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• Influenza NP, HA, and M2e show potential for a universal vaccine, with anticipated synergistic effects. • Nasal mucosal delivery overcomes pre-existing immunity against adenovirus-based vaccines. • Combined administration of NP and HA-M2e viral vectors exhibits dose-sparing effect and safety in preclinical studies. It is necessary to develop universal vaccines that act broadly and continuously to combat regular seasonal epidemics of influenza and rare pandemics. The aim of this study was to find the optimal dose regimen for the efficacy and safety of a mixture of previously developed recombinant adenovirus-based vaccines that expressed influenza nucleoprotein, hemagglutinin, and ectodomain of matrix protein 2 (rAd/NP and rAd/HA-M2e). The vaccine efficacy and safety were measured in the immunized mice with the mixture of rAd/NP and rAd/HA-M2e intranasally or intramuscularly. The minimum dose that would be efficacious in a single intranasal administration of the vaccine mixture and cross-protective efficacy against various influenza strains were examined. In addition, the immune responses that may affect the cross-protective efficacy were measured. We found that intranasal administration is an optimal route for 107 pfu of vaccine mixture, which is effective against pre-existing immunity against adenovirus. In a study to find the minimum dose with vaccine efficacy, the 106 pfu of vaccine mixture showed higher antibody titers to the nucleoprotein than did the same dose of rAd/NP alone in the serum of immunized mice. The 106 pfu of vaccine mixture overcame the morbidity and mortality of mice against the lethal dose of pH1N1, H3N2, and H5N1 influenza infections. No noticeable side effects were observed in single and repeated toxicity studies. We found that the mucosal administration of adenovirus-based universal influenza vaccine has both efficacy and safety, and can provide cross-protection against various influenza infections even at doses lower than those previously known to be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We evaluated the efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) on the functional outcome of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion and low posterior circulation acute stroke prognosis early computed tomography score (PC‐ASPECTS). Methods: We identified patients with acute ischemic stroke due to basilar artery occlusion and PC‐ASPECTS of 6 or less, presenting within 24 h between August 2008 and April 2022. The primary outcome was a favorable functional outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–3 at 90 days. The secondary outcomes included an mRS score of 0–2, a favorable shift in the ordinal mRS scale, the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality at 90 days. We compared the outcome of patients treated with EVT and those without EVT, using the inverse probability of treatment weighting methods. Results: Out of 566 patients, 55.5% received EVT. In the EVT group, 106 (33.8%) achieved favorable outcomes, compared to 56 patients (22.2%) in the conservative group. EVT significantly increased the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome compared to conservative treatment (relative risk [RR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–1.74, p = 0.004). EVT was associated with a favorable shift in the mRS (RR 1.85, 95% CI, 1.49–2.29, p < 0.001) and reduced mortality without an increase in the risk of sICH. It did not have an impact on achieving an mRS score of 0–2. Interpretation: Patients with acute basilar artery occlusion and a PC‐ASPECTS of 6 or less might benefit from EVT without an increasing sICH. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:788–799 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic validity of Dolichovespula kuami, especially in relation to D. flora, has been the subject of a long-term debate. Herein, the valid specific status of the former was supported through an integrated analysis of morphological characters and DNA barcodes. The pronotal rugae and male genitalia of the two species are different, and partial mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase subunit I, COI) indicate that they form significantly distinct lineages. The hitherto unknown male of D. kuami is described for the first time, and a brief discussion of the D. maculata species group is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose here an experimental method to determine the magnetization compensation temperature of ferrimagnets. Our method utilizes the first-order derivative of the spontaneous net magnetization with respect to the temperature and then analyzes the results within the context of the Bloch's law of ferrimagnetic materials. This method enables us to extrapolate the compensation temperatures, even when they exceed the measurement limit. Consequently, a wide range of compensation temperatures can be determined using a single experimental setup. The present method provides a versatile tool for analyzing huge compensation temperature in the emerging field of ferrimagnetic and antiferromagnetic spintronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multimodal few-shot learning aims to exploit complementary information inherent in multiple modalities for vision tasks in low data scenarios. Most of the current research focuses on a suitable embedding space for the various modalities. While solutions based on embedding provide state-of-the-art results, they reduce the interpretability of the model. Separate visualization approaches enable the models to become more transparent. In this paper, a multimodal few-shot learning framework that is inherently interpretable is presented. This is achieved by using the textual modality in the form of attributes without embedding them. This enables the model to directly explain which attributes caused it to classify an image into a particular class. The model consists of a variational autoencoder to learn the visual latent representation, which is combined with a semantic latent representation that is learnt from a normal autoencoder, which calculates a semantic loss between the latent representation and a binary attribute vector. A decoder reconstructs the original image from concatenated latent vectors. The proposed model outperforms other multimodal methods when all test classes are used, e.g., 50 classes in a 50-way 1-shot setting, and is comparable for lesser number of ways. Since raw text attributes are used, the datasets for evaluation are CUB, SUN and AWA2. The effectiveness of interpretability provided by the model is evaluated by analyzing how well it has learnt to identify the attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer cells, which divide indefinitely and without control, are frequently exposed to various stress factors but manage to adapt and survive. The mechanisms by which cancer cells maintain cellular homeostasis and exploit stress conditions are not yet clear. Here, we elucidate the roles of diverse cellular metabolism and its regulatory mechanisms, highlighting the essential role of metabolism in cellular composition and signal transduction. Cells respond to various stresses, including DNA damage, energy stress, and oxidative stress, thereby causing metabolic alteration. We provide profound insight into the adaptive mechanisms employed by cancer cells to ensure their survival among internal and external stressors through a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between metabolic alterations and cellular stress. Furthermore, this research establishes a robust framework for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies that specifically target the cellular adaptations of cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child sexual abuse (CSA) has been recognized as a risk factor for sexual dysfunction and has attracted increasing attention. However, controversies remain regarding related research. The aim is to calculate the pooled effect size estimate for the correlation between CSA and sexual dysfunction in adults by meta-analysis. Five bibliographic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and PsycINFO) were comprehensively searched to clarify the association between CSA and sexual dysfunction in adults. We used a fixed-effects model to determine the total pooled effect size estimate and reported odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis, publication bias analysis, and sensitivity analysis were conducted. Adults who had a history of CSA experienced a higher proportion of sexual dysfunction than adults with no history of CSA (OR = 1.68, 95% CI [1.49, 1.87]). Subgroup analysis showed that women with a history of CSA reported a higher proportion of sexual dysfunction than men with a history of CSA (men: OR = 1.45, 95% CI [1.05, 1.84]; women: OR = 1.62, 95% CI [1.42, 1.83]). The estimates of the effect sizes differed substantially depending on the CSA and sexual dysfunction instruments that were used in each study and the region of each sample. This meta-analysis provides conclusive evidence of an association between CSA and sexual dysfunction in adults. Currently known interventions for the treatment of sexual dysfunction after CSA have only been evaluated in women, so specific interventions should be designed for men CSA survivors who experience sexual impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The critical differences between the level and growth effects of temperature on GDP are identified. • We reveal the mechanisms and spatiotemporal characteristics of climate impacts by reviewing various forms of temperature variables and impact functions. • Application scenarios are matched with climate econometrics model specification. • The channels by which future research combines climate econometrics with integrated assessment modelling are identified. • Hybrid econometric model specification could become the research frontier for investigating the temperature-GDP nexus. Climate econometric analysis of the relationship between temperature and gross domestic product (GDP) is increasingly being used to evaluate climate risks and understand economic impacts caused by climate change. We review the literature on growth and level effects (i.e., temperature rise respectively affects the growth and level of economic output), the setting of temperature variables' forms and functional forms, and the inherent model specification of climate econometrics. Additionally, we introduce an approach for combining empirical findings with climate change integrated assessment models (IAMs) to improve damage modelling. Our findings show that estimates of damage through growth effects are generally much larger than those through level effects. Diverse impact mechanisms and adaptation effects can be revealed by changing the time resolution of temperature variables, introducing non-linearity into econometrics functions, and specifying temperature deviation. Combing the cross-sectional and panel model would enable us to examine the economic impacts at different future times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether and how China's rise renders it a threat has been an enduring study. Such literature may be categorised into four traditions: rationalist, structuralist, culturalist, and poststructuralist. Although these highlight the objective and subjective elements of China and its rise as a security concern, there is a puzzling scarcity of analyses that investigate the extent to which the USA itself has discursively constructed China as a security issue. To examine systematically what the USA has made of China, therefore, this article applies discourse analysis to US official security discourse. It finds that, whereas the US government has constructed China as a threat to its own national security as regards cybersecurity and economic competition, it has represented China's rise to the international community only as a collective risk across the military, political, and economic sectors. This practice has been largely consistent since 2005, in spite of China's so-called "assertive" turn. The article thereby clarifies the state of US–China competition from the US perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Driving is a complex, everyday task that impacts patient agency, safety, mobility, social connections, and quality of life. Digital tools can provide comprehensive real‐world (RW) data on driver behavior in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), providing critical data on disease status and treatment efficacy in the patient's own environment. Objective: This pilot study examined the use of driving data as a RW digital biomarker of PD symptom severity and dopaminergic therapy effectiveness. Methods: Naturalistic driving data (3974 drives) were collected for 1 month from 30 idiopathic PD drivers treated with dopaminergic medications. Prescriptions data were used to calculate levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD). The association between LEDD and driver mobility (number of drives) was assessed across PD severity, measured by the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS). Results: PD drivers with worse motor symptoms based on self‐report (Part II: P = 0.02) and clinical examination (Part III: P < 0.001) showed greater decrements in driver mobility. LEDD levels >400 mg/day were associated with higher driver mobility than those with worse PD symptoms (Part I: P = 0.02, Part II: P < 0.001, Part III: P < 0.001). Conclusions: Results suggest that comprehensive RW driving data on PD patients may index disease status and treatment effectiveness to improve patient symptoms, safety, mobility, and independence. Higher dopaminergic treatment may enhance safe driver mobility in PD patients with worse symptom severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydration product Fe(OH)3 gel phase or Al-containing Fe(OH)3 [abbreviated as (A/F)H3 ] gel phase enables calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA) to obtain excellent cementitious properties. The formation of these two gels is closely related to the ratio of Al and Fe in the raw materials. The microstructure and properties of hydration products in CSA are seriously affected by the ratio of Al and Fe, and the effect on the gel cannot be ignored. In order to enable the influence relationship between the ratio of Al and Fe and the gel phase was thoroughly investigated. In this study, (A/F)H3 with different Al/(Fe+Al) ratios was synthesized from its chemical composition by sol-gel method, and its microstructure was characterized to determine the formation process of this phase. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and N2 adsorption-Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) were utilized to investigate the microstructure of (A/F)H3 with different Al/(Fe+Al) ratios. The results show that Fe in Fe(OH)3 was substituted by Al to form the (A/F)H3 phase of goethite crystal structure at pH=12.5. The gradual increase of Al/(Fe+Al) ratios significantly changed the crystal structure parameters of (A/F)H3 , and the adsorption capacity and desorption temperature of -OH groups were improved. When the ratio was greater than 40% by mol, the crystal structure of (A/F)H3 was transformed, and the crystallinity was significantly reduced. In addition, the substitution of Al resulted in a significant decrease in the aspect ratio of the (A/F)H3 phase particles, the microscopic morphology changed from needle-rod to granular, and a larger specific surface area was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative disease of the nervous system (CNS) with an insidious onset. Clinically, it is characterized by a full range of dementia manifestations including memory impairment, aphasia, loss of speech, loss of use, loss of recognition, impairment of visuospatial skills, and impairment of executive function, as well as changes in personality and behavior. The exact cause of AD has not yet been identified. Nevertheless, modern research indicates that genetic factors contribute to 70% of human's risk of AD. Apolipoprotein (APOE) accounts for up to 90% of the genetic predisposition. APOE is a crucial gene that cannot be overstated. In addition, innate immunity plays a significant role in the etiology and treatment of AD. Understanding the different subtypes of APOE and their interconnections is of paramount importance. APOE and innate immunity, along with their relationship to AD, are primary research motivators for in-depth research and clinical trials. The exploration of novel technologies has led to an increasing trend in the study of AD at the cellular and molecular levels and continues to make more breakthroughs and progress. As of today, there is no effective treatment available for AD around the world. This paper aims to summarize and analyze the role of APOE and innate immunity, as well as development trends in recent years. It is anticipated that APOE and innate immunity will provide a breakthrough for humans to hinder AD progression in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the surface wave in inviscid fluid was analyzed. Based on the Euler equation and mass conservation equation, and coupled with a set of boundary conditions, the (2+1)-dimensional sixth-order Boussinesq equation is derived for the first time. According to double-series perturbation analysis and scale transformation, the one soliton solution is obtained with (G'/G)-expansion method. Finally, the effects of amplitude parameter and shallowness parameter on the amplitude of surface wave are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

6A13-T6 high-strength aluminium alloy material has excellent mechanical properties, but the lack of research on its mechanical properties is the biggest obstacle to its application in building engineering. This paper reports the test results of material tensile and member bending and finite element simulation to reveal the constitutive curve, failure mode, and ultimate bearing capacity of 6A13-T6 high-strength aluminium alloy. Specifically, the non-proportional yield strength of 6A13-T6 exceeds 340 MPa, the ultimate strength reaches 352 MPa, and the elongation after fracture is 14.5%. All the tested members have an evident bending phenomenon, and the width-to-thickness ratio determines the significant degree of local buckling. The Chinese code takes too much account of the reduction of section thickness and does not consider the plastic development of the section, so the predicted bearing capacity is conservative. The American code does not fully consider the effect of section plasticity, which is also conservative. The finite element modelling technology adopted is reasonable and feasible. The section can provide a greater bearing capacity when it enters the plastic strengthening stage. The local buckling will limit the bearing capacity, while the plate group effect can improve the bearing capacity of the member. It is suggested to increase the section plastic development coefficient in the Chinese code to 1.15. The results of this survey provide a reference for designers and engineers to use 6A13-T6 conveniently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous exploitation of high-quality magnesite ores, a large number of low-grade magnesite ores with high calcium contents were abandoned, thereby occupying the land, polluting the environment, and causing substantial resource waste. Therefore, resource utilization of low-grade magnesite ores is urgently needed. These low-grade magnesite ores can be used by calcination to prepare raw materials of magnesium oxysulfate (MOS) cement, but CaO could be produced during calcination because dolomite is a dominant mineral. Therefore, this paper mainly studied how CaO affects the formation process, mechanical properties, and water and chloride resistance of the pure 517 phase. Light-burned dolomite (LBD) was used to offer CaO, replacing a certain amount of light-burned magnesia (LBM) in this work. It was found that CaO will react with Mg2+ and SO42− to form an amorphous phase that remains stable when curing in air but unstable when immersing in water. When immersed in water, Ca2+ would continue to react with SO42− to precipitate gypsum, thus destroying the original structure and reducing the stability of the pure 517 phase. Therefore, in the preparation of MOS cement, attention should be given to the content of CaO, and modifiers should be added to obtain a low solubility calcium compound to reduce the negative effects of CaO on MOS cement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balanced charge injection into the emissive layer is a prerequisite for achieving highly efficient quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs). The similar energy distribution of charge transport layers and indium phosphide (InP) quantum dots (QDs) facilitates excess electron injection to the InP QD layer. In this study, magnesium‐doped ZnO nanoparticles (ZMO NPs) are modified to suppress the electron injection to the InP QD layer. Particularly, hydroxyl groups are effectively replaced by electrically stable states through the passivation of ZMO NPs, retarding electron injection through the ZMO NP layer. The modified ZMO‐NP‐based InP QLEDs exhibit a maximum external quantum efficiency of 9.6% with a substantially enhanced operational lifetime compared with that of devices made with unmodified ZMO NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Targeted therapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors is considered a promising treatment for primary advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the difference between synchronous and asynchronous treatment of lenvatinib with programmed death receptor‐1 (PD‐1) inhibitor in advanced HCC is still unclear. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the effectiveness of synchronous and asynchronous of lenvatinib and PD‐1 inhibitor on the advanced HCC beyond oligometastasis. Methods: In this study, 213 patients from four institutions in China were involved. Patients were split into two collections: (1) lenvatinib plus PD‐1 inhibitor were used synchronously (synchronous treatment group); (2) patients in asynchronous treatment group received PD‐1 inhibitor after 3 months of lenvatinib treatment prior to tumour progression. To analyse progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), efficacy and safety of patients in both groups, we employed propensity score matching (PSM). Results: The 6‐, 12‐ and 24‐month OS rates were 100%, 93.4% and 58.1% in the synchronous treatment group and 100%, 71.5% and 25.3% in the asynchronous treatment group, respectively. In contrast to the asynchronous treatment group, the group treated synchronously exhibited a substantially enhanced OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30–0.66; p <.001). The 6‐, 12‐ and 18‐month PFS rates were 82.6%, 42.6% and 10.8% in the synchronous treatment group and 63.3%, 14.2% and 0% in the asynchronous treatment group, respectively. A significant difference was observed in the PFS rate (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.33–0.63; p <.001) between the two collections. Conclusions: Patients with advanced HCC beyond oligometastasis, simultaneous administration of lenvatinib and PD‐1 inhibitor led to significant improvements in survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous coronary intervention and acute coronary syndrome are both closely tied to the frequently occurring complication of coronary microembolization (CME). Resveratrol (RES) has been shown to have a substantial cardioprotective influence in a variety of cardiac diseases, though its function and potential mechanistic involvement in CME are still unclear. The forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups randomly: CME, CME + RES (25 mg/kg), CME + RES (50 mg/kg), and sham (10 rats per group). The CME model was developed. Echocardiography, levels of myocardial injury markers in the serum, and histopathology of the myocardium were used to assess the function of the cardiac muscle. For the detection of the signaling of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB along with the expression of pyroptosisrelated molecules, ELISA, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting were used, among other techniques. The findings revealed that myocardial injury and pyroptosis occurred in the myocardium following CME, with a decreased function of cardiac, increased levels of serum myocardial injury markers, increased area of microinfarct, as well as a rise in the expression levels of pyroptosis-related molecules. In addition to this, pretreatment with resveratrol reduced the severity of myocardial injury after CME by improving cardiac dysfunction, decreasing serum myocardial injury markers, decreasing microinfarct area, and decreasing cardiomyocyte pyroptosis, primarily by blocking the signaling of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and also reducing the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Resveratrol may be able to alleviate CME-induced myocardial pyroptosis and cardiac dysfunction by impeding the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the signaling pathway of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) of Pt/TiO 2 is dependent on TiO 2 facet. • The order of encapsulation degree is Pt/TiO 2 -100 > Pt/TiO 2 -001 > Pt/TiO 2 -101. • Encapsulation correlates well with reduction degree of TiO 2 and location of oxygen vacancy. • The highest reaction rate and turnover frequency were achieved on Pt/TiO 2 -001. Metal/reducible metal oxide catalysts are widely used in hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions for upgrading bio-oil to produce chemicals and fuel components. Under such strong reducing condition, the strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) should take place, however, few work has been devoted to understand the effect of facet of metal oxide on the SMSI and its consequence on HDO performance. Herein, Pt supported on anatase TiO 2 with varying dominative exposed facets of (1 0 1), (1 0 0) and (0 0 1) were prepared and tested in HDO of m-cresol at 350 °C and atmosphere H 2 pressure. The degree of SMSI of Pt/TiO 2 is strongly dependent on the facet of TiO 2 when reduced at 350 °C, and the degree of encapsulation decreases following the order of Pt/TiO 2 -100 > Pt/TiO 2 -001 > Pt/TiO 2 -101. The encapsulation correlates well with the reduction degree of TiO 2 and the location of oxygen vacancy, which are resulted from varied oxygen vacancy formation and anisotropic diffusion rates in different facets. The intermediate SMSI is achieved on TiO 2 -001, which creates the maximal density of Pt-O v -Ti3+ sites at the interfacial perimeter of TiO x /Pt for deoxygenation of m-cresol, resulting in the highest reaction rate and turnover frequency (TOF) while the lowest activation energy (E a). In contrast, the maximum SMSI on TiO 2 -100 leads to the lowest deoxygenation rate while the highest E a. This work provides insight into facet dependent SMSI of Pt/TiO 2 and indicates the HDO activity can be finely tailored by tuning the facet of TiO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the role of tumor microenvironment and serum differential metabolites in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) carcinogenesis, providing new evidence for ICC treatment. Serum samples from healthy individuals and ICC patients were collected for metabolomic analysis. The purine metabolites such as inosine, guanosine, hypoxanthine, and xanthine were increased in patient serum. TCGA database samples were collected, and the correlation between purine metabolism-related genes and ICC clinical features was analyzed using R language to obtain the differential genes including PPAT, PFAS, ATIC, and IMPDH2. High PPAT expression was associated with poor ICC prognosis. A PPAT silencing model in HCCC-9810 cells was constructed. The cell phenotype was examined by qRT-PCR, CCK-8, transwell, and flow cytometry, showing a decrease in IMPDH1 expression, colony and invasive cells numbers, and an increase in apoptosis. Guanosine reversed IMPDH1 expression in HCCC-9810 cells, promoting the secretion of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-8, OPN, VEGF, and VCAM-1 and intensifying epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression in the cells. In nude mice, the IMPDH1 inhibitory drug MMF inhibited tumor growth and reduced the expression of tumor stem cell characteristic markers CD133 and SOX2. Guanosine accelerated the malignant progression of ICC inhibition of purine metabolism-related genes, PPAT and IMPDH2, suppressed the malignant phenotype in HCCC-9810 cells, and inhibited tumor growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The line width of different line shapes is a very important parameter in absorption spectroscopy sensing techniques. Based on the high sensitivity and low noise properties of wavelength modulation spectroscopy, we report a novel line width measurement method. After theoretically proving the relationship between line width, modulation amplitude and the amplitude of the second harmonic at the center frequency, the absorption lines of CH4 near 6046.96 cm−1 and CO2 4989.97 cm−1 were chosen for simulation, and the relative errors of the line width between our method and theoretical data were kept at about 1%. A distributed feedback laser diode operating near 1653 nm with three different concentrations of CH4 was used for experimental validation, and the results were consistent with the numerical simulation. Additionally, since only the peaks of second harmonic need to be measured, the advantages of wavelength modulation can be utilized while reducing the difficulty of data acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Overweight and obesity rates have increased rapidly in Chinese school-age children, and previous studies have indicated that poor dietary literacy can lead to unhealthy eating behaviours. However, few studies have investigated the association between the dietary literacy of daily diet providers and the eating behaviours and nutritional status of school-age children raised by the providers. Thus, we aimed to explore this association. Methods: We collected data on the eating behaviours and nutritional status of children in two primary schools in Anhui Province, as well as the dietary literacy of their daily diet providers. T-tests, one-way ANOVA, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression were used to analyse the association. Results: We found significant differences in the scores on the Questionnaire of Children's Daily Diet Providers' Dietary Literacy (QCDDPDL) by region, relationship with the child, age, and educational level of the daily diet provider (all p <.05). Moreover, the children in the low QCDDPDL score group were inclined to engage in unhealthy eating behaviours such as emotional undereating and overeating (p <.05). In addition, the incidence of overweight and obesity was higher in the low QCDDPDL attitude score group than in the high score group (p =.006). Conclusions: Our study showed that the dietary literacy of diet providers may influence children's health and eating behaviours. Improving the dietary literacy of diet providers may promote the health status and eating behaviours of school-age children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (SANFH) involves impaired differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC), the mechanism of which is regulated by multiple microRNAs. Studies have shown that miR-145 is a key regulatory molecule of BMSC cells, but its mechanism in steroid-induced femur head necrosis remains unclear. The present study mainly explored the specific mechanism of miR-145 involved in SANFH. In this study dexamethasone, a typical glucocorticoid, was used to induce osteogenic differentiation of BMSC cells. Western blot, qPCR, CCK8 and flow cytometry were used to investigate the effects of miR-145 on the proliferation and differentiation of BMSC. The relationship between miR-145 and GABA Type A Receptor Associated Protein Like 1(GABARAPL1) was identified using dual luciferase reports and the effects of the two molecules on BMSC were investigated in vitro. The results showed that miR-145 was up-regulated in SANFH patients, while GABARAPL1 was down-regulated. Inhibition of miR-145 can improve apoptosis and promote proliferation and activation of BMSC. GABARAPL1 is a downstream target gene of miR-145 and is negatively regulated by miR-145. In conclusion, miR-145 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of glucocorticoid-induced BMSC cells through GABARAPL1 and pharmacologically inhibit targeting miR-145 may provide new aspect for the treatment of SANFH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies suggest that the scaffolding protein, postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), is involved in multiple neurological dysfunctions. However, the role of PSD-95 in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in neuropathic pain (NP) has not been investigated. The current study addressed the role of PSD-95 in the ACC in NP and its modulating profile with NMDA receptor subunit 2B (NR2B). The NP model was established by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, and mechanical and thermal tests were used to evaluate behavioral hyperalgesia. Protein expression and distribution were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The results showed that PSD-95 and NR2B were co-localized in neurons in the ACC. After CCI, both PSD-95 and NR2B were upregulated in the ACC. Inhibiting NR2B with Ro 25-6981 attenuated pain hypersensitivity and decreased the over-expression of PSD-95 induced by CCI. Furthermore, intra-ACC administration of PSD-95 antisense oligonucleotide not only attenuated pain hypersensitivity but also downregulated the NR2B level and the phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element-binding protein. These results demonstrated that PSD-95 in the ACC contributes to NP by interdependent activation of NR2B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin is considered to represent the second most abundant terrestrial biopolymer next to cellulose. Although quite variable across vascular plants, its content can account for up to 30% of total biomass in certain woody species. Lignin plays important roles in plants, but often represents hurdles to the utilization of cellulosic biomass in different sectors such as pulp industry, forage digestibility, and bioenergy. Certain natural or mutagenesis-induced lignin mutants, which are notorious for exhibiting brown midribs in grasses or red-brown wood in trees, have long been recognized to produce biomass more amenable to animal digestion, biological conversion, and other agro-industrial processes. Advances in molecular biology techniques for DNA sequencing and manipulation have facilitated the identification of genes involved in lignin biosynthesis and enabled the modification of their expression. The first reports on plants modified in lignin via genetic engineering techniques trace back to the mid 90's. Since then, with the emergence of genome sequencing capabilities and the deployment of large-scale transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches, our understanding on lignin metabolism and regulation has expanded. Correspondingly, substantial efforts have been made in tailoring lignin biosynthesis. In this chapter, we cover several bioengineering strategies that leverage recent knowledge obtained on the mechanistic understanding of lignin formation and chemical composition. Modification of lignin content and/or monomeric composition can be achieved not only by tailoring gene expression, but also by exploiting enzyme post-translational modifications, altering enzyme cofactors and co-substrates, and rerouting lignin metabolic precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, multi‐source data, especially weather radar data, were used in the analysis of structural features and evolution of a squall line‐like rainband (SLLR) of a linear mesoscale convective system (MCS) in the eastern slope of the Taihang Mountains on 12 and 13 August 2018 and reached the following conclusions: (a) The SLLR, located in north of the linear MCS, exhibited a significant horizontal gradient of reflectivity and large vertical extension. The front‐to‐rear flow that appeared between the surface and the stratosphere was lifted upward immediately in front of a cold pool that formed rearward‐tilting updrafts. (b) As the SLLR passed over, surface meteorological quantities changed drastically, coinciding with the heavy precipitation. (c) The SLLR, when propagating northeastward, showed a complex convective development of sequential intensification, weakening, and re‐intensification within a 2.5‐hr period. The temporal intensification was related not only to the development of a low‐level rear‐inflow jet but also to the dynamic interaction between the vertical environmental wind shear and the cold pool. The lifted rear‐inflow jet, which formed over a vertically stacked horizontal vorticity couplet behind the leading edge, provides a reasonable explanation for the intensification of the SLLR, resulting in the reduction of the cold pool circulation and enhancement of the convective updraft. Topographic forcing might play a crucial role in the re‐intensification of the SLLR, which suggests the importance of the cold pool and topography in structural features and convective evolution of the squall line‐like rain bands. Key Points: The squall line‐like rainband (SLLR) in a linear mesoscale convective system exhibited the characteristics of the typical squall lineThe SLLR was associated with a complex convective development of sequential intensification, weakening, and re‐intensificationThe cold pool and topography play crucial roles in structural features and convective evolution of the SLLR [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hedging is typically understood as a middle path straddling balancing/bandwagoning, the military/economic, and United States/China. This conventional understanding of hedging confuses risk and threat. It also makes the hedging concept non-falsifiable and thus analytically dubious, while further reinforcing a false dialectic of other states in the Asia-Pacific as caught between the United States and China. This article proposes to restore the centrality of risk and autonomy back to the concept of hedging. It contends that hedging is a risk management strategy that emphasizes autonomy—to retain control, reduce uncertainty, and remain secure—preventing the costs of alignment by signaling ambiguity in the military, political, and economic sectors. This hedging concept is subsequently applied to a case study of Singapore, demonstrating that the island state is the quintessential hedger. In so doing, this article develops a falsifiable concept of hedging that enables such a strategy to be explicitly identified, and importantly, returns agency back to the other states amid intensifying Sino-US competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, PH13-8Mo stainless steel parts without yttrium and with yttrium (Y) were manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM). The microstructure, phase composition and grain orientation of the stainless steels parts with Y and without Y were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron-backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The characterization results revealed that the addition of Y clearly refined the grain size of the PH13-8Mo steel formed part, resulting in more equiaxed massive grains and in a less anisotropic microstructure. PH13-8Mo stainless steel formed parts were mainly composed of martensite and retained austenite. The addition of Y could significantly increase the content of retained austenite and also generate nano-sized precipitates containing Y. The mechanical test results showed that both strength and toughness of the shaped parts containing Y were improved synergistically. The yield strength reached 1443 MPa, the elongation was 12.2%, and the room temperature impact energy reached 124.25 J/cm2. The strengthening and toughening by Y of the formed parts were mainly attributed to grain refinement, higher volume fraction of the retained austenite and the formation of nano-sized precipitates containing Y. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfoaluminate cement (SAC) is a low carbon ecological cement with good durability and is widely used in various projects. In addition, graphene nanoplates (GNPs) have excellent thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties and are excellent nano-filler. However, the hydration behavior of GNPs on SAC is still unclear. In this paper, the effect of GNPs on SAC hydration was investigated by isothermal calorimetry, and the hydration kinetic model and hydration kinetic equation of SAC was established, explaining the differences in cement hydration processes with and without GNPs on SAC based on a hydration kinetic model. Results indicate that the hydration exotherm of SAC mainly includes five stages: the initial stage, the induction stage, the acceleration stage, the deceleration stage, and the stable stage. The addition of GNPs promoted the hydration exotherm of SAC and accelerated the hydration reaction. Different from the hydration reaction of Portland cement, the hydration reaction of SAC is mainly a diffusion–reaction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-carbon ecological cement composites are among the most promising construction materials. With low energy consumption, low carbon dioxide emissions, and high early strength, sulfoaluminate cement (SAC) is a low-carbon ecological building material. In addition, graphene nanoplates (GNPs) exhibit excellent performances. In this study, GNPs were dispersed by a combination of dispersant and ultrasonic treatment, and the dispersion effect of GNPs was characterized. The effect of GNPs on the hydration process and products of SAC was studied, revealing that GNPs accelerate SAC hydration. The hydration heat and ICP results showed that in the SAC hydrolysis stage, C4A3Š (ye'elimite) hydrolyzed and released Ca2+. GNPs absorbed the Ca2+, and the Ca2+ concentration around C4A3Š decreased, which would promote the hydrolysis of C4A3Š and release more Ca2+, accelerating the hydration of SAC and the nucleation effect of GNPs, and providing sites for the formation of hydration products. The analysis of XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) and TGA (Thermal Gravity Analysis) showed that GNPs promoted the hydration of SAC and formed more AFt (ettringite) and AH3 (gibbsite). The generated hydration products fill the pores of the matrix and are closely connected to the GNPs to form a whole, which improves the cement matrix's mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the frost resistance of fiber-reinforced concrete with different contents of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber under freeze–thaw cycles, and the resistance to chloride penetration. The freeze–thaw cycle experiment was carried out using the rapid freeze–thaw method. Mass loss, relative dynamic modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, and flexural strength were investigated, and the influence of chloride ion content and the chloride ion diffusion coefficient after freeze–thaw cycles was analyzed. The results showed that under freeze–thaw cycles, PVA fiber can effectively reduce mass and dynamic elastic modulus loss and improve compressive and flexural strength. The contributions of fiber to mass loss, relative dynamic elastic modulus, and compressive strength gradually decreased with the addition of PVA fiber (>0.12 vol. %), while the contribution to flexural strength increased. The penetration depth of chloride ions positively correlated with the number of freeze–thaw cycles. The PVA fiber-reinforced concrete exhibited better chloride ion penetration resistance compared with that of the control concrete after freeze–thaw cycles. The concrete mixed with 0.12 vol. % PVA fiber exhibited the best chloride ion penetration resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hallux valgus is a common disease which causes pain and dysfunction of the foot. Although numerous methods of procedures have been introduced, a single procedure cannot correct all deformities of hallux valgus. The study aims to evaluate the radiographic and clinical effectiveness of a new minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus open Chevron-Akin procedures. Methods: This was a retrospective comparative study. Data were collected from May 2018 to January 2020. A total of 27 patients (31 feet) undergoing MIS for hallux valgus were included in this study. The average age of patients underwent MIS was 59.9 years. The mean follow-up was 25.1 months. Open osteotomies were performed in 30 patients (31 feet) during the same period. The mean age of these patients at the time of surgery was 59.1 years. The mean follow-up was 26.1 months. Pre-operative and post-operative radiographic outcome measures included HVA, IMA, DMAA, the Sgarlato's angle and the length of the first metatarsal, and distance between the dorsal cortex of first and second metatarsal necks. The AOFAS and VAS were used to assess foot function. Results: The preoperative HVA in MIS group and open group were 34.8° and 33.1° respectively. The post-operative HVA were 20.4° and 13.7°. The pre-operative IMA in MIS group and open group were 13.0° and 12.1°. The post-operative IMA were 11.4° and 5.5° respectively. The pre-operative DMAA were 14.8° and 15.1° respectively. The post-operative DMAA were 6.3° and 8.7°. The AOFAS increased from 44.0 to 90.2 in MIS group and from 47.6 to 89.5 in open group. The VAS decreased from 7.3 to 1.3 in MIS group and from 7.1 to 1.2 in open group. Conclusion: Although open osteotomies were superior than MIS in HVA and IMA, MIS showed advantages in correcting DMAA. MIS provided equivalent functional outcomes compared to open surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent proteins (FPs) have been widely used to investigate cellular and molecular interactions and trace biological events in many applications. Some of the FPs have been demonstrated to cause undesirable cellular damage by light-induced ROS production in vivo or in vitro. However, it remains unknown if one of the most popular FPs, tdTomato, has similar effects in neuronal cells. In this study, we discovered that tdTomato expression led to unexpected retinal dysfunction and ultrastructural defects in the transgenic mouse retina. The retinal dysfunction mainly manifested in the reduced photopic electroretinogram (ERG) responses and decreased contrast sensitivity in visual acuity, caused by mitochondrial damages characterized with cellular redistribution, morphological modifications and molecular profiling alterations. Taken together, our findings for the first time demonstrated the retinal dysfunction and ultrastructural defects in the retinas of tdTomato-transgenic mice, calling for a more careful design and interpretation of experiments involved in FPs. • Fluorescent proteins have been widely used to trace biological events in animal models. • TdTomato expression led to unexpected retinal dysfunction and ultrastructural defects in the transgenic mouse retina. • Retinal dysfunction was seen as the reduced photopic responses and lower contrast sensitivity. • It caused by mitochondrial damages characterized with cellular redistribution, morphological modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As woody oil crop, pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] may be a solution to the shortage of edible oil in the future. In this study, fruit traits, kernel nutrition and fatty acid composition of 10 pecan varieties were determined to assess the potential of pecans for exploitation as edible oil, as well as to further screen varieties that could be used as edible oil resources and to understand their development prospects for cultivation in mountainous hills. The study showed that all the fruit trait indicators measured, including green-fruit weight (mean 28.47 g), nut weight (10.33 g), kernel weight (5.25 g), nut percentage (36.83%) and kernel percentage (50.50%), showed highly significant differences among the 10 varieties. Among the main nutritional indicators of the kernels, the crude fat content was stable (mean 70.01%) with non-significant differences, while protein (67.50 mg·g−1), soluble sugar (10.7 mg·g−1) and tannin (6.07 mg·g−1) showed highly significant differences between varieties. The oil percentage of nuts (kernel percentage * crude fat) averaged 35.36%, with highly significant differences between varieties. The fatty acid composition was dominated by unsaturated fatty acids (mean 91.82%), with unsaturated fatty acids being 11.24 times more abundant than saturated fatty acids. Among the monounsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid was the highest (mean 70.02%), with highly significant differences between varieties, followed by cis-11-eicosanoic acid (0.25%), with non-significant differences between varieties; among the polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid was the highest (19.58%), followed by linolenic acid (0.97%), both of which showed highly significant differences between varieties; monounsaturated fatty acids were 2.42 times more abundant than polyunsaturated fatty acids. Compared to other oilseed crops, pecan has the potential to produce "nutritious, healthy and stable" edible oil, while its wide habitat and good productivity benefits offer broad prospects for development in the hills and mountains of subtropical China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the influence of the dosage optimization of steel fibers (SFs), basalt fibers (BFs), and polypropylene fibers (PPFs) on the mechanical properties of hybrid fiber‐reinforced concrete (HFRC) is investigated, including cube compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and prism compressive strength. The orthogonal method was used to design the fiber mixtures to optimize the performance of the specimens. IBM SPSS Statistics software was used to analyze the significance sequence of the influencing factors of SFs, BFs, and PPFs through range and variance. The influence degree and significant affecting factors of the three fiber types were obtained, and the failure states of the HFRC specimens were analyzed. Finally, a strength prediction model for HFRC was established based on the test results. The results show that for the degree of influence on the strength of HFRC, the degree of influence of SFs was greater compared to BFs, and the degree of influence of PPFs was the smallest. In addition, for the factors that affect the strength of HFRC, the content of SFs was the primary factor, the fiber content of BFs was less important, and the content was not an important factor for PPFs. The strength prediction model established based on the orthogonal test data can well reflect the influence of three fibers types and contents on the strength of HFRC. In order to verify the validity of the present model, experimental results reported in the literature were compared with the values calculated with the present model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large-diameter diffractive telescope has the advantage of observing space debris. Some of the key issues are the design and tolerance analysis of the telescope with the segmented primary lens. In this paper, we design a space large-diameter sub-aperture stitching diffractive telescope that can achieve a large diameter of 1438 mm, a long focal length of 2000 mm, and a full field of view (FOV) of 0.34°. Considering the manufacturing and stitching errors of the sub-aperture can affect the telescope's image quality, we provide a tolerance analysis method based on Monte Carlo analysis, which makes the consequence of the tolerance analysis nearly reality. The tolerance ranges are proposed not only for the segmented primary lens but also for the whole telescope system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating molecules in the gas phase is the only way to discover their intrinsic molecular properties; however, it is challenging to produce the gaseous phase of large-molecule chemicals. Thermal evaporation is typically used to convert molecules into gases, but it is still challenging to study ionic molecules in solutions in the gas phase. Electrospray ionization is one of the best methods to generate molecules in the gas phase, and it is uniquely capable of studying large biomolecules, including proteins. However, the molecular temperature required to study the spectroscopic properties of the molecules is very high. In this study, we developed a new, simple evaporation method using an ultrasonic nebulizer to obtain gas-phase molecules. Using this new equipment, we observed OH− anions and their water clusters in the gas phase and obtained their photoelectron spectra. We observed that the vertical electron-detachment energy (VDE) of OH− was 1.90 ± 0.05 eV and the VDEs of its water clusters and OH− (H2O)n (n = 1–2) decreased to 1.50 ± 0.05 eV (n = 1) and 1.30 ± 0.05 eV (n = 2), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an increasing number of investors share their opinions on social networks, a critical challenge is to provide advice and assistance in making well-informed investment decisions by considering enormous online sentiments. A typical way is to aggregate investors' sentiments into an investing signal. Most previous studies of sentiment aggregation rely on human-defined rules summarized from experience, which are widely accepted for simplicity and interpretability. However, the relations between investor sentiments and wise investment decisions generated by integrating sentiments could be complex and counter-intuitive, which may not be fully described by human-defined rules and require further investigation. This paper proposes a novel machine learning-based method called FollowAKOInvestor to integrate investors' sentiments more effectively for highly profitable stock recommendations. It divides investors into groups by clustering algorithm or their expertise levels, then extracts sentiment features from each group to train a machine learning model. The outputs are utilized to score stocks and provide investment recommendations. Based on an extensive dataset spanning from January 2017 to December 2019, sourced from StockTwits, we simulate a one-year recommendation procedure to compare and evaluate the performance of the proposed method and baselines. The experimental results support the superiority of machine learning over human-defined rules in making the most of sentiments from various investors for stock recommendations. • A novel machine learning-based method is proposed to aggregate investor sentiments. • Sentiments from various investors matter for the stock recommendation. • Applying machine learning to follow various investors boosts performance. • Comparative results on a real-world dataset corroborate the efficacy of our method. • It provides implications for investment practice and crowd intelligence generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress-mediated depression is one of the common psychiatric disorders with a high prevalence and suicide rate, there is a lack of effective treatment. Accordingly, effective treatments with few adverse effects are urgently needed. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) may play a key role in stress-mediated depression. Thereupon, both preclinical and clinical studies have found higher levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 in peripheral blood and brain tissue of patients with depression. Recent studies have found PICs cause depression by affecting neuroinflammation, monoamine neurotransmitters, hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis and neuroplasticity. Moreover, they play an important role in the symptom, development and progression of depression, maybe a potential diagnostic and therapeutic marker of depression. In addition, well-established antidepressant therapies have some relief on high levels of PICs. Importantly, anti-inflammatory drugs relieve depressive symptoms by reducing levels of PICs. Collectively, reducing PICs may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for depression. • PICs affects symptom, development, severity, and treatment outcome of depression. • PICs may be a potential biomarker of depression. • Anti-inflammatory therapy is a promising treatment for depression. • Regulating PICs may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of neurons in the brain. However, there are no effective drugs for AD. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSCs-EVs), as a new mediator of intercellular communication, are associated with low immunogenicity, low risk of tumor formation, and good safety profile. Therefore, MSCs-EVs may be a safe and attractive cell-free nanotherapeutics, offering a new perspective for AD treatment. Although preclinical studies have demonstrated that MSCs-EVs have significant neuroprotective effects, the underlying mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to: outline the diagnostic and delivery roles of MSCs-EVs for AD treatment; summarize the optimal sources and delivery methods of MSCs-EVs; provide a comprehensive review on the neuroprotective mechanisms of MSCs-EVs; explore how to enhance the neuroprotective effects of MSCs-EVs; and discuss the limitations and potential of their translation to the clinic. Therefore, this study may provide a more precise theoretical reference and practical basis for clinical research of MSCs-EVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D materials such as graphene, monolayer MoS 2 and MXene are highly functional for their unique mechanical, thermal and electrical features and are considered building blocks for future ultrathin, flexible electronics. However, they can easily fracture from flaws or defects and thus it is important to increase their toughness in applications. Here, inspired by natural layered composites and architected 3D printed materials of high toughness, we introduce architected defects to the 2D materials and study their fracture in molecular dynamics simulations. We find that the length of the defects in the shape of parallel bridges is crucial to fracture toughness, as long bridges can significantly increase the toughness of graphene and MoS 2 but decrease the toughness of MXene, while short bridges show opposite effects. This strategy can increase the toughness of 2D materials without introducing foreign materials or altering the chemistry of the materials, providing a general method to improve their mechanics. • Architected defects for enhancing the fracture toughness of 2D materials. • Higher toughness for Graphene, MoS2 and MXene are obtained. • Bridge height can tune the toughness of 2D materials without foreign materials. • Fundamental for designing 2D material-based devices of optimized mechanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7, a transmembrane signal transduction receptor expressed on the surface of endosomes, has become an attractive target for antiviral and cancer immunotherapies. TLR7 can induce signal transduction by recognizing single-stranded RNA or its analogs, leading to the release of cytokines such as IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and type-I IFN. Activation of TLR7 helps to enhance immunogenicity and immune memory by stimulating immune cells. Herein, we identified a novel selective TLR7 agonist, GY101, and determined its ability to activate TLR7. In summary, in vitro , compound GY101 significantly induced the secretion of IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ in mouse splenic lymphocytes; in vivo , peritumoral injection of GY101 significantly suppressed colon cancer CT26, as well as poorly immunogenic B16–F10 and 4T1 cancer cell-derived tumor growth by activating the infiltration of lymphocytes and polarization of M2-like macrophages into M1-like macrophages. These results demonstrate that GY101 , as a potent TLR7 agonist, holds great potential for cancer immunotherapy. [Display omitted] • Identified a selective TLR7 agonist GY101 to activate TLR7 • GY101 significantly induced the secretion of IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ in mouse splenic lymphocytes • GY101 activate infiltration of lymphocytes and polarization of M2-like macrophages in vivo • GY101 significantly suppressed CT26, as well as B16F10 and 4T1 colon cancer cell-derived tumor growth in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new modular building and its all-bolt internal sleeve connection joints are introduced. • The mechanical properties of the all-bolt internal sleeve joints are investigated by tests. • The FE model that can accurately simulate the joints' mechanical properties is established using a reasonable simulation technique. • The test-validated FE model carried out the parametric analysis of the all-bolt inner sleeve joints. • The properties of the gap and inner sleeves' properties are critical to the mechanical properties of the joints. In response to the contradiction between the insufficient number and unreasonable distribution of stadiums in cities and the increasing demand of people for fitness, the authors propose movable modular gymnasiums. This gymnasium takes advantage of the modular building, which can be quickly built, dismantled, and reassembled to fully utilize the temporary empty land in the city to meet the fitness demand of the people. However, the box modules bear a huge roof load, which puts higher demands on the performance of the modular units and their connecting joints. This study proposes a novel joint using an inner sleeve and bolted connections. The proposed connection uses an inner sleeve and bolts to connect the upper and lower columns of the modular unit to give it a higher bearing capacity. Bolts connect the lower unit's ceiling beam and the upper unit's floor beam to provide a better overall performance of the modular unit. The authors conducted experimental studies of 2 full-scale models and 24 finite-element parametric analyses. The results show that the welding quality determines the beam-ward bearing capacity of the joints, while it has little effect on the column-ward bearing capacity. In practical engineering, the authors suggest that the initial stiffness of the joints does not consider the contribution of the inner sleeve. The setting of stiffening ribs forces the inner sleeve to deform and force, improving the joints' mechanical properties, with the initial stiffness in the column direction increase of 25 %, the initial stiffness in the beam direction increase of 31 %, and a bearing capacity in the beam direction increase of 38 %. The design thickness of the inner sleeve and stiffening ribs should be close to the wall thickness of the modular beam and column. The results of this paper contribute to the development of fitness for the whole population and the expansion of the application of modular buildings. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel modular building and its internal sleeve all-bolt cross joints are introduced. • The mechanical properties of the all-bolt internal sleeve joints are investigated by full-scale tests. • The finite element model that can accurately simulate the joints is established using a reasonable simulation technique. • The finite element model was used to refine the mechanical properties of the joints. The authors propose a novel movable modular gymnasium based on modular building technology to meet people's sports needs. However, the huge roof load puts higher requirements on the performance of modular units and their connecting joints. In light of this, the authors propose a novel connection joint using the inner sleeve and bolted connections, which connect the upper and lower columns of the modular unit to give it higher performance. In addition, it connects the upper and lower beams of the modular unit by bolts to improve its overall performance. The authors evaluated the mechanical properties of the connecting joints through experiments and simulations. The results indicate that the welding quality determines the beam-oriented bearing capacity of the connections while having little impact on the column-oriented bearing capacity. It is difficult for the inner sleeve to enhance the initial stiffness and beam-oriented bearing capacity of the joints due to the initial gap between the inner sleeve and the modular column. The restraint effect of the stiffening ribs induces the deformation of the inner sleeve, and its bearing capacity increases up to 91%. The inner sleeve improves the column-ward bearing capacity and deformation capacity of the joints, and its bearing capacity rises to 135%. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to detect and recognize the low-contrast and distance targets in a complex environment is of great importance for many applications. However, one or two single spectral channel imaging cannot obtain adequate information. This study reports the design and construction of a common-aperture multispectral polarization imaging system, which can simultaneously obtain visible, short-wave infrared and mid-wave infrared wavebands. Such a system enables the acquirement of spatial, polarization and multispectral information of distance targets simultaneously. The experimental set-up is built to verify the basic principle of the device. The device is used to image optical resolution targets and the car at different times and distances in several complex backgrounds. The generated images are fused by polarization using image processing. The results indicate that the system performs well for imaging low-contrast objects in each waveband. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate whether post‐stroke statin therapy reduces subsequent major vascular events in statin‐naïve patients with pretreatment low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) below the recommended target (≤70 mg/dL for atherosclerotic stroke and ≤100 mg/dL for non‐atherosclerotic stroke) at stroke onset. Methods: Patients from an ongoing stroke registry who had an ischemic stroke between 2011 and 2020 were screened. Statin naïve patients with baseline LDL‐C below the target were assessed. The effect of post‐stroke statin therapy on major vascular events (composite of recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, and death) was investigated using weighted Cox regression analyses using stabilized inverse probability treatment weighting. Results: The baseline LDL‐C level of the 1,858 patients (mean age 67.9 ± 15.3 years, 61.4% men, 13.2% atherosclerotic stroke) included in the study was 75.7 ± 17.0 mg/dL. Statins were prescribed to 1,256 (67.7%) patients (low‐to‐moderate intensity, 23.5%; high intensity, 44.1%). Post‐stroke statin therapy was associated with a lower risk of major vascular events during 1‐year follow‐up (weighted hazard ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.42–0.71). In a subgroup of patients who were at very high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with LDL‐C <55 mg/dL or patients who were not at very high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with LDL‐C <70 mg/dL, post‐stroke statin therapy was also associated with a reduction in major vascular events (weighted hazard ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.29–0.70). The intensity of the most beneficial statin varied by subtype of stroke. Interpretation: Statin therapy may improve vascular outcomes after ischemic stroke, even in cases of LDL‐C below the target without pre‐stroke lipid‐lowering therapy. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:876–885 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global pandemic of COVID-19 has brought huge changes to people's lifestyles, college students have also been affected seriously. Evidence about these significant changes indicated that college students were more prone to feel anxious and depressed. To derive a precise assessment of the prevalence of anxiety symptom and depressive symptom among college students worldwide, we conducted this meta-analysis.Methods: Based on the guidance of PRISMA, literature was searched in Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, and PsycArticles (last search November 6, 2020). These articles after the screening were analyzed by a random-effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence of anxiety symptom and depressive symptom. Also, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were performed in this meta-analysis.Results: The results showed that the pooled anxiety symptom prevalence was 31% (95% CI: 23-39%), pooled depressive symptom prevalence was 34% (95% CI: 27-41%). Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of anxiety symptom and depressive symptom among different countries' college students were different, and the pooled depressive symptom prevalence of females was higher compared with males.Limitations: The prevalence of anxiety symptom and depressive symptom in worldwide college students could be better assessed by a standard and reliable questionnaire.Conclusions: The results suggest that the prevalence of anxiety symptom and depressive symptom during the COVID-19 pandemic is relatively high. Except for interventions that should be taken to control the pandemic urgently, mental health services are also needed to decrease the risk of anxiety and depression among college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate whether prestroke glucose control is associated with functional outcomes in patients with acute large vessel occlusive stroke and diabetes who underwent intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT).Research Design and Methods: From the Clinical Research Center for Stroke-Korea registry, we included patients with emergent large vessel occlusive stroke with diabetes who underwent IAT between January 2009 and March 2020. The association between the HbA1c level at admission and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale at 3 months after the index stroke) was assessed.Results: A total of 1,351 patients were analyzed. Early neurological deterioration was more common in patients with higher levels of HbA1c at admission (P = 0.02 according to HbA1c quintiles, P = 0.003 according to an HbA1c cutoff value of 7.0%) than in those with lower HbA1c levels. Higher HbA1c levels at admission were significantly associated with decreased odds of favorable functional outcomes at a threshold of 7.0-7.1%. The association was consistently observed in subgroups divided according to age, sex, stroke subtype, occlusion site, degree of recanalization, thrombolysis modalities, time from symptom onset to groin puncture, and treatment period.Conclusions: Prestroke glucose control with a target HbA1c of ≤7.0% may be beneficial for neurological recovery in patients with diabetes undergoing IAT for large vessel occlusive stroke, regardless of stroke subtype, bridging intravenous thrombolysis, occlusion site, degree of recanalization, and treatment period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lightweight insulation refractories are essential for high‐temperature performance to reduce energy consumption. This study investigates a new insulation material, that is, solid waste rice husk ash (RHA) derived lightweight refractory castable, replacing traditional insulation refractory brick. The RHA is generated after the burning of rice husk as biomass fuel. The RHA is used as an aggregate and alkali‐extracted silica sol from RHA as a binder to fabricate the insulation castable. The nanosilica containing (~30 wt%) sol is employed to synthesize the refractory castable by varying the sol amount (2.5‐12.5 wt% silica from sol). The castable specimens are cast by a vibro‐caster and fired at 900‐1200°C in a muffle furnace. The physic‐mechanical and thermal conductivity (κ) of the castable is investigated. At 1100°C with 10 wt% dry sol retaining sample shows an excellent apparent porosity (~65%), low bulk density (~ 0.8 g/cm3), and κ (0.136 W/m k) with sustainable compressive strength (6 MPa). The acquired results are a good match with the literature (other wastes‐derived insulation materials) and industrial (silica insulation brick) obtained data. These promising outcomes may inspire the refractory industries for using RHA as an aggregate and RHA extracted sol as a binder for making insulation castable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]