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The Vertical Scale Height (VSH) is a crucial parameter that describes the shape of the ionospheric electron density profile. Evidence suggests a complex relationship between VSH and the thermal structure and dynamics of the ionosphere. A statistical study was conducted on the VSH at low altitudes (175 km) and high altitudes (300 km) in the Martian ionosphere, using data from the MAVEN observations from 2014 to 2023. The results suggest that the influence of the crustal magnetic field on VSH175 is more pronounced than on VSH300. VSH175 shows a minor peak around −20° latitudes, which is more than 7% higher than the average value, and an increasing trend with latitude in the northern hemisphere. VSH300 is higher in the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere, especially in summer, by approximately 42.1%. Regarding the local time variation of VSH, we observed an increasing trend from midnight to morning and a decreasing trend from dusk to midnight in almost all conditions. The local time variation of VSH also exhibits seasonal and latitudinal dependence. These variations have different levels of consistency with the gradient of the electron temperature (Te) and the collision frequency between charged particles and neutrals. Specifically, the correlation coefficient between VSH175 and the collision frequency between charged particles and neutrals reaches as high as 0.93 in the northern hemisphere winter and southern hemisphere summer. The correlation coefficient between VSH300 and the gradient of the Te reaches up to 0.72 in the southern hemisphere equinox. Plain Language Summary: The ionosphere is produced by photo‐ionization of the Martian upper atmosphere. The Vertical Scale Height (VSH) is a parameter that describes how quickly the electron density in the ionosphere changes with height. It is closely linked to the thermal structure and dynamics of the ionosphere. Our research focuses on how the crustal magnetic field affects the VSH on Mars and looks at variations with latitude and local time at low altitudes (175 km) and high altitudes (300 km) using MAVEN observations. We find that high VSH values at 175 km align with areas of strong crustal magnetic fields on Mars. There are significant latitudinal and daily variations in the VSH of the Martian ionosphere. Latitudinal variation is mainly manifested as hemispherical asymmetry, which may be related to Martian topography. The daily variations are influenced by the temperature gradient and the collision frequency between charged particles and neutrals. These effects also have dependences on altitude and season. Key Points: The crustal magnetic field of Mars has a significant effect on Vertical Scale Height (VSH) at low altitudesOur analysis revealed evident diurnal and latitudinal variations in the VSH of the Martian ionosphereThe thermal structure and dynamics contribute differently to local time variation of the VSH at different heights [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of Cr alloying on phase stability, magnetism, and electronic structures in both body‐centered cubic (bcc) and face‐centered cubic (fcc) phases and on the transformation from fcc to bcc are studied by first‐principles calculations. Results show that the doped Cr atoms in fcc and bcc phases choose distinct occupation models. This phenomenon can be understood from the amount of electron density of states close to Fermi energy. For magnetism, Cr tends to be antiferromagnetically coupled with the surrounding Fe in the studied phases. The magnetic moment of Fe is greater than that of Cr in bcc, but the order is reversed in fcc. The moment of Fe is dictated by the distance between it and the doped Cr in bcc, whereas it is dominated by spatial orientation with Cr in fcc. For phase stability, it is found that the alloying of Cr prefers destabilizing bcc while tends to stabilize fcc, leading to a strong inhibition of phase transition from fcc to bcc. Notably, the role in the fcc phase is more prominent than that in bcc, which can be associated with the antiferromagnetism between Fe and Cr in fcc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Soy 11S globulin has high thermal stability, limiting its application in the production of low‐temperature gel foods. In this study, the low‐frequency magnetic field (LF‐MF, 5 mT) treatment (time, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min) was used to improve the solubility, conformation, physicochemical properties, surface characteristics, and gel properties of soy 11S globulin. RESULTS: Compared with the native soy 11S globulin, the sulfhydryl content, emulsifying capacity, gel strength, water‐holding capacity, and absolute zeta potential values significantly increased (P < 0.05) after LF‐MF treatment. The LF‐MF treatment induced the unfolding of the protein structure and the fracture of disulfide bonds. The variations in solubility, foaming properties, viscosity, surface hydrophobicity, and rheological properties were closely related to the conformational changes of soy 11S globulin, with the optimum LF‐MF modification time being 90 min. CONCLUSION: LF‐MF treatment is an effective method to improve various functional properties of native soy 11S globulin, and this study provides a reference for the development of plant‐based proteins in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Paralympic Committee has been promoting the development of evidence‐based classification to reduce the subjectivity in current decision‐making systems. The current study aimed to evaluate the validity of the impairment and performance tests for para‐alpine sit skiing classification, and whether cluster analysis of the measures would produce a valid classification structure. Thirty‐eight para‐alpine sit skiers with different disabilities completed seven tests. During these tests, isometric trunk strength, trunk muscle excitation, trunk range of movement (ROM), and simulated skiing performance (board tilt angle) were assessed. Correlations between the measures and the board tilt angle were calculated. To group athletes, K‐means cluster analysis was performed according to how much the impairment measures affected the board tilting. There were significant correlations between all measures and the maximal board tilt angle (r = 0.35–0.81, p < 0.05). The cluster analysis revealed that the introduction of ROM and muscle excitation was an effective supplement to strength measures in improving the classification accuracy (53%–79%). It produced four clusters with strong structures (mean silhouette coefficient = 0.81) and large and significant inter‐cluster differences in most measures and performance between clusters (p < 0.05). The cluster analysis produced classes comprising athletes with similar degrees of activity limitation. All tests reported can help establish a more transparent classification system for para‐alpine sit skiers. This study also provides a reference for evidence‐based classification systems in other Para sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the deformation characteristics of SiO2–MnO–(CaO–Al2O3)‐type inclusions in silicon manganese deoxidized steel from continuous casting to rolling. The results reveal that the inclusions contain 60–80% SiO2, 10–35% MnO, and a combined CaO and Al2O3 content of <20%. SiO2 precipitates inside the inclusions during the continuous casting and rolling processes, which results in the formation of pure SiO2/SiO2–MnO–(CaO–Al2O3) dual‐phase inclusions in the remaining components owing to the increase in the MnO content to 15–40%. According to the experimental results of melting rate measurement and thermodynamic calculation using FactSage8.1, the SiO2–MnO–(CaO–Al2O3) phase has a high proportion of liquid components at 1100–1360 °C and exhibits good deformation properties during the breaking down and rolling processes. When the total content of CaO, Al2O3, and MgO in the SiO2–CaO–Al2O3–MgO–MnO inclusions reaches 30–50%, SiO2 precipitation is inhibited during the continuous casting to rolling process. Through the addition of metal manganese and carbon powder during the pre‐deoxidation process, followed by alloying with ferrosilicon and metal manganese, and then the addition of acidic synthetic slag for slag formation, the proportion of SiO2/SiO2–MnO–(CaO–Al2O3) dual‐phase inclusions in the casting billet is increased from 12% to >60%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using total electron content (TEC) from the global ionospheric maps, the solar tide‐like signatures in the ionosphere are explored. We further study how the main components evolve during the 2009 and 2018 major stratospheric sudden warming events (SSWs). The method of a least‐square fit is applied for extracting the solar tide‐like components. The three predominant components are SW2, D0, and SW1, amplitude of which increase in the equatorial ionization anomaly region after the onset of both SSW events, especially in the northern hemisphere. During the SSW events, the solar tide‐like components vary significantly with latitude and their evolutions show hemispherical asymmetries. Each same component presents similar evolutionary trend during both events. The characteristics of ionospheric tide‐like signatures and related mechanisms are discussed. The SW2 tide‐like responses in TEC closely follow the changes in the tidal wind fields in the lower thermosphere, which provide evidences of the atmosphere‐ionosphere coupling during SSW events. In addition, the latitudinal asymmetric distributing of stratospheric ozone and ionospheric TEC background during the SSW may be influence factors for the hemispherical asymmetries in tide‐like signatures responses in TEC. Plain Language Summary: Stratosphere sudden warming (SSW) is a meteorological event in which the stratospheric atmospheric temperature will increase dramatically within a matter of days even in the northern polar winter. Although it is a stratospheric phenomenon, the tidal variations from the lower atmosphere can impose their influences even at the ionospheric height during SSW events. We present the evolutions of dominant tide‐like components in the total electron content data. In addition, the changes of the ionospheric migrating tide‐like components are like those in the mesospheric neutral winds. These similarities imply a strong atmosphere‐ionosphere coupling during a major SSW event. Key Points: The predominant ionospheric tide‐like components were SW2, D0, and SW1 during the 2009 and 2018 major stratospheric sudden warming (SSW) eventsAfter the SSWs onset, there were enhancements for the three tide‐like components in the equatorial ionization anomaly region, especially for the northern hemisphereThe SW2 tide‐like responses in total electron content had similar responses with the changes in the tidal winds in the lower thermosphere [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global ultra‐low frequency (ULF) oscillations are believed to play a significant role in the mass, energy, and momentum transport within the Earth's magnetosphere. In this letter, we observe a ∼1.2 mHz radial standing wave in the dusk‐sector magnetosphere accompanied by the field line resonance (FLR) on 16 July 2017. The frequency estimation from the simple box model also confirms the radial standing wave. The essential characteristics of FLR are concurrently identified at the dusk‐sector magnetosphere and the conjugated ground location. Further, the radial standing wave dissipates energy into upper atmosphere to enhance the local aurora by coupling itself to the FLR. The magnetospheric dominant 1.2/1.1 mHz ULF waves plausibly correspond well with the discrete ∼1 mHz magnetosheath ion dynamic pressure/velocity oscillation, suggesting this radial standing wave and FLR in the flank magnetosphere may be triggered by the solar‐wind and/or magnetosheath dynamic pressure/velocity fluctuations. Plain Language Summary: Just like thumping the strings, the Earth's magnetic field line can also be disturbed by the external impulses or internal instability, generating the rich ultra‐low frequency (ULF) oscillations with period of 1–1,000 s. They are believed to play a significant role in the mass, energy, and momentum transport within the Earth's magnetosphere. But the question of how an external driving mechanism can produce field line disturbances deep inside the magnetosphere is a topic of much debate. One classical global mode resonance model suggests that the magnetospheric space sometimes acts as a huge closed or semi‐closed cavity, where the ULF waves form the radial standing wave structure. So far, the observational evidence of radial standing waves with period of above 8 min accompanied by the field line disturbance in the flank magnetosphere is sparse. In this letter, we report a radial standing wave with period of ∼14 min within dusk‐sector magnetosphere accompanied by the field line disturbance phenomenon by multiple‐satellite observations. The radial standing wave energy sinks down to upper atmosphere to light the local aurora by coupling itself to the field line resonance. We conclude the radial standing wave may be caused by the solar‐wind and/or magnetosheath dynamic pressure/velocity fluctuations. Key Points: A radial standing Pc5‐6 ultra‐low frequency wave is identified within the dusk‐sector magnetosphereRadial standing wave dissipates energy into upper atmosphere by coupling itself to the field line resonanceSolar‐wind and/or magnetosheath dynamic pressure/velocity fluctuations possibly trigger this radial standing wave [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The changes in gel characteristics, rheology and antioxidant properties, microstructure and water mobility were studied to investigate the potential use of flaxseed oil double emulsion to replace pork back‐fat (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) in reduced‐fat pork batter. The flaxseed oil double emulsion (pH 6.0) was made of 20 mL 0.5% tea polyphenol solution (w/w), 20 mL flaxseed oil, 60 mL 4% whey protein (w/w) and 400 mL 2% Arabic gum solution. The result showed that the TBARS, L*, and a* values of pork batter significantly decreased (P < 0.05) when the flaxseed oil double emulsion replacing the pork back‐fat was ≤50%. Meanwhile, the pH, emulsification stability, hardness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness, cooking yield and G′ at 80 °C significantly increased (P < 0.05). In addition, the mobility of water in cooked batter first decreased and then increased (P < 0.05) with increasing flaxseed oil double emulsion. In addition, the microstructure of cooked pork batter with 50% flaxseed oil double emulsion has a continuous, tighter and regular structure, with the pores being smaller and more uniform. Overall, the replacement of pork back‐fat with flaxseed oil double emulsion at 50% reduced‐fat content could improve the quality of pork batter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric waves play an important role in the vertical coupling of atmosphere and ionosphere. Recent studies revealed that the mesospheric wave activities associated with sudden stratospheric warming events (SSWs) are more complicated than previously thought. This study investigates the activities of the dominant solar tide‐like harmonics in the ionosphere during SSWs. Significant tide‐like harmonics are present in the residuals of total electron content (TEC) detected by five receivers at different latitudes using signals from BeiDou geostationary (BD‐GEO) C3 satellite during the 2018 SSW. The results reveal that after the SSW onset, the third harmonic enhances and the fourth harmonic weakens at all selected receivers. However, the second harmonic exhibits a response varying with latitude. We then compare the ionospheric tide‐like signatures with those in mesospheric winds observed by four meteor radars. A good agreement is found after the SSW onset. The measurements at Mohe (53.5°N, 122.3°E) show that the response of each specific ionospheric tide‐like signature is similar to the tidal result in the mesospheric winds after the onset of three SSW events in 2017–2019. In addition, we suggest that besides the direct or indirect effects from the interactions of various waves in the lower atmosphere, the non‐sinusoidal waveform of the ionospheric diurnal variation may also contribute to solar harmonic signatures in the ionosphere. Plain Language Summary: Stratosphere sudden warming (SSW) is characterized by a dramatic increment of stratospheric atmospheric temperature within a few days during the polar winter. Although solar tides are the most predictably occurring waves in the upper atmosphere, their activities during SSWs become more complex than previously realized. To date, the observational studies of high‐order solar tides have mainly focused on the lower thermosphere. We investigate the total electron content (TEC) data to extend our study to charged particles at ionospheric height. Results show that three solar tide‐like harmonic peaks dominate during the 2018 SSW. In addition, the activities of the ionospheric harmonic signatures are similar to those in the neutral winds, suggesting a coupling between the lower thermosphere and the ionosphere. Key Points: Three solar tide‐like harmonics in the total electron content were dominant during 2018 SSW, exhibiting latitudinal dependenceAt mid‐latitude the second and fourth harmonics enhanced, while the third quenched after the SSW onsetThe harmonic signatures in the ionosphere had similar responses to those in the mesospheric neutral winds [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have revealed large anomalies in vertical ExB drift during the sudden stratospheric warming (SSW), and little attention focused on the behaviors of field‐aligned plasma drift. We report the first simultaneous observations of the equatorial ionospheric vertical ExB and field‐aligned plasma drifts and neutral winds during the 2020–2021 SSW, using the Ionospheric Connections Explorer (ICON) satellite measurements. The downward ExB drift is observed in the afternoon equatorial topside ionosphere in longitudes of ∼180°–270°E, in good agreement with the Jicamarca incoherent scatter radar measurements. What is more, the ICON records the afternoon northward disturbance in field‐aligned plasma drift, which is mainly due to the disturbance meridional wind. The enhanced semidiurnal tides maybe contribute to the disturbances in equatorial topside plasma drifts and neutral winds. This study indicates that the field‐aligned motion is an important factor in the ionosphere‐thermosphere responses to SSW. Plain Language Summary: Previous studies have revealed that the sudden stratospheric warming causes large anomalies in the low‐latitude ionosphere via the vertical ExB plasma drift driven by the E region wind dynamo. However, ionospheric electron density distributions are not only influenced by the vertical ExB drifts, but also by the plasma drifts along geomagnetic field lines driven by the F region neutral wind and plasma pressure gradient and gravity. In the past studies, little attention focused on the behaviors of the F region field‐aligned plasma drifts during the sudden stratospheric warming (SSW). Ionospheric Connections Explorer (ICON) provides the first simultaneous observations of the E and F region neutral winds and topside ionospheric vertical ExB and field‐aligned plasma drift. The results show that the enhanced semidiurnal tides can cause the significant disturbances in both the F region vertical ExB and field‐aligned plasma drift and neutral winds during the 2020–2021 SSW. The observed neutral wind and plasma drift will likely impact Earth's ionospheric plasma environment and imply a substantial impact of the lower atmosphere on ionospheric space weather. Key Points: The Ionospheric Connections Explorer satellite observes the afternoon downward plasma drift during sudden stratospheric warming (SSW)Disturbance in the F region neutral wind and their contribution to the field‐aligned plasma drift during SSW are observed for the first timeThe enhanced semidiurnal tides may contribute to the F region ExB and field‐aligned plasma drifts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine key developments in trade‐related activity on global derivatives markets during the Covid‐19 pandemic. We first document significant increases in volumes and open interest. Drawing upon techniques from network theory, we next find greater market interconnectedness and notable changes in market centrality. For US exchanges, we examine their response to the increased market uncertainty and find large and more frequent changes to margin requirements. We also find a considerable drop in trader participation driven mainly by noncommercial traders along with an increase in the percent of open interest held by commercial shorts and noncommercial longs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of high‐pressure‐modified soy 11S globulin (0.1, 200, and 400 MPa) on the gel properties, water‐holding capacity, and water mobility of pork batter were investigated. The high‐pressure‐modified soy 11S globulin significantly increased (P < 0.05) the emulsion stability, cooking yield, hardness, springiness, chewiness, resilience, cohesiveness, the a* and b* values, and the G′ and G′′ values of pork batter at 80 °C, compared with those of 0.1 MPa‐modified globulin. In contrast, the centrifugal loss and initial relaxation time of T2b, T21, and T22 significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the microstructure was denser, and the voids were smaller and more uniform compared with those of 0.1 MPa‐modified globulin. In addition, the sample with 11S globulin modified at 400 MPa had the best water‐holding capacity, gel structure, and gel properties among the samples. Overall, the use of high‐pressure‐modified soy 11S globulin improved the gel properties and water‐holding capacity of pork batter, especially under 400 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use the in‐situ observations of DMSP and SWARM satellites to report the changes of the topside ionospheric electron temperature during the October 2016 storm. Electron temperature in the afternoon sector dramatically increases in low latitudes in the recovery phase of the storm. Furthermore, the temperature enhancements have an obvious dependence on longitude and are mainly centralized around 100°–150°E in different satellite observations. The temperature enhancements attain more than 2,000 K at 840 km and 1,500 K at 450 km around the magnetic equator. The decrease in the electron‐ion collision cooling rate, resulting from the lessened topside electron density, could not fully explain the temperature enhancement. At the same time, the electron densities in crests of the equatorial ionization anomaly are suppressed drastically at 100°–150°E, which cause a less heat conduction effect from the equatorial topside ionosphere to low altitudes via magnetic field lines and heat the topside ionospheric electron temperature. Further analysis indicates that dayside westward disturbance dynamo electric field presents a significant longitude structure and is a primary driver for the topside ionospheric temperature enhancement during the storm. Key Points: Topside ionospheric electron temperature enhances by ∼2,000K at magnetic equator around 100°–150°EThe temperature enhancement is related to the decreases in both collision cooling rate and heat conduction via the magnetic field linesThe westward disturbance dynamo electric field is a primary source for the topside ionospheric temperature enhancement [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overactivation of canonical Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and the maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) are essential for the onset and malignant progression of most human cancers. However, their regulatory mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not yet been well demonstrated. Low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 5 (LRP5) has been identified as an indispensable co‐receptor with frizzled family members for the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signal transduction. Herein, we show that activation of LRP5 gene promotes CSCs‐like phenotypes, including tumorigenicity and drug resistance in CRC cells, through activating the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin and IL‐6/STAT3 signalling pathways. Clinically, the expression of LRP5 is upregulated in human CRC tissues and closely associated with clinical stages of patients with CRC. Further analysis showed silencing of endogenous LRP5 gene is sufficient to suppress the CSCs‐like phenotypes of CRC through inhibiting these two pathways. In conclusion, our findings not only reveal a regulatory cross‐talk between canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway, IL‐6/STAT3 signalling pathway and CD133‐related stemness that promote the malignant behaviour of CRC, but also provide a valuable target for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the major chronic diseases, whose prevalence is increasing dramatically worldwide and can lead to a range of serious complications. Wnt ligands (Wnts) and their activating Wnt signalling pathways are closely involved in the regulation of various processes that are important for the occurrence and progression of T2DM and related complications. However, our understanding of their roles in these diseases is quite rudimentary due to the numerous family members of Wnts and conflicting effects via activating the canonical and/or non‐canonical Wnt signalling pathways. In this review, we summarize the current findings on the expression pattern and exact role of each human Wnt in T2DM and related complications, including Wnt1, Wnt2, Wnt2b, Wnt3, Wnt3a, Wnt4, Wnt5a, Wnt5b, Wnt6, Wnt7a, Wnt7b, Wnt8a, Wnt8b, Wnt9a, Wnt9b, Wnt10a, Wnt10b, Wnt11 and Wnt16. Moreover, the role of main antagonists (sFRPs and WIF‐1) and coreceptor (LRP6) of Wnts in T2DM and related complications and main challenges in designing Wnt‐based therapeutic approaches for these diseases are discussed. We hope a deep understanding of the mechanistic links between Wnt signalling pathways and diabetic‐related diseases will ultimately result in a better management of these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, electron temperature (Te) observations from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program F17 and F18 spacecraft during 2010–2017 are analyzed to explore the longitudinal differences of Te in the topside ionosphere on both sides of zero geomagnetic declination lines in the northern mid‐latitude under geomagnetically weak activities (Kp≤3). Te in the North American sector (45ºW–135ºW) has prominent longitudinal differences on sector scale. Te increases from the west side to east side in the morning, but vice versa in the afternoon. The relative value of longitudinal differences in Te peaks in May to August. The East Asian sector (45ºE–135ºE) of similar geomagnetic field configurations is selected for verification. There are similar local time and seasonal dependencies in the two sectors, while the intensity of longitudinal differences of Te weakens in the latter sector. The estimation of contributions to the longitudinal difference of Te from thermosphere winds provided by the empirical horizontal wind model (HWM14), peak height (hmF2) and peak density (NmF2) of the F2 layer indicates that the magnetic declination modulation effect of neutral winds at mid‐latitudes changes electron density (Ne), which indirectly changes the longitudinal difference in Te. Furthermore, the zonal wind at different local times and the seasonal variation of meridional winds may be the main effect factors of dependencies in Te longitudinal differences. The sector longitudinal differences of both geomagnetic declination and horizontal winds are possibly major reasons causing the different intensity of this characteristic in the two sectors.Key Points: Mid‐latitude electron temperature in the topside ionosphere has significant longitudinal differences on both sides of zero geomagnetic declination lineThe local time and seasonal variations of longitudinal differences in electron temperature are reportedLongitudinal differences in electron temperature are more distinct in the North American sector than in the East Asian sector [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the ionospheric response to the 21 June 2020 annular solar eclipse using the multiinstrument observations including ionosondes, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNNS) receivers, COSMIC2, and DMSP and SWARM satellites. During the course of the eclipse, total electron content (TEC) decreased slightly in the morning at 20–70°E and largely in the afternoon at 80–150°E. However, maximum TEC depletion did not occur at the maximum obscuration, but stayed close to the southern edge of the running totality during the eclipse and near the northern edge of the elapsed totality after the eclipse. NmF2 showed the similar variation as TEC around 110°E. Meanwhile, a northward disturbance field‐aligned plasma drift was observed in the eclipse region and the disturbance became strong in the southern side of the totality around 120°E. The TEC and Swarm data revealed that the crests of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) enhanced on both sides of the equator around noon in ~50–100°E although the northern crest was still in the Moon's shadow. The COSMIC2 profiles displayed the enhanced electron density in ~300–500 km altitudes and decreased density below ~300 km altitudes around the EIA crests in ~70°E. The Swarm observations recorded a drop in the electron temperature both in eclipse region and in conjugate hemisphere in 77°E and 96°E. The combined effect from the electric field, neutral wind, thermal conduction, and interhemispheric photoelectron transport might result in the complicated space and time variations of ionospheric responses to the eclipse. Key Points: Response of the ionosphere to the solar eclipse shows complicated altitude and longitude differencesDepletion of the ionospheric density does not peak at the maximum obscurationIonospheric disturbances in conjugate regions of the solar eclipse path are observed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the ionospheric responses in the Asian‐Australian, American, and African sectors during the August 2018 geomagnetic storm were investigated based on the Beidou geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Madrigal total electron contents (TECs), combined with measurements from ionosondes, magnetometers, and Global Ultraviolet Imager (GUVI). The middle‐ and low‐latitude TECs were dominated by positive responses over the three longitudinal sectors during the storm on 26–29 August. It is unique that daytime TECs at the Asian‐Australian, American, and African sectors displayed large enhancements larger than 10 TEC units (TECu) on 27–29 August, during the recovery phase, when the ionosphere is usually dominated by plasma depletions due to the ionospheric disturbance dynamo and/or disturbed thermospheric compositions. The combination and competition of the disturbed vertical plasma drifts through the solar wind‐magnetosphere‐ionosphere (SW‐M‐I) coupling and disturbed neutral compositions contribute significantly to the daytime TEC responses at different longitudinal sectors on 26 August during the main and early recovery phases. The eastward equatorial electrojet and O/N2 during the recovery phase on 27–29 August are larger than the quiet reference, which suggest that the enhanced upward vertical plasma drifts combining with higher O/N2 make an important contribution on the daytime positive ionospheric storm during the recovery phase. The enhanced vertical plasma drifts could not be driven by the SW‐M‐I coupling or ionospheric disturbance dynamo associated with the geomagnetic storm. Further studies should be untaken to explore the dominant sources for the enhanced upward vertical drifts during the recovery phase. Key Points: Daytime TECs in the Asian‐Australian, American, and African sectors displayed persistent and large enhancements during the stormPersistent daytime TEC enhancements in the recovery phase are associated with the enhanced vertical plasma driftsEnhanced vertical drifts during the recovery phase are unlikely driven by the SW‐M‐I coupling or ionospheric disturbance dynamo [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formononetin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside has been proved to have significant anti‐inflammatory effect. To evaluate its rat pharmacokinetics, a rapid, sensitive, and specific liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed and validated for the quantification of formononetin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside and its main metabolite formononetin in rat plasma. Samples were pretreated using a simple protein precipitation and the chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column by a gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile both containing 0.1% formic acid. Both analytes were detected using a tandem mass spectrometer in positive multiple reaction monitoring mode. The assay showed wide linear dynamic ranges of both 0.10–100 ng/mL, with acceptable intra‐ and inter‐batch accuracy and precision. The lower limits of quantification were both 0.10 ng/mL using 50 μL of rat plasma for two analytes. The method has been successfully used to investigate the oral pharmacokinetic profiles of both analytes in rats. After oral administration of formononetin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside at the dose of 50 mg/kg, it was rapidly absorbed in vivo and metabolized to its metabolite formononetin. The plasma concentration‐time profiles both showed double‐peak phenomena, which would be attributed to the strong enterohepatic circulation of formononetin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer possesses normoxic and hypoxia microenvironments with different levels of oxygen, needing different efficacies of photothermal and photodynamic therapies. It is important to precisely tune the photothermal and photodynamic effects of phototherapy nano‐agents for efficient cancer treatment. Now, a series of copolymeric nanoparticles (PPy‐Te NPs) were synthesized in situ by controlled oxidative copolymerization with different ratios of pyrrole to tellurophene by FeCl3. The photothermal and photodynamic effects of semiconducting nano‐agents under the first near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation were precisely and systematically tuned upon simply varying the molar ratio of the pyrrole to tellurophene. The PPy‐Te NPs were used for cancer treatment in mice, exhibiting excellent biocompatibility and therapeutic effect. This work presents a simple method to tune photothermal and photodynamic therapies effect in semiconducting nano‐agents for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low‐cost wide Ka‐band inline waveguide‐to‐microstrip transition is proposed, which facilities the integration of planar transmission lines with waveguide structures. By employing a circular patch above a wedge‐shaped cavity, the quasi‐TEM mode wave in the microstrip line can be transformed into the TE10 mode wave in the rectangular waveguide. A transition prototype in a back‐to‐back configuration is manufactured and experimentally tested. Measured results show that the return loss is greater than 13 dB from 28 to 38 GHz and the insertion loss remains less than 0.4 dB for the proposed single‐side transition. With the features of wideband, compact structure and easy integration, the proposed transition can be applied in the low‐loss and high‐integration millimeter‐wave systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The inflammatory bowel disease disability index (IBD‐DI) has been used to evaluate functional status for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The study aimed to develop a reliable Chinese version of IBD‐DI (C‐IBD‐DI). Methods: Consecutive patients with IBD and healthy controls were recruited from June 2016 to July 2017 in the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University (Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China) to complete an inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire‐32 (IBDQ‐32), Hamilton's anxiety rating scale (HAMA) and Hamilton's depression rating scale‐24 items (HAMD‐24). The validation process included item reduction, reliability and validity tests. Results: Altogether 122 patients with IBD completed the validation process. Factor analysis reduced the C‐IBD‐DI to 13 items. Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.90. The C‐IBD‐DI scores were correlated with IBDQ‐32 score (r = −0.79, P < 0.001), HAMA (r = 0.78, P < 0.001) and HAMD‐24 (r = 0.81, P < 0.001). The total score of C‐IBD‐DI was significantly higher in patients with active IBD than in those in remission. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.83 in the stable IBD group, representing a good test–retest reliability. Those with improved disease activity had a significantly lower C‐IBD‐DI score at the follow‐up visit than at baseline. Patients with IBD had worse disability levels and quality of life than the controls, and were more likely to be anxious and depressed, especially those with active IBD. Conclusions: The validated C‐IBD‐DI comprising 13 questions has highly acceptable reliability and validity. Multicenter studies including large sample sizes are needed to further confirm our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this work were to characterize ipatasertib exposure–response (E‐R) relationships in a phase II study and to quantitatively assess benefit‐risk using a clinical utility index approach to support ipatasertib phase III dose selection in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer. Logistic regression and Cox proportional‐hazards models characterized E‐R relationships for safety and efficacy endpoints, respectively. Exposure metrics with and without considering dose interruptions/reductions (modifications) were tested in the E‐R models. Despite a steeper E‐R relationship when accounting for dose modifications, similar dose‐response projections were generated. The clinical utility index analysis assessed important attributes, weights, and clinically meaningful cutoff/tradeoff values based on predefined minimal, target, and optimistic product profiles. Ipatasertib 400 mg daily, showing the highest probability of achieving the minimal product profiles and better benefit‐risk balance than other doses (200–500 mg daily), was selected for further development in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SP NPs) are employed as efficient nanoagents for “all‐in‐one” theranostic nanoplatforms with dual photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and photothermal therapy (PTT) functions based on their photothermal conversion effect. However, the mechanisms of tuning the PTT efficiency are still elusive, though several SP NPs with high photothermal efficiency are reported. Herein, two donor–acceptor (D–A) SP NPs PTIGSVS and PIIGSVS with the same donor unit but different acceptor units are designed and synthesized. Through tuning the acceptor unit, PTIGSVS shows more planar backbone structure, stronger D–A strength, redshifted absorption, enhanced extinction efficient, weakened emission properties, and more efficient nonradiative decay in comparison to the polymeric analogue PIIGSVS. Thus, PTIGSVS NPs present much higher photothermal conversion efficiencies (74%) than PIIGSVS NPs (11%), resulting in significantly enhanced in vitro and in vivo PAI and PTT performance. This contribution demonstrates that PTIGSVS NPs are superior PA/PTT agents for effective cancer theranostic and shed light on understanding the relationship between molecular structures and photothermal effect of CPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Anisotropic microstructures are widely used by being cleverly designed to achieve important functions. Mammals' respiratory tract is filled with dense cilia that rhythmically swing back and forth in a unidirectional wave to propel mucus and harmful substances out of the lung through larynx. Inspired by the ciliary structure and motion mechanism of the respiratory tract systems, a viscoelastic microsphere transporting strategy based on integration of airway cilium‐like structure and magnetically responsive flexible conical arrays is demonstrated. Under external magnetic fields, the viscoelastic microspheres can be directionally and continuously transported alongside the swing of the cilia‐like arrays that contain magnetic particles. This work provides a promising route for the design of advanced medical applications in directional transport of microspheres, drug delivery systems, ciliary dyskinesia treating, and self‐cleaning without liquid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness ( KID) syndrome is a rare genodermatosis. It is mostly associated with mutations of the connexin 26 gene, resulting in keratitis, erythrokeratoderma and neurosensory deafness. In addition to the clinical triad, the KID syndrome patients are at high risk for infectious complications, while the mechanisms are poorly understood. In the present article, we described an Asian case of KID syndrome accompanied by fungal infection. The present study was designed to define the mutation type, and further to explore the interaction between the innate immunity response and the infectious complication of KID syndrome. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood for mutation analysis. Isolation and identification of the species were carried out to confirm the infectious microorganism. Three biopsy specimens from different parts of the body (right thigh, abdomen and forehead, respectively) were carried out for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, quantitative polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) was carried out to study the expression of Toll-like receptor 2 ( TLR2) on the epidermis of the right thigh. We identified a mutation (p.G12R) in the GJB2 gene in this patient with Trichophyton rubrum infection. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed a lower expression of TLR2 and no significant difference in TLR4. Meanwhile, PCR showed a relatively slight increase of TLR2 RNA expression. These results indicated that GJB2 mutation (p.G12R) in this case of KID syndrome, which was susceptible to T. rubrum infection, might be attributed to a limited native immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A first auricular case of chromoblastomycosis due to Fonsecaea nubica is reported in a 42-year-old Chinese male. He presented a slightly verrucous, erythematous plaque on his right auricle which had gradually extended over a 10-year period, and the patient reported a history of dog flea sting before onset of the lesions. Diagnosis was based on histopathological and mycological examination of clinical samples, which revealed muriform cells. Identification of the aetiological agent was assessed by morphological characteristics and confirmed at species level by sequencing of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer ( ITS). The patient showed marked clinical improvement after 3 months combination therapy with itraconazole and terbinafine. The possible mode of transmission of auricular chromoblastomycosis is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emmonsia pasteuriana is a thermally dimorphic fungus identified in very few human cases. Here, we report a case of a 43-year-old male renal transplant patient from China presenting with multiple painful skin eruptions on his head, nose and left thigh, later accompanied by respiratory failure. Histopathology of the biopsy collected from the left thigh upper ulcer and occipital nodule both demonstrated chronic inflammation with granuloma formation and yeast-like elements. Emmonsia pasteuriana was cultured from two biopsy specimens and their identity was confirmed by sequencing of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer. The patient in intensive care showed marked clinical improvement with antifungal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Intravascular lymphoma is a rare type of lymphoma that frequently affects the skin and is usually of B-cell origin. This lymphoma type is very rare and not recognized as a separate entity in the 2008 World Health Organization classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissue tumors. Methods We reported five cases of intravascular NK/T cell lymphoma with cutaneous manifestation and reviewed 12 published cases involving Chinese patients with similar characteristics. Results All five patients were adults who exhibited red or brown patches or plaques on the lower extremities or trunk; four cases were associated with B symptoms; one case developed subsequent to a lymphoma on the face (possibly extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type). Histopathologically, all patients exhibited abnormal, medium-sized intravascular lymphocytes in the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. All patients were positive for CD2, CD3ϵ, CD56 and cytotoxic proteins. All cases were Epstein-Barr virus ( EBV) positive. Four of FIVE patients died of lymphoma within a few months of diagnosis. Conclusions Intravascular NK/T-cell lymphoma is a rare highly aggressive and EBV-associated lymphoma that is prone to develop in Chinese patients. The relationship between intravascular NK/T-cell lymphoma and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, requires clarification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The fluorinated epoxy resin, 2,2-bisphenol hexafluoropropane diglycidyl ether (DGEBHF) was synthesized through a two-step procedure, and the chemical structure was confirmed by 1H n uclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Moreover, DGEBHF was thermally cured with methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride (MHHPA). The results clearly indicated that the cured DGEBHF/MHHPA exhibited higher glass transition temperature ( Tg 147°C) and thermal decomposition temperature at 5% weight loss ( T5 372°C) than those ( Tg 131.2°C; T5 362°C) of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)/MHHPA. In addition, the incorporation of bis-trifluoromethyl groups led to enhanced dielectric properties with lower dielectric constant ( Dk 2.93) of DGEBHF/MHHPA compared with cured DGEBA resins ( Dk 3.25). The cured fluorinated epoxy resin also gave lower water absorption measured in two methods relative to its nonfluorinated counterparts. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2801-2808, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An antipodal linearly tapered slot antenna fed by substrate integrated waveguide for Ku band application is presented.To reduce the mutual coupling between elements, several slots are cut both on the radiation arms and between radiation elements to chock the coupling currents. With this approach, the measured mutual coupling levels between antenna elements are reduced to lower than −27 dB within 13-17 GHz. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2512-2515, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26368 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LCLE) is an unusual manifestation of cutaneous lupus erythematosus in which erythematous, atrophic, dyschromic lesions are located along the lines of Blaschko. Calcinosis cutis and secondary milia are very uncommon in lupus erythematosus. We present a rare case of LCLE with calcinosis cutis and milia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature, fluid manipulations are ubiquitous in organisms, and they are crucial for many of their vital activities. Therefore, this process has also attracted widescale research attention. However, despite significant advances in fluid transportation research over the past few decades, it is still hugely challenging to achieve efficient and nondestructive droplet transportation owing to contamination effects and controllability problems in liquid transportation applications. To this end, inspired by the motile microcilia of micro‐organisms, the superhydrophobicity of lotus leaves, the underwater superoleophobicity of filefish skin, and pigeons' migration behavior, a novel manipulation strategy is developed for droplets motion. Specifically, herein, a superwettable magnetic microcilia array surface with a structure that is switchable by an external magnetic field is constructed for droplet manipulation. It is found that under external magnetic fields, the superhydrophobic magnetic microcilia array surface can continuously and directionally manipulate the water droplets in air and that the underwater superoleophobic magnetic microcilia array surface can control the oil droplets underwater. This work demonstrates that the nondestructive droplet transportation mechanism can be used for liquid transportation, droplet reactions, and micropipeline transmission, thus opening up an avenue for practical applications of droplet manipulation using intelligent microstructure surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although onychopapilloma (OP) is a benign tumor of the nail bed and distal matrix, there is nevertheless a demand for treatment in some patients. Classical longitudinal excision (CLEx) with avulsion of the nail plate was the most suitable surgical procedure. However, there may be better ways to produce a pleasing esthetic effect. The aim of this study was to modify CLEx to render it more effective, reduce the rate of recurrence, and achieve better esthetic results. We identified 23 patients with OP in varying clinical manifestations that were treated with CLEx and modified CLEx with or without avulsion of the nail plate. With the procedure of modified CLEx without avulsion of the nail plate, there was no bleeding as a side effect and recovery was faster. The appearance of the nail was nearly unchanged and no patient complained about the cosmetic results. We modified CLEx to treat OP to improve the esthetic effect while maintaining surgical effectiveness., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)