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Abstract Institutions are pivotal in university governance, symbolizing stable organizational power reflective of governance capacity. The strategic organization of a university’s internal structures aims to align with its developmental goals. The effectiveness of these arrangements is evaluated by their congruence with the university’s characteristics and norms, aiming to enhance governance for growth and sustainability. Thus, the primary aim of this study is to determine whether this layout can strengthen the university’s governance ability, enhancing its prospects for survival and development. This study introduces a novel theoretical framework across the dimensions of time, space, and quantity, utilizing governance elements to assess the impact of institutional layouts on governance capabilities. Data were gathered through a self-developed survey questionnaire, with a total of 742 valid responses collected, and by employing a high-dimensional fixed-effects model, we found that the three-dimensional institutional layouts significantly impact governance capabilities, with effects varying by the institution’s affiliation. Furthermore, the mechanism analysis shows that university governance capabilities are also manifested through different configurations of governance elements under institutional layout, and are influenced by the responsiveness, collaboration, and expansion of the entire institutional system. Moreover, our analysis indicates a threshold effect in the tenure of institutional members, where both excessive and insufficient enthusiasm impact governance capabilities differently. This suggests the importance of a strategic institutional layout that aligns with the governance elements’ dynamics of timeliness, flexibility, distribution, and scarcity across time, space, and quantity. Achieving an optimal arrangement enhances the university’s governance efficiency significantly. In light of these findings, policy implications were proposed.

Abstract Intangible cultural heritage is an invaluable treasure for all human beings worldwide. In 2009, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the Chinese Cantonese Opera, also known as Yueju in Chinese Pinyin, on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The awareness of inheriting Yueju is not uncommon, but advancing methods to involve more young generations in this art form is still necessary. In this study, we focused on Yueju videos on Bilibili, a cultural community and video website popular among the younger generation. Through quantitative and qualitative research, we explored the types of Yueju videos that would have a significant spreading effect. The 1916 Bilibili videos related to Yueju were collected using Python crawler technology. We analyzed each video using seventeen variables. The elaboration likelihood model (ELM) forms the theoretical foundation of this research. We constructed the Yueju transmission model with two persuasive routes based on this model. The research methods mainly comprised regression analysis, multi-factor ANOVA, and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). We invited thirty-one experts to assess the importance hierarchy of those video factors and calculate the weight coefficient using AHP. This study demonstrated the central route concerning the causal relationship between video recognition and spreading effect through regression analysis. Additionally, this research identified the optimal combination of 8 video factors using multi-factor ANOVA in the peripheral route. In this study, we focused on the niche of Yueju video transmission on Bilibili. This research utilized the ELM and hybrid methods to obtain the statistical results. Then, we developed appropriate macro-level and micro-level strategies for transmitting Yueju culture, particularly those aimed at the younger generation.

Abstract Rational provincial allocation of carbon quotas serves as the foundational premise for attaining China’s carbon peak. Yet, prevailing strategies often overlook the holistic integration of trade-induced carbon transfers and ecological carbon sequestration, resulting in equity and scientific robustness deficiencies. This study addresses these shortcomings by examining historical carbon sources and sinks across China’s provinces and proposing a novel provincial allocation scheme based on the ‘equal consumption-based cumulative per capita net emission’ principle. Our findings reveal significant disparities in the carbon quotas between provinces, ranging from ‒98 Mt in Shanghai to 1016 Mt in Sichuan, primarily influenced by factors such as population size, historical emissions, and carbon sinks. The proposed scheme, integrating considerations of carbon transfers and sinks, safeguards the interests of less developed provinces (e.g., Hebei and Inner Mongolia) and those with valuable ecosystems (e.g., Yunnan and Inner Mongolia). Furthermore, the impact of carbon transfers on provincial carbon allocation quotas is more pronounced than that of carbon sinks. For instance, the inclusion of carbon transfers has increased Inner Mongolia’s quotas by 238 Mt, compared to 125 Mt attributed to carbon sinks. Considering the disparities in emissions reduction pressure and capacity across different provinces, combining fair carbon quota allocation with a nationwide carbon market can achieve cost-effective emissions reduction while ensuring the attainment of carbon peak.

Abstract Leveraging the Chinese capital market, we investigate the relationship between a CEO’s scientific research background and the level of digitalization within enterprises. Our results demonstrate robust findings indicating that a CEO’s scientific research background significantly enhances the level of enterprise digitalization. Moreover, we observe that this correlation is more pronounced in companies controlled by non-state-owned enterprises, those operating within a more advanced digital economy, and those engaged in high levels of regional integration. Furthermore, we establish that the positive impact of a CEO’s research background on a company’s digitalization level is primarily driven by fostering the organization’s innovation drive. Overall, our research suggests that CEOs with scientific research backgrounds are instrumental in encouraging a culture of innovation within their firms, thereby enhancing enterprise digitalization performance. This study contributes to the literature by exploring the factors influencing enterprise digitalization levels through the lens of managerial experience and analyzing the economic implications of management experience on enterprise digital transformation. Methodologically, we have refined and enhanced the measurement approach for assessing enterprise digitalization levels. Practically, our findings underscore the importance of promoting cross-industry and cross-regional exchanges of high-caliber talent for executives, enterprises, and governmental entities alike.

Abstract Cities are main carbon emissions generators. Land use changes can not only affect terrestrial ecosystems carbon, but also anthropogenic carbon emissions. However, carbon monitoring at a spatial level is still coarse, and low-carbon land use encounters the challenge of being unable to adjust at the patch scale. This study addresses these limitations by using land-use data and various auxiliary data to explore new methods. The approach involves developing a high-resolution carbon monitoring model and investigating a patch-scale low-carbon land use model by integrating high carbon sink/source images with the Future Land Use Simulation model. Between 2000 and 2020, the results reveal an increasing trend in both carbon emissions and carbon sinks in the Shangyu district. Carbon sinks can only offset approximately 3% of the total carbon emissions. Spatially, the north exhibits net carbon emissions, while the southern region functions more as a carbon sink. A total of 14.5% of the total land area witnessed a change in land-use type, with the transfer-out of cropland constituting the largest area at 96.44 km2, accounting for 50% of the total transferred area. Land-use transfer resulted in an annual increase of 77.72 × 104 t in carbon emissions between 2000 and 2020. Through land-use structure optimisation, carbon emissions are projected to increase by only 7154 t C/year from 2000 to 2030, significantly lower than the amount between 2000 and 2020. Further low-carbon land optimisation at the patch scale can enhance the carbon sink by 129.59 t C/year. The conclusion drawn is that there is considerable potential to reduce carbon emissions through land use control. The new methods developed in our study can effectively contribute to high-resolution carbon monitoring in spatial contexts and support low-carbon land use, promoting the application of low-carbon land use from theory to practice. This will provide technological guidance for land use planning, city planning, and so forth.

Abstract The phenomenon of rural in-migration is emerging as a significant trend in various global hotspots, playing a crucial role in reshaping these rural areas from social and spatial perspectives. The decision-making process for rural in-migrants regarding settlement is complex. Although previous studies have acknowledged that settlement intentions are influenced by social and environmental factors, such as the economy, natural environment, and public service facilities, many have relied on a stated-preference approach to measure migrants’ settlement intentions. This method may overlook the inherent complexity and fluidity of the decision-making process. Drawing upon the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this paper formulates questions aligned with the three stages of decision-making to examine the settlement intentions of rural in-migrants. Employing multiple linear regression analysis, the study assesses the impact of social and environmental factors on the settlement decisions of rural in-migrants in four villages surrounding Dali, a renowned rural destination in southwest China that attracts a diverse range of migrants. The findings highlight the pivotal role of public service facilities’ quality in rural villages in the decision-making process, particularly among those who have already formulated settlement plans. Additionally, the research reveals that female in-migrants place a heightened emphasis on the quality of these facilities. Furthermore, a higher level of education correlates with a broader diversity of influencing factors. As migrants age, a wider range of considerations comes into play, with the natural environment emerging as a key factor for older in-migrants. This article emphasizes the equal importance of continuously improving public service facilities, strengthening economic vitality, and protecting rural natural landscapes to support the development of rural communities.

Abstract Self-esteem plays a crucial role in the psychological development of college students. Based on four-wave longitudinal data, this study empirically investigated the longitudinal trajectories of self-esteem, related predictors, and the impact on depression in a sample of Chinese college students. Piecewise growth mixture modeling was utilized to identify potential self-esteem trajectories. Furthermore, multinomial logistic regression models were employed along with the Kruskal‒Wallis test to analyze the factors that influence self-esteem development trajectories and assess variations in depression. The results showed that college students’ self-esteem trajectories can be divided into three categories: slowly decreasing (81.04%), rising then falling (16.94%), and falling then rising (2.02%). Various personal factors (e.g. ethnicity, family residence, self-reported health status, extroversion) and socioeconomic factors (e.g. closeness with classmates, family economic level, family social status, and the mother’s educational level) can influence the classification of students’ self-esteem development trajectories. Moreover, notable differences in depression were observed among students in different self-esteem trajectory groups. The results emphasize the imperative of implementing interventions to enhance self-esteem among college students.

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with an overall 5-year survival rate of

Abstract Adoption of a health information system is always a challenge for hospitals. It is because most of the medical staff do not have enough skills to use the new technology and due to the sensitivity of medical data. These factors pose a challenge for the successful adoption of health information system in hospitals. The aim of this research is to find out the factors which influence the adoption of information systems in hospitals. The study investigated the impact of the Financial status of the Hospital; Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use on the adoption of health information systems through a questionnaire survey. Data was collected from 602 healthcare workers from 20 hospitals through close-ended questionnaire in Pakistan, where the adoption of health information systems is very slow. PLS-SEM was used for the analysis. The findings show that the Financial status of the Hospital; Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use have positive and significant role in the adoption of Health Information Systems. The finding also shows that hospital size moderates the relationship of Perceived ease of use and the adoption of health information systems and interestingly it does not moderate the relationship among perceived usefulness and financial strength toward the adoption of health information systems. The study concludes that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and financial strength are the main factors, necessary for the adoption of health information systems. The findings of the study have useful implications for policy makers, medical professionals to successfully adopt health information systems in hospitals. It also provides new avenues for researchers to explore other factors and test this framework in other countries.

Abstract B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), expressed in plasmablasts and plasma cells, could serve as a promising therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. We reported here chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting BCMA in two patients with highly relapsed and refractory myasthenia gravis (one with AChR-IgG, and one with MuSk-IgG). Both patients exhibited favorable safety profiles and persistent clinical improvements over 18 months. Reconstitution of B-cell lineages with sustained reduced pathogenic autoantibodies might underlie the therapeutic efficacy. To identify the possible mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of CAR-T cells in these patients, longitudinal single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing was conducted on serial blood samples post infusion as well as their matching infusion products. By tracking the temporal evolution of CAR-T phenotypes, we demonstrated that proliferating cytotoxic-like CD8 clones were the main effectors in autoimmunity, whereas compromised cytotoxic and proliferation signature and profound mitochondrial dysfunction in CD8+ Te cells before infusion and subsequently defect CAR-T cells after manufacture might explain their characteristics in these patients. Our findings may guide future studies to improve CAR T-cell immunotherapy in autoimmune diseases.

Abstract As museums continue to play an increasingly significant role in the preservation, innovation, and dissemination of cultural heritages, the products sold in their souvenir shops have become a vital carrier of cultural and creative industries. The creativity of these products has drawn intensive attention from various industries. However, the evaluation of museum products’ creativity still lacks objectivity, scientific rigour, and systematisation. This study aims to construct a contextual and comprehensive measurement model to evaluate the creativity of products purchased in souvenir shops affiliated with urban historical museums in China. Based on the literature, ten related hypotheses were introduced, and a conceptual model was illustrated. Six relevant dimensions and 28 corresponding indicators were identified, and then a 7-point Likert-styled questionnaire was developed. An online survey was conducted, which invited 931 participants to take part. Among them, 708 responses are valid (rate 76.05%). The overall reliability of the survey is 0.96 (Cronbach’s α). Then, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and a structural equation modelling analysis using SPSS and SmartPLS were conducted. The results supported most hypotheses proposed by this study and confirmed the validity of the museum product creativity measurement (MPCM). The validated instrument comprises five dimensions: Affect, Usefulness, Aesthetics, Cultural Values and Novelty, with a total of 21 indicators. Additionally, the findings revealed that Aesthetics mediates Affect, and Cultural Values mediate Usefulness. Moreover, a negative moderating effect of Educational Level on the perception of Cultural Values was detected.

Abstract Conduct disorders (CDs) are common in juvenile justice cases, but their prevalence varies across regions. It is useful to help people comprehend the incidence and risk factors for CDs in the judicial environment. To determine the prevalence of CDs among juvenile delinquents in China and explore the risk factors for CDs in terms of demographic characteristics, individual characteristics, and social environmental factors. A total of 545 male juvenile delinquents and 297 typically developed adolescents from China were recruited for this study. The Conduct Disorder Screening Form was used to assess the symptoms of CD, and related measurements, including the Demographic Questionnaire, Short-Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostran for Chinese (s-EMBU-C), the Short Form of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF), the Parental Monitoring Scale, the Deviant Peer Affiliation Scale, the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU), the Self-Control Scale (SCS), and the Moral Disengagement Scale (MDS), were carried out. Among the juvenile delinquents, 58.7% met the symptoms of CD, with adolescent-onset CD accounting for 90.94% of these cases. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of CD between the criminal group and the illegal group, but the criminal group scored higher on aggression than the illegal group. The adolescents with CDs differed from the typically developed adolescents in demographic characteristics, parenting style, individual characteristics, and deviant peer affiliation. Discriminant analysis revealed that deviant peer affiliation had the greatest impact on the CDs of adolescents (structural matrix = 0.85), followed by the level of parental monitoring and moral disengagement. CD is widespread in Chinese juvenile delinquents. CD symptoms differ between criminal and illegal juvenile delinquents. Risk factors such as deviant peer affiliation, inadequate parental monitoring, moral disengagement, and low parental warmth all contribute to the high prevalence of CD.

Abstract Against the dual backdrop of China vigorously promoting high-speed railways (HSR) construction and establishing an ecological civilization system, HSR as urban transportation infrastructure, is currently gaining growing attention from the academic community due to its environmental benefits as well as its effects in energy conservation and emission reduction. In this context, this research treats the initiation of HSR as a quasi-natural experiment, meanwhile empirically examining the effect of HSR on energy structure restructuring and exploring the micro-level channels through which it operates. The empirical results validate the reduction effect of HSR opening on fuel energy consumption of industrial enterprises, especially the usage of fuel coal. This highlight remains valid across a series of robustness tests. Moreover, it is evident that the “driving effect” of enterprise technological innovation capability and the “industrial upgrading effect” of enterprise relocation are effective transmission pathways in the process of HSR opening influencing the adjustment of energy consumption structure. Moreover, the unique characteristics of enterprise, industry, and region introduce a certain degree of heterogeneity. The low-energy-consumption effect of HSR is more pronounced in high-carbon industry enterprises, technology-intensive enterprises, firms engaged in innovation pilot cities, small to the medium-sized city and resource-based city. This paper provides a new perspective on energy structure adjustment, contributing to offering solid experiences and references for environmental governance in China and other emerging economies.

Abstract As the cornerstone of enterprises, employees have played a pivotal role in navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring the survival and growth of businesses. The global wave of unemployment triggered by the pandemic has given rise to innovative work engagements, including remote work and employee sharing. This shift prompts employees to reconsider their relationship with the organization, the extent of their collaboration, and their commitment to sustaining the enterprise’s viability and development. Amidst the diverse performance level of employees, the question arises: will they redouble their efforts to showcase their value or succumb to a state of inertia? Additionally, the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic has brought about adverse impacts, making enterprises think about how to inhibit employees’ social loafing, stimulate their enthusiasm, and to rely on collective strength to overcome the crisis. During the pandemic, uncertainty of the work environment was elevated, and the factors influecing employees’ social loafing, perception of organizational justice, and organizational commitment became more significant. Based on the social exchange theory, this paper conducts research on how employees’ perception of organizational justice level weakens their social loafing and incorporates organizational commitment into the research framework in order to explore new presentations of relationships between these variables in the context of the epidemic. Through the data analysis of 276 questionnaires, the study found that: (1) the organizational justice has a negative impact on the social loafing of employees; (2) the organizational commitment plays a complete mediating role between the organizational justice and employees’ social loafing.

Abstract Given the limited availability of bibliometric and visual analysis on the topic of romantic love, the primary objective of the current study is to fill this gap by conducting a comprehensive visual analysis of relevant literature. Through this analysis, the current study aimed to uncover current research trends and identify potential future directions in the field of romantic love. The current study’s search criteria were met by an impressive 6858 publications found in the Web of Science database for the period between 2013 and 2022. A thorough analysis was conducted on the bibliographic visualization of the authors, organizations, countries, references, and keywords. Over time, there has been a remarkable surge in the number of significant publications. Among the authors in the field of romantic love, Emily A. Impett has emerged as the most prolific. The Journal of Social and Personal Relationships is indeed one of the top journals that has published a significant number of articles on the topic of romantic love. During the preceding decade, the University of California System emerged as a prominent producer of publications centered around romantic love, solidifying the United States’ position as a dominant player in this field. In recent times, there has been a significant surge in the popularity of keywords such as “same-sex,” “conflict resolution,” and “social relationships” within academic literature. These topics have experienced a burst of attention, as evidenced by a substantial increase in references and citations. Through the use of visualization maps and analysis of key publications, the current study offers a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and potential avenues for future research in the field of romantic love. Gaining a deep understanding of the complex dynamics and societal implications of romantic love has been instrumental in formulating policies that embody increased compassion and support. As a result, these policies have played a pivotal role in fostering resilient familial ties and contributing to the enduring stability and prosperity of our social fabric.

Abstract Peritoneal metastasis (PM) has a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) that limits the effects of immunotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of intraperitoneal administration of IL-33, a cytokine that is reported to potentiate antitumor immunity and inhibit metastasis. We found survival was significantly prolonged in patients with high IL-33 mRNA expression. In immunocompetent mice, intraperitoneal administration of IL-33 could induce a celiac inflammatory environment, activate immunologic effector cells, and reverse the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which effectively delayed tumor progression and PM of gastric cancer. Mechanistically, IL-33 could induce M2 polarization by activating p38-GATA-binding protein 3 signaling. IL-33 combined with anti-CSF1R or p38 inhibitor to regulate tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) had a synergistic antitumor effect. Inducing a local inflammatory milieu by IL-33 administration provided a novel approach for treating peritoneal metastasis, which, when combined with TAM reprogramming to reshape TIME, can achieve better treatment efficacy.

Abstract In the past decade, China has entered the process of universalization of higher education, however, with the popularization of higher education, the issue of education quality has become more important than ever. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to explore the relationship between learning motivation and learning effectiveness, the mediation effect of learning engagement on learning motivation and learning effectiveness, and the moderation effect of students’ personality traits on the relationship between learning motivation and learning effectiveness. It was found that (1) Learning motivation had a significant positive impact on learning effectiveness; (2) Learning motivation had a significant positive effect on learning engagement; (3) Learning engagement had a significant positive impact on learning effectiveness; (4) Learning engagement had a partial mediation effect on learning motivation and learning effectiveness. (5) Personality traits had a moderation effect on the relationship between learning motivation and learning effectiveness. It was suggested that college students should stimulate their motivation for independent learning, enhance their motivation for learning, and cultivate the ability to learn independently in learning. At the same time, in the classroom, teachers should innovate teaching methods, mobilize students’ interest in learning, and cultivate students’ initiative. In addition, schools should actively carry out themed lectures to cultivate students’ correct learning attitudes. In terms of the influence of personality traits on the relationship between learning motivation and learning effectiveness should not be ignored, and appropriate attention should be paid to improving learning effectiveness. Different personality traits should be further explored.

Abstract Gaining continuous trust from mobile banking customers is a critical step in retaining customers for their usage of the provided services. The current study aims to investigate how customers’ continuous trust is formed at the continuous-use stage. Online survey responses from 450 frequent mobile banking users are collected. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) based on a proposed model that predicts trust. The findings successfully validated the model and its reduced form. Based on the model, customers’ continuous trust can be predicted by mobile banking apps’ perceived ease of use, privacy assurance and security features, organisation reputation, customer support, and customers’ previous experience. Furthermore, the interactive relationships among these proposed factors are proposed and validated in the model. By studying trust in mobile banking past the initial adoption stage, we provide evidence to support the theoretical framework of investigating mobile banking continuous trust from the three constructs—mobile app (perceived ease of use, privacy assurance, security features), organisation (reputation, customer support), and customer (prior experience).

Abstract China strives to become a leading sports nation. Through implemented policies and programs, Chinese children and adolescents have shown notable advancements and improvements in their engagement in physical activity in recent years, indicating an overall positive trend. However, some indicators exhibit a concerning “inversion phenomenon”. This study utilizes data from three surveys conducted between 2016 and 2022 by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance. By comparing current ratings with those from 2016 and 2018, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, significant obstacles in promoting physical activity and health among Chinese children and adolescents are revealed, with persistently low scores. The 2022 Global Matrix 4.0 report ranks Chinese children and adolescents 53rd out of 57 surveyed countries, with an overall average physical activity score of D. Similarly, the average score for sources of influence ranks at 53rd. Consequently, the establishment of an integrated school, family, and social sports promotion mechanism, led by the government, becomes an imperative prerequisite for enhancing the levels of physical activity and overall health among children and adolescents.

Abstract Vaccination is a fundamental tool in preventing infectious diseases. However, due to the wide array of vaccines available, comprehending the entire vaccine landscape can be a daunting task. To tackle this complexity, this study employs advanced network analysis methods capable of capturing the intricate relationships within multivariate datasets. The objective is to investigate how the vaccination landscape has evolved both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined vaccination data in the Nanan District of Chongqing, China, spanning from 2016 to 2022. Additionally, the network topological characteristics were computed and scrutinized across 2326 sliding windows. The investigation focused on assessing alterations in the topological structure of the vaccination network before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, encompassing analyses at both macro and mesoscale levels. Furthermore, at the micro level, this study delved into the correlation degrees of selected vaccine nodes within the vaccination network. The analysis unveiled that the correlation and activity within the vaccination network showed a noticeable enhancement in strength in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the spring and winter months. However, the community structure and the average interactions between vaccines displayed a diminishing trend post-pandemic. Among the analyzed vaccines, the HepA vaccine emerged as the one with the highest average node-degree centrality rank. A closer examination of the node-degree centrality ranking chart within the vaccination network disclosed fluctuations in the rankings of various vaccine types across different time periods and seasons. In contrast, vaccines incorporated into NIP exhibited a remarkable degree of consistency, which is attributed to children adhering to a fixed vaccination schedule, rendering NIP vaccines less susceptible to disruptions and enhancing their stability within the vaccination network. This study offers valuable insights into the dynamics of the vaccination network, shedding light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, seasonal variations, and the ever-shifting correlation patterns among different vaccine types. These discoveries enrich our comprehension of vaccination trends and have the potential to guide forthcoming endeavors aimed at refining vaccination strategies and enhancing public health outcomes, not only in the Nanan District but also in analogous settings.

Abstract This study focused on the factors that influence innovation performance in housing agents. Based on a worldwide literature review on the topic of innovation performance, we defined relational capital, knowledge sharing at the individual level, and organizational culture, structural capital, and human resource management practices at the organizational level to carry out the analysis using hierarchical linear modeling. The survey subjects were housing agents in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. A total of 1130 questionnaires were distributed to 113 agencies. Of a total of 444 collected surveys, 40 unanswered questionnaires were invalid and three with fewer than three answers were eliminated. The final number of valid questionnaires was 401. The response rate of effective questionnaires was 35.49%. The results show that organizational culture can indirectly affect innovation performance through knowledge sharing, indicating that there is a partial mediating effect. Structural capital can indirectly affect innovation performance through knowledge sharing, demonstrating a complete mediating effect. Relational capital can indirectly affect innovation performance through knowledge sharing, having a partial mediating effect. Human resource management practices did not have a confounding effect on innovation performance.

Abstract The impact of digital transformation on employment has been increasingly noticed by the academic community, while the internal mechanism still remains as a black box, especially in terms of specific pilot policy, such as the national smart city pilots policy in China. Based on the city-level and firm-level panel data, we investigate the impact of China’s national smart city pilot on the employment pressure of urban job seekers using difference-in-differences model. The results show that the national smart city pilots significantly reduces the employment pressure in the pilot cities. In addition, by bringing configuration optimization and technological upgrading, smart city pilots affect firm selection at the micro level, generating siphoning effects, factor substitution effects, and efficiency gains, and further affect the macro economy by promoting urban economic agglomeration, industrial structure transformation, and regional innovation thereby affecting employment pressure. Furthermore, the reduction effect of China’s national smart city pilot on employment pressure are heterogeneous in terms of cities, firms, and workers’ education levels. Finally, conclusions and policy implementations are provided to highlight the theoretical and practical values.

Abstract Livestreaming commerce has become a shopping option following the outbreak of COVID-19, and many sellers have adopted livestreaming marketing to increase their sales and market share. Although livestreaming marketing offers many opportunities, sellers face the challenge of identifying an effective product demonstration format to attract more viewers and increase engagement behaviors during livestreaming sessions. Based on social capital and signaling theories, this study evaluates the relationships among social capital acquisition, social endorsement, and consumer engagement constructs across three different livestreaming marketing product demonstration formats. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) multivariate analysis shows that social capital acquisition and endorsement positively affect consumer engagement across all livestreaming formats. A cross-case assessment based on Henseler’s bootstrap-based multigroup analysis reveals that although the preference for the interview livestreaming marketing format is lower, it is more efficient in attracting consumer engagement than the tutorial and behind-the-scenes livestreaming marketing formats. This study is thus the first in the scientific literature to examine consumer engagement’s antecedents across different livestreaming marketing formats.

Abstract Neoantigens are emerging as attractive targets to develop personalized cancer vaccines, but their immunization efficacy is severely hampered by their restricted accessibility to lymphoid tissues where immune responses are initiated. Leveraging the capability of red blood cells (RBCs) to capture and present pathogens in peripheral blood to the antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) in spleen, we developed a RBC‐driven spleen targeting strategy to deliver DNA vaccine encoding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) neoantigen. The DNA vaccine‐encapsulating polymeric nanoparticles that were intentionally hitchhiked on the preisolated RBCs could preferentially accumulate in the spleen to promote the neoantigen expression by APCs, resulting in the burst of neoantigen‐specific T‐cell immunity to prevent tumorigenesis in a personalized manner, and slow down tumor growth in the established aggressively growing HCC. Remarkably, when combined with anti‐PD‐1, the vaccine achieved complete tumor regression and generated a robust systemic immune response with long‐term tumor‐specific immunological memory, which thoroughly prevented tumor recurrence and spontaneous lung metastasis. This study offers a prospective strategy to develop personalized neoantigen vaccines for augmenting cancer immunotherapy efficiency in immune “cold” HCC.

Abstract This paper explores the question of whether parental migration is a significant source of human capital development or whether it is harmful to non-cognitive ability development. In light of this, a research question was raised: what is the effect of different statuses of parental migration on the non-cognitive abilities of left-behind children in rural China? To answer this research question, the study uses the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS) data wave-I and employs the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method. The findings revealed that the decision of one or both parents to migrate hurts the non-cognitive abilities of the left-behind school-going children. The results imply that parental migration of one or both parents in rural China is detrimental to the non-cognitive abilities of the left-behind children (LBCs). Therefore, parents should stay or move with their children instead of leaving them with relatives or grandparents. Furthermore, the government must concentrate on removing obstacles to education, especially for migrants, by undertaking initiatives like expanding the number of schools for LBCs and waiving tuition fees. Moreover, the government needs to take action to improve the lives of LBCs and find solutions to their problems. Lastly, the authorities need to promote economic change to create a more balanced economy.

Though RNAi and RNA-splicing machineries are involved in regulating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication, their precise roles in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis remain unclear. Herein, we show that decreased RNAi component (Dicer and XPO5) and splicing factor (SRSF3 and hnRNPA3) expression correlate with increased COVID-19 severity. SARS-CoV-2 N protein induces the autophagic degradation of Dicer, XPO5, SRSF3, and hnRNPA3, inhibiting miRNA biogenesis and RNA splicing and triggering DNA damage, proteotoxic stress, and pneumonia. Dicer, XPO5, SRSF3, and hnRNPA3 knockdown increases, while their overexpression decreases, N protein-induced pneumonia's severity. Older mice show lower expression of Dicer, XPO5, SRSF3, and hnRNPA3 in their lung tissues and exhibit more severe N protein-induced pneumonia than younger mice. PJ34, a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, or anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, ameliorates N protein- or SARS-CoV-2-induced pneumonia by restoring Dicer, XPO5, SRSF3, and hnRNPA3 expression. These findings will aid in developing improved treatments for SARS-CoV-2-associated pneumonia. Here, the authors provide evidence that SARS-CoV-2 N protein leads to autophagic degradation of Dicer, XPO5, SRSF3, and hnRNPA3, inducing DNA damage and proteotoxic stress, eventually causing pneumonia. The small-molecule drug PJ34 or anastrozole alleviates N protein-induced pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel biofuel cell (BFC)-based self-powered electrochemical immunosensing platform was developed by integrating the target-induced biofuel release and biogate immunoassay for ultrasensitive 17β-estradiol (E2) detection. The carbon nanocages/gold nanoparticle composite was employed in the BFCs device as the electrode material, through which bilirubin oxidase and glucose oxidase were wired to form the biocathode and bioanode, respectively. Positively charged mesoporous silica nanoparticles (PMSN) were encapsulated with glucose molecules as biofuel and subsequently coated by the negatively charged AuNPs-labelled anti-E2 antibody (AuNPs-Ab) serving as a biogate. The biogate could be opened efficiently and the trapped glucose released once the target E2 was recognized and captured by AuNPs-Ab due to the decreased adhesion between the antigen–antibody complex and PMSN. Then, glucose oxidase oxidized the glucose to produce a large number of electrons, resulting in significantly increased open-circuit voltage (EOCV). Promisingly, the proposed BFC-based self-powered immunosensor demonstrated exceptional sensitivity for the detection of E2 in the concentration range from 1.0 pg mL−1 to 10.0 ng mL −1, with a detection limit of 0.32 pg mL−1 (S/N = 3). Furthermore, the prepared BFC-based self-powered homogeneous immunosensor showed significant potential for implementation as a viable prototype for a mobile and an on-site bioassay system in food and environmental safety applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is difficult to treat due to its severe pain intensity and recurring episodes, which significantly impact quality of life. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) in alleviating the pain intensity in TN, and to determine whether EA combined with low-dosage carbamazepine (CBZ) has a synergistic effect. Methods: A multi-centre, randomized, 2 × 2 factorial trial was conducted. Participants who met the inclusion criteria received active EA or sham EA for 60 min, three times a week for four weeks; CBZ (300 mg per day) or placebo for four weeks. The primary outcome was the change in visual analog scale (VAS) score from baseline to weeks 2, 4, 16, and 28. Secondary outcomes included quality of life and adverse events. Results: A total of 120 participants (75 females and 45 males; mean (SD) age, 58.5 (15.3) years) were included. The main effects of EA and CBZ were significant (P < 0.001), and there was a significant interaction was identified between the interventions (P = 0.041). Participants who received EA (mean difference [MD], −0.3 [95% CI, −0.40 to −0.20] at week 2; −1.6 [−1.70 to −1.50] at week 4; −1.1 [−1.31 to −0.89] at week 16; −0.8 [−1.01 to −0.59] at week 28), CBZ (MD, −0.6 [95% CI, −0.70 to −0.50] at week 2; −0.9 [−1.03 to −0.77] at week 4, −0.2 [−0.41 to 0.01] at week 16, 0.2 [−0.01 to 0.41] at week 28), and the combination of both (MD, −1.8 [95% CI, −1.90 to −1.70] at week 2; −3.7 [−3.83 to −3.57] at week 4, −3.4 [−3.61 to −3.19] at week 16, −2.9 [−3.11 to −2.69] at week 28) had a greater reduction in VAS score over the treatment phase than their respective control groups (sham EA, placebo, and sham EA plus placebo). EA-related adverse events (6/59, 10.17%) were lower than that of CBZ (15/59, 25.42%) during the whole phases. Conclusions: EA or CBZ alone are effective treatments for TN, while the combination of EA and low-dosage CBZ exerts a greater benefit. These findings in this trial demonstrate that the combination of EA and low-dosage CBZ may be clinically effective under certain circumstances. Trial registration: NCT03580317. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To provide patients the chance of accepting curative transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) rather than palliative treatments for portal hypertension-related variceal bleeding and ascites, we aimed to assess hepatic-associated vascular morphological change to improve the predictive accuracy of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) risks. Methods: In this multicenter study, 621 patients undergoing TIPS were subdivided into training (413 cases from 3 hospitals) and external validation datasets (208 cases from another 3 hospitals). In addition to traditional clinical factors, we assessed hepatic-associated vascular morphological changes using maximum diameter (including absolute and ratio values). Three predictive models (clinical, hepatic-associated vascular, and combined) were constructed using logistic regression. Their discrimination and calibration were compared to test the necessity of hepatic-associated vascular assessment and identify the optimal model. Furthermore, to verify the improved performance of ModelC−V, we compared it with four previous models, both in discrimination and calibration. Results: The combined model outperformed the clinical and hepatic-associated vascular models (training: 0.814, 0.754, 0.727; validation: 0.781, 0.679, 0.776; p < 0.050) and had the best calibration. Compared to previous models, ModelC−V showed superior performance in discrimination. The high-, middle-, and low-risk populations displayed significantly different overt HE incidence (p < 0.001). Despite the limited ability of pre-TIPS ammonia to predict overt HE risks, the combined model displayed a satisfactory ability to predict overt HE risks, both in the low- and high-ammonia subgroups. Conclusion: Hepatic-associated vascular assessment improved the predictive accuracy of overt HE, ensuring curative chances by TIPS for suitable patients and providing insights for cirrhosis-related studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Most forms of Mercury (Hg) in soil have significant destructive effect on ecosystems and food safety because of enormous toxicity. The existing treatment methods have drawbacks such as high energy consumption, complex operation, long remediation cycle, and secondary pollution. Therefore, this study aims to develop a governance method with low energy consumption, simple operation, short execution cycle, and no secondary pollution. Methods: A new system was set up to remove leachable Hg2+ from soil and its performance was evaluated. The system consisted of photochemical vapor generator (PVG, for Hg2+ removal), dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) trapping reactor (for collection of removed Hg0). In the presence of organic acids, leachable Hg2+ was converted to gaseous Hg0 by UV irradiation in the PVG, and transported to the DBD trap by air for collection of the removed Hg2+. Soil samples in PVG were taken into glass tubes at specific time and then added aqua regia, analyzed using ICP-MS after digested in a boiling water bath. The performance of DBD trap was analyzed by connecting with ICP-MS. Results: This study achieved the removal of leachable Hg2+ from soil under the UV excitation, the subsequent conversion of escaped gaseous Hg0 to solid and enrichment in DBD trap. The factors affecting the efficiencies of photochemical reaction, transport and collection were carefully investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the removal efficiency of 2.00 mg L−1 leachable Hg2+ in soil reached 95.0% within 1 h. Even in the presence of 15 interfering ions separately containing 50 mg L−1, good remediation effects can still be achieved. The capture rate of gaseous Hg0 by DBD trap is close to 100%. The system can achieve Hg pollution control in 10 types of soil, demonstrating great promotion value. Conclusions: This system utilizes PVG theory and DBD low-temperature plasma device to construct a safe, green, simple, and inexpensive method for removing leachable Hg2+ from soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the primary microorganism involved in ethanol production, is hindered by the accumulation of ethanol, leading to reduced ethanol production. In this study, we employed histidine-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (His-Fe3O4) for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, as a method to enhance ethanol yield during the S. cerevisiae fermentation process. The results demonstrated that exposing S. cerevisiae cells to Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) led to increased cell proliferation and glucose consumption. Moreover, the introduction of His-Fe3O4 significantly boosted ethanol content by 17.3% (p < 0.05) during fermentation. Subsequent findings indicated that the increase in ethanol content was associated with enhanced ethanol tolerance and improved electron transport efficiency. This study provided evidence for the positive effects of His-Fe3O4 on S. cerevisiae cells and proposed a straightforward approach to enhance ethanol production in S. cerevisiae fermentation. The mediation of improved ethanol tolerance offers significant potential in the fermentation and bioenergy sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the microstructural properties of T2 lesion and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) in 20 white matter tracts between multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and correlations between the tissue damage and clinical variables. Methods: The white matter (WM) compartment of the brain was segmented for 56 healthy controls (HC), 48 patients with MS, and 38 patients with NMOSD, and for the patients further subdivided into T2 lesion and NAWM. Subsequently, the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tissue characterization parameters of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were compared for 20 principal white matter tracts. The correlation between tissue damage and clinical variables was also investigated. Results: The higher T2 lesion volumes of 14 fibers were shown in MS compared to NMOSD. MS showed more microstructure damage in 13 fibers of T2 lesion, but similar microstructure in seven fibers compared to NMOSD. MS and NMOSD had microstructure damage of NAWM in 20 fibers compared to WM in HC, with more damage in 20 fibers in MS compared to NMOSD. MS patients showed higher correlation between the microstructure of T2 lesion areas and NAWM. The T2 lesion microstructure damage was correlated with duration and impaired cognition in MS. Conclusions: Patients with MS and NMOSD show different patterns of microstructural damage in T2 lesion and NAWM areas. The prolonged disease course of MS may aggravate the microstructural damage, and the degree of microstructural damage is further related to cognitive impairment. Clinical relevance statement: Microstructure differences between T2 lesion areas and normal-appearing white matter help distinguish multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. In multiple sclerosis, lesions rather than normal-appearing white matter should be a concern, because the degree of lesion severity correlated both with normal-appearing white matter damage and cognitive impairment. Key Points: • Multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder have different damage patterns in T2 lesion and normal-appearing white matter areas. • The microstructure damage of normal-appearing white matter is correlated with the microstructure of T2 lesion in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. • The microstructure damage of T2 lesion in multiple sclerosis is correlated with duration and cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we mainly study large time behavior for the strong solutions of the finite extensible nonlinear elastic (FENE) dumbbell model. The sharp L 2 decay rate was obtained on the co-rotational case. We prove that the optimal L 2 decay rate of the velocity of the general FENE dumbbell model is (1 + t) - d 4 with d ≥ 2 . Our obtained result is sharp and improves considerably the previous result in Luo and Yin (Arch Ration Mech Anal 224(1):209–231, 2017). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive, infiltrative malignancy that cannot be completely cured by current treatment modalities, and therefore requires more precise molecular subtype signatures to predict treatment response for personalized precision therapy. Expression subtypes of GBM samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were identified using BayesNM and compared with existing molecular subtypes of GBM. Biological features of the subtypes were determined by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. Genomic and proteomic data from GBM samples were combined and Genomic Identification of Significant Targets in Cancer analysis was used to screen genes with recurrent somatic copy-number alterations phenomenon. The immune environment among subtypes was compared by assessing the expression of immune molecules and the infiltration of immune cells. Molecular subtypes adapted to immunotherapy were identified based on Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) score. Finally, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was performed on the expression profiles of S2, S3 and S4 in TCGA-GBM and RPPA to determine the respective corresponding best predictive model. Four novel molecular subtypes were classified. Specifically, S1 exhibited a low proliferative profile; S2 exhibited the profile of high proliferation, IDH1 mutation, TP53 mutation and deletion; S3 was characterized by high immune scores, innate immunity and adaptive immune infiltration scores, with the lowest TIDE score and was most likely to benefit from immunotherapy; S4 was characterized by high proliferation, EGFR amplification, and high protein abundance, and was the most suitable subtype for bevacizumab. LASSO analysis constructed the best prediction model composed of 13 genes in S2 with an accuracy of 96.7%, and the prediction model consisting of 17 genes in S3 with an accuracy of 86.7%, and screened 14 genes as components of the best prediction model in S4 with an accuracy of 93%. To conclude, our study classified reproducible and robust molecular subtypes of GBM, and these findings might contribute to the identification of patients responding to immunotherapy, thereby improving GBM prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coupling by metal–carbene transfer enables the formation of several different bonds at the carbenoid site, enabling prochiral Csp3 centers that are fundamental three-dimensional substructures for medicines to be forged with increased efficiency. However, strategies using bulk chemicals are rare because of the challenge of breaking two unactivated geminal bonds. Herein, we report the reactivity of ethers to form metal–carbene intermediate by cleavage of α-Csp3–H/Csp3–O bonds, which achieve selective coupling with arylmagnesium bromides and chlorosilanes. These couplings are catalysed by cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene-chromium complex and enable the one-step formation of 1,n-arylsilyl alcohols and α-arylated silanes. Mechanistic studies indicate that the in-situ formed low-valent Cr might react with iodobenzene to form phenyl radical species, which abstracts the α-H atom of ether in giving α-oxy radical. The latter combines with Cr by breaking α-Csp3–O bond to afford metal–carbene intermediate, which couples with aryl Grignard and chlorosilane to form two σ-bonds. Harnessing carbenoid intermediates during organic transformations is an essential strategy for catalysis but strategies using bulk chemicals are rare due to the challenge of breaking two unactivated geminal bonds. Here, the authors report the reactivity of readily available ethers to form a metal–carbene intermediate via radical-relay bond cleavage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth ions with d-f transitions (Ce3+, Eu2+) have emerged as promising candidates for electroluminescence applications due to their abundant emission spectra, high light conversion efficiency, and excellent stability. However, directly injecting charge into 4f orbitals remains a significant challenge, resulting in unsatisfied external quantum efficiency and high operating voltage in rare earth light-emitting diodes. Herein, we propose a scheme to solve the difficulty by utilizing the energy transfer process. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transient absorption spectra suggest that the Cs3CeI6 luminescence process is primarily driven by the energy transfer from the I2-based self-trapped exciton to the Ce-based Frenkel exciton. Furthermore, energy transfer efficiency is largely improved by enhancing the spectra overlap between the self-trapped exciton emission and the Ce-based Frenkel exciton excitation. When implemented as an active layer in light-emitting diodes, they show the maximum brightness and external quantum efficiency of 1073 cd m−2 and 7.9%, respectively. Rare-earth metal halide perovskites are promising for deep blue LEDs. Here, Yang et al. report energy transfer between self-trapped exciton and Frenkel exciton in Cs3CeI6 by adding excess CsI during thermal evaporation, resulting in deep blue LEDs with external quantum efficiency of 7.9% at 424 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling the coherence of chaotic soliton bunch holds the promise to explore novel light-matter interactions and manipulate dynamic events such as rogue waves. However, the coherence control of chaotic soliton bunch remains challenging, as there is a lack of dynamic equilibrium mechanism for stochastic soliton interactions. Here, we develop a strategy to effectively control the coherence of chaotic soliton bunch in a laser. We show that by introducing a lumped fourth-order-dispersion (FOD), the soliton oscillating tails can be formed and generate the potential barriers among the chaotic solitons. The repulsive force between neighboring solitons enabled by the potential barriers gives rise to an alleviation of the soliton fusion/annihilation from stochastic interactions, endowing the capability to control the coherence in chaotic soliton bunch. We envision that this result provides a promising test-bed for a variety of dynamical complexity science and brings new insights into the nonlinear behavior of chaotic laser sources. Controlling the coherence of chaotic waveforms holds the promise to explore novel light‐matter interactions. Here, the authors demonstrate a fourth‐order‐dispersion driven laser that delivers the coherence‐controlled chaotic soliton bunch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a novel marker of insulin resistance that has been strongly associated with many diseases related to metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and stroke. However, whether the TyG index is associated with the prevalence of gallstones has not been determined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the TyG index and the prevalence of gallstones in American adults, as well as the age at which adults in America undergo their first gallstone surgery. We selected individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2017 to March 2020. Based on the goal of our study, comprehensive inclusion and exclusion criteria were created. A logistic regression analysis, dose–response curve, and subgroup analysis were computed to assess the relationship between the TyG index and gallstone prevalence and age at first surgery for gallstone. A total of 3905 participants aged > 20 years were included in our study, of whom 421 had a self-reported history of gallstones. A total of 1884 (48.2%) males and 2021 (51.8%) females were included. After confounders adjustment, it was found single-unit increases in the TyG index were linked with a 25.0% increase in gallstone prevalence (odds ratio [OR] = 1.25, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.04, 1.51). After conversion of the TyG index values from continuous to categorical variables with tertiles, a marked 48% increase in gallstone incidence was found in tertile 3 relative to tertile 1 (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.99). The dose–response curve results indicated positive associations between gallstone prevalence and the TyG index, while the latter was negatively associated with age at first gallstone surgery. Based on subgroup analysis, the positive association between TyG index and high-incidence of gallstones was more significant in females (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.77), age < 40 years (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.29), and other race (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.02). A higher TyG index is associated with a higher incidence of gallstones and may lead to an earlier age of first gallstone surgery. However, a causal relationship between TyG and gallstones cannot be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is a structure-sensitive reaction of which performance is strongly related to the active phase, particle size, and exposed facets. Compared with the full-pledged investigation on the active phase and particle size, the facet effect has been limited to theoretical studies or single-crystal surfaces, lacking experimental reports of practical catalysts, especially for Fe-based catalysts. Herein, we demonstrate the facet sensitivity of iron carbides in FTS. As the prerequisite, {202} and {112} facets of χ-Fe5C2 are fabricated as the outer shell through the conformal reconstruction of Fe3O4 nanocubes and octahedra, as the inner cores, respectively. During FTS, the activity and stability are highly sensitive to the exposed facet of iron carbides, whereas the facet sensitivity is not prominent for the chain growth. According to mechanistic studies, {202} χ-Fe5C2 surfaces follow hydrogen-assisted CO dissociation which lowers the activation energy compared with the direct CO dissociation over {112} surfaces, affording the high FTS activity. The impact of facets on Fischer-Tropsch synthesis has primarily been explored through theoretical studies or on single-crystal surfaces, lacking experimental data on practical catalysts. Here, the authors provide experimental evidence of the facet sensitivity of iron carbides during syngas conversion by creating {202} and {112} χ-Fe5C2 facets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although molecular vibronic spectra generation is pivotal for chemical analysis, tackling such exponentially complex tasks on classical computers remains inefficient. Quantum simulation, though theoretically promising, faces technological challenges in experimentally extracting vibronic spectra for molecules with multiple modes. Here, we propose a nontrivial algorithm to generate the vibronic spectra using states with zero displacements (squeezed vacuum states) coupled to a linear optical network, offering ease of experimental implementation. We also fabricate an integrated quantum photonic microprocessor chip as a versatile simulation platform containing 16 modes of single-mode squeezed vacuum states and a fully programmable interferometer network. Molecular vibronic spectra of formic acid and thymine under the Condon approximation are simulated using the quantum microprocessor chip with high reconstructed fidelity (> 92%). Furthermore, vibronic spectra of naphthalene, phenanthrene, and benzene under the non-Condon approximation are also experimentally simulated. Such demonstrations could pave the way for solving complicated quantum chemistry problems involving vibronic spectra and computational tasks beyond the reach of classical computers. Proof-of-principle photonic quantum simulations of molecular vibronic spectra have been realised, but scalability to more complex systems is hindered by the difficulties in generating squeezed coherent states with multiple modes. Here, the authors demonstrate an alternative approach relying on vacuum-squeezed state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti-Zr alloy blanks were successfully prepared by low-temperature liquid-phase sintering at 1000 °C using GH4169 alloy powder as an additive. Then, the crystallization and organization evolution laws of Ti-Zr alloy under different holding time conditions during the sintering process were studied in detail. Research shows that, when the holding time reached 30 min, the sintered alloy contained α-phase, β-phase, and titanium oxide phases. The average grain sizes of the α-phases and β-phases matrix are in the ranges of 100 to 300 nm and 50 to 80 μm, respectively. However, when the holding time was less than 20 min, the temperature gradient dropped greatly due to an instantaneous power failure during the spark plasma sintering process, which made it too late for the liquid phase at the grain boundaries to crystallize and caused the amorphous phase to form between them. Subsequently, the α-transition phase first precipitated and then, transformed into the β-phase. The α-transition phase mainly precipitated in the (12 3 ¯ 5) [ 5 5 ¯ 01 ] orientation, while the β-phase mainly precipitated in the (11 4 ¯) [ 1 1 ¯ 0 ] and 161 ⟨ 4 1 ¯ 2 ⟩ orientations, with the preferred orientation being 114 [ 1 1 ¯ 0 ] . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of acute respiratory infections, coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), poses a global public health challenge. The application of corticosteroids (CSs) in COVID-19 remains a contentious topic among researchers. Accordingly, our team performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to meticulously evaluate the safety and efficacy of CSs in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. To explore efficacy of CSs in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, we meticulously screened RCTs across key databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, as well as China's CNKI and Wanfang Data. We focused on assessing the 28 days mortality rates. We evaluated the data heterogeneity using the Chi-square test and I2 values, setting significance at 0.1 and 50%. Data from 21 RCTs involving 5721 participants were analyzed. The analysis did not demonstrate a significant association between CSs intervention and the 28 days mortality risk in hospitalized COVID-19 patients (relative risk [RR] = 0.93; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.84–1.03; P = 0.15). However, subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in 28 days mortality among patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 (RR at 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76–0.95; P = 0.004). Specifically, short-term CS administration (≤ 3 days) was associated with a substantial improvement in clinical outcomes (RR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.09–0.63; P = 0.004), as was longer-term use (≥ 8 days) (RR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.77–0.99; P = 0.04). Additionally, in patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19, the administration of dexamethasone increased the number of 28 days ventilator-free days (Mean Difference = 1.92; 95% CI: 0.44–3.40; P = 0.01). Methylprednisolone also demonstrated significant benefits in improving clinical outcomes (RR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.09–0.63; P = 0.004). Our meta-analysis demonstrated that although there is no significant difference in 28 days mortality rates among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the use of CSs may be beneficial in improving clinical outcomes in moderate or severe COVID-19 patients. There was no significant increase in the occurrence of adverse events associated with the use of CSs. Our meta-analysis provides evidence that while CSs may not be suitable for all COVID-19 patients, they could be effective and safe in severely ill COVID-19 patients. Consequently, it is recommended to administer CSs for personalized treatments in COVID-19 cases to improve the clinical outcomes while minimizing adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin resistance is a major challenge for systemic therapy against advanced bladder cancer (BC). Little information is available on the regulation of cisplatin resistance and the underlying mechanisms require elucidation. Here, we detected that downregulation of the tumor suppressor, PPP2R2B (a serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2 A regulatory subunit), in BC promoted cell proliferation and migration. What's more, low PPP2R2B expression was correlated with cisplatin resistance. In vitro and in vivo experiments verified that PPP2R2B could promote BC sensitivity to cisplatin. In terms of mechanism, we identified a novel function of PPP2R2B as a nucleocytoplasmic transport molecule. PPP2R2B promoted ISG15 entry into the nucleus by mediating binding of IPO5 with ISG15. Nuclear translocation of ISG15 inhibited DNA repair, further increasing ISG15 expression through activation of the STING pathway. Besides, PPP2R2B was down-regulated by SUV39H1-mediated histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation, which could be restored by the SUV39H1-specific inhibitor, chaetocin. Our data suggest that PPP2R2B expression level is a potential biomarker for chemotherapy response and that chemotherapy in combination with chaetocin may be a feasible treatment strategy for patients with BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for plant growth, and its deficiency can cause decreased crop yield. This study systematically evaluated the low-phosphate (Pi) response traits in a large population at maturity and seedling stages, and explored candidate genes and their interrelationships with specific traits. The results revealed a greater sensitivity of seedling maize to low-Pi stress compared to that at maturity stage. The phenotypic response patterns to low-Pi stress at different stages were independent. Chlorophyll content was found to be a potential indicator for screening low-Pi-tolerant materials in the field. A total of 2900 and 1446 significantly associated genes at the maturity and seedling stages were identified, respectively. Among these genes, 972 were uniquely associated with maturity traits, while 330 were specifically detected at the seedling stage under low-Pi stress. Moreover, 768 and 733 genes were specifically associated with index values (low-Pi trait/normal-Pi trait) at maturity and seedling stage, respectively. Genetic network diagrams showed that the low-Pi response gene Zm00001d022226 was specifically associated with multiple primary P-related traits under low-Pi conditions. A total of 963 out of 2966 genes specifically associated with traits under low-Pi conditions or index values were found to be induced by low-Pi stress. Notably, ZmSPX4.1 and ZmSPX2 were sharply up-regulated in response to low-Pi stress across different lines or tissues. These findings advance our understanding of maize’s response to low-Pi stress at different developmental stages, shedding light on the genes and pathways implicated in this response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining the connection between P and starch-related signals can help elucidate the balance between nutrients and yield. This study utilized 307 diverse maize inbred lines to conduct multi-year and multi-plot trials, aiming to explore the relationship among P content, starch content, and 100-kernel weight (HKW) of mature grains. A significant negative correlation was found between P content and both starch content and HKW, while starch content showed a positive correlation with HKW. The starch granules in grains with high-P and low-starch content (HPLS) were significantly smaller compared to grains with low-P high-starch content (LPHS). Additionally, mian04185-4 (HPLS) exhibited irregular and loosely packed starch granules. A significant decrease in ZmPHOs genes expression was detected in the HPLS line ZNC442 as compared to the LPHS line SCML0849, while no expression difference was observed in AGPase encoding genes between these two lines. The down-regulated genes in ZNC442 grains were enriched in nucleotide sugar and fatty acid anabolic pathways, while up-regulated genes were enriched in the ABC transporters pathway. An accelerated breakdown of fat as the P content increased was also observed. This implied that HPLS was resulted from elevated lipid decomposition and inadequate carbon sources. The GWAS analysis identified 514 significantly associated genes, out of which 248 were differentially expressed. Zm00001d052392 was found to be significantly associated with P content/HKW, exhibiting high expression in SCML0849 but almost no expression in ZNC442. Overall, these findings suggested new approaches for achieving a P-yield balance through the manipulation of lipid metabolic pathways in grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern database systems rely on indexes to accelerate data access. The recently proposed learned indexes can offer higher search performance with lower space costs than traditional indexes like B+-tree. We observe that existing main-memory learned indexes are particularly optimized for read-heavy workloads. However, such an optimization comes at the cost of model training and handling out-of-range key insertions, which will worsen the overall performance. We argue that workloads are not always read-heavy in real applications, and it is more important and practical to make learned indexes work efficiently for dynamic workloads with changing access patterns and data distributions. In this paper, we aim to improve the practicality of learned indexes by making them adaptive to dynamic workloads. Specifically, we propose a new polymorphic learned index named Morphtree, which can adaptively change the index structure to provide stable and high performance for dynamic workloads. The novelty of Morphtree lies in three aspects: (1) a decoupled tree structure for separating the inner search tree from the data layer consisting of leaf nodes, (2) a read-optimized learned inner tree for improving the performance of index search, and (3) an evolving data layer for automatically transforming node layouts into read friendly or write friendly according to workload changes. We evaluate these new ideas of Morphtree on various datasets and workloads. The comparative results with six up-to-date learned indexes, including ALEX, PGM-index, FITing-tree, LIPP, FINEdex, and XIndex, show that Morphtree can achieve, on average, 0.56x and 3x improvements in lookup and insertion performance, respectively. Moreover, when evaluated on dynamic workloads with changing lookup ratios and data distributions, Morphtree can achieve a sustained high throughput across different real-world datasets and query patterns, owing to its ability to automatically adjust the index structure according to workload changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mg-0.8Si alloy plates were rolled at high strain rates of 15, 20, and 25 s−1, and the effects of the rolling strain rate on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and damping properties of the Mg-0.8Si alloy were studied. With the increasing strain rate, the area fraction of DRX in the HSRRed Mg-0.8Si alloy gradually increases, resulting in the decrease in dislocation density and dislocation tangles. A higher strain rate can enlarge the grain size of the Mg-0.8Si alloy, so the basal texture and tensile strength can both decrease because of the increased strain rate. The maximal elongation is 8.40% at 20 s−1. The damping properties of HSRRed Mg-0.8Si alloy increase with the strain rate and the critical strain amplitude gradually decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opening windows in coach buses is a practical approach to improving natural ventilation and mitigating infection risk (IR). Due to human behavior and weather conditions, the intermittent window opening strategy (IWOS) is a more common practice than keeping windows constantly open. Despite its prevalence, there are no studies exploring IWOS specifically in vehicles. We employed indoor-outdoor coupled CFD simulations to assess the effects of various IWOS on pathogen-laden droplet (PLD) dispersion and IR in a coach bus that occurred a COVID-19 outbreak in Hunan, China. Results reveal that after ventilating through two skylights for 600–1800 s, opening front and rear windows (FW+RW) or FW with a wind catcher (FW+WCH) for just 40 s can reduce PLD concentration (Cave) to 5% of its initial level and the intake fraction of the infector's neighbor (IFn) drops by 95%. Upon closing FW+RW or FW+WCH, Cave and IFn take over 580 s to return to the pre-opening level. Moreover, intermittent FW opening halves Cave and IFn within 7 min, but leads to rapid increases upon window closure. Therefore, opening FW+RW and FW+WCH intermittently have pronounced impacts on indoor PLD concentration and are applicable approaches to control respiratory disease transmission in vehicles. According to the inhaled viral dose, it is recommended to open windows when driving time is over 12 minutes to reduce infection risk. In scenarios like epidemiological surveys and risk assessments, where assessing passenger infection risk is vital, some behaviors of opening windows cannot be overlooked and necessitate extra attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Adrenal and extra-adrenal paragangliomas (PGLs) are a group of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) with strong heterogeneity, which often express somatostatin receptor subtype 2 A (SSTR2A). However, the association between SSTR2A expression and genetic status of PGLs remains unclear. The purpose of the study was to identify whether various pathogenic variants (PVs) had an impact on SSTR2A expression in PGLs. Methods: This retrospective study included 184 patients with pathologically confirmed PGLs. The immunohistochemical expression of SSTR2A were studied in 184 tumors and PVs were tested in 159 tumor samples. Clinical and genetic data were compared in SSTR2A positive and negative PGLs. Results: SSTR2A was positive in 63.6% (117/184) of all tumors. PGLs with negative SSTR2A were more likely to be extra-adrenal (37.0% vs 18.0%; P = 0.005) and exhibited a considerably greater proportion of PVs (75.4% vs. 49.0%; P = 0.001) than those with positive SSTR2A. Compared to those without PVs, a higher proportion of PGLs with PVs in cluster 1B (P = 0.004) and cluster 2 (P = 0.004) genes, especially VHL (P = 0.009), FGFR1 (P = 0.010) and HRAS (P = 0.007), were SSTR2A negative. SSTR2A was positive in all tumors (4/4) with SDHx PVs and in 87.5% (7/8) of metastatic PGLs. Conclusions: SSTR2A negativity was correlated with extra-adrenal tumor location and PVs in cluster 1B and cluster 2 genes such as VHL, FGFR1 and HRAS. Immunohistochemistry of SSTR2A should be taken into consideration in the personalized management of PGLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive efforts have been made to pursue a low-friction state with promising applications in many fields, such as mechanical and biomedical engineering. Among which, the load capacity of the low-friction state has been considered to be crucial for industrial applications. Here, we report a low friction under ultrahigh contact pressure by building a novel self-assembled fluorinated azobenzene layer on an atomically smooth highly-oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface. Sliding friction coefficients could be as low as 0.0005 or even lower under a contact pressure of up to 4 GPa. It demonstrates that the low friction under ultrahigh contact pressure is attributed to molecular fluorination. The fluorination leads to effective and robust lubrication between the tip and the self-assembled layer and enhances tighter rigidity which can reduce the stress concentration in the substrate, which was verified by density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. This work provides a new approach to avoid the failure of ultralow friction coefficient under relatively high contact pressure, which has promising potential application value in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]