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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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Due to the refractory of 1 H-1,2,4-triazole (TZ), conventional anaerobic biological treatment technology is usually restricted by low removal efficiency and poor system stability. In this study, TZ biodegradation and nitrate reduction was coupled to improve the removal efficiency of TZ from polluted wastewater. Batch assay was performed with pure culture strain Raoultella sp. NJUST42, which was reported to have the capability to degrade TZ in our previous study. Based on batch assay result, complete removal of TZ could be achieved in the presence of nitrate, whereas only 50% of TZ could be removed in the control system. Long-term stability experiment indicated that the relative abundance of microorganisms (Bacteroidetes_vadinHA17 , Georgenia , Anaerolinea , etc) was obviously enhanced under nitrate reduction condition. During long-term period, major intermediates for TZ biodegradation such as [1,2,4]Triazolidine-3,5-diol, hydrazine dibasic carboxylic acid and carbamic acid were detected. A novel TZ biotransformation approach via hydration, TZ-ring cleavage, deamination and oxidation was speculated. PICRUSt1 and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that hydration (dch), oxidation (adhD , oah , pucG , fdhA) of TZ and nitrate reduction (Nar , napA , nrfA , nirBK , norB , nosZ) were significantly enhanced in the presence of nitrate. Moreover, the significant enrichment of TCA cycle (gab , sdh , fum , etc.) indicated that carbon and energy metabolism were facilitated with the addition of nitrate, thus improved TZ catabolism. The proposed mechanism demonstrated that TZ biodegradation coupled with nitrate reduction would be a promising approach for efficient treatment of wastewater contaminated by TZ. TZ is widely used in pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, and also is an important environmental pollution. Microbial metabolic mechanism is considered as an important indicator for removing contaminants from contaminated environment. However, information about metabolic mechanism involved in TZ biodegradation under nitrate reduction is still unclear. In this study, TZ hydration and oxidation and nitrate reduction were significantly enhanced, carbon and energy metabolism were significantly facilitated with the addition of nitrate, and thus improved TZ catabolism. The proposed mechanism demonstrated that TZ biodegradation coupled with nitrate reduction would be a promising approach for efficient treatment of wastewater contaminated by TZ. [Display omitted] • Complete biodegradation of TZ could be achieved under nitrate-reducing condition. • Simultaneous TZ biodegradation and nitrate reduction was technically feasible. • Hydration and oxidation of TZ were facilitated under nitrate reduction condition. • Functional genes involved in TZ biodegradation and nitrate reduction were elucidated. • Microbial metabolic mechanism dominating TZ biodegradation and nitrate reduction was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]