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It has been well-known that the Ingard-Myers impedance condition, while simple to apply, is subject to the hydrodynamic Kelvin-Helmholtz-type instability due to its use of a vortex sheet in modeling the flow at the liner boundary. Recently, in the development of a time domain boundary element method for acoustic scattering by treated surfaces, it was found that by neglecting a certain second-order spatial derivative term in the Ingard-Myers formulation, the hydrodynamic instability can be avoided. The present paper aims to provide further analysis of this modified condition, hereby referred to as the Truncated Ingard-Myers Impedance Boundary Condition (TIMIBC). It will be shown, based on the dispersion relations of linear waves, that the instability intrinsic to the Ingard-Myers condition is eliminated in the proposed new formulation. Quantitative assessments on the accuracy of the TIMIBC for scattering of acoustic waves by lined surfaces are carried out, and its effectiveness is demonstrated by a numerical example. It is found that the TIMIBC provides a good approximation to the original Ingard-Myers condition for flows of low to mid subsonic Mach numbers. As such, the proposed TIMIBC can offer a practical solution for overcoming the intrinsic instability associated with the Ingard-Myers condition. Moreover, time domain implementation of the TIMIBC is also discussed and illustrated with a numerical example using a finite difference scheme. In particular, a minimization procedure for finding the poles and coefficients of a broadband multipole expansion for the impedance function is formulated by which, unlike the commonly used vector-fitting method, passivity of the model is ensured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic molecules bearing chiral sulfur stereocenters exert a great impact on asymmetric catalysis and synthesis, chiral drugs, and chiral materials. Compared with acyclic ones, the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of thio‐heterocycles has largely lagged behind due to the lack of efficient synthetic strategies. Here we establish the first modular platform to access chiral thio‐oxazolidinones via Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric [3+2] annulations of vinylethylene carbonates with sulfinylanilines. This protocol is featured by readily available starting materials, and high enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity. In particular, an unusual effect of a non‐chiral supporting ligand on the diastereoselectivity was observed. Possible reaction mechanisms and stereocontrol models were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic molecules bearing chiral sulfur stereocenters exert a great impact on asymmetric catalysis and synthesis, chiral drugs, and chiral materials. Compared with acyclic ones, the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of thio‐heterocycles has largely lagged behind due to the lack of efficient synthetic strategies. Here we establish the first modular platform to access chiral thio‐oxazolidinones via Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric [3+2] annulations of vinylethylene carbonates with sulfinylanilines. This protocol is featured by readily available starting materials, and high enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity. In particular, an unusual effect of a non‐chiral supporting ligand on the diastereoselectivity was observed. Possible reaction mechanisms and stereocontrol models were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the causal relationship between age-related hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease through two-sample Mendelian randomized analysis. Methods Inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger regression, weighted median, simple model, and weighted model were used to evaluate the relationship between age-related hearing loss and the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Sensitivity analysis (pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and leave-one-out test) was used to evaluate the robust¬ness of the results. Results Statistical results showed that there was no causal association between age-related hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease (inverse variance weighting method: OR=1.0526, 95%CI: 0.7155-1.5485; MR-Egger: OR=1.1347, 95%CI: 0.2123-6.0660; weighted median method: OR=0.8908, 95%CI: 0.5281-1.5025; simple model method: OR=0.7157, 95%CI: 0.2505-2.0445; weighted model method: OR =0.7470, 95%CI: 0.3153-1.7698). These results were consistent with that of Alzheimer's disease proxy cases (inverse variance weighting method: 0R=0.9560, 95%CI: 0.9008-1.0146; MR-Egger: OR =0.9887, 95%CI: 0.7729-1.2647; weighted median method: OR =0.9487, 95%CI: 0.8752-1.0283; simple model method: OR =0.9597, 95% CI: 0.8147-1.1305; Weighted model method: OR =0.9632, 95% CI: 0.8298-1.1179). Sensitivity analysis showed that there was no significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy, indicating that the results were robust. Conclusion There is no evidence that age-related hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Uterine leiomyosarcoma is a rare gynecological malignancy, the limited literature indicated that doxorubicin alone or gemcitabine/docetaxel combination is the preferred chemotherapy regimen. Given the rarity of the disease and the lack of high-level clinical evidence, there is no consensus on the best treatment. Case report: We report a case of a patient with uterine leiomyosarcoma who recurred after adjustment treatment with doxorubicin, gemcitabine, docetaxel, and anlotinib; and required a new chemotherapy regimen. Management and outcomes: The follow-up chemotherapy regimen was doxorubicin-liposome 40 mg/m2 on one day in combination with dacarbazine 250 mg/m2 on one to five days of intravenous infusion every 21 days. We monitored adverse effects during chemotherapy and the process was smooth. Discussion: It is important to comprehensively consider the patient's condition, and fully consider the efficacy, dosage, and adverse reactions of the chemotherapy regimen to determine the appropriate plan, in order to achieve the best therapeutic benefits for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The relationship among physiologic reserve, intrinsic capacity, and physical resilience has not been examined, and a conceptual model that includes these key determinants of healthy ageing is needed. This study aimed to test a conceptual model using real-world data to determine the relationships among physiologic reserve, intrinsic capacity, physical resilience, and clinical outcomes. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted at a 1,343-bed tertiary-care medical centre. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were 65 years of age or older and able to communicate independently. Demographic factors, cumulative illness rating scale for geriatrics [CIRS-G] (assessing physiologic reserve), intrinsic capacity, physical resilience instrument for older adults [PRIFOR] (assessing physical resilience), and clinical frailty scale [CFS] were collected at admission. The CFS and EuroQoL 5-dimension 3-level questionnaire [EQ5D] were administered at discharge. Results: The mean age of the 413 patients was 76.34 ± 6.72 (52.5% female). Two conceptual models were identified and supported. Specifically, the path coefficients in the two models showed that the CIRS-G had diverse associations with each intrinsic capacity domain, and that all intrinsic capacity domains (except vitality) were significantly associated with PRIFOR. Moreover, PRIFOR was significantly associated with follow-up CFS, baseline control, and EQ5D scores. Conclusion: Physiologic reserve positively correlated with the cognitive and locomotive domains of intrinsic capacity. Moreover, older patients with better intrinsic capacity may have improved physical resilience, which may lead to better clinical outcomes. Efforts to improve the intrinsic capacity and physical resilience of older patients are necessary to promote healthy ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest soil and leaf litter support diverse arthropod mesofauna for which diversity dynamics is challenging to study due to the high number of species and specimens, small body size and limited taxonomic knowledge.Immature stages (larvae) are even harder to identify than adults, as their morphology is largely unknown. Therefore, larvae are often ignored, even though they may form a substantial proportion of specimens collected, are less mobile than adults and their exclusion may provide an incomplete diversity profile.Here, we use Oxford Nanopore DNA barcoding to investigate whether the inclusion of larvae provides a more complete taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity profiles in leaf litter beetles (Coleoptera) from a subtropical forest in Taiwan.Our results indicate that larvae represent up to 38% of beetle specimens per sample, but most of them belong to 2–3 common species. Larvae of most beetle species are rarely collected repeatedly or in multiple specimens, possibly due to special habitat requirements or high seasonality.Taxonomic, phylogenetic and incidence‐based functional diversity measures were not affected by the exclusion of larvae in the Staphylinidae dataset but were strongly biased in all‐beetle dataset, especially when only common or abundant species were considered. Taxonomic beta diversity was not affected by the omission of larvae.Our results indicate that immature stages may be omitted in ecological studies of arthropods in case both adults and larvae co‐occur in the same habitat, and the sites are sampled repeatedly. Caution is needed (1) in groups in which larvae and adults do not inhabit the same environment or strongly differ in biology, (2) when rare species are omitted or (3) when functional diversity is calculated from abundance data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of domestic and foreign research on the evaluation and improvement strategies of business performance of performing arts enterprises, especially in the context of the "restructuring" of cultural groups in China. Most of the existing studies are distributed in bulk, not only lacking in theoretical depth, but also lacking in systematization to a certain extent, which shows that the existing studies have not fully formed a mature and valuable theoretical system. The business performance evaluation of performing arts enterprises is a multiple attributes group decision making (MAGDM). This paper constructs a novel probabilistic hesitant fuzzy Multi-Objective Optimization Simple Ratio Analysis (PHF-MOOSRA) model based on the integrated determination of objective criteria weights (IDOCRIW) under the probabilistic hesitant fuzzy sets (PHFSs) for this issue. The PHFSs provides an evaluation circumstance containing more information which make the final decision-making results more accurately. Additionally, the IDOCRIW method separately and the MOOSRA method based on the MOORA method is proposed in PHFSs circumstance in this model. In the end, this model is then applied in a numerical case study for business performance evaluation of performing arts enterprises and compare this model with other existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipoxygenase (LOX) gene plays an essential role in plant growth, development, and stress response. 15 LOX genes were identified, which were unevenly distributed on chromosomes and divided into three subclasses in this study. In promoter region analysis, many cis-elements were identified in growth and development, abiotic stress response, hormonal response, and light response. qRT-PCR showed that the LOX gene showed tissue specificity in seven tissues, especially XsLOX1, 3, and 7 were relatively highly expressed in roots, stems, and axillary buds. The different expression patterns of LOX genes in response to abiotic stress and hormone treatment indicate that different XsLOX genes have different reactions to these stresses and play diversified roles. This study improves our understanding of the mechanism of LOX regulation in plant growth, development, and stress and lays a foundation for further analysis of biological functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lung cancer with extrathoracic metastases is classified as M1c. However, extrathoracic metastases can be further classified into different patterns. The purpose of this study was to analyze the survival differences between different patterns of extrathoracic metastases in patients with stage M1c lung adenocarcinoma after receiving immunotherapy. Materials and methods: This study included 160 stage M1c lung adenocarcinoma patients and treated with immunotherapy. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups: those with multiple extrathoracic metastases alone (EM group) and those with simultaneous multiple extrathoracic and intrathoracic metastases (EIM group). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Results: The median PFS and OS in the whole group were 7.7 months and 25.4 months, respectively. The patients in the EM group show better PFS (13.0 months vs. 5.0 months; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.462, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.317–0.673, P < 0.0001) and OS (35.0 months vs. 18.9 months; HR 0.592, 95% CI 0.380–0.922, P = 0.019) compared with the EIM group. Furthermore, in patients with lung adenocarcinoma with simultaneous extrathoracic and intrathoracic metastases who received immunotherapy, immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has better PFS and OS than immunotherapy alone. There was no difference between immunotherapy alone or combined with chemotherapy in patients with lung adenocarcinoma with extrathoracic metastasis alone. Conclusion: The different patterns of extrathoracic metastasis were related to the efficacy and prognosis of immunotherapy in M1c cohort. In addition, patients with simultaneous extrathoracic and intrathoracic metastases were more recommended to choose immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy rather than immunotherapy alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which evaluated the completeness of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in relation to care outcomes among hospitalized older patients in Indonesia. The study assessed readmission rates, medical records of patients after hospital discharge, in-hospital mortality and predictors of length of hospital stay. Results show care outcomes in relation to ward type and the implications of CGA completeness for nurse leaders.

Key message: The pepper S locus, which controls the deciduous character of ripe fruit, was first fine mapped into an interval with a physical length of ~ 38.03 kb on chromosome P10. Capana10g002229, encoding a polygalacturonase, was proposed as a strong candidate gene based on sequence comparison, expression pattern analysis and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). The deciduous character of ripe fruit, which is controlled by the dominant S locus, is a domesticated trait with potential value in the pepper processing industry (Capsicum spp.). However, the gene associated with the S locus has not been identified. Here, one major QTL designated S10.1 was detected by using the F2 population (n = 155) derived from BA3 (Capsicum annuum) × YNXML (Capsicum frutescens) and was further verified in an intraspecific backcross population (n = 254) derived from the cross between BB3 (C. annuum) and its wild relative Chiltepin (C. annuum var. glabriusculum) with BB3 as the recurrent parent. Then, a large BC1F2 population derived from the self-pollination of BB3 × (BB3 × Chiltepin) individuals and comprising 4217 individuals was used to screen the recombinants, and the S locus was ultimately delimited into a 38.03-kb region on chromosome P10 harbouring four annotated genes. Capana10g002229, encoding a polygalacturonase (PG), was proposed as the best candidate gene for S based on sequence comparison and expression pattern analyses. Downregulation of Capana10g002229 in fruits through VIGS significantly delayed fruit softening and abscission from the fruit-receptacle junction. Taken together, the results show that Capana10g002229 could be regarded as a strong candidate gene associated with the S locus in pepper. These findings not only lay a foundation for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying pepper domestication but also provide a strategy for genetic improvement of the deciduous character of ripe fruit using a marker-assisted selection approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To interact with humans more precisely and naturally, social robots need to "perceive" human engagement intention, especially need to recognize the main interaction person in multi-person interaction scenarios. By analyzing the intensity of human engagement intention (IHEI), social robots can distinguish the intention of different persons. Most existing research in this field mainly focus on analyzing whether a person has the intention to interact with the robot while lack of analysis of IHEI. In this regard, this paper proposes an approach for recognizing the engagement intention intensity. Four categories of visual features, including line of sight, head pose, distance and expression of human, are captured, and a CatBoost-based machine learning model is applied to train an optimal classifier for predicting the IHEI on the dataset. The experimental results show that this classifier can effectively predict the IHEI that can be applied into real human–robot interaction scenarios. Moreover, the proposed model is an interpretable machine learning model, where interpretability analysis on the trained classifier has been done to explore the deep associations between input features and engagement intention, thereby providing robust and effective robot social decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Male sterility provides an efficient approach for commercial exploitation of heterosis. Despite more than 20 genic male sterile (GMS) mutants documented in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), only two causal genes have been successfully identified. Here, a novel spontaneous recessive GMS mutant, designated msc‐3, is identified and characterized at both phenotypic and histological levels. Pollen abortion of msc‐3 mutant may be due to the delayed tapetum degradation, leading to the non‐degeneration of tetrads callosic wall. Then, a modified MutMap method and molecular marker linkage analysis were employed to fine mapping the msc‐3 locus, which was delimited to the ~139.91‐kb region harboring 10 annotated genes. Gene expression and structure variation analyses indicate the Capana10g000198, encoding a R2R3‐MYB transcription factor, is the best candidate gene for the msc‐3 locus. Expression profiling analysis shows the Capana10g000198 is an anther‐specific gene, and a 163‐bp insertion in the Capana10g000198 is highly correlated with the male sterile (MS) phenotype. Additionally, downregulation of Capana10g000198 in male fertile plants through virus‐induced gene silencing resulted in male sterility. Finally, possible regulatory relationships of the msc‐3 gene with the other two reported pepper GMS genes, msc‐1 and msc‐2, have been studied, and comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the expression of 16 GMS homologs are significantly downregulated in the MS anthers. Overall, our results reveal that Capana10g000198 is the causal gene underlying the msc‐3 locus, providing important theoretical clues and basis for further in‐depth study on the regulatory mechanisms of pollen development in pepper. Significance Statement: In this study, a novel pepper genic male sterile mutant and the causal gene were identified, and the regulatory mechanism for complex fertility development was preliminarily studied. Our findings provide important theoretical clues and basis for further in‐depth study on the regulatory mechanisms of pollen development in pepper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease. Most colorectal cancers are classical adenocarcinoma, and mucinous adenocarcinoma is a unique histological subtype that is known to respond poorly to chemoradiotherapy. The difference in prognosis between mucinous adenocarcinoma and classical adenocarcinoma is controversial. Here, to gain insight into the differences between classical adenocarcinoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma, we analyse 7 surgical tumour samples from 4 classical adenocarcinoma and 3 mucinous adenocarcinoma patients by single-cell RNA sequencing. Our results indicate that mucinous adenocarcinoma cancer cells have goblet cell-like properties, and express high levels of goblet cell markers (REG4, SPINK4, FCGBP and MUC2) compared to classical adenocarcinoma cancer cells. TFF3 is essential for the transcriptional regulation of these molecules, and may cooperate with RPS4X to eventually lead to the mucinous adenocarcinoma mucus phenotype. The observed molecular characteristics may be critical in the specific biological behavior of mucinous adenocarcinoma. A scRNA-seq analysis of human mucinous adenocarcinoma vs. classical adenocarcinoma provides insight into the molecular differences between these two subtypes of colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The paper corrects a mistake in the identification of Formosozoros newi Chao & Chen, 2000, described in Zoraptera. F. newi is characterized by extremely long cerci and tarsi with a long first tarsomere; the latter character has not been recognized in any other extant or fossil Zoraptera. Based on the morphological comparisons of diagnostic characters, we here identified Formosozoros newi as the 1st-instar nymph of an earwig (Dermaptera). Zoraptera shows extreme uniformity in general body morphology, with the exception of Formosozoros (=Zorotypus) newi Chao & Chen, 2000, which stands out in terms of the shape and arrangement of its legs, the cerci, and several other morphological characters. After critical evaluation, we found that this species is not a zorapteran but is instead a nymph (1st instar) of an earwig; i.e., F. newi is a dermapteran. Because of the lack of morphological descriptions of Dermaptera nymphs that would allow species identification, and because the type material of F. newi is lost, a more detailed classification is not possible. We therefore propose that the genus name Formosozoros Chao & Chen, 2000 and the species name Formosozoros newi Chao & Chen, 2000 are nomina dubia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness, recurrence, and adverse reaction rates of isotope phosphorus‐32 dressings combined with diprospan and mucopolysaccharide polysulphate cream in the treatment of keloids. Methods: A total of 80 patients with keloids admitted to the Dermatology Clinic of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between June 2019 and June 2021 were included in the present study and randomly divided into three groups: Control Group 1 (n = 27), Control Group 2 (n = 25), and the treatment group (n = 28). Patients in Control Group 1 were treated with diprospan combined with mucopolysaccharide polysulphate cream, patients in Control Group 2 were treated with an isotopic phosphorus‐32 dressing combined with mucopolysaccharide polysulphate cream, and patients in the treatment group were treated with an isotopic phosphorus‐32 dressing combined with diprospan and mucopolysaccharide polysulphate cream. The effectiveness, recurrence, and adverse reaction rates were observed in all three groups. Results: The treatment group had the most significant decrease in the itching scores. The respective effectiveness, recurrence, and adverse reaction rates were 81.4%, 43.6%, and 74.1% in Control Group 1; 56%, 38.7%, and 64% in Control Group 2; and 96.7%, 11.2%, and 41% in the treatment group. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: An isotope phosphorus‐32 dressing combined with diprospan and mucopolysaccharide polysulphate cream keloid treatment delivers a fast onset, good effectiveness, and low recurrence and adverse effect rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AP2/ERF gene family involves numerous plant processes, including growth, development, metabolism, and various plant stress responses. However, several studies have been conducted on the AP2/ERF gene family in yellow horn, a new type of oil woody crop and an essential oil crop in China. According to sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses, one hundred and forty-five AP2/ERF genes were detected from the yellow horn genome. They were divided into four relatively conserved subfamilies, including 21 AP2 genes, 119 ERBP genes, 4 RAV genes, and 1 Soloist gene. Gene analysis of XsAP2/ERF TFs showed 87 XsAP2/ERF TFs lacked introns. There were 75 pairs of collinearity relationships between X. sorbifolium and Arabidopsis, indicating a close similarity. In addition, the expression patterns of XsAP2/ERF TFs under cold treatments confirmed that the XsAP2/ERF TFs play essential roles in abiotic stress response. The expression of eight XsAP2/ERF transcription factors was verified in different tissues and under various stress treatments using RT-qPCR. This study establishes a starting point for further research to explore the potential mechanisms of identifying candidate AP2/ERF TFs that could respond to the abiotic stress of yellow horn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life‐threatening vascular disease. We report a case of ATAAD treated with interventional therapy using 3D‐printing assisted pre‐windowing coated stent combined with in situ window‐opening technology. There were few complications and the patient experienced an uneventful recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a common neuropsychiatric complication of liver cirrhosis. Both EncephalApp Stroop test (EncephalApp) and electronic number connection test-A (eNCT-A) are novel computerised psychometric tests for MHE screening. We aimed to compare the efficiency, convenience, accessibility, and acceptability of EncephalApp with that of eNCT-A for MHE screening in cirrhotic patients. Ninety-five patients with hepatitis B-induced liver cirrhosis were included and respectively tested by the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES), EncephalApp, and eNCT-A. Using PHES as the gold standard for MHE diagnosis, the efficiency of EncephalApp and eNCT-A for MHE screening were respectively analysed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the areas under the ROC curve (AUROC) were compared. The convenience, accessibility, and acceptability of PHES, EncephalApp and eNCT-A were respectively evaluated by the 5-point Likert scale. Fifty-two (55%) of included cirrhotic patients were diagnosed with MHE. The EncephalApp had a sensitivity of 84.6%, a specificity of 74.4%, and an AUROC of 0.836. Meanwhile, the eNCT-A had a sensitivity of 78.8%, a specificity of 83.7%, and an AUROC of 0.845. No significant difference in AUROC was detected between the EncephalApp and eNCT-A (p =.453). Compared with the EncephalApp, the eNCT-A presented better convenience and higher acceptability in cirrhotic patients undergoing MHE screening (p =.019 and p <.001, respectively). As with the EncephalApp, the eNCT-A will be a potential home monitoring and point-of-care tool for cirrhotic patients at high risk of MHE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of tourists and the absence of scientific evidence exacerbate the silence of alarming destructions at China's minority tourist attractions. The yearly tourist arrival to resident ratio reaches 26.5 at minority attractions—the Miao-Dong Autonomous Prefecture in China, which is higher than 16.3 in Venice, Italy. Overtourism motivates us to develop a low-carbon transition evaluation system at three Dong culture attractions. Based on the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response framework (DPSIR), we develop a low-carbon transition evaluation system and then, evaluate low-carbon transitions at three minority tourist attractions in 2010, 2012, and 2017. Our three-dimensional visualization reveals the changes (Liping and Tongdao upgrade from fair to average and good ratings over time) or the lack thereof (Sanjiang shows no improvement) in low-carbon transitions. This study provides a foundation and a step-by-step process to design, develop, and apply a tailor-made low-carbon transition evaluation system for minority tourist attractions in China. Our rigorous research methodology verifies the actual situations and demonstrates the first evidence of its validity. Visualization offers profound practical implications to scholars and practitioners in tourism research. Future scientists in socio-economic planning sciences may follow our approach, incorporate local rich characteristics, and replicate our visualization of low-carbon transitions in other locations, globally. Our methodology helps decision-makers identify and mitigate the most vulnerable sectors in the ecological and environmental niche and optimize sustainable tourism. We nudge government organizations and business enterprises in the tourism industry to strengthen environmental awareness, engage in systematic socio-economic planning and construction, and promote green tourism. • We employ the DPSIR framework to construct a low-carbon evaluation system. • Liping and Tongdao upgraded from fair in 2010 and 2012 to good ratings in 2017. • Sanjiang has not changed during the same period. • Our visualization provides the low-carbon transitions, or the lack thereof, over time. • We nudge governments and organizations to improve sustainable tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Serum AIM2 levels are significantly elevated in patients after severe traumatic brain injury. • Serum AIM2 levels independently predict long-term poor prognosis of such patients. • Serum AIM2 levels may possess high prognostic predictive efficiency in those patients. Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) participates in neuroinflammation. Here, the prognostic significance of serum AIM2 was explored in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). A total of 135 sTBI patients and 80 healthy controls were recruited in this prospective cohort study. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and AIM2 levels were measured. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Rotterdam computed tomography (CT) classification were recorded as the severity indicators. Prognostic parameters were posttraumatic six-month extended Glasgow outcome scale (GOSE) scores and poor outcome (GOSE scores of 1–4). As opposed to controls, there were significantly elevated serum AIM2 levels after sTBI. Serum AIM2 levels were independently correlated with serum CRP levels, GCS scores, Rotterdam CT scores, GOSE scores and poor outcome. Also, serum AIM2 levels were efficiently predictive of poor outcome under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Under the restricted cubic spline, serum AIM2 levels were linearly correlated with risk of poor outcome. Using subgroup analysis, serum AIM2 levels did not significantly interact with other indices, such as age, gender, alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, etc. Also, combination model, in which serum AIM2, GCS scores and Rotterdam CT scores were merged, was outlined using nomogram and performed well under calibration curve, ROC curve and decision curve. Raised serum AIM2 levels after sTBI, in intimate correlation with systemic inflammation and trauma severity, are independently discriminative of posttraumatic six-month neurological outcome, substantializing serum AIM2 as an inflammatory prognostic biomarker of sTBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allen Chun's book, "From Social Visibility to Political Invisibility: The School in Nationalist Taiwan as a Fulcrum for an Evolving World Ethos," explores the role of schools in the creation of nation-states in East Asia. Chun argues that the Chinese Nationalist government used schools as a means to anchor moral education and promote a Chinese cultural identity in Taiwan. The book examines the political context of postwar Taiwan and the ways in which schools were used to culturalize, socialize, and militarize individuals into following moral discipline. It also discusses the decline of the Sinicization program in Taiwan and the emergence of a Taiwanese identity. While the book focuses on education in Taiwan, it may be seen as China-centric by some Taiwan specialists. However, it provides valuable insights into the formation of the Taiwanese identity and the cultural and social policies that influenced the political process. [Extracted from the article]

How a developing China can meet the challenges of the post-Kyoto era in the process of rapid industrialization is a hot issue in current academic research. Facing the pressure of the international community to reduce emissions and the energy and resource constraints under the development trend of the heavy chemical industry, China can only turn the pressure into a driving force and seek a low-carbon development path. This paper proposes a prediction model for China's low-carbon economic development based on the combined model of genetic algorithm (GA) and long short-term memory neural network (LSTM). The data are encoded with one-hot, embedding is used to reduce the dimension, and the genetic algorithm is used to obtain the optimal hyperparameters of the LSTM model to improve the accuracy of the model. The results show that the model accuracy remains above 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic liners are an effective tool for noise reduction and are characterized by a frequency-dependent impedance value. In this paper, a time-domain boundary element method for acoustic scattering coupled with a broadband impedance boundary condition is studied for the case of no mean flow. A Burton-Miller reformulation of the time domain boundary element method for acoustic scattering is carried out with both the pressure and its surface normal derivative terms retained. A multipole impedance model is converted into the time domain and used for enforcing an impedance boundary condition over a wide range of frequencies. Discretization of the coupled system is described. In particular, the time-domain impedance boundary condition is discretized by the third-order implicit backward difference scheme. Stability of the coupling is assessed by an eigenvalue analysis. Scattering solutions that demonstrate the validity and stability of the numerical method are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-order harmonic generation (HHG) in ferroelectric lithium niobate (LiNbO3) is investigated theoretically by solving the semi-conductor Bloch equations. Because of the spontaneous polarization, even-order harmonics are produced in the HHG spectra of the LiNbO3 crystal driven by a monochromatic multi-cycle 3300 nm laser. Our numerical calculation shows that they are originated from the suppression of one half-optical cycle HHG process in each cycle of the driving field due to the spontaneous polarization. We also illustrate that the spontaneous polarization will increase the harmonic yield and extend the maximally attainable cutoff energy at the same time. We further report that the carrier-envelope phase dependence of HHG spectra changes from a minimum period of π rad to 2 π rad when the laser polarization direction is parallel/anti-parallel to the spontaneous polarization direction in LiNbO3 crystal. This is promising to be utilized as an isolated attosecond pulse gating mechanism. Moreover, the two-color relative phase dependence of HHG in LiNbO3 is also investigated and shows broken inversion-symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we have developed a rhodium-catalyzed C–H functionalization and subsequent intramolecular ring-opening/cyclization of vinylene carbonate with 2-pyrrolyl/indolylanilines, which leads to oxazolidinones in moderate to good yields. In this transformation, vinylene carbonate only eliminates one oxygen atom rather than –CO3 or CO2. Furthermore, some control experiments are conducted to elucidate the reaction mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on deficiency of replication-independent DNA mismatch repair drives a 5-methylcytosine deamination mutational signature in cancer. Topics include the multiple mutational signatures have been associated with DNA mismatch repair (MMR)–deficient cancers, but the mechanisms underlying their origin remain unclear, and the unknown function of MMR that is able to protect genomes from 5-methylcytosine (5mC) deamination–induced somatic mutations in a replication-independent manner.

BACKGROUND: EC (esophageal cancer) is a common cancer among people in the world. The molecular mechanism of FAM196B (family with sequence similarity 196 member B) in EC is still unclear. This article aimed to clarify the role of FAM196B in EC. METHODS: The expression of FAM196B in EC tissues was detected using qRT-PCR. The prognosis of FAM196B in EC patients was determined by log-rank kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, shRNA was used to knockdown the expression of FAM196B in EC cell lines. MTT, wound healing assays and western blot were used to determine the role of FAM196B in EC cells. RESULTS: In our research, we found that the expression of FAM196B was up-regulated in EC tissues. The increased expression of FAM196B was significantly correlated with differentiation, lymph node metastasis, stage, and poor survival. The proliferation and migration of EC cells were inhibited after FAM196B-shRNA transfection in vitro and vivo. The western blot result showed that FAM196B could regulate EMT. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that FAM196B severs as an oncogene and promotes cell proliferation and migration in EC. In addition, FAM196B may be a potential therapeutic target for EC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Some studies have associated frailty and prognostic outcomes in geriatric hip fracture patients, but whether frailty can predict postoperative outcomes remains controversial. This review aims to assess the relationship between frailty and adverse postoperative outcomes in geriatric patients with hip fracture. Methods: Based on electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang Data, we systematically searched for studies that investigated the association between frailty and adverse outcomes among patients aged 60 or over after hip fracture surgery. Stata 17.0 and Trial Sequential Analysis viewer software were used to obtain pooled estimates and verify whether the sample size was sufficient and the evidence robust. Results: Twenty-one studies involving 49,196 patients were included for quantitative analysis. Compared with nonfrail patients, frail patients had a higher risk of inpatient mortality (risk ratio [RR] = 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.66–2.23), 30-day mortality (RR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.23–3.70), and 1-year mortality (RR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.47–4.04). Frailty can significantly predict postoperative complications (RR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.38–2.23), including delirium, pneumonia, cardiac complications, urinary tract infection, and surgical site infection; the association between frailty and deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism and acute kidney injury needs further analysis. Trial sequential analysis showed that the findings regarding mortality were reliable and robust. Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides detailed information indicating that frailty is a substantial predictor of mortality and selected postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cucujiformia, with remarkable morphological, ecological, and behavioral diversity, is the most evolutionarily successful group within Coleoptera. However, the phylogenetic relationships among superfamilies within Cucujiformia remain elusive. To address the issues, we conducted a transcriptome‐based macro‐evolutionary study of this lineage. We sequenced the genomes and transcriptomes of three species from the superfamily Curculionoidea (two from Curculionidae and one from Brentidae), and obtained a data set of more than 569 990 amino acid alignments from 143 species of Cucujiformia. With the most complete collection of whole genomes and transcriptomes so far, we compared the performance of different data matrices with universal‐single‐copy orthologs (USCO). The resultant trees based on different data sets were consistent for the majority of deep nodes. Two USCO amino acid matrices (i.e., USCO75 and USCO750‐abs80) provided well‐resolved topology. The analyses confirm that Cucujoidea sensu Robertson et al. 2015 is a nonmonophyletic group, consisting of Erotyloidea, Nitiduloidea, and Cucujoidea sensu Cai et al. 2022. Moreover, Erotyloidea is the early‐diverging group, followed by the clade Nitiduloidea. The preferred topologies supported a “basal” split of Coccinelloidea from the remaining superfamilies, and Cleroidea formed the second splitting group. The following phylogeny was supported at the superfamily level in Cucujiformia: (Coccinelloidea, (Cleroidea, ((Lymexyloidea, Tenebrionoidea), (Erotyloidea, (Nitiduloidea, (Cucujoidea, (Chrysomeloidea, Curculionoidea))))))). Our comprehensive analyses recovered well‐resolved higher‐level phylogenetic relationships within the Cucujiformia, providing a stable framework for comprehending its evolutionary history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: The up locus determining fruit orientation was fine-mapped into a region with a physical length of ~169.51 kb on chromosome P12 in pepper. Capana12g000958, encoding a developmentally regulated G protein 2, was proposed as the strongest candidate via sequence comparison and expression analysis. Fruit orientation is an important horticultural and domesticated trait, which is controlled by a single semi-dominant gene (up) in pepper. However, the gene underlying up locus has not yet been identified. In this study, the previously detected major QTL UP12.1 was firstly verified using a backcross population (n = 225) stem from the cross of BB3 (C. annuum) and its wild relative Chiltepin (C. annuum var. glabriusculum) using BB3 as the recurrent parent. Then, a large BC1F2 population (n = 1827) was used for recombinant screening to delimit the up locus into an interval with ~ 169.51 kb in length. Sequence comparison and expression analysis suggested that Capana12g000958, encoding a developmentally regulated G protein 2, was the most likely candidate gene for the up locus. There is no difference within the coding sequences of Capana12g000958 between BB3 and Chiltepin, while a SNP in the upstream of Capana12g000958 showed a complete correlation with the fruit orientation among a panel of 40 diverse pepper inbred lines. These findings will form a basis for gene isolation and reveal of genetic mechanism underlying the fruit orientation domestication in pepper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the complicated relationships underlying the clinical information is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Currently, few approaches are mature enough to show operational impact. Based on electronic medical records (EMRs) of 570 COVID-19 inpatients, we proposed an analysis model of diagnosis and treatment for COVID-19 based on the machine learning algorithms and complex networks. Introducing the medical information fusion, we constructed the heterogeneous information network to discover the complex relationships among the syndromes, symptoms, and medicines. We generated the numerical symptom (medicine) embeddings and divided them into seven communities (syndromes) using the combination of Skip-Gram model and Spectral Clustering (SC) algorithm. After analyzing the symptoms and medicine networks, we identified the key factors using six evaluation metrics of node centrality. The experimental results indicate that the proposed analysis model is capable of discovering the critical symptoms and symptom distribution for diagnosis; the key medicines and medicine combinations for treatment. Based on the latest COVID-19 clinical guidelines, this model could result in the higher accuracy results than the other representative clustering algorithms. Furthermore, the proposed model is able to provide tremendously valuable guidance and help the physicians to combat the COVID-19. • This study proposes an analysis model of diagnosis and treatment for COVID-19. • The key symptoms and medicines for different syndromes can be identified effectively. • The common symptom groups and medicine combinations can be discovered accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep learning‐based image registration (DLIR) has been widely developed, but it remains challenging in perceiving small and large deformations. Besides, the effectiveness of the DLIR methods was also rarely validated on the downstream tasks. In the study, a multi‐scale complexity‐aware registration network (MSCAReg‐Net) was proposed by devising a complexity‐aware technique to facilitate DLIR under a single‐resolution framework. Specifically, the complexity‐aware technique devised a multi‐scale complexity‐aware module (MSCA‐Module) to perceive deformations with distinct complexities, and employed a feature calibration module (FC‐Module) and a feature aggregation module (FA‐Module) to facilitate the MSCA‐Module by generating more distinguishable deformation features. Experimental results demonstrated the superiority of the proposed MSCAReg‐Net over the existing methods in terms of registration accuracy. Besides, other than the indices of Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and percentage of voxels with non‐positive Jacobian determinant (|Jϕ|≤0$| {{J_\phi }} | \le 0$), a comprehensive evaluation of the registration performance was performed by applying this method on a downstream task of multi‐atlas hippocampus segmentation (MAHS). Experimental results demonstrated that this method contributed to a better hippocampus segmentation over other DLIR methods, and a comparable segmentation performance with the leading SyN method. The comprehensive assessment including DSC, |Jϕ|≤0$| {{J_\phi }} | \le 0$, and the downstream application on MAHS demonstrated the advances of this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glufosinate is a broad-spectrum herbicide used to control most weeds in agriculture worldwide. Goosegrass (Eleusine indica L.) is one of the top ten malignant weeds across the world, showing high tolerance to glufosinate via different mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. This study revealed that nitrogen metabolism could be a target-resistant site, providing clues to finally clarify the mechanism of glufosinate resistance in resistant goosegrass populations. Compared to susceptible goosegrass (NX), the resistant goosegrass (AUS and CS) regarding the stress of glufosinate showed stronger resistance with lower ammonia contents, higher target enzyme GS (glutamine synthetase) activity, and lower GOGAT (glutamine 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase) activity. The GDH (glutamate dehydrogenase) activity of another pathway increased, but its gene expression was downregulated in resistant goosegrass (AUS). Analyzing the transcriptome and proteome data of goosegrass under glufosinate stress at 36 h showed that the KEGG pathway of the nitrogen metabolism was enriched in glufosinate-susceptible goosegrass (NX), but not in glufosinate-resistant goosegrass (CS and AUS). Several putative target genes involved in glufosinate stress countermeasures were identified. This study provides specific insights into the nitrogen metabolism of resistant goosegrass, and gives a basis for future functional verification of glufosinate-tolerance genes in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To identify the mutational spectrum in a Chinese cohort with congenital cataracts. Methods: Probands (n = 164) with congenital cataracts and their affected or unaffected available family members were recruited for clinical examinations and panel‐based next‐generation sequencing, then classified into a cohort for further mutational analysis. Results: After recruitment (n = 442; 228 males and 214 females), 49.32% (218/442) of subjects received a clinical diagnosis of congenital cataracts, and 56.88% (124/218) of patients received a molecular diagnosis. Eighty‐four distinct variants distributed among 43 different genes, including 42 previously reported variants and 42 novel variants, were detected, and 49 gene variants were causally associated with patient phenotypes; 27.37% of variants (23/84) were commonly detected in PAX6, GJA8 and CRYGD, and the three genes covered 33.06% of cases (41/124) with molecular diagnosis. The majority of genes were classified as genes involved in nonsyndromic congenital cataracts (19/43, 44.19%) and were responsible for 56.45% of cases (70/124). The majority of functional and nucleotide changes were missense variants (53/84, 63.10%) and substitution variants (74/84, 88.10%), respectively. Nine de novo variants were identified. Conclusion: This study provides a reference for individualized genetic counseling and further extends the mutational spectrum of congenital cataracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoptera aurantii Boyer de Fonscolombe (Hemiptera: Aphididae) can attack many plant hosts, including tea (Camellia sinensis L.), citrus (Citrus spp.), lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.), banana (Musa spp.), and pineapple (Ananas comasus L.) among others. It is a widely distributed hexapod and one of the most destructive pests in tea plantations, causing enormous economic losses in tea production each year. A high-quality reference genome is important to study the phylogenetics and evolution of T. aurantii because its genome is highly heterozygous and repetitive. We obtained a de novo genome assembly of T. aurantii at the chromosome level using a combination of long Nanopore reads from sequencing with high-throughput chromosome conformation capture technology. When finally assembled, the genome was 318.95 Mb on four chromosomes with a 15.19 Mb scaffold N50. A total of 12,162 genes encoded proteins, while there were 22.01% repetitive sequences that totaled 67.73 Mb. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that T. aurantii and Aphis gossypii parted ways approximately 7.6 million years ago (Mya). We used a combination of long-read single-molecule sequencing with Hi-C–based chromatin interaction maps that resulted in a reference chromosomal level reference genome of T. aurantii that was high quality. Our results will enable the exploration of the genetics behind the special biological features of T. aurantii and also provide a source of data that should be useful to compare the compare genome among the Hemiptera. • This is the first assembly of Toxoptera aurantii that yielded chromosome-level scaffolds of Toxoptera aurantii. • Gene families that are specific to Toxoptera aurantii are highly enriched in the process of binding compounds affect molecular functions. • The expression of Ubx and Antp genes may inhibit the formation of insect wings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the third generation photovoltaic device, the main physical mechanism that the photoelectric conversion efficiency is enhanced is the singlet fission (SF). In order to accurately describe the SF and reveal physical process in theoretically, we introduce the anomalous processes (APs) in SF dynamics based on previous model, including anomalous fission, anomalous fusion, anomalous dissociation and combination of triplet pair states, anomalous decay and diffusion of single triplet exciton. The effects of the APs on SF are investigated by the kinetic model with time-dependent coefficient. Further, according to the effects the optimal simulations for the experimental data [G. B. Piland et al., J. Phys. Chem. C, 2013, 117, 1224] are given by adjusting the rate coefficients and exponents in the mended kinetic equations. The results show that the model containing APs is more accurate than previous that to describe SF dynamics, demonstrating that the APs do exist in SF. The model also provides the theoretical foundation for how varies experimentally physical parameters to make SF occur in the required direction. • In this paper, the main highlight is that the anomalous processes were introduced in the dynamics describing singlet fission process. • Besides, It was demonstrated that the anomalous processes exist in real singlet fission process, and the mended dynamics equations are more precise to describe singlet fission than previous that. • In fact, it also suggests that the nonlinear relations among the population of the spin states in singlet fission exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the process stability and the protective role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were evaluated during the anaerobic digestion (AD) of chicken manure (CM) suffering chlortetracycline (CTC) concentrations from 0 mg/L to 100 mg/L in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) operated for 270 days. Results showed that during the phases with low levels of CTC (0, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/L), the volume biogas production rate increased from 0.77 ± 0.01 L/(L·d) to 1.15 ± 0.02 L/(L·d) with an obvious decrease in the concentration of VFAs from 2.57 ± 0.07 g/L to 1.17 ± 0.08 g/L. The reactor remained stable with continued operation as the CTC in the CM spiked to 5 mg/L and 10 mg/L, respectively. During the phases with high levels of CTC (25, 50, and 100 mg/L), despite a reduction in biogas production of 18%, 43% and 56%, respectively, compared to the steady stage, the reactor finally could maintain the inhibition-steady stage. This stage was characterized by steady biogas production along with accumulating VFAs and ammonia nitrogen, which increased the inhibition thresholds of CTC on the AD of CM. An appreciable increase in EPS was identified. Spectral analysis results showed the fluorescence of protein-like in EPS was quenched with increasing dosages of CTC. The quenching constant (K q) induced by CTC for tyrosine was found to be 3.969 × 1012 (R2 = 0.942), implying that the increased CTC prompt anaerobic microbes excrete more EPS to protect themselves from the CTC toxins by the formation of the complex tyrosine-CTC. This protection led to a decrease in the biodegraded CTC from 61.6 to 40.9%, and an increase in the adsorbed CTC on EPS in sludge from 35 to 56.1%. The results indicated that the absorbed CTC on EPS may pose a risk to the soil ecosystem due to the agriculture utilization of the biogas residue. [Display omitted] • The reactor maintained an inhibition-steady state with high levels of CTC. • Anaerobic microbes excrete more EPS to protect themselves from the CTC toxins. • The formation of tyrosine-CTC may pose a risk to the soil ecosystem by the agriculture utilization of the biogas residue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. Given the comments of Dr Elisabeth Bik regarding this article " ... the Western blot bands in all 400+ papers are all very regularly spaced and have a smooth appearance in the shape of a dumbbell or tadpole, without any of the usual smudges or stains. All bands are placed on similar looking backgrounds, suggesting they were copy/pasted from other sources, or computer generated", the journal requested the authors to provide the raw data. However, the authors were not able to fulfil this request and therefore the Editor-in-Chief decided to retract the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The cytogenetic background of Selinexor sensitive MM patients was not limited to specific cytogenetic subtypes. • ABCC4 was identified as the biomarker to predict the therapeutic response and prognosis of Selinexor. • ABCC4 expression had a significantly positive correlation with NK infiltration and TIM-3 expression. The treatment of relapse or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) is still a big challenge in clinic. Recently, several clinical trials indicated that the XPO1 inhibitor, selinexor could significantly improve the remission rate in MM patients. However, the heterogeneous genetic background greatly influenced the efficiency of selinexor among MM. Here, we tried to characterized the biomarkers associated with selinexor sensitivity by analyzing gene expression data in MM patients. We found the cytogenetic background of selinexor sensitive MM patients was not limited to specific cytogenetic subtypes. In addition, by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we obtained 10 key genes which showed a strong correlation with the selinexor sensitivity in MM patients. Notably, ABCC4 (MRP4) was the only gene which was both differentially expressed and proved to be clinical prognostic valuable (both for event-free survival and overall survival) in MM patients. We further validated the heterogenous expression of ABCC4 in MM cell lines and its value as a novel indicator for selinexor sensitivity. Moreover, immune infiltration analysis showed that ABCC4 expression had a significantly positive correlation with NK infiltration as well as immunotherapy target TIM-3 (HAVCR2) expression. Collectively, our findings indicated that ABCC4 might be a predictive biomarker of selinexor sensitivity in MM patients, which could be enhanced if combined with immunotherapy drugs such as TIM-3 inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the flame propagation behaviors and temperature characteristics of magnesium dust clouds, the measurement system and the two-color pyrometer technique were used to study the spatial-temporal distribution of flame temperature fields and flame propagation behaviors with different particle sizes. The experiment results showed that the flame propagation characteristics largely depended on the particle size and the flame propagation velocity was higher with decreasing particle sizes. The flame temperatures of the leading edges were kept stable between 3100 and 3300 K, and the average flame temperature was related to the dust concentrations and particle sizes. The average flame temperature of −400 mesh magnesium with 830 g/m3 dust concentration was the highest, and the descent speed of the average flame temperature had a negative correlation with the particle size. The two-color pyrometer technique could evaluate the severity of magnesium dust clouds explosion, which provides a theoretical basis for the prevention. [Display omitted] • Effects of magnesium particle sizes on the flame propagation were presented. • A two-color pyrometer was applied for studying magnesium dust explosions. • Temperature filed distribution of magnesium dust clouds were reconstructed. • Effects of particle sizes on the temperature filed of magnesium dust were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Liver metastasis (LM) is common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and always predicted worse outcomes with no effective therapy. We aimed to evaluate the effects and prognosis in LM patients treated with anlotinib. Methods: The present study is a post hoc analysis based on a multicenter, double-blind, phase 3 randomized clinical trial which designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anlotinib in patients with advanced NSCLC. A total of 437 patients were enrolled in present study, and 78 patients with LM. Results: Patients with LM showed a worse outcome compared to those without LM (PFS median, 2.6 vs 4.2 months), and OS (median, 5.6 vs 9.4 months, both P < 0.0001). The anlotinib was associated with longer PFS (median, 3.0 months) compared with placebo (median, 0.9 months), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.23 (95%CI, 0.12–0.42; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, OS was marginally significantly better in anlotinib group (median 6.6 months), compared with placebo (median 4.0 months), HR 0.61 (95%CI, 0.36–1.02; P = 0.055). Multivariate analysis confirmed normal peripheral blood LDH/TBiL level predicted better PFS and OS, lower ECOG score acted as independently prognostic factor for superior OS. Anlotinib was more associated with hand–foot syndrome (7.7% vs 0) and serum TSH level rise (7.7% vs 3.8%) and well tolerated, all AEs were no more than grade 3. Conclusion: Patients with LM had a dismal prognosis, anlotinib could lead to a better PFS in pretreated NSCLC patients, which suggested anlotinib is a potential third-line or further therapy in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excitotoxicity-induced retinal neuronal death is characterized by the progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis. Strategies are needed to reduce neurodegeneration. Recent investigations have indicated the potential effects of metformin on multiple systems, especially in the networks. However, it also remains unclear whether mitophagy contributes to the neuroprotective effect of metformin on the retina. In this study, excitotoxicity-induced retinal injury models were constructed. In vitro, R28 cells were treated with calcium ionophore and metformin/phosphate-buffer saline (PBS). Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase release, and the cellular apoptosis rate were assessed. In vivo, rats received intravitreal injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate and metformin/PBS. Comprehensive examinations including retrograde fluorescent gold labelling, Nissl's staining, full-field electroretinography, photopic negative response, optic coherence tomography and retinal imaging, transmission electron microscopy, western blotting, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were conducted during the observation period. The viability of R28 cells was significantly increased in the metformin-treated group compared with the negative control group, while, the release of lactate dehydrogenase and R28 cell apoptosis showed a significant decrease. In vivo, metformin treatment significantly increased the number of surviving RGCs, the b/NR wave amplitude and the thickness of the inner retina but had no obvious adverse effects on the fundus. In the metformin-treated group, the morphology and number of mitochondria were better preserved, as observed for RGCs; mitochondrial autophagosomes were located in RGCs, as indicated by transmission electron microscopy; and the expression of mitophagy-related genes and proteins presented was significant regulated. These data indicated that the regulation of mitophagy by metformin improved the structure and function of RGCs. • Metformin improves the structure and function of inner retina against excitotoxicity. • The morphology and number of mitochondria was better preserved after intervention of metformin. • The neuroprotective effect of metformin may rely on regulating mitophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitatively simultaneous detection of hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CC) with low limit of detection (LOD) and wide detection range is of critical significance in water quality control but faces great challenges due to their isomer similarity and a large range of contamination concentrations. Herein, high density of boron atoms is introduced into nitrogen-doped nanocarbon (BNC) to realize simultaneous detection of HQ and CC with a large separation of peak potential (Δ E p) of 111 mV between oxidations of HQ and CC by differential pulse voltammetry. Besides, extremely low LODs of 33.3 and 16.3 nM for HQ and CC were achieved through amperometric I - t curve with wide linear ranges of 0.099 ∼ 43340 µM and 0.049 ∼ 5110 µM, respectively. The systematical investigation of the enhancement mechanism by spectroscopy and DFT calculations clearly reveal that the boron-nitrogen co-doping creates rich electroactive sites for high sensing performance toward HQ and CC, thereby shedding lights on the great effect of a unique nanostructure on electrocatalysis in sensing applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel screening approach is presented, merging capillary electrophoresis analysis with an enzymatic assay employing immobilized α-glucosidase. A metal–organic framework composite membrane was devised for α-glucosidase immobilization. Employing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the substrate material, it was functionalized with dopamine, creating a polydopamine composite layer. This layer acted as a covalent linker, anchoring Zn2+, which subsequently chelated with the organic ligand 2-ethylimidazole, leading to the self-assembly of a three-dimensional porous framework ZIF-8. This structure facilitated the in situ encapsulation of α-glucosidase. Characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction validated the composite material's structure. A thorough investigation of various parameters affecting immobilization was conducted. The immobilized α-glucosidase exhibited enhanced pH tolerance, thermal stability, and remarkable reusability, retaining 79.3% of its original activity over 10 cycles, with a batch-to-batch reproducibility of 5.9% (n = 5). Its Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) was determined to be 2.85 mM. Application of this immobilized enzyme in screening potential inhibitors from 13 traditional Chinese medicines revealed Sanguisorba radix as the most potent inhibitor. This study underscores the potential of this immobilized enzyme screening strategy for identifying enzyme inhibitors in traditional Chinese medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on rechargeable aqueous Zinc(Zn)‐ion batteries has expanded exponentially. However, the performance of Zn anodes during cycling and their commercial application is restricted by severe corrosion and dendritic formation. In this study, a facile approach is presented to address these challenges by introducing minute quantities of Zr(NO3)4 into the 3 m ZnSO4 electrolyte. The Zr(NO3)4 additive facilitates the creation of a protective layer comprising spatial gradient oxidation alloy (GOA) particles. The insulating zirconium‐based materials provide the necessary potential gradient to induce the Zn plate under the covering film. As a proof of concept, the in situ GOA coating anode exhibits exceptional cycling stability for 8000 cycles and an ultralow hysteresis voltage of 41 mV at current density of 5 mA cm−2. Furthermore, Density Functional Theory analyses reveal that the GOA coating anode homogenizes the electric field surrounding the Zn anode surface providing abundant zincophilic sites for Zn nucleation compared to bare Zn plates. This ensures uniform Zn deposition, preventing dendritic growth. In addition, the in situ characterization and computation of Gibbs free energy (ΔGH*) reveal that the GOA coating anode may effectively suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three‐dimensional (3D) self‐supported Ge anode is one of the promising candidates to replace the traditional graphite anode material for high‐performance binder‐free lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The enlarged surface area and the shortened ions/electrons transporting distance of the 3D electrode would greatly facilitate the rapid transfer of abundant lithium ions during cycling, thus achieve enhanced energy and power density during cycling. Cycle stability of the 3D self‐supported Ge electrode would be improved due to the obtained enough space could effectively accommodate the large volume expansion of the Ge anode. In this review, we first describe the electrochemical properties and Li ions storage mechanism of Ge anode. Moreover, the recent advances in the 3D self‐supported Ge anode architectures design are majorly illustrated and discussed. Challenges and prospects of the 3D self‐supported Ge electrode are finally provided, which shed light on ways to design more reliable 3D Ge‐based electrodes in energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) can cause outbreaks of flu-like illness in university settings. Most infections in healthy young adults are mild; severe illnesses rarely occur. In Fall 2022, an adenovirus outbreak was identified in university students. Methods HAdV cases were defined as university students 17–26 years old who presented to the University Health Service or nearby emergency department with flu-like symptoms (eg, fever, cough, headache, myalgia, nausea) and had confirmed adenovirus infections by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Demographic and clinical characteristics were abstracted from electronic medical records; clinical severity was categorized as mild, moderate, severe, or critical. We performed contact investigations among critical cases. A subset of specimens was sequenced to confirm the HAdV type. Results From 28 September 2022 to 30 January 2023, 90 PCR-confirmed cases were identified (51% female; mean age, 19.6 years). Most cases (88.9%) had mild illness. Seven cases required hospitalization, including 2 critical cases that required intensive care. Contact investigation identified 44 close contacts; 6 (14%) were confirmed HAdV cases and 8 (18%) reported symptoms but never sought care. All typed HAdV-positive specimens (n = 36) were type 4. Conclusions While most students with confirmed HAdV had mild illness, 7 otherwise healthy students had severe or critical illness. Between the relatively high number of hospitalizations and proportion of close contacts with symptoms who did not seek care, the true number of HAdV cases was likely higher. Our findings illustrate the need to consider a wide range of pathogens, even when other viruses are known to be circulating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]