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The feature extraction method based on projection learning has been widely studied and achieved good results in practical application. However, most current methods often have the following limitations: (1) No simultaneous attention to global and local structural information between samples; (2) When dealing with complex noise in the data, the feature extraction performance may be affected. In view of this, a global and local structure projection learning (GALSPL) for image feature extraction is proposed in this article. First, we use the nuclear norm to reveal the global structure information from the samples, while we can explore the low-rank structure of the feature spatial data. In addition, we design a local structure constraint to extract the local feature information of the data to ensure the sparsity of the low-rank matrix. Specifically, we construct an additional matrix for data reconstruction, so that the projection matrix can more effectively learn the main features of the data. Finally, we conduct a great many comparative experiments on different datasets and verify that GALSPL has better feature extraction performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Zhejiang University: Science A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The prognostic stratification for oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) is heavily based on postoperative pathological depth of invasion (pDOI). This study aims to propose a preoperative MR T-staging system based on tumor size for non-pT4 OTSCC. Methods: Retrospectively, 280 patients with biopsy-confirmed, non-metastatic, pT1-3 OTSCC, treated between January 2010 and December 2017, were evaluated. Multiple MR sequences, including axial T2-weighted imaging (WI), unenhanced T1WI, and axial, fat-suppressed coronal, and sagittal contrast-enhanced (CE) T1WI, were utilized to measure radiological depth of invasion (rDOI), tumor thickness, and largest diameter. Intra-class correlation (ICC) and univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate measurement reproducibility, and factors' significance, respectively. Cutoff values were established using an exhaustive method. Results: Intra-observer (ICC = 0.81–0.94) and inter-observer (ICC = 0.79–0.90) reliability were excellent for rDOI measurements, and all measurements were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) (all p <.001). Measuring the rDOI on axial CE-T1WI with cutoffs of 8 mm and 12 mm yielded an optimal MR T-staging system for rT1-3 disease (5-year OS of rT1 vs rT2 vs rT3: 94.0% vs 72.8% vs 57.5%). Using multivariate analyses, the proposed T-staging exhibited increasingly worse OS (hazard ratio of rT2 and rT3 versus rT1, 3.56 [1.35–9.6], p =.011; 4.33 [1.59–11.74], p =.004; respectively), which outperformed pathological T-staging based on nonoverlapping Kaplan–Meier curves and improved C-index (0.682 vs. 0.639, p <.001). Conclusions: rDOI is a critical predictor of OTSCC mortality and facilitates preoperative prognostic stratification, which should be considered in future oral subsite MR T-staging. Clinical relevance statement: Utilizing axial CE-T1WI, an MR T-staging system for non-pT4 OTSCC was developed by employing rDOI measurement with optimal thresholds of 8 mm and 12 mm, which is comparable with pathological staging and merits consideration in future preoperative oral subsite planning. Key Points: • Tumor morphology, measuring sequences, and observers could impact MR-derived measurements and compromise the consistency with histology. • MR-derived measurements, including radiological depth of invasion (rDOI), tumor thickness, and largest diameter, have a prognostic impact on OS (all p <.001). • rDOI with cutoffs of 8 mm and 12 mm on axial CE-T1WI is an optimal predictor of OS and could facilitate risk stratification in non-pT4 OTSCC disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonate-based electrolytes, known for their high solvation energy and high ionic conductivity at room temperature, present significant challenges in ultra-low temperature and fast charging applications. In the February issue of Nature, Fan and colleagues demonstrated that utilizing solvents like fluoroacetonitrile with small molecular size and low solvation energy, facilitates the creation of rapid ion-conduction ligand channels and enables the formation of an inorganic-rich interphase for high-performance ionic batteries, effectively addressing the aforementioned challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since OpenAI opened access to ChatGPT, large language models (LLMs) become an increasingly popular topic attracting researchers' attention from abundant domains. However, public researchers meet some problems when developing LLMs given that most of the LLMs are produced by industries and the training details are typically unrevealed. Since datasets are an important setup of LLMs, this paper does a holistic survey on the training datasets used in both the pre-train and fine-tune processes. The paper first summarizes 16 pre-train datasets and 16 fine-tune datasets used in the state-of-the-art LLMs. Secondly, based on the properties of the pre-train and fine-tune processes, it comments on pre-train datasets from quality, quantity, and relation with models, and comments on fine-tune datasets from quality, quantity, and concerns. This study then critically figures out the problems and research trends that exist in current LLM datasets. The study helps public researchers train and investigate LLMs by visual cases and provides useful comments to the research community regarding data development. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to summarize and discuss datasets used in both autoregressive and chat LLMs. The survey offers insights and suggestions to researchers and LLM developers as they build their models, and contributes to the LLM study by pointing out the existing problems of LLM studies from the perspective of data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface topography is an important factor in evaluating surface integrity and surface roughness of the processed material to ensure the processing quality and shorten the processing cycle. In this paper, a prediction model of milling surface quality, considering the influence of the machine tool factors, the milling tool factors, and the workpiece material factors, is proposed. Based on the dynamic path trajectory, the model takes first the imbalance of the machine tool spindle as a critical machine factor affecting the tool-workpiece displacement and the surface topography. Then, the tool parameters are predicted using a backpropagation neural network (BPNN); the tool wear behaviors are taken into account. To expand the different workpiece application, material properties, such as the elastoplasticity, are introduced to improve the prediction accuracy. Thus, a series of experiments with various machine tools, milling tools, materials, and processing parameters validate the surface quality prediction model based on machine-tool-material interactions. Finally, the results demonstrate that the simulated outcomes accord well with the experiment; the error rate of the best result is only 3.60%, and the average error rate is 9.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circadian rhythm is an internal timing system and harmonizes a variety of cellular, behavioral, and physiological processes to daily environment. Circadian disturbance caused by altered life style or disrupted sleep patterns inevitably contributes to various disorders. As the rapidly increased cancer occurrences and subsequent tremendous financial burdens, more researches focus on reducing the morbidity rather than treating it. Recently, many epidemiologic studies demonstrated that circadian disturbance was tightly related to the occurrence and development of cancers. For urinary system, numerous clinical researches observed the incidence and progress of prostate cancer were influenced by nightshift work, sleep duration, chronotypes, light exposure, and meal timing, this was also proved by many genetic and fundamental findings. Although the epidemiological studies regarding the relationship between circadian disturbance and kidney/bladder cancers were relative limited, some basic researches still claimed circadian disruption was closely correlated to these two cancers. The role of circadian chemotherapy on cancers of prostate, kidney, and bladder were also explored, however, it has not been regularly recommended considering the limited evidence and poor standard protocols. Finally, the researches for the impacts of circadian disturbance on cancers of adrenal gland, penis, testis were not found at present. In general, a better understanding the relationship between circadian disturbance and urological cancers might help to provide more scientific work schedules and rational lifestyles which finally saving health resource by reducing urological tumorigenesis, however, the underlying mechanisms are complex which need further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the pyrolysis mechanisms of Nomex insulation paper in nitrogen and air atmospheres. The Nomex insulation paper is composed of 93% poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) fibers and 7% inorganic substances based on elemental analysis. Using the thermogravimetry, it is found that the pyrolysis behaviors in nitrogen and air are similar below 770 K, with large discrepancies identified in the temperature range of 770–1073 K. The peak mass loss rate in air is 9 times higher than that in nitrogen. The kinetic analysis shows that the average activation energy (E ) in air is lower than that in nitrogen by 32% when the temperature is higher than 770 K, indicating a lower thermal stability. The PMIA fibers are found decomposing more seriously in air using SEM. Below 770 K, the functional groups of two atmospheres are mainly produced by the breakage of amide bonds and formation of aromatic nitrile. Unlike nitrogen, the organic substances in the solid residue are mostly oxidized at 1073 K in air. Consequently, the maximum productions of H2O, CO2 and CO in air are nearly 5 times higher than those of nitrogen, and the HCN generated during pyrolysis is further oxidized to NOx in air. Combining with the results of Py-GC/MS, it is inferred that the small molecules generated by the degradation of PMIA molecular chains, especially the benzene rings, will experience oxidization reactions in air atmosphere, with large amounts of H2O, CO2, CO and NOx produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of the polysaccharide of Alocasia cucullata (PAC) and the underlying mechanism. Methods: B16F10 and 4T1 cells were cultured with PAC of 40 µg/mL, and PAC was withdrawn after 40 days of administration. The cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8. The expression of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 proteins were detected by Western blot and the expressions of ERK1/2 mRNA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A mouse melanoma model was established to study the effect of PAC during long-time administration. Mice were divided into 3 treatment groups: control group treated with saline water, positive control group (LNT group) treated with lentinan at 100 mg/(kg·d), and PAC group treated with PAC at 120 mg/(kg·d). The pathological changes of tumor tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The apoptosis of tumor tissues was detected by TUNEL staining. Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expressions of ERK1/2, JNK1 and p38 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR. Results: In vitro, no strong inhibitory effects of PAC were found in various tumor cells after 48 or 72 h of administration. Interestingly however, after 40 days of cultivation under PAC, an inhibitory effect on B16F10 cells was found. Correspondingly, the long-time administration of PAC led to downregulation of Bcl-2 protein (P<0.05), up-regulation of Caspase-3 protein (P<0.05) and ERK1 mRNA (P<0.05) in B16F10 cells. The above results were verified by in vivo experiments. In addition, viability of B16F10 cells under long-time administration culture in vitro decreased after drug withdrawal, and similar results were also observed in 4T1 cells. Conclusions: Long-time administration of PAC can significantly inhibit viability and promote apoptosis of tumor cells, and had obvious antitumor effect in tumor-bearing mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modifying the exposed upper surface of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has greatly contributed to improving their photovoltaic performance. The equally important buried interface (that is, the hidden bottom of perovskite film and the beginning of perovskite film crystallization) is much less studied due to great difficulties in tailoring it. Here we expose the large-area buried interface non-destructively for direct investigation. We find that the disordered beginning of the perovskite film growth deteriorates the buried interface. To address this issue, instead of using a passivator, we synthesize a transparent and conductive oxide perovskite (SrSnO3) to act as the electron transport layer. The high lattice matching enables a more ordered beginning of the growth of halide perovskite on the electron transport layer, avoiding the formation of a deteriorated buried interface. The constructed buried interface exhibits suppressed defects, strain, better crystallinity, reduced ion migration and fewer voids. The best performing PSCs deliver a power conversion efficiency of 25.17%. Moreover, PSCs with an initial power conversion efficiency of 24.4% maintain 90% of the original value after operating for 1,000 h. Employing a lattice-matched perovskite oxide as an electron transport layer allows optimizing the buried interface in perovskite solar cells. A maximum power conversion efficiency of 25.17% is achieved. Cells with an initial power conversion efficiency of 24.4% maintain 90% efficiency after operation for 1,000 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Large Rathke's cleft cysts (LRCCs) and cystic craniopharyngiomas (CCPs) arise from the same embryological origin and may have similar MR presentations. However, the two tumors have different management strategies and outcomes. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical and imaging findings of LRCCs and CCPs, aiming to evaluate their pretreatment diagnosis and outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 20 patients with LRCCs and 25 patients with CCPs. Both tumors had a maximal diameter of more than 20 mm. We evaluated the patients' clinical and MR imaging findings, including symptoms, management strategies, outcomes, anatomic growth patterns and signal changes. Results: The age of onset for LRCCs versus CCPs was 49.0 ± 16.8 versus 34.2 ± 22.2 years (p =.022); the following outcomes were observed for LRCCs versus CCPs: (1) postoperative diabetes insipidus: 6/20 (30%) versus 17/25 (68%) (p =.006); and (2) posttreatment recurrence: 2/20 (10%) versus 10/25 (40%) (p =.025). The following MR findings were observed for LRCCs versus CCPs: (1) solid component: 7/20 (35%) versus 21/25 (84%) (p =.001); (2) thick cyst wall: 2/20 (10%) versus 12/25 (48%) (p =.009); (3) intracystic septation: 1/20 (5%) versus 8/25 (32%) (p =.030); (4) snowman shape: 18/20 (90%) versus 1/25 (4%) (p <.001); (5) off-midline extension: 0/0 (0%) versus 10/25 (40%) (p =.001); and (6) oblique angle of the sagittal long axis of the tumor: 89.9° versus 107.1° (p =.001). Conclusions: LRCCs can be differentiated from CCPs based on their clinical and imaging findings, especially their specific anatomical growth patterns. We suggest using the pretreatment diagnosis to select the appropriate surgical approach and thus improve the clinical outcome.Keywords: Rathke's cleft cyst, craniopharyngioma, sellar mass, magnetic resonance imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation shales with burial depths > 3 500 m in the southern Sichuan Basin are believed to have large shale gas potentials. However, the reservoir properties and gas-in-place (GIP) contents of these shales exhibit variations across different sublayers. In this study, a set of Wufeng-Longmaxi shales with burial depths of 4 000–4 200 m was derived from the Well Y101H2 in the Luzhou area, and the differences in geological and geochemical characteristics, porosity, water saturation and GIP content of various sublayer shales were investigated. The results indicate that the TOC content and effective porosity of the upper (LMX1-4) and lower (LMX1-3) sublayer shales of the first member of the Longmaxi Formation are better than those of the Wufeng Formation (WF) shales, which results in the LMX1-4 and LMX1-3 shales having higher GIP contents than the WF shales. The GIP contents of the LMX1-3 shales are higher than those of the LMX1-4 shales, and this is likely because the organic matter of the LMX1-3 shales had more aquatic organisms and was preserved in a stronger reductive environment, which leads to a stronger gas generation potential. In contrast to the middle-shallow LMX1-4 shales in the Sichuan Basin, the deep LMX1-4 shales in the Luzhou area have advantageous reservoir properties and GIP contents, and thus it is promising to synchronously exploit the deep LMX1-4 and LMX1-3 shales in some regions of the southern Sichuan Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the prognostic significance of MR-detected mandibular nerve involvement (MNI) and its value for induction chemotherapy (IC) administration in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and T4 disease. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 792 non-metastatic, biopsy-proven NPC patients. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate potential prognosticators. The inter-observer agreement was assessed by the kappa values. Results: MR-detected MNI was observed in 141 (72.3%) patients among 195 patients with T4 disease, with excellent agreement between the readers (kappa = 0.926). Patients with MR-detected MNI presented better 5-year overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.40; P = 0.006) than those with MR-negative MNI. Of these patients, IC treatment was verified as an independent factor (HR: 0.35; P = 0.014) with preferable effect on OS. Conclusion: MR-detected MNI could serve as an independent favorable prognostic predictor for OS in NPC patients with stage T4, which should be considered for stratifying these patients for IC administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of extruded Mg-8Li-3Al alloys with varying Gd contents are investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrochemical tests. The results show that the size of α-Mg grains in extruded Mg-8Li-3Al alloys is obviously refined during the dynamic recrystallization process due to the addition of Gd. The ultimate tensile strength of extruded Mg-8Li-3Al-1.2Gd alloy attains to 278 MPa, which is approximately 35% higher than that of the matrix alloy (206 MPa). The improved mechanical properties of the Mg-8Li-3Al alloys containing Gd are mainly attributed to the formation of the Al2Gd phase, which can refine the α-Mg grain as a heterogeneous nucleation substrate and hinder the movement of the dislocations and grain boundaries and the rotation of the grains. The comprehensive electrochemical results show that the corrosion resistance of extruded Mg-8Li-3Al-xGd (x = 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 wt.%) alloys is improved by the addition of Gd. In addition, the corrosion mechanism of extruded Mg-8Li-3Al alloys contained Gd is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant and challenging type of astrocytoma and also notoriously acknowledged as the most common primary brain tumor globally. Currently, chemotherapy is the most master therapy for tumor and is essential in clinical treatment for GBM. Nevertheless, the characterization of chemotherapy resistance seriously hinders clinical chemotherapy treatment. Accordingly, there are imperious demands for the exploitation of novel chemosensitizer to promote the efficacy of chemotherapy. Our current study was conducted to probe into the potential impacts of microRNA (miR)-640 on the chemosensitivity in GBM and the associated underlying mechanism. Initially, TargetScan software was utilized to predict the targeted genes of miR-640, and the target relationship between miR-640 and Bcl-2-modifying factor (BMF) was validated by double luciferase report assay. Additionally, to explore the role of miR-640/BMF in U251 cells, miR-640 inhibitor/BMF-siRNA was used. U251 cells were processed with 100 μM temozolomide (TMZ) and detected with CCK-8 kit. Eventually, RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used for evaluating Bcl-2, Bax mRNA, and protein expression level. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to measure cellular apoptosis. Initially, the results indicated that BMF was the target gene of miR-640. MiR-640 negatively regulated BMF expression in GBM cells. Besides, the findings revealed that miR-640 inhibition significantly inhibited U251 cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, and increased the sensitivity of GBM cells to TMZ by targeting BMF. Moreover, BMF overexpression significantly suppressed U251 cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and increased the sensitivity of GBM cells to TMZ. Inhibition of miR-640 expression enhances chemosensitivity of human GBM cells to TMZ by targeting BMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Zhejiang University: Science A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Maternal nutrition plays a critical role in energy metabolism of offspring. We aim to elucidate the effect of long-term intermittent fasting (IF) before pregnancy on health outcomes of offspring. Here we show long-term IF before pregnancy disrupts intestinal homeostasis of offspring with subsequent disorder of glucose and lipid metabolism. This occurs through the reduction in beneficial microbiota such as Lactobacillus_intestinalis. Our observations further support the concept that intestinal microbiota in offspring is vulnerable to maternal nutrition, and its homeostasis is critical for the integrity of intestinal barrier and metabolic homeostasis. Long-term intermediate fasting before pregnancy in mice disrupts intestinal homeostasis of offspring with subsequent glucose and lipid metabolism disorder, mediated by a reduction in beneficial microbiota such as Lactobacillus intestinalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyse the top-quark decay at the next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) in QCD by using the Principle of Maximum Conformality (PMC) which provides a systematic way to eliminate renormalization scheme and scale ambiguities in perturbative QCD predictions. The PMC renormalization scales of the coupling constant α s are determined by absorbing the non-conformal β terms that govern the behavior of the running coupling by using the Renormalization Group Equation (RGE). We obtain the PMC scale Q ⋆ = 15.5 GeV for the top-quark decay, which is an order of magnitude smaller than the conventional choice μ r = m t , reflecting the small virtuality of the QCD dynamics of the top-quark decay process. Moreover, due to the non-conformal β terms disappear in the pQCD series, there is no renormalon divergence and the NLO QCD correction term is greatly increased while the NNLO QCD correction term is suppressed compared to the conventional results obtained at μ r = m t . By further including the next-to-leading (NLO) electroweak corrections, the finite W boson width and the finite bottom quark mass, we obtain the top-quark total decay width Γ t tot = 1. 3112 - 0.0189 + 0.0190 GeV, where the error is the squared averages of the top-quark mass Δ m t = ± 0.7 GeV, the coupling constant Δ α s (M Z) = ± 0.0009 and the estimation of unknown higher-order terms using the PAA method with [N/M]=[1/1]. The PMC improved predictions for the top-quark decay are complementary to the previous PMC calculations for top-quark pair production and helpful for detailed studies of properties of the top-quark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: With the progress of medical technology and renovated conception of fertility, the prospective studies and practice of fertility preservation are drawing more and more attention from medical workers. With the largest population of over 1.4 billion, China makes the experience accumulated in fertility preservation efforts even more relevant. This article summarizes China's experience and shares it with the world to promote the healthy development of fertility preservation. Methods: This study was based on multiple Chinese expert consensuses on fertility preservation issued in 2021 and the current national regulations and principles, compared with the latest advice and guidelines issued by global reproductive authorities such as the ASRM and ESHRE. Summarize the experience and reflection of Chinese scholars in the process of fertility preservation. Results: This study reports on the current situation of fertility preservation in China, sharing the Chinese experience gained in the process of development, and offering Chinese reflections on worrying issues. Conclusion: Fertility preservation is a medical and social issue of reproductive health security, which is conducive to the sound development of the world population and social production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Prognoses for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) between categories T2 and T3 in the Eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system were overlapped. We explored the value of skull base invasion (SBI) subclassification in prognostic stratification and use of induction chemotherapy (IC) to optimize T2/T3 categorization for NPC patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1752 NPC patients from two hospitals. Eight skull base bone structures were evaluated. Survival differences were compared between slight SBI (T3 patients with pterygoid process and/or base of the sphenoid bone invasion only) and severe SBI (T3 patients with other SBIs) with or without IC using random matched-pair analysis. We calculated the prognosis and Harrel concordance index (C-index) for the revised T category and compared IC outcomes for the revised tumor stages. Results: Compared to severe SBI, slight SBI showed better 5-year overall survival (OS) (81.5% vs. 92.3%, p = 0.001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (71.5% vs. 83.0%, p = 0.002). Additional IC therapy did not significantly improve OS and PFS in slight SBI. The proposed T category separated OS, PFS, and locoregional recurrence-free survival in T2 and T3 categories with statistical significance. An improved C-index for OS prediction was observed in the proposed T category with combined confounding factors, compared to the AJCC T staging system (0.725 vs. 0.713, p = 0.046). The survival benefits of IC were more obvious in the advanced stage. Conclusions: NPC patients with slight SBI were recommended to downstage to T2 category. The adjustment for T category enabled better prognostic stratification and guidance for IC use. Key Points: • For nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients in T3 category, slight skull base invasion was a significant positive predictor for OS and PFS. • NPC patients with slight SBI might not gain significant survival benefits from induction chemotherapy. • Downstaging slight SBI NPC patients to T2 category would make a more accurate risk stratification, improve the predicting performance in OS, and have a better guidance in the use of IC for patients in advanced stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate whether the imaging changes on high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) in patients before and after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) contribute to predicting the clinical outcome.Methods: The study included 24 severe intracranial artery stenosis (SICAS) patients undergoing PTAS with Wingspan Stent between 2018 and 2020 and had a 1-year follow-up. Three HR-VWI sessions (preprocedural, early [within 24 h], and delayed postprocedural [134.7 ± 27.1 days)]) in each subject were performed with 3-Tesla MRI. We evaluated periprocedural HR-VWI changes in patients with and without recurrent cerebral ischemic symptoms (RCIS) within 1-year follow-up.Results: On CE-T1WI of the patients without RCIS, a significant decrease in enhanced area was observed on early postprocedural (0.04 ± 0.02 cm2, p = 0.001) and delayed postprocedural (0.04 ± 0.02 cm2; p = 0.001) HR-VWI compared to preprocedural (0.07 ± 0.02 cm2) HR-VWI. Patients with RCIS demonstrated no significant loss of enhanced area on CE-T1WI of early postprocedural HR-VWI (p = 0.180). Significant decreases in calibrated T1 signals were observed in both presence (1.77 ± 0.70 vs. 0.79 ± 0.52; p = 0.018) and absence (1.42 ± 0.62 vs. 0.83 ± 0.40; p = 0.001) of RCIS in early postprocedural HR-VWI.Conclusion: The preliminary results showed the presence of reduced contrast enhancement immediately after PTAS may indicate less recurrent stroke events within 1 year. Further studies are necessary to confirm the phenomena in a longer observation period.Key Points: • Early postprocedural high-resolution vessel imaging (HR-VWI) within 24 h can effectively predict a 1-year outcome following intracranial stenting. • For stenotic lesions after stenting without reduced contrast enhancement on HR-VWI within 24 h may need closer clinical surveillance for potentially higher risk of stroke events within 1 year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we give comprehensive analyses for event shape observables in electron-positron annihilation by using the Principle of Maximum Conformality (PMC) which is a rigorous scale-setting method to eliminate the renormalization scheme and scale ambiguities in perturbative QCD predictions. Conventionally the renormalization scale and theoretical uncertainties in event shape observables are often evaluated by setting the scale to the center-of-mass energy s . The event shape distributions using this conventional scale setting are plagued by the large renormalization scale uncertainty and underestimate the experimental data. Moreover, since the renormalization scale is simply fixed to the center-of-mass energy s , only one value of the coupling αs at the single scale s can be extracted. In contrast, the PMC renormalization scales are determined by absorbing the nonconformal β contributions that govern the behavior of the running coupling via the Renormalization Group Equation (RGE). The resulting PMC scales change with event shape kinematics, reflecting the virtuality of the underlying quark and gluon subprocess. The PMC scales thus yield the correct physical behavior of the scale and the PMC predictions agree with precise event shape distributions measured at the LEP experiment. More importantly, we can precisely determine the running of the QCD coupling constant αs(Q2) over a wide range of Q2 in perturbative domain from event shape distributions measured at a single center-of-mass energy s . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate sinovenous outflow restriction (SOR) in lateral sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (LSDAVFs) after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) and its association with complete obliteration. Methods: We retrospectively (1995–2019) enrolled 39 patients with LSDAVFs who had undergone GKRS alone and evaluated their angiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after GKRS. The LS conduits ipsilateral and contralateral to the DAVFs were scored using a 5-point scoring system, with scores ranging from 0 (total occlusion) to 4 (fully patent). SOR was defined by a conduit score < 2. Demographics, imaging features, and outcomes were compared between patients with and without ipsilateral SOR after GKRS. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for obliteration with the imaging findings. Results: After a median angiographic follow-up of 28 months for the 39 patients, the ipsilateral LS became more restrictive (median conduit score before and after GKRS: 2 vs. 1, p =.011). Twenty-one patients with ipsilateral SOR after GKRS had a significantly lower obliteration rate (52.4% vs. 94.4%, p =.005) than those without SOR. Follow-up SOR was independently associated with a lower obliteration rate (OR 0.05, p =.017) after adjustment for age, cortical venous reflux, and absent sinus flow void on MRI. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a restrictive change of outflow in LSDAVFs after GKRS and a lower obliteration rate in patients with SOR. Follow-up imaging for SOR may help predict outcomes of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Seizure is the most common clinical presentation in patients with nonhemorrhagic brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) and it influences their quality of life. Angioarchitectural analysis of the seizure risk for BAVMs is subjective and does not consider hemodynamics. This study aimed to investigate the angioarchitectural and hemodynamic factors that may be associated with seizure in patients with BAVMs. Methods: From 2011 to 2019, 104 patients with supratentorial BAVMs without previous hemorrhage or treatment were included and grouped according to the initial presentation of seizure. Their angiograms and MRI results were analyzed for morphological characteristics and quantitative digital subtraction angiography (QDSA) parameters. Modified cerebral circulation time (mCCT) was defined as the difference between the bolus arrival time of the ipsilateral cavernous internal carotid artery and the parietal vein on lateral DSA. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for BAVMs presenting with seizure. Results: The seizure group had shorter mCCT (1.98 s vs. 2.44 s, p = 0.005) and more BAVMs with temporal location (45% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.013), neoangiogenesis (55% vs. 33%, p = 0.03), and long draining veins (95% vs. 72%, p = 0.004) than did the nonseizure group. Shorter mCCT (OR: 3.4, p = 0.02), temporal location (OR: 13.4, p < 0.001), and neoangiogenesis (OR: 4.7, p = 0.013) were independently associated with higher risks of seizure, after adjustments for age, gender, BAVM volume, and long draining vein. Conclusions: Shorter mCCT, temporal location, and neoangiogenesis were associated with epileptic BAVMs. QDSA can objectively evaluate hemodynamic changes in epileptic BAVMs. Key Points: • Quantitative digital subtraction angiography may be used to evaluate the hemodynamic differences between brain arteriovenous malformations presenting with and without seizure. • BAVMs with temporal location, neoangiogenesis, and shortened cerebral circulation time were more likely to present with seizure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because quantum computing can break encryption systems based on mathematical models, this paper proposes a new color quantum image encryption algorithm based on hyperchaotic system and quantum revolving gate. First, the classic image is diffused, the matrix generated by the four-wing chaotic system is serialized, and XORed with the key and plaintext to obtain the semi-ciphertext image. Then, the quantum rotation method is used to perform scrambling operations on images quantized using the improved novelty enhanced quantum representation (NEQR) model. The angle of rotation is determined by the sequence generated by the piecewise chaotic map. Finally, the experimental results and performance analysis prove that the algorithm has high security performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron and carbon contents are the main factors influencing the properties of high-boron steel. In this study, experimental samples with different boron-to-carbon ratios (%B/%C) were prepared. The microstructures of the different samples were observed, and their hardness, bending strength, and impact toughness were investigated. Results show that the main microstructures in the investigated high-boron steel samples are the eutectic Fe2B structure with a fishbone shape and the ternary peritectic Fe3(C, B) structure with a chrysanthemum shape. When the boron content is 2.5wt.% and the carbon content is 0.43wt.% (i.e., %B/%C=5.82), the overall mechanical properties of the alloy are the best. The alloy's hardness, bending strength and impact toughness reach their maximums, which are 67.3 HRC, 1,267.36 MPa and 6.19 J·cm-2, respectively. The optimized alloy is compared with conventional materials exhibiting excellent wear resistance (namely, high-manganese steel and high-chromium cast iron) through two-body and three-body abrasion tests. The wear resistance of this high-boron steelinvestigated in this work is found to be superior to those of the more common materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impulse waves generated by the collapse of pillar-shaped rock masses in Three Gorges, China, have attracted the attention of both researchers and local authorities owing to their catastrophic consequences. In this work, particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) was used to study impulse waves generated by the collapse of granular pillars during a series of physical experiments. Subsequently, the scenes of particles collapsing into water and the resulting impulse waves were analysed in terms of the solid/fluid fields. The energy obtained by the water during this process is mainly derived from the volume encroachment and continuous thrusting of particles. As indicated by the experimental results, as the aspect ratio (a) of the pillar and water depth increased, the potential energy of the granular pillar became more prone to reduction, whereas the efficiency of energy conversion to the liquid phase reduced. At constant water depth and granular pillar width, the maximum amplitude generated by the collapse of the granular pillar remained essentially the same (i.e., "saturation" was achieved) once the aspect ratio exceeded a certain threshold. The maximum impulse wave (the primary wave) formed before the main body of particles collapsed, resulting in the "saturation" of the maximum amplitude. When the kinetic energy of the particles reaches the maximum, the ratio of energy dissipation of the particles is the lowest; as the energy of water reaches the maximum, the particle collapse process does not end. The dynamic analysis of the impulse waves generated by the collapse of granular pillars provides a new approach to obtain an in-depth understanding of landslides and impulse waves. This can provide technical guidelines for disaster prevention and mitigation of impulse waves generated by bank collapse or coastline collapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To identify the prognosis of parapharyngeal space involvement (PPSI) based on the number of subspaces involved (pre-styloid space, carotid space (CS), areas outside the CS) and explore its significance for current T-staging in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: PPSI was retrospectively identified in 1224 patients with non-disseminated NPC at two centers on MRI and separated into four invasion patterns: pattern A (only post-styloid space), pattern B (post-styloid space, CS extension), pattern C (post-styloid space, pre-styloid space extension), and pattern D (all spaces). The Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression models were used. Results: PPSI was diagnosed in 63.4% of cases, with patterns A, B, C, and D in 14.3%, 3.8%, 25.3%, and 18.6% of cases, respectively. No prognostic heterogeneity was observed between pattern B and pattern C (p > 0.05). Thus, the degree of PPSI was based on the number of subspaces involved: grade 0 (none), grade 1 (one), grade 2 (two), and grade 3 (three), which could independently predict overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001). T3 patients with grade 0/1 PPSI (slight-T3) had a better prognosis than those with grade 2/3 PPSI (severe-T3) in terms of OS, locoregional-free survival (LRFS), and progression-free survival (PFS) (all p < 0.001), whose hazard ratios were higher and lower than those with T1 and T2, respectively. Combining the T2 and slight-T3 groups as the proposed T2 provided significant differences in OS, LRFS, and PFS between T2 and T3 (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The risk of death increased with the number of parapharyngeal subspaces involved. The degree of PPSI is recommended to optimize T3 heterogeneity. Key Points: • Parapharyngeal space involvement was proposed to differentiate patient risk groups based on the number of involved subspaces: grade 0 (none), grade 1 (one), grade 2 (two), or grade 3 (three). • The degree of parapharyngeal space involvement was an independent negative prognosticator for OS. • The degree of parapharyngeal space involvement may influence T-staging in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrugated + flat rolling (CFR) and traditional rolling (TR) methods were used to prepare Mg/Al clad plates using AZ31B Mg and 5052 Al plates, and the interface morphologies and mechanical properties of the resulting clad plates were compared. Examination of the microstructures of the plates showed that the TRed Mg/Al clad plate presented a straight interface, while a corrugated interface containing fractured intermetallic particulates was observed for the CFRed plate due to the inhomogeneous strain induced by the corrugated roller. During the CFR process, the corrugated roller can accelerate the rupture of the substrate work-hardening layers and facilitate the mutual extrusion of fresh metals to enhance the interface bonding. Compared with the traditional basal texture of the Mg alloy, the CFR process can change the texture morphology, thereby enhancing the plastic deformation ability of the Mg plate. Tensile tests showed that the CFRed Mg/Al clad plate exhibited a higher ultimate tensile strength (UTS, 316 MPa), which was ~ 8% higher than that of the TRed plate (293 MPa). In addition, the bending curve of the CFRed clad plate was smooth and there was no stress sudden drop phenomenon in the bending process. The higher UTS and excellent bending properties of the CFRed clad plate could be attributed to the enhanced coordinated deformation ability of the substrates induced by the corrugated interface, grain refinement, and the change in the Mg alloy texture morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow velocity plays an important role in the growth and characteristics of biofilm in the bioreactor as well as its treatment efficiency, which has been a hot research topic. In a sewage treatment bioreactor, the type of flow is usually turbulence. According to the methods of Reynolds decomposition, the flow velocity of turbulence consists of the time-mean velocity and fluctuation velocity, which usually exist simultaneously in real flow. However, the current research on the influence of turbulence flow velocity mainly focuses on the time-mean velocity, while the fluctuation velocity has not been reported because of very difficult to control. To this end, in this paper, a laboratory oscillating-grid turbulence (OGT) bioreactor with zero time-mean velocity and only fluctuation velocity was designed. In this bioreactor, the fluctuation velocity could be easily manipulated by varying the operational parameters of the grid. Based on the numerical simulation of Gas–liquid two-phase flow, the distributions of fluctuation velocity and corresponding turbulence fluctuation intensity, gas holdup, and Reynolds stress were obtained. After that, the effects of the turbulent fluctuation intensity on the biofilm thickness, density, and composition of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were studied experimentally. The results showed that turbulent fluctuation had a significant effect on the physical and chemical properties of biofilms, and the fluctuation velocity promoted the increase in the biofilm density and the content of protein and carbohydrates in EPS. This study was intended to provide theoretical support for the design and operation optimization of bioreactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypyrrole (PPy) is a promising candidate for supercapacitor electrode materials owing to its high electric conductivity and large specific capacitance. However, the poor cycling performance and the mechanical deformation of PPy remain to be challenges. Here, PPy/Ni2Ploaded graphene oxide (PPy/Ni2P/GO) is fabricated via a simple ball-milling process. The as-prepared PPy/Ni2P/GO composites exhibit a high specific capacitance of 741.5 F g-1 at 1 A g-1, good rate capability (81.4% of capacitance at 10 A g-1), and long-term cycling stability (89.76% retention after 5000 cycles at 1 A g-1).When used in the asymmetric supercapacitor, the PPy/Ni2P/GO//AC (active carbon) device exhibits the energy density of 61 Wh kg-1 at the power density of 849.8 W kg-1 and excellent cycling performance (89.4% capacitance retention after 3000 cycles at 10 A g-1). The excellent electrochemical performance is owed to the high surface area and high hydrophilicity of the PPy/Ni2P/GO composites, coupled with good electron conductivity of the graphene oxide, which lead to reduced ion diffusion lengths and low charge transfer resistance. These results demonstrate that PPy/Ni2P/GO composites are promising as electrodes for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kaempferol (KMF) is a flavone reported to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Objective: The present study screened the effect of KMF in the animal model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Results: KMF caused a significant inhibition of spinal cord injury mediated oxidative stress and also suppressed the inflammatory reactions. The treatment of KMF also inhibited the levels of p53, TGF-β1 and COX-2 whereas a significant elevation in Bcl-2/Bax ratio was observed after the rats were treated with KMF. The in silico docking analysis suggested potential binding of KMF having lower energy with p53 confirming the potential target of KMF. Conclusion: The treatment of KMF exerted neuroprotective effect by improving the anti-oxidant status and inflammatory response. The significant spinal cord injury protective effect of KMF in rats was attributed by targeting p53 and Bcl-2/Bax ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe extracranial carotid stenosis (SECS) patients may present with nonspecific neurological symptoms that require intracranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and time-of-flight (TOF)-MR angiography (MRA) to exclude intracranial pathology. Recognition of SECS on intracranial TOF-MRA findings is beneficial to provide a prompt carotid imaging study and aggressive stroke prevention. Patients with SECS (January 2016 to May 2019) undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) were included. Differences in normalized signal intensities (SRICA) and diameters (DICA) between bilateral petrous internal carotid arteries (ICAs) were calculated 1 cm from the orifice. A hypothesized criterion describing the opacification grades (GOPH) of bilateral ophthalmic arteries was proposed. We correlated SRICA (p = 0.041), DICA (p = 0.001) and GOPH (p = 0.012), with the severity of extracranial carotid stenosis on digital subtractive angiography (DSA) in the examined group (n = 113), and all showed statistical significance in predicting percentages of ICA stenosis. The results were further validated in another patient group with SECS after radiation therapy (n = 20; p = 0.704 between the actual and predicted stenosis grades). Our findings support the evaluation of the signal ratio and diameter of intracranial ICA on TOF-MRA to achieve early diagnosis and provide appropriate management of SECS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus melanose is an important disease that seriously damages citrus production. It is caused by Diaporthe species, which are known as important pathogens, endophytes or saprobes with broad host ranges. Over 170 species of Diaporthe were reported around the world and the complexity of species structures makes it hard to be identified. Phylogenetic analysis based on translation elongation factor 1-ɑ (TEF1) gene, ß-tubulin (TUB) gene, calmodulin (CaM) gene, histone (HIS) gene and ITS locus was a reliable method to identify Diaporthe species In this study, the species structure of Diaporthe species from different tissues within individual trees was investigated. Altogether, 494 single spore isolates were obtained, and 92 of them were selected to sequence the five loci (ITS, TEF1, HIS, TUB, CaM) for phylogenetic analysis. Based on the combined multi-locus dataset, phylogenetic trees constructed by using two methods (MP and ML) showed that D. citri was the dominant species no matter on fruits, leaves or twigs. Diaporthe species showed the greatest diversity on fruits and the least diversity on twigs. D. eres was only isolated from twigs. The results of this study may enhance our understanding for the species diversity of Diaporthe species on different tissues from same trees, such information would be useful for the control of Diaporthe diseases in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas and water distribution is discontinuous in tight gas reservoirs, and a quantitative understanding of the factors controlling the scale and distribution of effective reservoirs is important for natural gas exploration. We used geological and geophysical explanation results, dynamic and static well test data, interference well test and static pressure test to calculate the distribution and characteristics of tight gas reservoirs in the H8 Member of the Shihezi Formation, Sulige gas field, Ordos Basin, northwest China. Our evaluation system examines the scale, physical properties, gas-bearing properties, and other reservoir features, and results in classification of effective reservoirs into types I, II, and III that differ greatly in size, porosity, permeability, and saturation. The average thickness, length, and width of type I effective reservoirs are 2.89, 808, and 598 m, respectively, and the porosity is > 10.0%, permeability is > 10 × 10−3 µm2, and average gas saturation is > 60%. Compared with conventional gas reservoirs, tight gas effective reservoirs are small-scale and have low gas saturation. Our results show that the scale of the sedimentary system controls the size of the dominant microfacies in which tight gas effective reservoirs form. The presence of different types of interbeds hinders the connectivity of effective sand body reservoirs. The gas source conditions and pore characteristics of the reservoirs control sand body gas filling and reservoir formation. The physical properties and structural nature of the reservoirs control gas-water separation and the gas contents of effective reservoirs. The results are beneficial for the understanding of gas reservoir distribution in the whole Ordos Basin and other similar basins worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to evaluate the durability of the protective immune response elicited by primary infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we systematically evaluated the SARS-CoV-2-specific memory B cell and T cell responses in healthy controls and individuals recovered from asymptomatic or symptomatic infection approximately 6 months prior. Comparatively low frequencies of memory B cells specific for the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike glycoprotein (S) persisted in the peripheral blood of individuals who recovered from infection (median 0.62%, interquartile range 0.48-0.69). The SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific memory B cell response was detected in 2 of 13 individuals who recovered from asymptomatic infection and 10 of 20 individuals who recovered from symptomatic infection. T cell responses induced by S, membrane (M), and nucleocapsid (N) peptide libraries from SARS-CoV-2 were observed in individuals recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and cross-reactive T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 were also detected in healthy controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Most cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CSDAVF) are unilateral; however, simultaneous bilateral CSDAVFs occasionally may be found. This article reports on 141 patients and compares the angioarchitecture and outcomes of embolization of bilateral CSDAVFs with those of unilateral CSDAVFs, with reference to limited demographics (sex and age) of the patients. Method: From January 2010 to February 2018 a total of 141 consecutive patients with CSDAVFs were referred for transvenous embolization. Bilateral CSDAVFs were found in 20 patients (14.2%, with a mean age of 62.2 years). The angioarchitecture of the 141 patients with CSDAVFs were evaluated by conventional cerebral angiography. We compared the angioarchitecture and treatment outcomes of 20 bilateral and 121 unilateral CSDAVFs, and in relation to the patients' sex and age. Results: Female patients significantly dominated the bilateral CSDAVFs (90%, p = 0.043). Bilateral eye symptoms were significantly more common in bilateral CSDAVFs (p = 0.011), with dominant orbital and cavernous symptoms, and showed statistical significance (p = 0.049 and 0.011, respectively). Occlusion of one CSDAVF may significantly decrease the fistula flow of the other untreated side (n = 13, 65%), leading to less coil utilization for embolization in bilateral CSDAVFs (p < 0.001). There was no statistical significance in the occurrence of occlusion of the inferior petrous sinus(s), in pial vein reflux, and treatment outcomes in the unilateral and bilateral CSDAVFs. Conclusion: Bilateral CSDAVFs were more dominant in female patients and frequently presented with orbital and cavernous symptoms. Fewer coils were used per lesion in the bilateral CSDAVFs. There was no statistical significance in bilateral and unilateral CSDAVFs in terms of impact of venous drainage, pial vein reflux and treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) problems with incomplete weight information under T-spherical fuzzy environment. Firstly, motivated by the idea of the intuitionistic fuzzy interaction method, we propose some operation laws of T-spherical fuzzy numbers (T-SFNs), as well as some T-spherical fuzzy interaction aggregation operators, such as the T-spherical fuzzy weighted averaging interaction (T-SFWAI) operator, the T-spherical fuzzy weighted geometric interaction (T-SFWGI) operator, the T-spherical fuzzy ordered weighted interaction aggregation operators and the generalized T-spherical fuzzy interaction aggregation operators. Then, some desirable properties of the proposed T-SFWAI and T-SFWGI operators and some special cases of the generalized T-spherical fuzzy interaction aggregation operators are discussed in detail. Secondly, for the situations where the information about the weights of criteria is partly known or completely unknown, we establish two optimization models to determine the weights of criteria based on the maximizing deviation method and Lagrange function method, respectively. Thirdly, the traditional TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese of interactive and multi-criteria decision-making) approach is extended to solve MCGDM problem under the T-spherical fuzzy environment by defining the distance between T-SFNs, score function and accuracy function of T-spherical fuzzy number. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the application of the extended TODIM approach, and further the sensitivity analysis and comparison analysis are carried out to demonstrate the influence of parameter on the final result and the effectiveness of the extended method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: A creative cooperative strategy involving silk fibroin/sericin is proposed for stabilizing high-performance flexible Li–S full batteries with a limited Li excess of 90% by simultaneously inhibiting lithium dendrites, adsorbing liquid polysulfides, and anchoring solid lithium sulfides. Such fabric Li–S full batteries offer high volumetric energy density (457.2 Wh L−1), high-capacity retention (99.8% per cycle), and remarkable bending capability (6000 flexing cycles at a small radius of 5 mm). Lithium–sulfur batteries are highly appealing as high-energy power systems and hold great application prospects for flexible and wearable electronics. However, the easy formation of lithium dendrites, shuttle effect of dissolved polysulfides, random deposition of insulating lithium sulfides, and poor mechanical flexibility of both electrodes seriously restrict the utilization of lithium and stabilities of lithium and sulfur for practical applications. Herein, we present a cooperative strategy employing silk fibroin/sericin to stabilize flexible lithium–sulfur full batteries by simultaneously inhibiting lithium dendrites, adsorbing liquid polysulfides, and anchoring solid lithium sulfides. Benefiting from the abundant nitrogen- and oxygen-containing functional groups, the carbonized fibroin fabric serves as a lithiophilic fabric host for stabilizing the lithium anode, while the carbonized fibroin fabric and the extracted sericin are used as sulfiphilic hosts and adhesive binders, respectively, for stabilizing the sulfur cathode. Consequently, the assembled Li–S full battery provided a high areal capacity (5.6 mAh cm−2), limited lithium excess (90%), a high volumetric energy density (457.2 Wh L−1), high-capacity retention (99.8% per cycle), and remarkable bending capability (6000 flexing cycles at a small radius of 5 mm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FGF2 is a neurotrophic factor that can act as a key regulatory molecule of neuroprotection, neurogenesis, and angiogenesis in various injuries. To explore the genetic background of the FGF2 gene on DPN development, this study analyzed the correlation between SNPs in the 3'UTR of the FGF2 gene and their interaction with environmental factors in DPN patients of Han Chinese nationality. Sanger sequencing was used to analyze the FGF2 genotypes at the rs1048201, rs3804158, rs41348645, rs6854081, rs3747676, rs7683093, rs1476215, and rs1476217 loci in 150 DPN patients, 150 NDPN patients, and 150 healthy control patients. Plasma FGF2 levels were measured in all subjects by using ELISAs. Subjects carrying the T allele at the rs1048201 locus in the FGF2 gene had a significantly lower risk of developing DPN compared with subjects carrying the C allele (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.33–0.56, p < 0.01). Subjects with the G genotype at the rs6854081 locus had an exceptionally higher risk of developing DPN than subjects with the T allele (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.39–1.89, p < 0.01). Individuals harboring the G allele at the rs7683093 locus had a markedly higher risk of DPN than patients with the C allele (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.36–1.87, p < 0.01). Finally, individuals having the A genotype at the rs1476215 locus had a significantly higher risk of DPN than individuals carrying the T allele (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.53–2.02, p < 0.01). There was an interaction between age and alcohol consumption and the SNP rs7683093. SNPs at rs1048201, rs6854081, rs7683093, and rs1476215 in the FGF2 3'UTR were strongly associated with plasma levels of FGF2 (p < 0.05). SNPs at the rs1048201, rs6854081, rs7683093, and rs1476215 loci in the FGF2 gene were significantly associated with the risk of DPN. A possible mechanism is that these SNPs affect the expression level of FGF2 by interrupting the binding of microRNAs to target sites in the 3'UTR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prediction of time series in multi-steps is of significance in reality. However, considering the uncertainty and high noise existing in time series, the long-term forecasting is still an open problem. By means of granular computing, in this article, a novel spatial–temporal fuzzy information granule (STFIG) model is proposed to achieve the multi-step forecasting of time series. From the perspective of time dimension, by using unequal division method, time series is converted into generalized time-varying fuzzy information granules, where the trend information and dispersion degree of sequence data can be quantitatively described. Moreover, in terms of spatial dimension, the fluctuation information of time series is also calculated and involved into information granules, which can further enhance the semantic representation of sequential data. In order to improve the ability of dealing with uncertainties and fuzziness in time series, the interval type-2 fuzzy set is applied in the granules model. By using synthetic data and real-life time series, experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, where abundant semantic information and better long-term predictive performance can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Olanzapine is widely prescribed for patients with mental disorders; however, it may induce metabolic dysfunction. Metformin is an efficient adjuvant for preventing olanzapine-induced metabolic dysfunction in clinical practice. Although the mechanism of how metformin prevents this metabolic dysfunction remains unknown, changes in the gut-liver axis are considered a potential explanation. Methods: Forty-eight male rats were gavaged with olanzapine and/or metformin for 35 consecutive days. Body weight, food intake, and water intake were measured daily. Histopathological and biochemical tests were performed to evaluate the metabolic dysfunction. The 16S rRNA obtained from fecal bacterial DNA was assessed. Results: Olanzapine treatment increased the body weight, blood glucose and triglyceride levels, and the number of adipocytes in the liver. While coadministration of metformin, there was a dose-dependent reverse of the abnormal changes induced by olanzapine treatment. Both olanzapine and metformin treatments altered the composition of the gut microbiota. Bacteroides acidifaciens and Lactobacillus gasseri were possibly played a positive role in metformin-mediated olanzapine-induced metabolic dysfunction prevention. Conclusion: Metformin prevented olanzapine-induced metabolic dysfunction and regulated the gut microbiota in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Columnar dangerous rock mass is widely developed in many high and steep mountain areas around the world. It often collapses, disintegrates and produces debris flow, which is disastrous. The collapse process of the columnar dangerous rock mass is very similar to the collapse of granular column. In this paper, we report the results of an experimental investigation of the flow induced by the collapse of a column of granular material over a horizontal surface. Two different setups are used, namely, a channelized granular column collapse (i.e., two-dimensional) and an unchannelized granular column collapse (i.e., three-dimensional), allowing us to compare channelized and unchannelized collapses flows. The experimental data suggest that our experimental findings were markedly different from those reported by previous authors (i.e., include the channelized and unchannelized collapse flows showed differences in energy conversion and dissipation). In channelized collapse flows, the maximum vertical speed appears in the free fall regime, while, the maximum speed in the vertical direction of unchannelized collapse flows appears in the spreading regime. During the whole collapse process, i.e., in channelized and unchannelized collapse flows, the conversion of potential energy and kinetic energy does not occur uniformly, and the maximum kinetic energy of the channelized collapse flows is higher than that of the unchannelized collapse flows, and compared with the unchannelized collapse flows, the dissipation energy in the channelized collapse flows is lower. A series of experiments was performed to predict the behaviour of different granular columns (characterized by different initial aspect ratio (a), varying from 1 to 4). The data obtained from 2D experimental model and 3D experimental model have certain amount of difference, such as the particle runout distance (d1), the maximum central height (h2), and the deposition angle (i.e., β1, β2). These differences show that the 2D experimental model does not fully represent the 3D conditions (i.e., the role of side-walls on the channelized collapse flows characteristic is non-negligible). Accordingly, care must be taken when validating 3D models with 2D experimental data. The movement of the tower dangerous rock masses with collapse failure mode could be evaluated using this channelized and unchannelized granular column experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to uncover the functions of two species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in soil aggregation and plant water content regulation under wetting–drying climate conditions. The climatic characteristics of seasonal drought in karst areas were simulated. Two watering periods were established in a controlled greenhouse to compare the different effects of two genetically different AMF species (Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus intraradices) on the water content of 90-day-old mulberry seedlings and on soil aggregates. Our results showed that inoculation with the Rhizophagus intraradices (R.i) strain was more effective at improving mulberry growth performance than Funneliformis mosseae (F.m) inoculation under semiarid conditions. The AMF remained highly infective and continuously increased the proportion of soil macroaggregates under soil drought stress. As a result, our study showed the potential of AMF to promote sustainable mulberry plantations and the rehabilitation of degraded soil in karst areas of southwestern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Second-generation antipsychotics are the first-line medications prescribed for schizophrenic patients; however, some of them, such as olanzapine and risperidone, may induce metabolic dysfunctions during short-term treatment. Metformin is an effective adjuvant that attenuates antipsychotic-induced metabolic dysfunctions (AIMD) in clinical practice. Whether metformin can reverse AIMD and whether metformin affects the therapeutic effects of antipsychotics in animal models of schizophrenia are questions that still need to be investigated. Methods: In this study, an animal model of schizophrenia was established by consecutive injections of MK801 during the neurodevelopmental period. In adulthood, different dosages of olanzapine or risperidone treatment were administered to the schizophrenia model animals for 14 days. Both therapeutic effects and metabolic adverse effects were measured by behavioral tests, histopathological tests, and biochemical tests. The coadministration of different doses of metformin with olanzapine or risperidone was used to evaluate the effects of metformin on both AIMD and the therapeutic effect of those antipsychotics. Results: The MK801-treated rats showed schizophrenia-like behavior and variations in the shape and volume of the hippocampus. Both olanzapine and risperidone reversed the MK801-induced behavioral abnormalities as the dosage increased; however, they degenerated the hepatocytes in the liver and influenced the blood lipid levels and blood glucose levels. The coadministration of metformin did not affect the therapeutic effects of olanzapine or risperidone on behavioral abnormalities but attenuated the metabolic dysfunctions induced by those antipsychotics. Conclusion: Metformin attenuated the olanzapine- and risperidone-induced metabolic dysfunctions in MK801-induced schizophrenia-like rats without reducing the therapeutic effects of the antipsychotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]