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Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) is a powerful tool for data science researchers, and it has been successfully applied to data mining and machine learning community, due to its advantages such as simple form, good interpretability and less storage space. In this paper, we give a detailed survey on existing NMF methods, including a comprehensive analysis of their design principles, characteristics and drawbacks. In addition, we also discuss various variants of NMF methods and analyse properties and applications of these variants. Finally, we evaluate the performance of nine NMF methods through numerical experiments, and the results show that NMF methods perform well in clustering tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes an adaptive scheme for image tampered region localization and content recovery. To generate the watermark information comprised of the authentication data and recovery data, we firstly propose the Adaptive Authentication Feature Calculation algorithm to obtain the authentication data, which includes the information of block location and block feature. The DWT-based Block Feature Calculation method is then proposed to calculate the block feature, and the quantization method is employed to calculate the block location. The recovery data is composed of self-recovery bits and mapped-recovery bits. The self-recovery bits are obtained by the Set Partitioning in Hierarchical Trees encoding algorithm. For retrieving the damaged codes caused by tampering, we propose the Diagonal Mapping algorithm and apply it to the self-recovery bits, thus generating the mapped-recovery bits, to provide a guarantee of recovery data. Experimental results show the superior performance of the proposed scheme in terms of tamper detection and image recovery, by comparing with the state-of-the-art works. The results demonstrate that the proposed method shows efficiency in the adaptiveness, well localization, strong capability for image recovery, and the effectiveness of attack resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation of quantum materials is a significant application of quantum computers. In contrast with the unitary operation which can be realized naturally on a quantum computer, the implementation of nonunitary operation, widely used in classical approaches, needs special designing. Here, by application of Grover's algorithm, we extend the probabilistic method of implementing nonunitary operation and show that it can promote success probability without fidelity decreasing. This method can be applied to problems of imaginary time evolution and contraction of tensor networks on a quantum computer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper improves the fuel efficiency of a student-made parallel hybrid electric racing car whose internal combustion engine (ICE) either operates with peak efficiency or is turned off. The control to the ICE thus becomes a binary problem. Owing to the very limited computation resource onboard, the energy management strategy (EMS) for this car must have small time and space complexities. A computationally efficient controller that combines the advantages of dynamic programming (DP) and Pontryagin's minimum principle (PMP) is developed to run on a low-cost microprocessor. DP is employed offline to calculate the optimal speed trajectory, which is used as the reference for the online PMP to determine the real-time ICE on/off status and the electric motor (EM) torques. The normal PMP derives the optimal costate trajectory through solving partial differential equations. The proposed quasi-PMP (Q-PMP) method finds the costate from the value function obtained by DP. The fuel efficiency and computational complexity of the proposed controller are compared against several state of the art methods through both model-in-the-loop (MIL) and processor-in-the-loop (PIL) simulations. The new method reaches similar fuel efficiency as the explicit DP, but requires less than 1% onboard flash memory. The performance of the Q-PMP controller is compared between binary-controlled and continuously controlled ICEs. It achieves roughly 12% higher fuel efficiency for the binary ICE with only approximately 1/3 CPU utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms (AOM) play crucial roles in the degradation of ammonia nitrogen in freshwater lakes. Hence, it is necessary to reveal the spatiotemporal dynamic changes of AOM in freshwater lakes. Here, we conducted a study on the spatial and temporal dynamic changes of AOM in different lake regions under gradient nutrient levels in Lake Taihu, and found that the abundance of AOM had significant spatial changes, while the seasonal changes had relatively little effect on the abundance of AOM. We also found that ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) were adapted to freshwater habitats with low nutrient levels, while ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and anaerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AAOB) had higher abundance in high nutrient level lake regions. Moreover, the amoA gene abundance of AOB was much higher than that of AOA, indicating that AOB was the dominant aerobic ammonia oxidizer in the water of Lake Taihu. In addition, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen all had a positive effect on AOM, especially AOB; while C- and N-related physicochemical factors had a significant positive effect on AAOB, but exhibited a significant negative correlation with AOA. The community structure of AOM also had obvious spatial changes and Group I.1a, Nitrosomonas and Candidatus Brocadia fulgida were the dominant cluster of AOA, AOB and AAOB, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an independent risk factor for the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. We investigated whether or to what extent MetS and its components was associated with coronary collateralization (CC) in chronic total occlusion (CTO). Methods: This study involved 1653 inpatients with CTO. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics were collected by cardiovascular doctors. The CC condition was defined by the Rentrop scoring system. Subgroup analysis, mixed model regression analysis, scoring systems and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed. Results: Overall, 1653 inpatients were assigned to the poor CC group (n = 355) and good CC group (n = 1298) with or without MetS. Compared to the good CCs, the incidence of MetS was higher among the poor CCs for all patients. Poor collateralization was present in 7.6%, 14.2%, 19.3%, 18.2%, 35.6% and 51.1% of the six groups who met the diagnostic criteria of MetS 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 times, respectively. For multivariable logistic regression, quartiles of BMI remained the risk factors for CC growth in all subgroups (adjusted OR = 1.755, 95% CI 1.510–2.038, P < 0.001 all patients; adjusted OR = 1.897, 95% CI 1.458–2.467, P < 0.001 non-MetS; and adjusted OR = 1.814, 95% CI 1.482–2.220, P < 0.001 MetS). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, MetS was an independent risk factor for CC growth in several models. Assigning a score of one for each component, the AUCs were 0.629 (95% CI 0.595–0.662) in all patients, 0.656 (95% CI 0.614–0.699) in MetS patients and 0.569 (95% CI 0.517–0.621) in non-MetS patients by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Conclusions: MetS, especially body mass index, confers a greater risk of CC formation in CTO. The value of scoring systems should be explored further for CTO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to compare the relative clinical efficacies of irradiation stent (IRS) and conventional stent (CVS) insertions for the treatment of patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the date of inception through to August 2020. Data analysis was performed using RevMan v5.3. This meta-analysis included eight RCTs which included a total of 319 patients who had undergone IRS insertion, and 328 who had undergone CVS insertion. No significant differences in pooled Δ total bilirubin values (MD 0.34; P = 0.92), incident rates of cholangitis (P = 0.47), hemobilia (P = 0.60), or pancreatitis (P = 0.89) were detected between two groups. The rate of stent dysfunction was significantly lower in the IRS group compared to the CVS group (22.2% vs. 37.7%, P = 0.02). The pooled stent patency (P < 0.00001) and survival (P < 0.00001) were significantly longer in the IRS group compared to the CVS group. Significant heterogeneity was detected in the endpoints of rate of stent dysfunction (I2 = 52%; P = 0.08) and survival (I2 = 77%; P = 0.0005). Subgroup analysis was performed based on the different IRS types and showed significantly longer survival in the IRS group based on both types of IRS. Funnel plot analyses did not detect any evidence of publication bias. This meta-analysis included eight RCTs which included a total of 319 patients who had undergone IRS insertion, and 328 who had undergone CVS insertion. No significant differences in pooled Δ total bilirubin values (MD 0.34; P = 0.92), incident rates of cholangitis (P = 0.47), hemobilia (P = 0.60), or pancreatitis (P = 0.89) were detected between 2 groups. The rate of stent dysfunction was significantly lower in the IRS group compared to the CVS group (22.2% vs. 37.7%, P = 0.02). The pooled stent patency (P < 0.00001) and survival (P < 0.00001) were significantly longer in the IRS group compared to the CVS group. Significant heterogeneity was detected in the endpoints of rate of stent dysfunction (I2 = 52%; P = 0.08) and survival (I2 = 77%; P = 0.0005). Subgroup analysis was performed based on the different IRS types and showed significantly longer survival in the IRS group based on both types of IRS. Funnel plot analyses did not detect any evidence of publication bias. Our meta-analysis demonstrates that IRS insertion can prolong stent patency and the survival of patients with MBO compared to CVS insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We numerically investigate the Coriolis force effect on the suppression of an explosive burst, triggered by the neo-classical tearing mode, in reversed magnetic shear configuration tokamak plasmas, using a reduced magnetohydrodynamic model, including bootstrap current. Previous works have shown that applying differential poloidal rotation, with rotation shear located near the outer rational surface, is an effective way to suppress an explosive burst. In comparison with cases where there is no Coriolis force, the amplitude of differential poloidal rotation required to effectively suppress the explosive burst is clearly reduced once the effect of Coriolis force is taken into consideration. Moreover, the effective radial region of the rotation shear location is broadened in cases where the Coriolis force effect is present. Applying rotation with shear located between the radial positions of qmin and the outer rational surface always serves to effectively suppress explosive bursts, which we anticipate will reduce operational difficulties in controlling explosive bursts, and will consequently prevent plasma disruption in tokamak experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative roles of different microevolutionary forces, like natural selection and demographic processes, in affecting genetic variation are of great scientific interest. In this study, we investigated recent divergence of the sibling bat species Rhinolophus episcopus and R. siamensis, which share a partially sympatric distribution and have different phenotypic characteristics among populations. We combined neutral [microsatellite (SSR)] and adaptive [major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II‐DRB locus] markers to investigate the evolution of adaptive markers and disentangle the relative effects of neutral and adaptive microevolutionary forces on this MHC gene region. Our results revealed a stronger level of genetic differentiation in SSRs than in MHC genes of both species, which indicates effects of balancing selection on the geographical variation of MHC genes. However, we detected significant correlations in genetic differentiation between MHC and SSRs in R. episcopus, indicating that demographic processes have influenced the level of MHC genetic diversity in this species. In addition, significant moderate genetic differentiation was detected in sympatric populations and no alleles were shared between the two species. Therefore, we speculate that these sibling species have been subject to independent adaptive evolutionary processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning plays an important role in computational intelligence and has been widely used in many engineering fields. Surface voids or bugholes frequently appearing on concrete surface after the casting process make the corresponding manual inspection time consuming, costly, labor intensive, and inconsistent. In order to make a better inspection of the concrete surface, automatic classification of concrete bugholes is needed. In this paper, a variable selection strategy is proposed for pursuing feature interpretability, together with an automatic ensemble classification designed for getting a better accuracy of the bughole classification. A texture feature deriving from the Gabor filter and gray-level run lengths is extracted in concrete surface images. Interpretable variables, which are also the components of the feature, are selected according to a presented cumulative voting strategy. An ensemble classifier with its base classifier automatically assigned is provided to detect whether a surface void exists in an image or not. Experimental results on 1000 image samples indicate the effectiveness of our method with a comparable prediction accuracy and model explicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Slow degradation kinetics of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) and their accumulation in anaerobic digesters disrupt methanogenic activity and biogas production at high loads of waste lipids. In this study, we evaluated the effect of effluent solids recirculation on microbial LCFA (oleate) degradation capacity in continuous stirred-tank sludge digesters, with the overall aim of providing operating conditions for efficient co-digestion of waste lipids. Furthermore, the impacts of LCFA feeding frequency and sulfide on process performance and microbial community dynamics were investigated, as parameters that were previously shown to be influential on LCFA conversion to biogas. Results: Effluent solids recirculation to municipal sludge digesters enabled biogas production of up to 78% of the theoretical potential from 1.0 g oleate l−1 day−1. In digesters without effluent recirculation, comparable conversion efficiency could only be reached at oleate loading rates up to 0.5 g l−1 day−1. Pulse feeding of oleate (supplementation of 2.0 g oleate l−1 every second day instead of 1.0 g oleate l−1 every day) did not have a substantial impact on the degree of oleate conversion to biogas in the digesters that operated with effluent recirculation, while it marginally enhanced oleate conversion to biogas in the digesters without effluent recirculation. Next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons of bacteria and archaea revealed that pulse feeding resulted in prevalence of fatty acid-degrading Smithella when effluent recirculation was applied, whereas Candidatus Cloacimonas prevailed after pulse feeding of oleate in the digesters without effluent recirculation. Combined oleate pulse feeding and elevated sulfide level contributed to increased relative abundance of LCFA-degrading Syntrophomonas and enhanced conversion efficiency of oleate, but only in the digesters without effluent recirculation. Conclusions: Effluent solids recirculation improves microbial LCFA degradation capacity, providing possibilities for co-digestion of larger amounts of waste lipids with municipal sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution (600 MHz) 1H and 13C chemical shift and 2D HETCOR NMR spectra of [60]PCBM were recorded. Resonances from every carbon atom of the ester, phenyl and cyclo-fullerenyl groups, were fully accounted. Assignments of the fullerene cyclopropa-ring, and all phenyl and ester carbons to their respective resonances were based on a HETCOR 2D NMR spectrum. Remaining fullerene assignments were made to a high level of confidence with the aid of an ωB97X hybrid HF/DFT simulation of the 13C NMR spectrum employing a triple zeta Dunning-type basis set. The best result was obtained with the range-separation parameter ω set effectively to zero. This indicates that the fraction of HF in the HF/DFT hybrid at very short range is the dominant factor in achieving good NMR results, that ωB97X with its 15.77% HF fraction at r ij = 0 seems very well suited, and that allowing the HF fraction to increase with range is not particularly beneficial. The resulting spectrum had a remarkable qualitative agreement with experiment with a very low mean absolute error for fullerene carbons of 0.09 ppm, which was considerably lower than the 0.28 ppm of the more commonly used B3LYP/6-31G(d , p) method. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-Kerr nonlinearity has many important applications in quantum computation and quantum information processing. Here, we propose a one-step method to realize a cross-Kerr nonlinearity between two nitrogen-vacancy center ensembles (NV ensembles). The realization of cross-Kerr nonlinearity is based on a superconducting flux qubit dispersively coupled to two NV ensembles. Numerical simulations show that this cross-Kerr nonlinearity can be high-fidelity constructed a two-qubit controlled phase gate of NV ensembles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mass paucity of compact objects in the range of ∼2–5 M⊙ has been suggested by X-ray binary observations, namely, the "lower mass gap." Gravitational wave detections have unlocked another mass measurement method, and aLIGO/Virgo has observed some candidates in the gap. We revisit the numerical simulations on the core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) for ∼20–40 M⊙ progenitor stars with different initial explosion energies. As a result, the lower explosion energy naturally causes more efficient fallback accretion for low-metallicity progenitors, and then the newborn black holes (BHs) in the center of the CCSNe can escape from the gap, but neutron stars cannot easily collapse into BHs in the gap; nevertheless, the final remnants of the solar-metallicity progenitors stick to the gap. If we consider that only drastic CCSNe can be observed and that those with lower explosion energies are universal, the lower mass gap can be reasonably built. The width and depth of the gap are mainly determined by the typical CCSN initial explosion energy and metallicity. One can expect that the future multimessenger observations of compact objects delineate the shape of the gap, which might constrain the properties of the CCSNe and their progenitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although efficacy is related to many factors, the surgical approach is one of the most important intervention factors for complex ankle fractures. Ankle fractures involving the distal tibial plafond frequently present a surgical challenge in choosing which incisions will be best for surgical treatment. Here, we present an innovative fibular notch approach for the treatment of some specific ankle fractures and present a series of patients with either functional or radiographic outcomes. Methods: Twenty-two patients with distal tibial plafond fractures with concomitant fibular and distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries were treated through a fibular notch approach in this retrospective study. The details of the surgical technique were reviewed from the operative notes. Relevant data were reviewed from the medical records. The quality of fractures and syndesmosis reduction was examined using CT scans, and lateral stability of the ankle was assessed by physical examination and stress radiographs. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS) score was implemented for clinical functional assessment. Results: All surgeries were successfully performed via the fibular notch approach as the primary approach with excellent intraoperative visualization. Postoperative radiography revealed satisfying restoration of all fractures and syndesmosis. All fractures healed with an average time of 17.3 ± 3.6 weeks. Mild posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) was present in 4 patients. The average AOFAS score was 88.8 at the last follow-up. Conclusions: The fibular notch approach is a safe and reliable approach for the treatment of specific ankle fractures involving the distal tibial plafond. This approach provides excellent direct visualization of the fragments and articular surface without significantly increasing iatrogenic injuries. Satisfactory radiographic and clinical results were observed, and further clinical and anatomical studies are recommended to ascertain the feasibility of this approach in the treatment of complex distal tibial fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Emerging evidence suggests that HbA1c variability, in addition to HbA1c itself, can be used as a predictor for mortality. The present study aims to examine the predictive power of mean HbA1c and HbA1c variability measures for diabetic complications as well as mortality. Methods: The retrospective observational study analyzed diabetic patients who were prescribed insulin at outpatient clinics of the Prince of Wales Hospital and Shatin Hospital, Hong Kong, from 1 January to 31 December, 2009. Standard deviation (SD), root mean square (RMS), and coefficient of variation were used as measures of HbA1c variability. The primary outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Secondary outcomes were diabetes-related complications. Results: The study cohort consists of 3424 patients, including 3137 patients with at least three HbA1c measurements. The low mean HbA1c subgroup had significantly shorter time-to-death for all-cause mortality (P < 0.001) but not cardiovascular mortality (P = 0.920). The high Hba1c subgroup showed shorter time-to-death for all-cause (P < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (P < 0.001). Mean Hba1c and Hba1c variability predicted all-cause as well as cardiovascular-specific mortality. In terms of secondary outcomes, mean HbA1c and HbA1c variability significantly predicted diabetic ketoacidosis/hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state/diabetic coma, neurological, ophthalmological, and renal complications. A significant association between dichotomized HbA1c variability and hypoglycemia frequency was found (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: High HbA1c variability is associated with increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, as well as diabetic complications. The association between hypoglycemic frequency, HbA1c variability, and mortality suggests that intermittent hypoglycemia resulting in poorer outcomes in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An n -station continuously operated global navigation satellite system (GNSS) network contains n-1 independent baselines. Baseline structure is critical to positioning accuracy, and the final result is dependent on the baseline selection strategies. The baseline length and amount of common observations are the primary principles for baseline selection. However, there are few discussions about the optimal strategy to determine the independent baseline of a huge GNSS network. To enhance the performance of the multibaseline solution, a comparison is drawn between the conventional method and a weighting strategy. Observations from continuous stations distributed globally within the International GNSS Service (IGS) are explored. At first, two conventional principles for baseline selection are tested. Subsequently, a weighting scheme is developed to exploit these two strategies. The enhanced method improves nearly 10% external accuracy compared with the classical methods, which can be verified from the experiment on January 1, 2012. Lastly, the network experiment is extended to the whole year of 2012 to increase statistical significance. It is therefore revealed that the novel weighting strategy (WEIGHT), with an equal chance of two conventional strategies, mitigates 0.4%–3.0% three-dimensional (3D) coordinate error of the whole year. Also, an analysis of the probability of gross errors indicates that WEIGHT exhibits better performance. Unlike the conventional view, it is shown that a proper weight of OBS-MAX and SHORTEST could form a better coordinate calculation result and a lower gross error rate. In conclusion, these experiments suggest a proposed method that synthetically considers the length of total stations and the total number of observations, and it is verified that WEIGHT is a better choice for searching independent baselines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To build and merge a diagnostic model called multi-input DenseNet fused with clinical features (MI-DenseCFNet) for discriminating between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia (SAP) and Aspergillus pneumonia (ASP) and to evaluate the significant correlation of each clinical feature in determining these two types of pneumonia using a random forest dichotomous diagnosis model. This will enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in distinguishing between SAP and ASP.In this study, 60 patients with clinically confirmed SAP and ASP, who were admitted to four large tertiary hospitals in Kunming, China, were included. Thoracic high-resolution CT lung windows of all patients were extracted from the picture archiving and communication system, and the corresponding clinical data of each patient were collected.The MI-DenseCFNet diagnosis model demonstrates an internal validation set with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. Its external validation set demonstrates an AUC of 0.83. The model requires only 10.24s to generate a categorical diagnosis and produce results from 20 cases of data. Compared with high-, mid-, and low-ranking radiologists, the model achieves accuracies of 78% vs. 75% vs. 60% vs. 40%. Eleven significant clinical features were screened by the random forest dichotomous diagnosis model.The MI-DenseCFNet multimodal diagnosis model can effectively diagnose SAP and ASP, and its diagnostic performance significantly exceeds that of junior radiologists. The 11 important clinical features were screened in the constructed random forest dichotomous diagnostic model, providing a reference for clinicians.MI-DenseCFNet could provide diagnostic assistance for primary hospitals that do not have advanced radiologists, enabling patients with suspected infections like Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia or Aspergillus pneumonia to receive a quicker diagnosis and cut down on the abuse of antibiotics.• MI-DenseCFNet combines deep learning neural networks with crucial clinical features to discern between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and Aspergillus pneumonia.• The comprehensive group had an area under the curve of 0.92, surpassing the proficiency of junior radiologists.• This model can enhance a primary radiologist’s diagnostic capacity.Methods: To build and merge a diagnostic model called multi-input DenseNet fused with clinical features (MI-DenseCFNet) for discriminating between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia (SAP) and Aspergillus pneumonia (ASP) and to evaluate the significant correlation of each clinical feature in determining these two types of pneumonia using a random forest dichotomous diagnosis model. This will enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in distinguishing between SAP and ASP.In this study, 60 patients with clinically confirmed SAP and ASP, who were admitted to four large tertiary hospitals in Kunming, China, were included. Thoracic high-resolution CT lung windows of all patients were extracted from the picture archiving and communication system, and the corresponding clinical data of each patient were collected.The MI-DenseCFNet diagnosis model demonstrates an internal validation set with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. Its external validation set demonstrates an AUC of 0.83. The model requires only 10.24s to generate a categorical diagnosis and produce results from 20 cases of data. Compared with high-, mid-, and low-ranking radiologists, the model achieves accuracies of 78% vs. 75% vs. 60% vs. 40%. Eleven significant clinical features were screened by the random forest dichotomous diagnosis model.The MI-DenseCFNet multimodal diagnosis model can effectively diagnose SAP and ASP, and its diagnostic performance significantly exceeds that of junior radiologists. The 11 important clinical features were screened in the constructed random forest dichotomous diagnostic model, providing a reference for clinicians.MI-DenseCFNet could provide diagnostic assistance for primary hospitals that do not have advanced radiologists, enabling patients with suspected infections like Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia or Aspergillus pneumonia to receive a quicker diagnosis and cut down on the abuse of antibiotics.• MI-DenseCFNet combines deep learning neural networks with crucial clinical features to discern between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and Aspergillus pneumonia.• The comprehensive group had an area under the curve of 0.92, surpassing the proficiency of junior radiologists.• This model can enhance a primary radiologist’s diagnostic capacity.Results: To build and merge a diagnostic model called multi-input DenseNet fused with clinical features (MI-DenseCFNet) for discriminating between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia (SAP) and Aspergillus pneumonia (ASP) and to evaluate the significant correlation of each clinical feature in determining these two types of pneumonia using a random forest dichotomous diagnosis model. This will enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in distinguishing between SAP and ASP.In this study, 60 patients with clinically confirmed SAP and ASP, who were admitted to four large tertiary hospitals in Kunming, China, were included. Thoracic high-resolution CT lung windows of all patients were extracted from the picture archiving and communication system, and the corresponding clinical data of each patient were collected.The MI-DenseCFNet diagnosis model demonstrates an internal validation set with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. Its external validation set demonstrates an AUC of 0.83. The model requires only 10.24s to generate a categorical diagnosis and produce results from 20 cases of data. Compared with high-, mid-, and low-ranking radiologists, the model achieves accuracies of 78% vs. 75% vs. 60% vs. 40%. Eleven significant clinical features were screened by the random forest dichotomous diagnosis model.The MI-DenseCFNet multimodal diagnosis model can effectively diagnose SAP and ASP, and its diagnostic performance significantly exceeds that of junior radiologists. The 11 important clinical features were screened in the constructed random forest dichotomous diagnostic model, providing a reference for clinicians.MI-DenseCFNet could provide diagnostic assistance for primary hospitals that do not have advanced radiologists, enabling patients with suspected infections like Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia or Aspergillus pneumonia to receive a quicker diagnosis and cut down on the abuse of antibiotics.• MI-DenseCFNet combines deep learning neural networks with crucial clinical features to discern between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and Aspergillus pneumonia.• The comprehensive group had an area under the curve of 0.92, surpassing the proficiency of junior radiologists.• This model can enhance a primary radiologist’s diagnostic capacity.Conclusion: To build and merge a diagnostic model called multi-input DenseNet fused with clinical features (MI-DenseCFNet) for discriminating between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia (SAP) and Aspergillus pneumonia (ASP) and to evaluate the significant correlation of each clinical feature in determining these two types of pneumonia using a random forest dichotomous diagnosis model. This will enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in distinguishing between SAP and ASP.In this study, 60 patients with clinically confirmed SAP and ASP, who were admitted to four large tertiary hospitals in Kunming, China, were included. Thoracic high-resolution CT lung windows of all patients were extracted from the picture archiving and communication system, and the corresponding clinical data of each patient were collected.The MI-DenseCFNet diagnosis model demonstrates an internal validation set with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. Its external validation set demonstrates an AUC of 0.83. The model requires only 10.24s to generate a categorical diagnosis and produce results from 20 cases of data. Compared with high-, mid-, and low-ranking radiologists, the model achieves accuracies of 78% vs. 75% vs. 60% vs. 40%. Eleven significant clinical features were screened by the random forest dichotomous diagnosis model.The MI-DenseCFNet multimodal diagnosis model can effectively diagnose SAP and ASP, and its diagnostic performance significantly exceeds that of junior radiologists. The 11 important clinical features were screened in the constructed random forest dichotomous diagnostic model, providing a reference for clinicians.MI-DenseCFNet could provide diagnostic assistance for primary hospitals that do not have advanced radiologists, enabling patients with suspected infections like Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia or Aspergillus pneumonia to receive a quicker diagnosis and cut down on the abuse of antibiotics.• MI-DenseCFNet combines deep learning neural networks with crucial clinical features to discern between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and Aspergillus pneumonia.• The comprehensive group had an area under the curve of 0.92, surpassing the proficiency of junior radiologists.• This model can enhance a primary radiologist’s diagnostic capacity.Clinical relevance statement: To build and merge a diagnostic model called multi-input DenseNet fused with clinical features (MI-DenseCFNet) for discriminating between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia (SAP) and Aspergillus pneumonia (ASP) and to evaluate the significant correlation of each clinical feature in determining these two types of pneumonia using a random forest dichotomous diagnosis model. This will enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in distinguishing between SAP and ASP.In this study, 60 patients with clinically confirmed SAP and ASP, who were admitted to four large tertiary hospitals in Kunming, China, were included. Thoracic high-resolution CT lung windows of all patients were extracted from the picture archiving and communication system, and the corresponding clinical data of each patient were collected.The MI-DenseCFNet diagnosis model demonstrates an internal validation set with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. Its external validation set demonstrates an AUC of 0.83. The model requires only 10.24s to generate a categorical diagnosis and produce results from 20 cases of data. Compared with high-, mid-, and low-ranking radiologists, the model achieves accuracies of 78% vs. 75% vs. 60% vs. 40%. Eleven significant clinical features were screened by the random forest dichotomous diagnosis model.The MI-DenseCFNet multimodal diagnosis model can effectively diagnose SAP and ASP, and its diagnostic performance significantly exceeds that of junior radiologists. The 11 important clinical features were screened in the constructed random forest dichotomous diagnostic model, providing a reference for clinicians.MI-DenseCFNet could provide diagnostic assistance for primary hospitals that do not have advanced radiologists, enabling patients with suspected infections like Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia or Aspergillus pneumonia to receive a quicker diagnosis and cut down on the abuse of antibiotics.• MI-DenseCFNet combines deep learning neural networks with crucial clinical features to discern between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and Aspergillus pneumonia.• The comprehensive group had an area under the curve of 0.92, surpassing the proficiency of junior radiologists.• This model can enhance a primary radiologist’s diagnostic capacity.Key points: To build and merge a diagnostic model called multi-input DenseNet fused with clinical features (MI-DenseCFNet) for discriminating between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia (SAP) and Aspergillus pneumonia (ASP) and to evaluate the significant correlation of each clinical feature in determining these two types of pneumonia using a random forest dichotomous diagnosis model. This will enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in distinguishing between SAP and ASP.In this study, 60 patients with clinically confirmed SAP and ASP, who were admitted to four large tertiary hospitals in Kunming, China, were included. Thoracic high-resolution CT lung windows of all patients were extracted from the picture archiving and communication system, and the corresponding clinical data of each patient were collected.The MI-DenseCFNet diagnosis model demonstrates an internal validation set with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. Its external validation set demonstrates an AUC of 0.83. The model requires only 10.24s to generate a categorical diagnosis and produce results from 20 cases of data. Compared with high-, mid-, and low-ranking radiologists, the model achieves accuracies of 78% vs. 75% vs. 60% vs. 40%. Eleven significant clinical features were screened by the random forest dichotomous diagnosis model.The MI-DenseCFNet multimodal diagnosis model can effectively diagnose SAP and ASP, and its diagnostic performance significantly exceeds that of junior radiologists. The 11 important clinical features were screened in the constructed random forest dichotomous diagnostic model, providing a reference for clinicians.MI-DenseCFNet could provide diagnostic assistance for primary hospitals that do not have advanced radiologists, enabling patients with suspected infections like Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia or Aspergillus pneumonia to receive a quicker diagnosis and cut down on the abuse of antibiotics.• MI-DenseCFNet combines deep learning neural networks with crucial clinical features to discern between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and Aspergillus pneumonia.• The comprehensive group had an area under the curve of 0.92, surpassing the proficiency of junior radiologists.• This model can enhance a primary radiologist’s diagnostic capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to create CS-POP composite films by blending Pleurotus ostreatus stalk polysaccharides (POP) and chitosan (CS). The effects of adding different concentrations (0 %, 0.25 %, 0.5 %, 0.75 %, and 1 %) of POP on the mechanical, barrier, and optical properties of the CS films were investigated. When the POP content is at 0.5 %, the tensile strength of the composite film reaches its maximum value at 13.691 MPa, showing a significant improvement compared to the tensile strength of the pure CS film. The structure of the CS and CS-POP composite films was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD, TGA and SEM. The results indicate that due to the interaction between the two types of CS and POP, the formation of Schiff base, and the intermolecular hydrogen bonds between CS and POP, the addition of POP to CS films can result in a smoother and more stable crystalline structure in the composite film. The CS-POP composite films exhibited enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial activity compared to the CS films alone, with the highest DPPH scavenging activity of 72.43 %. The composite films also showed significant inhibitory effects on the growth of E. coli. • Reduce waste pollution, increase resource value with Pleurotus ostreatus stipes. • Develop CS-POP film from Pleurotus ostreatus stipes for food preservation. • Characterize improved properties and structure of CS-POP composite film. • Enhance antioxidant and antibacterial activities of CS-POP composite film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuing industrialization, a variety of toxic gases are emitted into the air, yet gas concentrations at low levels are extremely hard to detect. So the development of high-performance toxic gas sensors is imminent. Two-dimensional materials with advantages such as large specific surface area and unique electronic properties open new paths for gas sensors. In this study, a monolayer of blue phosphorus phase germanium selenide (GeSe) was used as the substrate material. The absorption performance of ambient nitrogenous toxic gases (NO, NO 2 , NH 3 , N 2 O) on the surface of GeSe monolayers was explored by the density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results show that the interaction between GeSe and the four gases exhibits physisorption. Based on four optimal adsorption structures, Bader charge, work function, band structure, density of states, and recovery time were calculated. Charge transfer is promoted due to the presence of GeSe intrinsic dipoles and only NH 3 was found to be the charge donor. The significant changes in work function and electronic properties of GeSe monolayer adsorption of NO indicate significant changes in electrical signals during gas detection. This work reveals that GeSe monolayer has higher sensitivity and selectivity for NO hazardous gas. [Display omitted] ● The sensing mechanism of GeSe monolayer for NO, NO 2 , NH 3 , N 2 O. ● The dipole of GeSe monolayer promotes charge transfer with gas. ● GeSe monolayer adsorbs NO and NO 2 , making the system a conductor. ● GeSe monolayer has high sensitivity and selectivity for NO gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalysis technology can not only degrade pollutants by renewable solar energy, but also has enormous promise for resolving environmental issues. The piezoelectric field inside the piezoelectric material can be used as the driving force of charge separation to improve the photocatalytic activity. In order to study the catalytic effect of piezoelectric materials on photocatalysis, a flower-like Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 /BiOCl (BTO/BOC) composite catalyst is prepared in this paper. The photogenerated carrier separation efficiency is characterized by electrochemical, PL and ESR tests. BOC's built-in electric field helps to facilitate the separation of photogenerated carrier, reducing the recombination rate and improving photocatalytic efficiency. The piezoelectric effect caused by ultrasonic vibration is coupled with the photocatalysis, which realizes the high efficiency co-catalysis of BTO/BOC piezoelectric photocatalyst. The polarized BTO/BOC heterojunction catalysts achieved a very high degradation efficiency (99.15 %) under piezo-photocatalysis. The degradation rates (k = 0.7494 min−1) are 1.74 and 8.19 times higher than photocatalysis (k = 0.4304 min−1) and piezoelectric catalysis (k = 0.0915 min−1), respectively. The investigation of the piezoelectric effect and photocatalysis's synergistic relationship is very significant. [Display omitted] • Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 /BiOCl heterojunctions are successfully synthesized using hydrothermal method. • The degradation rate of catalyst is greatly improved through the coupling of piezoelectric effect and photocatalysis. • The internal electric field of ferroelectric materials promotes the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO) in simulated canine and feline gastrointestinal digestion, as well as on growth and metabolism of intestinal microorganisms in vitro. Changes in the composition of FOS and IMO before and after simulated canine and feline gastrointestinal digestion were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In vitro fermentation of intestinal microorganisms was conducted to assess strain growth, pH of the fermentation broth, and lactic acid content. The results revealed that IMO did not result in changes in the chemical composition in the juice of simulated canine and feline gastrointestinal digestion, while degradation of FOS was observed. Following simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the primary components of both FOS and IMO were identified as isomaltose. Furthermore, it was observed that FOS and IMO digested in the simulated canine and feline gastrointestinal fluid could be utilized by some intestinal microbes. The pH of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation system decreased significantly (P < 0.001), and the lactic acid content increased significantly (P < 0.001). Notably, the biomass of Escherichia coli (P < 0.01) and Clostridium perfringens (P < 0.001) increased, suggesting the importance of combining prebiotics and probiotics to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, in simulated intestinal fluid, FOS played a prebiotic role for both dogs and cats, while IMO played a more prominent prebiotic role for cats than dogs. These findings highlight that FOS and IMO could serve as potential prebiotics, each with varying degrees of utilization, thus offering valuable insights for the development of healthy foods for dogs and cats. • Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) have changed in simulated dog and cat gastric juice. • Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO) were stable in simulated dog and cat gastric juice. • FOS and IMO could be utilized by gut microbes and produced lactic acid. • FOS and IMO had different prebiotic effects in simulated dog and cat digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the NiFe 2 O 4 /CeO 2 composite photocatalysts were successfully synthesized via a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. We found that the one-pot synthesized composite photocatalysts exhibited better photocatalytic degradation performance than sole photocatalyst or conventional hand ground composite photocatalyst under visible light irradiation, and the degradation efficiency of methylene blue for the one-pot photocatalyst with 10% CeO 2 reached 82% in 10 h. The enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance can be explained by the improved adsorption and charge transfer of the reaction site induced by the CeO 2 phase. This study can guide the development of alternative photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of wastewater. The NiFe 2 O 4 /CeO 2 composite photocatalyst, synthesized by the novel one-pot hydrothermal technique, exhibits greatly improved photocatalytic activity towards methylene blue degradation due to the efficient synergistic effect induced by the spinel NiFe 2 O 4 phase and CeO 2 phase. [Display omitted] • NiFe 2 O 4 /CeO 2 composite photocatalysts are successfully prepared via the novel one-pot hydrothermal technique. • The one-pot synthesized composite materials exhibit greatly improved photocatalytic degradation activity. • The photocatalytic degradation performance enhancement mechanism is explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitable water vapor (PWV) detection with high spatial resolution and high accuracy is of significant importance for contributing to extreme weather events monitoring and forecasting. Current PWV products, however, suffer from limitations of spatial and temporal discontinuities, low accuracy, and coarse spatial resolution. To overcome this problem, a data fusion and machine learning-based spatial downscaling solution is proposed. At first, spatially complete PWV maps are generated by integrating calibrated PWV of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the ERA5 PWV data from 2018 to 2022. Subsequently, three spatial downscaling models based on Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT), Multi-layer Perceptron Neural Network (MLPNN), and Random Forest (RF), respectively, are developed to produce high-quality, all-weather PWV considering the land-cover type. It has been verified that the high-quality all-weather PWV maps generated by the GBDT, MLPNN, and RF models exhibit strong agreement with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) PWV estimates. The correlation coefficients are 0.95, 0.87, and 0.87, while the overall Bias is 0.29 mm, 0.67 mm, and 0.35 mm, and the root mean square errors (RMSE) are 1.74 mm, 2.98 mm, and 3.06 mm, respectively. These results significantly enhance the accuracy of MODIS PWV products (R2 = 0.73, RMSE = 5.64 mm, Bias = 3.05 mm). Notably, the GBDT model outperforms the other models in terms of performance. Compared to MODIS PWV, the new PWV map with a data fusion and machine learning-based spatial downscaling approach effectively utilizes the advantage of satellite-based and reanalyzed PWV products, providing continuous, detailed, and reasonable variation in time and space. Moreover, it is less influenced by seasonal changes. The new PWV map has a promising application for regional hydrology and meteorology. • The method used in this study can generate all-weather high-precision PWV maps. • Data fusion methods are used to eliminate the impact of cloud on MODIS PWV. • Explored the performance of different machine learning in PWV map spatial downscaling. • The all-weather high-precision PWV map can reflect the complete spatial structure of PWV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of shape memory alloy (SMA) in seismic-resistant devices has received extensive attention due to its unique superelastic and shape memory effect. The poor energy dissipative capacity, insufficient reliability, and small bearing capacity are the main challenges that hinder the application of the developed SMA braces and dampers. The new system of self-centering energy dissipative (SCED) brace was proposed, fabricated, and tested, and the numerical model was defined and verified. The dates manifest that the load-displacement curve of the new dual-system SCED brace displays a typical flag shape. The new dual-system SCED brace exhibits the desirable energy dissipative ability and self-centering capacity and the theoretical and FE model established in this research can preferably express the hysteretic performance. The FE parametric analysis shows that the SMA screw preload has a small effect on the hysteretic curve of the new system brace, but it plays a decisive role in the shape of the hysteretic curve under small deformation. Furthermore, the bearing capacity and stiffness of the dual-system SCED brace can be adjusted by designing key parameters. The research shows that the new dual-system SCED device compensates for the shortcomings of the existing SMA braces and dampers, and it is a very promising and recommended self-centering energy dissipative device to use the wedge block system as the main energy dissipative system and SMA system as the main self-centering system. • The dual-system SCED brace equipped with SMA screws and a variable friction device is developed and introduced. • The force mechanism of the new system is described and the specimens are fabricated, tested, and analyzed. • The theoretical equation of the dual-system SCED brace is defined, numerical, and verified compared with the test results. • The simulation model of the dual-system SCED brace is identified and the parametric analysis is further disclosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The directional solidification Ni 36 Co 30 Cr 11 Fe 11 Al 8 Ta 4 high entropy alloys were prepared by changing the withdraw rates to reveal the phase formation and reinforcing mechanism. The different withdraw rates changes microstructure of the alloy. The primary dendrite spacing was reduced from 250 μm to 100 μm. L1 2 phases were observed in inter-dendritic region. The phase analysis result indicates that the Laves phases are nucleated first. When the withdraw rate increases from 5 μm s−1 to 100 μm s−1, the yield strength increases from 556.21 MPa to 664.31 MPa. The directional solidification alloy shows the higher strain than the as-cast alloy. The dislocation loops can be observed due to the high misfit of L1 2 phases. The main strength mechanisms are Orowan bypassing mechanism and interface strengthening mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water contents and deformation behaviors of minerals in mantle peridotites are diagnostic features to distinguish the physical conditions between mid-ocean ridges and subduction zones, which could serve as effective indicators for discriminating the tectonic setting of ophiolites. In this study, we report a systematic dataset of petrology, geochemistry, water contents and deformation behaviors for the mantle peridotites from the Cuobuzha ophiolite in the western Yarlung-Tsangpo suture zone (YTSZ), southern Tibet, to provide new insights into the long-standing debate for the tectonic setting of ophiolites therein. Geochemical data revealed that the Cuobuzha mantle peridotites experienced low to moderate degrees of partial melting (∼10–15%), although some harzburgites have been intensively modified by late-stage melt-rock interactions. The Cuobuzha peridotites, on the other hand, are characterized by low orthopyroxene water contents (46–95 wt ppm in average), clear olivine crystallographic preferred orientations of A- and E-types, and low oxygen fugacity (logf O2 , QFM −2.55 to −0.81, where QFM means quartz-magnetite-fayalite buffer), thus indicative of the occurrence of high-temperature, water-depleted, and reduced mantle in this ophiolite. The features above of the Cuobuzha mantle peridotites are quite similar to those of abyssal peridotites at modern mid-ocean ridges and systematically different from the relatively refractory, water-rich, and oxidized characteristics typical of forearc peridotites in suprasubduction zones. Based on the data from this study and a compiled dataset for other ophiolites from the western YTSZ, we revealed that mantle peridotites with a water-poor and reduced nature are common in these ophiolites, thus providing strong evidence supporting for their origination from a mid-ocean ridge of a mature ocean basin. From the perspective of mantle peridotites, the ophiolites in the western YTSZ now geographically distributed in two branches (i.e., the northern and southern sub-belts) might have formed in a single ocean basin of the Neo-Tethys and were dismembered by late-stage tectonic events to their current locations. • The Cuobuzha mantle peridotites are water-poor and reduced. • The water-poor and reduced mantle is typical for the western Yarlung-Tsangpo ophiolites. • The western Yarlung-Tsangpo ophiolites formed at mid-ocean ridges of mature ocean basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating studies have indicated that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays an important role in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). However, little is known about the m6A methylome at a transcriptome-wide scale in AML patients. We obtained three pairs of bone marrow (BM) samples from cytogenetically normal AML patients at the timepoints of diagnosis (AML) and relapse (R_AML) and three BM samples from healthy donors used as normal controls (NCs). Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation next-generation sequencing (MeRIP-Seq) was conducted to identify differences in the m6A methylomes between AML and NC and between R_AML and AML. We identified a total of 11,076 and 11,962 differential m6A peaks in AML and R_AML group, respectively. These dysregulated m6A peaks were detected on all chromosomes, especially chr1, chr19 and chr17, and were mainly enriched in 3′ untranslated regions, stop codon and coding sequence regions. Moreover, GO and KEGG analyses indicated that m6A -modified genes were significantly enriched in cancer-related biological functions and pathways. Additionally, we identified a link between the m6A methylome and RNA transcriptome via combined analyses of MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq data. In addition, 5 genes, HSPG2, HOMER3, TSPO2, CXCL12 and FUT1 regulated by m6A modification potentially, were shown to be related to the prognosis of AML patients. Additionally, we detected the mRNA expression of major m6A regulators and potential target mRNA on the leukemogenesis and found that the expression of IGF2BP2, HSPG2 and HOMER3 were upregulated in AML at the time of diagnosis. Moreover, their expression became downregulated after remission and then elevated again at relapse. Our study provides the first data on the differential m6A methylome in AML patients during initial diagnosis and relapse. This study demonstrates a novel relationship between m6A modification and AML relapse and paves the way for further studies aimed at elucidating the epigenic mechanisms involved in the relapse of AML. • M6A methylation is widespread during both the onset and relapse of AML. • Differentially methylated genes are involved in important biological processes and signalling pathways in both de novo AML and relapsed AML. • Genes regulated by m6A modification are associated with the overall survival of AML patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Directional solidification Ni 40.5 Co 30 Cr 11 Fe 11 Al 6 Ta 1.5 high entropy alloys (HEAs) with different withdraw rates (5 μm/s-100 μm/s) were prepared to reveal the microstructure evolution, the deformation mechanism and the strengthening mechanism. The results show that the solid-liquid (S-L) interface of the alloy changes from convex to planar with the increase of withdraw rates. The primary and second dendritic arm spacing decreases from 248 μm and 53 μm (20 μm/s sample) to 177 μm and 37 μm (100 μm/s sample), respectively. The alloy consists of FCC, L1 2 and topologically close packed (TCP) phases, which is in good agreement with the analysis of phase volume fraction. The L1 2 phases are formed in IR due to the lower mixing enthalpy. The ultimate tensile strength of the alloy increases from 412.36 MPa and 25.75% to 547.89 MPa and 48.1%, respectively. The strength of the alloy is mainly attributed to precipitation strengthening. • The mechanism of phase transformation of directional solidification Ni 40.5 Co 30 Cr 11 Fe 11 Al 6 Ta 1.5 high entropy alloys was revealed. • The ultimate tensile strength of the alloy increases from 412.36 MPa and 25.75% to 547.89 MPa and 48.1%, respectively. • The strength of the alloy is mainly attributed to precipitation strengthening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with articular cartilage destruction, subchondral bone alterations, synovitis, and even joint deformity and the loss of joint function. Although current basic research on the pathogenesis of OA has made remarkable progress, our understanding of this disease still needs to be further improved. Recent studies have shown that the estrogen-related receptor (ERR) family members ERRα and ERRγ may play significant roles in the pathogenesis of OA. In this review, we refer to the latest research on ERRs and the pathogenesis of OA, elucidate the structure and physiopathological functions of the ERR orphan nuclear receptor family, and systematically examine the relationship between ERRs and OA at the molecular level. Moreover, we also discuss and predict the capacity of ERRs as potential targets in the clinical treatment of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein a new, general and practical method for the spirocyclization of [60]fullerene through a palladium-catalyzed domino Heck/C–H activation reaction is presented. A wide range of novel [60]fullerene-fused spirocyclic derivatives can be easily and flexibly synthesized with a broad substrate scope and excellent functional-group tolerance. A plausible mechanism involving an alkyl Pd(II) species as a key intermediate has been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal denervation (RDN) is a new treatment for hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but its efficacy is still debated. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RDN for hypertension in patients with CKD. PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Ovid databases were searched for relevant studies published. We performed both fixed- and random-effects meta-analyses of the changes in blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) after RDN. The meta-analysis included 238 patients from 11 single-center, non-randomized, uncontrolled studies. Office blood pressure and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (24 h-ABP) showed a significant reduction 1 month after RDN (p < 0.05). This decrease of 24 h-ABP persisted for 24 months after RDN showed difference systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.001). The 24 h-ABP exhibited a similar trend in the subgroup analysis. eGFR measurements obtained at each time point of analysis after RDN were not significantly different from those obtained before (p > 0.05). UACR levels were significantly reduced at 3 months and 6 months after RDN (p < 0.001). After RDN, the heart rate showed no significant changes (p > 0.05), and few major complications were encountered. The meta-analysis showed that RDN may be effective and safe for treating CKD patients with hypertension. Well-designed randomized controlled trials of RDN are urgently needed to confirm the safety and reproducibility of RDN and to assess its impact on clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary processes can be influenced by several factors, such as geographic isolation, environmental selection, and sensory variation. For most nocturnal bats, echolocation is the primary sensory system used to prey and communicate, and plays important roles in chiropteran diversification and evolution. Understanding the relative contribution of geography, the environment, and this sensory system to population genetic divergence can elucidate the processes involved in bat incipient speciation and evolution. In this study, we collected spatial and environmental information, echolocation calls, as well as the previously published genetic data (six microsatellite loci and the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene) of widely distributed Rhinolophus episcopus populations to test three hypotheses for nuclear and mitochondrial divergence (isolation by distance, isolation by environment, and isolation by sensory variation) and unveil the factors that drive intraspecific genetic differentiation. The moderate level of nuclear differentiation was correlated with geographic/spatial distance and acoustic variation, whereas the relatively high level of mitochondrial differentiation was mainly associated with acoustic divergence. No significant correlation was observed between genetic divergence and environmental variables. Among the three factors, acoustic divergence explained the highest percentage of both nuclear and mitochondrial divergence. Thus, our results indicate that sensory variation may have played important roles in driving population isolation early in bat speciation, which is consistent with the hypothesis of isolation by sensory variation. Our study emphasizes the need to consider more factors, especially sensory traits, and combine multiple statistical methods in landscape genetic studies to test their potential contributions to driving population divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical method based on gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of exogenous prohibited flavour compounds in coffee samples. In addition, gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) was developed to determine the origin of the founded prohibited flavour compound, N-methylpyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde (NMPCA). The good selectivity and sensitivity achieved in multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode allowed satisfactory confirmation and quantitation for the flavour compounds. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantitation (LOQs) of these compounds were in the range of 0.0005–5.0 µg/kg and 0.002–16.0 µg/kg, respectively. The coffee samples were extracted with simultaneous distillation extraction (SDE) and NMPCA was analysed on a GC/C/IRMS system. The δ13C values of endogenous NMPCA in coffee beans were within a range of −35.0‰ to −31.1‰, whereas exogenous NMPCA was the range from −27.9‰ to −23.9‰. The validation results revealed that the GC-MS/MS method was sensitive and reliable, and the origin of NMPCA can be distinguished by GC/C/IRMS. Finally, this method was successfully applied to coffee samples analysis and NMPCA was found in coffee samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysanthemum morifolium (Chr) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been used in the treatment of inflammation-linked diseases for hundreds of years. Naringenin (Nar) and apigenin (Api) are the major active components in aqueous extracts of C. morifolium. The aim of our study was to clarify the roles of Chr, Nar and Api in ameliorating depression-like behaviour induced by corticosterone. First, the behavioural and biochemical indicators closely related to depression were examined to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Chr/Nar/Api on a depression model. Then, a metabolomics approach was utilized to screen for biomarkers and related pathways between a control group and Chr/Nar/Api groups. The comprehensive results revealed that Chr/Nar/Api exerted anti-depressant effects through interfering with tryptophan metabolism, arginine and prolinemetabolism, citrate cycle, niacin and niacinamide metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism. The mechanism of Chr/Api/Nar in the treatment of depression was elucidated based on material and energy metabolism. Moreover, Nar could be used as a substitute for Chr for reversing depression-like behaviour, and Api was similar to a positive drug in terms of function on depression. The integrated metabolomics approach demonstrated here should be an effective method for interpreting the function of herbs from TCM and clarifying the mechanism of their components in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are believed to be powered by ultrarelativistic jets. If these jets encounter and accelerate excess electrons and positrons produced by particle dark matter (DM) annihilation, the observed electromagnetic radiation would be enhanced. In this paper, we study GRB afterglow emission with the presence of abundant DM under the weakly interacting massive particle annihilation conditions. We calculate the light curves and spectra of the GRB afterglows with different parameters, i.e., DM density, particle DM mass, annihilation channel, and electron density of the interstellar medium. We find that the effect of DM may become noticeable in the afterglow spectra if the circumburst has a low electron number density () and if the DM has a high number density (). According to the standard galaxy DM density profile, GRB afterglows with DM contribution might occur at distances of several to tens of parsecs from the centers of massive galaxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) act as the modifiers that regulate several important eukaryotic cell events during sumoylation, but little is known about the functions of SUMO or sumoylation in filamentous entomopathogens. Here, we report the important roles of a single SUMO-encoding gene, smt3 , in Beauveria bassiana , a filamentous fungal insect pathogen that serves as a main source of wide-spectrum fungal insecticides. The deletion of smt3 led to significant growth defects on the minimal media with different carbon and nitrogen sources, an obvious reduction (45.7 %) in aerial conidiation during optimal cultivation, and increasing sensitivities to metal ions, oxidation, cell wall perturbation, and the fungicide carbendazim during conidial germination and/or colony growth. Compared with the wild-type, the percentage of germination of conidia stored at 4 °C decreased by 83.9 %, and virulence to Galleria mellonella via normal infection was delayed by 24.6 %. However, conidial thermotolerance increased slightly by 11.4 % in Δ smt3. These findings concurred with the repressed transcripts of some phenotype-related genes and decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes. Taken together, smt3 or sumoylation plays vital roles in the asexual development, environmental adaptation, and pathogenicity of B. bassiana. • A single SUMO-encoding gene, smt3 , exists in Beauveria bassiana genome. • Smt3 is important for nutritional uptake and conidiation in B. bassiana. • Smt3 contributes to fungal virulence and environmental adaptation in B. bassiana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 1467 mutants of the biocontrol bacterium Bacillus pumilus DX01 were obtained by Tn5 insertional mutagenesis and subjected to the determination of antagonistic capabilities. Compared with the wild-type strain DX01, the mutant M25 was identified to have the most significant reduction in antagonistic capability against the phytopathogen Bipolaris maydis and extracellular proteinase activity. The integration site of the exogenous T-DNA in the genome of mutant M25 was revealed in the coding region of malony CoA-ACP transacylase (MCAT) gene (mcat), which belongs to a polyketide synthase (PKS) gene cluster, DX01pks of B. pumilus DX01. Furthermore, the whole DX01pks gene cluster was cloned using Illumina Solexa sequencing technology, and it has a modular framework different from the other two gene clusters involved in polyketide synthesis in B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 (pks1) and B. subtilis 168 (pksX). Finally, in order to gain more insights into the molecular mechanisms of biocontrol of B. pumilus DX01, the changes in the relative level of expression of total proteins between the original strain DX01 and the mutant M25 were detected by 2-DE-based proteomic analysis. A total of twenty differentially expressed proteins were identified upon the mcat gene transposition mutagenesis. Of these proteins, seven proteins were up-regulated in expression level and the other proteins were down-regulated. Taken together, the results in this study showed that Tn5 transposon mutagenesis of B. pumilus DX01 can lead to a significant change of antiphytopathogen ability, and the DX01pks gene cluster possibly play a potential role in the biocontrol processes of this bacterium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe a novel negative-pressure laser lithotripsy device to overcome the deficiencies of the conventional procedure. Patients and Methods: Between August 2018 and March 2019, 78 patients with a single ureteral stone underwent retrograde ureteroscopy with a Wolf 8F/9.8F rigid ureteroscope and a 200-μm holmium-YAG laser. The mean stone size was 11.8 mm, measured for the maximum length. The negative-pressure laser lithotripsy device consists of an F5 ureter catheter and a T joint. The closed tip of an F5 ureter catheter is cut off, and it is then inserted within one opening of the T joint. The 200-μm laser fiber is introduced into the ureteral catheter through the other opening of the T joint. The third opening of the T joint is connected to the negative-pressure pipe. The valve end of the Foley catheter is used for sealing the cap. Continuous suction and active irrigation throughout the lithotripsy could maintain adequate visibility. Results: All ureteroscopic procedures were successful. The negative-pressure device showed good stone retention capabilities, with no observed stone migration. We did not observe any major complications. The stone-free rate was 97.44% (76/78), demonstrated on plain radiography of the kidney-ureter-bladder on the first postoperative day. The stone-free rate after 1 month was 100%. Conclusions: The negative-pressure ureteroscopic lithotripsy is easy and safe management for the ureteral stones. It might reduce the risk of stone fragment retropulsion, improve surgical vision, shorten the operative time, and decrease the renal pelvic pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with the popularity of flexible electronic products, the requirements for flexible energy storage devices are also increasing, including high energy density, long‐term stability, and high‐grade safety. Among various flexible energy storage devices, flexible lithium–air batteries are expected to be one of the best candidates due to their high energy density and environmental friendliness. In order to realize the broad application of flexible lithium–air batteries with high performance, flexibility, and safety, many efforts are made. Here, the recent achievements in flexible lithium–air batteries are discussed, highlighting the flexible cathodes, polymer electrolytes, flexible anodes, operating in ambient air, and battery structural design. Besides, future research perspectives in flexible lithium–air batteries are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional model predictive control (MPC) suffers from high common-mode voltage (CMV) magnitude and large current ripples. In this article, the reduced CMV MPC strategy with double vector (RCMV-MPCDV) is proposed for three-level inverters, which adopts double vector to reduce the CMV and current ripples simultaneously in per-sampling period. First, based on geometric relationship of median, a novel cost function that evaluates median line distance is proposed to reduce the computational complexity, rather than evaluating the closest distance. Second, in order to reduce the computational burden, the double vector preselection algorithm is presented with fewer evaluation times. Third, the candidate vectors are reclassified and regrouped from partial basic vectors, which restricts CMV magnitude within one-sixth of dc-link voltage. In addition, to select more satisfactory double vectors for RCMV-MPCDV scheme, two improved methods are proposed to compensate the losing candidate vectors. The simulation and experimental results with steady-state performance and dynamic response validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of tongue three-needle combined with temporal threeneedle in treating patients with dysphagia after cerebral stroke. Methods: A total of 60 cases of post-stroke dysphagia patients were selected in the rehabilitation medicine department of the Shenzhen City Nanshan District People's Hospital. The patients should randomly divide into treatment group and control group with 30 cases in each group. The treatment group should give the tongue three-needle combined with temporal three-needle treatment, while the control group should give routine acupuncture treatment. Both of the groups should give the basic drug treatment and deglutition training, and the course of treatment should be two weeks. It should observe the change of water swallow test and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) before and after treatment, and compare the clinical efficacy before and after the treatment in two groups. Results: After the treatment, comparison of the water swallow test and FOIS between two groups indicated that the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The effective rate of treatment group was 93.33%, which was superior to that of the control group 73.34%. Moreover, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: On the basis of basic drug treatment and deglutition training, the tongue three-needle combined with temporal three-needle treatment could improve the therapeutic effect in treating patients with dysphagia after cerebral stroke, which is worthy of popularization and application in clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) on the multi-helicity neo-classical tearing modes (2/1 and 3/2 NTMs) in tokamak plasmas is numerically studied by adopting a reduced magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model. It is found that the control process of certain single helicity NTM by ECCD can be influenced by nonlinear multi-helicity interaction. In the case without plasma rotation, the 'phase flip' of 2/1 NTM, which happens in the control of single helicity situation, has been modified by multi-helicity interaction and consequently behaves periodicity. And the 'phase flip' of 3/2 NTM disappears. When plasma rotation is considered, the direct control of 3/2 NTM becomes difficult. Moreover, a dual role of 5/3 mode is found in the multi-helicity interaction between 2/1 and 3/2 modes. The nonlinear mode coupling among 2/1 and 3/2 modes through the 5/3 mode will increase the difficulty of the suppression of 3/2 mode by ECCD, while the competition effect between multi-helicity NTMs leads to the relatively weak amplitude of 2/1 mode. In addition, investigations of multiple ECCDs are also carried out. The numerical results indicate that the control strategy for controlling multi-helicity NTMs by ECCD in experiments may require well-designed aiming to gain high effectiveness and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) is expected one of promising network forms for intelligent transportation system which supports road safety applications, in-vehicle entertainment and arriving automatic driving. Establishing and maintaining stable connections in VANETs are challenging on account of the high mobility of vehicles, dynamic vehicle topology, and time-varying vehicle density. Clustering can provide scalability and reliability for VANETs by grouping vehicles with hierarchical structures. However, keeping cluster stable became a hard nut to crack due to high vehicle speed and unpredictable driving pattern. Recent rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) provided an innovative solution for this situation. In this paper, a Naive Bayes Classifier based driving habit prediction scheme for stable clustering is proposed, briefly named NBP. According to driving speed and overtaking decisions, vehicles are classified into two alignments with different driving habit. Specifically, Naive Bayes classifier perform driving habit prediction through several relative independent factors, such as relative velocity, vehicle type, number of lanes traveled. The cluster head candidates will be chosen from alignment with mild driving pattern which will benefit for stable clusters. Combined with clustering design, the proposed method has been proven effective for stable clustering in VANET based on the real data of highways in California. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) are a promising source for cardiac regenerative therapy, and ideal for in vitro cell modeling of cardiovascular diseases and drug screening. Recent studies have shown that rapamycin can promote cardiomyocyte differentiation in various stem cells. However, how rapamycin affects cardiomyocyte differentiation of iPSCs is still not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of rapamycin on cardiomyocyte differentiation based on embryoid body (EB) method. First, to determine the autophagy induction protocol, different concentrations of rapamycin were applied in hEBs on day 6. The autophagy was most significant when applying rapamycin at 1 μM for 48 h, demonstrating by the LC3II/LC3I ratio and p62 expression. Then, 1 μM rapamycin was applied for 48 h at different time points of cardiomyocyte differentiation to investigate the role of rapamycin in this process. Compared with control, rapamycin applied on days 0–4 of differentiation significantly decreased the proportion of beating EBs and expression of cardiomyocyte-specific genes, while rapamycin applied on days 4–14 significantly increased them. Among all groups, rapamycin applied on days 4–6 achieved highest cardiomyocyte differentiation efficiency. Furthermore, using autophagy inhibitor NH4Cl and GSK-3β inhibitor CHIR-99021, we found rapamycin-induced autophagy promoted cardiomyocyte differentiation at middle stage by negatively regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These results suggest that rapamycin regulates EB-based cardiomyocyte differentiation in a stage-dependent manner, and the negative regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by autophagy was involved in the prodifferentiation effect of rapamycin at middle stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling the size and surface functionalization of nanoparticles (NPs) can lead to improved properties and applicability. Herein, we demonstrate the efficiency of the metal‐carbene template approach (MCTA) to synthesize highly robust and soluble three‐dimensional polyimidazolium cages (PICs) of different sizes, each bearing numerous imidazolium groups, and use these as templates to synthesize and stabilize catalytically active, cavity‐hosted, dispersed poly‐N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐anchored gold NPs. Owing to the stabilization of the NHC ligands and the effective confinement of the cage cavities, the as‐prepared poly‐NHC‐shell‐encapsulated AuNPs displayed promising stability towards heat, pH, and chemical regents. Most notably, all the Au@PCCs (PCC=polycarbene cage) exhibited excellent catalytic activities in various chemical reactions, together with high stability and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling the size and surface functionalization of nanoparticles (NPs) can lead to improved properties and applicability. Herein, we demonstrate the efficiency of the metal‐carbene template approach (MCTA) to synthesize highly robust and soluble three‐dimensional polyimidazolium cages (PICs) of different sizes, each bearing numerous imidazolium groups, and use these as templates to synthesize and stabilize catalytically active, cavity‐hosted, dispersed poly‐N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐anchored gold NPs. Owing to the stabilization of the NHC ligands and the effective confinement of the cage cavities, the as‐prepared poly‐NHC‐shell‐encapsulated AuNPs displayed promising stability towards heat, pH, and chemical regents. Most notably, all the Au@PCCs (PCC=polycarbene cage) exhibited excellent catalytic activities in various chemical reactions, together with high stability and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanodiamonds have outstanding mechanical properties, chemical inertness, and biocompatibility, which give them potential in various applications. Current methods for preparing nanodiamonds often lead to products with impurities and uneven morphologies. We report a two-step high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) method to synthesize nanodiamonds using naphthalene as the precursor without metal catalysts. The grain size of the diamonds decreases with increasing carbonization time (at constant pressure and temperature of 11.5 GPa and 700 °C, respectively). This is discussed in terms of the different crystallinities of the carbon intermediates. The probability of secondary anvil cracking during the HPHT process is also reduced. These results indicate that the two-step method is efficient for synthesizing nanodiamonds, and that it is applicable to other organic precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]