2Al2SiO7, C2AS), C2S, and iron alloy. Theoretical calculations suggest that the experimental temperature should be higher than 1500 °C to facilitate the combination of P5+ with Fe and Mn in the liquid phase to form an alloy, reduce the P5+ content in the tempered slag, and create conditions for the self-powdering of the conditioned slag. The doping of the SiC reagent can increase the liquid phase line temperature and reduce the binary basicity in the liquid phase; the liquid phase line temperatures were 1150 °C, 1200 °C, and 1300 °C and the basicities in the liquid phase were 4.68, 4.13, and 3.10 for the doping amounts of 3%, 4%, and 5% of the SiC reagent, respectively. The mixed slag doped with 4% SiC reagent achieves self-powdering and reduction of ferroalloys during the air-cooling and cooling processes, realizing the purpose of "resource utilization" of blast-furnace slag and steel slag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to transform the crystalline form of Ca2SiO4 (C2S) in phosphorus-containing slag from monoclinic β-polycrystalline to square γ-polycrystalline, a volume expansion of about 11% was generated, which caused the phosphorus-containing slag to undergo self-powdering. The CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-MgO-MnO-P2O5-FeO slag system was analyzed using FactSage7.1 thermodynamic software, and the effects of different P2O5, FeO and basicity on the mineral phase composition of slag system were analyzed in the range of 1300~1700 °C. It was shown that P2O5, FeO and basicity all have an effect on the composition of the mineral phases. When the mass fraction of P2O5 in the slag was lower than 0.25%, it had less effect on the transformation of C2S crystalline structure. When the P2O5 content was higher than 0.25%, it was favorable to the generation of low-melting-point substances, but the P2O5 in the slag reacted with C2S in the silicate phase, making P5+ solidly soluble in C2S, inhibiting the transformation of β-C2S to γ-C2S and hindering the self-powdering of the slag. The FeO content in the slag system ranged from 20% to 28%, and as the FeO content increased, the C2S content in the silicate phase decreased from 33.3% to 25.9%, while the temperature at which the silicate was completely dissolved into the liquid phase decreased from 1600 °C to 1500 °C and the complete melting temperature of the slag decreased. The low FeO content facilitates the self-powdering of slag. In the high-phosphorus slag, at temperatures below 1450 °C, with the increase of basicity, the proportion of C2S in the silicate phase first increased and then decreased. With basicity at 1.8; the highest content of silicate phase, accounting for 33.7%; and the temperature exceeding 1450 °C, the silicate phase dissolved into the liquid phase, which is conducive to the removal of phosphorus from the slag, achieving the self-powdering of high-phosphorus slag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the pattern of influence of blast furnace slag tempering on the composition and structure of steel slag. The chemical composition, equilibrium phase composition, microscopic morphological characteristics and elemental composition of microscopic regions of steel slag and blast furnace slag modified by high temperature reconstruction were analyzed using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), FactSage7.1 thermodynamic analysis software, mineral phase microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results show that blast furnace slag blending can promote the generation of a low melting point phase in the slag, as well as reducing its melting temperature and improving its high temperature kinetic conditions. On the one hand, the incorporation of blast furnace slag was found to promote the generation of C2S in the steel slag and improve its gelling activity. Notably, at 1400 °C, the C2S content (mass fraction) of steel slag modified with 15% high temperature reconstruction reached 39.04%, while that of unmodified steel slag at this temperature was only 16.92%, i.e., only 1/4 of the C2S content in the modified slag. On the other hand, the incorporation of blast furnace slag inhibited the generation of a-C2S-C3P and calcium ferrate minerals, refined the grains of calcium–aluminum yellow feldspar, reduced the alkalinity and promoted the generation of silicate phases with high hydration activity in steel slag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced glucose biosensors are highly desired for rapid, reliable and cost‐effective sensing of glucose. This work reports on a self‐powered glucose biosensor (SPGB) composed of a Cu anode and a glucose oxidase/Prussian blue/ITO biocathode. The SPGB is available for flow sensing of glucose, with a linear detection range of 0.10 and 1.20 mM, a high sensitivity of 35.62 μA ⋅ cm−2 ⋅ mM−1 and a detection limit of 14.34 μM (S/N=3). The SPGB is reproducible (RSD <5%) and has been successfully employed to determine glucose in juices with satisfactory recoveries (98–100 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the sintering allocation scheme and lower the cost of allocation, two semi-lignite ores with similar properties and large price differences were selected for blending to achieve the purpose of complementary advantages. The sintered ore specimens were studied by using FactSage7.1, an infrared sintering furnace, and regression analysis. The results show that OA and OB iron ore powders and their mixed iron ore powders have a good linear fitting effect with an inverse relationship between bond phase strength and SiO2 content; the bond phase strength has a positive relationship with liquid phase fluidity index; when mixing OA and OB iron ore powders in the ratio of 4:6, they have better sintering base characteristics and can be used as a new iron ore powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antibodies and derivative drugs targeting immune checkpoints have been approved for the treatment of several malignancies, but there are fewer responses in patients with pancreatic cancer. Here, we designed a nanobody molecule with bi-targeting on PD-L1 and CXCR4, as both targets are overexpressed in many cancer cells and play important roles in tumorigenesis. We characterized the biochemical and anti-tumour activities of the bispecific nanobodies in vitro and in vivo.Methods: A nanobody molecule was designed and constructed. The nanobody sequences targeting PD-L1 and CXCR4 were linked by the (G4S)3 flexible peptide to construct the anti-PD-L1/CXCR4 bispecific nanobody. The bispecific nanobody was expressed in E. coli cells and purified by affinity chromatography. The purified nanobody was biochemically characterized by mass spectrometry, Western blotting and flow cytometry to confirm the molecule and its association with both PD-L1 and CXCR4. The biological function of the nanobody and its anti-tumour effects were examined by an in vitro tumour cell-killing assay and in vivo tumour inhibition in mouse xenograft models.Results: A novel anti-PD-L1/CXCR4 bispecific nanobody was designed, constructed and characterized. The molecule specifically bound to two targets on the surface of human cancer cells and inhibited CXCL12-induced Jurkat cell migration. The bispecific nanobody increased the level of IFN-γ secreted by T-cell activation. The cytotoxicity of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) against pancreatic cancer cells was enhanced by the molecule in combination with IL-2. In a human pancreatic cancer xenograft model, the anti-PD-L1/CXCR4 nanobody markedly inhibited tumour growth and was superior to the combo-treatment by anti-PD-L1 nanobody and anti-CXCR4 nanobody or treatment with atezolizumab as a positive control. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining of xenograft tumours showed that the anti-tumour effects were associated with the inhibition of angiogenesis and the infiltration of immune cells.Conclusion: These results clearly revealed that the anti-PD-L1/CXCR4 bispecific nanobody exerted anti-tumour efficacy in vitro and inhibited tumour growth in vivo. This agent can be further developed as a therapeutic reagent to treat human pancreatic cancer by simultaneously blocking two critical targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antibodies and derivative drugs targeting immune checkpoints have been approved for the treatment of several malignancies, but there are fewer responses in patients with pancreatic cancer. Here, we designed a nanobody molecule with bi-targeting on PD-L1 and CXCR4, as both targets are overexpressed in many cancer cells and play important roles in tumorigenesis. We characterized the biochemical and anti-tumour activities of the bispecific nanobodies in vitro and in vivo. Methods: A nanobody molecule was designed and constructed. The nanobody sequences targeting PD-L1 and CXCR4 were linked by the (G4S)3 flexible peptide to construct the anti-PD-L1/CXCR4 bispecific nanobody. The bispecific nanobody was expressed in E. coli cells and purified by affinity chromatography. The purified nanobody was biochemically characterized by mass spectrometry, Western blotting and flow cytometry to confirm the molecule and its association with both PD-L1 and CXCR4. The biological function of the nanobody and its anti-tumour effects were examined by an in vitro tumour cell-killing assay and in vivo tumour inhibition in mouse xenograft models. Results: A novel anti-PD-L1/CXCR4 bispecific nanobody was designed, constructed and characterized. The molecule specifically bound to two targets on the surface of human cancer cells and inhibited CXCL12-induced Jurkat cell migration. The bispecific nanobody increased the level of IFN-γ secreted by T-cell activation. The cytotoxicity of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) against pancreatic cancer cells was enhanced by the molecule in combination with IL-2. In a human pancreatic cancer xenograft model, the anti-PD-L1/CXCR4 nanobody markedly inhibited tumour growth and was superior to the combo-treatment by anti-PD-L1 nanobody and anti-CXCR4 nanobody or treatment with atezolizumab as a positive control. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining of xenograft tumours showed that the anti-tumour effects were associated with the inhibition of angiogenesis and the infiltration of immune cells. Conclusion: These results clearly revealed that the anti-PD-L1/CXCR4 bispecific nanobody exerted anti-tumour efficacy in vitro and inhibited tumour growth in vivo. This agent can be further developed as a therapeutic reagent to treat human pancreatic cancer by simultaneously blocking two critical targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sudden spread of COVID-19 infections in a region can catch its healthcare system by surprise. Can one anticipate such a spread and allow healthcare administrators to prepare for a surge a priori? We posit that the answer lies in distinguishing between two types of waves in epidemic dynamics. The first kind resembles a spatio-temporal diffusion pattern. Its gradual spread allows administrators to marshal resources to combat the epidemic. The second kind is caused by super-spreader events, which provide shocks to the disease propagation dynamics. Such shocks simultaneously affect a large geographical region and leave little time for the healthcare system to respond. We use time-series analysis and epidemiological model estimation to detect and react to such simultaneous waves using COVID-19 data from the time when the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus dominated the spread. We first analyze India's second wave from April to May 2021 that overwhelmed the Indian healthcare system. Then, we analyze data of COVID-19 infections in the United States (US) and countries with a high and low Indian diaspora. We identify the Kumbh Mela festival as the likely super-spreader event, the exogenous shock, behind India's second wave. We show that a multi-area compartmental epidemiological model does not fit such shock-induced disease dynamics well, in contrast to its performance with diffusion-type spread. The insufficient fit to infection data can be detected in the early stages of a shock-wave propagation and can be used as an early warning sign, providing valuable time for a planned healthcare response. Our analysis of COVID-19 infections in the US reveals that simultaneous waves due to super-spreader events in one country (India) can lead to simultaneous waves in other places. The US wave in the summer of 2021 does not fit a diffusion pattern either. We postulate that international travels from India may have caused this wave. To support that hypothesis, we demonstrate that countries with a high Indian diaspora exhibit infection growth soon after India's second wave, compared to countries with a low Indian diaspora. Based on our data analysis, we provide concrete policy recommendations at various stages of a simultaneous wave, including how to avoid it, how to detect it quickly after a potential super-spreader event occurs, and how to proactively contain its spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effects of cyclic deep cryogenic treatment (CDCT) on the mechanical properties and the precipitated phases evolution of 7B55 aluminum alloy produced by wire arc directed energy deposition (WA-DED) were systematically investigated. The findings revealed that, under both T6 and CDCT conditions, the microstructure of the 7B55 aluminum alloy exhibited fine-equiaxed grains. Under the T6 condition, the precipitated phases within the grains were primarily composed of clustered GP zones and η ′ phases. Meanwhile, the η phases were continuously distributed along the grain boundaries. Upon subjecting the material to three cycles of CDCT, a noticeable reduction in the number of GP zones within the grains was observed. Simultaneously, there was a substantial increase in the number of η ′ phases, accompanied by the occurrence of dislocation lines. The distribution of η phases along the grain boundary transitioned to an interrupted pattern. Under the CDCT-Cycle 3 (CDCT-C3) condition, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and elongation (EL) achieved 658.6 ± 4.5 MPa, 624.2 ± 5.2 MPa, and 8.42 ± 0.18 %, respectively. However, with the progression to four cycles of CDCT, the GP zones within the grains disappeared and the number of η ′ phases started to decrease with the formation of a large number of η phases. The η phase along the grain boundary continuously grew by merging and absorbing solute atoms from the Al matrix near the grain boundaries. This led to the formation of coarsen and interrupted η phases and the Precipitate-Free Zone (PFZ) along the grain boundaries. Subsequently, the mechanical properties experienced a substantial decrease after the CDCT-Cycle 4 (CDCT-C4). • The effect of CDCT on the evolution of precipitated phases WA-DED Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy was investigated. • The number of η ′ phase and the dislocation density within grains were increased after CDCT-C3. • The η phases along grain boundaries were changed to interrupted distribution and PFZs were formed after CDCT-C4. • The UTS reached 658 MPa and a breakthrough was achieved among WA-DED aluminum alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the progression of various types of tumors. However, its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has seldom been explored. This study aimed to discover prognostic markers associated with oxidative stress in ESCC to improve the prediction of prognosis and help in the selection of effective immunotherapy for patients. Results: A consensus cluster was constructed using 14 prognostic differentially expressed oxidative stress-related genes (DEOSGs) that were remarkably related to the prognosis of patients with ESCC. The infiltration levels of neutrophils, plasma cells, and activated mast cells, along with immune score, stromal score, and estimated score, were higher in cluster 1 than in cluster 2. A prognostic signature based on 10 prognostic DEOSGs was devised that could evaluate the prognosis of patients with ESCC. Calculated risk score proved to be an independent clinical prognostic factor in the training, testing, and entire sets. P53 signaling pathway was highly enriched in the high-risk group. The calculated risk score was positively related to the infiltration levels of resting mast cells, memory B cells, and activated natural killer (NK) cells and negatively associated with the infiltration levels of M1 and M2 macrophages. The relationship between clinical characteristics and risk score has not been certified. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for sorafenib and gefitinib were lower for patients in the low-risk group. Conclusion: Our prognostic signature based on 10 prognostic DEOSGs could predict the disease outcomes of patients with ESCC and had strong clinical value. Our study improves the understanding of oxidative stress in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and provides insights for developing improved and efficient immunotherapy strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: General transcription factor IIi (GTF2I) mutations are very common in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) and are related to a more favorable prognosis in TET patients. However, limited research has been conducted on the role of GTF2I in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Further, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been associated with the survival of patients with TETs. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between GTF2I mutations and TIME and build a new potential signature for predicting tumor recurrence in the TETs. Research data was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to evaluate TIME differences between GTF2I mutant and wild-type TETs. Relevant differentially expressed lncRNAs based on differentially expressed immune-related genes were identified to establish lncRNA pairs. We constructed a signature using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results: GTF2I is the most commonly mutated gene in TETs, and is associated with an increased number of early-stage pathological types, as well as no history of myasthenia gravis or radiotherapy treatment. In the GTF2I wild-type group, immune score and immune cell infiltrations with M2 macrophages, activated mast cells, neutrophils, plasma, T helper follicular cells, and activated memory CD4 T cells were higher than the GTF2I mutant group. A risk model was built using five lncRNA pairs, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year area under the curves were 0.782, 0.873, and 0.895, respectively. A higher risk score was related to more advanced histologic type. Conclusion: We can define the GTF2I mutant-type TET as an immune stable type and the GTF2I wild-type as an immune stressed type. A signature based on lncRNA pairs was also constructed to effectively predict tumor recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Examining the role of immune‐related genes (IRGs) in "driver gene negative" lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) may provide new ideas for the treatment and study for this LUAD subgroup. We aimed to find the hub immune‐related gene pairs can stratify the risk of "driver‐gene‐negative" LUAD. Materials and Methods: IRGs were identified according to ImmPort database based on RNA sequencing results of tumors and normal tissues from 46 patients with "driver gene negative" LUAD at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University and cyclically singly paired as immune‐related gene pairs (IRGPs). Multivariate Cox analysis was used to construct an immune risk model and a prognostic nomogram combining was also been developed. Immune microenvironment landscape described by CIBERSORT and drug sensitivity calculated by pRRophetic algorithm were used to explore possible treatment improvements. Results: A novel immune risk model with 5‐IRGPs (CD1A|CXCL135, CD1A|S100A7L2, IFNA7|CMTM2, IFNA7|CSF3, CAMP|TFR2) can accurately distinguish patients in the high‐ and low‐risk groups. Risk score act as an independent prognostic factor and is related to clinical stage. There are significant differences in tumor immune microenvironment and PD‐1/PD‐L1/CTLA‐4 expression between groups. The low‐risk patient may benefit more from the commonly used chemotherapy regimens such as gemcitabine and paclitaxel. Conclusion: This study constructed 5‐IRGPs as a reliable prognostic tool and may represent genes pairs that are potential rationale for choice of treatment for "driver gene negative" LUAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving efficient and reasonable renewable energy utilization is crucial for sustainable socio-economy development. Herein, an ingenious glucose/O 2 bio-photoelectrochemical system (BPECS) is developed to enhance glucose metabolism process for high-efficiency biofuels utilization. Capturing the intermittent nature of sunlight, glucose metabolism is divided into two-step reasonably. Under dark condition, bio-metabolism catalyzed by glucose oxidase (GOD), is conducted firstly to enrich gluconic acid and H 2 O 2. Benefiting from specific electrocatalytic selectivity of BiVO 4 photoanode and hemin cathode towards gluconic acid oxidation and H 2 O 2 reduction, respectively, electro-matabolism occurs subsequently under light illumination. Moreover, profiting from prominently catalytic stability, a nanozyme-enhanced BPECS is constructed for the first time by integrating GOD-like Au nanoparticles, and a maximum power density of 139.17 μW cm−2 with open-circuit voltage of 0.62 V, is obtained. Such a BPECS provides a guiding significance for exploration of renewable energy sources and opens up a new path to expand nanozymes in extensive research fields. [Display omitted] • BiVO 4 exhibits specific photo-electrocatalytic behavior for gluconic acid oxidation. • Glucose bio-metabolism and electro-matabolism are carried out alternately with diurnal variation. • Ingenious design strategy achieves high-efficiency utilization of glucose biofuels. • Nanozyme is integrated into the system to enhance the long-term cycling stability. • The developed BPECS provides a guiding significance for renewable energy exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Cancer risks vary in different BRCA1/2 mutations. We are interested in identifying regions associated with elevated/reduced risks of breast/ovarian cancers in the Chinese population and comparing with previously reported Caucasian-based breast/ovarian cancer cluster regions (OCCR/BCCR). We also aim to characterize the distribution and estimate the cancer risks of different Chinese recurrent mutations. Methods. A total of 3,641 cancer-free women and 4,278 female cancer patients were included in the study. Germline BRCA1/2 status was detected with amplicon-based next-generation sequencing. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) of breast cancer and OR of ovarian cancer, and their ratio of the two ORs (ROR) for each region. ROR >1 indicated elevated odds of breast cancer and/or decreasing odds of ovarian cancer, and vice versa. The frequency, distribution, and penetrance of six known Chinese founder mutations were characterized, respectively. Haplotype analysis and age estimation were performed on the most prevalent founder mutation BRCA1: c.5470_5477del. Results. A total of 729 subjects were detected with germline BRCA1/2 deleterious mutations. The putative Chinese OCCR/BCCR partially overlapped with Caucasian-based OCCR/BCCR and shared structural-functional characteristics. The six known Chinese founder mutations greatly vary in both distribution and penetrance. The two widely spread mutations are estimated to convey low penetrance, while the area-restricted founder mutations seemed to confer higher/complete penetrance. BRCA1: c.5470_5477del is estimated to have emerged ∼2,090 years ago (70 B.C.) during the Han dynasty. Conclusions. BRCA1/2 carriers with different genotypes have significantly different cancer risks. An optimal risk assessment should be mutation specific, rather than concerning a single figure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA), a promising ternary cathode material of lithium-ion batteries, has widely attracted attention due to its high energy density and excellent cycling performance. However, the presence of residual alkali (LiOH and Li2CO3) on the surface will accelerate its reaction with HF from LiPF6, resulting in structural degradation and reduced safety. In this work, we develop a new coating material, LiH2PO4, which can effectively optimize the residual alkali on the surface of NCA to remove H2O and CO2 and form a coating layer with excellent ion conductivity. Under this strategy, the coated sample NCA@0.02Li3PO4 (P2-NCA) provides a capacity of 147.8 mAh gâˆ'1 at a high rate of 5 C, which is higher than the original sample (126.5 mAh gâˆ'1). Impressively, the cycling stabilities of P2-NCA under 0.5 C significantly improved from 85.2% and 81.9% of pristine-NCA cathode to 96.1% and 90.5% at 25 °C and 55 °C, respectively. These satisfied findings indicate that this surface modification method provides a feasible strategy toward improving the performance and applicability of nickel-rich cathode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the exact solution of the stress in the functionally graded (FG) cylindrical/spherical pressure vessel, this paper presents a unified form of the basic equations of the FG hollow cylinder/spherical shell by introducing parameter, and then, the axial/spherical symmetry mechanical problems of FG hollow shells are studied under three different boundary conditions, respectively. Assume that the Young's modulus of the material changes with thickness distribution of cylinder/shell in the form of power functions and the value of Poisson's ratio is constant, the analytical solutions of the displacement and stress of the FG hollow cylindrical/spherical pressure vessel are derived under different boundary conditions. By comparing the analytical solutions of the FG hollow cylinder/spherical shell obtained in this paper with the existing classical theoretical solutions and numerical solutions, the correctness of the analytical solution given in this paper is verified. In the numerical discussion, the distributions of displacement, radial stress and circumferential stress of the FG hollow cylinder/spherical shell under different gradient parameters and different size conditions are given, respectively. Finally, based on the difference numerical method, the stress distribution of FG hollow cylinder/spherical shell with the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio along thickness distribution in the form of power functions is analyzed numerically. The results show that gradient parameter and geometric size have a great influence on the mechanical response of FG structure under different boundary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar thermal storage ceramic materials use photothermal power generation technology to store heat energy, which is an important way to use clean energy and reduce carbon emissions. In this paper, MgAl2O4 ceramics were prepared by pressureless sintering with fused magnesia and α‐Al2O3 as the primary raw materials and TiO2 as the additive. The phase composition, microstructure, physical properties, thermal shock resistance, and thermal physical properties of MgAl2O4 thermal storage ceramics were studied. The results show that the main crystalline phase of B4 is MgAl2O4 and the secondary crystalline phase is MgTi2O5. Ti4+ is dissolved into MgAl2O4 lattice, which distorts the lattice, reduces activation energy, and promotes sintering. The sample B4 (69.73 wt% α‐Al2O3, 30.27 wt% fused magnesia, and 7 wt% TiO2) sintered at 1510°C had the best comprehensive physical properties, and its bending strength and bulk density were 89.41 MPa and 3.27 g/cm3, respectively. After 30 thermal shock cycles, the bending strength of the sample B4 is slightly lost. The thermal stress generated during the expansion and contraction of the grain volume led to the decrease of the bending strength. From room temperature to 1000°C, the specific heat capacity of sample B4 is.44–1.25 J/(g·K). The heat capacity increases with the increase of temperature, and the heat storage density increases. The heat storage density is 1218.75 kJ/kg (1000°C). Heat capacity increases with temperature due to intensified lattice vibration at high temperatures. Therefore, magnesia alumina spinel ceramics show great potential in solar thermal energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid‐state lithium batteries will revolutionize the lithium‐ion battery and energy storage applications if certain key challenges can be resolved. The formation of lithium‐protrusions (dendrites) that can cause catastrophic short‐circuiting is one of the main obstacles, and progresses by a mechanism that is not yet fully understood. By utilizing X‐ray computed tomography with nanoscale resolution, the 3D morphology of lithium protrusions inside short‐circuited solid electrolytes has been obtained for the first time. Distinguishable from adjacent voids, lithium protrusions partially filled cracks that tended to propagate intergranularly through the solid electrolyte, forming a large waved plane in the shape of the grain boundaries. Occasionally, the lithium protrusions bifurcate into flat planes in a transgranular mode. Within the cracks themselves, lithium protrusions are preferentially located in regions of relatively low curvature. The crack volume filled with lithium in two samples is 82.0% and 83.1%, even though they have distinctly different relative densities. Pre‐existing pores in the solid electrolyte, as a consequence of fabrication, can also be part‐filled with lithium, but do not have a significant influence on the crack path. The crack/lithium‐protrusion behavior qualitatively supports a model of propagation combining electrochemical and mechanical effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While multinomial logistic models have been widely applied in practice, the research on design selection has not kept pace. The complication in studying optimal/efficient designs for multinomial logistic models is the complicated structure of information matrices due to the model complexity and existence of many variants. A critical step in deriving optimal/efficient designs is to determine the number of support points needed. In this paper, we systematically characterize the optimal designs through the complete class framework. The results hold for any optimal designs, regardless of optimality criterion chosen, parameters of interest, one-stage or multi-stage designs. It provides insight in the structure of optimal designs for multinomial logistic models from theoretical perspective and makes the follow-up derivation much easier. • Systematically characterizes the optimal designs through complete class framework. • Derives upper bound for the number of support points. • Confirms theoretical results through numerical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a method for the synthesis of 2‐aryl‐2‐hydroxyethyl dithiocarbamates via difunctionalization of alkenes involving C−S and C−O bonds formation with tetraalkylthiuram disulfides as the functional reagents. The reaction proceeded well under transition‐metal‐free conditions and afforded up to 88% yield of the desired products. Numerous useful functional groups were tolerated under the reaction conditions. This methodology provides a direct approach to β‐hydroxy dithiocarbamates, featuring readily available starting materials and broad substrate scope, which shows its practical synthetic value in organic synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poultry meat supply chain is complex and therefore vulnerable to many potential contaminations that may occur. To ensure a safe product for the consumer, an efficient traceability system is required that enables a quick and efficient identification of the potential sources of contamination and proper implementation of mitigation actions. In this study, we explored the use of graph theory to construct a food supply chain network for the broiler meat supply chain in the Netherlands and tested it as a traceability system. To build the graph, we first identified the main actors in the supply chain such as broiler breeder farms, broiler farms, slaughterhouses, processors, and retailers. The capacity data of each supply chain actor, represented by its production or trade volumes, were gathered from various sources. The trade relationships between the supply chain actors were collected and the missing relationships were estimated using the gravity model. Once the network was modeled, we computed degree centrality and betweenness centrality to identify critical nodes in the network. In addition, we computed trade density to get insight into the complexity of sub-networks. We identified the critical nodes at each stage of the Dutch broiler meat supply chain and verified our results with a domain expert of the Dutch poultry industry and literature. The results showed that processors with own slaughtering facility were the most critical points in the broiler meat supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

aimed at investigating the clinical significance and biological function of ubiquitination factor E4B (UBE4B) in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: 19 paired clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumor samples and the matched neighboring non-tumor samples were used to detect the expression of UBE4B in RCC tumor by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. UBE4B expression was also detected in 151 ccRCC paraffin-embedded tumor samples by using immunohistochemistry. Overall survival (OS) in different UBE4B expression groups were compared with Log rank test. The prognostic value of UBE4B expression in OS was evaluated with the univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. UBE4B was knocked down by small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology, and the effect of UBE4B on cell proliferation, colony formation, metastasis, apoptosis and cell cycle of RCC cells were examined in vitro. Results: Both protein and mRNA levels of UBE4B were up-regulated in ccRCC tumor tissues in contrast to the corresponding adjacent nontumor ones. UBE4B expression was positively associated with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage and distant metastasis in ccRCC patients. Survival analyses indicated that low expression of UBE4B was associated with increased OS in ccRCC patients. Functional analyses demonstrated that siRNA silencing of UBE4B expression in SKRC39 and ACHN cells further reduced the growth, motility and invasiveness of RCC cells. Moreover, siRNA silencing of UBE4B in the RCC cell lines did not induce apoptosis, and an increase in the cell population was observed during the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Conclusion: UBE4B might act as an oncogene in regulating RCC development. Therefore it could be served as an effective indicator to predict OS and a potential biomarker for targeted therapy of RCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid cancer is widely diagnosed as malignancy in endocrine system. This study attempted to validate UCA1 possessed modulatory function on cell proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human thyroid cancer cell line TPC-1. Ectopic expression of UCA1 was induced in TPC-1 cells by transfection. CCK-8 assays were employed to value cell viability. Cell apoptosis analysis was conducted through flow cytometry. We found that overexpressed UCA1 strongly promoted cell proliferation. However, the knockdown of UCA1 suppressed cell proliferation and induced obvious cell apoptosis. Besides, cell EMT was promoted by overexpressed UCA1 and was inhibited by the knockdown of UCA1. Further study revealed that miR-15a level in TPC-1 cells was suppressed by overexpressed UCA1. Simultaneous overexpression of UCA1 and miR-15a partly alleviated UCA1-induced growth, identifying that miR-15a was a possible target of UCA1. At last, the Hippo and JNK signal pathways were activated by overexpressed UCA1 but were then weakened by the adding of miR-15a. In conclusion, our study revealed UCA1/miR-15a axis implicated in thyroid cancer cells EMT, exposing a novel mechanism of thyroid cancer progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel concrete shielding scheme for SPLTHR was Introduced. • The efficacy of the thermal insulation strategy was demonstrated through the design and implementation of principled experiments. • An analysis of the internal temperature distribution and thermal stratification within the water layer has been conducted. • A discussion has been undertaken regarding the factors influencing the thermal insulation effectiveness of the water layer insulation scheme. Elevating the operational parameters of Swimming Pool-type Low-Temperature Heating Reactors to augment heating capacity raises concerns about heightened water temperatures within the pool. Elevated water temperatures pose a significant challenge to the integrity and durability of the concrete shielding, necessitating innovative solutions for effective thermal insulation. Existing approaches, such as insulation coatings and static insulation water layers, have shown limitations in maintaining prolonged cooling efficiency under reactor operating conditions. In response to this challenge, our research introduced a novel approach: the implementation of a flowing water layer within the concrete structure. A specialized insulation water layer is integrated within the reactor to efficiently isolate high-temperature pool water from the surrounding concrete shielding. A comprehensive experimental setup is established to assess the insulation effectiveness, yielding insights into the water layer's insulation performance. Results demonstrate a significant radial temperature difference of up to 14.31 °C between the cold and hot walls of the water layer within the experimental parameters. Investigation into critical experimental variables indicates that inlet positioning minimally affects insulation efficiency. This study not only verifies the viability of the insulation water layer approach but also furnishes crucial experimental data for future research endeavors about the cooling scheme of the Swimming Pool-type Low-Temperature Heating Reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of photovoltaic hot-spot detection by thermal infrared sensors, the fault features cannot be effectively represented due to low pixel ratios and complex environmental interference, which makes it difficult for the detection network to accurately detect hot-spot faults. Therefore, an anchor-free photovoltaic hot-spot fault detection algorithm based on deformable context Transformer and bi-branch multi-level feature fusion is proposed. First, to improve the feature extraction ability of the backbone network for small-scale hot-spot faults, a deformable context Transformer module is constructed. By building an offset network in a multi-headed self-attention mechanism, dynamic and static context information with small-scale fault features can be explored from shallow feature maps. Second, to solve the problem of low target saliency due to the complex background interference, a bi-branch multi-level feature fusion module is designed to aggregate global and local multi-level features in a parallel fusion manner, enabling the detection network to rapidly focus on the fault target region in complex environments. Then, an anchor-free mechanism is introduced, and a dynamic task alignment prediction module is proposed to avoid feature misalignment in the classification and localization tasks and further improve the algorithm detection accuracy. Finally, to verify the superiority of the proposed network, seven detection algorithms are selected for comparison experiments. The experimental results show that the DCMF-AFNet network can accurately detect multi-scale hot-spot targets under various harsh conditions, and the detection accuracy can reach 87.3%. [Display omitted] • A DCTM module is constructed to mine static and dynamic contextual information of small-scale faults. • A BiMFF module is designed to integrates multi-level features from global and local perspectives in a parallel manner. • A DT-Head module is proposed to avoid information misalignment in the classification and localization branches. • Our algorithm can accurately detect multi-scale hot-spot targets under various harsh conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In deepwater oil and gas field development, a Tension Leg Platform (TLP) consists of a hull, tendons, and top tension risers (TTR). When one or more tendons failure due to extreme sea state, a TLP will be under the working condition which is very different from its design condition, showing structural instability and transient effect. To enhance the safety and global stability of whole TLP system, obtaining failure consequences is necessary. By 3D potential flow theory and panel element method, a series of mooring analyses are performed for the target TLP to predict its coupled hydrodynamic response after tendon one-time failure and, in particular, during progressive failure of several tendons. Different directions of environment load that including extreme wind, wave and current and tendon failure positions are considered. In the results, the motion response of the hull, the force from residual tendons and TTRs are presented. • A progressive mooring failure process is calculated for a TLP hull-tendon-riser coupled system under extreme environment. • TTRs' response is analyzed after the local mooring system breakdown and it is compared with tendons' response. • Comparisons are made between the disconnections simultaneously and progressively of multi-tendon. (The fourth point:) A crucial factor in conversion from local mooring failure to global failure is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Arid areas cover more than one third of global land, and as such, water resources are vital for this fragile ecosystem. In order to reveal the recharge mechanisms among different water bodies in arid areas, precipitation, surface water, and groundwater were sampled in the Ebinur Lake basin, Xinjiang, China, and the isotopic values for hydrogen and oxygen were measured. The stable isotope values of precipitation showed significant seasonal variation, with minimum values in the winter, medium values in the spring and autumn, and maximum values in the summer. The slope and intercept of local meteoric water line were both lower than that of global meteoric water line, indicating subcloud evaporation effect. The vapor source of precipitation was dominated by the westerlies, but the regional re-evaporation vapor accounted for some proportions as well. In the Bortala River and Jinghe River, the stable isotopic values varied spatially, tending to be enriched with the river flow. The stable isotopic values for lake water were significantly higher than those of river water, which reflected a stronger evaporation and concentration effect of the lake water. The stable isotopic values of groundwater featured similar spatial variation compared to the river, and phreatic water evaporated to some extent. In the Bortala River, owing to its specific hydrogeological structure, the exchange rates between the groundwater and the river water were higher upstream than in the middle and lower reaches. In the Jinghe River, the deep groundwater aquifer received recharge from the shallow groundwater layers and from the river. At the edge of the Ebinur Lake, the interaction of groundwater and surface water was low and springs became the important recharge source for the lake. The results of this study provide insights into the determination of river hydrological processes and the management of water resources. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The recharge rates were calculated among the precipitation, surface water, and groundwater. • The spatio-temporal variations were elaborated among the precipitation, surface water, and groundwater δ2H and δ18O values. • The stable isotope method and HYSPLIT model were used to trace the vapor sources. • A conceptual diagram of regional water cycle was depicted in the Ebinur Lake basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of pseudogenes as well as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as important regulators in human tumors. However, the clinical role and potential functional effects of the double homeobox A pseudogene 8 (DUXAP8) in glioma remains unknown. In the present study, it was revealed that pseudogene DUXAP8 is significantly upregulated in glioma tissues, compared with adjacent normal tissues. Patients with increased DUXAP8 expression were associated with higher Karnofsky Performance Status, advanced World Health Organization grade, poor disease-free survival and overall survival rates of patients with glioma. Furthermore, in vitro assays, Cell-Counting Kit-8 cell viability and cell colony forming assays demonstrated that reduced DUXAP8 expression significantly suppressed proliferation capacity. Therefore, the results of the present study indicate that pseudogene DUXAP8 is an oncogenic lncRNA and may serve as a potentially prognostic biomarker and novel target of glioma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Object: To summarize our experience in treating veins during microvascular decompression (MVD) procedures for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Methods: A total of 210 patients who underwent single MVD for idiopathic TN were retrospectively studied. The offending vessels were summarized. The treatment choices for veins during the operation were reviewed. Postoperative long-term outcomes were determined by follow-up. Results: Veins accounted for 26.7% of the total 262 offending vessels. Neurovascular conflicts were caused by veins alone in 23 patients (11.2%), and they were caused by arteries and veins together in 47 patients (22.8%). The offending veins were cut (15.7%) or saved (84.3%) during the operation. Excellent long-term outcomes were acquired in 78.3% of the patients with venous type TN. Conclusion: There are no acknowledged principles guiding the treatment of veins during MVD. Our primary treatment principle is to retain veins as often as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The evaluation error of defect depth caused by lift-off disturbance is clarified. • The dual sensor strategy is clarified theoretically by the magnetic dipole theory. • The dual-sensor strategy overcomes evaluation bias due to the lift-off disturbance. • The dual-sensor strategy improves the evaluation precision of defect depth. • This path is recommended for quantitatively evaluating the multi-sensor strategy. The quantitative evaluation of defect information is the key issue in magnetic flux leakage (MFL) nondestructive testing on ferromagnetic materials. For the multi-sensor strategy with the same lift-off values, the arrayed layout of probes improves the testing efficiency, but the evaluation precision is still susceptible to the lift-off disturbance. This paper recommends a dual-sensor strategy with a given lift-off difference to resist the lift-off disturbance. Here, the reason for the possible overestimating and underestimating evaluation is clarified for the traditional single-sensor strategy using the magnetic dipole theory in MFL testing. In this paper, the effectiveness of the proposed dual-sensor strategy is demonstrated by comparison with the traditional single-sensor strategy. Analysis shows that the proposed dual-sensor strategy in MFL testing can overcome the lift-off disturbance and improve evaluation precision of the defect depth in cases with uncertain lift-off values. This study provides a path for the quantitative evaluation of MFL testing based on the dual-sensor strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al-Zn-Mg-Cu aluminum alloys are typically heat-treatable aluminum alloys. The heat treatment has a significant effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy. In this study, the solid solution temperature of achieving ultra-high strength in wire-arc additive manufactured 7B55 aluminum alloy was systematically investigated. The results showed that the microstructure of the as-deposited 7B55 aluminum alloy was composed of equiaxed grains with an average grain size of 4.2 ± 0.5 μm. A large number of the second phases were continuously distributed along grain boundaries. The precipitated phases within grains were mainly composed of the larger η phases and the smaller η′ phases, and the amount of precipitated phases was fewer. The second phases distributed along grain boundaries gradually dissolved into α-Al matrix with the increase of solid solution temperature, resulting in a higher supersaturation of the α-Al matrix and more homogeneous distribution of alloy elements. Combined with the results of DSC analysis, the optimal solid solution temperature of the 7B55 aluminum alloy was determined to be 480 °C. After solid solution of 480 °C，the microstructure was still composed of equiaxed grains with an average grain size of 4.8 ± 0.4 μm. The size of the grain did not grow significantly. A larger number of nanoscale fine GP zones, η′ phases and secondary Al 3 (Sc,Zr) particles were precipitated within the grains during subsequently artificial aging process, resulting in a significant increase in tensile properties. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS) and elongation (EL) reached 621 MPa, 555 MPa and 5.73%, respectively, which was significantly higher than the strength level of WAAM aluminum alloy reported among all the existing literature. • The solution temperature to achieve maximum supersaturation in Al matrix was studied. • The microstructure of WAAM Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys was composed of fine equiaxed grains. • The intragranular precipitated phases were composed of η' phases and Al 3 (Sc,Zr) phases. • The UTS reached the highest strength level of 621 MPa among reported WAAM aluminum alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a statistical classification method based on discriminant analysis using the first and second moments of positions of each nucleotide of the genome sequences as features, and compare its performances with other classification methods as well as natural vector for comparative genomic analysis. We examine the normality of the proposed features. The statistical classification models used including linear discriminant analysis, quadratic discriminant analysis, diagonal linear discriminant analysis, k-nearest-neighbor classifier, logistic regression, support vector machines, and classification trees. All these classifiers are tested on a viral genome dataset and a protein dataset for predicting viral Baltimore labels, viral family labels, and protein family labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amorphous Co–Mo–B film on a Ti mesh (Co–Mo–B/Ti) is fabricated via one-step electrodeposition exhibiting a dramatically enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance in alkaline media. To attain a current density of 20 mA cm−2, such Co–Mo–B/Ti demands only an overpotential of 110 mV, 190 mV lower than that of the counterpart Co–B/Ti, with strong electrochemical durability to maintain its catalytic activity for at least 32 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cost‐effective and highly‐efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction are crucial for electrolytic hydrogen production. Here, we report core–shell NiO@Ni‐P nanosheet arrays as a high‐performance 3D catalyst for water oxidation electrocatalysis. Such nanoarrays demand overpotentials of 292 and 350 mV to drive geometrical catalytic current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, with an activity superior to its NiO and Ni‐P counterparts. Notably, this catalyst also shows a high long‐term electrochemical durability with a Faradaic efficiency of 98.1 %. Density functional theory calculation reveals that the superior activity benefits from the synergistic effect between NiO and Ni‐P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy-efficient electrochemical water splitting is one important way to produce hydrogen fuel but still faces many challenges. In this communication, we report that an amorphous Ni–P alloy shell electrodeposited on a CuO nanowire array supported on copper foam (CuO@Ni–P NA/CF) can be used for efficient water splitting in alkaline media. As a 3D catalytic electrode, it exhibits excellent activity both for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with overpotentials of 106 mV for HER and 275 mV for OER to achieve a current density of 30 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH. This bifunctional electrode enables a high-performance alkaline water electrolyzer to achieve a current density of 30 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of 1.71 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploitation of efficient and earth-abundant electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great importance. Herein, we report that the formation of an amorphous Mn–Co–P shell on MnCo2O4 can boost its OER activity in alkaline media. The core–shell Mn–Co–P@MnCo2O4 nanowire array on Ti mesh (Mn–Co–P@MnCo2O4/Ti) shows excellent electrochemical catalytic activity and requires an overpotential of 269 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH, which is 93 mV less than that for the MnCo2O4 nanoarray. Notably, this catalyst also shows strong long-term electrochemical durability with its activity being maintained for at least 100 h and achieves a high turnover frequency of 1.06 s−1 at an overpotential of 450 mV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water splitting is an important process to produce hydrogen fuels and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the anodic half reaction, is identified as the bottleneck for its kinetic and energetic complexity in improving the overall efficiency. In this communication, we report that cobalt phosphide nanoarray in situ grown on Ti mesh (CoP NA/TM) behaves as a durable robust non-noble-metal electrocatalyst for sodium sulfide (Na 2 S) oxidation with the need of potential of 1.31 V to drive 20 mA cm −2 in 1.0 M KOH with 50 mM Na 2 S. The high hydrogen-evolving activity for CoP NA/TM enables it as a bifunctional catalyst electrode for energy-efficient electrochemical hydrogen generation by replacing OER with Na 2 S oxidation reaction. The CoP NA/TM||CoP NA/TM couple needs a cell voltage of 1.49 V to drive 15 mA cm −2 , 210 mV less than of pure water splitting, with strong long-term electrochemical durability and 100% Faradic efficiency for hydrogen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The unprotected SOC pool is the largest in the Larix gmelinii forests soils. • Physical-chemical and chemical protected SOC pools tended to be saturated. • Unprotected and physical protected SOC pools are still not saturated. • Soil depth presented stronger effects on the SOC pools than forest age and type. • Soil physicochemical properties were crucial for SOC sequestration of each pool. The stability and dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) pools in forest soils are crucial for assessing and predicting the effectiveness of forest carbon sequestration. Various factors such as soil depth, nutrients availability, crustal elements, pH, and stand characteristics (tree type, tree age) influence the stability of SOC pools. To better understand SOC stability of cold temperate forest soil, soil samples were collected from 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, 20–40 cm, and 40–60 cm depths in a Larix gmelinii forest. Then, the distribution characteristics of SOC pools under different protection mechanisms and their influencing factors were examined. Our results showed that the unprotected SOC pool was the highest, while the physical–chemical protected SOC pool was the lowest. Total organic carbon (TOC) had a linear positive relationship with unprotected and physical-protected SOC pools, and a logarithmic positive relationship with physical–chemical protected and chemical-protected SOC pools. Soil depth was the predominant factor affecting the SOC pools of each protection mechanism. The physical–chemical protected SOC pool significantly differed from forest types and forest ages, and the chemical-protected SOC pool was associated with the synergistic effects of forest age and type. Furthermore, soil moisture and acidity, and the crustal elements may play prominent role in the variation of SOC pools in the Larix gmelinii forests. Our findings suggested that the silt- and clay-associated SOC pools in the Larix gmelinii forest soils had approached or achieved saturation, while more organic C was fixed in the relatively active unprotected SOC pool. This unprotected pool was more sensitive to ecosystem change, indicating its importance in assessing forest carbon sequestration. Our study provided insights into the active and dynamic SOC pools in forest soils and their responses to different environmental factors. These findings can be utilized to accurately assess the carbon sink potential of cold temperate forest soils and inform the management of forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An anchor-free infrared pedestrian detection algorithm is proposed. • To address the negative impact of the discrepancy between the classification and regression tasks on the detector performance, a novel dual-branch decoupled detection head is designed. • A cross-scale feature fusion module is developed, which can enhance the pedestrian detection performance in multiscale and partially occluded regions. • A hierarchical attention mapping module is constructed to improve the pedestrian detection performance in complex environments. An anchor-free infrared pedestrian detection algorithm is proposed to address the problems of multiscale, partial occlusion and environmental interference in infrared images, which make it difficult for traditional algorithms to perform accurate detection. First, a cross-scale feature fusion module is devised to improve the detection performance of multiscale and partially occluded objects. This module fuses the global features of different residual layers and multiscale local region features, thereby improving the multiscale feature fusion capability of the model while expanding the feature receptive field of the backbone network. Second, the object texture features of infrared images are weak owing to the imaging mechanism, which affects the accuracy of detection model. Thus, we construct a hierarchical attention mapping module to enhance the significance of pedestrian features in complex environments while suppressing the background information. Moreover, to improve the detection performance further, a novel dual-branch head detector is designed to decouple the input features from the channel dimension, which can be used for classification and location. Finally, by introducing the anchor-free concept into the network prediction mechanism, the prediction box can learn ground truth regression parameters by itself, thereby simplifying the network structure and improving the model generalization ability. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can accurately detect multiscale infrared pedestrian objects in complex environments and exhibits better objective evaluation indices compared to other pedestrian detection algorithms. The average precision and recall reached 98.78% and 98.67%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with an incidence second only to Alzheimer’s disease. The main pathological feature of PD is the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Nicotinic receptor agonists are neuroprotective in several PD models and there is considerable evidence that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7-nAChRs) are important therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases. However, the involvement of α7-nAChRs and underlying signaling mechanisms in PD pathogenesis are unclear. The objective of the present study was to explore the potential functions of α7-nAChRs in PD pathology, and to determine whether these effects are exerted via Wnt/β-catenin signaling in a mouse PD model. In the in vivo study, α7-nAChR knockout (α7-KO) reversed the beneficial effects of nicotine on motor deficits, dopaminergic neuron loss, astrocyte and microglia activation, and reduced striatal dopamine release induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. Injury to SH-SY5Y cells by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium treatment was also ameliorated by nicotine, and this effect was abolished by methyllycaconitine (MLA), a selective α7-nAChR antagonist, or by siRNA-mediated α7-nAChR knockdown. Furthermore, nicotine increased expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling proteins in the PD mouse model or in the SH-SY5Y cells treated by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium, and these effects were also reversed by MLA or α7-siRNA treatment in vivo or in vitro . These results suggest that endogenous α7-nAChR mechanisms play a crucial role in a mouse PD model via regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau has been reported in rodent models of diabetes, including db/db mice, which exhibit insulin resistance and chronically elevated glucocorticoids due to leptin receptor insufficiency. In this report, we investigated endocrine mechanisms for hippocampal tau phosphorylation in db/db and wild-type mice. By separately manipulating peripheral and intrahippocampal corticosterone levels, we determined that hippocampal corticosteroid exposure promotes tau phosphorylation and activates glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). Subsequent experiments in hippocampal slice preparations revealed evidence for a nongenomic interaction between glucocorticoids and GSK3β. To examine whether GSK3β activation mediates tau phosphorylation and impairs memory in diabetes, db/db and wild-type mice received intrahippocampal infusions of TDZD-8, a non-ATP competitive thiadiazolidinone inhibitor of GSK3β. Intrahippocampal TDZD-8 blocked tau hyperphosphorylation and normalized hippocampus-dependent memory in db/db mice, suggesting that pathological synergy between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease may involve glucocorticoid-mediated activation of GSK3β. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical water splitting has been considered as a promising strategy for hydrogen production, but the sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) limits the efficiency of overall water splitting. In this communication, we report a facile strategy to realize energy-saving hydrogen generation by replacing OER with a thermodynamically more favorable aloe extract (AE) oxidation reaction (AOR). An Fe-doped CoP nanosheet array (Fe-CoP/CC) is used as a bifunctional catalyst for both AOR and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The Fe-CoP/CCFe-CoP/CC couple requires a cell voltage of 1.51 V to drive 20 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH containing AE; however, a cell volatge of 1.63 V is required to drive the same current density in the absence of AE. Fe-CoP/CC also exhibits strong long-term electrochemical durability and nearly 100% faradaic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Vernier effect sensor could measure temperature and strain simultaneously. • MZI and FPI of the Vernier effect sensor have different responses to temperature and strain. • The MZI and FPI are highly symmetrical in structure, which are easy to fabricate and low in cost. A fiber sensor based on Vernier effect for simultaneous temperature and strain measurement is proposed and demonstrated, which consists of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and a Fabry-Perot interferometer. The two fiber interferometers are highly symmetrical in structure, both contain a hollow core fiber. The interferometer with a hollow core fiber of larger air hole diameter serves as the Fabry-Perot interferometer, and the other one with a hollow core fiber of smaller air hole diameter functions as the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The Mach-Zehnder interferometer was found to be sensitive to temperature as well as strain, whereas the Fabry-Perot interferometer was only sensitive to strain variation. Due to the different response of two interferometers, the sensor achieved simultaneous measurement of temperature and strain. Leveraging on the Vernier effect and with MZI served as the sensing unit, the sensor provided a temperature sensitivity of − 279.99 pm / ℃ and a strain sensitivity of − 5.95 pm/με, respectively. While using Fabry-Perot interferometer as the sensing unit, the sensor showed an enhanced strain sensitivity of 19.17 pm/με. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]