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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074968.].

Background: Several studies have investigated the relationship between serum lactate dehydrogenase-to-albumin ratio (LAR) and the prognosis of cancers. However, no studies have explored the association between serum LAR and the survival of oral cancer (OC). This study was aimed to determine the association of serum LAR with the overall survival (OS) of OC. Methods: One hundred and ninety patients with OC were included in this study between January 2018 and December 2019. Log rank test and Kaplan–Meier method were used to compare the survival rate of OC between the low LAR group and the high LAR group. The association between serum LAR and the survival of OC patients was determined via univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis and Log rank test indicated that the OS rate in low LAR group was significantly higher than that in high LAR group (P < 0.05). Univariate cox analysis showed that TNM III-IV stage, serum LDH > 162 U/L, and serum LAR > 3.79 were significantly associated with the OS of OC patients. Multivariate Cox analysis suggested that the TNM III-IV stage (HR, 2.317; 95% CI, 1.423– 3.774, P = 0.001) and serum LAR > 3.79 (HR, 5.138; 95% CI, 2.245– 11.756, P = 0.000) were independently related with poor OS of OC patients. Conclusion: High serum LAR (> 3.79) is an independent predictor of adverse prognosis in OC patients. LAR could be used as a promising marker for predicting the OS of OC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe contamination has always been one of the most critical issues in the integrated circuit (IC) industry due to its catastrophic effect on device reliability and electrical characteristics. With complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology scaling down, this issue has been attracting more attention. In this paper, the impact of Fe impurity on the reliability of gate oxide integrity (GOI) in advanced CMOS technology is investigated. Intentional contamination of polysilicon gates was conducted in both boron- and phosphorus-doped devices. Failure analysis of the gate oxide was conducted with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) technique. The experimental results disclose that the properties of PMOS are much more sensitive to Fe contamination than those of NMOS. It is suggested that the reason for the above phenomena is that Fe precipitates at the PMOS gate/oxide interface but dissolves uniformly in the NMOS poly gate due to lower formation energy of the FeB pair (0.65 eV) in PMOS than that of the P4-Fe cluster (3.2 eV) in NMOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease (SPID) are major causes of secondary infertility. Modified Hongteng Baijiang decoction (MHTBD) has produced positive results in the treatment of patients with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease; however, its role in SPID remains elusive. Therefore, this study clarified the role of MHTBD in SPID pathogenesis. Methods: The main components in MHTBD were analyzed by using liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (LC/MS). An SPID rat model was established, and the rats were treated with different doses of MHTBD (0.504 g of raw drug/kg, 1.008 g of raw drug/kg, and 2.016 g of raw drug/kg). Endometrial pinopodes were observed via scanning electron microscopy, endometrial thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration were assessed via HE staining, and the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), integrin β3 (ITGB3), and CD31 in the endometrium was detected by using immunohistochemistry. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of LIF, JAK2, p‐JAK2, STAT3, and p‐STAT3 in the endometrium. Moreover, the changes in the gut microbiota were analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: MHTBD improved endometrial receptivity, attenuated endometrial pathologic damage, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased ER and PR expression in the endometrium, and promoted the expression of LIF, p‐JAK2, and p‐STAT3 in the endometrium (p <.05) in SPID rats. Additionally, MHTBD treatment affected the composition of the gut microbiota in SPID rats. Furthermore, MHTBD attenuated endometrial receptivity and pathological damage in SPID rats by promoting the LIF/JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Conclusion: MHTBD attenuates SPID in rats by promoting the LIF/JAK2/STAT3 pathway and improving the composition of the gut microbiota. MHTBD may be a valuable drug for SPID therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium dioxide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (TiO2/MWCNTs) are nanocomposites (NCs) prepared via click reaction of TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) with azide groups (TiO2–N3) on the surface and MWCNTs with alkynyl groups (MWCNTs–ALK) on the surface. The phase structure, graphitization degree, structure, elemental composition, the microstructure of TiO2/MWCNTs NCs were characterized by XRD, Raman, IR, XPS and SEM, and their electromagnetic (EM) parameters were determined by the vector network analyser. For TiO2/MWCNTs NCs with click reaction, the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) is up to −47.87 dB at 12.02 GHz, the matching thickness is 2.0 mm, and the bandwidth is lower than −10 dB in the range of 7.7–12.48 GHz. Compared with the physically mixed TiO2/MWCNTs composites, TiO2/MWCNTs NCs prepared by click reaction show more excellent EM absorption properties, which is mainly due to the binding of covalent bonds between the two kinds of materials that lead to the enhancement of interfacial effects, the improvement of impedance matching and the increase of electron migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe3O4/SiO2 nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared by the interaction of alkyne-functionalized ferric oxide (Fe3O4-Alk) nanoparticles (NPs) and azide-functionalized silicon dioxide (SiO2-N3) NPs via the click reaction. The morphology and structure of the Fe3O4/SiO2 NCs were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared analyses, and the electromagnetic parameters were measured using a vector network analyzer. For the Fe3O4/SiO2 nanocomposites obtained via the click reaction, the minimum reflection loss reached − 37.15 dB at 16.68 GHz and a matching thickness of 5.0 mm, and the bandwidth below − 10 dB ranged from 3.2 to 6.7 GHz and 15.7 to 17.6 GHz. The Fe3O4/SiO2 composites synthesized via the click reaction exhibited better microwave absorption performance than the physically blended sample. This is mainly because Fe3O4 and SiO2 are covalently bonded through the click reaction in the composites, creating multiple heterogeneous interfaces, which enhance dielectric loss and impedance matching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing need for the multiband photodetection of a single scene has promoted the development of both multispectral coupling and broadband detection technologies. Photodetectors operating across the infrared (IR) to terahertz (THz) regions have many applications such as in optical communications, sensing imaging, material identification, and biomedical detection. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in broadband photodetectors operating in the infrared to terahertz range, highlighting their classification, operating principles, and performance characteristics. We discuss the challenges faced in achieving broadband detection and summarize various strategies employed to extend the spectral response of photodetectors. Lastly, we conclude by outlining future research directions in the field of broadband photodetection, including the utilization of novel materials, artificial microstructure, and integration schemes to overcome current limitations. These innovative methodologies have the potential to achieve high-performance, ultra-broadband photodetectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 15512; published online: 22 October 2015; updated: 13 April 2016 The Acknowledgements section in this Article is incomplete. “This study was supported by National 973 Program (2012CBA01305); National Science Fund for Outstanding Young Scholars (81322039); National Natural Science Foundation (31371524); Distinguished Young Scholars of Jiangsu Province (BK20130041); Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD); New Century Excellent Talents in University (NCET-13-0870) and the California Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) Grant 19XT-0070 (to B.

Thirdhand smoke (THS) is a new term for the toxins in cigarette smoke that linger in the environment long after the cigarettes are extinguished. The effects of THS exposure on male reproduction have not yet been studied. In this study, metabolic changes in male germ cell lines (GC-2 and TM-4) were analyzed after THS treatment for 24 h. THS-loaded chromatography paper samples were generated in a laboratory chamber system and extracted in DMEM. At a paper: DMEM ratio of 50 μg/ml, cell viability in both cell lines was normal, as measured by the MTT assay and markers of cytotoxicity, cell cycle, apoptosis and ROS production were normal as measured by quantitative immunofluorescence. Metabolomic analysis was performed on methanol extracts of GC-2 and TM-4 cells. Glutathione metabolism in GC-2 cells, and nucleic acid and ammonia metabolism in TM-4 cells, was changed significantly by THS treatment. RT-PCR analyses of mRNA for enzyme genes Gss and Ggt in GC-2 cells, and TK, SMS and Glna in TM-4 cells reinforced these findings, showing changes in the levels of enzymes involved in the relevant pathways. In conclusion, exposure to THS at very low concentrations caused distinct metabolic changes in two different types of male reproductive cell lines.

Silica nanoparticles (NP) is one of the most commonly used nanomaterials with potential health hazards. However, the effects of Silica NP on germ cells and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, GC-2 and TM-4, which are two different types of male germ cells were exposed to Silica NP for 24h, and then general cytotoxicity and multi-parameter cytotoxicity were evaluated. Our results showed that Silica NP could induce apoptosis in GC-2 cells. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed that Silica NP was localized in the lysosomes of GC-2 cells. High content screening (HCS) showed that Silica NP exposure could increased cell permeabilization and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in GC-2 cells. The mRNA and protein levels of apoptosis markers (Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9) in GC-2 cells were significantly increased, while Bcl-2 was decreased. Accordingly, the expression level of miR-98, which can regulate Caspase-3, was significantly decreased. Huwe1, the host gene of miR-98, was positively associated with miR-98 expression after Silica NP exposure. Dual luciferase reporter assay suggested that miR-98 directly targets Caspase-3. These results suggest that Silica NP induces apoptosis via loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and Caspase-3 activation, while miR-98 plays key role in modulating this effect.

To reduce the complexity of monitoring and management of robots in service, a six-axis robot control system based on digital twin is proposed. Based on 3D printing technology, a six-axis robot is developed. At the same time, the kinematics of the robot is analyzed, and its kinematics model is built using the D-H rule. The forward and reverse kinematics of the robot are solved. Through the two-way data interaction between the model layer and the entity layer, the simulation operation of the robot and the twin synchronous operation of the virtual real robot are realized. Based on the real-time data drive, the key parameters of the robot are monitored, and the health parameter table of the current, voltage, joint vibration, and other parameters of the robot system is established. Based on the idea of comparison of the same kind, the abnormal state detection of the robot is realized through quantitative analysis. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed system is verified by experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) poses potential risks to reproduction and development. Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) are ideal models for developmental toxicity testing of environmental contaminants in vitro. However, the mechanism by which PFOS affects early embryonic development is still unclear. In this study, mESCs were exposed to PFOS for 24 h, and then general cytotoxicity and pluripotency were evaluated. MTT assay showed that neither PFOS (0.2 µM, 2 µM, 20 µM, and 200 µM) nor control medium (0.1% DMSO) treatments affected cell viability. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in cell cycle and apoptosis between the PFOS treatment and control groups. However, we found that the mRNA and protein levels of pluripotency markers (Sox2, Nanog) in mESCs were significantly decreased following exposure to PFOS for 24 h, while there were no significant changes in the mRNA and protein levels of Oct4. Accordingly, the expression levels of miR-145 and miR-490-3p, which can regulate Sox2 and Nanog expressions were significantly increased. Chrm2, the host gene of miR-490-3p, was positively associated with miR-490-3p expression after PFOS exposure. Dual luciferase reporter assay suggests that miR-490-3p directly targets Nanog. These results suggest that PFOS can disturb the expression of pluripotency factors in mESCs, while miR-145 and miR-490-3p play key roles in modulating this effect.

To investigate the effect of A‐site substitution on phase‐structure evolution and electrocaloric effect (ECE) in filled tungsten bronze ceramics, Sr2–3x/2LaxNaNb4.3Ta0.7O15 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06) ceramics are prepared through a two‐step solid‐state reaction method. Rietveld refinement shows that La2O3 addition achieves a partial transition from orthorhombic (Im2a) to tetragonal phase (P4bm). A decrease in phase transition temperature, enhancement in distortion degree, and relaxation behavior are observed with increasing La2O3 content, as demonstrated by dielectric, in situ Raman spectra, and ferroelectric properties. The indirectly measured ECE shows a non‐monotonic variation, with room‐temperature ECE ranging from 0.19, 0.15, 0.23 to finally 0.19 K for x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06 compositions, respectively. This evolution trend is explained by an interplay of relaxation and multiphase coexistence. Directly measured ECE is also performed and a positive ECE character with a good temperature stability is observed. This work not only establishes relationships between phase‐structure evolution and ECE in filled Sr2NaNb4.3Ta0.7O15 tungsten bronze ceramics, but also presents its possibility in applications of thermally stable EC devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lean production is the third milestone of industrialization in human history. This is a revolutionary production and operation practice. Its core idea is to reduce waste, establish an efficient production system, improve corporate profits. It represents the direction in which manufacturing, or manufacturing standards, are moving today. With the continuous advancement of the information revolution, manufacturing enterprises must re-integrate external environmental information, transform their ideas and methods, and at the same time use big data and artificial intelligence to strengthen the manufacturing industry and form a new production mode. This article expounds the theory of lean production and basic methods from the perspective of big data and artificial intelligence. It combined with desi fogg existing organizational structure, site management, quality management, product development, production organization, problems existed in the aspects of applied research in the core of lean production ideas and principles, proposed the desi fogg lean production plan, and solve the management problems of the production process and waste of resources, establish the enterprise system of lean production system, and improve the level of the site management、 production quality and enterprise competitiveness.