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The transnational adoption process includes a child assessment programme that evaluates children's mental and physical health to select and produce adoptable children. Based on ethnographic research conducted in 2015 and 2016, this paper describes in detail this assessment programme, which compares children to their global peers. Adoption agencies and Chinese social welfare institutions rank children by their likelihood of being adopted. The closer a child is to what is considered normal, the easier it will be for the child to be adopted. This socially and spatially shifting ranking of the children's normality enables the flow of children from societies that exclude children from families to societies that re‐include them in families. In addition to ranking the children, the process also involves further normalising them. This paper contributes to the geography of adoption by focusing on the normalisation process implemented to produce adoptable children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital pain insensitivity is a rare genetic disease and its clinical manifestations are many. In orthopaedics, common complications of this disease include painless fracture and Charcot's arthropathy. We followed up a case of multiple fractures of the lower extremity in two years, during which time he came to the clinic for five painless fractures of the lower extremity in a total of six parts. A mutation was found on the NTKRI gene (chr1:156813923(hg19), NM_001007792.1: c.1221938C > T). We have developed a combination of surgery and conservative treatments for his condition, focusing on the mental state of the child and considering comprehensive treatment to be the best option for this type of patient. Occult fractures caused by pain insensitivity are often treated only as fractures, however their complications require routine examination and cleaning, suitable protective shoes, splint fixation, stretching, guided exercise planning, and early treatment of injuries. Due to the risk of fracture in the future, it is important that parents pay attention to the behavior and psychology of the child, such as not letting the child participate in exercise with a risk of injury, protective measures while playing, engaging in psychological counseling, and inducing interest in mental activity. These interventions will play a very important role in preventing the recurrence of fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemists' pursuit of the ideal synthesis and functionalization of indole derivatives has lasted over 150 years as their scaffolds have been widely found in natural products, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and organic materials. In this regard, the recent resurgence of adopting green and sustainable electrochemistry in organic synthesis suggests that electrosynthesis is a promising strategy. Indeed, many new intriguing applications of synthesis and functionalization of indole derivatives by direct and redox‐mediated electrochemical means have been disclosed. In this review, we highlight the fundamental aspects, reaction scopes, synthetic applications and reaction mechanisms of the electrochemical synthesis and functionalization of indole derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community detection has always been one of the most important issues in network science. With the arrival of the era of big data, it is necessary to develop new accurate and fast community detection methods for the study of many real complex networks (especially large networks). Based on the concept of strong community and the analogy between the edge and the attraction, this paper proposes an effective one-dimensional "attraction" (1DA) method for community detection. The 1DA method uses the number of edges as the measure of the "attraction". The specific 1DA algorithm is also presented using two effective ways of vertex moving (i.e. the nearest moving and the median moving). After being randomly initialized at different positions on the (one-dimensional) number axis, all vertices will move under the action of the "attraction"; eventually, the vertices of the same community will naturally gather at the same position, while the vertices of different communities will gather at different positions, thus realizing the community division naturally. This method is tested in five typical real networks and one popular benchmark, and compared with several other popular community detection methods. Theoretical analysis and numerical experiments show that the 1DA method can accurately estimate the number of communities, with low (almost linear) time complexity (∼ O (n) , where n is the network size) and good performance in modularity and normalized mutual information in various networks (especially in the tests in large networks, the 1DA method has the best performance). The 1DA method in this paper provides a simple and practical solution to the problem of community detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a facile and general method to synthesize various HP-MOFs such as HKUST-1, ZIF-8, ZIF-61, and ZIF-90 within 1 min at room temperature and ambient pressure, using organic amines as protonation-templating agents. The morphology and porosity of hierarchically porous HKUST-1 can be readily tuned by varying the type of organic amines or the synthesis time. The space–time yield reached as high as 4.05 × 104 kg m−3 d−1, at least 1 order of magnitude higher than previously reported values. In addition, the mechanism for rapid HP-MOF synthesis was elucidated for the first time by using a simulation technique. This strategy provides a new method for the facile, quick and large-scale synthesis of various HP-MOFs for a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the performance of the diffusion Huber-based normalized least mean square algorithm in the presence of impulsive noise, this paper proposes a distributed recursion scheme to adjust the thresholds. Because of the decreasing characteristic of the thresholds, the proposed algorithm can also be interpreted as a robust diffusion normalized least mean square algorithm with variable step sizes so that it has not only fast convergence but also small steady-state estimation error. Based on the contaminated Gaussian model, we analyze the mean square behavior of the algorithm in impulsive noise. Moreover, to ensure good tracking capability of the algorithm for the sudden change of parameters of interest, a control strategy is given that resets the thresholds with their initial values. Simulations in various noise scenarios show that the proposed algorithm performs better than many existing diffusion algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the potential relationship between dairy product consumption and bladder cancer risk, we retrieved eligible studies published up to March 15, 2018, via online database search and manual review of the selected articles. Summary relative risk (RR) estimates were calculated using random-effects models based on high to low intake values. Inter-study heterogeneity was explored using stratified analyses of study design, geographic region, or whether studies adjusted for the confounders age, sex, body mass index, smoking, and education level. We extracted data from 16 studies on milk (5,193 subjects) and 10 studies on dairy products (20,434 subjects). The total study population included 220,952 individuals. Dairy product intake and bladder cancer risk were significantly associated, and milk intake and bladder cancer risk more so. Stratified analysis revealed that the trend was more pronounced in case–control studies, and in studies with impact factor <3 and in Asia. The relationship was confirmed after adjusting for sex and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale score of 7 and 8. Our study shows an inverse association between milk consumption and bladder cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the application of two lactic acid bacteria and dry condensed molasses fermentation solubles (CMS) in the making and preservation of corn silage. Forage corn materials are divided into eight treatment groups as follows: (i) control, (ii) B2 (Lactobacillus plantarum B2, 1 × 109 cfu kg−1), (iii) LAS (Lactobacillus buchneri 40788, 3 × 108 cfu kg−1), (iv) B2 + LAS, (v) CMS (35 g kg−1, fresh weight), (vi) B2 + CMS, (vii) LAS + CMS and (viii) B2 + LAS + CMS. The silage composition and aerobic stability are determined after ensiling for 90 days. Furthermore, the digestibility of the silage product and gas production are evaluated using a trotro digestion procedure. Results: The assay results indicate that the CMS supplementation and B2 inoculation significantly increased lactic acid concentration (P < 0.01). However, they also reduced the content of acetic acid and silage pH at the initial fermentation stage. The CMS supplemented with B2 (B2 + CMS) showed an improvement in the quality of silage, but a significant decrease in aerobic stability (P < 0.01). The B2 + LAS + CMS treatment yielded an increase in acetic acid production during the late fermentation period and is able to extend the aerobic stability of corn silage. Furthermore, this study shows that CMS supplementation alone can significantly improve the digestibility of the in vitro dry matter (P < 0.01) and the microbial protein synthesis efficiency (P = 0.01). In addition, the CMS supplementation is beneficial for enhancing the aerobic stability of corn silage. Conclusions: These results suggest that the combination of CMS supplementation and a suitable inoculation lactic acid bacterial strain can be highly promising for enhancing the higher quality and stability of corn silage. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automatic train operation (ATO) system is one of the important components in advanced train operation control systems. Ideal controllers are expected for the automatic driving function of ATO systems. Aiming at the intelligence requirements of the systems, an NSGA-II-based parameter tuning method for the fuzzy immune PID (FI-PID) controller and a grey model GM(1,1)-based fuzzy grey immune PID (FGI-PID) controller were proposed. Taking a maglev train's model as the control object and a velocity-time curve as the input, the feasibility of the parameter tuning method for the FI-PID controller and the applicability of the FI-PID controller and the FGI-PID controller for the ATO system were tested. The results showed that the optimized parameters were ideal, the two controllers all showed good performance on the indicators of traceability and comfort level, and the FGI-PID controller performed better than the FI-PID controller. The results exhibited the effectiveness of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R), a family B G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR), regulates the insulin secretion following stimulation by ligands. The transmembrane domain (TM) mediates GLP‐1R homodimerization, which modulates its ligand binding and signaling. We investigated the possible involvement of the N‐terminal extracellular domain (NTD) in dimerization/oligomerization and dimer‐associated ligand binding by NanoLuc Binary Technology (NanoBiT). With improved NanoBiT detection using a decreasing substrate concentration, the negative cooperativity of ligand binding to the NTD was confirmed by accelerated dissociation and Scatchard analysis. The dimerization/oligomerization of the isolated NTD was observed by NanoBiT and validated by analytical ultracentrifugation, deriving the comparable dimerization affinity (~105 M−1). The NTD was also involved in the dimerization/oligomerization of the full‐length GLP‐1R with mutated TM4 at the cellular level. In an analysis of the parameters of the NTD binding, the Kd for the probe GLP‐1 (7‐36, A8G) was similar (6‐8 μM) in both the 1:1 binding model and the receptor dimerization model. Compared with GLP‐1 and dulaglutide, exenatide showed two‐site binding with Ki values of 1.4 pM and 8.7 nM. Our study indicates the involvement of NTD in the GLP‐1R dimerization/oligomerization and suggests that further investigations on the role in other family B GPCRs are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To compare the outcomes after surgical intervention, including external fixation (EF) with the optional addition of K-pins or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a volar locking plate (VLP), in patients with distal radius fracture aged > 80 years.Methods: We reviewed 69 patients with a distal radius fracture aged > 80 years who treated under surgical intervention from 2011 to 2017 retrospectively. Their demographic data and complications were recorded. Preoperative, postoperative, and last follow-up plain films were analyzed. The functional outcomes of wrist range of motion were also evaluated.Results: 41 patients were treated with EF with the optional addition of K-pins, while 28 patients were treated with ORIF with a VLP. The radiological parameters, including ulnar variance and radial inclination, at the last follow-up were significantly more acceptable in the VLP group (p = 0.01, p = 0.03, respectively). The forearm supination was significantly better in patients treated with VLP (p = 0.002). The overall incidence of complications was lower in the VLP group (p = 0.003).Conclusion: VLP provides better radiological outcomes, wrist supination and lower complication rates than EF. Therefore, although EF is still widely used because of its acceptable results and easy application, we recommend VLP as a suitable treatment option for distal radius fracture in the geriatric population aged > 80 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AuNPs/SWCNT, a hybrid nanomaterial which is single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), has great application prospects for chemical and biological sensors. For the innate nanogap between tiny AuNPs deposited on sidewall of SWCNT, AuNPs/SWCNT is suitable for the fabrication of simple and effective electrical signal switching devices. Here, we develop a novel strategy of applying AuNPs/SWCNT to fabricate nanogap device for DNA hybridization detection. The detection strategy is based on the target DNA mediating the catalytic activity of the AuNPs by desorbing the probe DNA from AuNPs. The signal transduction depends on the growth of tiny AuNPs which is closely related to the AuNPs catalytic activity. Sensing occurs at the tiny AuNPs growing and connecting into a continuous nanowire along the SWCNT, leading to a conductimetric response. The biosensing device can detect target DNA with the detection limit of 1 pM and the ability to discriminate triple and quintuple base pair mismatches. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most existing cancer treatments involve high-cost chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with major side effects, prompting effort to develop alternative treatment modalities. It was reported that the combination of thermal-cycling hyperthermia (TC-HT) and phenolic compound exhibited a moderate cytotoxic effect against human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of triple combination in PANC-1 cancer cells by adopting low-intensity pulsed electric field (LIPEF) to couple with TC-HT and CGA (chlorogenic acid). The study finds that this triple combination can significantly impede the proliferation of PANC-1 cells, with only about 20% viable cells left after 24h, whereas being non-toxic to normal cells. The synergistic activity against the PANC-1 cells was achieved by inducing G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis, which were associated with up-regulation of p53 and coupled with increased expression of downstream proteins p21 and Bax. Further mechanism investigations revealed that the cytotoxic activity could be related to mitochondrial apoptosis, characterized by the reduced level of Bcl-2, mitochondrial dysfunction, and sequential activation of caspase-9 and PARP. Also, we found that the triple treatment led to the increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Notably, the triple treatment-induced cytotoxic effects and the elevated expression of p53 and p21 proteins as well as the increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, all could be alleviated by the ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). These findings indicate that the combination of CGA, TC-HT, and LIPEF may be a promising modality for cancer treatment, as it can induce p53-dependent cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through accumulation of ROS in PANC-1 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowering transition is regulated by complex genetic networks in response to endogenous and environmental signals. Pre-mRNA splicing is an essential step for the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Alternative splicing of key flowering genes has been investigated in detail over the past decade. However, few splicing factors have been identified as being involved in flowering transition. Human heterodimeric splicing factor U2 snRNP auxiliary factor (U2AF) consists of two subunits, U2AF35 and U2AF65, and functions in 3′ splice site recognition in mRNA splicing. Recent studies reveal that Arabidopsis U2AF65a/b and U2AF35a/b play important roles in the splicing of key flowering genes. We summarize recent advances in research on splicing-regulated flowering transition by focusing on the role of Arabidopsis U2AF in the splicing of key flowering-related genes at ambient temperature and in the abscisic acid signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dehydration of (S,S)‐1,2‐bis(1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)ethane‐1,2‐diol (H4L) to (Z)‐1,2‐bis(1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)ethenol) (H3L′) was found to be metal‐assisted, occurs under solvothermal conditions (H2O/CH3OH), and leads to [MnII4(H3L)4Cl2]Cl2⋅5 H2O⋅5 CH3OH (Mn4L4) and [MnII4(H2L′)6(μ3‐OH)]Cl⋅4 CH3OH⋅H2O (Mn4L′6), respectively. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal XRD. Extensive ESI‐MS studies on solutions and solids of the reaction led to the proposal consisting of an initial stepwise assembly of Mn4L4 from the reactants via [MnL] and [Mn2L2] below 80 °C, and then disassembly to [MnL] and [MnL2] followed by ligand modification before reassembly to Mn4L′6 via [MnL′], [MnL′2], and [Mn2L′3] with increasing solvothermal temperature up to 140 °C. Identification of intermediates [Mn4LxL′6−x] (x=5, 4, 3, 2, 1) in the process further suggested an assembly/disassembly/in situ reaction/reassembly transformation mechanism. These results not only reveal that multiple phase transformations are possible even though they were not realized in the crystalline state, but also help to better understand the complex transformation process between coordination clusters during "black‐box" reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary angiosarcomas of the right atrium are extremely rare, often resulted in missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis with routine examination tools. These malignant cardiac tumors are highly aggressive with generally poor prognosis. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment as it is essentially not responsive to current regimens of chemoradiotherapy.Case Presentation: Herein, we describe a patient who initially presented with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and was subsequently treated with radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). Prior to RFCA, an initial transesophageal echocardiography revealed a local thickening of the intratrial septum. Three months later, she was hospitalized with progressive dyspnea and massive pericardial effusion. A large immobile, non-pedunculated mass, occupying almost half of the right atrium was detected by transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiogram. Multimodality cardiac imaging was useful in further characterizing this mass, which was ultimately diagnosed as an angiosarcoma based upon biopsy results. The growth rate was extremely rapid following RFCA, and patient underwent surgical excision. After discharge, the angiosarcoma recurred and patient survived for 7 months from the first episode of tamponade.Conclusions: Primary cardiac angiosarcoma of the right atrium can easily be mistaken for structural anomalies in its early stages, losing the opportunity for initiating earlier treatments to improve potential patient outcomes. The correct diagnosis of this rare case relied on the comprehensive utilization of multimodal imaging techniques including biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and accurate identification of microorganisms and estimation of their biomasses are of extreme importance to public health. Mass spectrometry has become an important technique for these purposes. Previously we published a workflow named Microorganism Classification and Identification (MiCId v.12.26.2017) that was shown to perform no worse than other workflows. This manuscript presents MiCId v.12.13.2018 that, in comparison with the earlier version v.12.26.2017, allows for biomass estimates, provides more accurate microorganism identifications (better controls the number of false positives), and is robust against database size increase. This significant advance is made possible by several new ingredients introduced: first, we apply a modified expectation-maximization method to compute for each taxon considered a prior probability, which can be used for biomass estimate; second, we introduce a new concept called ownership, through which the participation ratio is computed and use it as the number of taxa to be kept within a cluster of closely related taxa; third, based on confidently identified peptides, we calculate for each taxon its degree of independence from the rest of taxa considered to determine whether or not to split this taxon off the cluster. Using 270 data files, each containing a large number of MS/MS spectra, we show that, in comparison with v.12.26.2017, version v.12.13.2018 yields superior retrieval results. We also show that MiCId v.12.13.2018 can estimate species biomass reasonably well. The new MiCId v.12.13.2018, designed to run in Linux environment, is freely available for download at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/CBBresearch/Yu/downloads.html. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal decomposition of 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) is studied using a quantum-based molecular dynamics (MD) method at several temperatures, to uncover its fundamental reaction mechanism and kinetic properties. The primary decomposition pathways, key intermediate products and their population evolutions are systematically investigated. For the first time, we uncover four sequential reaction stages during the thermal dissociation of TATB: (1) C–NO2 bond cleavage and amino dehydrogenation; (2) hydrogen transfer to nitro or NO2, with further conversion to NO and H2O; (3) carbon oxidation and molecular ring deep fission to generate CO and small –CN fragments; (4) final formation of gaseous N2 and CO2. The fission and formation rate constants and reaction energy barriers of the main chemical bonds are obtained by exploring the kinetic process. We confirm that C–NH2 bond breaking is the rate-controlling step for carbon oxidation, while N–N bond formation is the rate-controlling step for N2 generation. Besides, we obtain the global exothermic reaction rate and reaction heat based on an analysis of the changes in potential energy. The results not only give a deep insight into the chemical performance of TATB, but also provide prerequisite parameters for improving the macroscopic physical models for explosive reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the exocrine glands, which results in multiple organs damage. Renal injury affects 0.3–27.0% of PSS patients, and tubulointerstitial nephritis is the most frequent form of nephropathy in PSS. The present study reports on the case of a 32-year-old female with a 1-year history of elevated serum creatinine levels, and a 6-month history of mild pain in the waist and leg. Blood biochemistry tests indicated a creatinine level of 221.3 µmol/l and estimated glomerular filtration rate of 24.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 [Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) formula]. Accordingly, the patient was diagnosed with stage IV chronic kidney disease. To clarify the underlying cause of the disease, a kidney biopsy was performed, which revealed tubular epithelial cells with multiple focal and lamellar atrophy (~60%), as well as extensive renal interstitial fibrosis with scattered inflammatory cell infiltration. Based on these results, the patient was finally diagnosed with severe chronic interstitial nephritis, chronic kidney disease stage IV, PSS and anemia due to chronic kidney disease. The patient was treated with half-dose glucocorticoid (prednisone, 25 mg oral qd maintained up to 12 months). The patient's serum creatinine levels had decreased to 172.4 µmol/l after 1 month and to 178.7 µmol/l after 12 months. The present case concluded that young patients with chronic renal failure should first be assessed for rheumatic immune system diseases. PSS may involve several organs and the clinical manifestations may be varied. Although chronic renal failure is frequently the first manifestation of renal disorder due to PSS, it may be overlooked by clinicians. The present results suggest that further attention should be paid to determine the association between symptoms in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel electro-active bushing (EAB) design is proposed based on the unique physical properties of dielectric elastomers. A dielectric elastomer is applied as the tendon layer to a circular two-dimensional double-V auxetic structure. When load and voltage excitation vary, mechanical performance and dimensions of dielectric elastomers change, which empowers EAB to realize an electrostrictive phenomenon and real-time variable stiffness under different voltages. An EAB structure can endure mechanical loads along all directions in a cross-sectional plane, which is more practical than our previous design which can only bear loads along one direction. A theoretical electromechanical model of an EAB unit cell was proposed based on the physics theory of dielectric elastomers. The influences of unit cell parameters on electromechanical responses were researched. Moreover, an EAB prototype was fabricated via the 3D printing method. The experiments using EAB prototype applied 3M VHB 4910 and 3M VHB 9473 acrylic membranes prestretched by 200% and 300%, respectively, were conducted. The results indicated that the electrostrictive displacement increases as the load increases, and the stiffness decreases with the rise in voltage. Greater stiffness is obtained by higher original thickness and prestretch rates, but the electrostrictive displacement and stiffness variation under high excitation was dramatically affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family regulate cell fate decisions during early embryonic development and tissue homeostasis in the adult. Deregulation of TGF-β family signaling contributes to developmental anomalies, fibrotic disorders, tumorigenesis and immune diseases. TGF-β exerts a wide spectrum of cellular functions by activating canonical (SMAD-dependent) or non-canonical (SMAD-independent) pathways in a cell type-specific and context-dependent manner. Here, we focus on recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms and functions of SMAD and non-SMAD pathways in physiology and pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of the governance model from a rule of virtue to political realism in China has been a topic of great interest to scholars. In this study, I examine military culture during the Zhou Dynasty and investigate the changes in ethics based on factors such as cultural values, social customs, and political structure to understand the process by which moral values have changed as the governance model transformed from rule of virtue to political realism. I found that military ethics have changed from governance through the use of rituals during the Western Zhou Dynasty to what was called "deception makes an army" during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optical wireless communication with laser light source is proposed and experimentally evaluated. We have used an arc curvature design at end-face of a piece of commercial multimode fiber (MMF) which acting as an emitting head to expand the beam diameter. The behavior of light field distributions with different emitted head were also measured and discussed. Optical amplification was carried out to compensate for the beam divergence loss in free space. The Bit error rate (BER) and launched power, measured in the distance of 2 m from ceiling to desk, are 400 Mb/s data rate and 10 dBm, respectively. The proposed method for laser expanded could be widely used in optical wireless communication system for short transmission distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3,3′-Difluoroazetidinium (DFAZ) possesses a high-tensile four-membered ring and fluorine atoms, which contributes to the specific impulse, detonation pressure and detonation velocity. High-density energetic salts that contain oxygen-rich anions and cations were synthesized. All of the salts were fully characterized by IR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as impact and friction sensitivity. Their detonation properties were calculated according to the densities and heats of formation. The results showed that compared to ADN, they all had a relatively high density and low impact sensitivity. The specific impulse of almost all of the salts were higher than that of the propellant component, ammonium dinitramide (ADN, Isp = 202 J). Moreover, the 3,3′-difluoroazetidinium nitroformate salt had the highest specific impulse and was relatively more stable. It is possible to obtain energetic cations with good properties by combining four-membered high-tension rings with fluorine atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China recently implemented a corporate average fuel consumption regulation and new-energy vehicle credit program (dual-credit system) to prompt the transition to new-energy vehicles. This study generalizes the dual-credit system (energy credit and green credit) and investigates its effects on the green technology investments (GTI) and pricing decisions in a two-echelon supply chain consisting of three possible scenarios, Case O (conventional product only), Case B (both conventional and green products), and Case G (green product only). The obtained results show that the GTI made by manufacturers follow high threshold and low threshold. The generalized dual-credit system increases both thresholds and promotes the transition from Case O to Case B and Case B to Case G. The transition is sensitive to standard energy consumption per-unit (SECP), green credit quota (GCQ), and price of green credit (PGC). The generalized dual-credit system benefits the manufacturers who exceed the low threshold, vice versa, especially for whose conventional product with lower initial energy consumption per unit. The generalized dual-credit system contributes to GTI and environment effects in all cases. But, the impacts on GTI, environment effects, and profit differ in sensitivity to SECP, GCQ, and PGC in different cases. Numerical simulation is given and all the proofs are shown in appendix. • We examine the impact of generalized dual-credit system on green investment and pricing. • The system promotes more manufacturers to invest in green product and invest more. • Investment, environment effects and profit are affected by generalized dual-credit system. • Insights for generalized dual-credit system to spur green transition are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) device has been developed to assess the bacterial inactivation on an aqueous brass surface for clinical trials. The Miles and Misra method and the decimal dilution method are used to count the number of colony forming units for mutual verification to certify the validity of this investigation. The experimental results show an exciting much higher bacterial inactivation on this CAP-brass system compared to the traditional sole CAP treatment; about 6–7 log reduction can be achieved in 30–60 s of application. This system can be used as a standard target to test the efficacy of plasma treatment in an aqueous condition, especially in hygiene, medicine, and food processing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DOF proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that play vital roles in plant development and defense responses. However, DOFs have primarily been investigated in model plants, and fairly limited research has been performed on grape (Vitis vinifera). In this study, we isolated and characterized a C 2 –C 2 zinc finger structural DOF gene, VvDOF3 , from the grape cultivar Jingxiu. The VvDOF3 protein showed nuclear localization and transcriptional activation ability, indicating that it functions as a transcription factor. The VvDOF3 gene was rapidly induced by exogenous salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and powdery mildew infection. Overexpression of VvDOF3 in Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced resistance to Golovinomyces cichoracearum. Expression of the SA-responsive defense-related gene PR1 and the concentration of SA were up-regulated in transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing VvDOF3. Together, these data suggest that VvDOF3 functions as a transcription factor in grape and enhances powdery mildew resistance through the SA signaling pathway. • VvDOF3 is induced in grape by pathogen attack and defense-related phytohormones. • VvDOF3 acts as a transcription factor and localizes in the nucleus. • VvDOF3 overexpression enhances disease resistance via salicylic acid signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells, by overexpressing certain factors referred to as the reprogramming factors, can revolutionize regenerative medicine. To provide a coherent description of induced pluripotency from the gene regulation perspective, we use 35 microarray datasets to construct a reprogramming gene regulatory network. Comprising 276 nodes and 4471 links, the resulting network is, to the best of our knowledge, the largest gene regulatory network constructed for human fibroblast reprogramming and it is the only one built using a large number of experimental datasets. To build the network, a model that relates the expression profiles of the initial (fibroblast) and final (induced pluripotent stem cell) states is proposed and the model parameters (link strengths) are fitted using the experimental data. Twenty nine additional experimental datasets are collectively used to test the model/network, and good agreement between experimental and predicted gene expression profiles is found. We show that the model in conjunction with the constructed network can make useful predictions. For example, we demonstrate that our approach can incorporate the effect of reprogramming factor stoichiometry and that its predictions are consistent with the experimentally observed trends in reprogramming efficiency when the stoichiometric ratios vary. Using our model/network, we also suggest new (not used in training of the model) candidate sets of reprogramming factors, many of which have already been experimentally verified. These results suggest our model/network can potentially be used in devising new recipes for induced pluripotency with higher efficiencies. Additionally, we classify the links of the network into three classes of different importance, prioritizing them for experimental verification. We show that many of the links in the top ranked class are experimentally known to be important in reprogramming. Finally, comparing with other methods, we show that using our model is advantageous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A step-index chalcogenide fiber with a rectangular core and a circular cladding was fabricated through an approach that combines an extrusion technique and a multiple-stage rod-in-tube method. This fiber has a Ge 12 As 24 Se 64 glass core with a size of ~2.8 μm × 5.9 μm, and a Ge 10 As 24 S 66 glass cladding with a diameter of ~220 μm, and shows a relatively large birefringence. When ~10 cm long fiber was pumped at 4.0 μm with 330 fs pulses, ~2.2–9.5 μm supercontinuum with a flatness of 20 dB and a polarization extinction ratio of ~10 dB was generated. • A chalcogenide glass fiber with a rectangular core is designed. • The fiber is fabricated by an extrusion technique and a rod-in-tube method. • The fiber shows a background loss of about 3.1 dB/m in the mid-infrared. • Polarized ~2.2–9.5 μm supercontinuum is generated in the fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been considered as an environmentally friendly method for crop yield promotion as well as plant disease management. Efforts have been devoted to unraveling mechanisms involved in bacteria–plant and bacteria–pathogen interactions. However, little is known on the effect of the interaction among PGPR, soil, and plant. We compared growth and yield promotion capacity of biofertilizer Ning Shield, a consortium of bacterial preparation used as a biofertilizer (BF), and its mixture with compost of agricultural waste including spent substrate of Pleurotus ostreatus (SSP)/Volvariella volvacea (SSV), chicken manure (CM), and inorganic fertilizer (IOF) in a pepper field, respectively. The disease control efficacy, pepper fruit preservation time, and nutrients were also determined. Soil nutrient parameters including organic matter and available NPK of treatments were assayed before and after one growth season. All of the mixture of BF+organic compost treatment significantly enhanced the yield and quality of pepper fruit. Moreover, disease control capacity was promoted by the mixture of BF+organic compost, with BF+SSV reaching the highest control efficacy of 81% on 60th day after transplanting, and remaining 76% at the 105th day. The BF+SSV treatment showed soil fertility retention ability with higher soil nutrient contents after one growth season of pepper. This study provides evidence that, when combined with organic fertilizers such as spent mushroom substrate compost, beneficial microbes have the ability to promote plant growth and yield as well as suppress plant disease by sustaining soil fertility through complex bacteria–soil–plant interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Musk xylene in ten organic solvents at temperatures ranging from 278.15 K to 313.15 K was measured. • Analysis of musk xylene by XRD. • Wilson model, NRTL model, Vant't Hoff equation, modified Apelblat equation, and λh equation are used to correlate the solubility of musk xylene in different solvents. • The mixed Gibbs energy, enthalpy and entropy were calculated according to Wilson model. In this study, isothermal saturation method was used to measure and correlate the solubility of musk xylene in ten organic solvents at temperatures ranging from 278.15 K to 313.15 K , including methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, cyclohexane, n-hexane, n-heptane, N,N-dimethylacetamide, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran. The experimental results show that the solubility of musk xylene in the selected solvent increases with increasing temperature. The experimental data were correlated by five thermodynamic models, and the results showed that each model can give a satisfactory correlation. In addition, the three kinds of mixed thermodynamic properties of Gibbs energy, enthalpy and entropy of musk xylene in selected solvents were determined by solubility data and Wilson model. It can be seen that the dissolution of musk xylene in a given solvent is spontaneous and entropy driven. Exploring the solubility of musk xylene in different organic solvents and the thermodynamics of dissolution can not only provide basic data for industrial crystallization separation, but also have great significance for its own crystallization and theoretical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysanthemum tea is commonly consumed by Chinese consumers mainly due to the Chrysanthemum flower being a potential source of antioxidants. The current study investigates the effects of extraction time and temperature on Chrysanthemum flower aqueous extract (CFAE) antioxidant capacity, including Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferrous iron-chelating activity, and superoxide radical scavenging capacity (SRSC) using a two-factor, three-level factorial design of the response surface method (RSM). The TEAC and SRSC of CFAE are higher at higher temperatures and longer times up to a certain point, and the highest TEAC and SRSC are achieved at a 100 °C extraction temperature for 45 min. The fructose induced-αA-crystallin (Cry) glycation model system was used to evaluate the effects of the CFAE on anti-glycoxidation activities. The antioxidant ingredients obtained from CFAE significantly impede the production of advanced glycation end products from protein glycoxidation products (dityrosine, kynurenine, and N′-methylkynurenine) in the glycation process of αA-Cry and exhibit strong anti-glycating activity. The glycation inhibitory effects of CFAE are concentration-dependent. C. indicum L. exhibits greater potential for preventing cataracts compared to C. morifolium Ramat CFAE's antioxidant and anti-glycation properties suggest its potential application as a natural ingredient in the development of agents to combat glycation. [Display omitted] • RSM is applied to predict the optimal extraction condition of antioxidative extracts from two Chrysanthemum flower species. • The highest antioxidant capacities are achieved at a 100 °C extraction temperature for 45 min. • Both Chrysanthemum extracts combat glycation in human αA-crystallin, with C. indicum L. extract showing superior efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hybrid parallelism Monte Carlo transport on structured or unstructured meshes. • Hybrid parallelism Monte Carlo transport of domain decomposition and clones. • Fast particle tracking method on unstructured meshes. • Mesh-based parallelism Monte Carlo transport codes can be developed quickly. • Shielding problems of the Qinshan No. 1 reactor were calculated using mesh geometry. Mesh-based Monte Carlo particle transport is suitable for complex geometry modeling and for multi-physics coupling calculations. Performing large-scale mesh-based Monte Carlo simulations requires a quite large amount of computation and memory space. Therefore, parallel Monte Carlo computing is crucial. In this study, a hybrid parallelism Monte Carlo transport middleware on mesh geometry was developed. The middleware can provide the following algorithms and functions: 1. hybrid parallelism of domain decomposition and particle parallelism; 2. particle data structure, which manages particle information and automatically performs asynchronous communication between decomposed domains; 3. subset data structure, which provides an efficient management strategy for materials and tally data; 4. particle tracking method on structured/unstructured mesh and k-dimensional tree (KD-Tree) acceleration algorithm; 5. condensed application programming interface for the rapid development of Monte Carlo code based on the middleware. We transplanted the fixed source module of the J Monte Carlo transport code (JMCT) which was based on constructive solid geometry (CSG) to the middleware for verification. The results indicated that the serial particle tracking efficiency of an unstructured mesh model was 6.56 times as high as that of MCNP6 and the serial simulation efficiency of the corresponding structured mesh model was basically equivalent to that of JMCT. The parallel efficiency of domain decomposition was higher than that of JMCT. We also calculated the shielding problem of the Qinshan No. 1 reactor through hybrid parallelism. The results were in good agreement with the experimental data, and the hybrid parallel efficiencies were higher than 65% on 4000 CPU cores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A facile method was utilized to prepare two isostructural Ni-based MOF nanosheets. • One-pot synthesis of cyclic carbonates was achieved under mild conditions. • The 2D nanosheets outperformed their 3D counterparts in catalytic performance. • The opposite effects of amino groups in two elementary reactions were studied. Two isostructural Ni-based MOF 2D nanosheets (NiBDC NS and NiBDC-NH 2 NS) were facilely constructed by reflux method, which exhibited excellent activity for one-pot epoxidation-CO 2 cycloaddition catalysis. Combining our activity evaluations, detailed kinetics and molecular simulation results, we revealed that the amino groups of these materials played a positive role in CO 2 cycloaddition step but a negative role in epoxidation step. By using NiBDC NS, the conversion and yield of the targeted products under mild condition (80 °C, 1 bar and 12 h) could achieve 95% and 87%, respectively. The calculated Thiele modulus and effectiveness factor indicated that NiBDC NS exhibited a higher catalyst utilization degree with negligible diffusion constraint. We further confirmed the stability of these catalysts by repeatedly running the catalysis six times without observing significant loss of activity. Finally, the reaction mechanism was proposed by combining the results from experiment and simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A Ho3+:KBGM crystal with good quality and large size was successfully grown by using TSSG method. • Crystal structure, polarized absorption and emission spectra were extensively studied. • The crystal has wide absorption and emission bandwidth with large absorption and emission cross-sections. • The lifetime was investigated and result indicated a relatively high quantum efficiency in this crystal. A Ho3+:KBGM crystal with good quality and large size was successfully grown via TSSG method. The crystal's structure, ambient-temperature polarized absorption and emission spectra and fluorescence lifetime were studied. The J-O theory was adopted to analyze the absorption spectra and results show that crystal exhibits relatively large intensity parameters Ω 2 and spectroscopic quality factor which is up to 3.12. At 453 nm, the absorption band is the strongest, and the corresponding cross-sections are 21.94 × 10–20 cm2, 26.66 × 10–20 cm2 and 18.56 × 10–20 cm2 for the - X , - Y and - Z polarizations, respectively. The emission spectra also demonstrate the broad and strong emission band at 2030 nm. The FWHMs and cross-sections are 74 nm, 0.37 × 10−20 cm2, 50 nm, 0.68 × 10−20 cm2, and 49 nm 0.52 × 10−20 cm2 for the three polarizations, respectively. In addition, the crystal has a superior quantum efficiency which is as high as 97.1%. Taking all the analyses into account, it is reasonable to assert that the Ho3+:KBGM crystal an ideal candidate for ∼2 µm laser applications in many areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

YTHDF3 as a N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader participates in the development and progression of multiple cancer types, however, the prognosis, molecular biology and immune infiltration of YTHDF3 in gastric cancer (GC) have not been investigated. The YTHDF3 expression profile and clinicopathological parameters of stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) were downloaded from TCGA. The online websites and databases such as GEPIA2, cBioPortal, UALCAN, ImmuCellAl, xCell, TISIDB, GSCA were utilized for analysis of the association of YTHDF3 with STAD, including clinical prognosis, WGCNA and LASSO Cox regression analysis. Further functional assays such as RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), CCK-8, colony formation, EdU and Transwell assays were performed to determine the role of YTHDF3 in GC. We found that YTHDF3 was upregulated in STAD tissue samples ascribed to its copy number amplification and associated with poor prognosis in patients with STAD. GO and KEGG analyses showed that YTHDF3-related differential genes were predominantly enriched in the proliferation, metabolism and immune signaling pathways. Knockdown of YTHDF3 repressed the growth and invasion of GC cells by inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling. We then identified YTHDF3-related lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs, and constructed their prognostic signatures in patients with STAD. Moreover, YTHDF3 associated with tumor immune infiltration such as CD8+ T cells, macrophages, Tregs, MHC molecules and chemokines, upregulated PD-L1 and CXCL1 and exerted a response to the immunotherapy in GC. YTHDF3 upregulation indicates poor prognosis and promotes GC cell growth and invasion by activating PI3K/AKT pathway and regulating immune microenvironment. The established YTHDF3-related signatures highlight the association of YTHDF3 with the clinical prognosis and immune cell infiltration in GC. • YTHDF3 is a promising prognostic factor in GC. • YTHDF3 promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by activating the PI3K-AKT pathway. • YTHDF3 interacts with coding and noncoding RNAs. • YTHDF3 associated with tumor immune infiltration, upregulated PD-L1 and CXCL1 and exerted a response to the immunotherapy in GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Abrupt high δ13C -CO2-DIC in the hot springs occurred before earthquakes. • The carbon isotopic spikes are caused by fractionation due to tectonic activity. • The δ13C -CO2-DIC of hot springs changed markedly before and after the earthquakes. • The elevated carbon isotopic levels may be a signal for the subsequent earthquakes. Geothermal springs are controlled by deep faults, which are the major causes of earthquakes. A series of geochemical indicators of hot springs, such as carbon dioxide content (CO 2), carbon isotope and noble gas isotope etc., have been used for earthquake monitoring and early warning at home and abroad. Given that previous studies have failed to establish an inevitable link between the carbon isotopic variations of hot springs and seismic activities, in this study, mass spectrometry techniques were used to analyze the carbon isotopes of gaseous CO 2 and noble gas isotope in hot springs, thermal water, and newly formed travertines from western Sichuan before and after an Ms 4.8 earthquake (i.e., 7.14 earthquake). The results showed that the carbon isotope level of the hot spring system increased significantly before the earthquake, i.e., δ13C CO2 = -2‰ to 3.3‰, δ13C DIC = 2.2‰ to 6.6‰ (DIC = dissolved inorganic carbon in geothermal water), R/R A = 0.90–1.83, and δ13C travertine = 1.76‰ to 5.75‰. These indicators decreased markedly 1 week after the earthquake, whereas the helium isotope ratio of R/R A did not exhibit a noticeable change (δ13C CO2 = -3.9‰ to 0.4‰, δ13C DIC = 1.6‰ to 4.1‰, R/R A = 0.68–1.87). Combined with previous thermodynamic calculation and experimental results on carbon isotope fractionation of the CO 2 –calcium carbonate system, we suggest that the high carbon isotope characteristics of hot springs are caused by carbon isotope fractionation following the release of CO 2 from fault carbonate decomposition owing to tectonic activity, not by a mixture of different carbon sources. A high carbon isotopic delivery path in geothermal water, from released CO 2 to DIC and then to travertine, was observed. The new mechanism proposed in this paper reveals the intrinsic relations between the changes of the hot spring geochemical properties and deep tectonic activities, and the variations of these geochemical parameters before and after earthquakes may assist in capturing seismic precursors. A post-peak earthquake warning model has thus been preliminarily proposed, however, long-term monitoring data are required to reduce some uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: Women who have intraspinal anesthesia for delivery are more likely to experience postpartum urinary retention (PUR), which, if not recognized and treated promptly, can result in long-term urinary dysfunction. Many factors influencing PUR have been proposed, but no study has been conducted to investigate the relationship between them. This study is aimed at determining the influencing factors of PUR and to explore the relationship between them. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional survey using self-made questionnaires was conducted among 372 puerperae in a Grade A hospital in Guangzhou, China, from April to September 2022. SPSS25.0 and AMOS24.0 were used for data analysis, and a path analysis model was established to determine the relationship between the influencing factors. Results: The incidence of PUR was 49.85%. Residence, the level of postpartum pain, and the change of postnatal urination position had a direct effect on PUR. Episiotomy and analgesic duration have both direct and indirect effects on PUR. Forceps delivery, perineal edema and oxytocin had an indirect effect on PUR. Variables could influence the occurrence of PUR by mediating the analgesic duration, episiotomy, postpartum pain level, and postnatal urination position changes. Conclusions: This study provides an empirical model to illustrate the relationship between PUR and related factors in women who delivered under intraspinal anesthesia. In future management, more attention should be paid to women who live in cities, have higher levels of postpartum pain, longer analgesic duration, higher grade of perineal edema, and received episiotomy, forceps delivery, and oxytocin during labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer context is a pivotal social process shaping adolescent health behavior. Using a representative youth cohort, we aimed to characterize the dynamics in friendship networks among Taiwanese adolescents, and further examined the reciprocal effects between substance use and delinquent behaviors that we hypothesized to manifest via the impacts of dynamic changes of the friendship network. The data were retrieved from the Taiwan Youth Project (N = 2,566; 51% boys; Mage at baseline = 12.3 ± 0.48 years). Participants were requested to nominate their best friends at school and to report their substance use, delinquent behaviors, and pubertal development. Stochastic actor-based modeling was used for the networking analyses. While taking their network structure into account, adolescents select friends based on similarity in class at school (β = 0.929 [standard error = 0.088], p < 0.001) and gender (β = 1.787 [0.188], p < 0.001), but not in their externalizing behaviors. In the behavior dynamics submodel, affiliation with male friends (β = 0.452 [0.178], p = 0.005) and peer substance use status (β = 0.613 [0.124], p = 0.004) were associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in delinquent behavior. Our findings highlight the influence of peers on the co-development of substance use and delinquent behavior in adolescents. Workers in healthcare and the public health sector should be aware of this and formulate prevention policies accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Gut microbiota dysbiosis may lead to proinflammatory conditions contributing to multiple sclerosis (MS) etiology. Pediatric‐onset MS patients are close to biological disease onset and less exposed to confounders. Therefore, this study investigated gut microbiota composition and functional pathways in pediatric‐onset MS, compared to monophasic acquired demyelinating syndromes (mADS) and healthy controls (HCs). Methods: Pediatric participants were selected from the Dutch national prospective cohort study including ADS patients and HCs <18 years old. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were generated from sequencing the V3/4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Functional MetaCyc microbial pathways were predicted based on Enzyme Commission numbers. Gut microbiota composition (alpha/beta diversity and individual microbe abundance at ASV to phylum level) and predicted functional pathways were tested using nonparametric tests, permutational multivariate analysis of variance, and linear regression. Results: Twenty‐six pediatric‐onset MS (24 with disease‐modifying therapy [DMT]), 25 mADS, and 24 HC subjects were included. Alpha/beta diversity, abundance of individual resident microbes, and microbial functional features were not different between these participant groups. Body mass index (BMI) showed significant differences, with obese children having a lower alpha diversity (Chao1 Index p = 0.015, Shannon/Simpson Diversity Index p = 0.014/p = 0.023), divergent beta diversity (R2 = 3.7%, p = 0.013), and higher abundance of numerous individual resident microbes and functional microbial pathways. Conclusions: Previous results of gut microbiota composition and predicted functional features could not be validated in this Dutch pediatric‐onset MS cohort using a more sensitive 16S pipeline, although it was limited by sample size and DMT use. Notably, several other host‐related factors were found to associate with gut microbiota variation, especially BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Laser lithotripsy under fluoroscopic guidance is difficult to perform and risky due to its invisibility. In this study we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a novel endoscopic auxiliary system (NEAS)‐assisted lithotripsy under fluoroscopy for treating difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones. Methods: Patients with difficult CBD stones who were treated with NEAS‐assisted laser lithotripsy (NEAS group) or conventional mechanical lithotripsy (ML) under fluoroscopy (ML group) were retrospectively evaluated. The primary outcome was the complete stone clearance rate and the secondary outcomes included operation time, complications, and medical cost. Results: Seventeen patients were treated with NEAS‐assisted laser lithotripsy and 144 patients underwent ML. Using the propensity score matching analysis, 17 pairs of cases treated with NEAS‐assisted lithotripsy and ML were included. Patients in the NEAS group showed a higher stone clearance rate than the ML group (94.1% vs 58.8%, P = 0.039), as well as shorter operation time (41.9 min vs 49.4 min, P < 0.001) and lower medical cost (USD 4607 vs USD 5014, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the complication rate between the two groups (5.9% vs 17.6%, P = 0.601). Conclusion: NEAS‐assisted fluoroscopy‐guided laser lithotripsy is feasible and safe, which may be a promising technique in fluoroscopy‐guided laser lithotripsy for difficult CBD stones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We appraised Warburg effect through analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and maximum standard uptake value (SUV max) of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan and their alterations in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Later T-status and longer longitudinal tumor length were associated with lower mtDNAESCC copy number (p <.05) but higher SUV max -ESCC (p <.05), respectively. Lower mtDNAESCC copy number correlated with higher SUV max -ESCC, reciprocally (p <.05). ESCCs expressing mutant p53 protein had lower mtDNAESCC copy number (p =.056) but higher SUV max -ESCC (p =.046). We conclude that mutant p53 protein may be involved in the Warburg effect of ESCC. Unlabelled Image • Increased SUV max of the FDG-PET scan, suggesting a metabolic shift from oxidative metabolism to glycolysis, was observed in the tumor formation and progression of ESCC • Decrease of mtDNA copy number, suggesting a decline of mitochondrial function, underscores the Warburg effect in the progression of ESCC. • Mutant p53 protein, later T-status and longer longitudinal tumor length are associated with the Warburg effect in ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the solubility of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (2-MNQ, Vitamin K3) and its by-product 2-naphthaldehyde in binary and ternary systems was studied. Three phase diagrams were established based on the experimental solubility data. Each ternary phase diagram contains three crystallization regions (pure 2-MNQ, pure 2-naphthaldehyde and mixture of 2-MNQ and 2-naphthaldehyde), two co-saturated curves and one co-saturated point. The crystalline region of 2-MNQ is larger than that of 2-naphthaldehyde at three temperatures (283.15, 293.15 and 303.15) K. The solubility of the binary (2-MNQ + ethanol and 2-naphthaldehyde + ethanol) system was correlated by λh equation, modified Apelblat equation and NRTL model. The ternary (2-MNQ + 2-naphthaldehyde + ethanol) system was correlated by NRTL model. The calculated values agree well with the determined solubility data. Interaction energy between solute and solvent molecules were calculated to illustrate the solubility behavior of 2-MNQ and 2-naphthaldehyde in ethanol. RDF shows that when adding pure 2-naphthaldehyde in solution of 2-MNQ + ethanol, the interaction between 2-MNQ and ethanol molecules will become stronger, which leads to an increase in solubility of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone. This study can provide basic data and theoretical foundation for the separation process. • Solubility of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone + 2-naphthaldehyde + ethanol was determined. • Three ternary phase diagrams were plotted based on solubility data. • Binary solubility data were correlated by λh equation, modified Apelblat equation and NRTL model. • Ternary phase diagrams were correlated by NRTL model. • Molecular simulation was used to study the binary and ternary solubility behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A composite structure was constructed by in situ growth of ZIF-8 [Zn(MeIm) 2 , Melm = 2-methylimidazole] on the channels of anodized alumina oxide (AAO) membrane. The evolution of ZIF-8 MOF growing in situ crystallization in AAO nanochannels, can be divided into three stages through the observation at different time points. The reducing of the transmembrane ionic current can confirm the corresponding growth stage with the corresponding size of ZIF-8 nanocrystals. The method is applicable to modify ZIF-8 in AAO nanochannels of various diameters ranging from 71 ± 8 nm to 317 ± 36 nm, with the corresponding size of ZIF-8 ranging from 58 ± 8 nm to 272 ± 24 nm. The approach supplies a new composite nanopore material which can be utilized to the study of molecule–ZIF interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A promising biomarker for axonal damage early in the disease course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is neurofilament light chain (NfL). It is unknown whether NfL has the same predictive value for MS diagnosis in children as in adults. Objective: To explore the predictive value of NfL levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for MS diagnosis in paediatric and adult clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patients. Methods: A total of 88 adult and 65 paediatric patients with a first attack of demyelination were included and followed (mean follow up-time in adults: 62.8 months (standard deviation (SD) ±38.7 months) and 43.8 months (SD ±27.1 months) in children). Thirty control patients were also included. Lumbar puncture was done within 6 months after onset of symptoms. NfL was determined in CSF using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). COX regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) for clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) diagnosis. Results: After adjustments for age, oligoclonal bands (OCB), and asymptomatic T2 lesions on baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), increased NfL levels in both paediatric and adult CIS patients were associated with a shorter time to CDMS diagnosis (children HR = 3.7; p = 0.007, adults HR = 2.1; p = 0.032). For CIS patients with a future CDMS diagnosis, children showed higher NfL levels than adults (geometric mean 4888 vs 2156 pg/mL; p = 0.007). Conclusion: CSF NfL levels are associated with CDMS diagnosis in children and adults with CIS. This makes NfL a promising predictive marker for disease course with potential value in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We examined the association between anogenital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and sexual networks in men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: A total of 253 MSM, 20 years of age and older, were recruited from the community in Southern Taiwan in 2015–2016. At baseline and at each follow-up visit, MSM were screened for HPV to identify 37 HPV genotypes. At the six-month follow-up, MSM were asked to fill out an egocentric network assessment and to report the last five persons with whom they had sex regarding the characteristics of sexual behavior with each network member. Results: A total of 182 participants (71.9%) returned for the follow-up and one third had at least one HPV type detected. A higher level of bridging network position calculated by the level of constraints in the network was significantly less likely to have HPV detection at the anal site. A high level of concurrency was associated with penile HPV detection (AOR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.01–9.86). Conclusions: Identifying network-related characteristics can advance our understanding of high-risk populations and for prioritizing HPV vaccine recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on the mechanical effect of traditional Chinese acupuncture, this study builds a mathematical model that simulates the mechanical process of lifting-thrusting needle. Analytic and numerical solutions are obtained to explore the mechanical information (displacement, strain, stress, and energy) in the skin tissue. Our results show that (1) needle manipulation leads to tissue displacement and mechanical stress field, but the needle should be inserted into the right position (about π/ω cm around the acupoint, where ω is the angular frequency) and enough depth (about 2 cm in lower limbs) to achieve effective mechanical stimuli; (2) the tissue displacement decays with an increase of distance from the stimulus position, more rapidly at higher frequencies; (3) there is an inverse relationship between the area of the 'effective influence region' (where shear strain > 0.2) and the stimulus frequency, which means larger needle movement is needed at higher frequencies to achieve a better curative effect; (4) more energy is required to maintain high frequency manipulation. This study proposes a preliminary comprehension of the mechanical response around the needle during the acupuncture process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increasing penetration of wind power into the distribution network, preserving system security and reliability becomes a significant challenge for the system operator. In the smart grid environment, the demand side is required to take more responsibilities to accommodate the uncertainty of wind power generations, known as demand response (DR). To enable this feature in the utility grid, system-wide costs, which include metering, communication and load control system upgrade cost and incentive cost for customers, should be considered in assessing cost-effectiveness. This paper proposes a novel optimization model for demand response facility (DRF) investment to determine the DR sizing and siting. Robust optimization is adopted to maintain overall economic benefit and distribution network operation security. The problem is formulated as a bi-level mixed-integer program. A column-and-constraint generation algorithm (C&CG) combined with outer-approximation (OA) linearization method is employed to solve this problem. Numerical tests on a modified IEEE 33-bus distribution network illustrate the effectiveness and validation of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]