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Abducens nerve palsy is the most common ocular motor nerve palsy, and its possible aetiologies are numerous and diverse. Primary malignancy rarely occurs in the middle ear, with most cases associated with long-standing ear discharge and peak age of presentation in the sixties. We report a rare case of a 64-year-old male who presented with right abducens nerve palsy, which led to the diagnosis of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the right middle ear, and to our knowledge, this has not been reported previously in English literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic research has been conducted on the relationship between aging and consumer fraud victimization. But few empirical studies examine the reality of judicial dispute resolution in consumer fraud against older people from the perspective of older adults and judges in China. Based on 161 court rulings, this qualitative study explores the perceptions of older adults in litigation about their experiences of being defrauded in China, alongside judges’ responses. Results reveal that common fraud patterns used by business perpetrators render older individuals more susceptible to fraud. Older plaintiffs strategically frame “old age” in litigation, potentially as a tactical maneuver, while also readily emphasizing the importance of procedural justice. Results further show that judges expressed either negative ageism or age-neutral discourse in response to fraud targeting older individuals. Findings highlight the need to enhance consumer education to prevent fraud and address ageist stereotypes among older people. Findings also highlight the need to encourage Chinese courts to consider individual case specifics, leading to fair judgments and the protection of older individuals from fraud while upholding their rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unclear whether obese renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients treated with targeted therapy have better survival. We conducted this meta-analysis to assess the prognostic significance of body mass index (BMI) in RCC patients treated with targeted therapy. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science by November 17, 2021. We calculated effect outcomes using random-effects and fixed-effects models. Fifteen articles were identified. We found that RCC patients treated with targeted therapy with BMI over 25 obtained better overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.58–0.82, I2 = 75.5%, p < 0.001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.71, 95%CI = 0.55–0.92, I2 = 69.7%, p = 0.006) than patients with BMI below 25. Obese (BMI over 30) patients had remarkably better OS (HR = 0.77, 95%CI = 0.70–0.85, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.439) and PFS (HR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.77–0.97, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.934) than patients with BMI below 25. Overweight (BMI over 25 but below 30) patients also had better OS (HR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.79–0.93, I2 = 17.7%, p = 0.295) and PFS (HR = 0.82, 95%CI = 0.74–0.90, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.904) than patients with BMI below 25. When using BMI as continuous variable, patients with high BMI also obtained significantly better OS (HR = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.88–0.96, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.806). Therefore, higher BMI was associated with greater OS and PFS in RCC patients treated with targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let g be the Witt algebra over an infinite field of prime characteristic p. In this paper, we discuss the properties of local derivations on g , and prove that every local derivation on g is a derivation. Moreover, it is shown that there exist some local derivations which are not derivations for the maximal subalgebra g 0 of g . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser induced fluorescence and dispersed fluorescence spectroscopy was used to investigate the B 5P-1 - X 5P-1 system of the chromium monosulfide molecule. The rotational constant and K-doubling parameter of B 5P-1 (v' = 7), as a newly observed upper vibrational level, were obtained from the rotationally resolved laser excitation spectrum. For the ground X 5P-1 state, the vibrational frequency and vibrational anharmonicity constant were experimentally determined for the first time from the dispersed fluorescence spectrum. In addition, the lifetimes of the upper B 5P-1 (v' = 0-7) levels were measured by fitting the timedependent fluorescence decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variation (CNV) has been used as an important source of phenotypic and genetic diversity in recent years. Nicastrin (NCSTN) gene is usually attached to human diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and Acne inversa. However, there are no essays about the NCSTN gene combining with cattle breeds. In our study, we discovered different distributions of NCSTN gene copy number and associated it with phenotypic traits in four Chinese yellow cattle breeds (XN, PN, QC and YL). The result turned out that the CNV of the NCSTN gene was associated with several growth traits, such as cannon circumference, chest girth and rump length (p < 0.05). In general, we revealed the eminence over CNV of NCSTN gene and economic traits, suggesting that the CNV of the NCSTN gene can be considered to be a promising molecular breeding marker of Chinese beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric aerosol particles are frequently mixtures of inorganic and organic species, both of which can contribute to aerosol water uptake and determine the particles' ability to scatter and absorb light. While water uptake of purely inorganic aerosol is well represented in current regional and global chemical transport models, it is challenging to represent it for particles that are mixtures of organic and inorganic species. Here we quantified the growth factor for aerosols that consist of mixed organic-inorganic particles using an accurate lattice-based adsorption isotherm model (Ad-iso) as a benchmark. We then determined the error in the growth factor and resulting optical properties for simplifying assumptions that are commonly made in current chemical transport models. The systems studied here are representative of ambient atmospheric aerosols, consisting of model water-soluble inorganic-organic mixtures, with and without a core of absorbing black carbon, under conditions of relative humidity larger than 85%. The assumption of completely neglecting the water uptake by organic components, for particles with an organic mass fraction of 50%, led to errors of up to 7% in growth factor and up to 3.5% in single scattering albedo. Larger errors occurred for larger organic mass fractions. Approximating the organic water uptake with a constant hygroscopicity parameter, for organic mass fractions between 45 and 65%, the errors remained within 3% for the growth factor and 0.6% for the single scattering albedo. For organic mass fractions smaller than 45% or larger than 65%, the errors increased up to 6% for the single scattering albedo. The magnitudes of these errors underscore the importance of considering organic/inorganic mixtures for estimating direct aerosol radiative forcing. Copyright © 2021 American Association for Aerosol Research [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of field studies have reported that the surface roughness of coral reefs is one or two magnitude larger than that of sandy beaches. In this study, laboratory experiments are conducted in a wave flume with a series of monochromatic wave conditions. Experimental results are reported for an idealized fringing reef model with both rough and smooth surfaces. The reef roughness is created by an array of cylinders. Results analyses show that the relative reef-flat submergence is an appropriate parameter to describe the breaking-wave characteristics, such as the breaker type, breaking location, surf zone width, breaker depth index and wave transmission coefficient. Increased reef roughness is found to alter breaker type, surf zone width, breaker height index, breaker depth index and wave transmission to varying degrees. Subsequently, existing empirical formulas accounting for those characteristics are improved by including the effect of reef roughness. Finally, a theoretical model based on the cross-shore energy balance is adopted to reproduce the cross-reef wave height variation. Model parameter related to wave breaking is estimated via our improved formula. Bottom friction coefficient in the model for the rough reef is found to be consistent with those reported in existing field observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen-rich and poly-nitrogen energetic materials have the advantages of high density, high formation enthalpy, and environmentally friendly as new energetic materials. Among them, cyclo-N5− is one of the most representative ionic nitrogen compounds. However, at present, the studies are mainly in the field of synthesis. This study mainly explores the compatibility of NaN5 with traditional energetic materials, hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), and ammonium perchlorate (AP). The compatibility is an important parameter to evaluate the safety and reliability of propellants. Therefore, AP, cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX), cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX), hexanitrohexazaisowurtzitane (CL-20), HTPB were selected to study the compatibility of NaN5 in the means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results show that NaN5/AP, NaN5/HMX, NaN5/RDX, NaN5/CL-20 have good compatibility, whereas NaN5/HTPB exhibits moderate compatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improper processing of sensitive personal data concerning disabled people in government information disclosure not only violates their privacy rights but also leads to discrimination, stigmatization, and other serious secondary harm, that have long been overlooked. China's procurator-led public-interest litigation system is a powerful tool for protecting the privacy rights of vulnerable groups. This paper contends that procurator-led public-interest litigation, as a supplement to and support for private-interest litigation, assists the Chinese government in fulfilling its international obligations to protect the right to privacy of disabled people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a series of new laboratory experiments were performed in a wave-current flume in the presence/absence of tidal current. Experimental results are reported for a variety of combined wave-current conditions based on an idealized barrier reef model. Result analysis shows that the mean water level on the reef flat was consistently lower during the shoreward current (flood tide) than that during the seaward current (ebb tide). Maximum wave set-up on the reef flat decreased significantly as the current flowrate changed from its seaward maximum to its shoreward maximum. A theoretical model, which was derived based on the cross-shore balances of momentum and energy, was proposed to reproduce the wave set-up on the reef flat in the presence of current. The model was then validated by the laboratory data. The key model parameter was found to decrease rapidly with increasing current flowrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent field studies have increasingly recognized the importance of tides in dominating the coral reef hydrodynamics. Aside from the tidal level, it is also important to evaluate the effect of tidal current on wave breaking over coral reefs. In this study, a series of laboratory experiments were performed in a wave-current flume in the presence of both flooding and ebbing tides. Experimental results are reported for a variety of combined wave-current conditions based on an idealized barrier reef model. Results analyses show that the relative reef-flat submergence (the ratio of reef-flat submergence to deep-water wave height) is a key parameter to characterize such breaking-wave characteristics as the breaker type, the breaking location, the surfzone width, and the breaker depth index. The influences of the current flowrate on the breaking location, the surfzone width, and the breaker height index appear to be significant within our tested ranges. Empirical formulas to predict these characteristics in the existing literature are also improved to account for the current effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider a constant stress accelerated life test terminated by a hybrid Type-I censoring at the first stress level. The model is based on a general log-location-scale lifetime distribution with mean life being a linear function of stress and with constant scale. We obtain the maximum likelihood estimators (MLE) and the approximate maximum likelihood estimators (AMLE) of the model parameters. Approximate confidence intervals, likelihood ratio tests and two bootstrap methods are used to construct confidence intervals for the unknown parameters of the Weibull and lognormal distributions using the MLEs. Finally, a simulation study and two illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate the performance of the developed inferential methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extended binary phase shift keying/M-ary position phase shift keying (EBPSK/MPPSK)-MODEM provides radar and communication functions on a single hardware platform with a single waveform. However, its range estimation accuracy is worse than continuous-wave (CW) radar because of the imbalance of power in two carrier frequencies. In this article, the power allocation method for dual-frequency EBPSK/MPPSK modulated systems is presented. The power of two signal transmitters is adequately allocated to ensure that the power in two carrier frequencies is equal. The power allocation ratios for two types of modulation systems are obtained. Moreover, considerations regarding the range of operation of the dual-frequency system are analysed. In addition to theoretical considerations, computer simulations are provided to illustrate the performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Marrakesh Treaty entered into force in China on May 5, 2022. To fulfill its obligations and guarantee basic education access for visually impaired people, China revised its copyright law and introduced supporting measures for Treaty implementation. This article discusses various issues in designing a legal system for achieving 'intangible accessible environments' for visually impaired people in China and the priorities and possible shortcomings in transforming the Marrakesh Treaty into domestic law. Legislation must carefully avoid using specialized over-protection designs that could exacerbate the marginalization and social isolation of visually impaired people. Furthermore, it is crucial to refine the supporting system for Treaty implementation and strengthen sectoral synergies and international cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the impacting filter-based receiver is able to transform phase modulation into amplitude peak, a simple threshold decision can detect the Extend-Binary Phase Shift Keying (EBPSK) modulated ranging signal in noise environment. In this paper, an analysis of the EBPSK-MODEM system output gives the probability density function for EBPSK modulated signals plus noise. The equation of detection probability (pd) for fluctuating and non-fluctuating targets has been deduced. Also, a comparison of thepdfor the EBPSK-MODEM system and pulse radar receiver is made, and some results are plotted. Moreover, the probability curves of such system with several modulation parameters are analysed. When modulation parameter is not smaller than 6, the detection performance of EBPSK-MODEM system is more excellent than traditional radar system. In addition to theoretical considerations, computer simulations are provided for illustrating the performance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this article, the nilpotent orbits of the Witt algebra W 1 are determined under the automorphism group over an algebraically closed field F of characteristic p > 3. In contrast with a finite number of nilpotent orbits in a classical simple Lie algebra (cf. [5]), there is an infinite number of nilpotent orbits in W 1. A set of representatives of nilpotent orbits, as well as their dimensions, are precisely presented. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Brain stem gliomas are rare intracranial tumors, especially in adults. Malignant or high-grade brain stem gliomas are usually associated with a very poor prognosis. This case report documents an adolescent harboring brain stem glioblastoma who had complete radiological response to temozolomide after partial tumor resection and survived for more than 3 years. Radiological and pathological findings are described. To the best of our knowledge, no similar cases have been reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The output tracking controller design problem is dealt with for a class of nonlinear strict-feedback form systems in the presence of nonlinear uncertainties, external disturbance, unmodelled dynamics and unknown time-varying virtual control coefficients. A new method based on signal compensation is proposed to design a linear time-invariant robust controller, which consists of a nominal controller and a robust compensator. It is shown that the closed-loop control system with a controller designed by the proposed method has robust asymptotical practical tracking property for any bounded initial conditions and robust tracking transient property if all initial states are zero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelial cells are known to respond to flow onset by increasing actin turnover rate. Current models assume that an increase in the actin turnover rate should result in a rise in cell crawling speed. Here we report that confluent endothelial monolayer shows an unexpected behavior: cell crawling speed decreases by ∼ 40% within the first 30 min of flow onset. A drop in crawling speed has not been observed in either subconfluent endothelial cells or in VE-cadherin-deficient cells. We found that flow onset caused an increase in the number of VE-cadherin-GFP molecules in the junctions and elicited changes in the cytoskeleton-associated fractions of α, β -catenins and VE-cadherin. Flow application also increased the strength of interactions of endothelial cells with surfaces coated with recombinant VE-cadherin. These observations suggest that endothelial cell junctional proteins respond to flow transiently by increasing the strength of intercellular attachments early after flow onset and support the view on the active role of intercellular adhesions in mechanotransduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose : To investigate the spectrum of fungal species causing keratitis and to test antifungal drug susceptibility to each isolate using Etest. Methods : Microbial cultures were performed for patients who were clinically diagnosed with fungal keratitis between September 2002 and July 2004. Modified slide culture was established to identify the fungal species of the isolates. Etest (AB BIODISK, Solna, Sweden) was applied to determine the antifungal agent susceptibility of each isolate to itraconazole, fluconazole, and amphotericin B in vitro , respectively. Results : Among 73 eyes of 73 patients with clinical diagnosis of fungal keratitis, 61 strains of fungi were isolated from 61 eyes. The rate of positive culture was 81.3% of all cases. The spectrum of fungal species involved: 58 (95.1%) isolates of filamentous fungi, including the two most common genera— Fusarium (n = 33, 54.1%) and Aspergillus (n = 9, 14.8%),—followed by 16 (26.2%) isolates of other genera of filamentous fungi such as Alternaria (n = 3, 4.9%), Trichophyton (n = 3, 4.9%), Curvularia (n = 2, 3.3%), Chrysosporium (n = 2, 3.3%), Acremonium (n = 2, 3.3%), and Scedosporium (n = 1, 1.6%), 1 (1.6%) yeast of Candida , as well as two (3.3%) dimorphic fungi of Blastomyces and Sporothrix isolate each. Three filamentous fungi of the isolates failed to be identified according to the information provided by slide culture. The results of Etest showed that 20 (60.6%) isolates of Fusarium were susceptible to amphotericin B, whereas all of them were resistant to itraconazole and fluconazole. All nine (100%) isolates of Aspergillus were sensitive to itraconazole, whereas four (44.4%) of them were sensitive to amphotericin B, and only two (22.2%) of them were sensitive to fluconazole. Seventeen (89.5%), 13 (68.4%), and 10 (52.6%) isolates of the remaining 19 organisms were sensitive to amphotericin B, itraconazole, and fluconazole, respectively. Conclusions : Fusarium and Aspergillus are the most frequent pathogenic organisms in causing fungal keratitis, whereas other species of fungi can also cause corneal infection. In vitro Etest for assessing antifungal drug susceptibility is a simple and practical method and may provide referential information for clinical consideration of choosing antifungal agents to treat fungal keratitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-learning method based on the concept of cell mapping is presented to design automatically a fuzzy controller in the sense of a quadratic optimum for an unknown system. The construction of the system's cell mapping is directly obtained from experimental data instread of numerical calculations from system equations. The continuous state and control spaces of the system are first divided into many discrete fuzzy cells. A series of learning signals is applied to excite the system for training, and then all the states and control signals are gathered in a data buffer. Then, the real-valued data in the buffer are transformed to the fuzzy-valued cell chains which consist of the next state cell, initial control cell, quadratic cost and degree for optimization. A fuzzy control table is created to store these fuzzy cell chains with less cost and higher degree and is optimized through accumulated learning experience. Finally, the well learned fuzzy control table is used as an optimal fuzzy controller to transfer globally the system from any initial state cell to the target state cell. Once the state reaches the target state cell, the controller is switched from the fuzzy controller to a state feedback controller to the system within the target state cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the problem of the boundary fixed-time stabilisation for delay reaction–diffusion systems (DRDSs). A new boundary controller is designed to achieve fixed time stability of DRDSs. Firstly, a boundary fixed-time controller is presented for DRDSs. Then based on the designed boundary controller, using Lyapunov functional method, fixed-time stability lemma and Poincaré's inequality, we obtain the criteria to guarantee the fixed-time stability of DRDSs. In addition, boundary fixed-time controller is proposed for uncertain DRDSs to reach robust fixed-time stability. Both the cases, the systems with or without uncertainties, are severally followed by a fixed time, which is an upper-bound of the settling time and irrelevant to the initial conditions. Finally, two simulation examples are given to illustrate the fixed-time stability of the controlled systems, which show the validity of our theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-fat diet (HFD) can cause obesity, inducing dysregulation of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT). This study aimed to explore potential biological pathways and hub genes involved in obese VAT, and for that, bioinformatic analysis of multiple datasets was performed. The expression profiles (GSE30247, GSE167311 and GSE79434) were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus. Overlapping differentially expressed genes (ODEGs) between normal diet and HFD groups in GSE30247 and GSE167311 were selected to run protein–protein interaction network, GO and KEGG analysis. The hub genes in ODEGs were screened by Cytoscape software and further verified in GSE79434 and obese mouse model. A total of 747 ODEGs (599 up-regulated and 148 down-regulated) were screened, and the GO and KEGG analysis showed that the up-regulated ODEGs were significantly enriched in inflammatory response and extracellular matrix receptor interaction pathways. On the other hand, the down-regulated ODEGs were involved in metabolic pathways; however, there were no significant KEGG pathways. Furthermore, six hub genes, Mki67, Rac2, Itgb2, Emr1, Tyrobp and Csf1r were acquired. These pathways and genes were verified in GSE79434 and VAT of obese mice. This study revealed that HFD induced VAT expansion, inflammation and fibrosis, and the hub genes could be used as therapeutic biomarkers in obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, more and more technical tools have been introduced into various museums, bringing new opportunities and challenges for the research of museum learning. Whether the application of these technologies can effectively improve the effects of museum learning has become a major problem perplexing museum learning researchers. In this paper, a meta-analysis method is used to analyze and evaluate the 42 experimental or quasi-experimental studies on the technology application in the field of museum learning in the past decade. The results show that the technology application has a moderate or higher effect on museum learning, moreover, the age of learners, the type of technology, the type of museum and the visiting pattern of museum will significantly affect the effectiveness of technology on the museum learning. Therefore, the museum institutions can learn from excellent cases to accelerate the application of museum technology, give priority to the construction of digital resources, continue to promote the specialisation of museum technology application, and better play the role of technology in museum education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control momentum gyroscopes (CMGs) have many advantages over other actuators for the attitude control of a spacecraft. Compared with the single-gimbal control moment gyroscopes (SGCMGs), the mass and power of the flywheel of variable-speed control moment gyroscopes (VSCMGs) are greatly increased. In this paper, a new solving strategy of singularity problem is proposed, which concludes the exchangeable momentum and steering law, and the parameters of VSCMGs are designed based on the constraint of singular problem. The configuration characteristics of VSCMGs with the constraint of upper and lower bounds of the flywheel regulation speed are revealed. The steering characteristics of weighted pseudo-inverse with null motion (WPINM) are analysed, then the flywheel torque requirement of WPINM is evaluated based on the geometry theory. At last, the parameter design problem of VSCMGs is cast as multi-objectives and bi-level programming problem. The bi-level programming is transformed into a single-level programming problem by using of the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker condition. Finally, the intelligent algorithm of particle swarm optimisation is presented to solve the nonlinear multi-objective problem. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A screen of Saccharomyces cerevisiae histone alanine substitution mutants revealed that mutations in any of three adjacent residues, L97, Y98, or G99, near the C terminus of H4 led to a unique phenotype. The mutants grew slowly, became polyploid or aneuploid rapidly, and also lost chromosomes at a high rate, most likely because their kinetochores were not assembled properly. There was lower histone occupancy, not only in the centromeric region, but also throughout the genome for the H4 mutants. The mutants displayed genetic interactions with the genes encoding two different histone chaperones, Rtt106 and CAF-I. Affinity purification of Rtt106 and CAF-I from yeast showed that much more H4 and H3 were bound to these histone chaperones in the case of the H4 mutants than in the wild type. However, in vitro binding experiments showed that the H4 mutant proteins bound somewhat more weakly to Rtt106 than did wild-type H4. These data suggest that the H4 mutant proteins, along with H3, accumulate on Rtt106 and CAF-I in vivo because they cannot be deposited efficiently on DNA or passed on to the next step in the histone deposition pathway, and this contributes to the observed genome instability and growth defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-assembly of manganese acetate with 1,3-bis(4-carboxy-phenoxy)propane (H2bcp) and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene (bpe) under solvothermal conditions yielded a polymer {[Mn2(bcp)2(bpe)(DMF)]} n (1), which shows 2-D → 3-D inclined interpenetration with polyrotaxane character. The magnetic behavior of 1 shows antiferromagnetic exchange between Mn magnetic centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new metal-organic framework, {[Co1.5(μ2-OH)(L)(bipy)0.5] ·0.5DMF}n (1) (H2L = (4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid) and bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine), has been prepared under solvothermal conditions using flexible dicarboxylate and rigid N-donor co-ligands in the presence of Co(II) ion as the building blocks. The x-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis indicates that 1 possesses a three-dimensional (3D) layer-pillar structure with one-dimensional (1D) metal-carboxylate chain. The Co(II) ions are bridged by L2- to generate a two-dimensional (2D) sheet, which is further pillared by bipy into a 3D framework with {44.62}{45.65}2 topology. In addition, the variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurement indicates there exists an anti-ferromagnetic behavior between in the Co(II) ions of 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study which investigates on the reasons behind the custom of overconfidence among Asians. The researchers anticipated that overconfidence would be less marked in persons educated in Singapore than those in China. It is provided that the education system in Singapore is more highly westernized in terms of medium of instruction used than in China. It was found that Chinese students exhibited higher degrees of overconfidence than Singaporean students.

Four copper(II) supramolecular complexes, {[Cu(Hpb)(mal)]·H 2 O} n (1), (Hpb&ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;2-(2-pyridyl)-benzimidazole, mal&ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;maleate), [Cu 4 (pb) 4 (cro) 4 (MeOH) 2 ]·2MeOH (2) (cro&ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;crotonate), [Cu 2 (pb)(Hpb)(mac) 3 (MeOH)] (3) (mac&ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;α-methacrylate) and [Cu(Hpb)(acr) 2 (H 2 O)] (4) (acr&ThickSpace;=&ThickSpace;acrylate), based on carboxylate copper(II)-aromatic ligand systems which are assembled by combination of metal coordination, hydrogen-bond and π–π interactions, have been rationally designed and synthesized. Complex 1 forms a 3D supramolecular network with open channels by extending 2D undulating sheets constructed from 1D helical chains. Complex 2 generates a 2D grid-like sheet via unusual finite-chain tetranuclear molecules, with four copper atoms arranged in a line; the unit does not extend further due to the capping effect of the terminal methanol. Complexes 3 and 4 present a 1D sinusoidal structure and a 3D columnar network with 1D ladder-shaped double chains, respectively. Interestingly, coligand Hpb, deprotonated or/and neutral in different supramolecular complexes, provides hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions. In complexes 2, 3 and 4, carboxylate anions show various bridging modes, which are reflected in their magnetic properties. Weak ferromagnetic coupling (syn-anti µ-OCO) exists in 1, antiferromagnetic (syn-syn µ-OCO) and weak ferromagnetic coupling (µ-O of the&ThickSpace;-COO group) in 2 and antiferromagnetic coupling (syn-syn µ-OCO) in 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to explore the role of crizotinib, targeted anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), on r/r systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL). The treated group prospectively screened 20 patients. After taking crizotinib in the first week, 16 patients who were tolerant and sensitive received the combination of crizotinib with chemotherapy. The control group included 27 patients receiving chemotherapy in the same hospital during the same period. The objective remission rates of the treated and control group were 81.3% and 74.1% (p =.869), respectively. The progression-free survival rates at two years in treated and control group were 68.7% and 45.0% (HR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.17–0.99, p <.05), respectively. The overall survival rates at two years in the treated and control group were 86.1% and 78.9% (p =.385, HR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.11–2.30), respectively. The main adverse events included elevated transaminase, diarrhea, and vision abnormalities. Thus, the combination of crizotinib with chemotherapy might be effective in ALK-positive and crizotinib sensitive r/r sALCL patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the history of flax breeding, the types, research methods, occurrence, and genetic mechanism of apomixis were reviewed. The development and genetic mechanism of apomixis in polyembryonic flax, the progress in inducing methods and other aspects was discussed by cytology, embryology, genetics, and molecular biology, etc., methods in this paper. The purpose of this study was to reveal the rules of apomixis and to improve the utilization efficiency of apomixis in breeding. The problems existing in apomixis breeding of polyembryonic flax and the research direction of apomixis of flax were put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetylshikonin, a naphthoquinone derivative, is mainly extracted from some species of the family Boraginaceae, such as Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc., Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst., and Arnebia guttata Bunge. As a bioactive compound, acetylshikonin has attracted much attention because of its broad pharmacological properties. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics of acetylshikonin focussing on its mechanisms on the basis of currently available literature. The information of acetylshikonin from 1977 to 2020 was collected using major databases including Elsevier, Scholar, PubMed, Springer, Web of Science, and CNKI. Acetylshikonin, pharmacology, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and naphthoquinone derivative were used as key words. According to emerging evidence, acetylshikonin exerts a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, lipid-regulatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidative, neuroprotective, and antiviral properties. However, only a few studies have reported the adverse effects of acetylshikonin, with respect to reproductive toxicity and genotoxicity. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrate that acetylshikonin is associated with a wide distribution and poor absorption. Although experimental data supports the beneficial effects of this compound, acetylshikonin cannot be considered as a therapy drug without further investigations, especially, on the toxicity and pharmacokinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energetic hollow microcapsules (EHMs) were designed as dual-functional sensitizers for emulsion explosive with pentane/TiH2 and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as core and shell, respectively. SEM and particle size analyses showed that the PMMA/TiH2 energetic microcapsules had spherical morphology, narrow size distribution and internal hollow structure. The results of detonation performance and thermal safety experiments showed that the EHMs could be added in emulsion explosive as composite energetic sensitizers, which could provide "hot spots" and improve the detonation performance of emulsion explosive without affecting its safety. This method introduces an innovative way for the development of insensitive high-energy emulsion explosive, which would be applied to engineering blasting for hard rock mining and some military fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted therapy has revolutionized the treatment pattern of advanced drive gene mutation positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Advanced testing techniques enable physicians to detect these gene alterations in the clinic, thereby offering targeted therapies as treatment options to their patients. In this article, we reported a 52-year-old Chinese female with a pulmonary nodule in her left lower lung. After thoracoscopic lobectomy, a histopathological diagnosis of moderately differentiated atypical carcinoid (AC) was made. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement was detected, which is a rare phenomenon in AC. After the failure of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the patient started taking crizotinib, subsequently with ceritinib, and then alectinib. This sequential therapy approach has significant clinical benefits for the patient. This article reviewed the clinical significance and drug resistance mechanism of ALK rearrangement in lung cancer. We also discussed recent and ongoing researches and applications of ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrothermal reaction of Ln(NO3)3·6H2O with H2tyia (H2tyia = 5-(triazol-1-yl) isophthalic acid) afforded the lanthanide organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs), [Eu2(tyia)3(H2O)3]n (1) and {[Ln2(tyia)3·(H2O)3]· 3H2O}n (Ln = Tb 2, Dy 3, Sm 4, Gd 5, and Nd 6). Compounds were characterized by routine methods: PXRD, elemental analysis, solid-state luminescence properties analysis, TGA, FT-IR, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. In this work, the luminescent properties of 2, 4, 5, and 6 and the responsiveness of various chemical components contained in urine were investigated. These MOFs detect 1-naphthol (1-N), urinary thiodiglycolic acid (TDGA), uric acid (UA), and hippuric acid (HA), which are the final metabolites of carbaryl, vinyl chloride monomers, purine, and toluene, respectively. These new Ln-MOFs offer the potential for biomarkers or metabolic sensors and show excellent selective and sensitive luminescence detection of 1-N, TDGA, UA, and HA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By systematic change of the solvothermal synthesis, three new coordination polymers, [Cd(L)∙(H2O)]∙2H2O (1), [Cd(L)∙(H2O)]∙H2O (2), and [Cd(L)] (3), have been synthesized based on a tritopic ligand 4-(pyridin-3-yl)isophthalic acid (H2L). Compounds 1 and 2 show very similar two-dimensional (2D) bilayers further linked by interlayer hydrogen bonds into three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular structures, while 3 displays a 3D structure constructed form one-dimensional (1D) Cd-carboxyl chains. Notably, 1 and 2 have a pair of unusual isomers with the opposite orientation of coordinated H2O on the metal centers, leading to different hydrogen bonding interactions. Thermal stabilities and solid-state photoluminescences for 1-3 were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a triazole carboxylic ligand (H2L = 4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) isophthalic acid), four water-stable lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (Ln(III)-MOFs) (1-Ln, Ln(III) = Tb, Eu, Dy, and Sm), [Ln(L)(HL)(H2O)2], where the deprotonated H2L ligands have two different coordination modes: L2− and HL− [(a): η2μ2χ2, η2μ1χ2; (b): η2μ1χ2], have been synthesized by solvothermal reaction and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses show that Ln(III)-MOFs are isostructural with 2D-layered structures with uncoordinated carboxylic and triazole groups. The luminescent properties of 1-Tb in aqueous solution containing different cationic solutions and small organic solvents have been explored under ultraviolet irradiation at room temperature. The high quenching constant KSV values and low detection limits indicate that 1-Tb exhibits extremely high detection sensitivity and selectivity toward Fe3+ ions and nitrobenzene; 1-Tb can keep its original network and be reused after the sensing experiments, which provide us with an optical material for detecting Fe3+ ions and nitrobenzene. Magnetic studies show that antiferromagnetic exchange interactions exist between Dy(III) ions in 1-Dy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2-D chiral entangled coordination polymer, {Mn3(2,2′-bpy)2(3-cpta)2·H2O}n (1) (3-H3cpta=3-(3′-carboxyphenoxy)phthalic acid, 2,2′-bpy=2,2′-bipyridine), has been synthesized via the solvothermal method. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that 1 consists of one right-handed helical chain and one wavelike 2-D plane, which are connected with each other through hydrogen bonds and π···π interactions to generate a 3-D supra-molecule. Thermal gravimetric analysis shows that 1 possesses good thermal stability. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibilities have also been measured from 1.8 to 300 K, which shows 1 to be anti-ferromagnetic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new zinc(II) coordination polymer, namely [Zn(bipy)2(H2O)4]n·n(dsba) (1), has been synthesized by the mixed 4,4'-biphenyldisulfonic acid (H2dsba) and 4,4'-bipyridine (bipy) ligands with Zinc(II) salt under the common solution evaporation method. The results of the X-ray crystal diffraction analysis show that complex 1 belongs to the monoclinic system with P21/c space group. The unit cell constants of complex 1 are a = 9.2579 Å, b = 12.2016 Å, c = 14.447 Å, α = γ = 90°, β = 93.476°. Complex 1 exhibits a three-dimensional supramolecular network based on the discrete structure by utilizing various H-bonded interactions. In addition, the properties of complex 1, such as the elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and fluorescence spectroscopy were also characterized and are discussed in detailed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A coordination polymer, [Pb2(OH)(tzia)]·2H2O (1), has been prepared by solvothermal reaction of 5-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)isophthalic acid (H3tzia) and Pb(NO3)2. The polymer1is based on an unprecedented centrosymmetric tetranuclear [Pb4(OH)2(COO)4(ttaz)2] cluster linked by a multidentate tzia ligand, affording a 2-D 3,6-connectedkgdlayer. The adjacent layers are further jointed by Pb⋯O interactions to form a 3-D supramolecular framework with a rare (3,8)-connectedtfz-d; UO3topology. Photoluminescent properties of H3tzia,1, and1-desolvated have been further investigated, and it was interesting to find that1-desolvated due to the removal of lattice water molecules reveals stronger photoluminescence than1. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Different combinations of biomarkers analyzed by flow cytometry are critical for the accurate diagnosis of leukemic B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (B-CLPDs). We investigated CD200 and CD148 expression patterns of blood or bone marrow from 374 cases of B-CLPD by multicolor flow cytometry. Our results showed that CD200 and CD148 expression patterns distinguished different types of B-CLPD. CD200 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) or CD148 MFI had a high sensitivity and specificity to differentiate mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Furthermore, CD148 MFI/CD200 MFI ratio > 4.79 produced a specificity of 94.46% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91.04–96.87%) and a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 88.78–100.0%) in establishing the diagnosis of MCL in differential diagnosis between MCL and CLL. We therefore conclude that the combination of CD200 and CD148 may have a potential differential diagnostic value in leukemic B-CLPDs, especially between CLL and MCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deteriorating air quality in eastern China including the Yangtze River Delta is attracting growing public concern. In this study, we measured the ambient PM10and fine PM2.5in the mega-city, Nanjing at four different times. The 24-h average PM2.5and PM10mass concentrations were 0.033–0.234 and 0.042–0.328 mg/m3, respectively. The daily PM10and PM2.5concentrations were 2.9 (2.7–3.2, at 95% confidence interval) and 4.2 (3.8–4.6) times the WHO air quality guidelines of 0.025 mg/m3for PM2.5and 0.050 mg/m3for PM10, respectively, which indicated serious air pollution in the city. There was no obvious weekend effect. The highest PM10pollution occurred in the wintertime, with higher PM2.5loadings in the winter and summer. PM2.5was correlated significantly with PM10and the average mass fraction of PM2.5in PM10was about 72.5%. This fraction varied during different sampling periods, with the lowest PM2.5fraction in the spring but minor differences among the other three seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new zinc(II) metal-organic compounds, {[Zn(ADC)(bib)]·CH3OH·H2O}n(1) and [Zn(ADA)(bib)]n(2) (H2ADC = 1,3-adamantanedicarboxylic acid, H2ADA = 1,3-adamantanediacetic acid, bib = 1,4-bis(2-methyl-imidazol-1-yl)butane), have been synthesized and characterized. In1, zinc(II) ions are bridged by ADC to form a 1-D chain. The chains are further connected by bib to form a 2-D wave structure. In2, zinc(II) ions are bridged by two ADA to form a 1-D looped chain, and then the 1-D looped chain is connected through bib resulting in a 2-D network. Fluorescent properties, TG analysis, and XRPD for1and2are also measured and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two new metal–organic compounds, [Ag2(HADC)2(bimh)] (1) and [Cd(ADC)(bpp)]n(2) [H2ADC = 1,3-adamantanedicarboxylic acid, bimh = 1,6-bis(2-methyl-imidazole-1-yl)hexane, bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane], have been synthesized and characterized. Compound1exhibits a discrete symmetric unit with 0D?2D interpenetrating structure. Compound2crystallizes in a chiral space groupP212121and presents a threefold interpenetrated 3D diamondoid network containing three helical chains. Thermal stability, X-ray powder diffraction, and luminescence for1and2are also measured and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Three new complexes, {[Mn(dtb)(bpe)·2H2O]·H2O}n(1), {[Mn(dtb)(bpa)·2H2O]·H2O}n(2), and {[Mn(dtb)(phen)]}n(3) [H2dtb = 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene, bpa = 1,2-bi(4-pyridyl)ethane, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline], have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions with Mn(OAc)2·4H2O, dtb, and differentN-donor ligands. X-ray structure analyses of1and2reveal analogous structures with 1D helical chains and 2D 44chiral layers. The structure of3shows a 1D chain which is outwardly decorated with phen ligands. These neutral polymeric complexes exhibit structural diversity due to the different coordination modes of the flexible dtb ligand and the N-donor ligands. The thermogravimetric analyses and X-ray powder diffractions of1–3are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the concept of forming elliptical movements on the two leading ends of a beam by the superimposing of two orthogonal first-order bending modes, a high power linear ultrasonic motor using a bending bolt-clamped transducer is proposed in this study. Two groups of bending PZT located at the wave loop of the bending vibration are excited by alternating voltages with the transducer's bending resonance frequency to accomplish the generations of the two orthogonal bending vibrations. The symmetrical setting of the PZT elements makes the two driving feet have the same elliptical movement trajectory. Elastic supporting is accomplished by thin beams machined on the two sides of each horn. The electromechanical coupling factors of the motor are calculated; the movement trajectories of the diving feet are simulated. After the fabrication of a prototype, its vibration characteristics and mechanical ability are tested. The proposed motor achieves a maximum speed of 1309 mm/s and a maximum thrust force of 45 N. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]