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Acrylate pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) latexes were synthesized via a starved monomer seeded semi-batch emulsion polymerization process with butyl acrylate (BA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), acrylic acid (AA) and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA). These PSA polymers were then cross-linked with trifunctional propyleneimine external cross-linker (SAC-100) to study the cross-linking reaction between carboxylic group of the polymer chain and cross-linking agent. It was found that cross-linking provided a significant influence on the film formation process based on the result of SEM analysis. In addition, with the increase of SAC-100 content, the gel content of the polymer increased significantly, while molecular weight between cross-link points ( M c ) and the sol molecular weight ( M w , M n ) of the polymer decreased remarkably. The TGA result showed that the addition of the external cross-linker can enhance the thermal stability of the latex film. Moreover, for the cross-linked adhesive film, the shear strength was improved greatly while at the sacrifice of loop tack and peel strength, when compared with the uncross-linked counterparts. Besides, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was also used to evaluate the viscoelastic properties of the acrylate emulsion PSA film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and composition of the organic matter in landfilled refuse might have an influence on the migration and transformation of dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Humic acid (HA) and humin (HU) were separated from aged-refuse to determine the influences of different organic fractions in the refuse on the sorption and bioavailability of DBP. The sorption kinetics and isotherms for the sorption of DBP to HA, HU, and whole refuse were determined. The results showed that the sorption constants (K) and nonlinearities decreased in the order HU > whole refuse > HA. The HA had lowerKvalues than did the other refuse fractions, and it retarded the biodegradation of DBP over a short degradation period (48 h). Increasing the amount of HA present caused the amount of DBP that was biodegraded to decrease significantly, 81.3% of the DBP sorbed to HA being degraded in the original experiments after 48 h but 21.8% of the DBP being degraded when three times as much HA was used. Similar results were not observed when the amount of HU used was changed. These findings suggest that HA plays an important role in the biodegradation of DBP adsorbed by refuse. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• A method for measuring the body size of live chickens. • The accuracy and stability of measurement are greatly improved. • Reduce the image interference from live chicken feathers. • Reduce the image interference from live chicken feathers. • YOLOv5 used to improve measurement speed. The phenotypic parameters of breeder chickens are the external expression of their genetic genes. Accurate and efficient acquisition of chicken phenotypic parameters is a key technology in poultry breeding. However, the traditional manual measurement method is time-consuming and laborious, and the measurement error is large, which seriously affects the effect and efficiency of poultry breeding. Therefore, in this paper, Xinghua chicken as the research object, combining computer vision technology and deep learning algorithm, proposed the shank length and circumference measurement algorithm (SLCM) of breeder chickens. The algorithm firstly detected and extracted the region of chicken claw and shank bottom base by YOLOV5 algorithm. And then extracted the key points of shank length and circumference measurement based on the pixel distribution features of row direction and column direction in this region, and finally calculated the values of shank length and circumference. The test results of SLCM algorithm show that compared with the traditional manual measurement method, the Pearson correlation coefficient of shank length and circumference measured by algorithm is 0.8722 and 0.8869. Besides, this algorithm not only has smaller standard deviation (standard deviation of shank length is 1.35 mm, and shank circumference is 0.25 mm) and coefficient of variation (the mean coefficient of variation of shank length is 0.02, maximum is 0.06; and the mean coefficient of variation of shank circumference is 0.01, maximum is 0.03), but also has higher measurement efficiency. This research provided reference and basis for the accurate measurement of phenotypic parameters of breeder chickens and had important significance for poultry breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A replaceable rotational viscoelastic damper (RRVD) which has the potential for replacing the existing steel beam-column connections is proposed for steel frame buildings subject to dynamic vibrations. The RRVD is used with a sacrificial fuse segment to protect the structure at large inter-story drifts. A low-damage solution for the floor diaphragm with the RRVDs is also proposed. The test result confirms that the failure of the new connection is governed by fuse damage. Moreover, the RRVDs improve the system damping and reduces the earthquake-induced roof acceleration and the peak inter-story drift by up to 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new self-centering device employing paralleled friction spring groups is developed. The fundamental working principle and fabrication procedure are first presented, followed by quasi-static tests. The devices have flag-shaped hysteretic behavior with excellent self-centering capability and moderate energy dissipation. Stable performance under multiple rounds of loading is also exhibited, suggesting that the devices are fully reusable after undergoing several major earthquakes. A system level analysis is carried out, confirming that the devices are effective in eliminating the residual deformation. A hybrid system is finally proposed enabling a well-balanced control of the peak deformation, residual deformation, and peak floor acceleration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the clinical value of serum complement component 1q (C1q) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in predicting the response to combined immunotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. We conducted a retrospective study of 44 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received combined immunotherapy in our hospital. Serum IgG and C1q levels were collected before and three weeks after immunotherapy treatment, together with other data on clinical and demographic characteristics. Twenty seven patients (61.4%) showed partial response (PR), 13 (29.5%) stable disease (SD), and 4 (9.1%) progressive disease (PD). None of the patients presented complete response (CR). The PR group displayed lower IgG and higher C1q levels both before and after immunotherapy than patients showing SD or PD. The IgG reduction (59.3%) and C1q increment (70.3%) in the PR group three weeks post-treatment were significantly larger than those in patients showing SD or PD. Moreover, the pretreatment C1q level and the post-treatment change of C1q levels were strongly associated with the immunotherapy response. High pre- and post-treatment C1q levels and reduced post-treatment IgG levels correlate with efficacy of combined immunotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Serum baseline C1q level may predict immunotherapy response in such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over recent decades, aggregation-inducedemission (AIE) moleculeshave attracted increasing attention. Restriction of intramolecularrotation (RIR) has been widely accepted as the cause of the emissionwhen AIE molecules aggregate into clusters. The intramolecular rotationof AIE molecules can be monitored by molecular vibration spectra suchas nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared, and Raman, especiallysurface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) which has high sensitivitydown to a single molecule. We employed SERS and NMR to study the AIEemission mechanism and compared experimental results with simulationdata to monitor the RIR. Interestingly, we found that intramolecularrotation was also restricted for individual AIE molecules loaded ontoSERS substrate surfaces due to the laid-down configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated whether serum hs-CRP levels predict the efficacy of atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with atorvastatin. Bibliographic databases were exhaustively searched for studies relevant to the research topic. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) criteria, combined with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS), were applied for study quality assessment. Our meta-analysis identified seven cohort studies (2006~2013), providing information on the change in serum hs-CRP levels in AF patients receiving atorvastatin therapy. After atorvastatin treatment, hs-CRP level in AF patients decreased significantly (SMD = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.58–1.47, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis by country and hs-CRP detection methods suggested a negative relationship between atorvastatin treatment and hs-CRP levels among Chinese AF patients (SMD = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.00–1.69, P<0.001) and by using ELISA method (SMD = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.51–1.71, P<0.001), but not among Turkish population and using INA method (all P>0.05). Egger’s test showed no publication bias (P=0.450). hs-CRP was clearly lowered in AF patients treated with atorvastatin, which may be helpful in the choice of statin agents for AF treatment. However, longer follow-ups are necessary to assess the clinical value of lowering hs-CRP in the clinical setting of AF treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two ternary copper(II) Schiff base complexes 2Cu(C 14 H 8 NO 3 F)(C 12 H 8 N 2 )·3CH 3 OH ( 1 ) and 2Cu(C 14 H 8 NO 3 Cl)(C 12 H 8 N 2 )·3CH 3 OH ( 2 ) were synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray crystallography shows that both of the copper atoms adopt square pyramidal geometry. Each copper atom is five coordinated by one nitrogen atom from –C N–, two nitrogen atoms from 1,10-phenanthroline, one hydroxyl oxygen atom and one carboxylate oxygen atom. The proteasome is often found to be overactive in cancer cells. It has also been found that cancer cells are more sensitive to proteasome inhibition than normal cells. Therefore proteasome inhibitors are pursued as antitumor drugs. The anticancer activity of the two complexes was studied. The results showed that complex ( 1 ) can significantly inhibit the cellular proliferation of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, it has proteasome-inhibitory activity in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. The inhibition of the tumor proteasomal activity resulted in the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and ubiquitinated form of IκB-α, (a natural proteasome substrate) followed by induction of apoptosis. The results suggest that the fluorine-containing copper complex, as a potent proteasome inhibitor, has potential to be developed into a novel anticancer drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The incidence of proximal gastric carcinoma ( PGC) is rising worldwide for unknown reasons. Herein we compare the risk factors of early PGC with distal gastric carcinoma ( DGC) in patients treated at a single tertiary hospital in China. Methods Risk factors of 379 consecutive surgically resected early gastric carcinoma ( EGC) diagnosed according to the 2010 World Health Organization criteria were studied by reviewing their medical records and esophagogastroduodenoscopy/biopsy findings and interviewing patients and family members for the patients' history of environmental toxin exposure ( ETE), dietary habits, family (FCH) and personal cancer history (PCH) and survival. Differences between PGC ( n = 115), DGC ( n = 264) and age-matched and gender-matched controls ( n = 225) were compared. Results Proportion of early PGC in all EGC patients was increased significantly ( P < 0.05). The independent risk factors for both PGC and DGC identified by multivariate analysis were intake of preserved food and little fruit, and gastric mucosal intestinal metaplasia and atrophy (all P < 0.05). Advanced age (odds ratio [ OR] 9.83, P < 0.01), PCH ( OR 5.09, P < 0.05), a high body mass index (>24 kg/m2) ( OR 2.79, P < 0.01) and ETE ( OR 2.31, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for PGC, but not male gender, tobacco or alcohol abuse, hiatus hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease or columnar-lined esophagus. In contrast, FCH ( OR 2.34, P < 0.01) and Helicobacter pylori infection ( OR 2.81, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for DGC. Conclusion Independent risk factors for PGC in Chinese patients differ from those of DGC or esophageal adenocarcinoma, supporting the classification of PGC as a separate gastric carcinoma entity in the Chinese populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facultative bacterial strain isolated from municipal solid waste (MSW) obtained from a simulated landfill bioreactor was found to have the ability to use dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as its sole source of carbon and energy. Based on its morphology, physiochemical characteristics, and 16S rDNA sequence, the strain was identified asEnterobactersp. T1. Evaluation of the degradation of DBP in refuse collected during the initial, acidic, and methanogenic phases of landfill before and after inoculation withEnterobactersp. T1 revealed that the degradation fits first-order kinetic models for refuse from all phases. The removal rate of DBP in the refuse of the methanogenic phase increased from 59.3% to 74.5% whenEnterobacterT1 was added. The half-life of DBP in refuse from the methanogenic phase that was inoculated withEnterobacterT1 decreased by 36.7% relative to uninoculated samples, and the intermediate products monobutyl phthalate (MBP) and phthalic acid were detected in all samples. These results provide new evidence for the potential of applyingEnterobactersp. for phthalic acid ester-polluted area remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Truong Son terrane, one of the most important tectonic and metallogenic terranes in Indochina block, is composed of many volcano–plutonic complexes. Reported here is geochronological and geochemical data obtained from six different volcano–plutonic complexes. The new data reveals that the granite from the Hai Van complex is 438 Ma in age, and shows collision-related geochemical characteristics; whereas another five samples from five volcano–plutonic complexes present consistent emplacement and crystallization ages ranging from 261 to 242 Ma. Dien Bien granodiorite, Phia Bioc monzogranite and Dong Trau rhyolite display typical subduction-related calc-alkaline affinity (e.g., depletion in Nb–Ta and Ti and enrichment in Rb and La), while monzogranite from Song Ma complex displays collision-related shoshoniteseries and granites from Bengiang-Queson complex are related to post-collision calc-alkaline series. Based on these observations, in combination with the previous published geochronological data, we propose that at least four major stages of magmatic activities occurred during the Paleozoic and the Early Mesozoic through the Truong Son terrane: Ordovician–Silurian (420–470 Ma), Late Carboniferous-Early Permian (280–300 Ma), Late Permian to Mid-Triassic (245–270 Ma) and Middle-Late Triassic (200–245 Ma). These magmatic activities are not only attributed to the Tethyan Song Ma ocean southwestward subduction but also related to Paleo Tamky–Phuoc Son oceanic bidirectional subduction. Synthesized with regional metallogenic data, we identified three metallogenic epochs: (1) Late Carboniferous-Early Permian (280–300 Ma) arc-magmatic hydrothermal Cu–Au–Fe polymetallic metallogenic system related to the Tamky–Phuoc Son ocean north-dipping subduction; (2) Late Permian-Middle Triassic (245–280 Ma) arc-magmatic hydrothermal Cu–Au–Fe and orogenic W–Sn–Au polymetallic metallogenic system, which linked to both Paleo-Tethyan Song Ma ocean south-dipping subduction and Tamky–Phuoc Son ocean closure; (3) Middle to Late Triassic (200–245 Ma) syn-collisional magmatic epithermal Fe–Au–W–Sn and post-collisional (or orogenic) Au system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the use of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy to study antibody-ligand interactions for hydrophobic charge-induction chromatography (HCIC) and its versatility in investigating the surface and solution factors affecting the interactions. Two density model surfaces presenting the HCIC ligand (mercapto-ethyl-pyridine, MEP) were prepared on Au using a self-assembly technique. The surface chemistry and structure, ionization, and protein binding of such model surfaces were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS), contact-angle titration, and SPR, respectively. The influences of the surface and solution factors, e.g., ligand density, salt concentration, and solution pH, on protein adsorption were determined by SPR. Our results showed that ligand density affects both equilibrium and dynamic aspects of the interactions. Specifically, a dense ligand leads to an increase in binding strength, rapid adsorption, slow desorption, and low specificity. In addition, both hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding contribute significantly to the protein adsorption at neutral pH, while the electrostatic repulsion is overwhelmed under acidic conditions. The hydrophobic interaction at a high concentration of lyotropic salt would cause drastic conformational changes in the adsorbed protein. Combined with the self-assembly technique, SPR proves to be a powerful tool for studying the interactions between an antibody and a chromatographic ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new vinyl sulfone (VS) disulfide, 1,2-bis(11-(vinyl sulfonyl)undecyl)disulfane, was synthesized to enable the preparation of VS-presenting self-assembled monolayers (VS SAMs) on Au substrates. The VS SAMs were used as a model system to assess the reaction kinetics of bioactive ligands, i.e., glutathione (GSH), N-(5-amino-1-carboxypentyl)iminodiacetic acid (ab-NTA), and mannose, toward the VS groups on the SAM surface. The VS SAMs and the ligand immobilization were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle goniometry, and protein-binding experiments using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Kinetic studies showed that the surface VS groups undergo pseudo-first-order reactions with various ligands, with the observed rate constant being 0.057 min-1 for GSH at pH 7.5, 0.011 min-1 for ab-NTA at pH 8.5, and 0.009 min-1 for mannose at pH 10.5. This work advanced our understanding of the reactivity of VS-bearing functional surfaces and further demonstrated the versatile potential of VS chemistry to prepare ligand-immobilized bioactive surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological responses ofLeymus chinensis(Trin.) Tzvel exposed to long-term salt, salt-alkali, and alkali stress in order to elucidate howL. chinensiscan survive under alkaline-sodic soils.L. chinensis(30 days after germination) were stressed with salt [SS; sodium chloride (NaCl)], mixed salt-alkali [MS; molar ratio of NaCl: sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) = 2:1] and alkali salt (AS; Na2CO3) at four different levels of sodium (Na+) concentration (0, 75, 150, and 300 mM) for 60 days.L. chinensisshowed 100% survival rate at all treatments except 300 mM SS (33.3%) and AS (18.9%). The growth and physiological parameters of survival plants were measured. As anticipated, growth ofL. chinensiswas inhibited after stresses, which reflected in the decline of plant height, dry weight and tiller number following the increased Na+concentration. The content of Na+, proline, and soluble sugar inL. chinensisincreased with the increasing Na+concentration, suggesting thatL. chinensisneed to accumulate inorganic and organic solutes for resisting osmotic stress induced by various salt stresses. These processes ensure the water balance that can provide a relative normal physiological environment forL. chinensis. Potassium (K+) content ofL. chinensiskept at a relative lower level than control to ensure the normal physiological processes. Chlorophyll content of stressed plant increased slightly compared to control plants, which can produce more energy forL. chinensisresisting various stresses. The increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content of stressed plants showed the damage of various stresses. Among the three treatments (SS, MS, and AS), the injury extent forL. chinensiscan be expressed by AS>SS>MS, and MS was the most complicated for the counterbalance effects of soil electrical conduction and pH. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Due to the ease of fabrication and construction, gusset plate connections with single-sided splice members are a popular connection type in building frames and light structures. However, this detail produces local out-of-plane eccentricity, which can be detrimental to the ultimate strength of the connections. This paper presents experimental, numerical, and analytical investigations of the compressive behaviour of eccentrically loaded gusset plate connections. Three full-scale tests were conducted, including two specimens with unstiffened splice members and the remaining one with stiffened splice members. The ultimate loads of the three specimens were found to be evidently less than the concentrically loaded specimen which has been earlier reported. Finite element (FE) models were then established, which were validated through comparisons against the test results. The sensitivity of the FE models to the initial imperfections was also studied. An extensive parametric study was subsequently performed, and the influences of varying gusset plate and splice member geometric configurations were discussed in detail. Three key failure modes were identified for the eccentrically loaded gusset plate connections, namely, Gusset–Splice Interactive Plastic Failure (G–SIPF), Splice Plastic Failure (SPF), and Gusset Plate Buckling (GPB). A set of design rules based on the nature of each failure mode was proposed accordingly, where good agreements were observed between the FE and the design results in terms of both the ultimate load and the governing failure mode. Worked examples were finally provided to clearly illustrate the proposed design procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to insufficient data in the literature, the optimal timing for surgical intervention for ruptured intracranial aneurysms is still controversial. Some practitioners advocate early surgery, but others not. It is important to identify other factors that can be used to predict poor prognosis in ruptured intracranial aneurysm patients. Objective: To determine the influence of timing of clipping surgery, and other factors on the outcomes of ruptured intracranial aneurysms in Hunt & Hess I~III grade patients. Method: We have performed a retrospective study involving 80 patients who were surgically treated for ruptured intracranial aneurysm between 2007 and 2012. The patient population consisted of 50(62.5%) females and 30(37.5%) males, with an age range of 12 to 75 years old, mean age 52.33 ± 10.63 years. We measured association between the Glasgow Outcome Scores and Sex, timing of clipping surgery, aneurysm location and pre-operative patient's neurological condition using famous Hunt and Hess grade system. Results: We did not find any correlation between the outcomes of ruptured intracranial aneurysm patients and timing (early, intermediate, late stage) of clipping, sex, aneurysm location. Whereas there is a significant correlation between patients outcomes and pre-operative patient neurological condition (Hunt & Hess grade). Conclusion: Timing of Surgery (early, intermediate, late) does not affect outcomes in low Hunt and Hess grade patients I~III. Whereas neurological condition (Hunt & Hess) has strong impact on postoperative outcomes. Others factors like sex, Age, Aneurysm location have no effect on outcomes in ruptured intracranial aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Four revised versions of Taiwan's abortion legislation were proposed in 2012 and raised controversy. Legislators led by Li-huan Yang proposed a six-day 'mandatory waiting periods' coupled with 'mandatory counseling'. Legislators led by Shi-bao Lai proposed 'consent from two doctors'. Both of these aimed to reduce the abortion rate and increase the birth rate. The Administrative Yuan for its part proposed a 'mandatory waiting period' of three days plus 'mandatory counseling'. And finally, legislators led by Yi-chen Wu proposed that medical institutions should provide all kinds of information related to abortion', and that local government 'should provide birth counseling to citizens'. This paper aims at analyzing the controversy. Methods: Three methods are adopted. (1) Discourse analysis is applied on documents collected from legal and medical research papers, government data and news reports. (2) Descriptive statistics is applied on two surveys conducted in 2007 and 2008 on women and obgynecologists nationwide respectively. (3) Text analysis is applied to the written texts provided by women and ob-gynecologists on some open-ended questions in the survey. Results: The 'Mandatory waiting periods' as proposed by Yang and the Administrative Yuan is found to lack consideration of reality, as our survey shows that most women considering the terminating of an unplanned pregnancy have already been thinking much longer than the stipulated period, typically having already done this for periods ranging from over one week to a whole month. As regards 'mandatory counseling', this is found to be in violation of human rights and professional ethics. As to 'consent from two doctors', this is found to create difficulties for women, and is opposed by a majority of ob-gynecologists. Conclusions: Two types of discourse appear in the controversy, the 'restrictive and controlling discourse' receives little support from academic research, or in surveys of women and physicians, and also runs counter to the professional ethics of counseling. Many research findings have shown that 'Mandatory waiting periods' do not contribute to the reduction of the abortion rate. The 'women centered discourse' reflects the women's needs and practice on the matter, and the 'patient centered discourse' practiced by ob-gynecologists can give support to 'women centered discourse'. As for an effective reduction of abortion rate, the paper finds that policy makers would achieve greater success by promoting greater use of contraceptives, and improving economic and social welfare, thus enabling women to consider keeping unplanned fetuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. More and more evidences demonstrate that androgen receptor (AR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) have unique clinical implications for targeted therapy or prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the possible associations. Methods. We retrieved published articles about AR, EGFR, and BRCA1 in TNBC from PubMed and EMBASE. The analysis was performed with Rev-Man 5.2 software. Results. A total of 38 articles were eligible for the meta-analysis. Our study showed that the expression level of EGFR (OR=6.88, P<0.00001) and the prevalence of BRCA1 mutation (RR=5.26, P<0.00001) were higher in TNBC than non-TNBC. In contrast, the expression level of AR was lower in TNBC than non-TNBC (OR=0.07, P<0.00001). In the subgroup related to EGFR expression, the level of EGFR expression was significantly increased in Asians (OR=9.60) compared with Caucasians (OR=5.53) for TNBC patients. Additionally, the prevalence of BRCA1 mutation in Asians (RR=5.43, P<0.00001) was higher than that in Caucasians (RR=5.16, P<0.00001). Conclusions. The distinct expression of AR and EGFR and the prevalence of BRCA1 mutation indicated that AR, EGFR, and BRCA1 might be unique biomarkers for targeted therapy and prognosis in TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a comprehensive numerical study on end-plate beam-to-column connections equipped with NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs). The numerical modelling strategy is first validated through comparisons with seven full scale tests conducted by the authors. The FE predictions correlate well with the test results, especially in terms of the deformation mode, strain reading, moment–rotation response, residual deformation, and equivalent viscous damping. Following the validation study, a parametric study is performed considering the effects of bolt layout, bolt length/diameter, beam-to-connection strength ratio, end-plate thickness, column web panel deformation, and shear resisting mechanism. In order to overcome a major issue identified from the parametric study, i.e. shear slippage, an improved HS-SMA hybrid solution is proposed. One of the novel concepts is the employment of HS bolts in collaboration with SMA Belleville washers, where the latter are used to absorb the bolt row deformation, to enable connection recentring, and to offer supplementary energy dissipation. A detailed FE model is established to confirm the feasibility of the HS-SMA hybrid connection, and an analytical model is also developed for normal design of such connections. A set of design rules for practical use are also proposed, and the required future studies are finally identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Future multi-constellation Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) will offer the possibility to fulfill stringent navigation integrity requirements using Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM). This paper presents a detailed comparison of residual-based (RB) and solution separation (SS) RAIM. A complete step-by-step derivation of the two methods, which is currently missing in the literature, is given for the detection of single and multi-measurement faults, starting from common definitions of the integrity and continuity risks. In addition, a parity-space representation of SS RAIM is developed. It is shown that the integrity monitoring performance of SS RAIM can be superior to RB RAIM because SS test statistics are tailored to the fault hypotheses, and to the state of interest. However, for practical reasons of computational efficiency in conventional SS implementations, which are fully detailed in the paper, RB RAIM ultimately provides tighter bounds on integrity risk. Copyright © 2014 Institute of Navigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Site-specific masking with graphene films has the potential to facilitate low-cost, high-throughput micro-patterns on silicon substrates over large areas. Here, a facile approach to using graphene as a masking agent on silicon wafers for site-specific patterning is demonstrated. Graphene sheets were deposited via a sealing-tape-exfoliation method onto hydride-terminated (Si-H) silicon substrates. Raman confocal mapping showed inhibition of oxidation of the Si wafer underlying the graphene, indicating that the graphene restricts the diffusion of oxygen onto the Si surface. The graphene coated Si substrates were then electrochemically etched in an aqueous HF/ethanol (3:1 (v/v)) anodization solution. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the graphene layer successfully restricted the etching of the Si surface, however, near the edge sites of the graphene deep etching occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioassay-guided chemical investigation of the stems of Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook led to the isolation of seven first reported bibenzyl dimers with a linkage of a methylene moiety, fimbriadimerbibenzyls A–G ( 1 – 7 ), together with a new dihydrophenanthrene derivative ( S )-2,4,5,9-tetrahydroxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene ( 8 ) and thirteen known compounds ( 9 – 21 ). The structure of the new compound was established by spectroscopic analysis. Biological evaluation of bibenzyl derivatives against five human cell lines indicated that seven of those compounds exhibited broad-spectrum and cytotoxic activities with IC 50 values ranging from 2.2 to 21.2 μM. Those rare bibenzyl dimers exhibited cytotoxic activities in vitro and the cytotoxicity decreased as the number of oxygen-containing groups in the structure decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffusion MRI enabled in vivo microstructural imaging of the fiber tracts in the brain resulting in its application in a wide range of settings, including in neurological and neurosurgical disorders. Conventional approaches such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have been shown to have limited applications due to the crossing fiber problem and the susceptibility of their quantitative indices to partial volume effects. To overcome these limitations, the recent focus has shifted to the advanced acquisition methods and their related analytical approaches. Advanced white matter imaging techniques provide superior qualitative data in terms of demonstration of multiple crossing fibers in their spatial orientation in a three dimensional manner in the brain. In this review paper, we discuss the advancements in diffusion MRI and introduce their roles. Using examples, we demonstrate the role of advanced diffusion MRI-based fiber tracking in neuroanatomical studies. Results from its preliminary application in the evaluation of intracranial space occupying lesions, including with respect to future directions for prognostication, are also presented. Building upon the previous DTI studies assessing white matter disease in Huntington's disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; we also discuss approaches which have led to encouraging preliminary results towards developing an imaging biomarker for these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coped (notched) steel beams are widely used in steel frame structures. A state-of-the-art review on local failures of coped steel beams is presented with the main aim of providing a clear insight into the up-to-date research outcomes and design approaches on the issues of local web buckling, block shear, and fatigue. With a comprehensive review of the available research database, the rationale behind the current design treatments for these failure modes is evaluated. For the design of local web buckling for coped beams with bolted end connections, adopting the lowest value of the resistances governed by elastic local web buckling, flexural yielding, and shear yielding can be safe. A reduction factor of 0.9 on the design local web buckling resistance may be applied for the case of welded connections due to the possible interactive effect of block shear. Use of the AISC-LRFD equations is suggested for the block shear design of coped beams with single-line bolted connections, and both the AISC-LRFD and the CSA-S16-09 equations are suitable for the case of double-line bolted connections. For coped beams with welded connections, the use of a reduced Ut of 0.7 in the CSA-S16-09 equations is recommended. For fatigue design, use of a new category curve modified from the relevant equations in AISC-LRFD is proposed in this paper to ensure a safe and consistent design. Illustrative design examples are presented based on the recommended design methods. The expected future work is also outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an electrokinetics-based microfluidic platform that is capable of onchip manipulating, mixing, and separating microparticles through adjusting the interrelated magnitudes of dielectrophoresis and AC electroosmosis. Hybrid electrokinetic phenomenon is generated from an electric field-induced micro-ripple structure made of ultraviolet-curable glue. Size-dependent particle separation and selective removal over the ripple structure is demonstrated successfully. Varying the waveform from sine-wave to square-wave allows generating a fluid convection at specific positions to mix the antibody-functionalized beads and antigen. Potential application in the bead-based immunoassay was also demonstrated for immuno-reaction and subsequently separating the bead-bead aggregate and nonbinding beads on-chip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To compare the epidemiological and clinical features and outcome in clonal group O25b/ST131 and non-clonal group O25b/ST131 in adult patients with non-extended-spectrum B-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteraemia. Methods We collected 371 consecutive isolates with community-onset non-ESBL producing E. coli bloodstream infection in 2010 in a 1200-bed hospital in Taiwan. Twenty adult patients with clonal group O25b/ST131 and 40 patients with non-clonal group O25b/ST131 were compared. Result Clonal group O25b/ST131 accounted for 5.9% of total isolates. The underlying disease and healthcare-associated risk factors were similar in the case and control groups. Patients with the clonal group O25b/ST131 were less likely to have intra-abdominal infection (0% vs. 22.5%; p < 0.05) than patients from the control group. The Day 30 mortality rate was similar in the case and control groups (15% vs. 12.5%). Conclusions Clonal group O25b/ST131 was found in both multidrug-resistant and susceptible E. coli strains, causing community-onset bloodstream infection. Although O25b/ST131 does not lead to a higher mortality than other isolates, choosing an appropriate antimicrobials in the empirical therapy of community-onset E. coli bacteraemia has become more challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) before and after inoculation with its dominant bacterial strains in refuse collected during the initial, acidic and methanogenic phases of landfill was evaluated. The results showed that the degradation of DBP fit first-order kinetic models for refuse in different phases with rate constants of 0.0140–0.0187 d −1 and degradation half-lives of 37.1–49.5 d. DBP was degraded fastest in methanogenic phase refuse and slowest in acidic phase refuse, and pH was found to be the key factor influencing DBP biodegradation. The effects of different concentrations of DBP on its degradation were not obvious. Compared with the CK, the removal of DBP from methanogenic phase refuse increased from 60.3% to 74.5%, 72.4% and 87.3% when Enterobacte r T1, Enterobacter T5 and mixed bacteria inoculated. The intermediate products including monobutyl phthalate (MBP) and phthalic acid (PA) were detected in the refuse. The degradation phase of a landfill determines the mineralization extent of DBP, and the major removal of DBP occurred under methanogenic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the roles and functions of businesses, labor-exporting countries' representative offices in Taiwan, religious organizations, and manpower agencies in promoting occupational safety and health (OSH). It also offers advice to Taiwanese authorities on making policies and improvements regarding the oversight mechanism mandated by the Labor Safety and Health Act, giving them an idea of what to focus on when enforcing control over blue-collar foreign workers' OSH conditions. This study also proposes that Taiwanese authorities may serve not only as an overseer/inspector of those hiring blue-collar foreign workers in Taiwan, but also expand their role to lay down policies regarding a variety of OSH teaching materials in the blue-collar foreign workers' native languages (spoken or written), the qualifications of translators in blue-collar foreign workers' OSH training programs, and regulations concerning the longer hours such training programs take. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) formation mechanism is very complex, and has not entirely understood. It represents a frequent type of intracranial hemorrhage, and is very common disease in Neurosurgery practice, especially in older patients. Various surgical treatments have been proposed for the treatment of CSDH. The rate of recurrence in CSDH after surgery ranges from 5% to 30%, repeated surgery must be considered. But in some cases subdural collections are still persistent. Endovascular embolization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) is an option for treatment of refractory CSDH. We review all cases that were treated with embolization to assess the effect of this intervention. Our review revealed 6 papers with a total enrollment of 14 patients were treated with MMA embolization for refractory chronic subdural hematoma without any postoperative complication or recurrence. In this study we suggest MMA embolization as an alternative for treatment of non-curable CSDH, especially for old people with systematic diseases, who cannot tolerate repeat surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of multiple Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) constellations will result in a considerable increase in the number of satellites for positioning worldwide. This substantial improvement in measurement redundancy has the potential to radically advance receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (RAIM) performance. However, regardless of the number of satellites, the performance of existing RAIM methods is sensitive to the assumed prior probabilities of individual fault hypotheses. In this paper, a new method is developed using Bayes’ theorem to generate upper bounds on posterior probabilities of individual fault hypotheses given current user measurements. These bounds are used in a Bayesian fault-tolerant position estimator (FTE) that minimizes integrity risk. The detection test statistic is a measurement-based integrity risk bound, which is directly compared with a pre-specified risk requirement. The associated challenge of quantifying continuity risk is resolved using a bounding approach, which is also detailed in this work. The new Bayesian FTE method is shown to be more robust to uncertainty in prior probability of fault occurrence than existing RAIM methods. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Arabidopsis thaliana plants that lack ceramide kinase, encoded by ACCELERATED CELL DEATH5 (ACD5), display spontaneous programmed cell death late in development and accumulate substrates of ACD5. Here, we compared ceramide accumulation kinetics, defense responses, ultrastructural features, and sites of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in wild-type and acd5 plants during development and/or Botrytis cinerea infection. Quantitative sphingolipid profiling indicated that ceramide accumulation in acd5 paralleled the appearance of spontaneous cell death, and it was accompanied by autophagy and mitochondrial ROS accumulation. Plants lacking ACD5 differed significantly from the wild type in their responses to B. cinerea , showing earlier and higher increases in ceramides, greater disease, smaller cell wall appositions (papillae), reduced callose deposition and apoplastic ROS , and increased mitochondrial ROS. Together, these data show that ceramide kinase greatly affects sphingolipid metabolism and the site of ROS accumulation during development and infection, which likely explains the developmental and infection-related cell death phenotypes. The acd5 plants also showed an early defect in restricting B. cinerea germination and growth, which occurred prior to the onset of cell death. This early defect in B. cinerea restriction in acd5 points to a role for ceramide phosphate and/or the balance of ceramides in mediating early antifungal responses that are independent of cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Deficits in axonal transport are thought to contribute to the pathology of many neurodegenerative diseases. Expressing the slow Wallerian degeneration protein (WldS) or related nicotinamide mononucleotide adenyltransferases (NmNATs) protects axons against damage from a broad range of insults, but the ability of these proteins to protect against inhibition of axonal transport has received little attention. We set out to determine whether these proteins can protect the axons of cultured hippocampal neurons from damage due to hydrogen peroxide or oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and, in particular, whether they can reduce the damage that these agents cause to the axonal transport machinery. Exposure to these insults inhibited the axonal transport of both mitochondria and of the vesicles that carry axonal membrane proteins; this inhibition occurred hours before the first signs of axonal degeneration. Expressing a cytoplasmically targeted version of NmNAT1 (cytNmNAT1) protected the axons against both insults. It also reduced the inhibition of transport when cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide and enhanced the recovery of transport following both insults. The protective effects of cytNmNAT1 depend on mitochondrial transport. When mitochondrial transport was inhibited, cytNmNAT1 was unable to protect axons against either insult. The protective effects of mitochondrially targeted NmNAT also were blocked by inhibiting mitochondrial transport. These results establish that NmNAT robustly protects the axonal transport system following exposure to OGD and reactive oxygen species and may offer similar protection in other disease models. Understanding how NmNAT protects the axonal transport system may lead to new strategies for neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Steel structures have long been recognized as excellent earthquake-resistant systems. However, this viewpoint wavered after the 1994 Northridge and 1995 Kobe earthquakes, when thousands of steel buildings experienced local or global damage making them difficult, if not impossible, to repair. To avoid the inconvenience and costs associated with such damage, significant research has been conducted on approaches that enhance structural resilience. This paper summarizes some of the recent technological advances in the field of seismic resilient steel structures, covering diverse aspects including emerging smart materials, novel members, and innovative design of structural systems. Challenges arising from the incorporation of these new design philosophies are also described and areas for further development are identified. Performance-based design approaches for seismic resilient steel structures are touched upon, and some practical applications that have emerged over the last decade are presented. Instead of giving an exhaustive compilation of all the relevant studies, this paper highlights the authors' unique reflections emphasizing current issues and future needs related to steel buildings. This paper should not only benefit professionals and researchers who have been working in this area for a long time, but it also enlightens a wider audience wishing to become acquainted with the state of the art related to this exciting topic. • Recent technological advances in seismic resilient steel structures are critically reviewed. • Emerging smart materials, members and structural systems are covered. • Challenges of new design philosophies are described with further research needs identified. • Performance-based design for seismic resilient steel structures is touched upon. • Practical applications that have emerged over the last decade are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An insightful perspective toward the design and fabrication of new phase segregated block copolymers–perovskite quantum dots composite through Lewis acid-base adduct for a wide range of wearable electronics application. [Display omitted] • Understanding of the thermodynamic contribution of nanoparticle additive. • Investigation of the Lewis acid-base block copolymer-bulk perovskite composite. • Effect of Lewis adduct and thermodynamic for perovskite quantum dots additive. • Versatile block copolymer-perovskite quantum dots self-assembled composite approach. • BCP-PQDs composite-based optoelectronic conceptualization and exploration. In-depth understanding of block copolymer (BCP) thermodynamics allows to obtain numerous self-assembled nanostructures and further extend the BCP capabilities to host additives. Therefore, different research groups have begun incorporating additives of versatile nature such as nanoparticles or electrolytes. Within BCP composite systems, additives alter the original BCP self-assembled structure in which host–guest interaction must be further investigated. Recently, perovskite revealed to be a promising optoelectronic material but its applications have been limited due to insufficient long-term stability. Polymeric Lewis base interaction with perovskite precursor has emerged as a strong approach to obtain highly stable perovskite. To address the potential application and versatility of perovskite materials, this review summarizes recent advances and highlights a new potentially sustainable approach to BCP encapsulation of perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) through Lewis acid-base interaction. The conceptual composite aims to drastically enhance perovskite stability through controlled chemical and thermodynamic interaction between the BCP and PQDs. This review highlights major key points to understand and address for the design and fabrication of original BCP-PQDs composite with remarkable versatility, stability and high performances in presented optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anhydromannose (anMan)-containing heparan sulfate (HS) derived from the proteoglycan glypican-1 is generated in endosomes by an endogenously or ascorbate-induced S-nitrosothiol-catalyzed reaction. Processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and APP-like protein 2 (APLP2) by β- and γ-secretases into amyloid β (Aβ) and Aβ-like peptides also takes place in these compartments. Moreover, anMan-containing HS suppresses the formation of toxic Aβ assemblies in vitro. We showed by using deconvolution immunofluorescence microscopy with an anMan-specific monoclonal antibody as well as 35S labeling experiments that expression of APP/APLP2 is required for ascorbate-induced transport of HS from endosomes to the nucleus. Nuclear translocation was observed in wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblasts (WT MEFs), Tg2576 MEFs, and N2a neuroblastoma cells but not in APP-/- and APLP2-/- MEFs. Transfection of APP-/- cells with a vector encoding APP restored nuclear import of anMan-containing HS. In WT MEFs and N2a neuroblastoma cells exposed to β- or γ-secretase inhibitors, nuclear translocation was greatly impeded, suggesting involvement of APP/APLP2 degradation products. In Tg2576 MEFs, the β-inhibitor blocked transport, but the β-inhibitor did not. During chase in ascorbate-free medium, anMan-containing HS disappeared from the nuclei of WT MEFs. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy showed that they appeared in acidic, LC3-positive vesicles in keeping with an autophagosomal location. There was increased accumulation of anMan-containing HS in nuclei and cytosolic vesicles upon treatment with chloroquine, indicating that HS was degraded in lysosomes. Manipulations of APP expression and processing may have deleterious effects upon HS function in the nucleus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Global Positioning System (GPS) was designed as a passive radio navigation system to provide positioning capability without the need for receiver clock synchronization to GPS time. In theory, a GPS receiver equipped with a high-quality receiver clock can provide better system performance. More importantly for integrity-driven navigation applications, the additional redundancy provided by a clock dynamic model can increase fault detection performance and availability for receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (RAIM). In the work presented here, a stochastic model is used to rigorously account for the time correlation of random errors in high-quality GPS receiver clocks. A batch estimator (BE) is then developed to use GPS measurements collected over time to estimate current user position. The BE incorporates the stochastic clock model to ensure that position errors are properly quantified and, therefore, that navigation integrity is ensured. The resulting improvement in positioning performance is demonstrated using covariance analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Perform numerical simulation of the temperature distribution in a MOCVD reactor. [•] Temperature comparison between the numerical simulation and experiment. [•] Reactor with the ceiling design and modified heat shield layout conserves heating energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neddylation promotes the process of ubiquitination, which plays a critical role in the degradation of numerous proteins, including cell cycle and apoptosis regulators. In our previous study, an increase in neddylation was identified in melanoma cell lines. In the present study, the upregulation of neddylation was detected in melanoma tissues which confirmed the results of our previous study on melanoma cell lines. To explore the mechanism by which the process of neddylation was increased, the enzymes that regulate the process were investigated. These neddylation-related regulatory enzymes are potential targets for melanoma therapy. Downregulation of UBA3, a subunit of the E1 enzyme, by RNA interference caused cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 in the M14 cell line. In addition, cyclin D expression declined, whereas p27, p21 and bax expression increased. These findings suggest that interfering with the neddylation pathway may decrease the proliferation of melanoma through the modulation of cell cycle regulators and apoptosis promoters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because vascular geometric change during the long-term process of cardiac chamber remodeling in heart failure is usually unpredictable after coronary stenting, the risk of acquired metallic stent fracture can persist. This rare but possible complication could be minimized with the implantation of bioresorbable vascular scaffold because of its unique properties. Here, the authors report on 1 patient with heart failure who received optical coherence tomography evaluation between 3 and 3.5 years after bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation. Measurement of the discernible struts of bioresorbable vascular scaffold provided evidence of coronary longitudinal remodeling without serious risk of complications related to metallic stent fracture resulting from cardiac remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the retraction of "Sulforaphane triggers iron overload-mediated ferroptosis in gastric carcinoma cells by activating the PI3K/IRP2/DMT1 pathway" due to errors in published figures, with the authors failing to provide suitable original images upon request.

Aggressive epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) frequently progress and become fatal, even when cytoreduction surgery plus platinum-based chemotherapy are performed. Thus, the early detection of high-risk subgroups is important in order to provide opportunities for better treatment outcomes, using alternative therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to explore the expression of circulating IGF system components and their relationship with treatment outcome in EOC. We included 228 patients with a median follow-up time of 44 months at two tertiary centers. There were 68 cancer deaths and 108 cases of cancer progression in the cohort. Preoperative serum levels of total IGF1, IGF2, IGF-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), and IGFBP3 were analyzed using an ELISA and were then converted into an IGF1:IGFBP3 molar ratio. The risks of mortality and progression were estimated using Cox regression models in univariate and multivariate analyses. Our results showed that high IGF1, IGF2, and IGFBP3 levels were significantly associated with an early cancer stage, non-serous histology, and optimal cytoreduction. High IGFBP2 levels were associated with an advanced stage and serous histology. Overall and progression-free survival durations were significantly better among patients with high IGF1 (PZ0.003 and PZ0.001), IGF2 (PZ0.003 and PZ0.02), or IGFBP3 levels (PZ0.02 and PZ0.008). In multivariate analysis, serum IGFBP2 levels were significantly associated with increased risk of mortality (hazard ratioZ1.84, 95% CI: 1.07-3.18, PZ0.03), indicating that IGFBP2 could be used as an early predictor of EOCrelated mortality. The combination of elevated IGFBP2 and reduced IGF1 levels at diagnosis could further facilitate the identification of a patient subgroup with the worst prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we used reactive sputteringto prepare large-area,homogeneous gold oxide (AuOx) films, whichwe then subjected to reduction processes under ambient conditionsat room temperature to obtain reduced AuOxfilms featuring embedded Au nanoparticles (NPs). We analyzed thesefilms in terms of both their material characteristics and opticalproperties. For the first time, we obtained the optical constantsof AuOxfilms directly deposited on glassand Si substrates. Moreover, we observed localized surface plasmonresonance (LSPR) phenomena from the visible to the near-infrared (NIR)during the formation of the Au NPs in the AuOxfilm. The plasmonic properties of the Au NPs embedded in theAuOxfilms were much different from thoseof chemically synthesized Au NPs. We found that the LSPR wavelengthof the Au NPs embedded in the AuOxfilmscould be tuned from 700 to 980 nm by varying the duration of the reductionprocess. Moreover, the reduced AuOxfilmscould be applied as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-activesubstrates. The minimum detection was achieved down to a concentrationof 10–10M (R6G) when using the reduced AuOxfilm-based substrate–a level comparablewith those of other kinds of SERS substrates prepared using more complicatedmethods. The rapid method proposed herein provides large-areas filmswith tunable resonance wavelengths for applications as SERS-activesubstrates in optical and chemical sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are nowadays promising candidates for seismic engineering applications because of their ability to undergo reversible deformations and to dissipate energy when subjected to cyclic loading. This paper presents an experimental study of the cyclic performance of extended end-plate connections connected using SMA bolts instead of normal high strength bolts in the connections. The basic concept is to concentrate the earthquake-induced deformation into the connection, such that a ‘superelastic’ hinge can be formed via the elongation of the SMA bolts. Eight full-scale tests were conducted including seven extended end-plate connections with SMA bolts and one conventional extended end-plate connection with normal high strength bolts. The SMA connection specimens were shown to have excellent recentring abilities and moderate energy dissipation capability with an equivalent viscous damping up to 17.5%. The stiffness and strength of these connections mainly fell into the semi-rigid and partial-strength categories, respectively. The ductility, which was governed by SMA bolt rupture, was found to be dependent on the net threaded-to-shank area ratio of the bolts, where a lower ratio led to earlier bolt fracture over the net threaded cross-section. On the other hand, the conventional extended end-plate connection with High Strength bolts was shown to have good energy dissipation capability and ductility but with considerable permanent deformation. To enable a further understanding of the SMA connections, preliminary numerical models were established and validated by the test results. Based on the results of the tests and the numerical investigations, preliminary design considerations for such connections are given. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigate theoretically the combination effect of an in-plane magnetic field and spin-orbit interactions (SOIs) on the spin and charge transport property of a quasi-one-dimensional quantum wire embedded in the (110) crystallographic plane. We find that the oscillations of the conductance induced by the SOIs become more significant and different for the spin-up and spin-down electrons in the presence of the in-plane magnetic field. The conductance exhibits a significant anisotropic behavior and electrons exhibit out-of-plane spin polarization which can be tuned by an in-plane magnetic field. These features offer us an efficient way to control SOI-induced spin transport using in-plane magnetic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective : The mortality of re-bleeding is high and patients surviving are usually in poor clinical condition and have a worse outcome than patients with single bleed. We performed an update systemic review and Meta-analysis to determine the most common risk factors for re-bleeding in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. Method: We reviewed all publications on the risk factors of the re-bleeding or rerupture of already bled intracranial aneurysms. This Meta analysis included studies published from the year 2000 until 2013. Pooled mean difference was calculated for the continuous variables (Age), and pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated for categorical factors. Heterogeneity was tested first. If it is significant (p<0.05), random effect model was applied, otherwise, fixed model was used. Software - Review manager was used to find pooled effects and perform significant test for each potential risk factor. Results : We identified 174 articles. Only 7 retrospective studies had met the inclusion criteria, with 2470 patients, 283 patients had aneurysmal re-bleeding. The weighted average rate of re-bleeding is 11.3% with 95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.1-12.6. Statistically significant risk factor for re-bleeding were sex (OR 1.46; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.92), high systolic blood pressure [SBP] (OR 2.52; 95% CI: 1.40, 4.53), aneurysm size (OR 3.00; 95% CI: 2.06- 4.37), clinical condition (Hunt & Hess) (OR 4.94; 95% CI: 2.29, 10.68), and Fisher Grade (OR 2.29; 95% CI: 1.45, 3.61). Conclusion: Sex, high SBP, high Fisher Grade, aneurysm size larger than 10 mm, and patients with poor clinical condition (Hunt & Hess) were independent risk factors for aneurysmal re-bleeding. The importance of early aneurysm intervention should be emphasized to eliminate the risk of re-bleeding and poor outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recent technology developments have demonstrated the benefit of using whole slide imaging (WSI) in computer-aided diagnosis. In this paper, we explore the feasibility of using automatic WSI analysis to assist grading of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is a manual task traditionally performed by pathologists. Materials and Methods: Automatic WSI analysis was applied to 39 hematoxylin and eosin-stained digitized slides of clear cell RCC with varying grades. Kernel regression was used to estimate the spatial distribution of nuclear size across the entire slides. The analysis results were correlated with Fuhrman nuclear grades determined by pathologists. Results: The spatial distribution of nuclear size provided a panoramic view of the tissue sections. The distribution images facilitated locating regions of interest, such as high-grade regions and areas with necrosis. The statistical analysis showed that the maximum nuclear size was significantly different (P < 0.001) between low-grade (Grades I and II) and high-grade tumors (Grades III and IV). The receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that the maximum nuclear size distinguished high-grade and low-grade tumors with a false positive rate of 0.2 and a true positive rate of 1.0. The area under the curve is 0.97. Conclusion: The automatic WSI analysis allows pathologists to see the spatial distribution of nuclei size inside the tumors. The maximum nuclear size can also be used to differentiate low-grade and high-grade clear cell RCC with good sensitivity and specificity. These data suggest that automatic WSI analysis may facilitate pathologic grading of renal tumors and reduce variability encountered with manual grading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whole slide imaging (WSI) offers a novel approach to digitize and review pathology slides, but the voluminous data generated by this technology demand new computational methods for image analysis. Materials and Methods: In this study, we report a method that recognizes stains in WSI data and uses kernel density estimator to calculate the stain density across the digitized pathology slides. The validation study was conducted using a rat model of acute cardiac allograft rejection and another rat model of heart ischemia/reperfusion injury. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was conducted to label ED1+ macrophages in the tissue sections and the stained slides were digitized by a whole slide scanner. The whole slide images were tessellated to enable parallel processing. Pixel-wise stain classification was conducted to classify the IHC stains from those of the background and the density distribution of the identified IHC stains was then calculated by the kernel density estimator. Results: The regression analysis showed a correlation coefficient of 0.8961 between the number of IHC stains counted by our stain recognition algorithm and that by the manual counting, suggesting that our stain recognition algorithm was in good agreement with the manual counting. The density distribution of the IHC stains showed a consistent pattern with those of the cellular magnetic resonance (MR) images that detected macrophages labeled by ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron-oxide or micron sized iron-oxide particles. Conclusions: Our method provides a new imaging modality to facilitate clinical diagnosis. It also provides a way to validate/correlate cellular MRI data used for tracking immune cell infiltration in cardiac transplant rejection and cardiac ischemic injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical carbon dioxide dyeing (SDD) as a dyeing media not only provides a friendly dyeing environment but also significantly increases polymeric dyeing performances ascribed to strong azo dye affinity. Disperse azo dyes have shown to be highly efficient dyeing agents due to their facile coupling synthesis, side chains position, and length tunability to optimize absorption properties. Herein, we first synthesize two series of disperse red azo dyes via a coupling chemical route. Further, we investigate the position of the electron withdrawing group and alkyl chains length impact onto the absorption and color fastness properties. Upon synthesis, 1H NMR and mass spectroscopy were used to characterize our newly synthesized series dye structure. Also, according to spectroscopic characterization, the functional group positions as well as the alkyl chains length have a major impact on the dye series maximum light absorption wavelength and performance. We have performed SDD dyeing of polyethylene terephthalate woven and determined each dye color fastness, we find that a reduced electron withdrawing effect and alkyl chains increase reduce color-fastness performances. Overall, our dyes exhibited a good resistance against detergent water, perspiration, abrasion, and friction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of urban and rural integrated development, many suburban villages and towns are still threatened by both urbanization and natural disasters. In order to explore the improvement strategies of flood control landscape integrating water ecology, water safety, water culture and water landscape, the Luozhou Ancient Town by the Wulong River in Fuzhou City was taken as an example, and the concept of pluralistic symbiosis from the perspective of aquaphilia and livability was proposed through field investigation, data monitoring, site analysis and planning, that is, while retaining the positive attributes of "boundary", its negative limitation of "pluralistic" space is broken, so as to establish a pluralistic and symbiotic environment with aquaphilia and livability. It can not only effectively alleviate the contradictions between urban and rural areas, between water and land, and between old and new cultures, but also activate the vitality of suburban villages and towns, providing a new idea for the improvement of flood control landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]