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Purpose: County-level hospitals in China constitute a vital component of the healthcare system, delivering essential medical services, emergency care, and specialized treatments, particularly in oncology. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the current status of cancer diagnosis and treatment in county hospitals and assess their overall capacity. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey by the China Anti-cancer Association (CACA) from February to May 2023 assessed cancer diagnosis and treatment in mainland China's county hospitals. Using a multi-center approach, a fifty-five-question questionnaire was administered to oncology professionals and management staffs, focusing on hospital facilities, oncology specialists, cancer cases, treatment capabilities, and healthcare collaboration. Questionnaire reliability and validity were established in a 2022 national survey. Participants, aged 18 or older, were recruited through purposive sampling, receiving self-administered questionnaires for confidentiality. SAS 9.4 software facilitated statistical analysis. Results: The study encompassed 76 county-level medical institutions, with 82.9% of them featuring established oncology departments providing comprehensive cancer care, including early screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up. Notably, a total of 56.6% of the institutions surveyed implemented programs for cancer screening and early diagnosis. A significant proportion of advanced cancer patients received treatment and follow-up at the county level. Persistent disparities in medical insurance policies at the county level were identified as a continuing challenge. Furthermore, 82.9% of hospitals had cultivated collaborative relationships with higher-level institutions to enhance patient care quality and treatment capacity. The study revealed a 56.6% shortage of remote collaboration platforms in these hospitals. The need for a patient-centered approach in county hospitals was underscored. Conclusion: While county-level hospitals face challenges, such as a shortage of specialized oncologists and advanced resources, they exhibit progress in standardizing cancer care to enhance diagnosis and treatment in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friction and wear test equipment, scanning electron microscope, abrasion balls made of CGr15 high carbon chromium bearing steel, and liners made of NM500 steel were used for wear simulation and friction–wear experiments. The variation trends of friction coefficient, wear amount, and sub-surface characteristics under dry friction and slurry conditions were studied. Simulations supported the research results. The results show that the pressure and the coefficient of friction vary inversely. The coefficient of friction between the abrasive ball and the lining plate decreases with the increase of the load. Samples subjected to a pressure of 120N have higher values of Kernel Average Misorientation (KAM) and lower recrystallization ratios compared to samples subjected to a pressure of 130N. In a slurry environment, the difference in wear surface depth decreases to 0 μm (120N) and 5 μm (130N). This change indicates that the presence of the slurry alters the wear characteristics of the surfaces, leading to a reduction in the depth difference between the surfaces under different load conditions. This observation highlights the importance of considering the influence of the slurry environment on friction and wear behavior in simulations and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Glioma, particularly glioblastoma (GBM), is a highly malignant brain tumor with poor prognosis despite current therapeutic approaches. The tumor microenvironment (TME), plays a crucial role in glioma progression by promoting invasion and drug resistance. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a tightly regulated process involving endothelial cell activation, proliferation, and migration. In cancer, angiogenesis becomes dysregulated, leading to excessive blood vessel formation. Methods: We enrolled bulk data of TCGA-LGG/GBM, CGGA-693, and CGGA-325 cohorts, scRNA data of GSE162631, GSE84465, and GSE138794 cohorts. Identification of malignant cells was conducted by "copycat" R package. The "AUCell" R package scored the activity of target gene set of each single cell. Consensus clustering was applied using the "ConsensusClusterPlus" R package, while tumor-infiltrating immune cells were determined using "IOBR" R package. To construct a prognostic model, we used LASSO and multiCOX algorithms based on the expression levels of the 15 hub genes, the efficacy of which was verified by KM and ROC analysis. Results: We identified 4 different malignant cell subclusters in glioma and disclosed their distinct gene expression patterns and interactions within TME. We identified differentially expressed immune-related genes (DE-ARGs) in glioma and found 15 genes that were specifically expressed in the malignant glioma cell populations. Glioma cells with higher expression of these DE-ARGs were associated with gliogenesis, glial cell development, and vasculature development. We found that tumor-infiltrating monocytes were the main interacting cell type within glioma TME. Using the expression patterns of the 15 screened DE-ARGs, we categorized glioma samples into 2 molecular clusters with distinct immune features, suggesting a possible relationship between angiogenesis and immune activation and recruitment. We constructed a prognostic model based on the expression levels of the 15 DE-ARGs and evaluated its predictive ability for glioma patient outcomes, which displayed exceedingly high efficacy. Conclusion: We characterized different malignant cell subclusters in glioma and investigate their gene expression patterns and interactions within TME. We constructed a prognostic model based on the expression levels of the 15 DE-ARGs and evaluated its predictive ability for glioma patient outcomes, which displayed exceedingly high efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical recycling of polyester wastes is of great significance for sustainable development, which also provides an opportunity to access various oxygen-containing chemicals, but generally suffers from low efficiency or separation difficulty. Herein, we report anatase TiO2 supported Ru and Mo dual-atom catalysts, which achieve transformation of various polyesters into corresponding diols in 100% selectivity via hydrolysis and subsequent hydrogenation in water under mild conditions (e.g., 160 °C, 4 MPa). Compelling evidence is provided for the coexistence of Ru single-atom and O-bridged Ru and Mo dual-atom sites within this kind of catalysts. It is verified that the Ru single-atom sites activate H2 for hydrogenation of carboxylic acid derived from polyester hydrolysis, and the O-bridged Ru and Mo dual-atom sites suppress hydrodeoxygenation of the resultant alcohols due to a high reaction energy barrier. Notably, this kind of dual-atom catalysts can be regenerated with high activity and stability. This work presents an effective way to reconstruct polyester wastes into valuable diols, which may have promising application potential. Chemical recycling of polyester wastes is of great significance for sustainable development. Here the authors report a Ru and Mo dual-atom catalyst for reconstructing polyester wastes into diols in water under mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A signal-amplified platform was designed to construct a label-free electrochemical aptasensor for lead ions (Pb2+) assay. First, flower-like molybdenum disulfide-supported AuNPs (AuNPs@MoS2) nanocomposites were synthesized and used as substrates for modifying the electrode. The AuNPs@MoS2 material possessed large surface area and superior biocompatibility, which was beneficial to improve the loading amount of the complementary DNA (cDNA) and amplified the response signal. Importantly, the prepared core–shell Pt@Pd bimetallic nanoparticles (Pt@PdNPs) were used to conjugate with redox marker thionine (Thi) and aptamer (Apt) for further signal amplification; the obtained signal probes (Thi-Pt@PdNPs-Apt) were connected by the cDNA assembled on the electrode through DNA hybridization. Differential pulse voltammetry was performed to monitor the signal of Thi. After incubating of aptasensor with Pb2+, the specific recognition of Pb2+ and Apt resulted in the dissociation of aptamer-cDNA complex, thereby the Thi-Pt@PdNPs-Apt separated from the electrode surface and decreased current response was obtained. The prepared electrochemical sensor exhibited linear response to Pb2+ in the range 5.0 × 10−4–100 nM and a detection limit of 1.0 × 10−4 nM was achieved. The sensor was applied to the determination of Pb2+ in actual sample with high sensitivity and accuracy, demonstrating potential applications in heavy metal monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A composite of WO3 and WS2 has a wider wavelength range of light adsorption and light emission than WS2. A noble metal nanostructure can be utilized to adjust the photoluminescence (PL) of luminescent materials. In this study, WO3-WS2 flakes were synthesized. A straightforward bath method has been employed to synthesize Ag nanoparticles (NPs). The average size of Ag NPs is approximately 60 nm. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) peak of WO3-WS2 flake at 495 cm−1 is from an alkane S–S bond stretching vibration. The PL intensity of WO3-WS2 was attenuated subsequent to its integration with Ag NPs. The PL quantum yield of the WO3-WS2/Ag composite can reach 0.11%. This occurrence can be explained by the pronounced resonance absorption and diminished light extraction induced by the Ag NPs. This decreased light emission of the Ag NPs incorporated with WO3-WS2 may be employed in some situations needing extinction, such as photography and projection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical transformation of waste polymers into value-added chemicals is of significance for circular economy and sustainable development. Herein, we report upcycling poly(succinates) (PSS) with amines into N-substituted succinimides over succinimide anion-based ionic liquids (ILs, e.g, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene succinimide, [HDBU][Suc]). Assisted with H2O, [HDBU][Suc]) showed the best performance, which could achieve complete transformation of a series of PSS into succinimide derivatives and corresponding diols under mild and metal-free conditions. Mechanism investigation indicates that the cation-anion confined hydrogen-bonding interactions among IL, H2O, ester group, and amino/amide groups, strengthens nucleophilicity of the N atoms in amino/amide groups, and improves electrophilicity of carbonyl C atom in ester group. The attack of the amino/amide N atom on carbonyl C of ester group results in cleavage of carbonyl C-O bond in polyester and formation of amide group. This strategy is also effective for aminolysis of poly(trimethylene glutarate) to glutarimides, and poly(1,4-butylene adipate) to caprolactone diimides. Ionic liquids have been employed in dissolution and chemical degradation of waste polymers. Here the authors report a cation-anion confined hydrogen-bonding catalysis strategy to deconstruct poly(succinates) into N-substituted succinimides over ionic liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutral Beam Injection (NBI), an auxiliary heating method in EAST, is evolving towards higher energy and longer pulses, leading to increased energy bombardment on the high-field side graphite protection tiles. This study explores the intricacies of theoretical injection energy and shine-through losses with respect to plasma density, NBI beam energy, and NBI pulse width. By evaluating the beam power distribution reaching the protective tiles, and subsequently assessing the temperature distribution on the tiles under varying pulse widths, a reliable comparison can be made between the simulated temperature results and experimental temperature data. To ensure the reliability of simulation results, the beam power distribution utilizes a two-dimensional Gaussian model and a particle model for contrast simulation. Similarly, the thermal deposition model employs a simplified uniform heating model, a analytic model and a finite element simulation model. As a reference, the experimentally measured data includes both infrared surface temperature measurements and buried thermocouple measurements. The objective of this study is to establish a correlation between key input variables and the protective tile temperature. By setting precise parameters, this research seeks to provide a predictive mechanism for thermal deposition, contributing to proactive overheating prevention and efficient adjustments to injection parameters and first-wall backend cooling metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: For the first time the interaction of vegetation structure, wind speed and seed attributes on seed suspension on the plants was quantified by means of wind tunnel experiments. The seed hanging above ground, a part of the vertical distribution and a determinant of seed fate, may be affected by vegetation structure. However, how seed hanging on vegetation layers during secondary wind dispersal is linked to vegetation feature has rarely been studied. We investigated the effect of vegetation structure on seed hanging in a wind tunnel. The number of hanging seeds during secondary dispersal of 30 species with various attributes (mass, height, width, length, shape, projected area, wing loading, terminal velocity) was measured in four vegetation structures (pure herb one-layer vegetation, pure shrub one-layer vegetation, herb + shrub uniform two-layer vegetation, and herb + shrub aggregated two-layer vegetation). The proportions of seeds on vegetation layer in one-layer vegetation were significantly more than in two-layer vegetation. The correlation between seed morphological attributes (mass, height, width, length, shape index, and projected area) and the proportion of hanging seeds on vegetation layers differed between the herb and shrub layer but was not affected by vegetation's horizontal and vertical distribution. Our study indicates that the complexity of vegetation structure decreases the seed hanging on the vegetation layer, and the role of seed attributes in determining seed hanging on vegetation layer is modified more largely by the life-form rather than by the spatial structure of vegetation. It is the first systematical study on how vegetation structure affects seed hanging, deeply enhancing our understanding of the effects of vegetation structure on vertical seed distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin B3 is an essential vitamin that the human body cannot synthesize in sufficient amounts. Thus, it must be supplemented through food and medicine. The vitamin B3 content of foods and drugs must therefore be determined to identify its main sources. However, vitamin B3 is a strongly polar substance, and its detection in complex actual samples has certain challenges. In this study, a double column tandem method was established for the determination of vitamin B3 in fruit and drug samples. The chromatographic retention of the vitamin was investigated using different chromatographic single-column and double-column tandem models. The best separation and determination effect was obtained under a dual-column tandem mode consisting of a C18 short column and a HILIC column. The chromatographic conditions for vitamin B3 detection were as follows: 10:90 (v:v) acetonitrile–0.1% acetic acid water solution mobile phase, 30 ℃ column temperature, 0.4 mL/min flow rate, and 262 nm detection wavelength. This method was used to detect vitamin B3 in three fruits and two drugs. The detected content ranged between 1.50×102 and 1.35×103 mg/kg, and the recovery for spiked samples was 85–102%. This high performance liquid chromatography with two columns tandem can effectively determine vitamin B3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of fuel and chemicals from plastic waste is one of the effective ways to upcycle spent plastics, which is an interesting topic and of significance for green and sustainable development. Herein, we demonstrate a highly efficient catalyst, TiO2 nanoparticle supported Ru nanocatalyst (Ru/TiO2), for upcycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to alkanes in the presence of H2 and water. Under the optimal conditions (200 °C, 60 bar H2, and small amount of H2O), PET could completely convert into alkanes, dominated with cyclohexane and methane. It was indicated that the strong interaction between the TiO2 support and Ru nanoparticles made electrons flow from the TiO2 support to the Ru nanoparticles, which thus rendered Ru/TiO2 to have ability to simultaneously catalyze PET hydrolysis and intermediate hydrogenation. This work realizes the transformation of PET to alkanes, which provides a promising way to chemically upcycle PET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor, using graphite carbonitride (g-C3N4) capped CdS quantum dots (CdS QDs@g-C3N4) and Au nanoparticles decorated triethanolamine (AuNPs@TEOA) as dual coreactants, was proposed for the determination of mucin 1 (MUC1). Higher ECL efficiency was acquired due to the double enhancement contribution of CdS QDs and TEOA to Ru (bpy)32+ ECL. Additionally, AuNPs@TEOA also acted as nanocarrier for MUC1 aptamer immobilization. After the aptasensor was incubated in target MUC1, the decreased ECL emission was obtained because of the poor conductivity of MUC1. The ECL aptasensor displayed a good linear correlation for MUC1 in the range 0.1 pg mL−1 -1000 ng mL−1, and the detection limit was 33 fg mL−1. MUC1 spiked into human serum samples was quantified to assess the practicability of the ECL aptasensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pendrin (SLC26A4) is an anion exchanger expressed in the apical membranes of selected epithelia. Pendrin ablation causes Pendred syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with sensorineural hearing loss, hypothyroid goiter, and reduced blood pressure. However its molecular structure has remained unknown, limiting our understanding of the structural basis of transport. Here, we determine the cryo-electron microscopy structures of mouse pendrin with symmetric and asymmetric homodimer conformations. The asymmetric homodimer consists of one inward-facing protomer and the other outward-facing protomer, representing coincident uptake and secretion- a unique state of pendrin as an electroneutral exchanger. The multiple conformations presented here provide an inverted alternate-access mechanism for anion exchange. The structural and functional data presented here disclose the properties of an anion exchange cleft and help understand the importance of disease-associated variants, which will shed light on the pendrin exchange mechanism. Pendrin SLC26A4 plays an important role for anion balance. Here, authors resolve cryo-EM structures of pendrin performing co-incident uptake and secretion of anions, providing a structural basis of this anion exchange mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-rate electrolysis of CO2 to C2+ alcohols is of particular interest, but the performance remains far from the desired values to be economically feasible. Coupling gas diffusion electrode (GDE) and 3D nanostructured catalysts may improve the efficiency in a flow cell of CO2 electrolysis. Herein, we propose a route to prepare 3D Cu-chitosan (CS)-GDL electrode. The CS acts as a "transition layer" between Cu catalyst and the GDL. The highly interconnected network induces growth of 3D Cu film, and the as-prepared integrated structure facilitates rapid electrons transport and mitigates mass diffusion limitations in the electrolysis. At optimum conditions, the C2+ Faradaic efficiency (FE) can reach 88.2% with a current density (geometrically normalized) as high as 900 mA cm−2 at the potential of −0.87 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), of which the C2+ alcohols selectivity is 51.4% with a partial current density of 462.6 mA cm−2, which is very efficient for C2+ alcohols production. Experimental and theoretical study indicates that CS induces growth of 3D hexagonal prismatic Cu microrods with abundant Cu (111)/Cu (200) crystal faces, which are favorable for the alcohol pathway. Our work represents a novel example to design efficient GDEs for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (CO2RR). Carbon dioxide conversion to C2+ alcohols is of particular interest, but the needed performance for industrial applicability remains challenging. Here the authors construct a 3D copper chitosan-gas diffusion layer electrode to achieve highly-efficient conversion to C2+ alcohols at high current density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt coordinated covalent organic frameworks have attracted increasing interest in the field of CO2 photoreduction to CO, owing to their high electron affinity and predesigned structures. However, achieving high conversion efficiency is challenging since most Co related coordination environments facilitate fast recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Here, we design two kinds of Co-COF catalysts with oxygen coordinated Co atoms and find that after tuning of coordination environment, the reported Co framework catalyst with Co-O4 sites exhibits a high CO production rate of 18000 µmol g−1 h−1 with selectivity as high as 95.7% under visible light irradiation. From in/ex-situ spectral characterizations and theoretical calculations, it is revealed that the predesigned Co-O4 sites significantly facilitate the carrier migration in framework matrixes and inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in the photocatalytic process. This work opens a way for the design of high-performance catalysts for CO2 photoreduction. A class of inexpensive aminoanthraquinone organic dyes are shown to facilitate visible-light-driven CO2 reduction. Overall reaction efficiencies were found to be optimal when both electron donating and accepting groups were on a single dye molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite neoadjuvant/conversion chemotherapy, the prognosis of cT4a/bN+ gastric cancer is poor. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and antiangiogenic agents have shown activity in late-stage gastric cancer, but their efficacy in the neoadjuvant/conversion setting is unclear. In this single-armed, phase II, exploratory trial (NCT03878472), we evaluate the efficacy of a combination of ICI (camrelizumab), antiangiogenesis (apatinib), and chemotherapy (S-1 ± oxaliplatin) for neoadjuvant/conversion treatment of cT4a/bN+ gastric cancer. The primary endpoints are pathological responses and their potential biomarkers. Secondary endpoints include safety, objective response, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Complete and major pathological response rates are 15.8% and 26.3%. Pathological responses correlate significantly with microsatellite instability status, PD-L1 expression, and tumor mutational burden. In addition, multi-omics examination reveals several putative biomarkers for pathological responses, including RREB1 and SSPO mutation, immune-related signatures, and a peripheral T cell expansion score. Multi-omics also demonstrates dynamic changes in dominant tumor subclones, immune microenvironments, and T cell receptor repertoires during neoadjuvant immunotherapy. The toxicity and post-surgery complications are limited. These data support further validation of ICI- and antiangiogenesis-based neoadjuvant/conversion therapy in large randomized trials and provide candidate biomarkers. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and antiangiogenic agents have shown some activity in patients with late-stage gastric cancer. Here the authors report the results of a phase II trial of neoadjuvant anti-PD1 (camrelizumab), antiangiogenic agent (apatinib), and chemotherapy (S-1 ± Oxaliplatin) in stage T4a/bN + M0 gastric cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor for the determination of lincomycin (LIN) was developed based on CdS QDs/carboxylated g-C3N4 (CdS QDs/C-g-C3N4). CdS QDs/C-g-C3N4 served as the substrate of the aptasensor, and then CdS QDs/C-g-C3N4-modified electrode was incubated with aptamer DNA (Apt-DNA). When the non-specific sites of the electrode surface was blocked by 6-mercaptohexanol, the ferrocene-labeled probe (Fer-DNA) was assembled onto the electrode surface through base complementation with Apt-DNA. In the absence of LIN, the ECL signal was quenched effectively by Fer-DNA and a decreased ECL emission (off state) was acquired. On the contrary, LIN was specifically bond with Apt-DNA, and Fer-DNA was detached from the aptasensor surface because of the deformation of Apt-DNA, resulting in an effectively enhanced ECL signal (on state). The constructed ECL aptasensor exhibited a wide detection range for LIN determination (0.05 ng mL−1–100 μg mL−1) with a low detection limit (0.02 ng mL−1). Importantly, the proposed ECL aptasensor showed outstanding accuracy and specificity for LIN determination, and also provided a potential strategy for other antibiotic determinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Checkpoint immunotherapy is a promising treatment option for advanced cervical cancer. To aid in selecting patients for this treatment, we identified potential predictors of the response to anti-PD-1 combination therapy. Methods: We simultaneously characterized CD8+, FoxP3+, PD-L1+, CD68+, CD31+, PANCK+, and PANCK−PD-L1+ cells at the invasive margin (IM) of tumor by multispectral imaging of tissue sections from 37 patients with advanced cervical cancer in our previous trial cohort. The densities of each cell and cell-to-cell topography were compared between the responder and non-responder groups and evaluated for their predictive value in clinical response and survival. Results: CD8+ T cells, PD-L1+ cells, and PANCK−PD-L1+ immune cells showed higher densities at the IM in the responders than in the non-responders (P = 0.022, 0.0094, and 0.049, respectively). A higher density of CD8+ T cells at the IM was related to prolonged progression-free survival (PFS; P = 0.031). A higher ratio of CD68+/CD8+ cells was found in the non-responder group (P = 0.003) and related to poor PFS (P = 0.016). A higher density of PANCK−PD-L1+ immune cells within 20, 30, and 45 µm of PANCK+ tumor cells was correlated with better clinical response (P = 0.017, 0.017, and 0.02, respectively). Conclusions: Multiparametric immune profiling of CD8+ T cells, PD-L1+ cells, CD68+ macrophages and PANCK−PD-L1+ immune cells at the invasive margin may help identify patients with cervical cancer who may benefit from anti-PD-1 combination therapy. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials. gov identifier: NCT03816553, January 25, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: All secondary dispersal by wind, important for predicting, modeling and regulating diaspore dispersal processes, and for biodiversity conservation and vegetation restoration, is influenced by underlying surface matrix. But little is known about how matrix determines diaspore secondary dispersal. Here we focus on how lift-off velocity, good proxy for secondary dispersal of seeds by wind, is linked to the underlying surface matrix. Methods: We investigated the effect of the underlying surface matrix on diaspore lift-off velocity in a wind tunnel. Our study used 11 matrix types with different particle size, including four pure substrates (loam, aeolian sand, river sand, gravel) and seven mixtures thereof and diaspores of 28 species differing in length, width, height, mass, projected area, shape index, wing loading, and terminal velocity. Results: Diaspores were more easily dispersed from loam, aeolian sand and river sand than from the gravel substrates. For mixed matrices, lift-off velocity was closer to that of the small-sized than of the large-sized component of the substrate. Underlying surface matrix contributed more to diaspore dispersal by wind than diaspore attributes. In addition to wing loading, terminal velocity, and projected area also were important diaspore attributes determining lift-off velocity of the diaspores. Conclusion: Lift-off velocity of diaspores is influenced by particle size of underlying surface matrix during secondary wind dispersal: lift-off velocity is the largest on large-sized particles for pure matrices, and determined by the small-sized component for mixed matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Burial of diaspores has significant influence on diaspore fate, seedling recruitment and population dynamics. Some studies indicated that wind speed determines burial, neglecting the effect of matrix. Burial during wind dispersal basically occurs at the matrix surface. However, little is known about how substrate, wind speed and diaspore attributes interact to determine burial. Methods: Four pure substrates with a wide span of particle sizes (from 89.10 μm to 25000 μm) were selected to investigate how the particle size affects burial. Since the real substrates in nature are mainly mixtures of these substrates in different proportions, seven mixtures were also designed to represent some real filed matrices (farmland, riparian, desert and Gobi). Diaspores from 28 species with various length, width, height, mass, shape index, projected area, terminal velocity and wing loading were selected for the burial experiments simulating by a wind tunnel. Results: Substrate but not diaspore attributes or wind speed, contributed the most to burial during wind dispersal. Burial was poorest when placed on a matrix of intermediate-sized particles (200-600 μm) at a high wind speed. With increased matrix particle size, increased wind speed changed from promoting to inhibiting burial. Effects of diaspore attributes on burial were only significant on a substrate with large particle size at all wind speeds or a substrate with small particle size at high wind speeds. Conclusion: Our most important finding is that diaspores are most difficult to be buried by wind if they are dispersal onto a substrate with intermediate-sized particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor for the determination of lincomycin (LIN) was developed based on CdS QDs/carboxylated g-C3N4 (CdS QDs/C-g-C3N4). CdS QDs/C-g-C3N4 served as the substrate of the aptasensor, and then CdS QDs/C-g-C3N4-modified electrode was incubated with aptamer DNA (Apt-DNA). When the non-specific sites of the electrode surface was blocked by 6-mercaptohexanol, the ferrocene-labeled probe (Fer-DNA) was assembled onto the electrode surface through base complementation with Apt-DNA. In the absence of LIN, the ECL signal was quenched effectively by Fer-DNA and a decreased ECL emission (off state) was acquired. On the contrary, LIN was specifically bond with Apt-DNA, and Fer-DNA was detached from the aptasensor surface because of the deformation of Apt-DNA, resulting in an effectively enhanced ECL signal (on state). The constructed ECL aptasensor exhibited a wide detection range for LIN determination (0.05 ng mL−1–100 μg mL−1) with a low detection limit (0.02 ng mL−1). Importantly, the proposed ECL aptasensor showed outstanding accuracy and specificity for LIN determination, and also provided a potential strategy for other antibiotic determinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double narrowband induced perfect absorption in the terahertz region is achieved in a graphene–dielectric–gold hybrid metamaterial, whose physical mechanism is analyzed using the coupled-mode theory (CMT), which agreed well with the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation. This study found that the Fermi level of graphene can be adjusted to improve the absorptivity when the refractive index (RI) nd of the chosen dielectric cannot achieve a good absorption effect. In addition, the blue shift of absorption spectrum can be used in the design of dual-frequency electro-optical switches, of which the modulation degree of amplitude (MDA) can reach as high as 94.05% and 93.41%, indicating that this is a very promising electro-optical switch. Most significantly, the RI sensing performance is investigated, which shows an ultra-high absorption sensitivity SA = 4.4°/RIU, wavelength sensitivity Sλ = 9.8°/RIU, and phase shift sensitivity Sφ = 2691°/RIU. At last, an interesting finding is that the two peaks (R1 and R2) of plasmon-induced absorption (PIA) show different polarization characteristics (insensitive or sensitive) to the incident light angle; this polarization-sensitive is particularly important for the PIT/PIA-based optical polarizers. Undoubtedly, this paper is of great significance to the research and design of terahertz photonic devices and sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of a mobile society has led to profound changes in China's traditional rural-urban pattern and called for new strategies for urban and rural governance. Based on a macro perspective of temporal and spatial evolution, this study analyzes the historical logics of rural-urban governance, explores the geographical patterns of challenges in China's rural-urban governance, and finally puts forward targeted strategies for rural-urban governance toward integrated and sustainable development in China. From the historical perspective, the urban originates from the rural, and the connotation of rural, that is, a regional-scale outlook, rural-urban relations, and sociocultural interaction, forms the traditional approach to rural-urban governance. China's rural-urban governance has evolved from antagonism toward integration. In terms of theoretical development, the turn toward mobility is an important driving factor shaping and promoting the transformation of research focus on rural-urban governance. The mobility of urban and rural factors has especially in recent decades brought extensive challenges for governance, which are highlighted by the disintegration of the stability of rural and urban structures, growing regional disparities in rural education levels, and serious aging and hollowing crises in rural areas. We therefore propose that rural-urban governance should give sufficient consideration to the convergence of wider interests; realize social potential through institutional, cultural and spatial restructuring; and attach importance to collaborative development and governance. And the transfer of rural problems to urban areas should be paid attention to by rural-urban governance. This research enriches the knowledge regarding the logics and patterns of China's rural-urban governance from an interdisciplinary perspective. It is also helpful in the promotion of rural-urban integration and sustainable development, especially at a time when the mobility of social factors between rural areas and urban areas increasingly challenges traditional urban and rural governance and drives its evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcription factor FOXP3 is a crucial regulator in the development and function of regulatory T cells (Treg) that are essential for immunological tolerance and homeostasis. Numerous studies have indicated the correlation of tumor infiltrating FOXP3+ Treg upregulation with poor prognostic parameters in thyroid cancer, including lymph node metastases, extrathyroidal extension, and multifocality. Most immune-checkpoint molecules are expressed in Treg. The blockage of such signals with checkpoint inhibitors has been approved for several solid tumors, but not yet for thyroid cancer. Thyroid abnormalities may be induced by checkpoint inhibitors. For example, hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, painless thyroiditis, or even thyroid storm are more frequently associated with anti-PD-1 antibodies (pembrolizumab and nivolumab). Therefore, Targeting FOXP3+ Treg may have impacts on checkpoint molecules and the growth of thyroid cancer. Several factors may impact the role and stability of FOXP3, such as alternative RNA splicing, mutations, and post-translational modification. In addition, the role of FOXP3+ Treg in the tumor microenvironment is also affected by the complex regulatory network formed by FOXP3 and its transcriptional partners. Here we discussed how the expression and function of FOXP3 were regulated and how FOXP3 interacted with its targets in Treg, aiming to help the development of FOXP3 as a potential therapeutic target for thyroid cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dispersal has received much research attention. The plant canopy can intercept diaspores, but the effect of the plant canopy (the aboveground portion of a plant consisting of branches and leaves) on dispersal distance has not been explored empirically. To determine the effect of plant canopy on seed dispersal distance, a comparison of diaspores falling through open air and through plant canopy was made in a wind tunnel using three wind speeds and diaspores with various traits. Compared with diaspores falling through open air, the dispersal distance of diaspores falling through plant canopy was decreased or increased, depending on wind speed and diaspore traits. When falling through a plant canopy, dispersal distance of diaspores with thorns or those without appendages was promoted at low wind speed (2 m s−1), while that of diaspores with low wing loading (0.5 mg mm−2) and terminal velocity (2.5 m s−1) was promoted by relatively high (6 m s−1) wind speed. A plant canopy could increase seed dispersal distance, which may be due to the complicated updraft generated by canopy. The effect of maternal plants on seed dispersal regulates the distribution pattern and the species composition of the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective method based on molecularly imprinted polymer solid-phase microextraction (MIP-SPME) to assess the risk of kojic acid (KA) in food was proposed in this work. KA is widely used in the food industry but may have potential hazards, such as carcinogenicity. Herein, theoretical simulation and UV–vis spectrum were applied to investigate the synthesis procedure of MIP. The molecular simulation was in marked contrast with the traditional complicated preparation optimization of MIP-SPME coating. The prepared MIP-SPME fiber coating was a mesoporous material with high porosity, the leading cause of better mass transfer of target analytes in complex media. Furthermore, a novel theoretical simulation method of annealing operation was used to obtain the hydrogen bond interaction force for every possible or even dominate action site in the template-monomer system. In addition, compared to the existing approaches of KA determination, this method exhibited ultralow limits of quantification (0.20 and 0.72 μg L−1); it was successfully used for the selective trace detection of KA in wheat flour and starch. The proposed MIP-SPME approach, as a strategy for the risk assessment of KA, is proven to have great stability, high sensitivity and reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design of experiments (DOE)-based analytical quality by design (AQbD) method evaluation, development, and validation is gaining momentum and has the potential to create robust chromatographic methods through deeper understanding and control of variability. In this paper, a case study is used to explore the pros, cons, and pitfalls of using various chromatographic responses as modeling targets during a DOE-based AQbD approach. The case study involves evaluation of a reverse phase gradient HPLC method by a modified circumscribed central composite (CCC) response surface DOE. Solid models were produced for most responses and their validation was assessed with graphical and numeric statistics as well as chromatographic mechanistic understanding. The five most relevant responses with valid models were selected for multiple responses method optimization and the final optimized method was chosen based on the Method Operable Design Region (MODR). The final method has a much larger MODR than the original method and is thus more robust. This study showcases how to use AQbD to gain deep method understanding and make informed decisions on method suitability. Discoveries and discussions in this case study may contribute to continuous improvement of AQbD chromatography practices in the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3.0 T is becoming more common, but there is a lack of sufficient evidence on the safety of a 3.0 T scan in patients with pacemakers. This study aimed to investigate the safety and practical concerns of 3.0 T scans for patients with MR-conditional pacemakers.Methods: Twenty consecutive patients were enrolled. A standardized protocol was developed by cardiologists, pacemaker engineers, and radiologists. Pacemaker interrogation was performed immediately before and after the scan. Scan-related adverse events were documented, and imaging quality was graded as level 1 to 4 by radiologists.Results: Twenty-three MRI scans of different body regions (brain = 13, lumbar spine = 4, cervical spine = 2, and heart = 4) were performed, and the average time of a scan was 25 ± 11 min. No significant changes in sensing amplitude (atrial 3.1 ± 1.1 mV vs. 2.9 ± 1.2 mV, P = 0.71; ventricular 9.3 ± 3.5 mV vs. 10.2 ± 3.4 mV, P = 0.46), lead impedances (atrial 647 ± 146 Ω vs. 627 ± 151 Ω, P = 0.7; ventricular: 780 ± 247 Ω vs.711 ± 226 Ω, P = 0.36), or pacing threshold (atrial 0.6 ± 0.2 V/0.4 ms vs. 0.6 ± 0.2 V/0.4 ms, P = 0.71; ventricular 0.7 ± 0.3 V/0.4 ms vs. 0.7 ± 0.2 V/0.4 ms, P = 0.85) were observed pre- and postscan. No adverse events were detected. Image quality review showed grade 1 quality in 16 patients and grade 2 quality in 4 patients with artifacts of pulse generators and leads in cardiac MRI scan and no impact on diagnostic value.Conclusion: Our initial data indicated that 3.0 T scanning might be feasible under a standardized protocol with good diagnostic imaging quality irrespective of body region in patients with MR-conditional pacemakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To validate externally and recalibrate three European risk scores for all-cause mortality and transplantation in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in an Asian population. Data were collected at our institution between January 2010 and December 2017. The primary endpoints were all-cause mortality and heart transplantation. Of the 506 patients who were followed for 2 years, 104 reached the primary endpoint. The Kaplan–Meier event-free survival analysis, stratified according to the three scores, yielded significant results (log-rank test, all P < 0.05), with a good fit between the predicted and observed event rates (Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, all P > 0.05). The ScREEN score yielded the best discriminatory power for the primary endpoints compared with the VALID-CRT and EAARN scores. ScREEN was the best predictor of all-cause mortality and heart transplantation. Risk scores based on different populations should be selected cautiously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The management for patients with vulvar cancer after sentinel lymph-node biopsy (SLNB) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of individualized management after SLNB for early stage vulvar cancer. Methods: The medical records of patients with vulvar cancer treated by surgery involving SLNB between 2004 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. During this period, the inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (IL) were performed with individualized strategy, while the postoperative intensity-modulated radiotherapy was planned with a consistent policy. Results: We identified 138 patients with at least one sentinel node detected, of whom 64 underwent further IL while 74 had SLNB only. Nodal metastases (pN+) were confirmed in 22 patients with IL and 16 without. Radiotherapy was scheduled with the dose of 60–70 Gy for all pN+ patients and finally completed in 15 with IL and 15 without. The median follow-up time was 56 months (6–156 months). Recurrence was observed in 24 patients, of whom 10 were pN- at primary treatment. The 3-year overall survival (OS) was 97.2, 95.2, 68.3, and 71.8%; 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 94.5, 91.4, 60.2, and 59.2%, respectively, for patients with pN− and IL, pN− and SLNB, pN+ and IL, and pN+ and SLNB. Neither OS nor DFS showed significant difference between SLNB and IL in pN− (P = 0.564 for OS, P = 0.423 for DFS), or pN + patients (P = 0.920 for OS, P = 0.862 for DFS). Conclusions: With appropriate adjuvant radiotherapy, SLNB alone provided similar long-term survival compared with IL for both patients with and without sentinel node metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dispersal ability is important for the introduction, establishment, and spread of alien plant species. Therefore, determination of the geographical distribution of the dispersal ability of such species, and the relationship between dispersal ability and socio-climatic factors are essential to elucidate the invasion strategies of the alien plant species. Analytic hierarchy process and inventory, risk rank, and dispersal mode data available on Chinese alien plant species were used to determine their dispersal ability, the geographical distribution thereof, and the relationship between socio-climatic factors and dispersal ability. High-risk alien plant species had a higher natural dispersal ability (or several natural dispersal modes) but a lower anthropogenic dispersal ability (or few anthropogenic dispersal modes) than low-risk alien plant species. The geographical distribution of the dispersal ability of the alien plant species showed an inverse relationship with species density. Alien plant species with low dispersal ability (i.e., with fewer dispersal modes and distribution in the southeast) showed a tendency to adapt to environments with mild climates, while those with high dispersal ability (i.e., with more disposal nodes and distribution in the northwest) showed a tendency to adapt to harsh environments. It is essential for land managers and policy makers to understand the geographical distribution of the dispersal ability of alien plant species and their socio-climatic control factors to formulate strategies to control the natural and anthropogenic dispersal of such plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate and convenient method is essential for measuring the terminal velocity of seeds dispersed by wind. Systematic and random errors produced by existing methods lower the accuracy and convenience in determining seed terminal velocity. In this study, a video camera was used to record the falling process of forty-one species of wind-borne seed with eight appendage structures and seven aerodynamic behaviors in a settling tower at a speed of 50 frames per second (fps). The videos were analyzed by Quick Time Player to determine seed acceleration height, acceleration time, and terminal velocity. The results showed that acceleration height and time, terminal velocity, and the difference between terminal velocity and descent velocity (DTD) increased with wing loading. Compared with dropping methods, the camera recording method eliminated the effect of acceleration and corrected seed terminal velocity. Based on wing loading, release heights were determined for accurate measurement of terminal velocity of different seeds. This method, due to its inexpensive equipment, high accuracy, easy observation and operation, can be applied to measure the terminal velocity of wind dispersed seeds, and provides a promising method in exploring the dispersal process of seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automatic and accurate classification of retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) images is essential to assist ophthalmologists in the diagnosis and grading of macular diseases. Most existing methods classify 3-D retinal OCT volumes by separately analyzing each single-frame 2-D B-scan, and thus inevitably ignore significant temporal information among B-scans. In this paper, we propose to classify volumetric OCT images via a recurrent neural network (VOCT-RNN) which can fully exploit temporal information among B-scans. Specifically, a deep convolutional neural network is first utilized to automatically extract highly representative features from each individual B-scan of the 3-D retinal OCT images. Then, a long short-term memory network is employed to model the temporal dependencies among B-scans and achieve volumetric OCT classification. The proposed VOCT-RNN can be directly learned from volume-level labels, requiring no detailed annotations at each B-scan. Experimental results on two clinically acquired OCT datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed VOCT-RNN for volumetric retinal OCT image classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasmon-induced transparency (PIT), which is destructive interference between the superradiation mode and the subradiation mode, is studied in patterned graphene-based terahertz metasurface composed of graphene ribbons and graphene strips. As the results of finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation and coupled-mode theory (CMT) fitting, the PIT can be dynamically modulated by the dual-mode. The left (right) transmission dip is mainly tailored by the gate voltage applied to graphene ribbons (stripes), respectively, meaning a dual-mode on-to-off modulator is realized. Surprisingly, an absorbance of 50% and slow-light property of 0.7 ps are also achieved, demonstrating the proposed PIT metasurface has important applications in absorption and slow-light. In addition, coupling effects between the graphene ribbons and the graphene strips in PIT metasurface with different structural parameters also are studied in detail. Thus, the proposed structure provides a new basis for the dual-mode on-to-off multi-function modulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to EAST's experimental plan, the long-pulse and high-power operation of neutral beam injector is the requirement for EAST. In this paper, the operation range of beam perveance is adjusted from 1.9–2.5 μP to 2.5–3.3 μP through changing the voltage ratio of gradient grid/plasma grid from 0.84 to 0.78. The thermal analysis of beamline heat load components shows that with the decrease in the voltage ratio of gradient grid/plasma grid from 0.84 to 0.78, the maximum neutral beam power deposition on the calorimeter increases from 825 to 950 kW when accelerating voltage is 50 kV. The results show that the minimum beam divergence increases from 1.25° to 1.32° and the maximum temperature rise of bending magnet collimator increases from 10 to 27 °C. The results in this paper are helpful to find a balance between increase in power delivery capability and prolongation of beam extraction duration and lay a basis for achieving plasma heating according to the physical experimental requirement of EAST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The strategy of radical surgery for stage 2 endometrial cancer (EC) remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of radical hysterectomy (RH) versus simple hysterectomy (SH) on survival of patients with stage 2 EC. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify studies comparing survival between RH and SH in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage 2 EC patients by searching several databases to July 2018. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival and progression-free survival were pooled using Stata V.12.0. Results: The study included 10 retrospective cohort studies enrolling 2866 patients. Patients who received RH did not show a significant survival benefit for either overall survival (pooled HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.72–1.16; P = 0.484) or progression-free survival (pooled HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.39–1.42; P = 0.378). The result remained consistent after it was balanced with possible impact from adjuvant radiotherapy (pooled HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.62–1.16; P = 0.300). In earlier studies that staged patients according to FIGO 1988, RH showed a 27% survival benefit (pooled HR 0.73; 95% CI 0.53–1.00; P = 0.050), whereas in newly published studies based on FIGO 2009 staging, it reversely showed increased risk of death (pooled HR 1.24; 95% CI 0.86–1.77; P = 0.245). However, no statistical significance was reached under either staging criterion. Conclusions: Based on the results of this meta-analysis, RH does not significantly improve survival in stage 2 EC. The choice of RH remains controversial and should be considered carefully in clinical practice. More qualified studies are needed to determine the best treatment strategy for stage 2 EC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: How landscape configuration, dispersal agents and diaspore features interact to determine the input of seeds into the soil, which is the first part of the formation of a soil seed bank, is a major challenge. This study explored the role of diaspore traits and sand surface configuration in determining the number of seeds that become buried during wind dispersal. Methods: We investigated seed burial probability of 36 species with different diaspore traits under eight wind speeds and three sand surface configurations during wind dispersal by using a wind tunnel. Results: Wind speed rather than diaspore traits and sand surface configuration was the most important factor affecting the burial of seeds. Effects of slope direction and surface barrier on seed burial were regulated by wind speed. Effects of diaspore traits on seed burial were only significant at high wind speeds, and seed burial was more likely to be formed for small or flat elongated diaspores than for large or spherical ones. Conclusions: The effect of diaspore traits on seed burial is modified by the shifts in wind speed and sand surface configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seeds of most plant species are dispersed by multiple mechanisms. Whether functional traits mediate positive correlations or negative correlations (trade-offs) between different dispersal mechanisms has important consequences for ecological and evolutionary dynamics. We investigate how traits affect wind-driven seed dispersal through the air and across the ground (primary and secondary wind dispersal, respectively). We hypothesized that primary and secondary wind dispersal were positively correlated because they should both decrease with the wing loading of seeds. We test this hypothesis with wind-tunnel experiments using different seed morphologies of Zygophyllum xanthoxylon (heterocarpous) and Calligonum species. We measured primary dispersal distance at varying wind speeds and release heights, and quantified secondary dispersal potential as the threshold wind speed for seed movement on four ground surfaces. Contrary to our expectation, we found a context-dependent trade-off between primary and secondary wind dispersal. The smoother the ground surface, the stronger this trade-off becomes. The trade-off results from a positive relationship between wing loading and the ratio of vertical to horizontal seed projection (v/h-ratio): an increasing v/h-ratio not only promotes secondary dispersal on smooth surfaces by increasing wind interception of seeds, but also decreases primary dispersal distance by increasing wing loading and terminal velocity of seeds. The trade-off contradicts the widespread assumption of a positive correlation between primary and secondary dispersal. A simple classification into poorly and well-dispersed seeds is thus not possible. The trade-off may affect dynamics of succession and the expansion of pioneer vegetation, while potentially slowing down evolutionary responses to selection on seed dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of Vis-NIR techniques combined with variable select by a simple modified particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm for the determination of four quality parameters in soy sauce was evaluated. Compared with full-spectral support vector machine regression (Full-SVMR) and SVMR based on competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS-SVM) method, the application of PSO wavelength selection provided a notably improved SVM regression model. The root-mean-square error of amino acid nitrogen, salt, total acid content, and color ratio obtained by PSO-SVMR are 0.0075 g/100 ml, 0.2176 g/100 ml, 0.0077 g/100 ml, and 0.0506 in predicted sets, respectively. The correlation coefficients of predicted sets obtained by PSO-SVMR reached 0.9997, 0.9462, 0.9996, and 0.9998, respectively. Meanwhile, a classification study constructed with principal component analysis and SVM classification model based on the feature wavelengths selected by PSO shows that Vis-NIR spectra can be used to classify soy sauce according to their brands and quality. The result showed that the Vis-NIR spectroscopy technique based on PSO wavelength selection has high potential to predict the quality parameters in a nondestructive way. This analytical tool may also contribute to the detection of fraud and mislabeling in the soy sauce market and certainly contribute to improvement in quality and reliability of the soy sauce market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choline-based ionic liquids (Ch-ILs) with anions possessing interacting sites to attract CO2 were designed, which could capture CO2 with capacity >1.0 mol CO2 per molar IL under ambient conditions. Moreover, this kind of ILs combining with CuCl could catalyze the formylation of amines with CO2/H2 at 120 °C. Especially, choline imidazolate showed the best performance, affording a series of N-formamides in excellent yields. It was demonstrated that the IL activated CO2 and the synergistic effect between the IL and CuCl resulted in the high activity for catalysing the formylation of amines with CO2/H2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using mesoporous N-doped carbons (NCs) derived from glucose and melamine as the supports, a series of Pd/NC catalysts were prepared, in which Pd nanoparticles with average size<2.0 nm were uniformly distributed on the supports. It was indicated that the resultant Pd/NC catalysts were effective for N-formylation of amines with CO2 and H2 in ethanol without any additives. Especially, the catalyst Pd/NC-800-6.9% containing quaternary N showed the best performance, affording a series of formylamides in good or even excellent yields. Further investigation reveals that the interaction between the Pd nanoparticles and quaternary nitrogen in the NC support was responsible for the good performance of the catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 incorporation into C-H bonds is an important and interesting topic. Herein a sequential protocol for C(sp)-H carboxylation by employing a metal-free C-H activation/catalytic silylation reaction in conjunction with KOtBu-mediated carboxylation with CO2 was established, in which KOtBu catalyzes silylation of terminal alkynes to form alkynylsilanes at low temperature, and simultaneously mediates carboxylation of the alkynesilanes with atmospheric CO2. Importantly, the carboxylation further promotes the silylation, which makes the whole reaction proceed very rapidly. Moreover, this methodology is simple and scalable, which is characterized by short reaction time, wide substrate scope, excellent functional-group tolerance and mild reaction conditions, affording a range of corresponding propiolic acid products in excellent yields in most cases. In addition, it also allows for a convenient 13C-labeling through the use of 13CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of amphibious movement is found widely among small animals such as frogs, tortoises, snakes, and crabs. They can move on land, in water, and even on the water bottom. Inspired by the animals' moving capability, an amphibious spherical robot with flywheel, pendulum, and propeller has been developed. In this paper, the mechanical structure, motion performance, control architecture, and experimentation of the amphibious spherical robot are presented. The robot can show three outstanding advantages for underwater observation, which distinguish it from the other existing observing robots. First, it can resist great water pressure to protect the internal components that is based on the spherical shell. Second, the robot only requires a single propeller to achieve the flexible movement and control posture in water. Third, the robot can roll on land or on water bottom only through an internal motor that can reduce the energy consumption during the observation process. The robot has a wide range of applications such as underwater observation, search and rescue, sensor networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of β-cyclodextrin derivatives were designed and synthesized. The derivatives were investigated as functional monomers in molecularly imprinted polymeric solid-phase microextraction (MIP-SPME) fiber coatings. The coatings, with a layer thickness of 250 μm, were immobilized onto stainless steel using a capillary tube as a mold. This study employed a simple, easy, and reproducible method to prepare uniform coatings for polychlorophenols extraction. The combination of molecular inclusion effects and the molecular imprinting sites was expected to enhance the molecular recognition ability for polychlorophenols. Compared with non-imprinted polymer coatings and MIP coatings with methacrylic acid as the functional monomer, the β-cyclodextrin MIP-SPME coatings exhibited significantly higher extraction amounts and excellent selectivity to the template of triclosan. The MIP-SPME coatings exhibited a favorable synergistic extraction capacity resulting from the β-cyclodextrin cavity and molecularly imprinted binding sites. The method of β-cyclodextrin MIP-SPME coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for triclosan and polychlorophenols analysis in real water samples was developed. The limit of quantification was 1 μg/L for the three polychlorophenols. The recovery for three analytes ranged from 83.71% to 109.98%, with the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.83% to 12.19%. The β-cyclodextrin MIP-SPME fiber coatings could be used for at least 100 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyridine-containing anion-based ionic liquids (PA-ILs) with two kinds of interaction sites to bind CO, e.g., [P][2-OP], were found to be highly efficient for catalysing the cycloaddition reactions of atmospheric CO with epoxides at room temperature under metal- and halogen-free conditions, producing a series of cyclic carbonates in high yields. It was demonstrated that the cooperative interaction from two interaction sites in the anions of PA-ILs activated CO, while the cation activated the epoxides substrates via coordination to the central P unit, thus resulting in the high activity of the IL catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although fenestration is used to improve the postoperative course of Fontan patients, the effect of fenestration on the extracardiac Fontan seems controversial especially at early postoperation. One hundred and eighty-three patients from January 2004 to June 2013 undergoing an extracardiac Fontan operation were retrospectively selected for this study. We divided the patients into low risk (93 patients) and high risk (90 patients) groups according to the risk factors recognized by previous studies and then compared the perioperative data between the nonfenestrated and fenestrated patients in each group. In both groups there was no significant difference in preoperative and operative data between the nonfenestrated and fenestrated patients. The postoperative blood oxygen saturation of fenestrated patients was significantly lower ( p < 0.01) in each group. In the high risk group the chest tube volume (1153 mL vs. 1739 mL, p = 0.021) and chest tube duration (11.9 days vs. 17.0 days, p = 0.028) of fenestrated patients were lower comparing to nonfenestrated patients, while the chest tube volume and chest tube duration were similar between the nonfenestrated and fenestrated patients in the low risk group. The morbidity and mortality of nonfenestrated and fenestrated patients were similar in both groups ( p > 0.05). Although fenestration was associated with lower postoperative oxygen saturation, fenestration showed better postoperative outcomes regarding the chest tube volume and duration for the high-risk patients. Considering the similar early postoperative outcomes of nonfenestrated and fenestrated patients in low risk group, our data indicate that fenestration for the high-risk patients should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]