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Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are the most common ectodermal cancers, and result in more than 300,000 deaths per year. The Krüppel-like family of transcription factors play a critical role in cancer pathogenesis. The Krüppel-like factor 5 gene (KLF5), which is a member of Krüppel-like family, has been reported to promote cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss the roles of KLF5 in different SCCs and the mechanisms by which KLF5 transcriptionally regulates its target gene expression in the pathogenesis and progression of SCCs. Due to its significant functions in cell proliferation and differentiation, KLF5 could be a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of SCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is universally accepted that curling and warping of jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCP) can influence pavement performance. Recent studies indicated that long-term increases in roughness for pavements could also be largely related to curling and warping changes. The objective of this study is to investigate behaviours of idealised curling profile and resulting values of parameter pseudo-strain gradient (PSG) in the frequency domain from profiles acquired from 30 sections to offer supplementary information on the characteristics of curling profile of interest. Advanced wavelet techniques, including both continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT), were utilised to decompose profiles into different layers of details in corresponding frequency bands for analysis. A quarter-car (QC) model was applied to simulate each decomposed layer, then frequency-domain changes in PSG and International Roughness Index (IRI) were compared, with results indicating that roughness resulting from curling profile could be strongly correlated to PSG in the frequency domain. The standard deviation for the level of details D 6 from DWT also shows a better correlation to PSG than IRI in the spatial domain. The dominated frequency band for curling profile was identified to be 0.12–1.25 circle/m. Differences between CWT and DWT for profile filtering were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) heterostructures with domain‐controlled emissive colors have shown great potential for achieving high‐throughput sensing, anti‐counterfeit and information security. Here, a strategy based on steric‐hindrance effect is proposed to construct lateral lanthanide‐MOFs (Ln‐MOFs) epitaxial heterostructures, where the channel‐directed guest molecules are introduced to rebalance in‐plane and out‐of‐plane growth rates of the Ln‐MOFs microrods and eventually generate lateral MOF epitaxial heterostructures with controllable aspect ratios. A library of lateral Ln‐MOFs heterostructures are acquired through a stepwise epitaxial growth procedure, from which rational modulation of each domain with specific lanthanide doping species allows for definition of photonic barcodes in a two‐dimensional (2D) domain with remarkably enlarged encoding capacity. The results provide molecular‐level insight into the use of modulators in governing crystallite morphology for spatially assembling multifunctional heterostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) heterostructures with domain‐controlled emissive colors have shown great potential for achieving high‐throughput sensing, anti‐counterfeit and information security. Here, a strategy based on steric‐hindrance effect is proposed to construct lateral lanthanide‐MOFs (Ln‐MOFs) epitaxial heterostructures, where the channel‐directed guest molecules are introduced to rebalance in‐plane and out‐of‐plane growth rates of the Ln‐MOFs microrods and eventually generate lateral MOF epitaxial heterostructures with controllable aspect ratios. A library of lateral Ln‐MOFs heterostructures are acquired through a stepwise epitaxial growth procedure, from which rational modulation of each domain with specific lanthanide doping species allows for definition of photonic barcodes in a two‐dimensional (2D) domain with remarkably enlarged encoding capacity. The results provide molecular‐level insight into the use of modulators in governing crystallite morphology for spatially assembling multifunctional heterostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel sea urchin‐like Fe3O4@ZnO (S‐FZ) hollow core–shell photocatalyst is developed, which achieves about fourfold higher photocatalystic degradation efficiency (84.4%) than the waxberry‐type Fe3O4@ZnO (W‐FZ) photocatalyst due to its larger specific surface area. After postannealing at different temperatures under argon atmosphere, the photocatalystic degradation efficiency of S‐FZ is effectively improved. When the annealing temperature is 500 °C, the degradation efficiency of S‐FZ hollow core–shell structures is further improved to 99%, which is related to the synergistic effect of high density of oxygen vacancies. Such S‐FZ catalysts are easily separated with a magnet and reused with only 2% loss in photocatalystic degradation efficiency after five circles. Herein, a practical approach toward high‐efficient and recyclable photocatalysts is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers a novel distributed order time fractional dual-phase-lag model to analyze the anomalous diffusion in a comb structure, which has a widespread application in medicine and biology. The newly proposed constitution model is a generalization of the dual-phase-lag model, in which a spectrum of the time fractional derivatives with the memory characteristic governed by the weight coefficient is considered and the formulated governing equation contains both the diffusion and wave characteristics. With the L1-formula to discrete the time Caputo fractional derivatives, the finite difference method is used to discretize the model and the related numerical results are plotted graphically. By adding a source term, an exact solution is defined to verify the correctness of the numerical scheme and the convergence order of the error in spatial direction is presented. Finally, the dynamic characteristics of the particle distributions and the effects of involved parameters on the total number of particles in the x -direction are analyzed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical application of applying deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithm to contrast-enhanced portal venous phase liver computed tomography (CT) for improving image quality and lesions detection rate compared with using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR-V) algorithm under routine dose. METHODS: The raw data from 42 consecutive patients who underwent contrast-enhanced portal venous phase liver CT were reconstructed using three strength levels of DLIRs (low [DL-L]; medium [DL-M]; high [DL-H]) and two levels of ASIR-V (30%[AV-30]; 70%[AV-70]). Objective image parameters, including noise, signal-to-noise (SNR), and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) relative to muscle, as well as subjective parameters, including noise, artifact, hepatic vein-clarity, index lesion-clarity, and overall scores were compared pairwise. For the lesions detection rate, the five reconstructions in patients who underwent subsequent contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were compared. RESULTS: For objective parameters, DL-H exhibited superior image quality of lower noise and higher SNR than AV-30 and AV-70 (all P < 0.05). CNR was not statistically different between AV-70, DL-M, and DL-H (all P > 0.05). In both objective and subjective parameters, only image noise was statistically reduced as the strength of DLIR increased compared with ASIR-V (all P < 0.05). Regarding the lesions detection rate, a total of 45 lesions were detected by MRI examination and all five reconstructions exhibited similar lesion-detection rate (25/45, 55.6%). CONCLUSION: Compared with AV-30 and AV 70, DLIR leads to better image quality with equal lesion detection rate for liver CT imaging under routine dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most reported cathode materials for rechargeable aqueous Al metal batteries are based on an intercalative‐type chemistry mechanism. Herein, iodine embedded in MOF‐derived N‐doped microporous carbon polyhedrons (I2@ZIF‐8‐C) is proposed to be a conversion‐type cathode material for aqueous aluminum‐ion batteries based on "water‐in‐salt" electrolytes. Compared with the conventional Al–I2 battery using ionic liquid electrolyte, the proposed aqueous Al–I2 battery delivers much enhanced electrochemical performance in terms of specific capacity and voltage plateaus. Benefitting from the confined liquid–solid conversion of iodine in hierarchical N‐doped microporous carbon polyhedrons and enhanced reaction kinetics of aqueous electrolytes, the I2@ZIF‐8‐C electrode delivers high reversibility, superior specific capacity (≈219.8 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1), and high rate performance (≈102.6 mAh g−1 at 8 A g−1). The reversible reaction between I2 and I−, with I3− and I5− as intermediates, is confirmed via ex situ Raman spectra and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, solid‐state hydrogel electrolyte is employed to fabricate a flexible Al–I2 battery, which shows performance comparable to batteries using liquid electrolyte and can be integrated to power wearable devices as a reliable energy supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection and recognition of quiet, small objects in shallow water is one of the challenges in underwater acoustic signal processing, especially for buried objects. The seafloor strongly absorbs sound waves, while the object echo signals are weak, which makes the detection of the buried objects more difficult. Realizing object echo signal enhancement in a seafloor reverberation background and improving the signal-to-reverberation ratio (SRR) are critical problems. Based on the difference in energy aggregation between object echo signals and reverberation in the optimal fractional Fourier domain, a blind separation algorithm in the spatial fractional Fourier domain is presented. Expressions of the object rigid scattering components and the reverberation in the fractional Fourier domain are derived, and the energy distribution characteristics of both are analyzed. The objective function is constructed by the generalized correlation matrix of the multiple array signals in the optimal fractional Fourier domain, and the object rigid scattering components are obtained by approximate joint diagonalization. The simulation and data processing results show that the spatial fractional domain blind separation algorithm (FRFTBSS) can improve the signal-to-reverberation ratio. Compared with time–frequency domain blind separation (TFBSS), the proposed algorithm avoids the cross-item interference and performs better at lower SRR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of the cyclopropyl quaternary carbon center can afford a series of 1,1-olefin bioisosteres. Here, we report tertiary cyclopropyl carbagermatranes, which can be easily obtained by the zinc-mediated decarboxylation of NHP esters. In addition, they exhibit efficient reactivity in the palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction and orthogonal reactivity with boron reagents, therefore acting as robust nucleophiles for the synthesis of tertiary cyclopropane and efficient intermediates for the formation of quaternary centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D thermoelectric materials with a high power factor and low lattice thermal conductivity have recently been the focus of cutting‐edge research. Herein, combining first‐principles calculations and semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory, a structural search on the monolayer transition‐metal dichalcogenide MoSTe is conducted and its electronic structure, lattice dynamics, and thermoelectric properties are carefully studied. A new tetragonal blend structure is found that is both energetically and dynamically more stable than the experimentally synthesized hexagonal Janus structure, and this blend structure possesses strong anisotropic in‐plane electron and phonon transport properties. Both structures have insulating ground states, which allow a reasonable Seebeck coefficient. Phonon dispersion reveals that several optical phonon‐branches downshift and overlap with the acoustic branches, leading to an enhanced scattering rate, greatly reduced lattice thermal conductivity, and eventually excellent thermoelectric performance with ZT = 0.34 at 300 K and 1.0 at 600 K for the blend‐MoSTe. The results demonstrate the great potential of the monolayer MXY transition‐metal dichalcogenide in thermoelectric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Granulicatella adiacens is facultative anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria, which mainly involve bacterial endocarditis and bacteremia, but there are few reports of local suppurative infection. A case of lung abscess with a coinfection of Granulicatella adiacens and other bacteria in a lung cancer patient will be reported in this paper. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing lung abscess due to G.adiacens.Case Presentation: A 52-year-old Chinese woman was admitted to the hospital, She complained of coughing and expectoration for 1 month, shortness of breath for half a month, and dyspnea for 1 day. After a series of examinations, she was diagnosed with lung abscess, pleural effusion, and bronchogenic carcinoma. Draining pus culture demonstrated Granulicatella adiacens. After more than 5 weeks of antibiotic therapies in total, she gradually recovered to fight against lung cancer.Conclusion: This is the first reported lung abscess caused by G.adiacens. In immunosuppressed hosts, G.adiacens is a virulent pathogen associated with a spectrum of intrathoracic suppurative. Earlier diagnosis and proper drainage surgery with effective antibiotics treatment are very important, and antimicrobial treatment should be more than 5 weeks. When complex pulmonary infection interferes with the CT diagnosis, clinical suspicion of lung cancer should be increased if G.adiacens or Eikenella corrodens is detected from a pulmonary infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a human-like automated lane-changing system to mimic the lane-changing maneuver of human drivers in order to make automated vehicles more realistic. In this system, both the personalized factors of human drivers and the traffic environmental factors are considered to derive a personalized human-like lane-changing trajectory planning model, which includes a longitudinal driving behavior model and a lateral lane-changing trajectory planning model. The longitudinal model is derived based on the traffic environment information to predict the longitudinal speed of human-driven vehicles in the lane-changing processes, and also to analyze the longitudinal driving habits of drivers in different driving scenarios. The lateral model plans a suitable lateral lane-changing trajectory preferred by the driver. The personalized parameters of the longitudinal and lateral models are calibrated by the driving data with multi-dimensional time series regression method. The simulation results show that the proposed method can well realize the human-like and personalized lane-changing trajectory planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The voltage source converter (VSC) system has stability issue under weak AC grid conditions. In this paper, the multi-input multi-output (MIMO) transfer function model of VSC system in frequency-domain is derived. Then, the individual channel analysis and design (ICAD) approach is employed to develop the equivalent single-input single-output (SISO) feedback control model for stability analysis. On that basis, the stability of VSC system and the coupling interaction intensity among the multiple control loops, including the active power control (APC), reactive power control (RPC) and phase-locked-loop (PLL) are investigated. The results show that larger PLL bandwidth increases the coupling degree of active power control (APC) and reactive power control (RPC) closed loops, resulting in the instability of the system under weak AC grid conditions. Finally, a derivative feedback compensation (DFC) approach is proposed to enhance the stability margin for VSC system connected to weak AC grid. The results based on MATLAB-based theoretical analysis and electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations show that the proposed DFC approach can effectively suppress the instability of VSC system due to the close coupling of APC and RPC closed loops caused by the large PLL bandwidth, thus effectively improve the stability margin of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical resection and reconstruction for low-grade bone sarcoma in the metaphysis of the distal femur remain challenging. We hypothesized that 3D printing osteotomy guide plate could assist to accurately resect the tumor lesion and save the joint function. Methods: From January 2017 to August 2019, five patients diagnosed with low-grade bone sarcoma in the metaphysis of the distal femur were treated with hemicortical resection using 3D printing guide plate. Autologous bone graft was inactivated in a high-temperature water bath and re-implanted in situ fixed with plate and screw. Patients were followed up from 17 to 33 months. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score was used to evaluate the joint function. X-ray was used to evaluate the bone union. Results: One patient was paracorticular osteosarcoma, and four cases had highly differentiated chondrosarcoma. All cases were involved in the metaphysis of the distal femur. Patients were followed up from 13 to 33 months, with an average of 23.6 months. There was neither post-operation infection, internal fixation loosening, nor fracture occurrence in any of the patients. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score averaged at 28.1, while the International Society of Limb Salvage imaging score examination averaged 89.8%. Conclusions: Here, we demonstrate that the 3D printing osteotomy guide plate-assisted hemicortical bone resection is a beneficial strategy to effectively resect the primary low-grade malignant bone tumors in the metaphysis of the distal femur and retained satisfied joint function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unravelling how the complexity of living systems can (have) emerge(d) from simple chemical reactions is one of the grand challenges in contemporary science. Evolving systems of self‐replicating molecules may hold the key to this question. Here we show that, when a system of replicators is subjected to a regime where replication competes with replicator destruction, simple and fast replicators can give way to more complex and slower ones. The structurally more complex replicator was found to be functionally more proficient in the catalysis of a model reaction. These results show that chemical fueling can maintain systems of replicators out of equilibrium, populating more complex replicators that are otherwise not readily accessible. Such complexification represents an important requirement for achieving open‐ended evolution as it should allow improved and ultimately also new functions to emerge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unravelling how the complexity of living systems can (have) emerge(d) from simple chemical reactions is one of the grand challenges in contemporary science. Evolving systems of self‐replicating molecules may hold the key to this question. Here we show that, when a system of replicators is subjected to a regime where replication competes with replicator destruction, simple and fast replicators can give way to more complex and slower ones. The structurally more complex replicator was found to be functionally more proficient in the catalysis of a model reaction. These results show that chemical fueling can maintain systems of replicators out of equilibrium, populating more complex replicators that are otherwise not readily accessible. Such complexification represents an important requirement for achieving open‐ended evolution as it should allow improved and ultimately also new functions to emerge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vibration of downhole drilling tools is important to the drilling process, which needs to be measured in real time. Here, a self-powered vibration sensor for downhole drilling tools based on a hybrid electromagnetic–triboelectric nanogenerator is proposed in this research. The sensor has high reliability because the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and the electromagnetic generator (EMG) parts of the sensor can be used as vibration sensors alone, and it may also supply power to other micro-power measurements while drilling instruments when the TENG and the EMG are used in parallel to increase the output power. Test results show that for the TENG part, the maximum output voltage, current, and power are 14 V, 5.2 µA, and 3.2 µW, respectively, with a 1 MΩ resistance in series, and for the EMG part, they are 1.22 V, 33 µA, and 21.8 mW, respectively, with a 10 Ω resistance in series. Further tests show that the measurement range of both the TENG and EMG is 0–11 Hz, the measurement error of both is less than ±5%, and both can work normally in the temperature range of less than 250 °C. In addition, this research also builds a wireless vibration data transmission system based on the sensor, which shows the potential for use in the wireless sensing field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombus formation, poor pregnancy outcomes, and a proinflammatory response. H3K4me3‐related monocytes activation are key regulators of APS pathogenesis. Therefore, H3K4me3 CUT&Tag and ATAC‐seq are performed to examine the epigenetic profiles. The results indicate that the H3K4me3 signal and chromatin accessibility at the FOXJ2 promoter are enhanced in an in vitro monocyte model by stimulation with β2GPI/anti‐β2GPI, which mimics APS, and decreases after OICR‐9429 administration. Furthermore, FOXJ2 is highly expressed in patients with primary APS (PAPS) and is the highest in patients with triple‐positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). Mechanistically, FOXJ2 directly binds to the SLAMF8 promoter and activates SLAMF8 transcription. SLAMF8 further interacts with TREM1 to stimulate TLR4/NF‐κB signaling and prohibit autophagy. Knockdown of FOXJ2, SLAMF8, or TREM1 blocks TLR4/NF‐κB and provokes autophagy, subsequently inhibiting the release of inflammatory and thrombotic indicators. A mouse model of vascular APS is established via β2GPI intraperitoneal injection, and the results suggest that OICR‐9429 administration attenuates the inflammatory response and thrombus formation by inactivating FOXJ2/SLAMF8/TREM1 signaling. These findings highlight the overexpression of H3K4me3‐mediated FOXJ2 in APS, which consequently accelerates APS pathogenesis by triggering inflammation and thrombosis via boosting the SLAMF8/TREM1 axis. Therefore, OICR‐9429 is a promising candidate drug for APS therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving reversible plating/stripping of zinc (Zn) anodes is crucial in aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs). However, undesired dendrite growth and parasitic side reactions severely deteriorate battery lifespan. The construction of stable protective coating is an effective strategy to enhance anode stability. In this study, a multifunctional nanodiamond (ND) inorganic layer is designed and constructed on both Zn and Cu electrodes that can both effectively inhibit dendrite growth and suppress Zn anode corrosion. Experimental results and theoretical calculations demonstrate that this artificial protective layer, with ultra‐high surface energy, enables the controlled creation of abundant nucleation sites (in the order of 1012 cm−2) for the homogenization of ion flux and electric field on the anode. It is found that zinc ions preferentially adhere to the diamond surfaces with lower diffusion barriers, leading to uniform zinc deposition. A symmetric cell with the ND‐protected Zn (Zn‐ND) anode exhibits reversible plating/stripping behavior for an impressive duration of over 3600 h at 1 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the MnO2||Zn full battery retains 90% of its initial capacity after 3500 cycles at 2 A g−1, and assembled hybrid capacitor operates smoothly over 65 000 cycles at 10 A g−1. These results underscore the potential of this coating as a promising solution for achieving highly stable Zn anodes for aqueous batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The landslide hazard assessment plays a crucial role in landslide risk mitigation and land use planning. The result of landslide hazard assessment corrected by surface deformation, obtained through time-series InSAR, has usually proven to have good application capabilities. However, the issue lies in the uncertainty of InSAR results, where some deformations cannot be calculated, and some are not true deformations. This uncertainty of InSAR results will lead to errors in landslide hazard assessment. Here, we attempt to evaluate landslide hazards by considering combined rainfall and surface deformation. The main objective of this research was to mitigate the impact of bias and explore the accurate landslide hazard assessment method. A total of 201 landslides and 11 geo-environment factors were utilized for landslide susceptibility assessment by support vector machine (SVM) model in Wanzhou District, Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA). The preliminary hazard is obtained by analyzing the statistical data of landslides and rainfall. Based on the SAR image data of Sentinel-1A satellites from September 2019 to October 2021, the SBAS-InSAR method was used to analyze surface deformation. The correlation between surface deformation and rainfall was analyzed, and the deformation factor variables were applied to landslide hazard assessment. The research results demonstrate that the error caused by the uncertainty of InSAR results can be effectively avoided by analyzing the relationship between rainfall and surface deformation. Our results can effectively adjust and correct the hazard results and eliminate the errors in the general hazard assessment. Our proposed method can be used to assess the landslide hazard in more detail and provide a reference for fine risk management and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro/nano drug delivery systems can provide ideal controlled drug release. Microfluidic chip technology plays an important role in the preparation of microspheres. Sodium alginate (SA) has been used to prepare microspheres as drug carriers owing to its good biosafety and easy preparation. However, these microspheres lack antimicrobial activity and drug loading efficiency, which prevent their application for infected wound repair. Although silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess broad-spectrum antibiotic activity, liquid mixtures of AgNPs and SA are too unstable to fabricate drug-loaded microspheres using microfluidic chip technology. In this study, AgNPs were coated with silk fibroin (SF) and then dispersed in SA solution to fabricate antibacterial microspheres (denoted SA-SF-Ag) using microfluidic chip technology. SA-SF-Ag effectively inhibited the growth of microorganisms and gradually released AgNPs. Moreover, in vivo results showed that SA-SF-Ag promoted infected wound healing and angiogenesis by killing Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the surface of infected skin wounds of mouse models. This study offers a new method to integrate AgNPs into organic polymeric microspheres for the treatment of infected wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-performance catalyst, O-doped Sb2S3 nanosheets (SS–O NSs), is synthesized and introduced into lithium–sulfur batteries. Owing to their good conductivity, strong adsorbability/catalytic effect to polysulfides and fast Li+ diffusion, the SS–O NSs-modified cathodes can effectively mitigate the shuttle effect, thus achieving outstanding electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We put forward a multimode slotted nanobeam cavity (MM-SPCNC) supporting both air and dielectric modes through a specific design of band properties. Dual-parameter detection is realized by jointly measuring the resonance wavelength shifts of both air and dielectric modes. The proposed sensor is robust against external interference and shows higher sensitivity compared with other dual-parameter sensors. The maximum external interference ranges of the proposed sensor are 4.82×10−6 and 0.05 for refractive index (RI) and temperature (T), respectively, which indicates that the sensor can effectively resist against external interference. The RI and T sensitivities of the fundamental air mode are 421 nm/RIU and 58 pm/K respectively, whereas those of the fundamental dielectric mode are 706 nm/RIU and 46 pm/K respectively. The proposed sensor thus represents a promising candidate for future multifunctional and lab-on-chip sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on graphene metasurface, this paper proposes a broadband multifunctional reflective polarization converter in the terahertz regime. This converter was formed of periodic unit cells, and each cell comprises two gold resonant ribbons, two-layer graphene sheets, a dielectric spacer, and a ground plane. The results demonstrated that the converter presented dynamical multiple polarization-manipulating functions, such as linear-to-circular conversion and linear-to-linear conversion, by varying the Fermi energy of the graphene. For example, in the frequency range from 0.92 to 1.47 THz, the ultra-broadband cross-polarization conversion was obtained with a Fermi energy of 0 eV, and in the range from 0.55 to 1.26 THz, the ultra-broadband linear-to-circular polarization conversion was achieved by varying the Fermi energy with a tunable relative bandwidth of 78.5%. Finally, the physical mechanisms were determined by analyzing the equivalent circuits and current distributions. This polarization converter has the potential for future applications in electronic measurements, photonic design, and other optoelectronic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Estragole DNA adducts accumulate in cells in vitro upon repeated exposure. • Upon dietary exposure 6–57 years would be required to reach 10−100 adducts/108 nts. • Persistent nature causes substantial adduct levels upon prolonged dietary intake. Accumulation of N2 -(trans -isoestragol-3′-yl)-2′-deoxyguanosine (E-3′- N2 -dG) DNA adducts derived from the alkenylbenzene estragole upon repeated dose exposure was investigated since the repair of this adduct was previously shown to be inefficient. To this end human HepaRG cells were exposed to repeating cycles of 2 h exposure to 50 μM estragole followed by 22 h repair to mimic daily exposure. The E-3′- N2 -dG DNA adduct levels were quantified by LC–MS/MS after each cycle. The results show accumulation of E-3′- N2 -dG DNA adducts at a rate of 17.53 adducts/108 nts/cycle. This rate at the dose level calculated by physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modeling to result in 50 μM was converted to a rate expected at average human daily intake of estragole. The predicted time estimated to reach adduct levels reported at the BMD10 of the related alkenylbenzene methyleugenol of 10−100 adducts /108 nts upon average human daily intake of estragole amounted to 8–80 (in rat) or 6–57 years (in human). It is concluded that the persistent nature of the E-3′- N2 -dG DNA adducts may contribute to accumulation of substantial levels of DNA adducts upon prolonged dietary exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Using gold nanoparticles as gold seeds, a new type of nanomaterial, gold nanostar, was prepared by seed growth. The dendritic structure on the surface of gold nanostars can produce stronger Raman signal intensity than gold nanoparticles. • A new type of test strip was developed by combining SERS technology with LFA technology to give full play to their unique advantages, such as high sensitivity, no water interference, strong specificity, obvious Raman characteristic peak, simple operation, stable performance and low cost. • The limit of detection for glycinin was 0.23 ng/mL on immunostrips using gold nanostars as immunoprobes.. Glycinin is one of the most nutritious ingredients in soybean, but it is also an allergen that can cause allergic reactions in humans and animals, and even endanger life in severe cases. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a rapid and ultrasensitive detection method for glycinin. In order to achieve this goal, this experiment combined surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology with an economical, simple, fast and easy-to-carry immunochromatographic test strip, and successfully constructed an efficient sandwich immunochromatographic test strip. The immunoprobe of the test strip was covalently coupled by gold nanostars (AuNSs), Raman molecule 4-aminothiophenol (4-PATP) and rabbit polyclonal antibody. In this experiment, a gold nanostar immunochromatographic test strip for detecting glycinin was established. The detection limit of the test strip was 0.23 ng / mL, the recovery rate was 91.5–96.6 %, and the coefficient of variation was 1.61–6.15 %. In addition, the test strip had no cross reaction with whey protein, wheat protein, peanut protein, sesame protein and β-conglycinin, indicating that the detection method had good specificity and the ability to avoid false positive results. Hence, this experiment successfully prepared a rapid and sensitive test strip for glycinin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Stretchable PPy-based organohydrogel (POG) with anti-freezing properties was synthesized through a facile sol–gel method. • The POG exhibits an exceptional shielding effectiveness (SE T) of 63.6 dB with a thickness of only 2.0 mm. • After being frozen at − 40 ℃ for 4 h, POG still possesses an excellent shielding capability of 59.3 dB. Wearable and multi-functional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are an inevitable trend in order to cope with increasingly complex practical applications. In the present work, polypyrrole nanotube (PNT)-based organohydrogels (POGs) with excellent electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) were synthesized through a facile sol–gel strategy. The obtained POGs offer distinct shielding performance, anti-drying, anti-freezing, plasticity and recyclable ability. The POG with a 20 wt% PNTs filling exhibits a SE T of 63.6 dB in the X-band at a thickness of 2.0 mm. After being placed at ambient temperature for 30 days and − 40 ℃ for 4 h, its SE values still retained at 50.3 dB and 59.3 dB, respectively. Moreover, after being immersed in the solvents, the POG (left in the air for 30 days) can recover flexibility and 92 % of its original EMI shielding performance. Importantly, crushing the fully dried organohydrogels into the powder and placing it again in the solvents fully restores its flexibility and EMI shielding properties. The glorious shielding and mechanical characteristics can be ascribed to the superior conductivity of PNTs and the highly crosslinked stable network of PVA, as well as the further enhancement of the crosslinked network by cellulose nanofibers. In addition, ​sensors based on POGs can effectively detect human movement and strain deformations. This work thus provides fresh insight into exploring the sustainability of flexible and wearable EMI shielding materials for handling extreme environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of multi-emission center MOFs and its high-dimensional sensing detection of analytes have broad development prospects. This paper focuses on the preparation strategies of MOFs with three or more luminescent centers in recent years, and then discusses the recognition ability of high-dimensional sensing based on multi-luminescent MOFs to target analytes. [Display omitted] • The three-emission sensor has higher selectivity and accuracy. • The three-emission sensor can detect and identify multiple analytes at the same time, which is more suitable for the analysis of real samples. • The color change before and after detection by the three-emission sensor is easier to be recognized by the naked eye. In recent years, multi-dimensional sensing methods based on multi-emission MOFs have attracted great attention from researchers due to their excellent sensitivity and selectivity to the target analytes. Through the mixed ligand strategy or encapsulating the appropriate fluorophores (lanthanide ions, luminescent ligands, metal ligand complexes, organic dyes, carbon dots, etc.) in the MOFs channel, MOF-based proportional sensors with multiple luminescent centers can be successfully designed. In this paper, the research progress of multi-dimensional sensors based on MOFs in recent years is reviewed, with emphasis on the preparation of three-emission MOF composites and their applications in detecting ions, pH, volatile organic compounds and organic molecules. This paper will be of great significance for researchers interested in multi-dimensional sensing based on three-emission MOFs to understand its research progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • SnO{0 0 1}/TiO 2 {0 0 1} heterojunctions were rationally designed and synthesized. • The formation of S-scheme heterojunction enhances the hole mobility. • The photocatalytic degradation rate constant of benzene was boosted by 5.3 times. • The photocatalytic degradation pathways of gas benzene were proposed. • S-scheme mechanism was confirmed via theoretical and experimental results. Enhancing the efficiency of carrier migration and separation plays a pivotal role in promoting photocatalytic performance. Constructing S-scheme heterojunction is a promising strategy to achieve this desired objective. Here, we rationally designed and preciously synthesized SnO{0 0 1}/TiO 2 {0 0 1} S-scheme heterojunction with exceptionally high hole mobility (1122 cm2/(V·s)), which ranks among the best of reported works. SnO{0 0 1}/TiO 2 {0 0 1} heterojunctions exhibited outstanding performance of gaseous benzene degrading. The degradation rate constant of SnO/TiO 2 heterojunction is 2.4675 h−1, and is boosted by 5.3 times compared with TiO 2 (0.4595 h−1). Through the combination of theoretical calculation and experiment, S-scheme mode of carrier transferring was verified. The promoted hole mobility in SnO/TiO 2 heterojunction enhances the production of ·OH, further boosting photocatalytic performance. By analyzing the detected intermediates, we proposed degradation pathways for benzene, which provide a profound and elucidating view of complex processes in benzene photocatalytic degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to quickly obtain information about crisis events on social media such as Twitter and Weibo is crucial for follow-up rescue work and the promotion of postdisaster reconstruction. Therefore, it is very important to obtain useful information through multimodal summary generation technology. The current technology for generating crisis event summaries is mainly affected by unimodal bias and disregards the diversity of information in text and images. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a hierarchical multimodal crisis event summary generation model based on the modal alignment premise and hierarchical thinking. First, the visual context vector and text context vector are obtained, and then the hierarchical multimodal pointer model is employed to generate the text summary. Thus, the modal deviation is solved. Second, to select high-quality images, this paper proposes a dynamic selection strategy, which to some extent considers the requirements of the high correlation between text and images and the diversity of crisis information. Last, the experimental results based on the crisis event data in the MSMO dataset show that the proposed model achieves good performance in the summary generation and image selection of crisis events. • This paper proposes a multimodal hierarchical fusion model for crisis event summarization, which maintains the independence of images. • This paper proposes a dynamic selection strategy to better select suitable images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There is a significant difference in the prevalence rates of sarcopenia/non-sarcopenia and myosteatosis/non-myosteatosis among patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). • Patients with HE experiencing sarcopenia and myosteatosis exhibited poorer physical conditions in terms of age, BMI, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, MELD-sarcopenia score, and quality of muscle mass compared to those without sarcopenia and myosteatosis. • MELD-sarcopenia score and SMD were associated with 30-day readmission rates in patients with HE. To investigate whether the quality of skeletal muscle mass could predict short-term readmission in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Patients with HE were enrolled from 2018 to 2022. Sarcopenia and myosteatosis were defined using the L3 skeletal muscle index (SMI) and skeletal muscle density (SMD) obtained from CT imaging. MELD-Sarcopenia score was calculated. Multivariable analysis and multiple linear regression were applied to identify predictors of 30-day readmission and length of hospitalization. 123 patients with HE were included. 55 (44.7%) and 87 (70.7%) patients were identified with sarcopenia and myosteatosis, respectively. Patients with sarcopenia exhibited a higher prevalence of myosteatosis, lower SMI and SMD (p < 0.05). Patients with myosteatosis were older, had a lower body mass index, a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and MELD-sarcopenia scores (p < 0.05). 10 (8.1%) patients were readmitted within 30 days. The readmitted group had a higher MELD-sarcopenia score (25.0 ± 6.6 vs. 19.5 ± 7.8, p = 0.034) and lower L3 SMD (28.3 ± 5.9 vs. 33.8 ± 6.9, p = 0.015). In the multivariable analysis, MELD-sarcopenia score (95% CI 1.388 [1.074–1.793], p = 0.012) and SMD (95% CI 0.778 [0.610–0.991], p = 0.042) were found to be significantly associated with the 30-day readmission of patients with HE. Age (p = 0.028), alcohol liver disease (p = 0.025), and hypertension (p = 0.003) were associated with the length of hospitalization for patients with HE. The MELD-sarcopenia score and SMD were identified as predictive factors for short-term readmission in patients diagnosed as HE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase field approach for fracture has been adapted for fatigue fracture in recent years. In this work, we propose an efficient acceleration scheme for this approach based on concurrent time-scale homogenization. In this scheme, the fatigue fracture problem is decomposed into a macrochronological problem and a microchronological problem, and is accelerated with the macrochronological time steps adaptively determined. The macrochronological time step is monitored during the whole simulation, and is corrected by a predictor–corrector strategy if necessary. Numerical examples demonstrate that this scheme is able to accelerate fatigue fracture simulations without sacrificing much accuracy, and can be up to 200 times faster than direct numerical simulations in some cases. For certain force-controlled examples, the proposed scheme, equipped with the arc-length control, is able to reproduce Paris' law with a correlation coefficient higher than 0.91 in the logarithmic scale. • An efficient scheme for fatigue fracture with the phase field approach is proposed based on a concurrent time homogenization method. • The macrochronological time step is adaptively determined. • A predictor–corrector strategy is developed to monitor the time step size. • This scheme effectively reduces the time cost with high accuracy. • The scheme is able to reproduce Paris' law with a correlation coefficient higher than 0.91. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we synthesized a novel three-dimensional cadmium-based MOF (Cd-DPNA). It has high selectivity and sensitivity to the biomarker (DPA) of Bacillus anthracis, which provides a new idea for the detection of DPA by MOF-based fluorescence sensing method. [Display omitted] • 3D Cd-DPNA was successfully synthesized and characterized. • The fluorescence intensity of Cd-DPNA is quenched by adding DPA. • The low detection limit of Cd-DPNA for DPA is 3.04 μM. • Cd-DPNA detects DPA with very high selectivity, excellent recyclability and rapid response. • In the actual sample detection, Cd-DPNA has high detection accuracy and has potential for practical application. Anthracnose caused by Bacillus anthracis is an acute infectious disease that has the greatest impact on grazing livestock and wild ungulates, and poses a serious threat to human health. Therefore, it is of great research significance and application value to develop a fluorescent sensor that can detect the markers of Bacillus anthracis. Based on this, a three-dimensional Cd-based MOF (Cd-DNPA) was synthesized by solvothermal method. It is worth noting that it exhibits high selectivity and high sensitivity to 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylic acid (DPA), the calculated Ksv is 2.3686 × 103 M−1, the detection limit (LOD) is as low as 3.04 μM. In addition, the sensor can be detected in actual samples, and the recovery value is 98% −103%, indicating that it has the potential for practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: B7-H3, an immune-checkpoint molecule and a transmembrane protein, is overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), making it an attractive therapeutic target. Here, we aimed to systematically evaluate the value of B7-H3 as a target in NSCLC via T cells expressing B7-H3-specific chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and bispecific killer cell engager (BiKE)-redirected natural killer (NK) cells. Methods: We generated B7-H3 CAR and B7-H3/CD16 BiKE derived from an anti-B7-H3 antibody omburtamab that has been shown to preferentially bind tumor tissues and has been safely used in humans in early-phase clinical trials. Antitumor efficacy and induced-immune response of CAR and BiKE were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The effects of B7-H3 on aerobic glycolysis in NSCLC cells were further investigated. Results: B7-H3 CAR-T cells effectively inhibited NSCLC tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. B7-H3 redirection promoted highly specific T-cell infiltration into tumors. Additionally, NK cell activity could be specially triggered by B7-H3/CD16 BiKE through direct CD16 signaling, resulting in significant increase in NK cell activation and target cell death. BiKE improved antitumor efficacy mediated by NK cells in vitro and in vivo, regardless of the cell surface target antigen density on tumor tissues. Furthermore, we found that anti-B7-H3 blockade might alter tumor glucose metabolism via the reactive oxygen species-mediated pathway. Conclusions: Together, our results suggest that B7-H3 may serve as a target for NSCLC therapy and support the further development of two therapeutic agents in the preclinical and clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop two types of simple jerk circuits and to carry out their dynamical analyses using a unified mathematical model. Design/methodology/approach: Two types of simple jerk circuits only involve a nonlinear resistive feedback channel composited by a nonlinear device and an inverter. The nonlinear device is implemented through parallelly connecting two diode-switch-based series branches. According to the classifications of switch states and circuit types, a unified mathematical model is established for these two types of simple jerk circuits, and the origin symmetry and scale proportionality along with the origin equilibrium stability are thereby discussed. The coexisting bifurcation behaviors in the two types of simple jerk systems are revealed by bifurcation plots, and the origin symmetry and scale proportionality are effectively demonstrated by phase plots and attraction basins. Moreover, hardware experimental measurements are performed, from which the captured results well validate the numerical simulations. Findings: Two types of simple jerk circuits are unified through parallelly connecting two diode-switch-based series branches and a unified mathematical model with six kinds of nonlinearities is established. Especially, the origin symmetry and scale proportionality for the two types of simple jerk systems are discussed quantitatively. These jerk circuits are all simple and inexpensive, easy to be physically implemented, which are helpful to explore chaos-based engineering applications. Originality/value: Unlike previous works, the significant values are that through unifying these two types of simple jerk systems, a unified mathematical model with six kinds of nonlinearities is established, upon which symmetrically scaled coexisting behaviors are numerically disclosed and experimentally demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethylene is a gaseous hormone that affects many processes of plant growth and development. During vascular development, ethylene positively regulates cambial cell division in parallel with tracheary element differentiation inhibitory factor (TDIF) peptide signaling. In this study, we identified an ethylene overproducing mutant, acs7-d , exhibiting enhanced cambial activity and reduced wall development in fiber cells. Using genetic analysis, we found that ethylene signaling is necessary for the phenotypes of enhanced cambial cell division as well as defects in stem elongation and fiber cell wall development. Further, the cambial cell proliferation phenotype of acs7-d depends on WOX4, indicating that the two parallel pathways, ethylene and TDIF signaling, converge at WOX4 in regulating cambium activity. Gene expression analysis showed that ethylene impedes fiber cell wall biosynthesis through a conserved hierarchical transcriptional regulation. These results advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ethylene in regulating vascular meristem activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) use multiple mechanisms to constrain both innate and adaptive immune responses to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), as a heterogeneous population of early myeloid progenitor cells originating from bone marrow, are a naturally occurring immune regulatory population associated with inhibition of ongoing inflammatory responses, indicating their potential for GVHD therapy. There is accumulating evidence that MSCs and MDSCs do not act independently, but rather establish crosstalk. However, the role of MSCs in MDSC expansion and activation in GVHD remains unexplored. In vitro experiments included 2 groups: peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after mobilization and human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (UCB-MSCs) co-cultured with PBMCs. The number and functional difference of MDSCs in PBMCs were determined by flow cytometry. The culture supernatants of co-cultured cells were analyzed to identify cytokines involved in MDSC proliferation. The relationship between MSCs and MDSCs was clarified in GVHD and graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) animal models. In vitro experiments confirmed that UCB-MSCs secreted HLA-G protein to promote and maintain the proliferation of MDSCs in peripheral blood after granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilization, and UCB-MSCs mediated the function of MDSCs to inhibit the proliferation of T cells and promote the proliferation of regulatory T cells. UCB-MSCs overexpressing HLA-G induced MDSC production in recipient mice, improved the ability of MDSCs to suppress T cells and further reduced acute GVHD (aGVHD) symptoms and survival time without influencing GVL effects. UCB-MSCs expanded MDSCs via HLA-G/Ig-like transcript 4, reducing the severity of aGVHD without affecting GVL. The immunosuppressive potential of MSCs for the treatment of aGVHD significantly affects the development of MDSCs, thereby consolidating the position of MSCs in the prevention and treatment of aGVHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A uniform axial or transverse magnetic field is applied on the silicon oil based ferrofluid of high Prandtl number fluid (Pr ≈ 111.67), and the effect of magnetic field on the thermocapillary convection is investigated. It is shown that the location of vortex core of thermocapillary convection is mainly near the free surface of liquid bridge due to the inhibition of the axial magnetic field. A velocity stagnation region is formed inside the liquid bridge under the axial magnetic field (B = 0.3-0.5 T). The disturbance of bulk reflux and surface flow is suppressed by the increasing axial magnetic field. There is a dynamic response of free surface deformation to the axial magnetic field, and then the contact angle variation of the free surface at the hot corner is as following, φhot, B = 0.5 T = 83.34° > φhot, B = 0.3 T = 72.16° > > φhot,B = 0.1 T = 54.21° > φhot, B = 0 T = 43.33°. The results show that temperature distribution near the free surface is less and less affected by thermocapillary convection with the increasing magnetic field, and it presents a characteristic of heat-conduction. In addition, the transverse magnetic field does not realize the fundamental inhibition for thermocapillary convection, but it transfers the influence of thermocapillary convection to the free surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To research the impact of autophagy on alveolar epithelial cell inflammation and its possible mechanism in the early stages of hypoxia, we established a cell hypoxia–reoxygenation model and orthotopic left lung ischemia–reperfusion model. Rat alveolar epithelial cells stably expressing GFP‐LC3 were treated with an autophagy inhibitor (3‐MA) or an autophagy promoter (rapamycin), followed by hypoxia–reoxygenation treatment for 2, 4, and 6 hr in vitro. In vivo, 20 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (model group: No blocking of the hilum in the left lung; control group: Blocking of the hilum in the left lung for 1 hr with dimethyl sulfoxide lavage; 3‐MA group: Blocking of the hilum in the left lung for 1 hr with 100 ml/kg of 3‐MA (5 μmol/L) solution lavage; and rapamycin group: Blocking of the hilum in the left lung for 1 hr with 100 ml/kg of rapamycin (250 nmol/L) solution lavage) to establish an orthotopic left lung ischemia model. This study demonstrated that rapamycin significantly suppressed the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway and limited the expression of proinflammatory factors. A contrary result was found after the 3‐MA pretreatment. These findings indicate that autophagy reduces ischemia–reperfusion injury by repressing inflammatory signaling pathways in the early stages of hypoxia in vitro and in vivo. Autophagy could be a new protective method for application in lung ischemia–reperfusion injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endometrial cancer is one of the three most common malignancies in the female genital tract. Previous studies have demonstrated the association between heparanase (HPSE, OMIM 604,724) single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and cancer risk in several cancers. However, its role in endometrial cancer remains unclear. The present study investigated the effects of HPSE SNPs on the susceptibility and clinicopathological parameters in patients with endometrial cancer. Methods: HPSE SNPs of rs4693608 (G > A) and rs4364254 (C > T) were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assay in 270 endometrial cancer patients and 320 healthy controls. Results: The investigation indicated that the HPSE SNP rs4693608 with GG showed a protective effect from EC in both codominant (adjusted OR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.21–0.81, p =.026) and recessive models (adjusted OR = 0.43, 95%CI = 0.22–0.82, p =.0076). No significant differences were found in the incidences of EC patients with the rs4364254 polymorphisms compared to controls. Moreover, a significantly increased distribution of A/A (rs4693608) was observed in patients with grade ≥ 2 (p =.03) and in patients with positive cervical invasion (p =.042) while patients with T/C (rs4364254) had lower tumor grade. Conclusion: Our study suggested that HPSE SNP of rs4693608 correlated strongly with susceptibility to EC, and HPSE SNPs might be a potential biomarker for prognosis of endometrial cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mild copper-catalyzed alkylarylation of vinylarenes with cycloalkylsilyl peroxides and boronic acids is described. This three-component protocol provides a straightforward approach to the remote keto-functionalized 1,1-diarylmethane derivatives. A radical pathway initiated by C–C bond cleavage is proposed for this tandem reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the shuttle effect in Li–S batteries, novel biomimetic molecule catalysts are synthesized by grafting hemin molecules to three functionalized carbon nanotube systems (CNTs–COOH, CNTs–OH, and CNTs–NH2). The Li–S battery using the CNTs–COOH@hemin cathode exhibits the optimal initial specific capacity (1637.8 mAh g−1) and cycle durability (up to 1800 cycles). Various in situ characterization techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, and UV–vis spectroscopy, combined with density functional theory computations are used to investigate the structure–reactivity correlation and the working mechanism in the Li–S system. It is demonstrated that the unique structure of the CNTs‐COOH@hemin composite with good conductivity and adequate active sites resulting from molecule catalyst as well as the strong absorption to polysulfides entrapped by the coordinated Fe(III) complex with FeO bond enables the homogeneous dispersion of S, facilitates the catalysis and conversion of polysulfides, and improves the battery's performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed data from 8,710 participants in the 2013 China General Social Survey by using the instrumental variable method to assess the impact of the number of years of individuals' formal education on their environmental behavior. The results show that more formal education significantly increased individuals' public and private environmental behavior. Higher levels of formal education improved individuals' environmental knowledge and their environmental pollution awareness, which directly affected their environmental behavior. Having had more formal education was also associated with having a higher socioeconomic status and economic income, which increased the demand these individuals reported for a better environment and affordability of environmentally friendly actions, which indirectly affected their environmental behavior. Our findings indicate that a further increase in the supply of education may improve China's current environmental problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) blue phosphorene with a honeycomb structure is the phosphorus analog of graphene, and is regarded as a promising 2D material with a large tunable band gap and high charge-carrier mobility. Here, using the molecular beam epitaxy method, we synthesize monolayer blue phosphorene on the Ag(111) surface. Combined with first-principles calculations, scanning tunneling microscopy measurements reveal that the blue phosphorene on the Ag(111) surface consists of 2D clusters with a buckling 1 × 1 lattice, arranged regularly on the Ag(111). The formation of these phosphorus clusters stems from the strain modulation induced by the lattice mismatch between blue phosphorene and the Ag(111) substrate. Moreover, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements are performed to study the instability of the blue phosphorene clusters in air. The realization of regular nanoclusters of blue phosphorene with unique sizes and morphology provides an ideal platform for the exploration of the quantum physical properties and applications of blue phosphorene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most coal seams in China are characterized by high‐gas pressure and high‐gas content, which seriously threaten the safety of coal mines. Gas extraction is an effective measure for preventing gas disasters. However, the drilling process in soft coal seams is inefficient; it is difficult for the boreholes to reach the design length. The rate of penetration (ROP) plays an important role in determining drilling efficiency and borehole length in soft coal seams. In this study, we establish a simplified ROP model for soft coal seams and evaluate the maximum ROP of Hebi No. 6 coal mine. First, the drill cutting transport capacity of the drilling system and drill cutting quantity generated during the drilling process are analyzed. By simplifying drill cutting transport and coal seam properties, the ROP model is established. Second, the Rock Failure Process Analysis software is used to analyze the deformation region of boreholes, which has a great influence on the drill cutting transport space. Finally, a field test is implemented in Hebi No. 6 coal mine in Henan Province, China, to verify the model, and we propose a measure to control the ROP below the maximum value to increase the length of the borehole. The test results indicate that the model has high accuracy, with errors less than 15%, and the lengths of boreholes in air‐return and transportation roadways are increased to 60 and 80 m, respectively, and the increase rate is greater than 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with the former studies, the perturbation behavior of thermocapillary–buoyancy convection caused by the simultaneous coupling response of the microscale surface flow, free surface deformation and spatiotemporal evolution of flow patterns is revealed by the combination of experimental and numerical methods for the first time. The free surface morphology transforms from the 'Ƨ'-shape into the twisted 'M'-shape in the corresponding balanced stage of thermocapillary–buoyancy convection (at t = 975, Bod = 251.5), and eventually becomes 'Ƨ'-shape in the corresponding third stage (Bod = 229.9). Meanwhile, there is a weak response of the free surface flow during each transition stage accompanied by periodic hydrothermal waves. The perturbation characteristics of the velocity, the temperature and the transverse location of surface flow are the most prominent at the intermediate height of liquid bridge (y = 0.2). The characteristic of longitudinal velocity mainly presents as the pulsation, while there is also the pulsation inside the oscillation of transverse velocity with the large amplitude (the oscillating period of 2fu = 7.2 s and the amplitude of Au = 0.0057). The periodic characteristic of temperature oscillation is obvious (2fθ = 0.2 s, Au = 0.015). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Long‐term use of unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) causes bone loss and osteoporosis in patients not receiving hemodialysis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of UFH and LMWH on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Methods: Patients undergoing MHD using UFH or LMWH as anticoagulants were enrolled. BMD (in g/cm2), T‐score and Z‐score (BMDs) were measured at the lumbar spine and femur neck using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline and 2 years later. Patient demographics and clinical indices were collected. Correlation analysis was used to identify significant predictors of bone loss. Multiple linear regression was used to explore the relationship between heparin type and bone loss progression. Findings A total of 104 patients were enrolled and completed the baseline BMD test; 72 completed the test again 2 years later. Six patients were excluded because they used both UFH and LMWH. Although BMD decreased in some patients in the UFH group, a slight increase in the BMD was observed on an average in the LMWH group after 2 years. The mean change in BMD (in g/cm2) [0(−0.03,0.04) vs. 0.04(0,0.06), P = 0.023], T‐score [0(−0.40,0.30) vs. 0.35(−0.03,0.53), P = 0.038], and Z‐score [0.10(−0.30,0.40) vs. 0.45(0.08,0.63), P = 0.031] in the lumbar spine in the UFH group was lower than those in the LMWH group. Femur neck BMD did not change significantly. In a linear regression model, after adjusting for diabetes mellitus, parathyroid hormone, and serum phosphate, we did not find an association between heparin substances and BMD. Discussion UFH might be associated with loss of lumbar spine BMD in patients undergoing MHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Several studies have verified that unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular heparin (LWMH) can induce bone loss, and bone mineral density has been inversely associated with vascular calcification in some clinical researches. But few have focused on the relationship between types and dosages of heparin and the progression of vascular calcification. We observed the progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients who were treated with UFH and LMWH. Methods: This was a prospective prevalent cohort study of MHD patients. Computed tomography was performed at enrolment and 2 years after enrolment, and CAC score was obtained. Demographic and clinical data, baseline and time‐average laboratory indices were collected. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression were used to estimate the influencing factors of progression of CAC. Results: In this study, (i) we initially enrolled 69 HD patients, and then 56 patients finished the follow‐up. (ii) Among the total 56 patients, 27 patients (48.2%) were treated with UFH, 14 (25.0%) with LMWH and 15 (26.8%) with both. The median baseline CAC scores of three groups (UFH, LMWH and both users) were 91.0 (1.0, 1052.0), 134.0 (0, 1292.0) and 250.5 (27.0, 1139.0), respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.663); the median CAC progression scores were 42.0 (0, 364.0), 172.0 (7.0, 653.0) and 118.5 (0, 434.0), respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.660). (iii) Pearson and spearman correlation analysis shown that the progression of CAC was not associated with cumulative dosage of heparin used. (iv) After adjusted for diabetes mellitus, time‐averaged intact parathyroid hormone, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase, logistic regression analysis showed using different types of heparin was not an independent risk factor for CAC progression; and multiple linear regression analysis showed that the type of heparin used was not associated with CAC progression. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in the effects of the types and dosages of heparin on CAC progression in patients on haemodialysis. SUMMARY AT A GLANCE: This study shows no significant effects of different types and dosages of heparin on baseline and progression of coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]