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Neuromorphic hardware has become hotspot in the field of brain-like computing due to its advantages. However, the presence of external noise imposes challenges with respect to maintaining normal function of neuromorphic hardware. Biological brains have self-adaptability to external noise, meaning that a brain-like hardware with bio-plausibility can be expected to improve robustness. The purpose of this paper is to implement a highly fitted brain-like hardware with anti-interference ability (AIA) while preserving bio-plausibility. We propose a method of implementing a small-world spiking neural network (SWSNN) with bio-plausibility based on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), in which the nodes are Izhikevich neuron modules, the edges are synaptic plasticity modules, and the topology is a small-world network. Then, the AIAs of the FPGA-based SNNs with different external noises are evaluated by two anti-interference indices. Further, taking a speech recognition task as the case study, the AIAs of these FPGA-based SNNs are verified in application. Finally, the AIA mechanism of the FPGA-based SNNs is discussed. Our results demonstrate that: (i) In the FPGA-based SWSNN, the FPGA-based Izhikevich neuron modules and the synaptic plasticity modules highly fit to the corresponding simulation results, and the topology conforms to the small-world property of human functional brain networks. (ii) Based on two anti-interference indices, the FPGA-based SWSNN outperforms the FPGA-based SNNs with other topologies, which is further verified by the speech recognition accuracy. (iii) Our discussions hint that the synaptic plasticity is intrinsic factor of the AIA, and the topology is a factor affecting the AIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Spinal anesthesia remains the preferred mode of anesthesia for preeclamptic patients during cesarean delivery. We investigated the incidence of maternal hypotension under spinal anesthesia during cesarean delivery, by comparing different prophylactic infusion rates of norepinephrine with normal saline. Methods: We randomly allocated 180 preeclamptic patients (45 in each groups) aged 18–45 scheduled for cesarean delivery to receive one of four prophylactic norepinephrine infusions at doses of 0 (normal saline group), 0.025 (0.025 group), 0.05 (0.05 group), or 0.075 (0.075 group) µg/kg/min following spinal anesthesia. The primary endpoint was the incidence of maternal hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 80% of baseline). Results: The incidence of maternal hypotension was reduced with different prophylactic infusion rates of norepinephrine (26.7%, 15.6%, and 6.7%) compared with normal saline (37.8%) with a significant decreasing trend (p = 0.002). As the infusion doses of norepinephrine increased, there is a significant decreasing trend in deviation of systolic blood pressure control (median performance error; median absolute performance error) from baseline (p < 0.001; p < 0.001) and need for rescue norepinephrine boluses (p = 0.020). The effective dose 50 and effective dose 90 of prophylactic norepinephrine infusion were − 0.018 (95% confidence interval − 0.074, 0.002) µg/kg/min and 0.065 (95% confidence interval 0.048, 0.108) µg/kg/min, respectively. Conclusions: Prophylactic infusion of norepinephrine, as compared to no preventive measures, can effectively reduce the incidence of maternal hypotension in preeclamptic patients under spinal anesthesia during cesarean delivery, without increasing other adverse events for either the mother or neonate. Registration: Clinical trials.gov identifier number NCT04556370. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adjustable ring mode laser beam welding (ARMLBW) has become a promising welding method due to its stable weld quality. In this study, the equation for the distribution of heat flux density of the ring beam was derived, and a combined volumetric heat source model for simulating ARMLBW was proposed. The evolution of the weld pool and keyhole during the welding of AZ31B magnesium alloy using ARMLBW and conventional single laser beam welding (SLBW) laser was compared and analyzed. The results showed that the maximum error in size between the simulated and experimental weld cross-sections did not exceed 10%. Compared to SLBW, the duration of "bubbles" in the weld pool decreased by at least 75% in ARMLBW. The oscillation amplitude of the weld pool and keyhole volume increased by 100%, and the oscillation period was also extended by at least 64%. This is consistent with the experimental reduction in the number of porosity defects (65%), validating the effectiveness of the simulation results. Reducing the oscillation frequency of the weld pool and keyhole, as well as increasing the oscillation amplitude, can result in high-quality welds with fewer porosity defects. Additionally, long and narrow keyholes are more prone to porosity defects in smaller weld pool. The impact of the flowing liquid metal in the weld pool on the keyhole surface is an important factor in the formation of "bubbles," not all of which ultimately become porosity defects. Generally, porosity defects are formed by "bubbles" that have not completely merged with the keyhole and "bubbles" that have not overflowed from the weld pool. The combined action of positive and negative pressure is more likely to cause the formation of porosity defects in smaller weld pool. The formation of humps and depressions on the inner surface of the keyhole is related to the static pressure of the weld pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Laparoscopic isolated caudate lobectomy is still a challenging operation for surgeons. The access route of the operation plays a vital role during laparoscopic caudate lobectomy. There are few references regarding this technique. Here, we introduce a preferred inferior vena cava (IVC) approach in laparoscopic caudate lobectomy. Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients with caudate hepatic tumours between June 2016 and December 2021 were included in this study. All of them received laparoscopic caudate lobectomy involving an IVC priority approach. The IVC priority approach refers to prioritizing the dissection of the IVC from the liver parenchyma before proceeding with the conventional left or right approach. It emphasizes the importance of the IVC dissection during process. Clinical data, intraoperative parameters and postoperative results were evaluated. Sixteen patients were performed pure IVC priority approach, while 5 patients underwent a combined approach. We subsequently compared the intraoperative and postoperative between the two groups. Results: All 21 patients were treated with laparoscopic technology. The operative time was 190.95 ± 92.65 min. The average estimated blood loss was 251.43 ± 247.45 ml, and four patients needed blood transfusions during the perioperative period. The average duration of hospital stay was 8.43 ± 2.64 (range from 6.0 to 16.0) days. Patients who underwent the pure inferior vena cava (IVC) approach required a shorter hepatic pedicle clamping time (26 vs. 55 min, respectively; P < 0.001) and operation time (150 vs. 380 min, respectively; P = 0.002) than those who underwent the combined approach. Hospitalization (7.0 vs. 9.0 days, respectively; P = 0.006) was shorter in the pure IVC group than in the combined group. Conclusions: Laparoscopic caudate lobectomy with an IVC priority approach is safe and feasible for patients with caudate hepatic tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Q-matrix, which specifies the relationship between items and attributes, is a crucial component of cognitive diagnostic models (CDMs). A precisely specified Q-matrix allows for valid cognitive diagnostic assessments. In practice, a Q-matrix is usually developed by domain experts, and noted as being subjective and potentially containing misspecifications which can decrease the classification accuracy of examinees. To overcome this, some promising validation methods have been proposed, such as the general discrimination index (GDI) method and the Hull method. In this article, we propose four new methods for Q-matrix validation based on random forest and feed-forward neural network techniques. Proportion of variance accounted for (PVAF) and coefficient of determination (i.e., the McFadden pseudo-R2) are used as input features for developing the machine learning models. Two simulation studies are carried out to examine the feasibility of the proposed methods. Finally, a sub-dataset of the PISA 2000 reading assessment is analyzed as illustration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the image quality and utility of virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) of dual-layer spectrum computed tomography (DLSCT) in assessing preoperative T-stage for early rectal adenocarcinoma (ERA). Methods: This retrospective study included 67 ERA patients (mean age 62 ± 11.1 years) who underwent DLSCT and MR examination. VMI 40–200 keV and poly energetic image (PEI) were reconstructed. The image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and tumor contrast of different energy levels were calculated and compared, respectively. Two radiologists independently assess the image quality of the VMIs and PEI using 5-point scales. The diagnostic accuracies of DLSCT and HR-MRI for ERA T-staging were evaluated and compared. Results: The maximum noise was observed at VMI 40 keV, and noise at VMI 40–200 keV in the arterial and venous phases showed no significant difference (all p > 0.05). The highest SNR and CNR were obtained at VMI 40 keV, significantly greater than other energy levels and PEI (all p < 0.05). Tumor contrast was more evident than PEI at 40–100 keV in the arterial phase and at 40 keV in the venous phase (all p < 0.05). When compared with PEI, VMI 40 keV yielded the highest scores for overall image quality, tumor visibility, and tumor margin delineation, especially in the venous phase (p < 0.05). The overall diagnostic accuracy of DLSCT and HR-MRI for T-stage was 65.67 and 71.64% and showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusions: VMI 40 keV improves image quality and accuracy in identifying lesions, providing better diagnostic information for ERA staging. Critical relevance statement: Low-keV VMI from DLSCT can improve tumor staging accuracy for early rectal carcinoma, helping guide surgical intervention decisions, and has shed new light on the potential breakthroughs of assessing preoperative T-stage in RC. Keypoints: • Compared with PEI, low-keV VIM derived from DLSCT, particularly at the 40 keV, significantly enhanced the objective and subjective image quality of ERA. • Using VMI 40 keV helped increase lesion detectability, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy for ERA. • Low-keV VMI from DLSCT has shed new light on the potential breakthroughs of assessing preoperative T-stage in RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is contentious, with no evidence in patients with AIS and large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). We conducted a cohort study to assess emergency STA-MCA outcomes in AIS-LVO and a meta-analysis to evaluate STA-MCA outcomes in early AIS treatment. From January 2018 to March 2021, we consecutively recruited newly diagnosed AIS-LVO patients, dividing them into STA-MCA and non-STA-MCA groups. To evaluate the neurological status and outcomes, we employed the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) during the acute phase and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) during the follow-up period. Additionally, we conducted a meta-analysis encompassing all available clinical studies to assess the impact of STA-MCA on patients with AIS. In the cohort study (56 patients), we observed more significant neurological improvement in the STA-MCA group at two weeks (p = 0.030). However, there was no difference in the clinical outcomes between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression identified the NIHSS at two weeks (OR: 0.840; 95% CI: 0.754–0.936, p = 0.002) as the most critical predictor of a good outcome. Our meta-analysis of seven studies indicated a 67% rate for achieving a good outcome (mRS < 3) at follow-up points (95% CI: 57%–77%, I2 = 44.1%). In summary, while the meta-analysis suggested the potential role of STA-MCA bypass in mild to moderate AIS, our single-center cohort study indicated that STA-MCA bypass does not seem to improve the prognosis of patients who suffer from AIS-LVO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) is a natural IL-18 inhibitor in vivo, which can effectively neutralize IL-18 and inhibit the inflammatory signaling pathway induced by IL-18, thus playing an anti-inflammatory role. Traditional production methods primarily rely on eukaryotic animal cell expression systems, which often entail complex processes, lower yields, and increase production costs. In this study, we present a novel approach for expressing IL-18BP fusion protein using the Escherichia coli (E. coli) system. The N-terminal segment of IL-18BP was fused with the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) tag, enabling soluble expression, while the C-terminal segment was fused with the human IgG1 Fc fragment to prolong its in vivo lifespan. Through screening, we obtained a high-expression engineering strain from a single colony and developed optimized protocols for fermentation and purification of the recombinant SUMO-IL-18BP-Fc protein. The SUMO tag was subsequently cleaved using SUMO protease, and the purified recombinant human IL-18BP-Fc (rhIL-18BP-Fc) exhibited a purity exceeding 90% with a yield of 1 g per liter of bacterial solution. The biological activities and underlying mechanisms of rhIL-18BP-Fc were evaluated using cell lines and a mouse model. Our results demonstrated that rhIL-18BP-Fc effectively inhibited IL-18-stimulated IFN-γ production in KG-1a cells in vitro and ameliorated DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice. In conclusion, we successfully employed the SUMO fusion system to achieve high-level production, soluble expression, and prolonged activity of rhIL-18BP-Fc in E. coli. These findings lay the groundwork for future large-scale industrial production and pharmaceutical development of rhIL-18BP-Fc protein. Key points: • Effective expression, fermentation, and purification of bioactive rhIL-18BP-Fc protein in E. coli. • The rhIL-18BP-Fc protein has a great potential for the therapy of ulcerative colitis by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimation and control problems with binary-valued observations exist widely in practical systems. However, most of the related works are devoted to finite impulse response (FIR for short) systems, and the theoretical problem of infinite impulse response (IIR for short) systems has been less explored. To study the estimation problems of IIR systems with binary-valued observations, the authors introduce a projected recursive estimation algorithm and analyse its global convergence properties, by using the stochastic Lyapunov function methods and the limit theory on double array martingales. It is shown that the estimation algorithm has similar convergence results as those for FIR systems under a weakest possible non-persistent excitation condition. Moreover, the upper bound for the accumulated regret of adaptive prediction is also established without resorting to any excitation condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been widely used in determining molecular profiling of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, low-quality sequencing data may be generated with formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples that have passed pre-sequencing quality control (QC). Therefore, quality evaluation of sequencing data is also critical for accurate tissue genotyping. Herein, we aimed to developed a grading QC algorithm, and provide a recommendation to refine and optimize NGS-based molecular diagnostic strategies. Methods: We interrogated 1260 NSCLC samples using hybrid capture-based targeted DNA NGS, and quantified the sequencing data as high, medium and low quality, according to a grading QC algorithm. Then, we explored the relationship between sequencing quality and sample characteristics, and compared the concordance rates of results between NGS and conventional molecular tests for FFPE samples with variable characteristics. Results: We found that high-quality data were associated with samples with shorter storage time and lower DNA degradation in resection samples, and were associated with intra-hospital samples, adequate DNA quantity, and lower DNA degradation in biopsy samples. Moreover, accurate NGS results can be achieved in samples with high-quality data, but not samples with medium-quality data, especially for rearrangements detection. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the real-world clinical adoption of an effective QC strategy for NGS is necessary to ensure accurate results from FFPE samples of NSCLC with variable characteristics. Validation of actionable alterations by additional methods is highly recommended in cases with low QC score, particularly for the detection of rearrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a life-threatening and severe complication in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The prevalence of NPE varies significantly across studies due to differences in case definitions, study populations, and methodologies. Therefore, a precise estimation of the prevalence and risk factors related to NPE in patients with spontaneous SAH is important for clinical decision-makers, policy providers, and researchers. We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases from their inception to January 2023. Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 3,429 SAH patients. The pooled global prevalence of NPE was estimated to be 13%. Out of the eight studies (n = 1095, 56%) that reported the number of in-hospital mortalities of NPE among patients with SAH, the pooled proportion of in-hospital deaths was 47%. Risk factors associated with NPE after spontaneous SAH included female gender, WFNS class, APACHE II score ≥ 20, IL-6 > 40 pg/mL, Hunt and Hess grade ≥ 3, elevated troponin I, elevated white blood cell count, and electrocardiographic abnormalities. Multiple studies showed a strong positive correlation between the WFNS class and NPE. In conclusion, NPE has a moderate prevalence but a high in-hospital mortality rate in patients with SAH. We identified multiple risk factors that can help identify high-risk groups of NPE in individuals with SAH. Early prediction of the onset of NPE is crucial for timely prevention and early intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat reflow in the fan rotation center of a forced convection cooling system has a great influence on heat dissipation. In this research, a calculation model of the external flow field of an engine compartment's cooling module was established. Computational fluid dynamics method was used to calculate and analyze the heat flow characteristics of the existing radiator. By comparing the calculations with the experimental results, the regions and the reasons for the heat reflow were found. The existing heat dissipation scheme was recalculated by using the secondary heat dissipation model, and an optimized and improved scheme was proposed to introduce a deflector cone structure to eliminate heat reflow. This structure was connected to the fan hood by four blades. The front end of the structure acted as a diversion for the conical structure, and the back end was a hollow cylinder structure, making it easier for the fluid to transition to the conical structure. Both ends and the distance between the vertebrae were set to range from 2–5 mm. The research results showed that the secondary heat dissipation model could more accurately describe the heat reflow problem of the engine compartment, the heat flow organization of the improved structure was more reasonable, and the temperature distribution was more uniform. Moreover, the theoretical heat dissipation effect of the improved structure was more than 10 % higher than that of the existing structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protection of free-electron sources has been technically challenging due to lack of materials that transmit electrons while preventing corrosive gas molecules. Two-dimensional materials uniquely possess both of required properties. Here, we report three orders of magnitude increase in active pressure and factor of two enhancement in the lifetime of high quantum efficiency (QE) bialkali photocathodes (cesium potassium antimonide (CsK2Sb)) by encapsulating them in graphene and thin nickel (Ni) film. The photoelectrons were extracted through the graphene protection layer in a reflection mode, and we achieved QE of ~ 0.17% at ~ 3.4 eV, 1/e lifetime of 188 h with average current of 8.6 nA under continuous illumination, and no decrease of QE at the pressure of as high as ~ 1 × 10–3 Pa. In comparison, the QE decreased drastically at 10–6 Pa for bare, non-protected CsK2Sb photocathodes and their 1/e lifetime under continuous illumination was ~ 48 h. We attributed the improvements to the gas impermeability and photoelectron transparency of graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion involves multiple pathological processes and ferroptosis played a crucial role in the disease progression. Nevertheless, whether Vitexin could ameliorate ischemia/reperfusion injury via meditate the ferroptosis still remains unknown. In this study, we established the oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) neuron cell and middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) rat model. The cell viability, cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were tested by CCK-8 assay and Flow cytometry, respectively. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, TTC, TEM, immunofluorescence analysis and western blot were used to investigate the effects of Vitexin. The results demonstrated that Vitexin could enhanced the cell viability and decreased the cell apoptosis in OGD/R cell model. Meanwhile, incubation with Vitexin maintained the neuroprotective effects in OGD/R induced generation of lipid ROS and neuronal cell ferroptosis via regulated the expressions of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 relative protein levels. Moreover, treatment with Vitexin reversed brain infracted volume, the normal histopathology and mitochondrial function in MCAO/R rat model. Vitexin significantly decreased the Nrf2 transfer ration from nuclear to cytosol and regulated the expression of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling both in vitro and in vivo. Nevertheless, the protective effects of Vitexin were blocked with the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. Vitexin could protect the neuron cell and brain related with the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Vitexin was a useful candidate for stroke therapy and our research may provide an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protection of free-electron sources has been technically challenging due to lack of materials that transmit electrons while preventing corrosive gas molecules. Two-dimensional materials uniquely possess both of required properties. Here, we report three orders of magnitude increase in active pressure and factor of two enhancement in the lifetime of high quantum efficiency (QE) bialkali photocathodes (cesium potassium antimonide (CsK2Sb)) by encapsulating them in graphene and thin nickel (Ni) film. The photoelectrons were extracted through the graphene protection layer in a reflection mode, and we achieved QE of ~ 0.17% at ~ 3.4 eV, 1/e lifetime of 188 h with average current of 8.6 nA under continuous illumination, and no decrease of QE at the pressure of as high as ~ 1 × 10–3 Pa. In comparison, the QE decreased drastically at 10–6 Pa for bare, non-protected CsK2Sb photocathodes and their 1/e lifetime under continuous illumination was ~ 48 h. We attributed the improvements to the gas impermeability and photoelectron transparency of graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capillary-driven flow is an essential portion of liquid behavior under microgravity. Capillary-driven flows in eccentric annuli under microgravity are deeply analyzed in this paper. A second-order differential equation for the climbing height of liquid is derived. It can be solved with the Runge–Kutta method with appropriate initial conditions. The influences of the dynamic angle, the friction force on the annulus wall and the liquid meniscus in the reservoir on liquid behaviors are all considered in this paper. Moreover, effects of eccentricity on flow resistance and flow speed are discussed. This study has been verified by numerical simulation with the volume of fluid method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider how to solve a class of non-Lipschitz mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) where the objective function involves a non-Lipschitz sparsity-inducing function and other functions are smooth. Solving the non-Lipschitz MPEC is highly challenging since the standard constraint qualifications fail due to the existence of equilibrium constraints and the subdifferential of the objective function is unbounded due to the existence of the non-Lipschitz function. On the one hand, for tackling the non-Lipschitzness of the objective function, we introduce a novel class of locally Lipschitz approximation functions that consolidate and unify a diverse range of existing smoothing techniques for the non-Lipschitz function. On the other hand, we use the Kanzow and Schwartz regularization scheme to approximate the equilibrium constraints since this regularization can preserve certain perpendicular structure as in equilibrium constraints, which can induce better convergence results. Then an approximation method is proposed for solving the non-Lipschitz MPEC and its convergence is established under weak conditions. In contrast with existing results, the proposed method can converge to a better stationary point under weaker qualification conditions. Finally, a computational study on the sparse solutions of linear complementarity problems is presented. The numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic performances and mechanism differences of model catalysts Cu–SSZ-13 and Fe–SSZ-13 with similar metal content and Si/Al ratio were compared. In the NH3-SCR reaction, Cu–SSZ-13 had a good NO conversion at low temperature, broad active temperature windows and better hydrothermal stability. Fe–SSZ-13 showed better high-temperature NO conversion rate and better resistance to sulfur poisoning, but poorer low-temperature NH3-SCR activity. NH3-TPD verified the content difference of L-NH3 and B-NH3 of Cu- and Fe–SSZ-13. UV–Vis DRS, EPR, H2-TPR indicated the active species of Cu- and Fe–SSZ-13. Results showed that Cu–SSZ-13 only had one type active species of Cu2+, Fe–SSZ-13 had Fe3+ species that acted as active centers at low temperature and reactivity oligomeric Fe species at high temperature. The diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transform spectrum (DRIFTS) results showed that the reactions of Cu–SSZ-13 and Fe–SSZ-13 at low temperature both followed the Eley–Rideal (E–R) mechanism and the Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) mechanism. Cu–SSZ-13 could perform the catalytic process well under both mechanisms, but when Fe–SSZ-13 followed the E–R mechanism, there were many B-NH3 species, which was not conducive to the reaction. When following the L–H mechanism, the speed of NO3− participating in the reaction was slow due to ammonia inhibition, resulting in poor low-temperature activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial working memory (SWM) refers to a short-term system for temporary manipulation of spatial information and requires the cooperation of multiple brain regions. Despite evidence that the hippocampus (HPC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) are involved in SWM, how the PFC and HPC interact during SWM remains puzzling. In this study, local field potentials (LFPs) were recorded simultaneously from rat ventral HPC and medial PFC during SWM tasks firstly. A cross-frequency coupling algorithm was used to test for functional connectivity in the PFC and HPC. Granger causality (GC) algorithm was used to test for effective connectivity in the PFC and HPC. Finally, concurrent interactions across two brain regions were analyzed based on functional connectivity and effective connectivity. Experimental results show that the LFPs power in the PFC and HPC decreased during the learning period and peaked before the rats' behavioral selection during SWM. Moreover, the LFPs power mainly distributed in theta and gamma that are related to SWM. In relation to the functional connectivity, the effect of activity transmission during SWM in the PFC and HPC is the same; the phase–amplitude coupling (PAC) between gamma in the PFC and theta in the HPC is correlated with the formation of SWM and supports concurrent interactions between the PFC and HPC. In relation to the effective connectivity, the directed activity transmission in the HPC is greater than that in the PFC during SWM, indicating flow of activity from the HPC to the PFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the arrival time data and waveform cross-correlation data recorded by permanent seismic stations and the third phase ChinArray temporary seismic stations in the Tangshan area from January 2010 to July 2020, the high-resolution three-dimensional seismicity and velocity structure of the 2020 Ms 5.1 Tangshan earthquake are inversed by double-difference seismic tomography (tomoDD). The relocation of the earthquake sequence is more concentrated with a more linear distribution. In the east of the Tangshan-Guye fault zone, there is a dense zone of NNE trending small earthquakes with high dip angles. They are deeper than those in the Tangshan-Guye fault, and their distribution coincides with the Xujialou bedrock fault. The results of the P- and S-wave velocity in the study area show strong lateral heterogeneity, and the abnormal change of velocity is related to the main faults in the area. The seismogenic location of the Ms 5.1 Tangshan earthquake is at the junction of high and low velocity of the P wave and S wave, which is located above the low-velocity body. The low-velocity anomaly may be related to the existence of fluid. The fluid in the lower crust is easy to cause the weakening of the seismogenic layer in the middle and upper crust, which makes the seismogenic fault easy to rupture, resulting in large earthquakes. Based on the results of velocity structure in the study area, the relationship between the Ms 5.1 Tangshan earthquake sequence and the distribution characteristics of moderate earthquakes in the Tangshan area in recent years is analyzed. It is considered that the unique velocity structure and fault distribution in the Tangshan area play an important role in the generation of moderate earthquakes, as well as serve as the fundamental control on the sequence of aftershock propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological and vascular characteristics of the optic nerve head (ONH) of normal guinea pigs have not been fully recognized. Therefore, we aimed to investigate them using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). We measured the refractive error, axial length, and intraocular pressure (IOP) and performed OCT and OCTA of the ONH of 3- and 4-week-old tricolour guinea pigs. A total of 208 right eyes from 208 normal guinea pigs were examined. The refractive error (both myopic and hyperopic) of the 3-week group was significantly higher than that of the 4-week group (p < 0.001), the IOP of the 3-week group was significantly lower than that of the 4-week group (p = 0.014), and the circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (cpRNFL) of the 3-week group was significantly thicker than that of the 4-week group (p = 0.048). There were no significant differences in the average vessel area, vascular density, total number of junctions, total vessel length, total number of endpoints, and vascular diameter between the two groups. However, an age-adjusted linear regression analysis revealed that the total vessel length was positively associated with the cpRNFL thickness (p = 0.024) and negatively associated with IOP (p = 0.016). This is the first report on morphological and vascular characteristics of the ONH in normal guinea pigs based on in vivo OCT and OCTA imaging and quantification of ONH parameters. These results may contribute to further research on myopia using guinea pig models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial destructive disassembly (PDD) is essential for end-of-life products to improve their automatic disassembly efficiency and reduce disassembly cost. A feasibility evaluation of the PDD is the key step to evaluate whether the PDD can be implemented. However, it has not been studied previously to our knowledge. To deal with this problem, a multi-granularity feasibility evaluation method is proposed. A multi-granularity feasibility evaluation model of the PDD was constructed based on the complex product's hierarchical structure, which not only described the evaluation indices from the product level to the component level but also presented methods and rules to quantify them. Thus, disassembly entropy was introduced into the target group's coarse granularity evaluation. The feasibility of the fine-grained index of the PDD for the component layer was constructed based on the product's failure characteristic. The fine-grained index was calculated by the fuzzy trigonometric function, and its weighting was obtained based on the structure entropy weight method. Thus, the results of the evaluation were used as feedback to guide the PDD process. Finally, a Passat engine case study illustrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using detection markers in serum has the advantages of simplicity, repeatability and the capability. This study combined the use of serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100B protein (S100B) with imaging tools to confirm the role of serum biomarkers in evaluating the cerebral vessel reactivity after carotid artery stenting (CAS). After CAS, the serum concentrations of GFAP and S100B increased to the peak at 24 h after operation, and then gradually decreased. The mean flow velocity (MFV) (pre-operation, post-operation, 30 days follow-up: 47.65 ± 17.24 cm/s, 62.37 ± 18.25 cm/s, 70.29 ± 16.89 cm/s; P < 0.05) and pulsatility index (PI) (pre-operation, post-operation, 30 days follow-up: 0.78 ± 0.21, 0.98 ± 0.19, 1.02 ± 0.20; P < 0.05) increased significantly in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery after CAS. At the 30-day follow-up, the cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) (post-operation, 30 days follow-up: 27.47 ± 12.13 cm/s, 31.92 ± 10.94 cm/s; P < 0.05) improved significantly. In patients with different degrees of stenosis, the more severe the stenosis in the carotid artery, the more obvious the improvement of CVR at the 30 days of follow-up (CVR changes: 11.08 ± 7.95 cm/s, Kendall's tau-b = 0.645, P < 0.001). And the serum concentrations of GFAP (r = − 0.629, P < 0.0001) and S100B (r = − 0.604, P < 0.0001) correlated negatively with CVR at 30 days after CAS. Therefore, we recommend using the biomarkers GFAP and S100B associated with imaging tools such as transcranial Doppler (TCD) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the cerebral vessel reactivity following CAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to evaluate the seismic performance of concrete filled double-skin steel tubular (CFDST) frame structures. An experimental investigation on internal joints to CFDST columns was conducted to assess their seismic behavior, in which non-welding connection method was employed to avoid possible premature welding fracture. Experimental results declared that this type of joint behaved in a semi-rigid manner. Numerical models were then established to simulate the seismic performance of the joints. The moment–rotation relationship and shear behavior of panel zone were both accounted according to the component method and strut model, respectively. Subsequently, a CFDST moment resisting frame with non-welding connections (NWF) was numerically analyzed to detect its seismic response under design-based and maximum considered earthquakes. The numerical results confirmed that the NWF could lower the seismic response in terms of base shear force and joint moment compared with namely rigid frame (NRF). It also verified that the maximum story drift ratios of the NWF were higher than those of the NWF. Increment dynamic analyses (IDA) were also performed to evaluate the collapse behavior. Furthermore, a detailed discussion was conducted to analyze the influence of joint stiffness on global behavior of the NWF. The analytical results verified that this type of NWF had satisfied seismic behavior and excellent anti-collapse performance. More importantly, the NWF could conveniently adjust the stiffness of each story by varying the stiffness of the non-welding connection to decrease the story drift and to achieve a uniform story drift distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fungal polysaccharides belong to a very important class of biological macromolecules in nature, and have complex monosaccharide composition and structure. These studies on structure and biological activity of fungal polysaccharides have become one of the research hotspots of scholars at home and abroad. Results: This study was performed in order to understand the structural characteristics and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Lenzites betulina (LBPs). The LBPs were deproteinized using sevag method, and further purified by DEAE cellulose-52 column and Sephadex G-100 column chromatographies, then the two refined polysaccharides were obtained and named LBPs-5 and LBPs-6. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) showed that LBPs-5 and LBPs-6 are typical β-pyranose with characteristic peaks of polysaccharides. The molecular weight of the two water-soluble polysaccharides were estimated to be 3.235 × 103 Da and 6.196 × 103 Da by HPGPC, respectively. HPLC with PMP derivatization analysis indicated that the monosaccharide compositions of LBPs-5 were mannose, glucuronic acid, glucose, and galactose in a molar ratio of 0.05:0.15:0.76:0.04. The monosaccharide compositions of LBPs-6 were mannose, glucuronic acid, and glucose, in a molar ratio of 0.04:0.17:0.79. Furthermore, the two water-soluble polysaccharides demonstrated strong scavenging effects on DPPH·, ABTS·+, ·OH and weak total reducing power, especially LBPs-6 was significantly stronger in scavenging rate than that of LBPs-5. Conclusions: The outcome of the study indicated that LBPs had good potential as medicine and food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48461-2.Correction to: Scientific Reportshttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48461-2, published online 02 January 2024In the original version of this Article, the author Ziqi Guo was incorrectly listed as a corresponding author.The original Article has been corrected.By Lei Guo; Jun Tao; Ziqi Guo; Yang Tong; Shichao Chen; Xin Zhao and Rui HuaReported by Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

We consider a class of mathematical programs with complementarity constraints (MPCC) where the objective function involves a non-Lipschitz sparsity-inducing term. Due to the existence of the non-Lipschitz term, existing constraint qualifications for locally Lipschitz MPCC cannot ensure that necessary optimality conditions hold at a local minimizer. In this paper, we present necessary optimality conditions and MPCC-tailored qualifications for the non-Lipschitz MPCC. The proposed qualifications are related to the constraints and the non-Lipschitz term, which ensure that local minimizers satisfy these necessary optimality conditions. Moreover, we present an approximation method for solving the non-Lipschitz MPCC and establish its convergence. Finally, we use numerical examples of sparse solutions of linear complementarity problems and the second-best road pricing problem in transportation science to illustrate the effectiveness of our approximation method for solving the non-Lipschitz MPCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing wireless signals for gesture recognition and human identification is an emerging type of technology for touchless user interface, which allows the computer to automatically identify the user and interpret his/her gestures as commands. Such techniques extract features to profile the fluctuation of time series wireless signals to infer human gestures/identities. Among which, device-free approach becomes more attractive because it does not need human to carry or wear sensing devices. Existing device-free solutions, though yielding good performance, require heavy crafting on data preprocessing and feature extraction. In this paper, we propose RFnet, a multi-branch 1D-CNN based framework, that explores the possibility of directly utilizing time series RFID signal to recognize static/dynamic gestures as well as the identity of users, which can benefit a large number of applications such as smart homes where security is also a prior concern. We conduct extensive experiments in three different environments. The results demonstrate the superior effectiveness of the proposed RFnet framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic infusion of norepinephrine (NE) versus normal saline in patients undergoing cesarean section. Methods: Patients (n = 97) were randomized to receive a bolus of NE (6 μg) immediately following spinal anesthesia with maintenance NE (0.05 μg/kg/min IV) or normal saline (n = 98). The primary endpoint was the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension [systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 80% of baseline] at 1–20 min following spinal anesthesia. Secondary outcomes were the overall stability of SBP control versus baseline, inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVC-CI), other adverse events (bradycardia, nausea, vomiting, and hypertension), and neonatal outcomes (blood gas values and Apgar scores). Results: The rates of postspinal anesthesia hypotension and severe postspinal anesthesia hypotension (SBP < 60% of the baseline) were significantly lower in the NE group (17.5% vs. 62.2%, p < 0.001; 7.2% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.031). In the NE group, SBP remained more stable and closer to baseline (p < 0.001), and IVC-CI values were lower 5 min after spinal anesthesia and 5 min after fetal delivery (p = 0.045; p < 0.001, respectively). Other adverse effects and neonatal outcomes were not different between the two groups. Conclusion: Prophylactic NE infusion effectively lowers the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension and does not increase other adverse events in patients or neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular concrete filled double skin steel tubular (CFDST) has broader application aspects in engineering practice due to its superior confinement and elegant architectural appearance compared with square CFDST. However, there is still lack of an effective and reliable assembled method to connect the circular CFDST column to the beam. This paper focused on the theoretical and structural behavior on the assembled joint between circular CFDST column and composite beam. A sophisticated theoretical model was proposed to evaluate the initial rotational stiffness and moment capacity of the assembled joint. This theoretical model firstly accounted for the curved end plate in bending considering the clamping forces of blind bolts. Furthermore, a simplified arch model was developed to assess the circular steel tube in compression and the stiffness coefficients related to the circular CFDST column determined by the load transfer mechanism were also involved in the theoretical model. Subsequently, an experimental investigation on such kind of joint was conducted as a basis to verify the developed numerical model, indicating the numerical model could well replicate the typical failure modes and hysteresis curves. Parametric analyses based on the validated numerical model were performed to identify the effects of various parameters on the typical assembled joint. The theoretical model was verified to be capable of predicting the initial stiffness and moment capacity of assembled composite joint to circular CFDST column by comparing with the numerically observed results. The theoretical and analytical results performed in this paper would be beneficial for the application of the assembled beam to column joint in CFDST structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An N2-fixing bacterium, Ensifer meliloti CGMCC 7333, has been reported to degrade the cyano-containing neonicotinoid insecticides acetamiprid and thiacloprid using a nitrile hydratase (NHase). Here, the bioconversion of indole-3-acetonitrile (IAN) by E. meliloti, Escherichia coli overexpressing the NHase, and purified recombinant NHase was studied. E. meliloti converted IAN to the product indole-3-acetamide (IAM), and no nitrilase or amidase activities, or indole-3-acetic acid formation, were detected. Whole cells of E. meliloti converted IAN from the initial content of 6.41 to 0.06 mmol/L in 48 h. Meanwhile, forming 5.99 mmol/L IAM, the molar conversion of 94.4%. E. coli Rosetta overexpressing the NHase from E. meliloti produced 4.46 mmol/L IAM in 5 min, with a conversion rate of 91.1%. The purified NHase had a Vmax for IAN conversion of 294.28 U/mg. Adding 2% and 10% (v/v) dichloromethane to 50 mmol/L sodium phosphate buffer containing 200 mg/L IAN increased the NHase activity by 26.8% and 11.5% respectively, while the addition of 20% hexane had no inhibitory effect on IAN bioconversion. E. meliloti shows high NHase activity without forming a byproduct carboxylic acid, and its tolerance of dichloromethane and hexane increases its potential for application in the green biosynthesis of high-value amide compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questin has favorable applications. Fractional factorial design, Box–Behnken design, and response surface methodology were adopted to optimize the fermentation conditions of the marine-derived fungus, Aspergillus flavipes HN4-13, thereby enhancing questin production. Optimal fermentation conditions in a 500-mL conical flask with 200 mL of medium were 4% soluble starch, 0.9% beef extract, 4% NaCl, 0.05% Na2HPO4, pH 6, 2% inoculum size, and shaking at 28 ℃ and 160 rpm/min for 7 days. The production of questin can achieve 64.93 ± 4.55 mg/L, with no significant difference from the predicted value (66.27 mg/L). Thus, this optimized process of questin production is feasible. Such production is 17-fold higher than that of the basal Sabouraud's dextrose medium. Results indicate the potential of A. flavipes HN4-13 in the large-scale production of questin through fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an effective way to help users find attractive locations and meet their individual needs, point-of-interest (POI) recommendation has become an important application in location-based social networks (LBSNs). Although the geographical influence has been reported as an effective factor for improving POI recommendation accuracy, previous work mainly models it from the user perspective instead of location perspective. Intuitively, neighboring POIs tend to be visited by similar users, which implies that modeling geographical relationships from a location perspective can simulate users' behavior more reasonably. Moreover, different from traditional recommendation problems, users in LBSNs often express their interests only by checking in different POIs, which is a kind of implicit feedback. In other words, we can easily get the POIs that the users have visited, but it is hard to get the ones that the users do not like. We cannot use a common approach to distinguish these negative values directly. Based on the above observations, this work concentrates on exploiting the geographical relationships among POIs from a location perspective for implicit problem, where a location neighborhood-aware weighted probabilistic matrix factorization is proposed (L-WMF). To be specific, the weighted probabilistic matrix factorization (WMF) that can deal with implicit feedback is first introduced as our basic POI recommendation method. Then, we incorporate the geographical relationships among POIs into the WMF as the regularization terms to exploit the geographical characteristics from a location perspective. Finally, we conduct several experiments to evaluate our L-WMF method on two real-world datasets, and the experimental results indicate that the L-WMF is more effective and can reach better performance than other related methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Colloid and/or co-load may be more effective than crystalloid for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension. We tested five different prophylactic norepinephrine dosages combined with colloid co-load infusion in patients receiving cesarean section and spinal anesthesia.Patients were randomly allocated to receive different prophylactic norepinephrine dosages (0 [NE 0 group], 0.025 [NE 25 group], 0.05 [NE 50 group], 0.075 [NE 75 group], or 0.1 [NE 100 group] µg/kg/min) combined with 500 mL 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) immediately following spinal anesthesia (n = 35 per group). The primary endpoint was the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 80% of baseline). Secondary endpoints included severe hypotension, bradycardia, nausea or vomiting, hypertension, SBP stability control versus baseline, the 50% (effective dose, ED50) and 90% (ED90) dose effective for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension, Apgar scores, and umbilical cord blood gases.The incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension was 48.6%, 31.3%, 17.1%, 14.3%, and 5.7% in the respective groups. As the prophylactic norepinephrine dosage increased, the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension declined (p < 0.001), and SBP remained stable relative to baseline (median performance error [MDPE], p < 0.001; median absolute performance error [MDAPE], p = 0.001). The ED50 and ED90 values were -0.006 (95% CI -0.046—0.013) and 0.081 (95% CI 0.063—0.119) µg/kg/min. Other endpoints were comparable across the groups.An initial prophylactic norepinephrine dosage of 0.05 µg/kg/min combined with 500 mL 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) co-load infusion was optimal for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension during cesarean section.NCT05133817, registration date: 12 Nov, 2021.Methods: Colloid and/or co-load may be more effective than crystalloid for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension. We tested five different prophylactic norepinephrine dosages combined with colloid co-load infusion in patients receiving cesarean section and spinal anesthesia.Patients were randomly allocated to receive different prophylactic norepinephrine dosages (0 [NE 0 group], 0.025 [NE 25 group], 0.05 [NE 50 group], 0.075 [NE 75 group], or 0.1 [NE 100 group] µg/kg/min) combined with 500 mL 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) immediately following spinal anesthesia (n = 35 per group). The primary endpoint was the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 80% of baseline). Secondary endpoints included severe hypotension, bradycardia, nausea or vomiting, hypertension, SBP stability control versus baseline, the 50% (effective dose, ED50) and 90% (ED90) dose effective for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension, Apgar scores, and umbilical cord blood gases.The incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension was 48.6%, 31.3%, 17.1%, 14.3%, and 5.7% in the respective groups. As the prophylactic norepinephrine dosage increased, the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension declined (p < 0.001), and SBP remained stable relative to baseline (median performance error [MDPE], p < 0.001; median absolute performance error [MDAPE], p = 0.001). The ED50 and ED90 values were -0.006 (95% CI -0.046—0.013) and 0.081 (95% CI 0.063—0.119) µg/kg/min. Other endpoints were comparable across the groups.An initial prophylactic norepinephrine dosage of 0.05 µg/kg/min combined with 500 mL 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) co-load infusion was optimal for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension during cesarean section.NCT05133817, registration date: 12 Nov, 2021.Results: Colloid and/or co-load may be more effective than crystalloid for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension. We tested five different prophylactic norepinephrine dosages combined with colloid co-load infusion in patients receiving cesarean section and spinal anesthesia.Patients were randomly allocated to receive different prophylactic norepinephrine dosages (0 [NE 0 group], 0.025 [NE 25 group], 0.05 [NE 50 group], 0.075 [NE 75 group], or 0.1 [NE 100 group] µg/kg/min) combined with 500 mL 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) immediately following spinal anesthesia (n = 35 per group). The primary endpoint was the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 80% of baseline). Secondary endpoints included severe hypotension, bradycardia, nausea or vomiting, hypertension, SBP stability control versus baseline, the 50% (effective dose, ED50) and 90% (ED90) dose effective for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension, Apgar scores, and umbilical cord blood gases.The incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension was 48.6%, 31.3%, 17.1%, 14.3%, and 5.7% in the respective groups. As the prophylactic norepinephrine dosage increased, the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension declined (p < 0.001), and SBP remained stable relative to baseline (median performance error [MDPE], p < 0.001; median absolute performance error [MDAPE], p = 0.001). The ED50 and ED90 values were -0.006 (95% CI -0.046—0.013) and 0.081 (95% CI 0.063—0.119) µg/kg/min. Other endpoints were comparable across the groups.An initial prophylactic norepinephrine dosage of 0.05 µg/kg/min combined with 500 mL 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) co-load infusion was optimal for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension during cesarean section.NCT05133817, registration date: 12 Nov, 2021.Conclusion: Colloid and/or co-load may be more effective than crystalloid for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension. We tested five different prophylactic norepinephrine dosages combined with colloid co-load infusion in patients receiving cesarean section and spinal anesthesia.Patients were randomly allocated to receive different prophylactic norepinephrine dosages (0 [NE 0 group], 0.025 [NE 25 group], 0.05 [NE 50 group], 0.075 [NE 75 group], or 0.1 [NE 100 group] µg/kg/min) combined with 500 mL 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) immediately following spinal anesthesia (n = 35 per group). The primary endpoint was the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 80% of baseline). Secondary endpoints included severe hypotension, bradycardia, nausea or vomiting, hypertension, SBP stability control versus baseline, the 50% (effective dose, ED50) and 90% (ED90) dose effective for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension, Apgar scores, and umbilical cord blood gases.The incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension was 48.6%, 31.3%, 17.1%, 14.3%, and 5.7% in the respective groups. As the prophylactic norepinephrine dosage increased, the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension declined (p < 0.001), and SBP remained stable relative to baseline (median performance error [MDPE], p < 0.001; median absolute performance error [MDAPE], p = 0.001). The ED50 and ED90 values were -0.006 (95% CI -0.046—0.013) and 0.081 (95% CI 0.063—0.119) µg/kg/min. Other endpoints were comparable across the groups.An initial prophylactic norepinephrine dosage of 0.05 µg/kg/min combined with 500 mL 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) co-load infusion was optimal for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension during cesarean section.NCT05133817, registration date: 12 Nov, 2021.Trial registration: Colloid and/or co-load may be more effective than crystalloid for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension. We tested five different prophylactic norepinephrine dosages combined with colloid co-load infusion in patients receiving cesarean section and spinal anesthesia.Patients were randomly allocated to receive different prophylactic norepinephrine dosages (0 [NE 0 group], 0.025 [NE 25 group], 0.05 [NE 50 group], 0.075 [NE 75 group], or 0.1 [NE 100 group] µg/kg/min) combined with 500 mL 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) immediately following spinal anesthesia (n = 35 per group). The primary endpoint was the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 80% of baseline). Secondary endpoints included severe hypotension, bradycardia, nausea or vomiting, hypertension, SBP stability control versus baseline, the 50% (effective dose, ED50) and 90% (ED90) dose effective for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension, Apgar scores, and umbilical cord blood gases.The incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension was 48.6%, 31.3%, 17.1%, 14.3%, and 5.7% in the respective groups. As the prophylactic norepinephrine dosage increased, the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension declined (p < 0.001), and SBP remained stable relative to baseline (median performance error [MDPE], p < 0.001; median absolute performance error [MDAPE], p = 0.001). The ED50 and ED90 values were -0.006 (95% CI -0.046—0.013) and 0.081 (95% CI 0.063—0.119) µg/kg/min. Other endpoints were comparable across the groups.An initial prophylactic norepinephrine dosage of 0.05 µg/kg/min combined with 500 mL 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) co-load infusion was optimal for preventing postspinal anesthesia hypotension during cesarean section.NCT05133817, registration date: 12 Nov, 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subheading "Photoemission measurement", now reads: "Spectral response photoemission measurements." Finally, in the Methods, under the subheading 'Sandwiching bialkali antimonide photocathodes between graphene and nickel thin films', "Graphene consisting of mainly monolayer regions with some multiple layer regions was synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) SP 43 sp on Cu substrates and transferred onto TEM mesh grids using an established polymer-supported method that involves distilled water exposure SP 44 sp . [Extracted from the article]

Neural information coding is the fundamental of information processing mechanism in biological neural network. The study of neural information coding can help to understand the function of information processing in biological neural network and lay the theoretical foundation for improving bionic ability. As the abstract of a large number of real complex systems, small-world networks have the properties of biological neural networks. However, the neural information coding based on the small-world topology is rarely studied and the information transmission mechanism among the neurons is mostly excitatory regulation mechanism of spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). In this paper, the small-world network is constructed and its properties are analyzed; the small-world spiking neural network based on the more complete STDP including excitatory synapse and inhibitory synapse is constructed; from the angle of firing rate of neurons and the temporal structure of the spike train, the properties of information coding on the small-world spiking neural network under the stimulations of white Gauss noise and impulse noise are analyzed respectively. Our experimental results indicate that under the same stimulation, the responses of the mean rate coding and ISI coding of the small-world network are both enhanced with the increase of stimulation intensity; under different stimulations, the mean rate coding and ISI coding of the small-world network show respective specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of polyurethane and polyaniline foam-derived nickel oxide-incorporated porous carbon composite (PPFPC-NiO) was synthesized through a combination of in situ polymerization, chemical blowing and carbonization methods and was studied for the first time. By taking advantage of a polyaniline-introduced polyurethane foam as a porous carbon skeleton precursor, interconnected nickel oxide-incorporated nanowires provided hierarchical porous conductive network structures after carbonization treatment, forming stable three-dimensional coralline-like open nano-architectures, which not only enhance the electrical conductivity and accelerate the electron transport rate during the charge-discharge process but also provide myriads of open hierarchical porous channels for rapid ion diffusion, increasing the number of available reactive sites in the PPFPC-NiO. As an electrode in supercapacitors, the PPFPC-NiO exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1012.8 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, with a capacitance retention of 96.43% after 5000 cycles in a three-electrode test and with 6 M KOH as the electrolyte. Because of these properties, an asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled using the PPFPC-NiO as the positive electrode and a mixture of activated carbon and graphite as the negative electrode. In a potential window of 1.5 V, the capacitor exhibits a high energy density of 32.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 281.3 W kg−1, which remains at 22.5 Wh kg−1, even at a high-power density of 1472.7 W kg−1. More importantly, the capacitor also shows excellent cycling stability, with 92.71% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mutually corroborated electrochemical measurements and theoretical calculations were used to investigate the corrosion inhibition performances of purpald (4-amino-3-hydrazino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole, AHMT) and its synergistic effect with tartaric acid (TA) on mild steel in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. The experimental results show that the inhibition efficiency increases with the concentration of AHMT and increases further when TA exists. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to interpret the measured data and trends observed in the electrochemical studies. Furthermore, molecular dynamic simulation revealed a nearly flat configuration for molecules on metal surface with negative adsorption energies in a sequence agreed with experimental observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are rare in pediatrics. A case of DAVF diagnosed because of a slight conjunctival hyperemia and endovascular coil embolization at 2 years old is reported. Case description: The 2-year-old boy presented with a slight conjunctival hyperemia of the left eye for 1 month. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the head showed abnormal blood flow in the left middle cranial fossa. On digital subtraction angiography, a DAVF with a dural feeder shunt and a venous varix at the middle cranial fossa was confirmed. After transarterial coil embolization, shunt blood flow disappeared. Conclusions: This report describes a case of DAVF with a slight conjunctival hyperemia treated by coil embolization in a child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the objective function is not locally Lipschitz, constraint qualifications are no longer sufficient for Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions to hold at a local minimizer, let alone ensuring an exact penalization. In this paper, we extend quasi-normality and relaxed constant positive linear dependence condition to allow the non-Lipschitzness of the objective function and show that they are sufficient for KKT conditions to be necessary for optimality. Moreover, we derive exact penalization results for the following two special cases. When the non-Lipschitz term in the objective function is the sum of a composite function of a separable lower semi-continuous function with a continuous function and an indicator function of a closed subset, we show that a local minimizer of our problem is also a local minimizer of an exact penalization problem under a local error bound condition for a restricted constraint region and a suitable assumption on the outer separable function. When the non-Lipschitz term is the sum of a continuous function and an indicator function of a closed subset, we also show that our problem admits an exact penalization under an extended quasi-normality involving the coderivative of the continuous function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical methodologies, including Plackett-Burman design and Box-Behnken design, were employed to optimize the fermentation conditions for the production of active substances against aquatic pathogen Vibrio harveyi by marine-derived Aspergillus flavipes strain HN4-13. The optimal crucial fermentation values for maximum production of active substances against V. harveyi were obtained as follows: X (peptone) = 0.3%, X (KCl) = 0.25%, and X (inoculum size) = 4.5%. The predicted diameter of inhibitory zone against V. harveyi was 23.39 mm, and the practical value reached 23.71 ± 0.98 mm with a 62.3% increase. Bioassay-guided fractionation resulted in the acquisition of two compounds whose structures were identified as questin ( 1) and emodin ( 2). Questin exhibited the same antibacterial activity against V. harveyi as streptomycin (MIC 31.25 µg/mL). This is the first time to report questin as a potential antibacterial agent against aquatic pathogen V. harveyi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response surface optimization was applied for the extraction of antibacterial substances from Rhubarb (ASR) against aquatic pathogenic Vibrio harveyi. Based on the experimental results of single factors, the optimal extraction conditions were determined by Box-Behnken design combined with response surface methodology with conditions: 100% ethanol as extraction solvent, liquid/material ratio of 29 mL/g and extraction temperature at 88 °C for 148 min. The factual value of inhibition zones can reach 21.31 ± 0.95 mm and is not different from the predicted value (21.74 mm), which showed that the response surface methodology applied to the extraction optimization of antibacterial substances from Rhubarb against V. harveyi is feasible. Moreover, the yield of ASR was 30.29 ± 2.27%. Five compounds, namely, aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol and physcion, were identified in ASR by comparing the HPLC chromatogram of the reference mixtures and the sample. Contents of the five compounds were 0.68 ± 0.02, 0.24 ± 0.05, 0.78 ± 0.07, 6.68 ± 0.97 and 0.58 ± 0.15%, respectively. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of ASR, aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol and physcion were 0.625, 0.125, 0.015, > 1, > 1, and > 1 mg/mL, respectively, which indicated that aloe-emodin and rhein are the main antibacterial compounds of Rhubarb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has become the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in most countries. Recently, long noncoding RNA XIST has been found involved in the development of DKD. Methods: A total of 1184 hospitalized patients with diabetes were included and divided into four groups based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR): normal control group (nDKD), DKD with normoalbuminuric and reduced eGFR (NA-DKD), DKD with albuminuria but without reduced eGFR (A-DKD), and DKD with albuminuria and reduced eGFR (Mixed), and then their clinical characteristics were analyzed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with DKD were isolated, and lncRNA XIST expression was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Results: The prevalence of DKD in hospitalized patients with diabetes mellutus (DM) was 39.9%, and the prevalence of albuminuria and decreased eGFR was 36.6% and 16.2%, respectively. NA-DKD, A-DKD, and Mixed groups accounted for 23.7%, 3.3%, and 12.9%, respectively. Women with DKD had considerably lower levels of lncRNA XIST expression in their PBMCs compared to nDKD. There was a significant correlation between eGFR level and lncRNA XIST expression (R = 0.390, P = 0.036) as well as a negative correlation between HbA1c and lncRNA XIST expression (R = − 0.425, P = 0.027) in female patients with DKD. Conclusions: Our study revealed that 39.9% of DM inpatients who were admitted to the hospital had DKD. Importantly, lncRNA XIST expression in PBMCs of female patients with DKD was significantly correlated with eGFR and HbA1c. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract : Addiction is associated with high impulsivity. Behavioral impulsivity sets the vulnerability in addiction formation, facilitates drug use, and acts as one most important risk factors for relapse. However, the pattern of individual heterogeneity across addictive disorders for precision medicine is still unclear. We performed network-based analysis using the clinical data of trait impulsivity from 1687 subjects with stimulant and heroin use disorders, as well as Internet gaming disorder (IGD). Based on Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) measurements, the trait impulsivity networks and individual differential impulsivity networks (IDINs) were constructed. The three types of addiction respectively accompany different core impulsivity traits. The global network strength in stimulant use disorder was significantly higher than that in other addiction types, and non-planning impulsivity connections in heroin subjects differed from the rest groups. Based on the individual differential impulsivity networks, these subjects were clustered into three types, as deviated from control subjects. The three deviation patterns were related to addiction type, age, education, and addiction duration. These findings indicated different core impulsivity traits across addictions and heterogeneity of individual trait impulsivity patterns, which supports individualized medicine in managing impulsivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Nb addition on the magnetic properties, microstructure, and site preference has been investigated in single-phase Nd. 0.94 T, H = 919.0 kA/m, and (BH) = 143.1 kJ/m were achieved by annealing the melt-spun ribbons with x = 1.5 at 650 C for 10 min. Additions of Nb were effective in refining the grain size and improving the magnetic properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that there was no second phase or precipitate found in grain boundaries. The results of three-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) indicated that Nb may enter into the amorphous structure and NdFeB. The content of Nb in NdFeB was very small. Theoretical calculation showed that Nb preferentially substituted Fe atoms at the 8j sites and the volume of a cell would slightly enlarge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(+)-Terrein has a potential application for drug discovery. To improve the yield of (+)-terrein, two-level Plackett-Burman design and response surface methodology methods were used to optimize the condition of a salt-tolerant fungus, Aspergillus terreus PT06-2. As a result, the yield of (+)-terrein reached 8.20 ± 0.072 g/L in a 500-mL flask containing 150 mL optimal medium consisted of 13.1 % NaCl, 3.6 % starch, 2 % sodium glutamate, 0.05 % KCl, 3 % inoculum size, adjusting initial pH value to 5 with 10 % HCl and shaking for 18 days at 28 °C and 180 rpm. The production of (+)-terrein was 47.0 % higher than the highest production reported in shake flasks. The advantages of this optimization are uses of single carbon source and nitrogen source and easy separation and purification by recrystallization. The result exhibited the potential and advantages of A. terreus PT06-2 in industrial production of (+)-terrein by fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical looping with oxygen uncoupling (CLOU) is a promising technology due to its potential to reduce energy efficiency penalty and cost associated with CO capture. In this work, a CuO/CuAlO oxygen carrier (OC) prepared by sol-gel was investigated in its oxygen release kinetics (4CuO → 2CuO + O). Based on several well-organized temperature-programmed reduction experiments which were conducted in a thermogravimetric analyzer, the activation energy E (343.7 kJ mol) and pre-exponential factor A (3.78 × 10 s) were determined and the Avrami-Erofeev random nucleation and subsequence growth model fitted well with the reduction experimental data. The enhancement of OC reduction rate in real fluidized bed CLOU reactor using different types of solid fuels (petroleum coke, anthracite, bituminous, and lignite) was identified in terms of the chemical kinetics and thermodynamics for the first time. It was found that the CuO reduction rate is more sensitive to the local temperature change than the oxygen concentration driving force. The results could contribute to the design, operation, and performance prediction of real CLOU reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly selective photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into valuable hydrocarbon fuel such as CH4 is a promising solution to tackle greenhouse effect and energy shortage. To achieve this goal, more efforts should be made to design well-performed catalysts. In this work, a series of composite photocatalysts were fabricated for CO2 reduction, through hydrothermal mixing of hydroxylated TiO2 (P25m) with sulfonated covalent porphyrin polymers (s-COP-P). Notably, the optimal sample 2%-s-COP-P/P25m (2% denotes the weight percent of s-COP-P) exhibits the highest production rate (15.5 μmol g−1 h−1) and selectivity (> 90%) of all composites for the formation of CH4 within 1 h, which are nearly 33 and 2 times as large as that of P25m. This good performance was attributed to improved photogenerated carrier separation efficiency verified by enhanced photocurrent and reduced fluorescence intensity that associating closely with the interaction between two moieties of the composites. Based on energy band structure analyses and hydroxyl radical probing, the reduction of CO2 into CH4 was proposed occurring mainly on P25m moiety companied with the oxidation of H2O into hydroxyl radical. In addition, high cyclic stability was confirmed for the composite catalyst by constant photocatalytic performance lasting over four times of cyclic test. This work provides a facile and effective way to design stable photocatalyst for the conversion of CO2 into CH4 in high production rate and selectivity. A sulfonated porphyrin polymer/P25m composite of high cyclic stability was fabricated by simple thermal mixing, and exhibits high photocatalytic activity for the conversion of CO2 into CH4 with a rate of 15.6 μmol g−1 h−1 and a selectivity of > 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at developing effective numerical methods for solving mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints. Due to the existence of complementarity constraints, the usual constraint qualifications do not hold at any feasible point, and there are various stationarity concepts such as Clarke, Mordukhovich, and strong stationarities that are specially defined for mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints. However, since these stationarity systems contain some unknown index sets, there has been no numerical method for solving them directly. In this paper, we remove the unknown index sets from these stationarity systems successfully, and reformulate them as smooth equations with box constraints. We further present a modified Levenberg-Marquardt method for solving these constrained equations. We show that, under some weak local error bound conditions, the method is locally and superlinearly convergent. Furthermore, we give some sufficient conditions for local error bounds, and show that these conditions are not very stringent by a number of examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]