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To test the hypotheses that multigenerational predation risk favors clones with longer postero-lateral spines and a larger body, and that fitness consequences of selection depend on both tested fitness variables and selection intensity, we expose replicate Brachionus dorcas populations in low (LK) and high (HK) concentrations of Asplanchna kairomones. Over 60 days (23 asexual generations) of selection, LK-selected populations showed the highest equilibrium population densities, and median mictic ratios and postero-lateral spine lengths, and HK-selected populations showed the lowest equilibrium population densities, the highest mictic ratios, and the longest postero-lateral spines, among all the control and treatment populations. In the absence of Asplanchna kairomones, and compared with populations with the control selection history, populations with an LK selection history showed increased growth rates/intrinsic rates of population increase and net reproductive rates, but decreased mictic ratios, indicating three fitness gains and a fitness cost; and those with an HK selection history showed increased life expectancy at hatching and mictic ratios, but decreased growth rates, indicating two fitness gains and a fitness cost. Asplanchna kairomones might increase the heritability of higher equilibrium densities or mictic ratios, and longer postero-lateral spines, and thus enable the prey to survive predation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultrasonic vibration-assisted polishing (UVAP) method, a recently developed advanced processing technology, is widely used in the processing of brittle materials. This study uses molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the polishing behavior of diamond grits on SiC workpieces during the UVAP process. The frequency (fz), amplitude (Az), and dimensions of the vibration are varied to investigate various aspects of the material removal process. In the low-frequency region, the UVAP processing method exacerbates taper slips and dislocations in the workpiece. In the high-frequency region, fz and Az can improve the MRR by more than 32% and reach 2–4 times higher than that of traditional scratching, respectively. The surface morphology obtained using MD simulation is consistent with the experimental results. In the ultrasonic elliptical vibration assisted polishing (UEVAP) method, fy not only causes a periodic and stable increase in temperature, which helps to transform atoms into an amorphous structure, but it also increases material removal rate (MRR) while decreasing friction factor and surface roughness. Appropriate increase of fz reduces forces and improves stress distribution. Az significantly increases MRR but results in a rough surface. In comparison to the UVAP process, the UEVAP method further improves MRR and produces smoother machined surfaces. This study uses molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the polishing behavior of diamond grits on SiC workpieces during the UVAP process. The frequency (fz), amplitude (Az), and dimensions of the vibration are varied to investigate various aspects of the material removal process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction and infiltration behavior between typical calcium–ferrum–alumina–silicate (CFAS) and Yb4Hf3O12 ceramics at 1300, 1400, and 1500°C for different duration times were investigated. At 1300°C, the CFAS melt first crystallized and then generated massive anorthite with high‐melting point, reducing the wettability of CFAS melt and physically blocking CFAS penetration paths. As the temperature increased to 1400°C and 1500°C, the wettability of the molten CFAS correspondingly increases. A continuous reaction layer, composed of apatite, fluorite, and garnet, was formed over Yb4Hf3O12 ceramic due to the penetration of CFAS melt. Furthermore, the infiltration rate of CFAS decreases with increasing corrosion time because of the barrier effect primarily derived from the as‐mentioned continuous reaction layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exert certain functions in the development of several cancers and can be a potential hallmark for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. MiR-191-5p has been proven to have high expression in breast cancer (BC), while its biological role and potential regulatory mechanisms in BC remain an open issue. OBJECTIVE: Bioinformatics was utilized to assay miR-191-5p level in BC tissues and predict its downstream target gene as well as the enriched signaling pathways of the target gene. METHODS: qRT-PCR was carried out to assay miR-191-5p and KLF6 levels in BC cells as well as miR-191-5p level in blood-derived exosomes from BC patients. Western blot was to examine the expression of proteins linked with cell adhesion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and exosome markers. A dual luciferase reporter assay was utilized to verify the interaction between miR-191-5p and KLF6. Abilities of cell phenotypes of BC cells were detected by CCK8, Transwell, and cell adhesion assay, separately. RESULTS: Upregulated miR-191-5p expression and downregulated KLF6 expression were observed in BC cells. There was a targeting relationship between miR-191-5p and KLF6. MiR-191-5p negatively regulated KLF6 to promote EMT and malignant progression of BC cells. Additionally, we described a dramatically high level of miR-191-5p in the blood exosomes of BC patients. CONCLUSION: MiR-191-5p advances the EMT of BC by targeting KLF6, indicating that miR-191-5p and KLF6 may be new biomarkers for BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To test the hypothesis that non-consumptive predation pressures favor genotypes that have higher equilibrium densities or mictic ratios, we expose replicate populations of the rotifer Brachionus angularis to low (LK) and high (HK) concentrations of predator Asplanchna kairomones. Over 75 days (25 asexual generations) of selection, LK-treated populations have higher equilibrium densities and lower mictic ratios than the control populations. The opposite occurs for HK-treated populations. These results suggest that compared with the control, LK and HK select for genotypes with higher equilibrium densities and mictic ratios, respectively. Common garden bioassays reveal that in the absence of Asplanchna kairomones, populations with an LK selection history have a higher average intrinsic rate of population increase, and those with an HK selection history have a higher average mictic ratio than those with the control selection history, which suggest that adaptations to LK and HK increase average intrinsic rate of population increase and mictic ratio of prey populations, respectively. Increased intrinsic rate of population increase and mictic ratio can serve as strategies of offsetting mortality from predation and escaping the predator, and thus enable prey to survive low and high predation pressures, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The optimal repair method for bursal‐side partial‐thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) involving >50% of the thickness remains a controversial topic. The study was aimed to compare the functional and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes after in situ repair or tear completion before repair of bursal‐side PTRCTs. Methods: A retrospective clinical study was conducted involving 58 patients who underwent in situ repair or tear completion before repair of bursal‐side PTRCTs between January 2019 and December 2020. These patients were divided into two groups: the in situ repair group and the tear completion before repair group. Functional assessment consisted of active range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and Constant–Murley score. The percentages of patients in each group achieving the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) of the functional scores were determined. The healing status of the rotator cuff was assessed by postoperative MRI. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of demographic data. The mean follow‐up period was 14.53 ± 2.64 months in the in situ repair group and 15.40 ± 2.66 months in the tear completion before repair group. At the final follow‐up, the forward elevation, external rotation, and internal rotation improved significantly in both groups. The VAS, ASES score, and Constant–Murley score improved significantly in the in situ repair group (5.17 ± 2.00 points to 0.11 ± 0.41 points, p = 0.001; 44.04 ± 17.40 points to 95.47 ± 4.32 points, p = 0.001; 49.50 ± 14.38 points to 93.50 ± 3.49 points, p = 0.001) and in the tear completion before repair group (5.43 ± 3.32 points to 0.03 ± 0.18 points, p = 0.001; 41.50 ± 19.59 points to 95.94 ± 2.68 points, p = 0.001; 47.54 ± 17.13 points to 93.97 ± 2.61 points, p = 0.001). Postoperative MRI revealed that the re‐tear rate was 7.1% (2/28) in the in situ repair group and 3.3% (1/30) in the tear completion before repair group. No significant differences were observed in terms of the functional scores, the percentages of patients achieving the MCID of the functional scores, and the re‐tear rate between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Both in situ repair and tear completion before repair yielded satisfactory clinical outcomes for patients with bursal‐side PTRCTs. No significant differences were observed in the functional and MRI outcomes between the two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current work, the interaction between representative CFAS deposit (33CaO-10FeO 1.5 -13AlO 1.5 -44SiO 2) and Yb 4 Hf 3 O 12 ceramics at 1400 °C was investigated. Results indicated that the Yb 4 Hf 3 O 12 ceramics are of high resistance to infiltration of CFAS melt. Microstructure characterization revealed that Yb 4 Hf 3 O 12 reacted with CFAS to form a continuous reaction layer mainly composed of Yb-Ca-Si apatite, which inhibits CFAS further infiltration. Before the formation of the reaction layer, CFAS melts underwent a crystallization process at high temperatures, precipitating CaYbFeAlSi-garnet, which raised the viscosity of CFAS and thus inhibited the fluidity of CFAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization is a growing issue that limits agriculture globally. Understanding the mechanism underlying salt tolerance in halophytic grasses can provide new insights into engineering plant salinity tolerance in glycophytic plants. Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.) is a halophytic turfgrass and genomic model system for salt tolerance research in cereals and other grasses. However, the salt tolerance mechanism of this grass largely unknown. To explore the correlation between Na+ accumulation and salt tolerance in different tissues, we utilized two P. vaginatum accessions that exhibit contrasting tolerance to salinity. To accomplish this, we employed various analytical techniques including ICP-MS-based ion analysis, lipidomic profiling analysis, enzyme assays, and integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. Under high salinity, salt-tolerant P. vaginatum plants exhibited better growth and Na+ uptake compared to salt-sensitive plants. Salt-tolerant plants accumulated heightened Na+ accumulation in their roots, leading to increased production of root-sourced H2O2, which in turn activated the antioxidant systems. In salt-tolerant plants, metabolome profiling revealed tissue-specific metabolic changes, with increased amino acids, phenolic acids, and polyols in roots, and increased amino acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids in leaves. High salinity induced lipidome adaptation in roots, enhancing lipid metabolism in salt-tolerant plants. Moreover, through integrated analysis, the importance of amino acid metabolism in conferring salt tolerance was highlighted. This study significantly enhances our current understanding of salt-tolerant mechanisms in halophyte grass, thereby offering valuable insights for breeding and genetically engineering salt tolerance in glycophytic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric materials with internal spontaneous polarization are conducive to enhancing photocatalytic performance by promoting photogenerated carriers separation. However, the traditional perovskite-type ferroelectric photocatalysts possess a typical 3D structure that is constrained by few exposed catalytic active sites and low specific surface area when compared to a 2D structure. In our study, the electronic properties of the 2D ferroelectric heterostructure for carbon and oxygen co-doping g-C3N4 (COCN)/In2Se3 with different out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization directions are investigated by first-principle calculations, namely, COCN/DOWN and COCN/UP heterostructures. The results show that when the ferroelectric polarization of the 2D In2Se3 layer in heterostructures is reversed, the heterostructure switches from traditional type-II (COCN/DOWN heterostructure) with an indirect bandgap of 1.58 eV to S-scheme (COCN/UP heterostructure) with a direct bandgap of 1.43 eV, in which the band edge positions of the S-scheme COCN/UP heterostructure satisfy the redox potential of the efficient photocatalytic selective oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde. Further investigations revealed that the application of an electric field 0 ∼ +0.3 V/Å can reduce the bandgap and enhance the out-of-plane polarization of the COCN/UP heterostructure, which improve the photocatalytic activity of the S-scheme COCN/UP heterostructure. This work highlights the significance of ferroelectric polarization for charge transfer in heterostructures and provides theoretical guidance for the design of high-performance S-scheme photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of C. butyricum on the growth performance, microbiota, immunity response, and disease resistance in hybrid grouper fed with cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) replacement of fishmeal. Six groups of isonitrogenous and isolipid diets were formulated including a positive control group (50% fishmeal, PC), a negative control group (CPC replaced 50% of fishmeal protein, NC), and Clostridium butyricum supplemented with 0.05% (C1, 5 × 10 8 CFU/kg), 0.2% (C2, 2 × 10 9 CFU/kg), 0.8% (C3, 8 × 10 9 CFU/kg), and 3.2% (C4, 3.2 × 10 10 CFU/kg), respectively, to the NC group. The results showed that weight gain rate and specific growth rate were significantly higher in the C4 group than that in the NC group (P < 0.05). After supplementation with C. butyricum, the amylase, lipase, and trypsin activities were significantly higher than the NC group (P < 0.05 ; except group C1), and the same results were obtained for intestinal morphometry. The intestinal proinflammatory factors were significantly downregulated, and the anti-inflammatory factors were significantly upregulated in the C3 and C4 groups compared with the NC group after supplementation with 0.8%-3.2% C. butyricum (P < 0.05). At the phylum level, the PC, NC, and C4 groups were dominated by the Firmicutes and the Proteobacteria. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Bacillus in the NC group was lower than that in the PC and C4 groups. After supplementation with C. butyricum, grouper in the C4 group showed significantly higher resistance to V. harveyi than the NC group (P < 0.05). Above all, taking into account the effects of immunity and disease resistance, it was recommended to supplement 3.2% C. butyricum in the diet of grouper fed the replacement of 50% fishmeal protein by CPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) are nanoscale aggregates that possess molecular-like discrete energy levels, resulting in electronic configuration-dependent tunable luminescence spanning the entire visible range. Benefiting from the efficient ion exchange capacity, nanometer dimensional cages, and high thermal and chemical stabilities, zeolites have been employed as desirable inorganic matrices to disperse and stabilize Ag NCs. This paper reviewed the recent research progresses on the luminescence properties, spectral manipulation, as well as the theoretical modelling of electronic structure and optical transition of Ag NCs confined inside various zeolites with different topology structures. Furthermore, potential applications of the zeolite-encaged luminescent Ag NCs in lighting, gas monitoring and sensing were presented. This review concludes with a brief comment on the possible future directions in the study of zeolite-encaged luminescent Ag NCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mullite and ytterbium disilicate (β‐Yb2Si2O7) powders as starting materials for the Yb2Si2O7/mullite/SiC tri‐layer coating are synthesized by a sol–gel method. The effect of SiC whiskers on the anti‐oxidation properties of Yb2Si2O7/mullite/SiC tri‐layer coating for C/SiC composites in the air environment is deeply studied. Results show that the formation temperature and complete transition temperature of mullite were 800–1000 and 1300°C, respectively. Yb2SiO5, α‐Yb2Si2O7, and β‐Yb2Si2O7 were gradually formed between 800 and 1000°C, and Yb2SiO5 and α‐Yb2Si2O7 were completely transformed into β‐Yb2Si2O7 at a temperature above 1200°C. The weight loss of Yb2Si2O7/(SiCw–mullite)/SiC tri‐layer coating coated specimens was 0.15 × 10−3 g cm−2 after 200 h oxidation at 1400°C, which is lower than that of Yb2Si2O7/mullite/SiC tri‐layer coating (2.84 × 10−3 g cm−2). The SiC whiskers in mullite middle coating can not only alleviate the coefficient of thermal expansion difference between mullite middle coating and β‐Yb2Si2O7 outer coating, but also improve the self‐healing performance of the mullite middle coating owing to the self‐healing aluminosilicate glass phase formed by the reaction between SiO2 (oxidation of SiC whiskers) and mullite particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the important indicators of the pavement performance of asphalt, the adhesion performance of asphalt-aggregate has an important impact on the durability of the road. The adhesion mechanism of an asphalt-aggregate interface is studied by molecular dynamics simulation. A shear system model for asphalt is constructed, confined to two aggregates, and the shear simulation is performed at different pressures, temperatures, and shear velocities. The relationship between stress and displacement is investigated. According to the changes in the asphalt model for the shear process, the form of the failure and the failure mechanism of the interface can be analyzed under different conditions. Results show that the asphalt near the asphalt-aggregate interface has obvious signs of stratification along a direction parallel to the interface during the process of applying pressure, the greater pressure applied, the greater speed variation rate between the asphalt and the aggregate. The shear strength limit has a linear relationship with pressure and temperature and a nonlinear relationship with velocity. The cohesion zone mathematical model and its series parameter values suitable for larger-scale numerical analysis are obtained by fitting the curve for the stress displacement of the shear process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia is characterized by a progressive reduction in muscle mass or muscle physiological function associated with aging, but the relevant molecular mechanisms are not clear. Here, we identify the role of the myogenesis modifier CPNE1 in sarcopenia. CPNE1 is upregulated in aged skeletal muscles and young skeletal muscle satellite cells with palmitate-induced atrophy. The overexpression of CPNE1 hinders proliferation and differentiation and increases muscle atrophy characteristics in young skeletal muscle-derived satellite cells. In addition, CPNE1 overexpression disrupts the balance of mitochondrial fusion and division and causes endoplasmic reticulum stress. We found that the effects of CPNE1 on mitochondrial function are dependent on the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 pathway. The overexpression of CPNE1 in young muscles alters membrane lipid composition, reduces skeletal muscle fibrosis regeneration, and exercise capacity in mice. These effects were reversed by PERK inhibitor GSK2606414. Moreover, immunoprecipitation indicates that CPNE1 overexpression greatly increased the acetylation of PERK. Therefore, CPNE1 is an important modifier that drives mitochondrial homeostasis to regulate myogenic cell proliferation and differentiation via the PERK-eIF2α pathway, which could be a valuable target for age-related sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunotherapy efficacy on pancreatic cancer remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is still necessary to further clarify the pancreatic immune cell infiltration and search for immune-related prognostic indicators. We analyzed the 135 pancreatic cancer patients' data retrieved from the TCGA database for the immune cell infiltration, tumor microenvironment score and the correlation of the immune cells, followed by identification of prognostic immune clusters and genes clusters. The R language was used for the immune score calculation, and immune cells proportion related survival differences identification. The function of immune cells was verified through datasets in the GEO database and in vivo experiments. The results showed that M0 Macrophages had negative relations to CD8 + T cells and immune scores. There were differences in median survival in ICI clusters, gene clusters, and immune score groups (p < 0.05). M0 macrophages accounted for more than 9.8%, indicating a poor prognosis, while T cells accounted for more than 9.2%, indicating a good prognosis. In vivo results showed that M0 macrophages promote pancreatic cancer growth. Elimination of M0 macrophages may be a hopeful strategy against pancreatic cancer. Highlights: M0 macrophages accounted for more than 9.8%, indicating a poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer. M0 macrophages proportion were negatively correlated with CD8 + T cells, and immune scores. M0 macrophages promote pancreatic cancer growth in vivo. Elimination of M0 macrophages may be a promising strategy against PAAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunotherapy efficacy on pancreatic cancer remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is still necessary to further clarify the pancreatic immune cell infiltration and search for immune-related prognostic indicators. We analyzed the 135 pancreatic cancer patients' data retrieved from the TCGA database for the immune cell infiltration, tumor microenvironment score and the correlation of the immune cells, followed by identification of prognostic immune clusters and genes clusters. The R language was used for the immune score calculation, and immune cells proportion related survival differences identification. The function of immune cells was verified through datasets in the GEO database and in vivo experiments. The results showed that M0 Macrophages had negative relations to CD8 + T cells and immune scores. There were differences in median survival in ICI clusters, gene clusters, and immune score groups (p < 0.05). M0 macrophages accounted for more than 9.8%, indicating a poor prognosis, while T cells accounted for more than 9.2%, indicating a good prognosis. In vivo results showed that M0 macrophages promote pancreatic cancer growth. Elimination of M0 macrophages may be a hopeful strategy against pancreatic cancer. Highlights: M0 macrophages accounted for more than 9.8%, indicating a poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer. M0 macrophages proportion were negatively correlated with CD8 + T cells, and immune scores. M0 macrophages promote pancreatic cancer growth in vivo. Elimination of M0 macrophages may be a promising strategy against PAAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Yb 4 Hf 3 O 12 ceramic, a typical rare-earth hafnate, was exposed to water vapor with Al(OH) 3 impurities at 1400 ℃, and microstructural evolution and corrosion mechanisms were investigated. The long-term corrosion can be divided into initial hydration and gasification of Hf4+ and steady-state corrosion after the formation of Al 5 Yb 3 O 12. In the initial stage, Hf4+ and the surrounding O2- tend to be hydrated and then volatilized in the form of Hf(OH) 4 , causing a metastable state of Yb 4 Hf 3 O 12 on the surface. Besides, the preferential corrosion of small grains, grain boundary, and specific crystal plane on the surface and sintered and densified grains result in varied corrosion behavior from the early linear law to the later parabolic law. In the steady-state corrosion stage, due to the consumption of Hf4+, more vacancies promote bonding and diffusion of Al3+ to form corrosion product (Al 5 Yb 3 O 12), and during this stage, regrowth and shedding of the corrosion layer reach a dynamic balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after cardiac surgery. This study aims to develop and validate a risk model for predicting AKI after cardiac valve replacement surgery. Data from patients undergoing surgical valve replacement between January 2015 and December 2018 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The subjects were randomly divided into a derivation cohort and a validation cohort at a ratio of 7:3. The primary outcome was defined as AKI within 7 days after surgery. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to select risk predictors for developing the prediction model. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC), calibration plot and clinical decision curve analysis (DCA) will be used to evaluate the discrimination, precision and clinical benefit of the prediction model. A total of 1159 patients were involved in this study. The prevalence of AKI following surgery was 37.0% (429/1159). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, hemoglobin, fibrinogen, serum uric acid, cystatin C, bicarbonate, and cardiopulmonary bypass time were independent risk factors associated with AKI after surgical valve replacement (all P < 0.05). The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) in the derivation cohort and the validation cohort were 0.777 (95% CI 0.744–0.810) and 0.760 (95% CI 0.706–0.813), respectively. The calibration plots indicated excellent consistency between the prediction probability and actual probability. DCA demonstrated great clinical benefit of the prediction model. We developed a prediction model for predicting AKI after cardiac valve replacement surgery that was internally validated to have good discrimination, calibration, and clinical practicability. • Few studies have focused on the prediction of AKI following surgical valve replacement. • This study aimed to develop and validate a risk model for the early prediction of AKI after cardiac valve replacement surgery. • Age, hemoglobin, fibrinogen, serum uric acid, cystatin C, bicarbonate, and cardiopulmonary bypass time are independent risk factors associated with AKI after surgical valve replacement. • We developed a prediction model for predicting AKI after cardiac valve replacement surgery based on 7 risk factors that were internally validated to have good discrimination, calibration, and clinical practicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photocatalytic oxidation of toluene (TL) to benzaldehyde (BAD) has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, green chemistry, and high selectivity of the target products. However, there is a problem on how to improve the selectivity of the product into BAD while ensuring the efficiency of TL conversion. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand the mechanism of the photocatalytic selective oxidation of TL into BAD. In this study, first-principles calculations were performed to investigate the mechanism of the photocatalytic selective oxidation of TL into BAD on a graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) catalyst under visible-light irradiation. The calculation results showed that the holes (g-C3N4˙+) and the hydroperoxyl radicals (˙OOH) were the major reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, the activation energy of the rate-determining step for the dehydration reaction of the C6H5CH2OOH molecule was 40.2 kcal mol−1, which was lower than that of the step in the free sate of about 4.8 kcal mol−1. Moreover, in order to get the maximum selectivity of BAD, the formation of hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) should be avoided. Our work provides theoretical guidance for improving the photocatalytic selective oxidation of TL into BAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribological properties of polyaromatic organics (x P y E) as lubricating grease additives are studied by simulations and experiments. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations are used to simulate the mechanical properties of four kinds of polyaromatic organics (2P1E, 3P2E, 4P3E, and 5P4E) with different aromatic ring numbers and a mass fraction under 300 MPa and 5 m/s relative shear velocity of the two solid walls. The friction force, positive pressure, stress, and adsorption energy are calculated quantitatively. Meantime, the friction coefficient of lubricating grease and the wear morphology of the sample are measured by Multifunctional Friction and Wear Testing Machine. The results show that the organic additives adsorbed on the wall form a protective film during the shearing process, improving the bearing capacity and reducing friction and wear. Among them, the 3P2E organic additive has an appropriate number of aromatic rings. Its single molecular adsorption energy and unit adsorption energy are higher than other organic additives and can uniformly lay on the wall to form a stable, protective film. This demonstrates the best friction performance and improves the load-bearing capacity of the lubricating film, reducing maximum wall stress by 53.4 %. • The effect of polyaromatic organics (x P y E) as grease additives is studied. • Molecular length and aromatic ring number of x P y E affect tribological properties. • Mass fraction of x P y E affects the grease friction performance. • The lubrication system containing 2.5 wt% 3P2E shows the best friction performance. • 3P2E can reduce maximum wall stress by 53.4 % and improve load-bearing capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A molecular dynamics approach is used to simulate the dynamic behaviour of SiO 2 -containing droplets impacting a solid surface. • The presence of SiO 2 particles in droplet promotes the spreading of droplets, which are more easily fragmented. • The rough surface has a stronger ability to capture droplets than the smooth surface. • The minimum value of the droplet's centre-of-mass height on the smooth solid surface is linearly related to the volume fraction of SiO 2 contained in the droplet. The dynamic behaviour of droplets impacting solid surfaces exists in nature, production, and life. In this paper, for the first time, the molecular dynamics method is used to simulate capturing the behaviour of nanodroplets containing SiO 2 on solid surfaces. The dynamic behaviour of nanodroplets impacting solid surfaces is analysed when the initial falling velocity v 0 of the droplet is 0.3–1.5 nm·ps−1 and for different particle size d s , mass fraction φ s of SiO 2 , and solid surfaces with various wettability. The contact angles of droplets containing SiO 2 nanoparticles on the solid surface were measured, and the simulated values closely matched experimental results. The results show that the droplets on the smooth solid surface are completely captured after impact when v 0 = 0.3–1.1 nm·ps−1. When v 0 = 1.2–1.5 nm·ps−1, the droplet is fragmented, and the fragmentation ratio n s increases with the mass fraction φ s. The droplet fragments when v 0 = 1.4–1.5 nm·ps−1 on the rough solid surface when the ratio of the side length of the square column to the droplet diameter is 0.07, while the pure water droplet directly bounces and does not fragment. There is a linear relationship between the minimum height of the centre of mass and the mass fraction in the process of droplet impact. The maximum droplet's spreading factor value in the spreading stage β max increases with mass fraction φ s and v 0. When the spreading factor of droplets increases to β c ≈ 3.02, the droplet fragments. The droplet spreading presents the Wenzel state on the rough solid surface. Moreover, the pinning effect affects the droplet falling into the square column gap surface, hindering droplet spreading. Therefore, the rough surface has better catching ability for the droplet than the smooth surface, while the speed range that can be caught is larger. These results provide a theoretical basis for related engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the win-win development of tourism and the Internet, word-of-mouth ranking of tourist attractions is a valuable reference factor. We try to find a correlation between tourist reviews and taste ranking of tourist attractions. We study the sentiment features of tourist online reviews from the technical perspective of natural language processing, so we propose an improved long short-term memory (LSTM) framework for sentiment feature extraction of travel reviews. We abandon traditional dictionaries and machine learning methods. A deep neural network approach was chosen to decompose multisentiment travel reviews into different morpheme levels for classification. Then, through preprocessing, text sentiment topic detection, and sentiment classification network, an accurate grasp of the sentiment features of reviews is finally achieved. To test the performance of our method, we built a web review database by crawler for experimental validation. Experimental results show that our method maintains more than 90% accuracy in comment sentiment detection, significantly outperforming dictionary methods and machine learning methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium butyricum (CB) is a gram-positive bacterium that secretes short-chain fatty acids such as butyric acid and so on. An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of CB on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Litopenaeus Vannamei fed with cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC) replacement of fishmeal. Six iso-nitrogenous (40%) and iso-lipidic (6%) diets were formulated including a positive control group (PC, 25% fishmeal), a negative control group (NC, CPC replaced 30% of fishmeal protein), and 0.03% (C1, 3 × 108 CFU/kg), 0.12% (C2, 1.2 × 109 CFU/kg), 0.48% (C3, 4.8 × 109 CFU/kg) and 1.92% (C4, 1.92 × 1010 CFU/kg) CB were supplemented on the negative control group (NC). After the feeding trial, the remaining shrimp in each treatment group were subjected to a challenge experiment with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The results indicated that weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR) in C4 group were significantly lower than those in PC and C2 groups (P < 0.05); the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly higher than that of PC and C2 groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in survival rate (SR) among all groups (P > 0.05). Compared to the PC and NC groups, the total superoxide capacity, superoxide dismutase and lysozyme were significantly higher in the C4 group (P < 0.05); the glutathione peroxidase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in the C3 group (P < 0.05); and the malondialdehyde was significantly lower in the C4 group (P < 0.05). The relative mRNA expressions of Toll receptor (TLR), innate immune deficiency gene (IMD), penaiedin3a (Pen3) were significantly down-regulated in the NC group than those in the PC group (P < 0.05). In addition, the relative mRNA expressions of TLR, IMD and Pen3 were significantly up-regulated in all groups supplemented with CB than those in the NC group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the cumulative mortality rate in the NC group was not significantly different from the PC group (P > 0.05) and was significantly higher than those in the C3 and C4 groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the CB supplementation on the basis of CPC replacement of 30% fishmeal protein enhanced significantly the antioxidant capacity, immunity and disease resistance of shrimp and improved its growth performance. Therefore, considering the factors of the growth, immunity and disease resistance, the CB supplementation of 0.12%–0.48% (1.2 × 109 CFU/kg-4.8 × 109 CFU/kg) was recommended in the diet of L. vannamei based on the results of this experiment. • In this experiment, fish meal substitution was combined with probiotics. • CB can significantly improve the negative effects of fishmeal substitution on immunity and disease resistance in L. Vannamei. • Considering the growth, immunity and disease resistance, the recommended supplementation of CB in the diet is 0.12%–0.48%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigates the determinants of effective human and artificial intelligence (AI) relationship-building strategies for brands. It explores the antecedents and consequences of consumers' interactant satisfaction with communication and identifies ways to enhance consumer purchase intention via AI chatbot promotion. Design/methodology/approach: Microsoft Xiaoice served as the focal AI chatbot, and 331 valid samples were obtained. A two-stage structural equation modeling-artificial neural network approach was adopted to verify the proposed theoretical model. Findings: Regarding the IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional quotient) of AI chatbots, the multi-dimensional social support model helps explain consumers' interactant satisfaction with communication, which facilitates affective attachment and purchase intention. The results also show that chatbots should emphasize emotional and esteem social support more than informational support. Practical implications: Brands should focus more on AI chatbots' emotional and empathetic responses than functional aspects when designing dialogue content for human–AI interactions. Well-designed AI chatbots can help marketers develop effective brand promotion strategies. Originality/value: This research enriches the human–AI interaction literature by adopting a multi-dimensional social support theoretical lens that can enhance the interactant satisfaction with communication, affective attachment and purchase intention of AI chatbot users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its importance for crop water use and productivity, especially in drought‐affected environments, the underlying mechanisms of variation in intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE = net photosynthesis/stomatal conductance for water vapour, gsw) are not well understood, especially in C4 plants. Recently, we discovered that leaf width (LW) correlated negatively with iWUE and positively with gsw across several C4 grasses. Here, we confirmed these relationships within 48 field‐grown genotypes differing in LW in Sorghum bicolor, a C4 crop adapted to dry and hot conditions. We measured leaf gas exchange and modelled leaf energy balance three times a day, alongside anatomical traits as potential predictors of iWUE. LW correlated negatively with iWUE and stomatal density, but positively with gsw, interveinal distance of longitudinal veins, and the percentage of stomatal aperture relative to maximum. Energy balance modelling showed that wider leaves needed to open their stomata more to generate a more negative leaf‐to‐air temperature difference, especially at midday when air temperatures exceeded 40°C. These results highlight the important role that LW plays in shaping iWUE through coordination of vein and stomatal traits and by affecting stomatal aperture. Therefore, LW could be used as a predictor of higher iWUE among sorghum genotypes. Summary statement: Leaf width (LW) plays an important role in shaping intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) across Sorghum bicolor genotypes through coordination of vein and stomatal traits and by regulating stomatal aperture. Wider leaves had higher gsw likely to prevent a detrimental rise in leaf temperature. Therefore, LW could be used as a predictor for higher iWUE among sorghum genotypes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effects of acupuncture on quality of life in patients with schizophrenia in remission. Methods: A total of 101 patients with schizophrenia in remission were selected in this study. The patients were randomly divided into the control group (n = 51) and the treatment group (n = 50). Patients in the control group were treated with antipsychotics, while patients in the treatment group were treated with acupuncture on the basis of antipsychotics treatment in the control group. The changes of positive and negative symptoms scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale (PSQI), Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), and condition of adverse reactions in the two groups were observed before and after treatment. Results: After treatment, the clinical total effective rate of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Moreover, the incidence of adverse reactions in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the score of CGI scale, PSQI score and AIMS score in the treatment group after treatment decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Moreover, the HAMD score, PANSS score and each factor in the treatment group decreased to some extent, but the comparison between the treatment group and the control group indicated that the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment can effectively improve the quality of life in patients with schizophrenia in remission, reduce adverse reactions, and improve clinical effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foods and beverages with excessive tannins acid (TA) content taste astringent and bitter. The overconsumption of TA could result in nutritional and digestive problems. In this study, the cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)/fish swim bladder gelatin (FG) composite sponge was prepared with glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. The TA adsorption performance of the sponge was discussed. The freeze-dried CNC/FG composite sponge had a porous network structure. CNC was combined into the FG matrix as a reinforcing phase. The mechanical strength, thermal stability, and swelling properties of the composite sponge were improved with the addition of an appropriate amount of CNC. Although CNC decreased the porosity of composite sponge, the increase in active adsorption sites resulted in an overall positive effect on its TA adsorption properties. Under the optimal adsorption conditions, the TA removal rate of 1.0 % CNC composites reached 80.4 %. Furthermore, the sponge retained a TA removal rate of 54 % after five cycles of adsorption and desorption using 50 % ethanol. The results demonstrated that CNC/FG composite sponge has application potential in the field of adsorption materials for TA. [Display omitted] • Porous fish gelatin sponge is capable of removing tannic acid. • Cellulose nanocrystals additives bonded with fish gelatin through hydrogen bonds. • Additives improved mechanical strength, thermal stability, and swelling property. • 1 % cellulose nanocrystals addition achieved best tannic acid removal (80.4 %). • Composite sponge's adsorption follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal disease and an increasing cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) play vital roles in immune response and tumor cellular biological processes. However, the specific functions of IRFs in PC and tumor immune response are far from systematically clarified. This study aimed to explorer the expression profile, prognostic significance, and biological function of IRFs in PC. Results: We observed that the levels of IRF2, 6, 7, 8, and 9 were elevated in tumor compared to normal tissues in PC. IRF7 expression was significantly associated with patients' pathology stage in PC. PC patients with high IRF2, low IRF3, and high IRF6 levels had significantly poorer overall survival. High mRNA expression, amplification and, deep deletion were the three most common types of genetic alterations of IRFs in PC. Low expression of IRF2, 4, 5, and 8 was resistant to most of the drugs or small molecules from Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer. Moreover, IRFs were positively correlated with the abundance of tumor infiltrating immune cells in PC, including B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, Neutrophil, and Dendritic cells. Functional analysis indicated that IRFs were involved in T cell receptor signaling pathway, immune response, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Conclusions: Our results indicated that certain IRFs could serve as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for PC patients. Further basic and clinical studies are needed to validate our findings and generalize the clinical application of IRFs in PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study develops a self-construal framework containing both individual- and social-level variables to explain bloggers' inner motivations to create contents voluntarily. With the aim of bridging the gaps in previous blogger-related studies, this research explores intrinsic and psychological benefits behind voluntary bloggers' sharing behaviour via social network sites or weblogs. The proposed structural equation model is tested with survey data from 414 bloggers, and all hypotheses are statistically supported. The findings indicate that voluntary bloggers' involvement results from self-reassurance, which is induced by a self-construction process comprising both independent and interdependent selves. This study enriches extant literature on bloggers' behaviour by incorporating self-construal theory into the sphere of creating contents. In essence, the self-construal model paves the way for future comprehensive psychological frameworks, which can help researchers and practitioners deepen their understanding of blogger enthusiasm in self-building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interparticle spacing of a heterostructure is a crucial factor affecting electron transfer (ET) process. Herein, binary nanoparticle superlattices (BNSLs) composed of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) and Au nanoclusters (NCs) are prepared. Steady‐state and time‐resolved spectra illustrate that the ET accelerates as the pressure increases because pressure effectively adjusts the interparticle spacing. The results also demonstrate that the trap state of the CdSe/ZnS QDs affects the ET process of BNSLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, upconversion nanocrystals incorporated with MOR zeolite composites were synthesized using the desilicated MOR zeolite as a host for the in situ growth of NaREF4 (RE = Y, Gd) Yb/Er nanocrystals. The structure and morphology of the composites were studied with XRD, XPS, and TEM measurements, and the spectral studies indicated that the subsequent thermal treatment can effectively improve the upconversion emission intensity of Er3+. By using the NaYF4:Yb/Er@DSi1.0MOR-HT composite that holds the strongest upconversion emission, a probe of UCNC@DSiMOR/BPEI was constructed with the modification of branched poly ethylenimine for the detection of Cu2+. It was indicated that the integrated emission intensity of Er3+ shows a linear dependence with the logarithm value of the Cu2+ concentration ranging from 0.1 to 10 μM. This study offered a feasible method for the construction of UCNC@zeolite composites with enhanced upconversion emission, which may have a potential application as fluorescent probes for the detection of various metal ions by adjusting the doping luminescent center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the corrosion behavior of Yb 4 Hf 3 O 12 ceramics under CFAS coupled with water vapor environment at 1400 °C for 2–50 h was investigated. Results show that the CFAS were rapidly dissolved into ceramics under test environment, and then the Yb-Ca-Si apatite and Hf-rich fluorite phases were re-precipitated. Simultaneously, the water vapor corrosion mainly induced grain surface corrosion, resulting in the formation of corrosion pits and ridge-like structures. Moreover, the pores and microcracks caused by water vapor corrosion offer additional penetration path for CFAS melt. • The corrosion behavior of Yb 4 Hf 3 O 12 in a CFAS coupled with water vapor environment was investigated for the first time. • The reaction layer containing apatite and fluorite is an important factor for Yb 4 Hf 3 O 12 to resist CFAS corrosion. • Microholes caused by water vapor corrosion accelerate the CFAS infiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friction and wear reduction are widely sought to promote energy savings and reliability of moving machine components. Here, a combination of MST2 experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations unveils the detailed lubrication mechanisms and presents quantitative wear descriptions of Cu and Fe nanoparticle (NP). The MD simulations results indicate that average value of friction force is reduced approximately 57.15% after the addition of Cu NP and these results is similar to the experimental results. In addition, bimetallic CuFe NP (Cu–Fe or Cu@Fe NP) shows superior performance than pure Cu NP, and the tribological properties of bimetallic CuFe NP change with structures. Bimetallic CuFe NP can be prepared and investigated by experimental methods, but the effects of different structures of bimetallic CuFe NP on lubrication are not sufficiently studied. The superior structure of bimetallic CuFe NP with higher load-carrying capacity and better tribological properties is predicted by MD simulations. Results from simulations suggest that there is an optimal NP structure and size that will minimize friction and wear for a given surface roughness. • The tribological properties of the bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) are superior to those of the pure NPs. • MD simulations reveal the synergistic lubrication mechanism of the different structures of bimetallic NPs. • The bimetallic NPs of structures and sizes together affect the performance of lubricants. The best performance in terms of tribological properties and carrying capacity is achieved when the ratio of the NP diameter to surface roughness is 1.54. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustaining crop productivity and resilience in water‐limited environments and under rising temperatures are matters of concern worldwide. We investigated the leaf anatomical traits that underpin our recently identified link between leaf width (LW) and intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), as traits of interest in plant breeding. Ten sorghum lines with varying LW were grown under three temperatures to expand the range of variation of both LW and gas exchange rates. Leaf gas exchange, surface morphology and cross‐sectional anatomy were measured and analysed using structural equations modelling. Narrower leaves had lower stomatal conductance (gs) and higher iWUE across growth temperatures. They also had smaller intercellular airspaces, stomatal size, percentage of open stomatal aperture relative to maximum, hydraulic pathway, mesophyll thickness, and leaf mass per area. Structural modelling revealed a developmental association among leaf anatomical traits that underpinned gs variation in sorghum. Growing temperature and LW both impacted leaf gas exchange rates, but only LW directly impacted leaf anatomy. Wider leaves may be more productive under well‐watered conditions, but consume more water for growth and development, which is detrimental under water stress. Summary Statement: Coordination between leaf width and leaf anatomy underpins stomatal conductance variation in Sorghum bicolor lines grown under different temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qingyihuaji decoction (QYHJ) is composed of seven herbs: Scutellaria barbata D.Don (Banzhilian, HSB), Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (Jiaogulan, GP), Oldenlandia diffusa (Willd.) Roxb. (Baihuasheshecao, HDH), Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst. (Lingzhi, GL), Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Doukou, AK), and Amorphophallus kiusianus (Makino) Makino (Sheliugu, RA), and Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen (Rom.Caill.) Stapf (Yiyiren, CL). QYHJ has been reported to exhibit clinical efficacy in the treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study explores the therapeutic mechanism of QYHJ in the treatment of PAAD using network pharmacology to identify related targets and pathways in vivo and in vitro. The bioactive compounds of QYHJ were retrieved and screened using the ADME network pharmacology approach, followed by compound-target prediction and overlapping genes between PAAD oncogenes and QYHJ target genes. The compound-target-pathway network was established using The KEGG pathway, GO analysis, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis to identify potential action pathways. The effects of QYHJ on PAAD were evaluated in vivo and in vitro , and the predicted targets and potential pathways related to QYHJ in PAAD treatment were evaluated using qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. A total of 68 bioactive compounds of QYHJ fulfilled the ADME screening criterion, and their respective 242 target genes were retrieved. The compound-target-disease network identified 11 possible target genes. The KEGG pathway analysis showed significant enrichment of pathways in cancers, involving regulating cancer-related pathways of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Furthermore, QYHJ inhibited PAAD growth in vivo ; suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of PAAD; and induced cellular apoptosis in vitro. The qRT-PCR results showed that QYHJ suppressed the mRNA expression of ICAM1, VCAM1, and Bcl2, and increased that of HMOX1 and NQO1. Immunoblotting revealed changes in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1, and Bcl2/Bax pathways upon QYHJ treatment. QYHJ can suppress PAAD growth and progression through various mechanisms, including anti-inflammation and apoptosis-induction. [Display omitted] • The Qingyihuaji decoction can suppress the development and progression of pancreatic cancer in vivo and in vitro. • The Qingyihuaji decoction may affect inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer. • The Qingyihuaji decoction regulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1, and Bcl2/Bax pathways in pancreatic cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is currently the most effective way to treat people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHs) and reduce HIV transmission. While there are many factors that reduce adherence to ART, PLHs' knowledge about ART may determine the level of adherence. It is necessary to design and assess an instrument scale that measures the knowledge of antiretroviral therapy among PLHs. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among PLHs in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, China. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to examine the latent factors of antiretroviral therapy knowledge scale. Internal consistency was assessed separately for the scale and its dimensions by estimating Cronbach's alphas, split-half reliability and Spearman's correlation coefficient. ANOVAs were used to compare the scores of different dimensions with sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Four factors were extracted according to factor loadings. They had high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.70–0.95) and good construct validity (standardized factor loading range: 0.46–0.86) in the scale. Goodness of fit indices indicated that a four-factor solution fit the data at an accepted level (χ2/degree ratio = 1.980, RMSEA = 0.069, GFI = 0.909, CFI = 0.957, NFI = 0.917, TLI = 0.944). ANOVAs indicated that the score was higher among PLHs who were Han, had spouses/partners, were non-famers or migrant workers, initiated ART, and had a high school or above education. Conclusion: The psychometric assessment indicated that this ART knowledge scale had accepted internal consistency and discriminant construct validity. It can be used to assess the knowledge of antiretroviral therapy for PLHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrine injection is a complex mixture of plant bioactive substances extracted from Sophora flavescens Aiton and Smilax glabra Roxb. Since its approval by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) in 1995, Matrine injection has been clinically used as a complementary and alternative treatment for various cancers; however, the underlying mechanism of pancreatic cancer treatment is yet to be elucidated. The present study explores the potential mechanism of matrine injection on pancreatic cancer through network pharmacology technique and in vitro experimental validation. Genes differentially expressed in pancreatic cancer were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE101448). The potential active components of matrine injection were selected following a literature search, and target prediction was performed by the SwissTarget Prediction database. Overlapping genes associated with survival were screened by the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. In vitro experimental validation was performed with cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, apoptosis detection, cell cycle analysis, immunoblotting, and co-immunoprecipitation of the identified proteins. One thousand seven hundred genes differentially expressed among pancreatic tumor and non-tumor tissues were screened out. Sixteen active components and 226 predicted target genes were identified in matrine injection. A total of 25 potential target genes of matrine injection for the treatment of pancreatic cancer were obtained. Among them, the prognostic target genes carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) and carbonic anhydrase 12 (CA12) based on the GEPIA database are differently expressed in tumors compared to adjacent normal tissue. In vitro experiments, the results of CCK-8 assay, apoptosis and cell cycle analysis, immunoblotting, and co-immunoprecipitation showed that matrine injection inhibited Capan-1 and Mia paca-2 proliferation, arrested the cell cycle at the S phase, and induced apoptosis through up-regulated CA12 and down-regulated CA9. In this study, bioinformatics and network pharmacology were applied to explore the treatment mechanism on pancreatic cancer with matrine injection. This study demonstrated that matrine injection inhibited proliferation, arrested the cell cycle, and induced apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells. The mechanism may be related to the induction of CA12 over-expression, and CA9 reduced expression. As novel targets for pancreatic cancer treatment, Carbonic anhydrases require further study. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The health workers in Jiaxing of China have established maternal health WeChat groups for maternal health education and management since 2019. Pregnant women in Jiaxing are invited to join the WeChat groups and a health worker as the group manager provides health education and individual counselling for women within the group. This study aimed to investigate the exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) status up to six months and its associated factors among the mothers of infants aged 7-12 months within the WeChat groups. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey on healthy mothers with infants aged 7-12 months from seven maternal health WeChat groups in October 2021 in Jiaxing, China. EBF was defined as breastfeeding infants exclusively up to six months. Data including breastfeeding practice from birth to six months, maternal sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, hospitalization information, work related factors and reasons for non-EBF up to six months were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors independently associated with EBF up to 6 months. Results: A total of 822 mothers were included in this study. Among them, 586 mothers (71.3%) exclusively breastfed infants up to six months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that older maternal age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.956; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.917, 0.997) and perceived insufficient breast milk (AOR 0.104; 95% CI 0.072, 0.149) were associated with lower odds of EBF up to six months. The five of common reasons for non-EBF up to six months were no or insufficient breast milk (59.8%), return to work (23.9%), no flexible nursing breaks at work (18.2 %), infant crying or feeling tired or troubled with breastfeeding (9.7%), and nipple and breast problems (9.3%). Conclusion: About 71.3% of infants were exclusively breastfed until six months of age in our WeChat groups. Perceived insufficient breast milk and work related factors are the main barriers to EBF up to six months in this setting. However, further comparative study is needed to confirm the effect of WeChat groups on breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As postmenopausal osteoporotic fractures can cause higher rates of disability and mortality in women; it is essential to analyze the factors associated with primary and recurrent fractures in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) patients.Methods: Retrospective analysis of 2478 PMOP patients aged ≥ 50 years who attended the Shanghai General Hospital from January 2007 to December 2016, including 1239 patients with no fractures and 1239 patients with histories of fractures (1008 in the primary fracture group and 231 in the re-fracture group). All patients' basic clinical data, serum biochemical and bone metabolic markers, bone mineral density (BMD), and other indicators were recorded uniformly. Comparing the differences between the clinical characteristics of patients with primary and recurrent fractures, as well as the differences in the clinical characteristics of patients with primary and recurrent fractures in combination with different diseases, further analyses the risk factors for primary and recurrent fractures in PMOP patients. SPSS.26 was used for statistical analysis.Results: Compared to the unfractured group, the fractured group was older and had lower height and bone mineral density (all P < 0.01), with the re-fractured group having lower BMD at each key site than the primary fracture group (all P < 0.01). Analysis of the combined disease subgroups showed that serum BGP levels were lower in the primary and re-fracture patients with diabetes than in the non-diabetic subgroup (P < 0.05), and serum CTX levels were lower in the re-fracture group with diabetes than in the primary fracture group with diabetes (P < 0.05). Patients with recurrent fractures with cardio-vascular diseases had lower BMD than the subgroup without cardio-vascular diseases (P < 0.05) and also had lower BMD than the group with primary fractures with cardio-vascular diseases (P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age, overweight, low lumbar spine and total hip BMD were risk factors for primary and recurrent fractures; and comorbid chronic liver and kidney diseases were risk factors for primary fractures.Conclusion: PMOP patients with advanced age, overweight, low bone mineral density, and comorbid chronic liver and kidney diseases are at greater risk of fractures and require early intervention to reduce fractures occurrence. Moreover, those who are elderly, overweight, and have low bone density should also be aware of the risk of re-fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faujasite zeolites with a regular micropore and mesopore structure have been considered desirable scaffolds to stabilize luminescent silver nanoclusters (Ag CLs), while turning of the emission properties of the confined Ag CLs is still under investigation. In this study, the desilicated and dealuminated faujasite zeolites were first prepared to modify the zeolite framework and Si/Al ratio before Ag+ loading. With thermal treatment on the thereafter Ag+-exchanged zeolites, the Ag CLs formatted inside the D6r cages showed red-shifted emission in the desilicated zeolites and blue-shifted emission in the dealuminated zeolites, so that a tunable emission in the wavelength range of 482–528 nm could be obtained. Meanwhile, the full width at half maximum of the emission spectra is also closely related with framework modification, which monotonously increases with enhancing Si/Al ratio of host zeolite. The XRD, XPS, and spectral measurements indicated that the tunable luminescence properties of Ag CLs result from the controlling of local crystal field and coupling between host lattice and luminescent center. This paper proposes an effective strategy to manipulate the emission properties of Ag CLs confined inside zeolites and may benefit the applications of noble metal clusters activated phosphors in imaging and tunable emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Droplets impinging on solid surfaces is a common phenomenon. However, the motion of surfaces remarkably influences the dynamical behaviors of droplets, and related research is scarce. Dynamical behaviors of water nanodroplets impinging on translation and vibrating solid copper surfaces were investigated via molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The dynamical characteristics of water nanodroplets with various Weber numbers were studied at five translation velocities, four vibration amplitudes, and five vibration periods of the surface. The results show that when water nanodroplets impinge on translation surfaces, water molecules not only move along the surfaces but also rotate around the centroid of the water nanodroplet at the relative sliding stage. Water nanodroplets spread twice in the direction perpendicular to the relative sliding under a higher surface translation velocity. Additionally, a formula for water nanodroplets velocity in the translation direction was developed. Water nanodroplets with a larger Weber number experience a heavier friction force. For cases wherein water nanodroplets impinge on vibration surfaces, the increase in amplitudes impedes the spread of water nanodroplets, while the vibration periods promote it. Moreover, the short-period vibration makes water nanodroplets bounce off the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a pathogen that causes severe abortions in sows and high piglet mortality, resulting in huge economic losses to the pig industry worldwide. The emerging and novel PRRSV isolates are clinically and biologically important, as there are likely recombination and pathogenic differences among PRRSV genomes. Furthermore, the NADC34-like strain has become a major epidemic strain in some parts of China, but the characterization and pathogenicity of the latest strain in Inner Mongolia have not been reported in detail. In this study, an NADC34-like strain (CHNMGKL1-2304) from Tongliao City, Inner Mongolia was successfully isolated and characterized, and confirmed the pathogenicity in pigs. The phylogenetic tree showed that this strain belonged to sublineage 1.5 and had high homology with the strain JS2021NADC34. There is no recombination between CHNMGKL1-2304 and any other domestic strains. Animal experiments show that the CHNMGKL1-2304 strain is moderately virulent to piglets, which show persistent fever, weight loss and high morbidity but no mortality. The presence of PRRSV nucleic acids was detected in both blood, tissues, nasal and fecal swabs. In addition, obvious pathological changes and positive signals were observed in lung, lymph node, liver and spleen tissues when subjected to hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC). This report can provide a basis for epidemiological investigations and subsequent studies of PRRSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-temperature molten silicate deposit corrosion has become a critical factor for the failure of thermal barrier coatings. In this work, promising ytterbium hafnate ceramics with different HfO 2 content were prepared by solid-phase reaction, and the effect of HfO 2 content on Fe-containing silicate corrosion behavior of ytterbium hafnate ceramics was investigated. The evolution of HfO 2 content showed negligible influences on reaction products and corrosion mechanism. The attack of Fe-containing silicate melts on the ceramic led to the formation of a reaction layer consisting of apatite, fluorite, and garnet. This layer plays a critical role in preventing further penetration of the melts. However, ytterbium hafnate ceramics with lower HfO 2 content showed better resistance to melt attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sub-10 nm single gold nanopore was fabricated at the tip of a glass nanopipette. SERS spectrum of R6G and ionic current blockage of lambda-DNA through the plasmonic nanopore were observed. [Display omitted] • The chemically synthesized single gold nanopore with high SERS activity. • Both ionic current and dynamic SERS spectrum were obtained on a plasmonic nanopore. • The present study proved that single molecule transport is quite possibly be detected using the sub-10 nm gold nanopore. Gold nanopore is promising to be used in single molecule sequencing by measuring surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum. To achieve this goal, fabrication of small and size-controllable single gold nanopore is in urgent need. We synthesized gold nanoplates with a sub-10 nm single nanopore at the center, which was then successfully attached at the tip of a glass nanopipette using sulfhydryl silane. The transport of about 1.4 × 103 rhodamine 6G molecules was detected using SERS. The current blockage caused by single lambda DNA passing through the nanopore was also observed. The translocation time of lambda DNA through the gold nanopore was much longer than that of lambda DNA through the bare glass nanopipette, revealing the strong DNA-gold nanopore interaction affected the transport behavior of lambda DNA. The observed result further shows that the time resolution of SERS (~ms) may match the transport time of DNA through plasmonic nanopore. The sub-10 nm gold nanopore is possible to be used in single molecule transport detection with the improvement of the nanopore attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the constant development of economy, how to reasonably allocate limited loans to enterprises has been an interesting issue. As a result, adaptive decision for optimal loan allocation schemes is well worth investigating. Although some researchers had utilized machine learning-based techniques to deal with such issue, they cannot handle well the scenarios where total capital amount is limited. To bridge such gap, this paper proposes an intelligent decision framework for loan allocation schemes in complex social systems. First of all, the expressions about profit and risk of the bank side are deduced, separately. On this basis, the dynamic planning approach is adopted to formulate a set of optimization model. Specifically, such model is established from two aspects: profit maximization and risk minimization. Hence, two groups of decision results can be reached from two different perspectives by searching optimal solution of the planning model. This work also gives a case study on a real-world dataset to present process of the planning model. Thus, two referential results are provided with use of optimization solution tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface of TC11 titanium alloy was polished and strengthened using ultrasonic rolling process (USRP) technology. The effects of USRP on the surface quality, friction and wear properties, corrosion resistance, and wear mechanisms of TC11 titanium alloy at room temperature, low temperature (−60 °C), high temperature (400 °C), and in corrosive environments were investigated by using optical microscope, microhardness tester, electrochemical workstation, multifunctional friction and wear tester, SEM, EDS, XRD, and XPS. The results indicate that USRP can effectively refine the surface grains of titanium alloy, reducing its surface roughness parameter by 80.4 % and increasing surface hardness and residual compressive stress by 21.7 % and 97.1 %, respectively. USRP is advantageous for producing a layer of TiO 2 on the surface of titanium alloys, effectively enhancing the corrosion resistance of titanium alloy surfaces. USRP technology can improve the stability of surface hardness values of titanium alloys in harsh environments. The results of dry friction and wear tests using GCr15 steel balls as the counter material show that the USRP technology can effectively reduce the friction coefficient and wear loss at room, high and low temperatures. The results of corrosion and wear tests using Si 3 N 4 as the counter material indicate that the USRP technology can effectively reduce the friction coefficient and wear volume in seawater corrosion environments. The USRP technology is most effective in reducing the high-temperature friction coefficient of titanium alloys and improving their wear resistance in low-temperature and corrosive environments. The primary wear form of TC11 titanium alloy after USRP has shifted from adhesive wear to abrasive wear. [Display omitted] • The surface of TC11 was polished and strengthened using USRP technology. • The friction-wear and corrosion-wear behaviors of TC11 under extreme conditions were investigated. • USRP can effectively reduce the friction coefficient and wear under extreme conditions. • The corrosion and wear mechanisms of surface strengthened TC11 were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) has different epidemiology in Chinese vs. Western patients, but there are few studies of CLL/SLL in large populations of Chinese patients. ALPINE is a global phase 3 trial investigating Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors zanubrutinib vs. ibrutinib to treat relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL/SLL. Here we report results from the subgroup of Chinese patients. Adults with R/R CLL/SLL were randomized 1:1 to receive zanubrutinib (160 mg twice-daily) or ibrutinib (420 mg once-daily) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Data were analyzed descriptively. Ninety patients were randomized in China (zanubrutinib, n = 47; ibrutinib, n = 43). Baseline characteristics were balanced between groups, with fewer male patients in the zanubrutinib vs. ibrutinib group (55.3% vs. 69.8%). Median age was 60.5 years, 11% had del(17p) mutation, and 32% had tumor protein 53 (TP53) mutation. With median 25.3 months follow-up, ORR was 80.9% with zanubrutinib vs. 72.1% with ibrutinib. PFS was improved with zanubrutinib vs. ibrutinib (HR = 0.34 [95% CI, 0.15, 0.77]), and the HR for OS was 0.45 (95% CI, 0.14, 1.50). Rates of Grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs; 64.4% vs. 72.1%), AEs leading to discontinuation (6.4% vs. 14.0%), and serious TEAEs (35.6% vs. 51.2%) were lower with zanubrutinib vs. ibrutinib. Zanubrutinib demonstrated improved ORR, PFS, and OS vs. ibrutinib and a more favorable safety profile in patients with R/R CLL/SLL in China. These results are consistent with the full global population of ALPINE. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03734016, registered November 7, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of sacubitril/ valsartan in the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at stage 5 with resistant hypertension, and to explore the cardiovascular benefits and security of medical in the patients. Methods Patients with CKD5 resistant hypertension diagnosed and treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from September 2020 to March 2022 were selected and divided into the observation group (treated with routine treatment of kidney disease at end-stage and sacubitril/valsartan ) and control group (include droutine treatment of renal disease at end-stage and ACEI or ARB drugs) according to treatment strategy. The patients in both two groups were treated with adequate dialysis treatment and conventional drug treatment of renal disease at end-stage. The patients were followed up for at least 3 months, the clinical efficacy of three months after treated with sacubitril/valsartan was observed, and the efficacy indicators and security indicators and adverse cardiovascular events were observed, the occurrence of adverse effects during the period of drug use were compared with the control group. Results A total of 110 patients were included in this study and there were 55 cases in each group.There were no significant differences in gender, age, age of dialysis, etiology, dialysis mode and blood pressure between the two groups (P > 0.05). The Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), b-type urinary natriuretic peptide precursor (Pro-BNP) and cardiac function grade in the observation group after treatment was significantly decreased compared with before treatment. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the ratio of LVEF < 50% in the observation group was significantly reduced after treatment (P < 0.05 ). SBP, DBP and Pro-BNP decreased 3 months after treatment compared with the baseline before treatment, and improved significantly in the first month after treatment (P < 0.05). The decrease of DBP and BNP before and after treatment was significantly different between the two groups, and the decrease of DBP and BNP was more significant in the observation group(P < 0.05). The difference of LVEF and left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD ) between the two groups before and after treatment was statistically significant, and the improvement was more obvious in the observation group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the safety indicators of serum potassium, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and liver function between two groups before and after treatment (P > 0.05). In terms of adverse reactions, only 1 case in the control group developed hyperkalemia within 3 months of follow-up, and no hypotension or other adverse reactions occurred in the two groups. Conclusions The treatment of patients with CKD stage 5 hypertension with sacubitril/ valsartan has obvious cardiovascular benefits. Sacubitril/Valsartan has efficacy in lowering blood pressure, improving cardiac function and reducing volume load, with less adverse events and higher safety than control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is a common complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). In this study, we evaluated the preoperative risk factors for postoperative anemia after THA and developed a nomogram model based on related preoperative and intraoperative factors. Methods: From January 2020 to May 2023, 927 THA patients at the same medical center were randomly assigned to either the training or validation cohort. The correlation between preoperative and intraoperative risk factors and postoperative anemia after THA was evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A nomogram was developed using these predictive variables. The effectiveness and validation for the clinical application of this nomogram were evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: Through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, 7 independent predictive factors were identified in the training cohort: Lower body mass index (BMI), extended operation time, greater intraoperative bleeding, lower preoperative hemoglobin level, abnormally high preoperative serum amyloid A (SAA) level, history of cerebrovascular disease, and history of osteoporosis. The C-index of the model was 0.871, while the AUC indices for the training and validation cohorts were 84.4% and 87.1%, respectively. In addition, the calibration curves of both cohorts showed excellent consistency between the observed and predicted probabilities. The DCA curves of the training and validation cohorts were high, indicating the high clinical applicability of the model. Conclusions: Lower BMI, extended operation time, increased intraoperative bleeding, reduced preoperative hemoglobin level, elevated preoperative SAA level, history of cerebrovascular disease, and history of osteoporosis were seven independent preoperative risk factors associated with postoperative anemia after THA. The nomogram developed could aid in predicting postoperative anemia, facilitating advanced preparation, and enhancing blood management. Furthermore, the nomogram could assist clinicians in identifying patients most at risk for postoperative anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]