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Areca nut is a popular and addictive food as well as a traditional herbal medicine in many countries. Areca nut contains alkaloids including arecoline, guvacine, and arecaidine, which are the major bioactive compounds in areca products. Areca alkaloids can be carcinogenic, and thus sensitive and specific analytical methods are urgently desired for the identification and quantification of these compounds. High‐performance liquid chromatography‐based methods are often preferred, but areca alkaloids do not have chromophores, and detection using a traditional UV detector can be difficult. The complexity of areca sample extracts can also lead to the co‐elution of peaks leading to poor quantitative performance. We report here high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with an ion mobility spectrometer for sensitive determination of areca alkaloids in various products including areca nut, areca nut products, and herbal oral liquid. An X‐Bridge reversed‐phase C18 column was used in the experiment and was combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to an ion mobility spectrometer system. A custom‐made adjustable post‐column splitter acted as an interface between the high‐performance liquid chromatography and the ion mobility spectrometer; it also acted as the electrospray ionization source. The mobile phase was methanol and 0.5% ammonium hydroxide. The results demonstrate that the splitter can afford a wide range of split ratios that match the ion mobility spectrometer ionization source while keeping the separation efficiency of high‐performance liquid chromatography. Three major alkaloid compounds were then accurately determined using the resulting method without dativization steps. Many coeluted high‐performance liquid chromatography peaks are effectively separated in the ion mobility spectrometer dimension, which in turn improved the quantification accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new complexes based on the 2,6-dicarboxy-4-hydroxypyridine ligand, formulated as [NaCu2(CAM)(HCAM)(H2O)]·H2O (1) and [Mn(HCAM)(bim)] (2) (H3CAM = chelidamic acid or 2,6-dicarboxy-4-hydroxypyridine, bim = 2,2′-biimidazole), were synthesized. The two compounds were characterized via their IR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 features a 1-D zigzag chain constructed by μ2-κO1:κO2:κO3:κN1 HCAM2− and μ2-κO6:κO8:κO10:κN2 CAM3− ligands and Cu(II) ions. Complex 2 also shows a 1-D zigzag chain connected by μ2-κO6:κO7:κO8:κN2 HCAM2− ligands, Mn(II) ions and terminal H2bim ligands. Both complexes are further linked via H-bonding interactions to form 3-D supramolecular networks. Complexes 1 and 2 display a relatively high proton conductivity (σ) values of 6.72 × 10−5 and 1.70 × 10−4 S cm−1, respectively, at 85 °C under 100% relative humidity (RH). Notably, although complexes 1 and 2 possess similar structures with 1-D chains, the proton conductivity of 2 is higher than that of 1 because complex 2 has a higher proton density and richer hydrogen bonds stemming from two undeprotonated imidazole rings of the H2bim molecules. This work revealed that increasing the proton density of a material by incorporating proton-rich-carriers as auxiliary ligands is an effective strategy to achieve high-performance non-porous coordination polymer-based proton conductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing chirality into low‐dimensional hybrid organic–inorganic halides (HOIHs) creates brand‐new opportunities for HOIHs in spintronics and spin‐related optoelectronics owing to chirality‐induced spin selectivity (CISS). However, preparing smooth films of low‐dimensional HOIHs with small roughness is still a great challenge due to the hybrid and complex crystal structure, which severely inhibits their applications in spintronic devices. Exploring new lead‐free chiral HOIHs with both efficient spin selectivity and excellent film quality is urgently desired. Here, cobalt‐based chiral metal halide crystals (R/S‐NEA)2CoCl4 constructed by 0D [CoCl4] tetrahedrons and 1‐(1‐naphtyl)ethylamine (NEA) are synthesized. The orderly configuration of NEA molecules stabilized by noncovalent CH···π interaction endows (NEA)2CoCl4 with good film‐forming ability. (NEA)2CoCl4 films exhibit strong chiroptical activity (gCD ≈ 0.05) and significant spin‐polarized transport (CISS efficiency up to 90%). Furthermore, ultrasmooth films (roughness ∼ 0.3 nm) with enhanced crystallinity can be achieved by incorporating tiny amount tris(8‐oxoquinoline)aluminum that has analogous conjugated structure to NEA. The realization of highly efficient spin selectivity and sub‐nanometer roughness in lead‐free chiral halides can boost the practical process of low‐dimensional HOIHs in spintronics and other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread fungal toxin Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is an inevitable pollutant affecting the health of humans, poultry, and livestock. Although studies indicate that AFB1 is hepatotoxic, there are few studies on AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity in sheep. Thus, this study examined how AFB1 affected sheep liver function 24 h after the animals received 1 mg/kg bw of AFB1 orally (dissolved in 20 mL, 4% v/v ethanol). The acute AFB1 poisoning caused histopathological injuries to the liver and increased total bilirubin (TBIL) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) levels. AFB1 also markedly elevated the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 while considerably reducing the expression of antioxidation-related genes (SOD-1 and SOD-2) and the anti-inflammatory gene IL-10 in the liver. Additionally, it caused apoptosis by dramatically altering the expression of genes associated with apoptosis including Bax, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2/Bax. Notably, AFB1 exposure altered the gut microbiota composition, mainly manifested by BF311 spp. and Alistipes spp. abundance, which are associated with liver injury. In conclusion, AFB1 can cause liver injury and liver dysfunction in sheep via oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and gut-microbiota disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating chronic disorder, significantly causing personal and social burdens, in which activated neuroinflammation is one major contributor. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and interleukin (IL)-33 is important for chronic inflammation. Linalyl acetate (LA) is main component of lavender oil with an anti-inflammatory property through TSLP signaling. The aim of the study is to investigate how LA regulates mechanical hyperalgesia after sciatic nerve injury (SNI). Adult Sprague-Dawley male rats were separated into 3 groups: control group, SNI group and SNI with LA group. LA was administrated intraperitoneally one day before SNI. Pain behavior test was evaluated through calibration forceps testing. Ipsilateral sciatic nerves (SNs), dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) and spinal cord were collected for immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting analyses. SNI rats were more sensitive to hyperalgesia response to mechanical stimulus since operation, which was accompanied by spinal cord glial cells reactions and DRG neuro-glial interaction. LA could relieve the pain sensation, proinflammatory cytokines and decrease the expression of TSLP/TSLPR complex. Also, LA could reduce inflammation through reducing IL-33 signaling. This study is the first to indicate that LA can modulate pain through TSLP/TSLPR and IL-33 signaling after nerve injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has become curable over 95% patients under a complete chemo-free treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide in low-risk patients. Minimizing chemotherapy has proven feasible in high-risk patients. We evaluated oral arsenic and ATRA without chemotherapy as an outpatient consolidation therapy and no maintenance for high-risk APL. We conducted a multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 study with consolidation phases. The consolidation therapy included Realgar–Indigo naturalis formula (60 mg/kg daily in an oral divided dose) in a 4-week-on and 4-week-off regimen for 4 cycles and ATRA (25 mg/m2 daily in an oral divided dose) in a 2-week-on and 2-week-off regimen for 7 cycles. The primary end point was the disease-free survival (DFS). Secondary end points included measurable resident disease, overall survival (OS), and safety. A total of 54 participants were enrolled at seven centers from May 2019. The median age was 40 years. At the median follow-up of 13.8 months (through April 2022), estimated 2-year DFS and OS were 94% and 100% in an intention-to-treat analysis. All the patients achieved complete molecular remission at the end of consolidation phase. Two patients relapsed after consolidation with a cumulative incidence of relapse of 6.2%. The majority of adverse events were grade 1–2, and only three grade 3 adverse events were observed. Oral arsenic plus ATRA without chemotherapy was active as a first-line consolidation therapy for high-risk APL. Trial registration: chictr.org.cn number, ChiCTR1900023309. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antarctica harbors the bulk of the species diversity of the dominant teleost fish suborder—Notothenioidei. However, the forces that shape their evolution are still under debate. Results: We sequenced the genome of an icefish, Chionodraco hamatus, and used population genomics and demographic modelling of sequenced genomes of 52 C. hamatus individuals collected mainly from two East Antarctic regions to investigate the factors driving speciation. Results revealed four icefish populations with clear reproduction separation were established 15 to 50 kya (kilo years ago) during the last glacial maxima (LGM). Selection sweeps in genes involving immune responses, cardiovascular development, and photoperception occurred differentially among the populations and were correlated with population-specific microbial communities and acquisition of distinct morphological features in the icefish taxa. Population and species-specific antifreeze glycoprotein gene expansion and glacial cycle-paced duplication/degeneration of the zona pellucida protein gene families indicated fluctuating thermal environments and periodic influence of glacial cycles on notothenioid divergence. Conclusions: We revealed a series of genomic evidence indicating differential adaptation of C. hamatus populations and notothenioid species divergence in the extreme and unique marine environment. We conclude that geographic separation and adaptation to heterogeneous pathogen, oxygen, and light conditions of local habitats, periodically shaped by the glacial cycles, were the key drivers propelling species diversity in Antarctica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective therapy for many psychiatric illnesses. However, intracranial occupying lesions are a relative contraindication to ECT. Arachnoid cysts are benign, congenital, and space-occupying lesions. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of ECT in psychiatric patients with arachnoid cysts. We retrospectively identified 62 psychiatric patients with arachnoid cysts; 43 of them underwent ECT and 19 did not. Their conditions were assessed by CGI-S and different scales depending on different diagnoses (PANSS for schizophrenia; HAMD for depression; YMRS for bipolar disorder). The side effect was assessed by TESS. Significant differences were shown in the reduced scores of the CGI-S between patients who underwent ECT and those who did not (p = 0.001), while, at the same time, there was no significant difference in their TESS score (p = 0.297). The current study found that ECT is an effective and tolerable therapy for psychiatric patients with arachnoid cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression and anxiety disorders are the two most prevalent psychiatric diseases that affect hundreds of millions of individuals worldwide. Understanding the etiology and related mechanisms is of great importance and might yield new therapeutic strategies to treat these diseases effectively. During the past decades, a growing number of studies have pointed out the importance of the stress-induced inflammatory response in the amygdala, a kernel region for processing emotional stimuli, as a potentially critical contributor to the pathophysiology of depression and anxiety disorders. In this review, we first summarized the recent progress from both animal and human studies toward understanding the causal link between stress-induced inflammation and depression and anxiety disorders, with particular emphasis on findings showing the effect of inflammation on the functional changes in neurons in the amygdala, at levels ranging from molecular signaling, cellular function, synaptic plasticity, and the neural circuit to behavior, as well as their contributions to the pathology of inflammation-related depression and anxiety disorders. Finally, we concluded by discussing some of the difficulties surrounding the current research and propose some issues worth future study in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex disorders usually affect multiple symptom domains measured by several outcomes. The importance of these outcomes is often different among patients. Current approaches integrate multiple outcomes without considering patient preferences at the individual level. In this article, we propose a new composite Desirability of Outcome Ranking (DOOR) that integrates individual level ranking of outcome importance and define a winning probability measuring the overall treatment effect. Stratified randomization can be performed based on the participants' baseline outcome rankings. A Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U-statistic is used to average the pairwise DOOR between one treated and one control patient, considering the difference in these patients' ranking of outcome importance. We use both theoretical and empirical methods to examine the statistical properties of our method and to compare with conventional approaches. We conclude that the proposed composite DOOR properly reflects patient-level preferences and can be used in pivotal trials or comparative effectiveness trials for a patient-centered evaluation of overall treatment benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) has no definitive genetic or environmental (G‐E) risk factors, and the integrated effect of these factors on MSA etiology remains unknown. This study was undertaken to investigate the integrated effect of G‐E factors associated with MSA and its subtypes, MSA‐P and MSA‐C. Methods: A consecutive case–control study was conducted at two medical centers, and the interactions between genotypes of five previously reported susceptible single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; SNCA_rs3857059, SNCA_rs11931074, COQ2_rs148156462, EDN1_rs16872704, MAPT_rs9303521) and graded exposure (never, ever, current) of four environmental factors (smoking, alcohol, drinking well water, pesticide exposure) were analyzed by a stepwise logistic regression model. Results: A total of 207 MSA patients and 136 healthy controls were enrolled. In addition to SNP COQ2_rs148156462 (TT), MSA risk was correlated with G‐E interactions, including COQ2_rs148156462 (Tc) × pesticide nonexposure, COQ2_rs148156462 (TT) × current smokers, SNCA_rs11931074 (tt) × alcohol nonusers, and SNCA_rs11931074 (GG) × well water nondrinkers (all p < 0.01), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.804 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.671–0.847). Modulated risk of MSA‐C, with MSA‐P as a control, correlated with COQ2_rs148156462 (TT) × alcohol nondrinkers, SNCA_rs11931074 (GG) × well water ever drinkers, SNCA_rs11931074 (Gt) × well water never drinkers, and SNCA_rs3857059 (gg) × pesticide nonexposure (all p < 0.05), with an AUC of 0.749 (95% CI = 0.683–0.815). Conclusions: Certain COQ2 and SNCA SNPs interact with common environmental factors to modulate MSA etiology and subtype disposition. The mechanisms underlying the observed correlation between G‐E interactions and MSA etiopathogenesis warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of the low action recognition accuracy of passengers' unsafe behaviors caused by redundant joints, this study proposes an efficient recognition method based on a Kinect sensor. The method uses the pelvis as the starting point of the vector and high-frequency bone joints as the end point to construct the recognition feature vector. The joint angle difference between actions is obtained by using the cosine law, and the initial test result is converted into action similarity combined with the DTW similarity algorithm. Considering the combination of 3 angle features and 4 joint feature selection methods, 12 combined recognition models are formed. A comparative experiment was carried out to identify five types of unsafe behaviors of metro passengers—punch, one-armed call for help, arms for help, trip forward and trip backwards. The results show that the overall selection of joints has a poor similarity effect and cannot achieve the purpose of recognition. The overall recognition model effect of the local "pelvis divergence method" is higher than that of the local "adjacent joint method", and the local "pelvis divergence method" has the highest recognition result of the maximum angle difference model, and the recognition results of the five unsafe behaviors are 86.9%, 89.2%, 85.5%, 86.7%, and 88.3%, respectively, and the recognition accuracy of this method is 95.7%, indicating the feasibility of the model. The recognition results are more concentrated and more stable, which significantly improves the recognition rate of metro passengers' unsafe behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale mangrove studies are pivotal for coastal forest restoration and climate change mitigation as evidenced by an alarming fact that globally mangrove has declined more than 30% in the last 50 years. Consequently, such a rapid decline leads to 10% of the additional carbon emissions due to global deforestation. Remote sensing plays an indispensable role in studying large-scale mangroves. However, the status and evolution of how remote sensing helps large-scale mangrove studies have not been reported. More importantly, the potential and challenges of such studies are yet unveiled. To bridge these gaps, we investigated the evolutions, drivers, and future directions for remote sensing large-scale mangrove studies through a comprehensive literature review. We disclosed four key major research topics: extent delineation, vegetation structure, species composition, and ecological processes. Large-scale mangrove studies are still in their infancy, therefore, does not present distinctively chronological transitions as revealed by their counterpart in conventional mangrove studies. Although hardware and software advancements have made it viable to carry out large-scale mangrove studies, it is still challenging to culminate them, owing to the insufficient field samples and fine-resolution remote sensing imagery. Moreover, we found that topics exclusive to mangrove forests, such as outwilling, are still unexplored and waiting for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric capacitors show great potential in superior energy storage devices. However, the energy density of these capacitors is still inadequate to meet the requirement of energy storage applications. In this study, the Bi 0.5 Na 0.47 Li 0.03 TiO 3 - x NaNbO 3 (BNLT- x NN) ceramics were prepared via conventional solid-phase reaction. Results showed that NN can efficaciously enhance the breakdown strength (E b) and the relaxation behavior of the BNLT ceramic because of the broken ferroelectric long-range order. When x = 0.3, the maximum E b reached 350 kV/cm, at which the 0.7BNLT-0.3NN ceramic exhibited the high recoverable energy storage density (W rec) of 4.83 J/cm3 and great efficiency (η) of 78.9%. The ceramic demonstrated good temperature stability at 20 °C-160 °C and excellent fatigue resistance. Additionally, the 0.7BNLT-0.3NN ceramic presented high power density (P D ; ∼77.58 MW/cm3), large current density (C D ; ∼861.99 A/cm2), and quite short discharge time (t 0.9 ; ∼0.090 μs). These results indicated that the 0.7BNLT-0.3NN material has excellent energy storage properties and various application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers, especially born to hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive mothers, can still be infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) through mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HBV and develop chronic HBV infection. At present, the virological factors affecting HBV MTCT are still unclear. In this study, we found that the mutation rates of amino acids in the HBV X region were high, and there were obvious differences between the immunoprophylaxis success group and the immunoprophylaxis failure group of HBeAg-positive mothers. Specifically, the mutation rate of HBx 128–133 deletion (x128–133del) or corresponding nucleotide 1755–1772 deletion (nt1755–1772del) in the immunoprophylaxis success group was significantly higher than that in the immunoprophylaxis failure group. Furthermore, we found that x128–133del could weaken HBV replication by reducing the level of the HBx protein due to the increased proteasome-dependent degradation of HBx protein, and the transcriptional activity of HBV core promoter (CP)/enhancer II (ENII) due to the attenuated binding capacity of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) to HBV CP/ENII. This study suggests that x128–133del may contribute to immunoprophylaxis success, which may be helpful in clarifying the virological mechanism affecting HBV MTCT and formulating an optimal immunization strategy for children born to HBeAg-positive mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Military tactical networks (MTNs) have grown in size and complexity as the volume of battlefield communications business has increased dramatically. There is a critical need for a quantitative evaluation method to assess the performance of MTNs. Based on the transmission characters of battlefield communication business and the availability of communication equipment, this paper proposed a Markov chain-based network steady-state availability model. Using this model and the analysis of the CSMA/CA transmission protocol as preconditions, a delay-based quantitative evaluation model of network business availability is proposed based on statistical principles. The relationship between network business availability and crucial metrics such as node size and node failure/repair ratio is investigated in simulation experiments to ensure the validity and correctness of the proposed model. The work done in this paper contributes to effectively evaluating the overall availability of MTNs in a complex environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the methods of density functional theory (DFT) and molecular simulations, we have investigated the structural characteristics and hydrogen storage properties of five new reported boron-phosphorus cube based covalent organic frameworks (BP-COFs) with the higher valency. The structural parameters of five BP-COFs were researched by the numeric Monte Carlo (NMC) method, and the hydrogen adsorption properties were studied with grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations under the pressure of 0.1 bar–100 bar at both 77 K and 298 K. The results reveal that BP-COF-4 and BP-COF-5 possess the higher hydrogen adsorption capacities than BP-COF-1 to BP-COF-3 at both 77 K and 298 K. The possible methods to improve the H 2 adsorption properties of five BP-COFs are also proposed. We hope this study may provide some reference and inspiration for exploring new COFs with the higher valency as high-performance hydrogen storage materials in future. • The structures of five novel COFs with high valency are characterized theoretically. • Molecular simulation reveals that these COFs owns good hydrogen storage properties. • The relationships between the structure and H 2 adsorption properties are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of discrimination threshold on velocity variation is investigated, and a self-tuning algorithm for velocity variation is proposed to improve the accuracy of an advanced automatic crash notification (AACN) system. First, after determining the factors affecting driver injury, an injury prediction model for the driver is developed. Second, the prediction accuracy affected by the discrimination threshold in the AACN system is analyzed using a finite element model for a sled crash test. Third, the self-tuning occupant injury prediction algorithm is presented based on an association model for the velocity variation error, discrimination threshold, and acceleration peak. Fourth, a vehicle terminal is designed by embedding a self-tuning algorithm into the system. Finally, a sled test and vehicle crash test are conducted to verify the reliability of the self-tuning algorithm. The test results show that the self-tuning algorithm can increase the accuracy of the probability of driver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the interest in metallurgical accident investigation of blast furnace gas (BFG) leakage has increased to explore the engineering failures, more effort is needed to address the individual and organizational causative factors to clear and determine the weak links for improving safety management and accident prevention to achieve green metallurgical manufacturing. This study aims to examine the causative factors and evolution paths of BFG leakage by introducing a combined method, the 24 model and Bayesian network (BN), based on 50 cases of fire, explosion and suffocation accidents caused by BFG leakage. A BN model of BFG leakage was established based on the identification of 25 causative factors by the 24 model. Results showed that eight nodes, including A1 (unsafe operation), A2 (unsafe behavior), A4 (unsafe condition), B1 (valve failure), B2 (improper gas safety operation), X4 (use of BFG violates regulations), X5 (water gas is not cut off before shutdown reduction) and X6 (incomplete steam purging), were more sensitive than others, and the posterior probability of nodes A1, A2, A3 (unsafe command), A4, B1, B2, B4 (improper emergency behavior), B5 (unsafe behaviors on BFG site) increased compared to prior probability. Three main accident causal chains were obtained which indicate that control the unsafe operations (A1) related to gas (B2) and valve (B1) are suggested to be improved. Another important factor is A4 (unsafe condition), which is related to intrinsic safety conditions. Considering the results, the key points of 3E strategy about BFG leakage prevention are suggested. This study provides useful insights to understand the organizational and individual factors and their relative influence in BFG leakage accidents, which will support BFG leakage prevention and safety management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • VO 2 nanocone array is fabricated by annealing as-deposited V films of 6, 9 and 12 nm thickness. • Multilayered VO 2 PNA is fabricated to improve Δ T sol with slight decrease in T lum. • Good agreement in thermochromic performances between simulations and measurements. • Thermochromic performances are tunable by controlling size, porosity and layer number of VO 2 PNA. • Multilayered VO 2 PNA provides a promising perspective for smart window applications. In this work, VO 2 parabolic nanocone array (PNA) was studied. Using the idealized geometry of truncated nanocone array (TNA), simulations demonstrated that VO 2 TNA with the low and graded effective refractive index could greatly increase the luminous transmittance (T lum) compared to VO 2 film. Meanwhile, isolated VO 2 nanocones with rutile phase could improve the solar modulation (Δ T sol) due to LSPR-enhanced absorption. Experimentally, the single-layered VO 2 PNA, fabricated by annealing as-deposited V films with thicknesses of 6, 9 and 12 nm, exhibited ultrahigh T lum , and multilayered VO 2 PNAs were fabricated to improve Δ T sol with slight decrease in T lum. For film thickness of 6 nm, Δ T sol of multilayered VO 2 PNA could be improved from 4.9 % to 23.1 % by adding the layer number from one to eight, while T lum decreased from 96.6 % to 75.8 %. For film thickness of 9 nm, three-layered VO 2 PNA showed the optimum performances of Δ T sol = 16.5 % and T lum = 78.2 %. By manipulating the size, porosity and layer number of VO 2 PNA, thermochromic performances were tunable to achieve the requirements for smart window applications (Δ T sol > 10 % and T lum > 60 %). In addition, multilayered VO 2 PNA displayed the suitable pale-yellow color for actual applications. Thus, multilayered VO 2 PNA could be a potential nanostructure for energy-saving smart window applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor adhesion between silver nanomaterials and substrates seriously restricts the development of electronic composite devices. In this work, flexible and conductive silver nanowires/fibroin/degummed silk (AgNWs/fibroin/dSF) composite fibers with high adhesion and conductivity via capillarity-assisted assembly for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding are designed and fabricated by a facile and scalable all-solution dip-coating method. The nanocomposite fiber possesses high conductivity with a resistance of 8.8 Ω/cm at a low AgNWs/fibroin loading of 19.3 wt%. The assistance of the capillary force in the fiber highly increases the mass of deposited AgNWs. Furthermore, the AgNWs show high adhesion on the fibers in the tape-peel test. The enhanced deposition factors and mechanisms are detailly investigated. Moreover, the composite fibers are further woven into a soft and flexible fabric. The composite fabric shows an absorption-dominated EMI shielding performance with an efficient shielding effectiveness of 38 dB. The capillarity-assisted assembly is an attractive procedure for constructing high-conductive and uniform coatings for a wide application. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modeling of the overall magnetoelastic behavior of hybrid fiber-reinforced composites concerned about nonlinear piezomagnetism is accomplished via a two-scale micromechanical analysis that is based on the simplified unit-cell and Mori-Tanaka theories, respectively. Two theories are reformulated in a similar framework insofar as the concentration-factor matrices are concerned. The derived expressions for the effective properties and responses of the hybrid composites are explicit functions. We compare the predicted engineering constants with the measured data available in literatures and good agreements are obtained. We conduct a parametric study to reveal the effects of phase concentrations, boundary conditions and phase constituents on the overall magnetoelastic responses of hybrid fiber-reinforced composites. Blocked stress and free strain in 3-1 operating mode can be significantly improved by tailoring the matrix phase. Predictions between two micromechanics theories are close each other. Since the developed mathematical frameworks are explicit, they can be easily integrated into finite element analysis for composite structures. • The simplified unit-cell and Mori-Tanaka micromechanics theories has been reformulated for hybrid fiber-reinforced composites. • The similarity between these two theories is elucidated. • Blocked stress and free strain in 3-1 operating mode can be significantly improved by tailoring the matrix phase of a hybrid composite. • Magnetoelastic responses shows the different degrees of the dependency on phase concentrations, boundary conditions and phase constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysine acetyltransferase 7 (KAT7), a histone acetyltransferase, has recently been identified as an oncoprotein and has been implicated in the development of various malignancies. However, its specific role in head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC) has not been fully elucidated. Our study revealed that high expression of KAT7 in HNSCC patients is associated with poor survival prognosis and silencing KAT7 inhibits the Warburg effect, leading to reduced proliferation, invasion, and metastatic potential of HNSCC. Further investigation uncovered a link between the high expression of KAT7 in HNSCC and tumor-specific glycolytic metabolism. Notably, KAT7 positively regulates Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), a key enzyme in metabolism, to promote lactate production and create a conducive environment for tumor proliferation and metastasis. Additionally, KAT7 enhances LDHA activity and upregulates LDHA protein expression by acetylating the lysine 118 site of LDHA. Treatment with WM3835, a KAT7 inhibitor, effectively suppressed the growth of subcutaneously implanted HNSCC cells in mice. In conclusion, our findings suggest that KAT7 exerts pro-cancer effects in HNSCC by acetylating LDHA and may serve as a potential therapeutic target. Inhibiting KAT7 or LDHA expression holds promise as a therapeutic strategy to suppress the growth and progression of HNSCC. • Research on post-translational modifications rather than transcriptional regulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. • New discovery of KAT7 capable of acetylating LDHA K118 site. • The regulatory mechanism of KAT7 in tumor metabolism of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. • The inhibitor of KAT7 had a certain inhibitory effect on tumor growth in mice in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activity spaces characterise an individual's mobility patterns and provide critical insights important to a broad suite of applications. Emergent forms of disaggregate space-time data offer new opportunities to exploit a more granular approach to measuring and visualising activity spaces. Drawing on individual GPS trajectories for 365 participants covering a seven-day period the current paper presents a new measurement and visualisation framework examining the directionality of mobility patterns. This framework moves beyond existing work that measures activity spaces via a simple geometric shape (traditionally a convex hull) to introduce a new metric and associated visual analytic capturing a new dimension of the concept. Results have important consequences for policy and planning, with the hope that the framework can be redeployed across various situational and cultural contexts, leading to the creation of an expanding collection of comparative studies. • Individual GPS trajectories for 365 participants used to examine activity spaces. • The mobility snowflake used to visualise the directionality of mobility patterns. • An individual's mobility patterns are shaped by the street networks. • Interesting differences in mobility patterns during the day and night. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The amino acid transporter SLC6A14, which transports 18 of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids, is too low to be detected in healthy normal tissues but is significantly increased in some solid cancers. However, little is known about the roles of SLC6A14 in colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods: The mRNA and protein levels of SLC6A14 were detected using TCGA database, real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and tissue microarrays, respectively. Amino acids concentration was determined by LC-MS/MS. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined using MTT assay and flow cytometry. Transwell invasion assay and wound healing assay were employed to analyze cell migration and invasion. The protein levels of Akt-mTOR signaling pathway and MMPs proteins were detected by western blot.Results: Both of the mRNA and protein levels of SLC6A14 were upregulated in CRC tissues, and the protein levels of SLC6A14 were closely related to the tumor cells differentiation: the higher the expression of SLC6A14 was, the poorer the differentiation of the tumor cells was. Further knockdown SLC6A14 with siRNA or treatment with α-MT in CRC cell lines reduced cell proliferation and migration in vitro and inhibited xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, SLC6A14 was demonstrated to regulate the expression and phosphorylation of Akt-mTOR, which mediates the promoting tumor growth function of SLC6A14. Blockade of SLC6A14 with α-MT inhibited the activation of mTOR signaling.Conclusion: SLC6A14 was upregulated in CRC and could promote tumor progression by activating the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, which may serve as an effective molecular target for the treatment of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) is an alternative material for use in removable partial denture frameworks; these frameworks must exhibit antibacterial properties to reduce the risk of periodontal disease. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized via the reduction of silver nitrate with sodium borohydride in a solution containing polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Transmission electron microscope images and dynamic light scattering confirmed that metallic nanoparticles had been created with an average size of 32 nm. Furthermore, the coating of the PEKK polymeric substrate with 0.5% AgNPs was carried out using an epoxy resin lining at room temperature. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the successful transfer of the AgNP-in-resin lining onto the polymeric substrate. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy confirmed that the AgNPs had been uniformly deposited onto the PEKK specimens. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the specimens was tested against Porphyromonas gingivalis. An inhibition zone of 22.5 mm and an antibacterial rate of 83.47% were found for the PEKK coated with 0.5% AgNPs (0.5% Ag-PEKK) compared to an untreated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) substrate, evidencing that 0.5% Ag-PEKK has potential antibacterial properties for implant applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) has been reported to be expressed in spinal astrocytes and is involved in neuropathic pain. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of TRAF6 in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-evoked chronic inflammatory hypersensitivity and the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on TRAF6 expression and inflammatory pain. We found that TRAF6 was dominantly increased in microglia at the spinal level after intraplantar injection of CFA. Intrathecal TRAF6 siRNA alleviated CFA-triggered allodynia and reversed the upregulation of IBA-1 (microglia marker). In addition, intrathecal administration of DHA inhibited CFA-induced upregulation of TRAF6 and IBA-1 in the spinal cord and attenuated CFA-evoked mechanical allodynia. Furthermore, DHA prevented lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-caused increase of TRAF6 and IBA-1 in both BV2 cell line and primary cultured microglia. Finally, intrathecal DHA reduced LPS-induced upregulation of spinal TRAF6 and IBA-1, and alleviated LPS-induced mechanical allodynia. Our findings indicate that TRAF6 contributes to pain hypersensitivity via regulating microglial activation in the spinal dorsal horn. Direct inhibition of TRAF6 by siRNA or indirect inhibition by DHA may have therapeutic effects on chronic inflammatory pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the deep belief network (DBN) algorithm was used to identify the Wilm's tumor 1 (WT1) gene expression levels, and then, the role of WT1 expression in the classification of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was explored. 121 AML patients diagnosed in the hospital from 2017.10 to 2019.10 were selected as the research subjects and set as the AML group. Another 9 non-leukemia patients were selected as the control group. The expression levels of WT1 in the two groups were compared, and DBN was used to classify the patients based on the WT1 expression levels. The real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the abnormalities of FLT3, PML-RAR, and other molecular markers at different WT1 expression levels. The results showed that the expression of WT1 in AML patients was significantly higher than that in non-leukemia patients. The expression of WT1 in patients of M3 type was the highest, and that was the lowest in patients of the M5 type. The accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 indexes for WT1 expression identification using deep belief network were 94.06%, 93.82%, 93.59%, and 93.63%, respectively. In conclusion, deep learning technology is very sensitive in identifying the molecular biology markers in AML patients, which provides a reference for efficient and intelligent disease diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chiral bis‐hosphine ligand bearing two pyridyl crown ethers was complexed with primary ammonium salts of different absolute configuration to form supramolecular chiral catalysts, which were successfully applied in the Rh‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of α‐dehydroamino acid esters and Ir‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of quinoxalines. By comparison with the non‐assembled catalysts, the complexation between the chiral catalysts and primary ammoniums obviously improved enantioselectivities. Up to 11 % enhancement in ee values in asymmetric hydrogenation of α‐dehydroamino acid esters and 30 % enhancement in ee values in asymmetric hydrogenation of quinoxalines were achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes reduces semen quality and increasingly occurs during reproductive years. Diabetes medications, such as metformin, have glucose-independent effects on the male reproductive system. Associations with birth defects in offspring are unknown.Objective: To evaluate whether the risk for birth defects in offspring varies with preconceptional pharmacologic treatment of fathers with diabetes.Design: Nationwide prospective registry-based cohort study.Setting: Denmark from 1997 to 2016.Participants: All liveborn singletons from mothers without histories of diabetes or essential hypertension.Measurements: Offspring were considered exposed if their father filled 1 or more prescriptions for a diabetes drug during the development of fertilizing sperm. Sex and frequencies of major birth defects were compared across drugs, times of exposure, and siblings.Results: Of 1 116 779 offspring included, 3.3% had 1 or more major birth defects (reference). Insulin-exposed offspring (n = 5298) had the reference birth defect frequency (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.98 [95% CI, 0.85 to 1.14]). Metformin-exposed offspring (n = 1451) had an elevated birth defect frequency (aOR, 1.40 [CI, 1.08 to 1.82]). For sulfonylurea-exposed offspring (n = 647), the aOR was 1.34 (CI, 0.94 to 1.92). Offspring whose fathers filled a metformin prescription in the year before (n = 1751) or after (n = 2484) sperm development had reference birth defect frequencies (aORs, 0.88 [CI, 0.59 to 1.31] and 0.92 [CI, 0.68 to 1.26], respectively), as did unexposed siblings of exposed offspring (3.2%; exposed vs. unexposed OR, 1.54 [CI, 0.94 to 2.53]). Among metformin-exposed offspring, genital birth defects, all in boys, were more common (aOR, 3.39 [CI, 1.82 to 6.30]), while the proportion of male offspring was lower (49.4% vs. 51.4%, P = 0.073).Limitation: Information on underlying disease status was limited.Conclusion: Preconception paternal metformin treatment is associated with major birth defects, particularly genital birth defects in boys. Further research should replicate these findings and clarify the causation.Primary Funding Source: National Institutes of Health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An L2 regularized logistic regression model is developed in this study to predict weekly tropical cyclone (TC) genesis over the western North Pacific (WNP) Ocean and subregions of the WNP including the South China Sea (SCS), the western WNP (WWNP), and the eastern WNP (EWNP). The potential predictors for the TC genesis model include a time-varying TC genesis climatology, the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), the quasi-biweekly oscillation (QBWO), and ENSO. The relative importance of the predictors in a constructed L2 regression model is justified by a forward stepwise selection procedure for each region from a 0-week to a 7-week lead. Cross-validated hindcasts are then generated for the corresponding prediction schemes out to a 7-week lead. The TC genesis climatology generally improves the regional model skill, and the importance of intraseasonal oscillations and ENSO is regionally dependent. Over the WNP, there is increased model skill over the time-varying climatology in predicting weekly TC genesis out to a 4-week lead by including the MJO and QBWO, whereas ENSO has a limited impact. On a regional scale, ENSO and then either the MJO or QBWO are the two most important predictors over the EWNP and WWNP after the TC genesis climatology. The MJO is found to be the most important predictor over the SCS. The logistic regression model is shown to have comparable reliability and forecast skill scores to the ECMWF dynamical model on intraseasonal time scales. Significance Statement: Skillful forecasts of tropical cyclone activity on time scales from short-range to seasonal are now issued operationally. Although there has been great progress in the understanding of physical mechanisms driving tropical cyclone (TC) activity, intraseasonal prediction of TCs remains a significant scientific challenge. This study develops a statistically based intraseasonal model to predict weekly TC genesis over the western North Pacific Ocean basin. The intraseasonal prediction model developed here for TC genesis over the western North Pacific basin shows skill extending out to four weeks. We discuss the regional dependence of the model skill on ENSO and other subseasonal climate oscillations. This approach provides skillful intraseasonal forecasting of TCs over the western North Pacific basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Intra-household interactions are captured in first and last mile travel mode choice. • This article reflects heterogeneity of group decision-making. • Car-oriented households have more young children and cars. • Households with fewer young children are likely to adopt walking for joint travel. In the context of public transport, the first and last mile (FLM) travel refers to access to or egress from public transport stations. The poor connection between trip origins and destinations impedes the transition towards sustainable transport by requiring commuters to initially use their cars to travel the FLM. Existing literature identifies that the built and natural environment characteristics influence the travel mode choice for FLM travel. However, this literature has yet to consider how individual FLM travel mode choices are influenced by other household members, i.e., intra-household interactions. Here, this study draws on the notion of household modality style (i.e., reflecting heterogeneity in group decision-making) to account for intra-household interactions in FLM travel mode choice. For broadening the understanding of intra-household interactions, the decision of joint travel is also considered in the current study when understanding FLM travel mode choice. By defining the latent class structure at the household level using a household travel survey for Brisbane, Australia, the latent class nested logit models identify two household modality styles: (1) car-oriented; and (2) multimodal. When considering the decision of joint travel, each household modality style group has a specific preference towards FLM travel time, public transport accessibility, station density, and road network intersection density. These findings provide evidence for policymakers aiming to develop transport integration policies targeting specific household types. The results also have implications in practice through prioritisations of distinct household modality styles more likely to shift towards sustainable transport modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary microbial invasion frequently occurs during AIDS progression in HIV patients. Inflammatory cytokines and other immunoregulatory factors play important roles in this process. We previously established an AIDS model of SIVmac239 infection in northern pig-tailed macaques (NPMs), which were divided into rapid progressor (RP) and slow progressor (SP) groups according to their AIDS progression rates. In this study, we performed 16S rDNA and transcriptome sequencing of the lungs to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the difference in progression rate between the RPs and SPs. We found that microbial invasion in the RP group was distinct from that in the SP group, showing marker flora of the Family XI, Enterococcus and Ezakiella, and more Lactobacilli. Through pulmonary transcriptome analysis, we found that the transcription factor ZNF683 had higher expression in the SP group than in the RP group. In subsequent functional experiments, we found that ZNF683 increased the proliferation and IFNγ secretion ability of CD8+ T cells, thus decreasing SIV or HIV replication, which may be related to AIDS progression in SIVmac239-infected NPMs. This study helps elucidate the various complexities of disease progression in HIV-1-infected individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the extension of isometries is considered for some operators between the unit spheres of two real p-normed spaces ( 0 < p ≤ 1 ) under some nonexpansivity and expansivity assumptions. In the light of the characteristics of p-normed spaces, the notion of isometry is generalized to the case of r-isometries. By virtue of the technique of dual spaces, it is proved that such operators can be extended from the unit sphere to the whole space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Digital network-based methods may enhance peer distribution of HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits, but interventions that can optimize this approach are needed. We aimed to assess whether monetary incentives and peer referral could improve a secondary distribution program for HIVST among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China.Methods and Findings: Between October 21, 2019 and September 14, 2020, a 3-arm randomized controlled, single-blinded trial was conducted online among 309 individuals (defined as index participants) who were assigned male at birth, aged 18 years or older, ever had male-to-male sex, willing to order HIVST kits online, and consented to take surveys online. We randomly assigned index participants into one of the 3 arms: (1) standard secondary distribution (control) group (n = 102); (2) secondary distribution with monetary incentives (SD-M) group (n = 103); and (3) secondary distribution with monetary incentives plus peer referral (SD-M-PR) group (n = 104). Index participants in 3 groups were encouraged to order HIVST kits online and distribute to members within their social networks. Members who received kits directly from index participants or through peer referral links from index MSM were defined as alters. Index participants in the 2 intervention groups could receive a fixed incentive ($3 USD) online for the verified test result uploaded to the digital platform by each unique alter. Index participants in the SD-M-PR group could additionally have a personalized peer referral link for alters to order kits online. Both index participants and alters needed to pay a refundable deposit ($15 USD) for ordering a kit. All index participants were assigned an online 3-month follow-up survey after ordering kits. The primary outcomes were the mean number of alters motivated by index participants in each arm and the mean number of newly tested alters motivated by index participants in each arm. These were assessed using zero-inflated negative binomial regression to determine the group differences in the mean number of alters and the mean number of newly tested alters motivated by index participants. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. We also conducted an economic evaluation using microcosting from a health provider perspective with a 3-month time horizon. The mean number of unique tested alters motivated by index participants was 0.57 ± 0.96 (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) in the control group, compared with 0.98 ± 1.38 in the SD-M group (mean difference [MD] = 0.41),and 1.78 ± 2.05 in the SD-M-PR group (MD = 1.21). The mean number of newly tested alters motivated by index participants was 0.16 ± 0.39 (mean ± SD) in the control group, compared with 0.41 ± 0.73 in the SD-M group (MD = 0.25) and 0.57 ± 0.91 in the SD-M-PR group (MD = 0.41), respectively. Results indicated that index participants in intervention arms were more likely to motivate unique tested alters (control versus SD-M: incidence rate ratio [IRR = 2.98, 95% CI = 1.82 to 4.89, p-value < 0.001; control versus SD-M-PR: IRR = 3.26, 95% CI = 2.29 to 4.63, p-value < 0.001) and newly tested alters (control versus SD-M: IRR = 4.22, 95% CI = 1.93 to 9.23, p-value < 0.001; control versus SD-M-PR: IRR = 3.49, 95% CI = 1.92 to 6.37, p-value < 0.001) to conduct HIVST. The proportion of newly tested testers among alters was 28% in the control group, 42% in the SD-M group, and 32% in the SD-M-PR group. A total of 18 testers (3 index participants and 15 alters) tested as HIV positive, and the HIV reactive rates for alters were similar between the 3 groups. The total costs were $19,485.97 for 794 testers, including 450 index participants and 344 alter testers. Overall, the average cost per tester was $24.54, and the average cost per alter tester was $56.65. Monetary incentives alone (SD-M group) were more cost-effective than monetary incentives with peer referral (SD-M-PR group) on average in terms of alters tested and newly tested alters, despite SD-M-PR having larger effects. Compared to the control group, the cost for one more alter tester in the SD-M group was $14.90 and $16.61 in the SD-M-PR group. For newly tested alters, the cost of one more alter in the SD-M group was $24.65 and $49.07 in the SD-M-PR group. No study-related adverse events were reported during the study. Limitations include the digital network approach might neglect individuals who lack internet access.Conclusions: Monetary incentives alone and the combined intervention of monetary incentives and peer referral can promote the secondary distribution of HIVST among MSM. Monetary incentives can also expand HIV testing by encouraging first-time testing through secondary distribution by MSM. This social network-based digital approach can be expanded to other public health research, especially in the era of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR1900025433. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Comparing the short-term and long-term effects of both traditional and AR training. • Developing a new AR safety training prototype for metro construction. • The selected safety case study covers risk identification, risk assessment, and risk response. • Results indicate that AR training is more effective in terms of short-term knowledge acquisition of risk identification. Metro construction poses significant risks and is prone to severe safety accidents. Safety training is critical to mitigate risks and reduce the number of accidents, as it allows workers to enhance their skills in risk identification, risk assessment, and risk response and ultimately reduce accidents. However, traditional training methods used today, such as slide presentations, videos, or text-based materials, provide a passive learning environment, which can limit their effectiveness in knowledge transfer. Augmented Reality (AR) has emerged as a promising tool for training, allowing trainees to have an active learning environment. Nevertheless, research on assessing the effectiveness of AR safety training while comparing it with traditional methods is still limited. This study aims to compare the short-term and long-term effects on objective performance measures and subjective evaluations of both traditional and AR training. This is done by developing a new AR safety training for metro construction and comparing it with an equivalent slide-based safety training with 72 participants divided into two training groups. The selected safety case study covers the entire safety risk management process, including risk identification, risk assessment, and risk response. Results indicate that AR training is more effective than traditional training in terms of short-term knowledge acquisition of risk identification and long-term knowledge retention of risk identification, risk assessment, and risk response. These findings can have implications for the design of future safety training guidelines and recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The DDR1-EGFR interplay is crucial in NSCLC, showing synergistic effects. • Compound D06 is the first dual-target inhibitor reported for DDR1 and EGFR. • Compound D06 shows a good inhibitory effect in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to develop the first dual-target small molecule inhibitor concurrently targeting Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) and Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which play a crucial interdependent roles in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), demonstrating a synergistic inhibitory effect. A series of innovative dual-target inhibitors for DDR1 and EGFR were discovered. These compounds were designed and synthesized using structural optimization strategies based on the lead compound BZF02 , employing 4,6-pyrimidine diamine as the core scaffold, followed by an investigation of their biological activities. Among these compounds, D06 was selected and showed micromolar enzymatic potencies against DDR1 and EGFR. Subsequently, compound D06 was observed to inhibit NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion. Demonstrating acceptable pharmacokinetic performance, compound D06 exhibited its anti-tumor activity in NSCLC PC-9/GR xenograft models without apparent toxicity or significant weight loss. These collective results showcase the successful synthesis of a potent dual-targeted inhibitor, suggesting the potential therapeutic efficacy of co-targeting DDR1 and EGFR for DDR1/EGFR-positive NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of multifunctional textiles is essential for applications of wearable portable electronics, artificial intelligence, military, healthcare, and communication industry. Herein, an asymmetric multifunctional flexible conductive AgNWs@PET/PA composite nonwoven with excellent EMI shielding and effective joule heating performances is proposed by depositing a thin AgNW network on a PET/PA nonwoven using a facile and scalable spray-coating approach. Due to the high air-pressure force and the hydrogen bonds between AgNWs and PET/PA matrix, AgNWs are tightly deposited on the surface of the nonwoven without adhesive and overlapped with each other to form an effective network. With a low content of 6 wt% AgNWs, the EMI shielding efficiency of the composite nonwoven can reach 41.19 dB in the X-band, which is due to the multiple internal reflection and absorption of the incident waves by the conductive AgNWs network as well as the porous structure of the nonwoven. Moreover, the AgNWs@PET/PA composite nonwoven shows excellent joule heating performance from room temperature to 115.5 °C at a low applied voltage of 2.5 V in seconds. Furthermore, the addition of reversible thermochromic inks further verified the excellent joule heating performance of the composite nonwovens and provides a possibility for the preparation of visual temperature monitoring intelligent clothing. Therefore, the scalable AgNWs@PET/PA composite nonwovens are considered promising alternatives in a wide range of applications in electromagnetic shielding and thermal management. • Large-area, flexible, and lightweight AgNWs@PET/PA composite nonwoven were manufactured via a facile and scalable approach. • Conductive network of the composite nonwoven conduced to the excellent electromagnetic interference shielding performance. • The multifunctional flexible composite nonwoven exhibited excellent electrothermal conversion performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) possess significant potential for enhancing soil phosphorus bioavailability, but their efficacy may be constrained by carbon and nitrogen availability. Algae exhibit synergistic interactions with bacteria through producing active organic carbon. However, the influence of algae and PSB together on phosphorus bioavailability under varying nitrogen levels remains unclear.We conducted a microcosm experiment to explore the effects of applying Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer, along with various nitrate addition amounts, on both soil microbial community composition and phosphorus bioavailability. In addition, we employed a co-culture of Chlorella and Bacillus with different nitrogen concentrations to investigate the possible effects of nitrate addition on the production of organic anions and phosphatases of the Chlorella-Bacillus communities by using metabolomic analysis.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer significantly increased soil Olsen-P concentration via strong interactive effects correlating with the various nitrate addition amounts in the microcosm experiment. These effects were due mainly to reducing the algal diversity, soil pH, and changing dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics, especially increasing the humification index (HIX). The metabolomic analyses of co-culture confirm that pathways related to the biosynthesis of fatty acids and phosphatases production are enhanced when nitrogen levels are high.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer has significantly interactive effects with nitrate addition on soil phosphorus bioavailability by influencing soil DOM, pH and production of organic anions and phosphatases. These insights are useful for optimizing bio-fertilizer-nitrate combinations for increasing phosphorus bioavailability thereby reducing chemical fertilizer requirements.Methods: Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) possess significant potential for enhancing soil phosphorus bioavailability, but their efficacy may be constrained by carbon and nitrogen availability. Algae exhibit synergistic interactions with bacteria through producing active organic carbon. However, the influence of algae and PSB together on phosphorus bioavailability under varying nitrogen levels remains unclear.We conducted a microcosm experiment to explore the effects of applying Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer, along with various nitrate addition amounts, on both soil microbial community composition and phosphorus bioavailability. In addition, we employed a co-culture of Chlorella and Bacillus with different nitrogen concentrations to investigate the possible effects of nitrate addition on the production of organic anions and phosphatases of the Chlorella-Bacillus communities by using metabolomic analysis.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer significantly increased soil Olsen-P concentration via strong interactive effects correlating with the various nitrate addition amounts in the microcosm experiment. These effects were due mainly to reducing the algal diversity, soil pH, and changing dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics, especially increasing the humification index (HIX). The metabolomic analyses of co-culture confirm that pathways related to the biosynthesis of fatty acids and phosphatases production are enhanced when nitrogen levels are high.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer has significantly interactive effects with nitrate addition on soil phosphorus bioavailability by influencing soil DOM, pH and production of organic anions and phosphatases. These insights are useful for optimizing bio-fertilizer-nitrate combinations for increasing phosphorus bioavailability thereby reducing chemical fertilizer requirements.Results: Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) possess significant potential for enhancing soil phosphorus bioavailability, but their efficacy may be constrained by carbon and nitrogen availability. Algae exhibit synergistic interactions with bacteria through producing active organic carbon. However, the influence of algae and PSB together on phosphorus bioavailability under varying nitrogen levels remains unclear.We conducted a microcosm experiment to explore the effects of applying Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer, along with various nitrate addition amounts, on both soil microbial community composition and phosphorus bioavailability. In addition, we employed a co-culture of Chlorella and Bacillus with different nitrogen concentrations to investigate the possible effects of nitrate addition on the production of organic anions and phosphatases of the Chlorella-Bacillus communities by using metabolomic analysis.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer significantly increased soil Olsen-P concentration via strong interactive effects correlating with the various nitrate addition amounts in the microcosm experiment. These effects were due mainly to reducing the algal diversity, soil pH, and changing dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics, especially increasing the humification index (HIX). The metabolomic analyses of co-culture confirm that pathways related to the biosynthesis of fatty acids and phosphatases production are enhanced when nitrogen levels are high.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer has significantly interactive effects with nitrate addition on soil phosphorus bioavailability by influencing soil DOM, pH and production of organic anions and phosphatases. These insights are useful for optimizing bio-fertilizer-nitrate combinations for increasing phosphorus bioavailability thereby reducing chemical fertilizer requirements.Conclusion: Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) possess significant potential for enhancing soil phosphorus bioavailability, but their efficacy may be constrained by carbon and nitrogen availability. Algae exhibit synergistic interactions with bacteria through producing active organic carbon. However, the influence of algae and PSB together on phosphorus bioavailability under varying nitrogen levels remains unclear.We conducted a microcosm experiment to explore the effects of applying Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer, along with various nitrate addition amounts, on both soil microbial community composition and phosphorus bioavailability. In addition, we employed a co-culture of Chlorella and Bacillus with different nitrogen concentrations to investigate the possible effects of nitrate addition on the production of organic anions and phosphatases of the Chlorella-Bacillus communities by using metabolomic analysis.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer significantly increased soil Olsen-P concentration via strong interactive effects correlating with the various nitrate addition amounts in the microcosm experiment. These effects were due mainly to reducing the algal diversity, soil pH, and changing dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics, especially increasing the humification index (HIX). The metabolomic analyses of co-culture confirm that pathways related to the biosynthesis of fatty acids and phosphatases production are enhanced when nitrogen levels are high.Chlorella-Bacillus biofertilizer has significantly interactive effects with nitrate addition on soil phosphorus bioavailability by influencing soil DOM, pH and production of organic anions and phosphatases. These insights are useful for optimizing bio-fertilizer-nitrate combinations for increasing phosphorus bioavailability thereby reducing chemical fertilizer requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A highly sensitive and strain-insensitive fiber-based wearable temperature sensor. • A conductive ligand chemically grafts onto the surface of silver nanowires. • Theoretically calculate the electrical conductivity properties of the ligands. • Silver nanowire network shows high conductivity with decreased junction resistance. • Modified silver nanowires tightly absorb on a stretchable covering yarn. The real-time monitoring of human temperature can facilitate efficient family health supervision, disaster diagnosis, and treatment. To meet these requirements, there is an urgent need to develop fibre-based temperature sensors with high sensitivity, fast response rates, and excellent stability. This study investigated the positive temperature characteristics of a stretchable and strain-insensitive temperature sensor with a chemically modified silver nanowire (AgNW). The regulation of the surface polymer on the AgNWs using a conductive ligand of polyaniline-L-cysteine ethyl ester hydrochloride (PANI-LCO) improved the network conductivity by decreasing the junction resistance. In addition, the pristine flexibility and helicoid structure of a spandex polyurethane (SP) covered yarn substrate proved advantageous for the ultra-stretchability of the temperature sensor. Therefore, the synergistic effect of the PANI-LCO-AgNWs and the substrate endowed the composite fibre-based temperature sensor with a high-temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 47.4%/°C and a high stretchability of up to 120%. Furthermore, this study investigated the actual characteristics of the sensor required for the high-performance monitoring of human temperatures. Moreover, theoretical calculations of the electrical distribution of the PANI-LCO ligands further confirmed the experimental chemical modification. A fibre-based temperature sensor can be integrated and woven or sewn onto a cloth or glove with high adaptability. This work provides an efficient strategy to control the surface chemical structure of metal nanomaterials as well as the design of fibre-based temperature sensors that are promising for wearable healthcare management systems, artificial intelligence, electronic skin, and smart robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS) is a widely used brominated flame retardant that has attracted environmental concern due to its abundant presence in water. The objective of this study is to systematically analyze the direct photolysis and degradation mechanisms of TBBPS in two different dissociation forms in water, as well as to evaluate their toxicological effects induced by •OH, 1O 2 , and •NO 2 radicals. The degradation mechanism of TBBPS is investigated with density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods, and the toxicity of the degradation products is assessed through toxicological studies. The results of the study indicate that the OH-addition and H-abstraction reactions are favorable pathways for •OH-induced TBBPS degradation. The H-abstraction reaction of TBBPS0 with •OH was more favorable than the •OH addition reaction. However, in the degradation of TBBPS−, the •OH addition reaction was favored over the H-abstraction reaction. Additionally, the indirect photolysis of TBBPS by 1O 2 and •NO 2 in water was found to be easier for TBBPS− compared to TBBPS0, with degradation mechanisms involving Br-substitution and NO 2 -addition reactions. The higher E a values calculated indicate that the degradation of TBBPS by 1O 2 and •NO 2 in water has been a secondary reaction. The direct photolysis reaction pathway of TBBPS in water has involved the cleavage of the S1–C7 and S1–C16 bonds. For TBBPS0 in the S 1 /T 1 states, the primary reaction pathway is the cleavage of the S1–C16 bond, while for TBBPS−, the primary reaction pathway is the cleavage of the S1–C7 bond. Furthermore, the computational toxicology results indicate a slight increase in the toxicity levels of most products, highlighting the significance of investigating the degradation byproducts of TBBPS in greater detail. [Display omitted] • The cleavage of S1–C16 bond is the primary reaction path of TBBPS0 in S 0 /T 1 state. • The H-abstraction reaction of.•OH is easier to occur than the OH-addition reaction • 1O 2 and.•NO 2 plays a secondary role in the photodegradation of TBBPS • Most of the TBBPS degradation products are at a harmful level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reveal the hydrothermal evolution from porphyry Mo to vein-style Zn-Pb mineralization, the Chalukou deposit in NE China with these two typical mineralization overprinted is selected for detailed research. From early to late hydrothermal veins, the quartz cathodoluminescence intensities change from bright to dark and the textures also evolve. The Ti concentrations of quartz in these veins change from high to moderate and then to low values. The fluid inclusion petrography, microthermometry and stable isotope analyses indicate intermediate-density magma-derived fluids (δ18Owater = +4.7 to + 6.2‰, δD = −132 to −136‰) exsolved at high temperatures (560° to 600 °C) with low to moderate salinity (2.4 to 8.0 wt% NaCl equiv) containing minor CO 2 (<5.7 mol %). Early minor molybdenite occurred under lithostatic conditions at high temperatures (540° to 580 °C) during fluids pH change and early magnetite precipitation. Later main molybdenite precipitation at moderate temperatures (350° to 430 °C), result from fluid cooling and involving of meteoric water under the transition from lithostatic to hydrostatic conditions. The precipitation of pyrite in transitional veins at moderate temperatures (330° to 420 °C), and the late sphalerite-galena from a lower-temperature fluid (180° to 300 °C) is consistent with the cooling of magmatic fluid, and gradually dilution with meteoric water under hydrostatic conditions. It is deduced the transition from porphyry Mo to vein-style Zn-Pb mineralization is likely driven by progressive decrease in temperature of the magmatic fluids and the increasing influx of meteoric water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several methods for comparing k populations have been proposed in the literature. These methods assess the same null hypothesis of equal distributions but differ in the alternative hypothesis they consider. We focus on two important alternative hypotheses: monotone and umbrella ordering. Two new families of test statistics are proposed, including two known tests, as well as two new powerful tests under monotone ordering. Furthermore, these families are adapted for testing umbrella ordering. We compare some members of the families with respect to power and Type I errors under different simulation scenarios. Finally, the methods are illustrated in several applications to real data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing an efficient strategy for obtaining proton conductors with wide working temperature domains is of great significance for the wide application of proton conductors. To date, proton conductors that have high proton conductivity from subzero temperatures to high temperatures above 100 °C have been very rare. Herein, we prepared two composites, H3PO4@MIL-101-SO3H(Cr) (1) and H2SO4@MIL-101-NH2(Al) (2) by applying a dual-modification strategy to functionalize MOF MIL-101, that is, incorporating acidic guest molecules into the channels of MIL-101 while modifying the MIL-101 backbone with functional groups. Both composites have high proton conductivity over a broad temperature domain (−40 °C to above 150 °C) due to the complementary conduction or synthetic conduction of the backbone functional group and acidic guest molecules in different temperature ranges. The proton conductivities of 1 are 0.9 × 10−1 S cm−1 at 65 °C and 95% RH, 7.5 × 10−5 S cm−1 at −40 °C and 1.4 × 10−2 S cm−1 at 150 °C. Further, the proton conductivities of 2 are 5.8 × 10−2 S cm−1 at 65 °C and 95% RH, 7.1 × 10−4 S cm−1 at −40 °C and 2.5 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 170 °C. All the proton conductivities of the two composites in three temperature domains (low, moderate and high temperature) are at a high level among those of reported proton conductors. Moreover, their proton conductivities have good stability and durability in the broad temperature region from subzero temperatures to high temperatures above 100 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the effect of confinement media and ablative coating, laser shock processing (LSP) is a surface modification processing with properties of high efficiency, cleaning, and non-pollution. At room temperature, water is used as the common confinement media and black tape is used as ablative coating in LSP. However, due to the instability of water and black tape at high temperature, warm laser shock processing (WLSP) favors silicone oil as confinement media and aluminum foil as ablative coating, where aluminum foil is pasted on specimen surface by thin vacuum grease. Due to the differences in confinement media and ablative coating, this work focuses on the effect of confinement media and ablative coating on surface quality and mechanical property of FGH98 powder material treated by LSP. FGH98 specimens were strengthened by LSP at room temperature with different confinement medias and ablative coatings. Three groups were divided based on confinement media and ablative coating: water+black tape, water+aluminum foil, and silicone oil+aluminum foil. The group of black tape and silicone oil was removed for the absence of practical significance in engineering. 2D and 3D surface topography was observed by white-light interference surface profilometer (WLI). In addition, surface microhardness and compressive residual stress were determined. The results show that a circular pit is induced by LSP, and its shape is similar to the shape of the Gaussian curve. Compared with the other groups, the 2D surface topography of the circular pit section in the silicone oil+aluminum foil group is smoother, which would delay crack initiation. After LSP treatment, surface microhardness is improved by 7.8-10.6%, and compressive residual stress raises from 355MPa to 896MPa in the first group. According to the comparison of residual stress and surface quality, the effect of confinement media and ablative coating groups on laser shock pressure is ranked in order: water+black tape > water+aluminum foil > silicone oil+aluminum foil. The main reasons for that group order are that shock pressure may be consumed by grease cream and the reduced acoustic impedance of silicone oil is lower than that of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arabidopsis protein disulfide isomerase 1 (AtPDI1) has been demonstrated to have disulfide isomerase activity and to be involved in the stress response. However, whether the anti-stress function is directly related to the activities of thiol-disulfide exchange remains to be elucidated. Results: In the present study, encoding sequences of AtPDI1 of wild-type (WT) and double-cysteine-mutants were transformed into an AtPDI1 knockdown Arabidopsis line (pdi), and homozygous transgenic plants named pdi-AtPDI1, pdi-AtPDI1m1 and pdi-AtPDI1m2 were obtained. Compared with the WT and pdi-AtPDI1, the respective germination ratios of pdi-AtPDI1m1 and pdi-AtPDI1m2 were significantly lower under abiotic stresses and exogenous ABA treatment, whereas the highest germination rate was obtained with AtPDI1 overexpression in the WT (WT- AtPDI1). The root length among different lines was consistent with the germination rate; a higher germination rate was observed with a longer root length. When seedlings were treated with salt, drought, cold and high temperature stresses, pdi-AtPDI1m1, pdi-AtPDI1m2 and pdi displayed lower survival rates than WT and AtPDI1 overexpression plants. The transcriptional levels of ABA-responsive genes and genes encoding ROS-quenching enzymes were lower in pdi-AtPDI1m1 and pdi-AtPDI1m2 than in pdi-AtPDI1. Conclusion: Taken together, these results clearly suggest that the anti-stress function of AtPDI1 is directly related to the activity of disulfide isomerase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new polyoxometalate (POM)-based organic–inorganic hybrid Cu-coordination polymer, namely {((Cu(bipy))2(μ-PhPO3)2Cu(bipy))2H(PCuW11O39)·3H2O}n (denoted as compound 1, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, PhPO3 = phenylphosphonate), was self-assembled hydrothermally. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) analysis shows that two unique types of 1D chains are present in compound 1, i.e. Cu(II)-organophosphine and organonitrogen complex cation ([((Cu(bipy))2(μ-PhPO3)2Cu(bipy))2]4+) chains and Cu-monosubstituted Keggin-type polyoxoanion ([PCuW11O39]5−) chains, forming a hetero-POM. Crystalline compound 1 as a new enzyme immobilization support exhibited a high horseradish peroxidase (HRP) loading capacity (268 mg g−1). The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), FTIR, zeta potential, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and circular dichroism (CD) results show that HRP is only immobilized on the surface of compound 1 through simple physical adsorption without a secondary structure change. This POM-immobilized enzyme (HRP/1) was first used for degradation of pollutants in wastewater, and it showed a high degradation efficiency and TOC removal efficiency for phenol, 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) within 30 min reaction time. Moreover, HRP/1 exhibited better operational and storage stabilities and reusability compared with free HRP. This work suggests that POMs can be used as new supports for enzyme immobilization and POM-immobilized enzymes may be used as a new kind of biocatalyst for degradation of phenolic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological edge detection is a principal component in pattern recognition and machine vision. Traditional edge detection operators only take pixel mutual into consideration. However, the edges are influenced not only by pixel mutual but also by the boundary characteristics. Here, the vector co‐occurrence morphological edge detection operator is proposed, which takes the pixel and boundary information both into consideration. The vector co‐occurrence algorithm is exploited to resist the influence of the noise points and detect the edges from the colour image rather than the grey image. And, we lead to define a precise definition of the manner of sorting high‐dimensional data for the colour image. The experiment results always illustrate the advancement and practicability of our methods against the baseline method. In terms of experiments, the BSDS500 dataset is introduced to compare and analyse with other algorithms. Based on the standard benchmark index evaluation in the BSDS500 dataset, the ODS and AP of various algorithms are compared and analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sites dated to the early late Pleistocene are still limited in North China, which has hindered the detailed analysis of the development of Paleolithic industries in the late Pleistocene in this area. The Youfangbei (YFB) site is a newly excavated small-flake-tool Paleolithic site near the Youfang (YF) microblade site in the Nihewan Basin, North China. Because the small-flake-tool industry still existed in the late part of the late Pleistocene and might be related to the emergence of microlithic industries, the relationship between the two sites needs to be determined through a chronological study. Two profiles were excavated, and most of the artifact assemblages were unearthed in the lower profile (T1) from a depth of 0.9 m from the bottom. In this study, the feldspar post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence method was applied to determine the age of the YFB site. Results showed that the upper profile was deposited from 86–0.5 ka, and the cultural layer in T1 yielded age of 124–82 ka, corresponding to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5, with an irregular but generally mild climate. The age of the YFB site is too old to be directly related to that of the YF site, but it partly bridges a chronological gap of human occupation in the Nihewan Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]