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In this work, the AlSi10Mg alloys with distinct molten pool structures, namely fish-scale and lamellar, were fabricated by using selective laser melting (SLM) technology. The effects of solid solution temperature on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the two types of alloys were systematically investigated. The relationship among initial structure, heat treatment and mechanical properties was revealed. The experimental results showed that for the alloy with fish-scale structure, Si diffused more easily after solid solution treatment due to the finer eutectic network, resulting in a larger Si particle size. At 510 °C, the nano Si particles in the fish-scale sample basically disappeared, but a small amount of nano Si particles still existed in the lamellar sample, leading to a bimodal distribution in the Si particle size. Different sizes and distributions of Si particles present different strengthening mechanisms and affect the nucleation and growth of recrystallized grains in the α-Al matrix, leading to significant differences in mechanical properties. The strength of the lamellar sample decreased with increasing the temperature, and the abnormally growth of grains could be found after being treated at 510 °C, resulting in a poor mechanical property. The strength of fish-scale sample first decreased and then increased with the increase of solid solution temperature. When the alloy with fish-scale structure was solid solution treated at 510 °C, Si particles could promote the nucleation of recrystallized grains but hinder their growth, and the ultimate tensile strength decreased from 478.8 MPa of SLMed state to 393.4 MPa, a reduction of 17.8%, while the elongation increased from 7% to 21%, an increase of 300%, showing an excellent overall mechanical property. Therefore, the present study demonstrates that adjusting the SLMed molten pool structure and heat treatment parameters is necessary to obtain a good combination of microstructure and mechanical property. • SLMed AlSi10Mg alloys with different initial structures have distinct mechanical behaviors after heat treatment. • The size and distribution of silicon particles affect the recrystallisation behavior of α -Al. • The relationship among initial structure, heat treatment and mechanical properties was analysed. • Synergistic optimization of SLM and heat treatment parameters was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli is one of the important reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG), which often causes food-borne diseases and clinical infections. Contamination with E. coli carrying clinically important antimicrobial resistance genes in retail meat products can be transmitted to humans through the food chain, posing a serious threat to public health. In this study, a total of 330 E. coli strains were isolated from 464 fresh meat samples from 17 food markets in China, two of which were identified as enterotoxigenic and enteropathogenic E. coli. Whole genome sequencing revealed the presence of 146 different sequence types (STs) including 20 new STs, and 315 different clones based on the phylogenetic analysis, indicating the high genetic diversity of E. coli from retail meat products. Antimicrobial resistance profiles showed that 82.42 % E. coli were multidrug-resistant strains. A total of 89 antimicrobial resistance genes were detected and 12 E. coli strains carried clinically important antimicrobial resistance genes bla NDM-1 , bla NDM-5 , mcr-1 , mcr-10 and tet (X4), respectively. Nanopore sequencing revealed that these resistance genes are located on different plasmids with the ability of horizontal transfer, and their genetic structure and environment are closely related to plasmids isolated from humans. Importantly, we reported for the first time the presence of plasmid-mediated mcr-10 in E. coli from retail meat. This study revealed the high genetic diversity of food-borne E. coli in retail meat and emphasized their risk of spreading clinically important antimicrobial resistance genes. • A total of 330 E. coli strains were isolated from retail meat in 17 food markets in China. • WGS revealed that there were 146 different STs including 20 novel STs, with high genetic diversity. • A total of 89 antimicrobial resistance genes were detected, including bla NDM , mcr and tet (X4). • Ten plasmids carrying clinically important antimicrobial resistance genes were characterized. • It is the first time to report plasmid-mediated mcr-10 in E. coli from retail meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• fNIRS signal variability increased from resting state to task, and increased with increasing working memory load in older adults. • Greater fNIRS signal variability generally supported faster and more stable response time in the high-load n-back conditions. • Greater the up-modulation in HbO variability as cognitive load increases, the more its accuracy decreases and the mean response time increases. The extent to which brain responses are less distinctive across varying cognitive loads in older adults is referred to as neural dedifferentiation. Moment-to-moment brain signal variability, an emerging indicator, reveals not only the adaptability of an individual's brain as an inter-individual trait, but also the allocation of neural resources within an individual due to ever-changing task demands, thus shedding novel insight into the process of neural dedifferentiation. However, how the modulation of intra-individual brain signal variability reflects behavioral differences related to cognitively demanding tasks remains unclear. In this study, we employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) imaging to capture the variability of brain signals, which was quantified by the standard deviation, during both the resting state and an n-back task (n = 1, 2, 3) in 57 healthy older adults. Using multivariate Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis, we found that fNIRS signal variability increased from the resting state to the task and increased with working memory load in older adults. We further confirmed that greater fNIRS signal variability generally supported faster and more stable response time in the 2- and 3-back conditions. However, the intra-individual level analysis showed that the greater the up-modulation in fNIRS signal variability with cognitive loads, the more its accuracy decreases and mean response time increases, suggesting that a greater intra-individual brain signal variability up-modulation may reflect decreased efficiency in neural information processing. Taken together, our findings offer new insights into the nature of brain signal variability, suggesting that inter- and intra-individual brain signal variability may index distinct theoretical constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) cause environmental pollution and serious health issues. Therefore, magnetic fluorinated porous carbons (M-FPCs) derived from the carbonization and further fluorination of Fe-Zr MOFs were used as novel adsorbents to investigate the possibility of PFC removal from wastewater. Investigation of the adsorption behavior of PFCs on M-FPCs revealed that the isotherms conformed to the Langmuir model and kinetics fit the pseudo-second-order model. Simulations using the Weber–Morris and Boyd diffusion models indicated that the adsorption of PFCs on M-FPCs involved external mass transfer first, followed by intraparticle diffusion, where film diffusion was the primary controlling process. M-FPCs with maximum adsorption ranging from 518.1 to 919.3 mg g− 1 for studied PFCs were adopted to remove PFCs from simulated wastewaters of textile mill and leather factory. Up to 98.1–100.0% of PFCs were removed within 15 min, and the residual levels of PFCs reached drinking water standards after treatment, which suggests the promising application of M-FPCs in the removal of PFCs from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystalline and amorphous phases often coexist in the organic active layers of their electronic devices, which further undergo morphological changes over time. Understanding of the characteristics of the microscopic processes in polycrystalline organic films is essential for optimizing organic semiconductors and their devices, particularly in the context of flexible electronics. Here, we systematically investigate the charge-carrier distributions and transport in polycrystalline organic films, focusing on the impact of the crystallinity and grain density. These polycrystalline morphology data were generated from an efficient Monte Carlo method, which were then incorporated into molecular-level device simulations that can describe the microscopic charge-transport processes. These results demonstrate the distributions and transport characteristics of charge carriers in different phases of the polycrystalline organic semiconductor films, as well as the influencing factors. Importantly, we show that the influence of a polycrystalline morphology becomes more pronounced at low driving voltages, which has been the subject of significant research efforts. Our study also revealed a decrease in mobility at low crystallinities, a phenomenon that was not previously anticipated. [Display omitted] • Most charge carriers are found at the surface of the grains. • Charge mobilities decrease at first when crystallization starts. • These impacts are more pronounced at low voltages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate and reliable load forecasting can ensure the safety and economy of power system operation. To improve the accuracy of short-term power load forecasting, this paper adopts feature extraction combined with a variety of machine learning methods,(Empirical wavelet decomposition (EWT), Convolutional neural network (CNN) model, Recurrent neural network (RNN) model, Long short-term memory network (LSTM) model, Bayesian optimization (BOA) algorithm). A new hybrid forecasting model, the EWT-CNN-S-RNN + LSTM model is proposed to predict power consumption. In this method, the fixed mode of EWT decomposition is used to extract statistical features, and the LSTM/RNN model is selected according to the statistical features. This method uses the Bayesian optimization (BOA) algorithm to optimize the parameters to solve the model gradient explosion problem. Based on the electricity consumption data of 2007 (Australian Energy Market Operator) and a total of 336 power load data, a good load forecasting result is obtained, which can provide indirect support for power regulation and sustainable development of electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Abietic acid with an excellent assembly profile is used to stabilize curcumin. • The bioavailability of curcumin can be improved with loading by abietic acid. • Abietic acid and curcumin have synergistic antioxidant activity. This research constructed composite nanoparticles (NP s) using abietic acid (AA) as a carrier for significantly enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin (CCM). CCM -loaded AA NPs were synthesized using a low-energy microemulsification method, and the obtained nanoparticles had a spherical morphology with an average diameter of 458.66 nm, a narrow size distribution and a negative surface charge of −19.13 mV. The encapsulation efficiency of CCM was 17.98 %, while its solubility was 20-fold that of free curcumin. FITR, UV, and MD revealed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces between AA and CCM. The in-vitro release profile showed sustainable release of CCM in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids up to 2 h at 37 °C. In cellular studies, CCM -loaded AA NPs with the same CCM concentration exhibited greater bioaccessibility and bioavailability than free CCM. These data suggested a possible utilization of AA NPs in improving water solubility, bioavailability and activity of lipophilic bioactive food factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In neural tissue engineering, biomaterial scaffolds that have high conductivity and customized structures are crucial in promoting nerve regeneration. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) has emerged as a promising conductive polymer with excellent chemical stability and biocompatibility. However, traditional three-dimensional (3D) printing of PEDOT-based conductive scaffolds faces challenges in limited printing resolution, poor solubility, and brittleness of conductive materials. Herein, digital light processing (DLP) printing was used to fabricate complex hydrogel structures using gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and chitosan (CS) while incorporating PEDOT nanoparticles through interfacial polymerization to create conducting pathways within a hydrogel structure. The integration of PEDOT significantly enhanced the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the GelMA/CS hydrogel while preserving printed details. The GelMA/CS-PEDOT hydrogel promoted cell proliferation and facilitated axon outgrowth of PC12 cells and Schwann cells during in vitro culture. Moreover, in vitro direct current electrical stimulation promoted axon elongation of PC12 cells cultured on a conductive substrate. In vivo studies used a conductive nerve conduit to repair a 10-mm rat sciatic nerve defect, validating the efficacy of GelMA/CS-PEDOT scaffold in peripheral nerve injury repair. These findings highlight the significant potential of conductive GelMA/CS-PEDOT hydrogel in the field of neural tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • PVDF/BaTiO 3 PENG was manufactured via chemical foaming assisted FDM, with macro–micro hierarchy (MMH). • Piezoelectric electrets from charged micropores via corona polarization boost output with synergetic macro truss design. • Implanted MMH-PENG can be attachable to wearable items for VR gaming, and precise robotic arm control. Piezoelectric polymeric composites exhibit pronounced impact on flexible electronic devices, demonstrating the capacity to harvest high-entropy energy. Nevertheless, the conventional incorporation of piezoelectric ceramics is gradually approaching its limitations due to the unexpected increase in Young's modulus and the resulting deterioration in output. In this study, we propose a macro–micro hierarchical (MMH) design concept for the preparation of a polyvinylidene fluoride/barium titanate piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG). Micro porosity is introduced into the macro truss structure through in-situ foaming additive manufacturing. Leveraging the synergistic effects of the micro-porous structure (stress concentration and piezoelectret) and the macro-truss design (strain accumulation), the output capacity, i.e., open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current of the MMH-PENG, is effectively amplified from 16.1 V and 350 nA to 24.5 V and 642 nA, respectively. Upon further integration onto a flexible substrate, the MMH-PENG exhibits compelling features, including substantial flexibility, controllable sensitivity, easy detachability, and reusability, facilitating practical applications as a wearable and self-powered controller. Illustrated by applications in video game and robotic controllers, the MMH-PENG introduces a pioneering concept that enhances output performance through the simultaneous construction of a macro–micro hierarchy, paving the way for potential large-scale utilization of piezoelectric nanogenerators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuel cells are a promising renewable energy technology that depend heavily on noble metal Pt-based catalysts, particularly for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The discovery of new, efficient non-precious metal ORR catalysts is critical for the continued development of cost-effective, high-performance fuel cells. The synthesized carbon material showed excellent electrocatalytic activity for the ORR, with half-wave potential (E 1/2) and limiting current density (JL) of 0.88 V and 5.10 mA·cm−2 in alkaline electrolyte, respectively. The material has a Tafel slope of (65 mV dec−1), which is close to commercial Pt/C catalysts (60 mV dec−1). Moreover, the prepared materials exhibited excellent performance when assembled as cathodes for zinc-air batteries. The power density reached 110.02 mW cm−2 and the theoretical specific capacity was 801.21 mAh g−1, which was higher than that of the Pt/C catalyst (751.19 mAh g−1). In this study, with the assistance of Mg 5 (CO 3) 4 (OH) 2 ·4H 2 O, we introduce an innovative approach to synthesize advanced carbon materials, achieving precise control over the material's structure and properties. This research bridges a crucial gap in material science, with potential applications in renewable energy technologies, particularly in enhancing catalysts for fuel cells. [Display omitted] • The lignin is used as a green carbon precursor. • Synthesis of Fe-CNCs-800 with flower-like hierarchical porosity and interconnected pore structure. • Precise doping of Fe on N was realized to form more Fe-N-C structures to improve ORR activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidation behaviors of Al-free and 1Al ferritic heat-resistant stainless steels (FHSSs) at 1100 °C were investigated. After oxidation for 100 h, the Al-free FHSS had triple oxide layers of a first layer Fe 2 O 3 + MnCr 2 O 4 , a second layer MnCr 2 O 4 + Cr 2 O 3 + MnO, a third layer SiO 2 and oxides of Nb and Ti. The 1Al FHSS had double oxide layers of a first layer Ti-bearing (Al, Cr) 2 O 3 particles, a second layer dense (Al, Cr) 2 O 3. The (Al, Cr) 2 O 3 layer with self-repairing feature can reduce the thickness of oxide layer by 515 times, and reduce the oxidation weight gain rate of the FHSS by 5 orders of magnitude. • The addition of Al reduces the oxidation weight gain rate by 5 orders of magnitude at 1100 °C. • The addition of Al reduces the thickness of oxide layer by 515 times at 1100 °C. • The addition of Al produces an oxide layer with self-repairing characteristics at 1100 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple-stranded metallo-supramolecular helicates were readily constructed by achieving a coordination of the gallium(iii) cation by ligands based on 2,7- and 2,6-disubstituted triptycenes. The significance of these building blocks in the construction of helicates with the capability for guest encapsulation was also revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) have been shown to have critical regulatory roles in cancer biology. However, the contributions of tRFs to colorectal cancer (CRC) remain largely unknown. Methods: tRF3008A (a tRFRNA derived from tRNAVal) was identified by RNA sequencing and validated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The role of tRF3008A in CRC progression was assessed both in vitro and in vivo, and its downstream target genes were identified and validated in CRC cells. RNA pull-down with mass spectrometry and AGO-RIP were used to confirm the interaction of tRF3008A and AGO proteins. The clinical implications of tRF3008A were assessed in CRC tissues and blood samples. Results: The expression of tRF3008A was reduced in colorectal cancer, and its reduction was significantly correlated with advanced and metastatic disease in CRC. Patients with low tRF3008A expression showed significantly shorter DFS, and multivariate analysis identified tRF3008A as an independent prognostic biomarker in CRC. Functionally, tRF3008A inhibits the proliferation and migration of CRC in vivo and in vitro by repressing endogenous FOXK1, a positive regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Mechanistically, tRF3008A binds to AGO proteins as a guide to destabilize oncogenic FOXK1 transcript. Conclusions: tRF3008A suppresses the metastasis and progression of colorectal cancer by destabilizing FOXK1 in an AGO-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral pseudo[1]rotaxanes and [1]rotaxanes constructed from macrocyclic arenes still remain a big challenge mainly owing to the lack of such chiral macrocycles. In this work, a new system of chiral pseudo[1]rotaxanes formed by self‐inclusion of helic[6]arene containing amide linked with the terminal tertiary amines was first discovered. Based on an atom‐economic stopping strategy, a pair of chiral [1]rotaxanes were conveniently obtained in almost quantitative yields by blocking the pseudo[1]rotaxanes with monobenzyl bromide of tetraphenylethene. The structures of pseudo[1]rotaxanes and [1]rotaxanes were characterized by 2D NMR spectra in solution, combined with DFT calculations. The photophysical properties further revealed the efficient chirality transfer of helic[6]arene to the tetraphenylethene moiety, compared to their unthreaded chiral isomers. The discovery of the chiral pseudo[1]rotaxanes allows for a wide and available synthesis of chiral [1]rotaxanes, and also opening a new avenue to the design of chiral supramolecular materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we focus on the partially linear varying-coefficient quantile regression model with observations missing at random (MAR), which include the responses or the responses and covariates MAR. Based on the local linear estimation of the varying-coefficient function in the model, we construct empirical log-likelihood ratio functions for unknown parameter in the linear part of the model, which are proved to be asymptotically weighted chi-squared distributions, further the adjusted empirical log-likelihood ratio functions are verified to converge to standard chi-squared distribution. The asymptotic normality of maximum empirical likelihood estimator for the parameter is also established. In order to do variable selection, we consider penalized empirical likelihood by using smoothly clipped absolute deviationv (SCAD) penalty, and the oracle property of the penalized likelihood estimator of the parameter is proved. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulation and a real data analysis are undertaken to test the performance of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We, in this paper, investigate two-sample quantile difference by empirical likelihood method when the responses with high-dimensional covariates of the two populations are missing at random. In particular, based on sufficient dimension reduction technique, we construct three empirical log-likelihood ratios for the quantile difference between two samples by using inverse probability weighting imputation, regression imputation as well as augmented inverse probability weighting imputation, respectively, and prove their asymptotic distributions. At the same time, we give a test to check whether two populations have the same distribution. A simulation study is carried out to investigate finite sample behavior of the proposed methods too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decades, supramolecular luminescent materials (SLMs) have attracted considerable attention due to their dynamic noncovalent interactions, versatile functions, and intriguing applications in many research fields. From construction to application, great efforts and progress have been made in color‐tunable SLMs in recent years. In order to realize multicolor luminescence, various design strategies have been proposed. Macrocyclic chemistry, one of the brightest jewels in the field of supramolecular chemistry, has played a crucial role in the construction of stimuli‐responsive and emission‐tunable SLMs. Moreover, the flexible and tunable conformation and multiple noncovalent complexation sites of the macrocyclic arenes (MAs) afford a new opportunity to create such dynamic smart luminescent materials. Inspired by our reported work on the color‐tunable supramolecular crystalline assemblies modulated by the conformation of naphth[4]arene, this Concept provides a summary of the latest developments in the construction of color‐tunable MA‐based SLMs, accompanied by the various construction strategies. The aim is to provide researchers with a new perspective to construct color‐tunable SLMs with fascinating functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We numerically investigate the mid-infrared (MIR) supercontinuum (SC) and SC-based optical frequency comb (OFC) generations when the three optical modes (LP01, LP02, and LP12) are considered in a multimode tellurite photonic crystal fiber (MM-TPCF). The geometrical parameters of the MM-TPCF are optimized to support the multimode propagation and obtain the desired dispersion characteristics of the considered three optical modes. When the pump pulse with center wavelength λ = 2.5 μm, width T = 80 fs, and peak power P = 18 kW is coupled into the anomalous dispersion region of the LP01, LP02, and LP12 modes of the MM-TPCF, the –40-dB bandwidth of the generated MIR SCs can be up to 2.56, 1.39, and 1.12 octaves, respectively, along with good coherence. Moreover, the nonlinear dynamics of the generated SCs are analyzed. Finally, the MIR SCs-based OFCs are demonstrated when a train of 50 pulses at 1-GHz repetition rate is used as the pump source and launched into the MM-TPCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to establish an integrated model of green supply chain network design in cloud computing environments. In this study, two levels are defined: supply chain design and virtual machine allocation. In the proposed two-stage model, the supply chain network design decision (leader level) is solved in the first stage by considering three objectives: minimizing the total costs, minimizing the carbon emission, and maximizing the satisfaction level of service (minimizing the transportation lead time). In the second stage, considering the information demand from the leader level, the placement of virtual machines to the supply chain servers (follower level) is established by minimization of energy consumption and maximization of the effectiveness (minimization of the power wastage) of the physical machine. A case study and experiments are conducted to verify the performance of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and synthesis of crystalline materials have been a subject of intensive research because of their interesting structures, physicochemical properties, and potential applications. However, the crystalline structure of organic–inorganic hybrid materials collapses to lose the structural features of the original networks and/or frameworks when exposed to different stimuli such as pH, vapor, water, high temperature, and organic solvents. This hampers further studies focusing on practical applications. Although several review articles provide reasonable pathways for the preparation of stable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and coordination polymers (CPs), the synthesis and design of stable materials containing organic species remain challenging. In this frontier article, we discuss the development of crystalline MOF, CP, metallophosphate, and metallophosphite materials, and provide a feasible approach for the formation of stable organic–inorganic hybrid compounds that combine MOFs (or CPs) and phosphate (or phosphite) building elements. In addition to their interesting structures, the synthetic strategies and structural stabilities of such hybrid composites are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replacing methylammonium (MA+), formamidine (FA+), and/or cesium (Cs+) in 3D metal halide perovskites by larger organic cations have built a series of low‐dimensional metal halide perovskites (LDMHPs) in which the inorganic metal halide octahedra arranging in the forms of 2D layers, 1D chains, and 0D points. These LDMHPs exhibit significantly different optoelectronic properties from 3D metal halide perovskites (MHPs) due to their unique quantum confinement effects and large exciton binding energies. In particular, LDMHPs often have excellent broadband luminescence from self‐trapped excitons. Chemical composition, hydrogen bonding, and external factors (temperature and pressure etc.) determine structures and influence photoelectric properties of LDMHPs greatly, and especially it seems that there is no definite regulation to predict the structure and photoelectric properties when a random cation, metal, and halide is chosen to design a LDMHP. Therefore, this review discusses the construction strategies of the recent reported LDMHPs and their application progress in the luminescence field for a better understanding of these factors and a prospect for LDMHPs' development in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a promising food packaging material with biocompatible, nontoxic and biodegradable. In order to reduce the deterioration of aquatic products caused by microorganisms, PLA coaxial nanofiber films with cinnamaldehyde (CMA), tea polyphenol (TP) and its composite as core materials were prepared by using coaxial electrospinning technology. Its microscopic morphology and structure were characterized separately, and its thermal stability, wettability and mechanical properties were determined. The antibacterial activity and antibacterial mechanism of nanofiber films were studied with Shewanella putrefaciens (S. putrefaciens) which is the dominant spoilage of aquatic products as the target of action. The results show that the CMA/TP (m/m = 2:5)-PLA coaxial nanofibers have small diameter, uniform distribution, smooth surface, no pores and fracture. At the same time, the film has strong hydrophobicity, good thermal stability and mechanical properties. Its antibacterial performance is better than that of single-core nanofiber films, which effectively destroys the cell membrane of S. putrefaciens , increases the permeability of cell membrane, and interferes with the synthesis and expression of its protein. The coaxial nanofiber films with CMA, TP and its composite as core material can be used as a fresh-keeping material with antibacterial properties, and has potential application value in the field of food preservation. • CMA/TP-PLA nanofiber films with the coaxial structure and two core materials are prepared. • The addition of the core material improves the physicochemical properties of the nanofiber films. • The CMA has synergistic antibacterial effect with TP. • CMA acts on the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane, destroying the cell membrane. • TP destroys extracellular proteins, leading to cell membrane perforation and cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IGF-1 plays important roles in mammalian fertility by promoting cell growth and increasing steroid hormone secretion. Although IGF-1 significantly upregulated luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) gene expression in granulosa cells in a previous study, the mechanism was unclear. The present experiment was designed to primarily explore the regulation of LHCGR expression by IGF-1. First, based on a porcine LHCGR double-luciferase reporter experiment, c-Fos significantly inhibited the activity of the LHCGR promoter. Second, porcine granulosa cells were cultured in vitro with IGF-1, and we observed that the expression of LHCGR was significantly increased and the expression of c-Fos mRNA significantly reduced. After c-Fos overexpression in granulosa cells, IGF-1 attenuated the inhibitory effect of c-Fos on LHCGR. Furthermore, the level of LHCGR mRNA stimulated by IGF-1 in the presence of SB203580 was markedly lower than that of IGF-1 alone action. In conclusion, IGF-1 enhanced the expression of LHCGR by regulating c-Fos in granulosa cells, which may be mediated by the p38MAPK-signaling pathway. • c-Fos significantly inhibited the activity of the LHCGR promoter. • IGF-1 promoted the expression of LHCGR gene by suppressing c-Fos. • IGF-1 may regulate c-Fos through the p38MAPK-signaling pathway, consequently influencing the expression of LHCGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify the clinicopathological features and survival outcomes of uterine serous carcinoma (USC) and the prognostic factors influencing survival. Methods: The retrospective, population‐based cohort study enrolled patients with USC diagnosed between 2001 and 2015 for the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to identify survival outcomes, multivariable Cox regression models were used to determine the risk factors influencing the disease‐specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 1016 patients with USC from the SEER database were enrolled. The median age at diagnosis was 65 years. The 5‐year OS was 48.5%, and the 5‐year DSS rates were 58.0%, respectively. In the univariate analyses, AJCC stage, SEER summary stage, number of lymph nodes resected, and adjuvant therapy were significant predictors for OS and DSS, while grade, was significant only for OS. Multivariate Cox regression models demonstrated that poor grade, stage III/IV, distant disease, the number of lymph nodes resected being <4 and no adjuvant treatment were independent risk factors for poor OS, while stage III/IV, regional or distant disease, the number of lymph nodes <4 and no adjuvant treatment were independent risk factors for poor DSS. Multivariate Cox regression models also identified that chemotherapy and combination therapies were the independent risk factors for improved OS and DSS of early‐stage USC. Conclusion: USC had a relatively poor prognosis compared with endometriod carcinoma. Moreover, advanced stage and fewer lymph nodes resected were independent negative prognostic factors for survival, while adjuvant therapy was significant for improved survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper‐alumanyl complexes, [LCu‐Al(SiNDipp)], where L=carbene=NHCiPr (N,N′‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐ylidene) and Me2CAAC (1‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3,3,5,5‐tetramethyl‐pyrrolidin‐2‐ylidene) and featuring unsupported Al−Cu bonds, have been prepared. Divergent reactivity observed with carbodiimides and CO2 implies an ambiphilicity in the Cu–Al interaction that is dependent on the identity of the carbene co‐ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper‐alumanyl complexes, [LCu‐Al(SiNDipp)], where L=carbene=NHCiPr (N,N′‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐ylidene) and Me2CAAC (1‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3,3,5,5‐tetramethyl‐pyrrolidin‐2‐ylidene) and featuring unsupported Al−Cu bonds, have been prepared. Divergent reactivity observed with carbodiimides and CO2 implies an ambiphilicity in the Cu–Al interaction that is dependent on the identity of the carbene co‐ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exploratory study of the lead-tellurium-oxygen phase space led to two new compounds, Ba3PbTe6O16 (BPTO) and Na2Pb9(μ6-O)2(Te2O10)2 (NPTO), which were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions at 550 °C and 210 °C, respectively, and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. BPTO adopts a layer structure. The Te4+ cation in BPTO is bonded to four oxygen atoms at about 2.0 Å with two more oxygens at about 3.0 Å. The seesaw-shaped TeO4 units share corners to form 2D layers containing six-membered rings and the Ba2+ and Pb2+ cations are situated in the interlayer region. The structure of NPTO contains dimers of edge-sharing Te6+O6 octahedra, which are connected through five-coordinate Pb2+ cations. A unique six-coordinate O atom is at the center of the octahedron formed by five Pb2+ and one Na+ cations. BPTO is one of the few metal tellurites which were synthesized under supercritical hydrothermal reaction conditions. The Pb2+ cation in NPTO shows pronounced stereochemical effects of the lone electron pair. In contrast, BPTO shows no stereochemical evidence of the inert pair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Broad issues relating to filial piety and ethical dilemmas of families and care practitioners in residential care were discussed as part of an international networking project. It is meaningful to explore the different roles and responsibilities of participants in residential care in the context of China's filial piety. Older residents and their children are part of this caring process, which might be significantly different from that in Western countries. However, only a little amount of research related to this topic has been conducted. Objective: This study aimed to identify and describe the roles and responsibilities of a nursing professional, manager, older person, and her children, as well as other mutual contacts in residential care, based on the context of Chinese filial piety culture. Methods: The study was conducted as a case study. The product of the analysis, themes, or categories that describe the phenomenon, content analysis method was applied. After a consultation with a group of experts on research on older adults, a specific nursing home was selected in Xiamen City, China. This case study emphasized the roles and responsibilities of a nursing professional, manager, the older resident, and her children as they related to the care of older adult. The data, which consisted of interviews with four participants, were collected using a semi-structured interview method. Inductive content analysis was applied to analyze data. Ethical considerations: Permission to conduct the interviews received ethical approval from the participating organization based on national standards. The elements of voluntary participation, anonymity, and confidentiality on the part of the respondent were explained. Findings: The analysis resulted in four participants, with some variation of roles and responsibilities, describing staffing level and competence and their behavior for reducing the accident of the older adult, and the children of older adult influencing the quality of taking care of the older adult, based on the filial piety. The nursing home residents were described as becoming increasingly complex with a subsequent demand for increased spiritual support. There was variation in roles and responsibilities among four participants, but their contributions adjusting was an overall focus. Manager plays a considerable role in the future development of the institution, as a resource allocator, and decision-maker. Nursing professional is the main personnel serving as a link among staffs. The older adult herself adjust mentally and actively with the aging process, and some of them can be able to burden in taking care of her grandchildren or can be rehired and still have a distinct role in society. Children are required to fulfill their obligations to their parents, which involves supports of care, spiritual and economy. Several factors such as managers and nursing professional competence and their cooperation, various aspects of supports from their children based on the filial piety, and adequate communication and self-adjusting of the older adult, were recognized as factors affecting the process of taking care of the older adult. Discussion: New information was produced to serve as theoretical guidelines in managing nursing homes, the training of nursing staff, preservation of the filial piety culture, and encouraging self-care among older people in the new era. Conclusion: A variety of roles and responsibilities for a nursing professional, manager, MrsWang and her children was identified in the older adult care process. Several factors to manager's and nursing professional's experience of the resource situation and competence level, and also adequate communication and self-adjusting of the older adult were suggested to affect the effect of taking care of the older adult. The older adults were perceived as more complex with more physical and mental problems but inadequate care from family members forcing the older adult from home care to a nursing home. A nursing home seems to have a higher nursing competence and be well-suited for the needs of the older adult, on the other hand, filial piety and self-care are also needed to play an important role in taking care of the older adult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of carbon nanotubes on the catalytic properties of Rh-Mn-Li/SiO2 catalysts was investigated for CO hydrogenation. The catalysts were comprehensively characterized by means of X-ray power diffraction, N2 sorption, transmission electron microscope, H2–temperature-programmed reduction, CO–temperature-programmed desorption, temperature-programmed surface reaction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that an appropriate amount of carbon nanotubes can be attached to the surface of the SiO2 sphere and can improve the Rh dispersion. Moderate Rh-Mn interaction can be obtained by doping with the appropriate amount of carbon nanotubes, which promotes the formation of strongly adsorbed CO and facilitates the progress of CO insertion, resulting in the increase in the selectivity of C2+ oxygenate synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new class of macrocyclic arenes, 3,6-fluoren[5]arenes, were conveniently synthesized in good yields by one-step reaction. The 3,6-fluoren[5]arenes had symmetric pentagon structures with big and rich-electron cavities, which made them form 1 : 1 complexes with fullerenes C60 and C70. The association constants of the complexes were all greater than 105 M−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We assessed whether a postoperative bilateral, ultrasound-guided, posterior transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block could reduce 24 h rescue tramadol requirement compared with placebo in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: Patients scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic surgery following the diagnosis of colorectal cancer were included in this study and randomized into Group and Group Control. The patients received a postoperative bilateral, ultrasound-guided, posterior TAP block in either 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine (Group TAP) per side or an equivalent volume of normal saline (Group Control). The primary outcome was the cumulative consumption of rescue tramadol within 24 h after the surgery. Secondary endpoints included (1) resting and movement numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h; (2) incidences of related side effects; (3) time to the first request for rescue tramadol; (4) patient satisfaction regarding postoperative analgesia; (5) time to restoration of intestinal function; (6) time to mobilization; and (7) the length of hospital stay. Results: In total, 92 patients were randomized, and 82 patients completed the analysis. The total rescue tramadol requirement (median [interquartile range]) within the first 24 h was lower in Group TAP (0 [0, 87.5] mg) than in Group Control (100 [100, 200] mg), P < 0.001. The posterior TAP block reduced resting and movement NRS pain scores at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery (all P < 0.001) but showed similar scores at 48 h or 72 h. A higher level of satisfaction with postoperative analgesia was observed in Group TAP on day 1 (P = 0.002), which was similar on days 2 (P = 0.702) and 3 (P = 0.551), compared with the Group Control. A few incidences of opioid-related side effects (P < 0.001) and a lower percentage of patients requiring rescue tramadol analgesia within 24 h (P < 0.001) were observed in Group TAP. The time to the first request for rescue analgesia was prolonged, and the time to mobilization and flatus was reduced with a shorter hospital stay in Group TAP as compared with Group Control. Conclusions: A postoperative bilateral, ultrasound-guided, posterior TAP block resulted in better pain management and a faster recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, without adverse effects. Trial registration: The study was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR-IPR-17012650; Sep 12, 2017). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When choosing stock investment, there are many stock companies, and the stock varieties are also complicated. At present, there are various systems for evaluating stock performance in the market, but there is no uniform standard, so investors often cannot effectively invest in stocks. Simultaneously, stock management companies also have their own characteristics, and there are differences in shareholding structure and internal management structure. Based on this, based on multiple regression models and artificial intelligence models, this paper constructs a stock return influencing factor analysis model to statistically describe the sample data and factor data, and tests the applicability of the five-factor model for performance evaluation of mixed stocks. In addition, this article combines the actual situation to carry out data simulation analysis and uses a five-factor analysis model to carry out quantitative research on stock returns. Through data simulation analysis, we can see that the model constructed in this paper has a certain effect in the analysis of factors affecting stock returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three series of copper hydride clusters [Cu8H6L6]2+ (1), [Cu4HX2L4]+ where X− = Cl− (2a), Br− (2b), I− (2c), N3− (2d) and SCN− (2e), and [Cu4HX3L3] where X− = Br− (3b) and I− (3c) (L = 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine, dppy) were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-Ray crystallography and standard spectroscopic techniques. The metal core of 1, Cu8, can be described as a bicapped octahedron, while those of 2 and 3 series adopt tetrahedral structures. The hydride positions were deduced from difference electron density maps and corroborated by NMR and DFT calculations. For 1, there are two μ4-H−, one each in the two tetrahedral cavities of the two capping atoms and four μ3-H− on the six triangular faces around the waist of the octahedron. For [Cu4HX2L4]+ and [Cu4HX3L3] series, the single μ4-H− resides in the center of the Cu4 tetrahedron. It was found that these three series of copper clusters are intimately connected and can convert from one to another under specific reaction conditions. Their transformation pathways were investigated in detail. Spontaneous resolution to form optically pure enantiomeric single crystals was observed for [Cu4H(SCN)2L4]+ (2e) and [Cu4HBr3L3] (3b). Photoluminescence was observed for [Cu4HX2L4]+, as well as [Cu4HX3L3] with strong emissions from green to yellow regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and selective synthetic protocol, using (PPh3)2CuBH4 as reducing agent, for Cu‐containing mixed metal nanoclusters (NCs) is reported. Representative NCs include alkynyl‐protected [Ag25Cu4(PhCC)12(PPh3)12Cl6H8]3+ (1), thiolate‐capped [AuCu14(SR)12(PPh3)6]+ (R = 4‐flurothiophenol) (2), and phosphine‐stabilized [Au9Cu2(PPh3)8Cl2]+ (3), which are fully characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, electrospray ionization mass, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 2H, 13C, and 31P NMR), and optical measurements, respectively. This work demonstrates the advantages of using (PPh3)2CuBH4 as a reducing agent in the synthesis of Cu‐containing heterometallic NCs in terms of versatility as well as high yield and high purity of the products. This work may open the door to utilizing functional metal borohydride, as a new generation of reducing agent for the simple and selective synthesis of metal NCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the emerging phenomenon of coworking is contextualized within a theoretical framework. I conducted a survey with 310 people in China who were working in coworking spaces. Using multiple regression analyses, I assessed whether physical design, social networks, and individual trust (i.e., spatial configuration) in these shared environments stimulates entrepreneurial bricolage. The results show that physical design positively influenced entrepreneurial bricolage in the coworking space; that network ties had a mediating effect, which confirms that social networks partially mediated the relationship between physical design and entrepreneurial bricolage; and that individual trust moderated this mediating effect. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of entrepreneurial bricolage in coworking spaces from the perspective of spatial configuration. The study findings have major implications for research into improving management of coworking spaces because the focus was on spatial configuration and the effect of this in decision making for entrepreneurial bricolage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

γδT cells are a mixture of innate programming and acquired adaptability that bridge the adaptive and innate immune systems. γδT cells are mainly classified as tissue-resident Vδ1 or circulating Vδ2 γδT cells. In the tumor microenvironment, tumor immunity is influenced by the increased quantity and phenotype plasticity of γδT cells. Commensal bacteria are ubiquitous in the human body, and they have been confirmed to exist in various tumor tissues. With the participation of commensal bacteria, γδT cells maintain homeostasis and are activated to affect the development and progression of tumors. Here, we summarize the relationship between γδT cells and commensal bacteria, the potential protumor and antitumor effects underlying γδT cells, and the new developments in γδT cell-based tumor therapy which is expected to open new opportunities for tumor immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we explored the effects of combining goat milk and oligosaccharides on the large intestine environment of mice. A combination of goat milk with each of 3 oligosaccharides—stachyose, fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), and a prebiotics mix—were independently fed to mice. We investigated composition changes in the microbiota of the large intestine using 16S rRNA gene sequencing; measured short-chain fatty acid content using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry; and performed a Spearman correlation analysis between microorganisms and short-chain fatty acids. Our results showed that microbial diversity in the large intestine decreased significantly in the FOS group. In terms of α diversity, microbial richness significantly declined in all 3 treatment groups; in terms of β diversity, the intestinal microbial structures clearly changed in the FOS group. The abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus increased markedly in the FOS group compared with the other groups. Functional predictions showed that FOS reduced intestinal bacterial infections and improved the endocrine and immune systems. Spearman correlation analysis showed that propionic, isobutyric, and valeric acids were all positively correlated with certain microbiota. Our findings suggest that FOS-enriched goat milk is beneficial for improving the large intestine environment in the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss the quantile regression and variable selection of partially linear single-index model when data are missing at random, which allows the response and covariates missing simultaneously. By using iteration algorithm and local linear method, we construct the inverse probability weighted quantile estimators of both the parameters and the link function. The penalized estimator of the parameters is also considered based on the adaptive LASSO penalty. The asymptotic distributions and the oracle property of the proposed estimators are derived. Simulation study and real data analysis are presented to show the performance of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The length of the designed PBS based on DNDHC-NCF is 1.38 cm, which solves the technical problems of long length of traditional PBS. • The operation bandwidth is 320 nm, covering S + C + L + U bands. • Is of great significance in promoting the application and development of DNDHC-NCF. In this paper, a polarization beam splitter（PBS） based on double nested dual-core negative-curvature fiber (DNHC-NCF) is designed. Two hollow cores are constructed by eight double nested cladding tubes arranged at certain angles. The influences of structural parameters on the performances of the DNHC-NCF PBS have been studied by using the finite element method (FEM). According to the simulation results, the structure of the proposed DNHC-NCF PBS is optimized. The final results indicate that the length of the proposed DNHC-NCF PBS is 1.38 cm and the extinction ratio (ER) is less than −20 dB in the wavelength range of 1.48–1.80 µm (320 nm, covers S + C + L + U bands). Besides, the higher order mode extinction ratio (HOMER) in the wavelength range of 1.3–1.71 µm is greater than 100, showing good single-mode characteristic as well. It is believed that the proposed double nested dual-core negative curvature fiber polarization beam splitter will have important applications in the fields of optical communication system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate load forecasting plays an important role in promoting low-carbon energy and high-quality utilization of electricity, as well as carbon reduction and safety in energy and power systems. The complexity of power system trends leads to widespread uncertainty in load forecasting. This article analyzes the internal mechanisms of load and meteorological factors at the level of multidimensional uncertainty and proposes a bidirectional memory feature hybrid model based on a new intelligent optimization method. The VMD optimized by gray wolf decomposes the electricity load data into different information modal components. The decomposed components are statistically analyzed with multidimensional uncertainty analysis to extract statistical patterns. The GTO part is optimized according to the fitness value to update the population and global optimal solution. Furthermore, convolutional neural networks (CNN) are used to extract potential features from load and meteorological data and enhance the correlation between input and output data. Then, short-term load forecasting is realized by using bi-directional short-term memory neural network (BiLSTM). The results show that the proposed model has smaller errors than several commonly used models, and has higher prediction accuracy. It can provide some new ideas for relevant departments to carry out power economic dispatch work in low-carbon modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The current study is aimed at exploring the effect of Shentong Zhuyu Decoction on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) and its underlying molecular mechanism. Materials and Methods. The type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was established. Subsequently, the RA-FLS were isolated from the CIA rat model and identified by immunohistochemistry. The viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion of RA-FLS were detected by the cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, wound-healing assay, and transwell invasion assay, respectively. The levels of MAPK p38, PPARγ, CTGF, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, IL-1β, MMP-3, CDK4, and cyclin D1 were determined by qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Results. After treatment with Shentong Zhuyu Decoction medicated serum, the OD570 value, migrative and invasive abilities, and the secretion of IL-1β, MMP-3 were remarkably decreased in RA-FLS, while the apoptosis rate was increased. Further, results showed that Shentong Zhuyu Decoction inhibited the transition from the G1 phase to S phase. Additionally, Shentong Zhuyu Decoction significantly inhibited the expression of Bcl-2, CDK4, cyclin D1, MAPK p-p38, and CTGF, whereas elevated the levels of Bax, caspase-3, and PPARγ. Importantly, the effects of Shentong Zhuyu Decoction were consistent with the trends of MAPK P38 inhibitor (SB203580) and PPARγ agonist (GW1929). Conclusions. Shentong Zhuyu Decoction inhibited viability, inflammatory response, migration, invasion, and transition from the G1 phase to S phase and promoted apoptosis of RA-FLS via the MAPK p38/PPARγ/CTGF pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UiO-66 and its modified forms (UiO-66-NH2 and UiO-66-OH) were used as supports to prepare Rh–Mn catalysts by using a co-impregnation method, and their catalytic activities were investigated for the direct synthesis of ethanol-based C2+ oxygenates from CO hydrogenation. The catalysts were comprehensively characterized using N2 sorption, XRD, XPS, DRIFT, and TPSR analyses. The structural and textural properties of the catalysts clearly show that Rh and Mn are highly dispersed in the pores of MOFs, but the order of the original structure is partially sacrificed due to the loading of metals and the synergistic effect of Rh, Mn, and Zr would be influenced by various functional groups present in UiO-66. On combining both in situ FT-IR and TPSR analyses, it is confirmed that the higher number of active sites of Rh0 on RM/UiO-66 promotes the CO dissociation ability and hydrogenation rate, which result in its best catalytic activity with the highest yield of C2+ oxygenates, 197.3 g (kg h)−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) blocking antibodies have been shown to improve progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival in a subset of patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the objective response rate with these agents remains low, and the vast majority of NSCLC patients require alternative combination treatment regimens to prolong their survival. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of autologous cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cell infusions combined with PD‐1 blocking antibodies in patients with NSCLC. Methods: In this preliminary study, we investigated the safety and immune function effectiveness of PD‐1 blockade antibodies pembrolizumab or nivolumab administered in combination with or without autologous CIK cell infusions in 18 patients with advanced NSCLC. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from these patients and the expression level of some cell surface molecules like PD‐1 were detected using flow cytometry to reflect the effectiveness of this combination regimen. Results: No treatment‐related deaths occurred in either cohort. In comparison with the pretreatment level, CD3+CD56+CD16+ T cells were significantly increased with the combination therapy, while myeloid‐derived suppressor cells were significantly increased with PD‐1 blocking antibody therapy alone but not with combination therapy. Although the serum interleukin‐4 level was downregulated following treatment with the combination regimen, interferon‐γ levels were unchanged. Conclusions: The purpose of this clinical study was to report the clinical efficacy and lack of exacerbated autoimmune adverse events with a combination of PD‐1 blockade and CIK cell infusions in patients with advanced NSCLC, further supporting assessments of this combination in future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isothermal oxidation behavior of 17Cr-0.85Si-0.5Nb-1.2Cu ferritic stainless steel in air was studied from 850°C to 1050°C by analyzing its weight gain after oxidation. The kinetic curves were plotted using the oxidation weight-gain data, and the structure, surface morphology, and element distribution of the oxide films were analyzed by XRD, SEM, and EDS. The results showed that the oxidation kinetics curves at 850°C and 950°C followed a parabolic law, and a continuous and dense oxide film composed of Cr2O3 and MnCr2O4, FeCr2O4, and Cu-Cr rich spinel was formed, which reveals that the steel displayed good oxidation resistance. When the temperature was increased to 1050°C, the oxidation kinetics curves gradually changed from parabolic to linear after 40 h exposure, which indicated that the oxidation resistance significantly worsened. A lower oxidation resistance was observed at 1050°C due to the formation of a large amount of Fe2O3 on the surface and the volatilization of the inner Cr2O3 layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let F q be a finite field of any characteristic and G L (n , F q) be the general linear group over F q. Suppose W denotes the standard representation of G L (n , F q) , and G L (n , F q) acts diagonally on the direct sum of W and its dual space W∗. Let G be any subgroup of G L (n , F q). Suppose the invariant field F q (W) G = F q (f 1 , f 2 , ... , f k) , where f 1 , f 2 , ... , f k in F q [ W ] G are homogeneous invariant polynomials. We prove that there exist homogeneous polynomials ℓ 1 , ℓ 2 , ... , ℓ n in the invariant ring F q [ W ⊕ W * ] G such that the invariant field F q (W ⊕ W *) G is generated by { f 1 , f 2 , ... , f k , ℓ 1 , ℓ 2 , ... , ℓ n } over F q. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acetic acid catalyzed three‐component reaction of pyrrolidine, aromatic aldehydes and 4‐arylidene‐5‐methyl‐2‐phenylpyrazol‐3‐one in refluxing toluene gave functionalized 7′‐(E)‐benzylidenespiro[pyrazole‐4,1′‐pyrrolizines] in good yields and with high diastereoselectivity. The similar reaction with 2‐arylidene‐N,N'‐dimethylbarbiturates resulted in mixture of Z/E‐isomers of 7′‐ arylidenespiro[pyrimidine‐5,1′‐pyrrolizines] in good yields. However, the three‐component with N‐phenylmaleimides and sequential oxidation with DDQ reaction gave 8‐(E)‐arylidenedihydropyrrolo[3,4‐a]pyrrolizines in satisfactory yields. The reaction mechanism included sequential β‐C−H functionalization of pyrrolidine, generation of conjugated azomethine ylides, and sequential [3+2] cycloaddition with active alkenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we focus on the left-truncated and right-censored model, and construct the local linear and Nadaraya-Watson type estimators of the conditional density. Under suitable conditions, we establish the asymptotic normality of the proposed estimators when the observations are assumed to be a stationary α-mixing sequence. Finite sample behavior of the estimators is investigated via simulations too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Materials and Methods Results Conclusions To search for pathogenic gene of a family with non‐syndromic tooth agenesis, and explore the possible pathogenesis.A Chinese family with non‐syndromic tooth agenesis was recruited and screened for the pathogenic variants by whole exome sequencing technology and co‐segregation analysis. The subcellular localization of wild‐type and mutant protein was detected by immunofluorescence assay. Cycloheximide chase assay was performed to examine the difference in degradation rate between mutant protein and wild‐type one. Dual‐luciferase reporter assays were conducted to explore the alterations of mutant protein in the regulation of downstream target genes.A novel missense variant of PAX9 (c.296C>A:p.A99D) was found in this family. Bioinformatics software showed β‐return and the random coil were shortened in the p.A99D. The variant did not affect the subcellular localization of PAX9, but the degradation rate of p.A99D was accelerated (p < 0.05). p.A99D inhibited the activation of downstream target gene BMP4 (p < 0.05).This novel variant expands the pathogenic gene spectrum. The variant impaired the protein structure, accelerated the degradation of protein, and inhibited the activation of the downstream target gene BMP4, an upstream molecule in the TGF‐β/BMP pathway, which may contribute to tooth agenesis in this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the relationship between stress resistance, symptom interference, and cancer-related fatigue in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Methods A total of 336 cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from October 2020 to October 2021 were selected by convenient sampling. The related data were collected by general condition questionnaire, cancer fatigue scale (CFS), Chinese version memory symptom assessment scale (MSAS-Ch), and stress resistance scale (CD-RICS). Results The scores of cancer-related fatigues, stress resistance, and symptom disturbance were 30.55 ±8.26, 62.14 ±14.04, and 1.11 ± 0.38, respectively. The level of stress resistance played an intermediary role in symptom interference and cancer-related fatigue, accounting for 26.26% of the total effect. The level of stress resistance had a regulatory effect between symptom interference and cancer-related fatigue (3 = 0.102, AR2=0.382, P < 0.05). Conclusion The level of stress resistance plays a mediating effect and regulation between symptom interference and cancer-related fatigue. Encouraging patients to strengthen the level of stress resistance, strengthen positive psychological construction, and weaken the level of symptom interference is helpful to reduce cancer-related fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have aroused worldwide interest over the last two decades due to their various excellent properties, such as porosity, modifiability, stability, etc. Based on these unique features, they have been widely exploited for applications from electrocatalysis to electrochemical devices. However, most MOFs are inherently insulated due to the lack of free charge carriers and low‐energy barriers for charge transfer, which largely restricts their further electrochemical applications. By imparting MOFs with electrical conductivity, their electrochemical process and catalysis efficiency can be effectively improved. Similarly, their applications in sensors, secondary batteries, electrochemical devices, etc., can be well developed. Over the past few years, many conductive MOFs have been constructed by formatting composite, postsynthesized modification, introducing guest molecules, etc. Meanwhile, their electrochemical applications depending on their good conductivity have been investigated detailedly. However, it remains a challenge to endow most MOFs with high conductivity due to the tedious synthesis process and weak charge transfer properties of MOFs. In this review, the latest designs and synthesis strategies of conductive MOFs as well as their conductive mechanisms are summarized. The direct/postsynthesis methods are mainly focused for constructing conductive MOFs. In addition, their applications in sensors, energy conversion, electronics, etc., are also introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]