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We investigate the native point defects in the long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) detector material H g 0.75 C d 0.25 Te using a dielectric-dependent hybrid density functional combined with spin–orbit coupling. Characterizing these point defects is essential as they are responsible for intrinsic doping and nonradiative recombination centers in the detector material. The dielectric-dependent hybrid functional allows for an accurate description of the bandgap (E g) for Hg 1 − x Cd x Te (MCT) over the entire compositional range, a level of accuracy challenging with standard hybrid functionals. Our comprehensive examination of the native point defects confirms that cation vacancies V Hg (Cd) are the primary sources of p -type conductivity in the LWIR material given their low defect formation energies and the presence of a shallow acceptor level (− /0) near the valence-band maximum. In addition to the shallow acceptor level, the cation vacancies exhibit a deep charge transition level (2 − / −) situated near the midgap, characteristic of nonradiative recombination centers. Our results indicate that Hg interstitial could also be a deep center in the LWIR MCT through a metastable configuration under the Hg-rich growth conditions. While an isolated Te antisite does not show deep levels, the formation of V Hg –Te Hg defect complex introduces a deep acceptor level within the bandgap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the pursuit of developing high-performance low-dimensional spintronic devices, two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures comprising non-magnetic nitride and ferromagnetic materials have emerged as a crucial area of investigation. This paper proposes a novel structure that employs hexagonal two-dimensional semiconductor GaN flanked by two half-metallic two-dimensional CrN layers. The stability of the proposed structure is verified via first-principles calculations, which indicate good thermodynamic and magnetic stability. The transport characteristics of electrons in the structure are analyzed through the Band structures and density of states. Specifically, the study examines the spin polarizability of parallel and anti-parallel magnetic configurations of the CrN/GaN/CrN vdW heterostructure, and the results demonstrate a significant spin valve effect. Overall, the study establishes the potential of the CrN/GaN/CrN vdW heterostructure as a candidate for the development of innovative spintronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass is one of the promising sources to produce green H2, which can be considered an energy storage medium. To produce high‐purity H2 from biomass‐derived syngas, this study implemented a two‐stage H2 purification process. In the first stage, a water gas shift reaction (WGSR) was performed to enhance the H2 concentration in the syngas. The Taguchi method was employed to analyze the influence of the operating conditions and maximize the H2 concentration in the water gas shift reaction product. The results suggested that reaction temperature is a more dominant factor for enhancing the H2 concentration than the molar steam/carbon monoxide (S/CO) ratio. In the second stage, vacuum pressure swing adsorption was employed to obtain the high‐concentration H2 using the product from the water gas shift reaction having the optimum H2 concentration. Using the adsorption pressure as the primary parameter, it was found that high H2 purity and recovery could be obtained from vacuum pressure swing adsorption operated at low adsorption pressures. Based on this study's results, the vacuum pressure swing adsorption unit's best outcome occurs during an adsorption pressure of 2 kg·cm−2 and a flow rate of 17 L·min−1. Under these conditions, 93.61% H2 purity, 31.63% H2 recovery, 4.86 mol H2·(kgads·h)−1 productivity, and 448.14 kJ·(kg H2)−1 energy consumption are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the ideological adaptation that occurred in China during the 1990s, when the reform of state-owned enterprises rearticulated the state-labor relationship. The market-oriented reform produced a series of meaning dislocations within the discursive field, departing from the traditional ideology of the party-state. By conducting discourse analysis on media reports published in the People's Daily, this article argues that the party-state deployed various discourse articulation practices to realize its ideological adaptation and maintain internal ideological consistency. Specifically, the party-state employed four types of 'interpretive packages' to reconcile the market reform's rationale with its own orthodox ideology, rearticulating the quadrilateral relationship among the workers, state enterprises, the party, and the government, as well as their roles within this ideological tradition. Discourse articulation has contributed greatly to the construction of a hegemony that constrains and fixes the new meanings stemming from the reform. However, it has also generated unintended consequences, such as conflicts among various discourse practices. The findings provide us with a pathway to understand how authoritarian states stabilize their ideology during periods of accelerated change and allow us to rethink the role of ideology in states' transformation, a topic that could be explored in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the polymerization shrinkage of different resin-based composite (RBC) restorations using optical coherence tomography (OCT) image-based digital image correlation (DIC) analysis. The refractive index (RI) of three RBCs, Filtek Z350XT (Z350), Z350Flowable (Z350F), and BulkFill Posterior (Bulkfill), was measured before and after polymerization to calibrate their axial dimensions under OCT. Class I cavities were prepared in bovine incisors and individually filled with these RBCs under nonbonded and bonded conditions. A series of OCT images of these restorations were captured during 20-s light polymerization and then input into DIC software to analyze their shrinkage behaviors. The interfacial adaptation was also examined using these OCT images. The RI of the three composites ranged from 1.52 to 1.53, and photopolymerization caused neglectable increases in the RI values. For nonbonded restorations, Z350F showed maximal vertical displacements on the top surfaces (−16.75 µm), followed by Bulkfill (−8.81 µm) and Z350 (−5.97 µm). In their bonded conditions, all showed increased displacements. High variations were observed in displacement measurements on the bottom surfaces. In the temporal analysis, the shrinkage of nonbonded Z350F and Bulkfill decelerated after 6–10 s. However, Z350 showed a rebounding upward displacement after 8.2 s. Significant interfacial gaps were found in nonbonded Z350 and Z350F restorations. The novel OCT image-based DIC analysis provided a comprehensive examination of the shrinkage behaviors and debonding of the composite restorations throughout the polymerization process. The flowable composite showed the highest shrinkage displacements. Changes in the shrinkage direction may occur in nonbonded conventional composite restorations. [Display omitted] • A novel digital image correlation analysis using OCT images was established. • Shrinkage displacements and temporal changes of three composites were examined. • Contraction behavior is affected by the type of composite and bond condition. • Nonbonded Z350 restoration showed changed shrinkage directions during curing. • Bulk-fill composite showed similar displacement maps in nonbonded and bonded conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study a free boundary problem of tumor growth with necrotic core. The model is a parabolic-hyperbolic partial differential equations, which is composed of three first-order nonlinear hyperbolic equations, a parabolic equation and an ordinary differential equation. First, we obtained the approximation model by polishing the Heaviside function, and then proved the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the approximation model. In addition, we improved the regularity of solution of the approximate problem by using the characteristic curves method, and finally proved the global existence of the weak solution of the original problem by the convergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents MCN4Rec, a novel Multi-Level Collaborative Neural Network for next location recommendation, addressing the complexity of considering various factors such as user preferences, spatial locations, and temporal contexts, utilizing multi-level representation learning and contrastive learning to capture complex relationships. Topics include the design of a causal encoder-decoder for recommending next locations, and extensive experiments demonstrating superior performance.

The article introduces FairGap, a novel approach for fairness-aware recommendation systems, which directly intervenes in observed interactions to generate a counterfactual graph, enabling fair representations for users and items. Topics include the challenges of biased user-item interactions, the FairGap framework for generating counterfactual graphs, and its effectiveness in improving recommendation fairness through theoretical proofs and experimental validation.

BACKGROUND: Soymilk is a high‐quality source of protein and minerals, such as calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). However, phytic acid in soymilk restricts mineral and protein availability. We here investigated the effects of removing phytic acid on the physicochemical properties, mineral (Ca, Fe, and Zn) bioaccessibility, and protein digestibility of soymilk. RESULTS: Physicochemical property analysis revealed that the removal of phytic acid reduced protein accumulation at the gastric stage, thereby facilitating soymilk matrix digestion. The removal of phytic acid significantly increased Zn bioaccessibility by 18.19% in low‐protein soymilk and Ca and Fe bioaccessibility by 31.20% and 30.03%, respectively, in high‐protein soymilk. CONCLUSION: Removing phytic acid was beneficial for the hydrolysis of high‐molecular‐weight proteins and increased the soluble protein content in soymilk, which was conducive to protein digestion. This study offers a feasible guide for developing plant‐based milk with high nutrient bioaccessibility. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red koji polysaccharides, derived from the fermentation of Monascus, have been recognized for their health‐enhancing properties. This article reviews their structural characteristics, biosynthesis pathways, and biological activities. It emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in fermentation and the optimization of extraction methods for scalable production. The significance of exploring the molecular mechanisms involved in their biosynthesis is also highlighted to enhance yield and efficiency. Research indicates that red koji polysaccharides possess diverse biological functions, beneficial for pharmaceutical applications due to their health benefits and minimal toxicity. The review points out the necessity for more detailed studies on key enzymes and genes in biosynthesis to improve production methods. It also identifies the current challenges in production scalability and extraction efficiency. Furthermore, while these polysaccharides show potential in pharmaceuticals, their clinical efficacy and mechanism of action in human subjects require further investigation. The review briefly explores potential structural modifications to improve their biological activities. The review concludes that red koji polysaccharides hold significant untapped potential, particularly in drug formulation. Future research should focus on overcoming current production and application challenges, including conducting clinical trials to validate their efficacy and exploring structural modifications for enhanced therapeutic benefits. This comprehensive understanding of red koji polysaccharides paves the way for their expanded application in the pharmaceutical industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Converting non‐visual light into photocurrent while maintaining high visual transparency is vital for semitransparent organic solar cells (ST‐OSCs) application, yet often challenging over insufficient invisible light‐harvesting. Herein, spectrally selective optical manipulation for ST‐OSCs with high visual light transparency and full‐spectral non‐visual light reflection is proposed by matching the optical admittance of ultrathin Ag films using ZnS and MgF2. The reflection of optically enhanced ST‐OSCs at the spectral region beyond the human eye's response spectrum is improved and the transmission in the visual region is simultaneously enhanced. By further integrating an anti‐reflective structure, the optimal structure boosts the average visible transmittance and power conversion efficiency of ST‐OSCs to 44.3% and 12.6%, respectively, yielding a record light utilization efficiency of 5.6%. Corresponding flexible ST‐OSCs with high mechanical stability implies that this work provides a facile and universal strategy for ST‐OSCs aiming at building integrated photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quasi‐2D (q‐2D) perovskites are extensively studied due to their hybrid properties of 3D and 2D phases and have proven to be applied to a wide range of optoelectronics. Multiple device engineering methods for perovskite photodetectors are developed. However, the treatment of self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) is rarely discussed. Herein, a series of silane‐coupling agents of (3‐chloropropyl)trichlorosilane (CPTS), phenyltrichlorosilane, and (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane is adopted as SAM materials and elucidated their influence on q‐2D/3D CsPbBr3 films and their photodetector performance. The optical properties and morphology results reveal that perovskite film on CPTS‐modified surface can prolong excitons' lifetime, produce a larger grain size and better size distribution, while also present better crystallinity and united orientation. As for the fabricated photodetectors, the device on a CPTS‐modified surface has the highest photocurrent of 5.46 × 10−8 A, a responsivity of 0.16 A W−1, and an 18‐times‐higher specific detectivity than the pristine counterpart, which comes from the higher surface energy and favorable energy level alignment. The photodetector on the CPTS‐modified surface also shows better stability than that on the pristine surface. This study pioneers by using SAMs on q‐2D perovskite photodetectors and provides a facile route of device fabrication for perovskite photodetectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classifying cultural relics has always been a major challenge for archaeologists. Using glass artifacts as the research object, a classification model for glass artifacts was constructed using decision trees, support vector machines, and logistic regression methods based on their patterns, colors, surface weathering conditions, types, and composition ratios. Three models were used to identify the types of unknown glass artifacts. A subclassification model for high‐potassium glass and lead barium glass was established using the K‐means clustering method. The elbow method and average contour method were used to determine the optimal number of clusters, and the decision tree model was named based on the characteristics of the cluster center components. The research results indicate that the three models yield consistent identification results for unknown types of glass relics, and the classification results are good. Lead barium glass and high‐potassium glass can be divided into three and six subclasses, respectively, and the naming of the subclass decision tree is reasonable. The identification method for ancient glass relics in this article is highly practical and can provide a reference for the classification and identification of other component data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Comprehensive data has shown that adolescents often suffer from depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, and are in a particularly fragile stage of psychological, physiological, and social development. Left-behind children in particular tend to have significantly higher, state anxiety and depression compared to non-left-behind children. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) is an effective tool for evaluating depression, anxiety, and stress, and is used to measure levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in groups from a variety of backgrounds. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness, reliability, and measurement invariance of the DASS-21 in Chinese left-behind children. Method: The test and re-test method was used (N = 676), and the exploratory structural equation model (Mplus v.8.3) used to verify basic measurement models. For measurement invariance, the configural, weak, strong, and strict models were tested. The reliability of the DASS-21 was also tested using the collected data. Results: Analysis results showed that the DASS-21 had a stable three-factor structure in the sample of left-behind children in China. The measurement invariance test showed that gender and time not only had strong invariance, but also strict invariance. The results of cross left and non-left invariance indicated a lack of strict invariance. Finally, the McDonald's omega coefficient of the DASS-21 total scale was 0.864, and the internal consistency of each subscale was also good. Conclusions: The DASS-21 is shown to be an effective and reliable tool for measuring depression, anxiety and stress in Chinese left-behind children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quasi‐2D(two dimentional) perovskite is one of the potential materials in optoelectronic applications due to the scalable solution processes and low binding energy. Recent studies employing diverse spacer ligands of mono‐ and di‐amine functional groups to form Ruddlesden‐Popper (RP) and Dion‐Jacobson (DJ) phase perovskites efficiently manipulate the perovskite microstructure. However, there is a notable gap in investigating the performance of photomemory devices based on perovskites using different ligands and the accommodability in polymer matrixes. Herein, the perovskite with phenethylammonium bromide (PEABr) or p‐xylylenediamine (PDMA) ligands and methacrylate polymers comprising varied pendent groups (benzene and pyrene) are designed to investigate their effect. The results show that RP‐phase perovskite with polymer‐conferred pyrene group presented an excellent crystalline orientation, fewer grain boundaries, and higher charge transfer efficiency, attributed to superior accommodation between ligands and polymers and appropriate aggregation of pyrene groups. It demonstrates superior memory device characteristics of a high ON/OFF current ratio (2.68 × 104), low operational voltage (−0.1 V), short illumination times (0.1 s), and maintains its decent performance even under thermal environments. This work highlights that leveraging the steric hindrance of ligands and functional polymers to control the microstructure of perovskite is a prospective strategy to promote the photomemory's development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary To address the grid stability problem caused by random changes in cable impedance when an offshore wind power generation system is sent out via a power cable, this study proposes a stochastic stability analysis method for an offshore doubly‐fed wind power generation system considering the frequency variation of the power cable parameters based on the polynomial approximation theory, which can be analyzed by equating the problem of the random change in the impedance of the offshore wind power public coupling point as a deterministic problem. First, a stochastic dynamics model of doubly‐fed wind farm is established by considering variation impedance variation. Second, using the polynomial approximation theory, the wind farm model containing stochastic parameters is approximated for analysis as an equivalent deterministic model. Finally, based on the approximated deterministic model, the grid‐connected stability of wind farms with different impedance fluctuation strengths is investigated, and the stable operation interval of the wind farms affected by the impedance is determined. The simulation results show that when the stochastic intensity exceeds a certain threshold, Hopf bifurcation occurs during the voltage and turndown, and the system is destabilized. This study provides a theoretical basis for the stability of offshore wind power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestational diabetes (GD) is a condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. GD poses various health risks, such as serious birth injuries, the need for cesarean delivery, and the necessity of newborn care. Monitoring glucose levels is essential for ensuring safe delivery and reducing the risks to both the mother and fetus. Various sensors are readily available for monitoring glucose levels, and researchers are continually working to develop highly sensitive glucose sensors. This research aimed to develop a gold nanourchin (AuNU)‐hybrid biosensor for quantifying glucose on a multi‐point electrode sensor. Glucose oxidase (GOx) was attached to the AuNU and seeded on the sensing surface using an amine linker. The current‐potential (1–2 V at 0.1 V sweep) was recorded for the GOx–glucose interaction, with a limit of detection of 560 μM and a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.9743 [y = 0.9106x − 0.9953] on the linear curve. The sensitivity was estimated to be 3.5 mAcm−2M−1. Furthermore, control experiments with galactose, sucrose, and fructose did not yield an increase in current‐potential, confirming specific glucose detection. This experiment helps in monitoring glucose levels to manage conditions associated with GD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulating bulk charge carrier transfer and surface catalytic reaction kinetics is thought a big challenge to photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Herein, the dual sites of CoNiP are delicately introduced into ZnIn2S4 (RZIS‐CoNiP) nanosheet arrays via a defect anchoring method. The paving [S─Ni─P] interfacial bond like a "bridge" can greatly reduce the phase resistance, improve the charge separation and migration, and promote the surface oxygen evolution reaction (OER) reaction. As expected, the optimized RZIS‐CoNiP photoanode achieved a maximum photocurrent density of 4.77 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in neutral electrolyte solution without the presence of any sacrificial agents, which is ≈12 times higher than that of the pristine ZnIn2S4 under AM 1.5G illumination. And the amount of oxygen evolution for the RZIS‐CoNiP photoanode is as high as 21.9 µmol in 3 h. Transient spectroscopy measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculations in situ discovered the mechanism of defect anchoring [S─Ni─P] bond on regulating charge transfer and surface reaction processes. This work provides a feasible anchoring interface route through defect engineering to regulate charge carrier transfer for PEC water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance the mechanical properties of ceramic materials and realize the high value utilization of lignin, the nano-lignin precursor was added into the silicon nitride matrix as the second phase to obtain a novel ceramic composite material with excellent mechanical performance in this study. During the preparation, the nano-lignin was transformed into nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots(N-GQDs) in the ceramic matrix by the pyrolysis-hot pressing sintering coupling process. Aiming to reveal the pyrolysis conversion process of lignin, the segmented products at the different temperature gradient were prepared, and their phase composition and microstructure were deeply analyzed by various test methods. In addition, the continuous pyrolysis process of nano-lignin was further studied by simultaneous thermal analyzer. The results showed that, nano-lignin was transformed into solid products (amorphous carbon) in the temperature range of room temperature to 800 °C and produced a large number of volatiles. Subsequently, in the temperature range of 800∼1400 °C, part of amorphous carbon began to transform into N-GQDs, and part of α-Si 3 N 4 also began to transform into β-Si 3 N 4. When the temperature rose to the temperature of 1700 °C, all amorphous carbon was transformed into N-GQDs through carbon structure rearrangement and nitrogen doping, and meanwhile the most of α-Si 3 N 4 was transformed into β-Si 3 N 4. At the final stage, β-Si 3 N 4 columnar grains were covered by an overlayer composed of N-GQDs, and a novel ceramic composite with a special "core-shell" microstructure was obtained and exhibited excellent mechanical performance. This study presents a promising approach for the preparation of high-performance ceramic materials, and can also intrigue great interests in lignin graphitization and lignin-derived carbon materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the feasibility of optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based digital image correlation (DIC) analysis and to identify the experimental parameters for measurements of polymerization shrinkage. Class I cavities were prepared on bovine incisors and filled with Filtek Z350XT Flowable (Z350F). One OCT image of the polymerized restoration was processed to generate virtually displaced images. In addition, the tooth specimen was physically moved under OCT scanning. A DIC software analyzed these virtual and physical transformation sets and assessed the effects of subset sizes on accuracy. The refractive index of unpolymerized and polymerized Z350F was measured via OCT images. Finally, different particles (70–80 µm glass beads, 150–212 µm glass beads, and 75–150 µm zirconia powder) were added to Z350F to inspect the analyzing quality. The analyses revealed a high correlation (>99.99%) for virtual movements within 131 pixels (639 µm) and low errors (<5.21%) within a 10-µm physical movement. A subset size of 51 × 51 pixels demonstrated the convergence of correlation coefficients and calculation time. The refractive index of Z350F did not change significantly after polymerization. Adding glass beads or zirconia particles caused light reflection or shielding in OCT images, whereas blank Z350F produced the best DIC analysis results. The OCT-based DIC analysis with the experimental conditions is feasible in measuring polymerization shrinkage of RBC restorations. The subset size in the DIC analysis should be identified to optimize the analysis conditions and results. Uses of hyper- or hypo-reflective particles is not recommended in this method. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GV1001, an anticancer vaccine, exhibits other biological functions, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. It also suppresses the development of ligature-induced periodontitis in mice. Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a major human oral bacterium implicated in the development of periodontitis, is associated with various systemic disorders, such as atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to explore the protective effects of GV1001 against Pg-induced periodontal disease, atherosclerosis, and AD-like conditions in Apolipoprotein (ApoE)-deficient mice. GV1001 effectively mitigated the development of Pg-induced periodontal disease, atherosclerosis, and AD-like conditions by counteracting Pg-induced local and systemic inflammation, partly by inhibiting the accumulation of Pg DNA aggregates, Pg lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and gingipains in the gingival tissue, arterial wall, and brain. GV1001 attenuated the development of atherosclerosis by inhibiting vascular inflammation, lipid deposition in the arterial wall, endothelial to mesenchymal cell transition (EndMT), the expression of Cluster of Differentiation 47 (CD47) from arterial smooth muscle cells, and the formation of foam cells in mice with Pg-induced periodontal disease. GV1001 also suppressed the accumulation of AD biomarkers in the brains of mice with periodontal disease. Overall, these findings suggest that GV1001 holds promise as a preventive agent in the development of atherosclerosis and AD-like conditions associated with periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese hexacyanoferrate (MnHCF) is one of the most promising cathode materials for aqueous battery because of its non‐toxicity, high energy density, and low cost. But the phase transition from MnHCF to Zinc hexacyanoferrate (ZnHCF) and the larger Stokes radius of Zn2+ cause rapid capacity decay and poor rate performance in aqueous Zn battery. Hence, to overcome this challenge, a solvation structure of propylene carbonate (PC)‐trifluoromethanesulfonate (Otf)‐H2O is designed and constructed. A K+/Zn2+ hybrid battery is prepared using MnHCF as cathode, zinc metal as anode, KOTf/Zn(OTf)2 as the electrolyte, and PC as the co‐solvent. It is revealed that the addition of PC inhabits the phase transition from MnHCF to ZnHCF, broaden the electrochemical stability window, and inhibits the dendrite growth of zinc metal. Hence, the MnHCF/Zn hybrid co‐solvent battery exhibits a reversible capacity of 118 mAh g−1 and high cycling performance, with a capacity retention of 65.6% after 1000 cycles with condition of 1 A g−1. This work highlights the significance of rationally designing the solvation structure of the electrolyte and promotes the development of high‐energy‐density of aqueous hybrid ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the association between neonatal birthweight (NBW) discordance and preeclampsia (PE) in twin pregnancy. Methods: This was a single‐center retrospective cohort study. Women with two live births in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University from January 2011 to June 2020 were eligible. They were classified into four groups based on the quartiles of NBW discordance in monochorionic (MC) and dichorionic (DC) twin pregnancy. The relationship between NBW discordance and the risk of PE was assessed by logistic regression, subgroup analyses was further analyzed. Results: A total of 1566 women were eligible for the final analysis, there were 445 MC cases and 1121 DC cases. No matter in monochorionic or dichorionic pregnancy, higher NBW discordance quartiles were associated with increased risks of PE. Compared with women in the lowest NBW discordance quartile, women in the highest NBW discordance quartile had approximately 3.6 and 6.0 times risk of PE in monochorionic and dichorionic pregnancy respectively. The association between quartiles of NBW discordance and the risk of PE were higher in dichorionic pregnancy than in monochorionic pregnancy. No matter in MC or DC pregnancy, no significant interaction effects were identified for maternal age, pregnancy body mass index, mode of conception and whether complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: The increased NBW discordance quartile was related to an increased risk of PE. Assessing estimated fetal weight discordance by using ultrasound in clinical practice to predict PE remained to be further researched. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The retrieval–extinction paradigm based on memory reconsolidation can prevent fear memory recurrence more effectively than the extinction paradigm. High-intensity fear memories tend to resist reconsolidation. Novelty–retrieval–extinction can promote the reconsolidation of fear memory lacking neuroplasticity in rodents; however, whether it could effectively promote high-intensity fear memory reconsolidation in humans remains unclear. Using 120 human participants, we implemented the use of the environment (novel vs. familiar) with the help of virtual reality technology. Novelty environment exploration was combined with retrieval–extinction in fear memory of two intensity levels (normal vs. high) to examine whether novelty facilitates the reconsolidation of high-intensity fear memory and prevents recurrence. Skin conductance responses were used to clarify novelty–retrieval–extinction effects at the behavioral level across three experiments. Retrieval–extinction could prevent the reinstatement of normal-intensity fear memory; however, for high-intensity fear memory, only the novelty–retrieval–extinction could prevent recurrence; we further validated that novelty–retrieval–extinction may be effective only when the environment is novel. Although the high-intensity fear memory is higher than normal-intensity in this study, it may be insufficient relative to fear experienced in real-world contexts or by individuals with mental disorders. To some extent, these findings indicate that the novelty–retrieval–extinction paradigm could prevent the recurrence of high-intensity fear memory, and we infer that novelty of environment may play an important role in novelty–retrieval–extinction paradigm. The results of this study have positive implications for the existing retrieval extinction paradigm and the clinical treatment of phobia. • Retrieval-extinction could prevent reinstatement of normal-intensity fear. • Novelty-retrieval-extinction could prevent recurrence of high-intensity fear. • Novelty of environment may play an important role in novelty–retrieval–extinction paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has made great achievements in industrial development and is transforming into a powerful manufacturing country. Meanwhile, the industrial land scale is also expanding. However, whether industrial structure upgrading achieves the purpose of restraining industrial land expansion remains unanswered. By calculating the industrial land structure index (ILSI) and industrial land expansion scale (ILES), this study analyzed their temporal and spatial distribution characteristics at both regional and city levels from 2007 to 2020 in China. Results show that industrial land expansion presents a different trend in the four regions, the ILES in the eastern region is the largest, and the speed of industrial land expansion has declined since 2013, but it has gradually increased since 2016. The ILSI of the eastern and central regions is higher than that of the western and northeastern regions. Furthermore, a spatial Durbin model (SDM) has been established to estimate the spatial effect of industrial structure upgrading on industrial land expansion from 2007 to 2020. Notably, industrial structure upgrading has not slowed industrial land expansion. The eastern and western regions require a greater amount of industrial land while upgrading the industrial structure. The improvement of the infrastructure level and international trade level has promoted industrial land expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSIONS The Songhua River Basin, a vital grain‐producing area in China, faces challenges due to the uneven distribution of water resources and the intensive water demands of agriculture. To enhance agricultural development and effectively manage water scarcity, it is essential to identify the water‐saving potential of major staple crops – corn, wheat, and rice. This study enhances the World Food Studies (WOFOST) model by refining the day of year for the developmental vegetative stage (DVS), thereby improving the representation of phenological stages for spring maize, spring wheat, and rice within the model. This refinement offers a detailed analysis of the potential and rainfed yields.The results from the modified WOFOST model show promising simulation outcomes for the biomass and yield of maize, wheat, and rice, with Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NS) and index of agreement (IoA) values all exceeding 0.7. An analysis of photothermal potential yields (Yp) and rainfed yields (Yr) revealed minimal differences in yields for spring maize and rice across various rainfall frequencies. Specifically, the average photothermal utilization rates (LTs) are 93.57% for maize and 85.25% for rice. In contrast, the rainfed yield for wheat is lower than its photothermal yield, with an LT of 43.66%.These findings suggest that in the Songhua River Basin, maize and rice offer greater potential for water conservation compared to wheat. It is recommended to judiciously reduce irrigation during the growing seasons of spring maize and rice to help alleviate agricultural water use pressures. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we propose a model‐free self‐triggered control approach for linear systems using a hierarchical policy framework. This framework splits the self‐triggered control approach into top and bottom‐level policies. The top‐level policy generates a triggering time interval based on an initial control strategy, while the bottom‐level policy creates a control inputs guided by the top‐level sub‐goal. This division ensures that both strategies have their own independent tasks and optimization goals, facilitating a model‐free iterative design process for self‐triggered control. The present structure integrates with a dual‐Actor Critic algorithm, utilizing two interconnected neural networks to approximate control and trigger policies. It reflects the framework of hierarchical reinforcement learning, wherein top‐level policies guide bottom‐level decision‐making. It fosters the model‐free design of self‐triggered controller, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the learning process. To validate the effectiveness of our proposed method, we conduct a series of numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new noncentrosymmetric strontium borate, P1‐Sr2[B5O8(OH)]2 ⋅ [B(OH)3] ⋅ H2O (1), has been synthesized under the hydrothermal condition. The P1‐Sr2[B5O8(OH)]2 ⋅ [B(OH)3] ⋅ H2O shows a layered B−O network with 9‐ring windows in the ab plane. Sr2+ cations, H3BO3, and H2O molecules are located in the voids of layers and interlayers, respectively. The P1‐Sr2[B5O8(OH)]2 ⋅ [B(OH)3] ⋅ H2O is the first synthetic phase of veatchite, while the other three polymorphs are found in different natural minerals. This strontium borate is a potential deep‐ultraviolet‐transparent nonlinear‐optical (NLO) crystal whose second‐harmonic‐generation (SHG) intensity is 1.7 times that of KH2PO4 (KDP) and is phase‐matchable. The short wavelength cutoff edge of compound 1 is below 190 nm. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the B−O units are responsible for the nonlinear optical property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Cannabis glandular trichomes (GTs) are economically and biotechnologically important structures that have a remarkable morphology and capacity to produce, store, and secrete diverse classes of secondary metabolites. However, our understanding of the developmental changes and the underlying molecular processes involved in cannabis GT development is limited. In this study, we developed Cannabis Glandular Trichome Detection Model (CGTDM), a deep learning‐based model capable of differentiating and quantifying three types of cannabis GTs with a high degree of efficiency and accuracy. By profiling at eight different time points, we captured dynamic changes in gene expression, phenotypes, and metabolic processes associated with GT development. By integrating weighted gene co‐expression network analysis with CGTDM measurements, we established correlations between phenotypic variations in GT traits and the global transcriptome profiles across the developmental gradient. Notably, we identified a module containing methyl jasmonate (MeJA)‐responsive genes that significantly correlated with stalked GT density and cannabinoid content during development, suggesting the existence of a MeJA‐mediated GT formation pathway. Our findings were further supported by the successful promotion of GT development in cannabis through exogenous MeJA treatment. Importantly, we have identified CsMYC4 as a key transcription factor that positively regulates GT formation via MeJA signaling in cannabis. These findings provide novel tools for GT detection and counting, as well as valuable information for understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of GT formation, which has the potential to facilitate the molecular breeding, targeted engineering, informed harvest timing, and manipulation of cannabinoid production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment methods for high-salt wastewater mainly consist of physical methods, chemical methods and biological methods. However, there are some problems, such as slow treatment speed, high investment costs and low treatment efficiency. To address NaCl solutions, in this study, a circulatory flash system was designed based on gas–liquid equilibrium, mass conservation equation and energy conservation equation. A circulatory flash evaporation simulation and a static flash evaporation experiment were conducted on NaCl solutions under various operating conditions to investigate the effects of heating temperature, flash pressure and initial NaCl concentration on the circulatory flash evaporation system. The significance of each factor's influence on the evaporation fraction and energy consumption was examined through static flash experiments. The simulation results demonstrated that increasing the heating temperature, decreasing the flash pressure and having a higher initial NaCl concentration could enhance the treatment capacity of high-salt wastewater. The flow rate of vapor outlets increased with higher heating temperature but decreased as the flash pressure rose. The experimental results demonstrated that flash evaporation pressure was the primary factor influencing both the evaporation fraction and the energy consumption per unit mass of vapor produced. It was observed that with an increase in heating temperature, the flash pressure decreased and there was a corresponding decrease in energy consumption per unit mass of vapor produced. The optimal experimental conditions were achieved at a heating temperature of 99 °C, a flash pressure of 15 kPa, and an initial NaCl concentration of 20%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Tumor stroma composing diverse extracellular matrixes (ECM) and stromal cells shapes a condensed physical barrier, which severely hampers the efficient accessibility of nanomedicine to tumor cells, especially these deep‐seated in the core of tumor. Such barrier significantly compromises the antitumor effects of drug‐loaded nanomedicine, revealing the remarkable importance of disrupting stromal barrier for improved tumor therapy with deep penetration ability. To achieve this goal, various nanoparticle‐based strategies have been developed, including direct depleting ECM components via delivering anti‐fibrotic agents or targeting stromal cells to suppress ECM expression, dynamic regulation of nanoparticles' physicochemical properties (i.e., size, surface charge, and morphology), mechanical force‐driven deep penetration, natural/biomimetic self‐driven nanomedicine, and transcytosis‐inducing nanomedicine. All these nanostrategies were systemically summarized in this review, and the design principles for obtaining admirable nanomedicine were included. With the rapid development of nanotechnology, elaborate design of multifunctional nanomedicine provides new opportunities for overcoming the critical stromal barriers to maximize the therapeutic index of various therapies, such as chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy. Key Scientists: In 2006, Chan et al. demonstrated that the size and shape of nanoparticles were important for biomedical applications, such as intracellular delivery rate and tissue penetration. In addition, the degradation of the structural collagen was confirmed to increase the diffusion of nanoparticles and macromolecules by Davies et al. in 2010. These findings reveal the importance of chemophysical properties of nanoparticles in determining their diffusion and the critical roles of stromal barrier in hindering nanoparticles penetration. On the basis of this, photoswitchable nanoparticles were developed by Kohane et al. for triggered tissue penetration and efficient drug delivery. In 2015, Nie et al. reported the targeted depletion of cancer‐associated fibroblasts by peptide assembly for enhanced antitumor drug delivery. In 2019, Shen et al. proposed the transcytosis strategy to promote the tumor penetration of nanoparticles. Very recently, Luo et al. reported the specific reversing of the biological function of cancer‐associated fibroblasts to suppress the generation of stromal matrix, greatly increasing the drug perfusion in tumor tissue. All these strategies fueled the design and construction of function‐specific nanoparticles for tumor therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoint protein blockade (ICB) has emerged as a powerful immunotherapy approach, but suppressing immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) for noncancerous cells and normal tissues remains challenging. Activatable ICB has been developed with tumor microenvironment highly‐expressed molecules as stimuli, but they still lack precision and efficiency considering the diffusion of stimuli molecules in whole tumor tissue. Here we assemble PD−L1 with a duplex DNA strand, termed as "safety catch", to regulate its accessibility for ICB. The safety catch remains at "on" status for noncancerous cells to prevent ICB binding to PD−L1. Cancer cell membrane protein c‐Met acts as a trigger protein to react with safety catch, which selectively exposes its hybridization region for ICB reagent. The ICB reagent is a retractable DNA nanostring with repeating hairpin‐structural units, whose contraction drives PD−L1 clustering with endocytosis‐guided degradation. The safety catch, even remained at "safety on" status, is removed from the cell membrane via a DNA strand displacement reaction to minimize its influence on noncancerous cells. This strategy demonstrates selective and potent immunotherapeutic capabilities only against cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, and shows effective suppression of irAEs in normal tissues, therefore would become a promising approach for precise immunotherapy in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoint protein blockade (ICB) has emerged as a powerful immunotherapy approach, but suppressing immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) for noncancerous cells and normal tissues remains challenging. Activatable ICB has been developed with tumor microenvironment highly‐expressed molecules as stimuli, but they still lack precision and efficiency considering the diffusion of stimuli molecules in whole tumor tissue. Here we assemble PD−L1 with a duplex DNA strand, termed as "safety catch", to regulate its accessibility for ICB. The safety catch remains at "on" status for noncancerous cells to prevent ICB binding to PD−L1. Cancer cell membrane protein c‐Met acts as a trigger protein to react with safety catch, which selectively exposes its hybridization region for ICB reagent. The ICB reagent is a retractable DNA nanostring with repeating hairpin‐structural units, whose contraction drives PD−L1 clustering with endocytosis‐guided degradation. The safety catch, even remained at "safety on" status, is removed from the cell membrane via a DNA strand displacement reaction to minimize its influence on noncancerous cells. This strategy demonstrates selective and potent immunotherapeutic capabilities only against cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, and shows effective suppression of irAEs in normal tissues, therefore would become a promising approach for precise immunotherapy in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the changes in the fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting triglyceride (FTG), and fasting total cholesterol (FTC) levels during neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer (BC) and the association with pathologic complete response (pCR). Methods: Relevant data from Sichuan Cancer Hospital from June 2019 to June 2022 were collected and analyzed, and FBG, FTG, and FTC were divided into baseline, change, and process groups, which were grouped to analyze the changes after receiving NAT and the association with pCR. Results: In the estrogen receptor (ER)-negative subgroup, patients with low levels of FTG in the process group were more likely to achieve pCR compared to high levels, and in the progesterone receptor (PR)-negative subgroup, patients with lower FTG compared to higher FTG after receiving NAT was more likely to achieve pCR. Conclusions: Patients with HER2-positive BC undergoing NAT develop varying degrees of abnormalities (elevated or decreased) in FBG, FTG, and FTC; moreover, the status of FTG levels during NAT may predict pCR in ER-negative or PR-negative HER2-positive BC.Early monitoring and timely intervention for FTG abnormalities may enable this subset of patients to increase the likelihood of obtaining a pCR along with management of abnormal markers. Highlights: • Neoadjuvant therapy causes various fasting glucose, fasting triglyceride, and fasting cholesterol abnormalities. • Fasting triglycerides may predict the pathologic complete response in some patients. • Fasting blood glucose and fasting total cholesterol do not predict the pathologic complete response. • Some patients may derive both short-term (achievement of pathologic complete response) and long-term (reduction of cardiovascular disease risk) benefits in conjunction with lipid management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Advanced unresectable gastric cancer (GC) patients were previously treated with chemotherapy alone as the first-line therapy. However, with the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) 2022 approval of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor combined with chemotherapy as the first-li ne treatment for advanced unresectable GC, patients have significantly benefited. However, the significant costs and potential adverse effects necessitate precise patient selection. In recent years, the advent of deep learning (DL) has revolutionized the medical field, particularly in predicting tumor treatment responses. Our study utilizes DL to analyze pathological images, aiming to predict first-line PD-1 combined chemotherapy response for advanced-stage GC. Methods: In this multicenter retrospective analysis, Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E)-stained slides were collected from advanced GC patients across four medical centers. Treatment response was evaluated according to iRECIST 1.1 criteria after a comprehensive first-line PD-1 immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy. Three DL models were employed in an ensemble approach to create the immune checkpoint inhibitors Response Score (ICIsRS) as a novel histopathological biomarker derived from Whole Slide Images (WSIs). Results: Analyzing 148,181 patches from 313 WSIs of 264 advanced GC patients, the ensemble model exhibited superior predictive accuracy, leading to the creation of ICIsNet. The model demonstrated robust performance across four testing datasets, achieving AUC values of 0.92, 0.95, 0.96, and 1 respectively. The boxplot, constructed from the ICIsRS, reveals statistically significant disparities between the well response and poor response (all p-values < = 0.001). Conclusion: ICIsRS, a DL-derived biomarker from WSIs, effectively predicts advanced GC patients' responses to PD-1 combined chemotherapy, offering a novel approach for personalized treatment planning and allowing for more individualized and potentially effective treatment strategies based on a patient's unique response situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental autonomy support and children's self-concept, and to explore the role of basic psychological needs in Chinese primary schools from the perspective of self-determination theory. A total of 3109 children aged 6–13 years participated in eastern China. The results indicated a significant correlation between parental autonomy support, basic psychological needs, and children's self-concept. Basic psychological needs play a partial mediating role between parental autonomy support and children's self-concept. Specifically, autonomy support varied by need types whereas parental control steadily played a negative predictive role. Parental autonomy support and control predicted children's self-concept differently through three basic psychological needs, with differences across gender and grades. Boys and elder children had stronger relationships to competence needs, while girls were sensitive to autonomy needs; in addition, both of them were sensitive to relatedness needs. The mediating effects model and cross-group analyses revealed the complex predictive role of parental autonomy support on children's self-concept in China, providing an effective entry point for cross-cultural research and family education to improve children's psychological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric motility disorder is an increasingly common problem among people with diabetes. Neurotransmitters have been recognized as critical regulators in the process of gastric motility. Previous study has shown that herb pair huanglian‐banxia (HL‐BX) can improve gastric motility, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study was to further investigate the role of HL‐BX in modulating brain‐gut neurotransmission to promote gastric motility in diabetic rats, and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods: The diabetic rats were divided into five groups. Gastric emptying rate, intestinal propulsion rate, body weight, and average food intake were determined. Substance P (SP), 5‐ hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), and glucagon‐like peptide −1 (GLP‐1) in the serum were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) in the brain were analyzed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. Protein expression of the tissues in the stomach and brain was determined by Western blot. Key Results: HL‐BX reduced average food intake significantly, increased body weight, and improved gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate. HL‐BX administration caused a significant increase in SP, GLP‐1, and 5‐HT, but a significant decrease in DA and NE. Interestingly, HL‐BX regulated simultaneously the different expressions of MAPK and its downstream p70S6K/S6 signaling pathway in the stomach and brain. Moreover, berberine exhibited a similar effect to HL‐BX. Conclusions: These results indicated that HL‐BX promoted gastric motility by regulating brain‐gut neurotransmitters through the MAPK signaling pathway. HL‐BX and MAPK provide a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of gastroparesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) platform with sensing and sampling systems was developed for three-dimensional (3D) measurements of air pollutant concentrations. The sensing system of this platform contains multiple microsensors and Internet of Things devices for determining the 3D distributions of four critical air pollutants and two meteorological parameters in real time. Moreover, the sampling system comprises remote-controllable gas sampling kits, each of which contains a 1 L Tedlar bag for the 3D measurement of volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations according to the Toxic Organics-15 (TO-15) method of the US Environmental Protection Agency. The performance of the developed UAV platform was verified in experiments where it was used to detect air pollutant emissions from a large industrial zone in Taiwan that included a traditional industrial park, a precision machinery park, and a municipal waste incineration plant. Three locations were selected as field measurement sites according to the prevailing local wind direction. The vertical distributions of four critical air pollutants, the ambient temperature, and the relative humidity were determined from data gathered at the aforementioned sites in March and May 2023. A total of 56 and 72 chemical species were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed in these two periods, respectively. The experimental results verified the feasibility of using the proposed UAV platform for accurately evaluating the air pollutant concentration distribution and transport in an industrial zone. The sampling system can be used as the sampling part of the TO-15 method, thus extending the method to measure the 3D distribution of VOCs in an area. The UAV platform can serve as a useful tool in the management of and decision-making process for air pollution in industrial areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2460 MPa ultimate tensile strength (UTS) has been achieved in this experimental steel, which was processed by a conventional hot stamping process with water quenching to room temperature. Additionally, comparing the microstructure evolution and strengthening mechanism before and after tempering, the microstructure has changed from fresh martensite transformed into tempered martensite with acicular carbides, and the fracture mode has also changed from brittle fracture transformed into ductile fracture mainly. Meanwhile, the main strengthening mechanism has changed from dislocation strengthening to precipitation and dislocation strengthening. Overall, the tempering process reduces dislocation density and produces acicular carbides, which decrease UTS. However, the tempering process reduces the quenching residual stress and changes the morphology of twin martensite, resulting in an increase in ductility. Meanwhile, it enhances the effect of carbide pinning dislocations, significantly enhances precipitation strengthening, and improves yield strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols using heterogeneous catalysts is a promising aqueous, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly approach, especially for coupling different alcohols to prolong the carbon chain via co-oxidation. Precisely regulating critical steps to tailor electrode materials and electrolyte composition is key to selectively coupling alcohols for targeted synthesis. However, selectively coupling different alcohols remains challenging due to the lack of effective catalyst and electrolyte design promoting specific pathways. Herein, we demonstrate a paired electrolysis strategy for combining anodic oxidative coupling of ethanol (EtOH) and benzyl alcohol (PhCH2OH) to synthesize cinnamaldehyde (CAL) and cathodic ammonia production. The strategies involve: (i) utilizing the salt-out effect to balance selective oxidation and coupling rates; (ii) developing platinum-loaded nickel hydroxide electrocatalysts to accelerate intermediate coupling kinetics; (iii) introducing thermodynamically favorable nitrate reduction at the cathode to improve coupling selectivity by avoiding hydrogenation of products while generating valuable ammonia instead of hydrogen. We achieved 85% coupling selectivity and 278 μmol/h NH3 productive rate at 100 mA/cm2 with a low energy input (∼1.63 V). The membrane-free, low energy, scalable approach with a wide substrate scope highlights promising applications of this methodology. This work advances heterogeneous electrocatalytic synthesis through rational design principles that integrate anodic oxidative coupling with cathodic nitrate reduction reactions, having synergistic effects on efficiency and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to examine the association between audiobook use and the mental health of older adults. Methods: Data were from the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey(CLASS 2018). The study utilized multiple linear regression to examine the association between audiobook use and the mental health of older adults. Robustness and heterogeneity analyses were conducted to validate the findings. Mediation analysis was employed to assess the mediating role of social adaptation in the relationship between audiobook use and mental health. Results: The study revealed a significant positive association between audiobook use and the mental health of older adults. Further mediation analysis indicated that social adaptation played a mediating role in this relationship. Conclusion: These findings underscore the potential of audiobooks as a valuable tool for promoting the mental health of older individuals. The research emphasizes the significance of integrating audiobook interventions into strategies aimed at enhancing the mental health of the older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminosilicate solid waste, primarily comprising red mud, coal gangue, fly ash, and tailings, is characterized by high annual production, low comprehensive utilization rate, and significant environmental damage. Currently, there is an urgent need for effective methods to manage and valorize aluminosilicate solid wastes. Thermodynamic investigations enable the assessment of phase transition behaviors, process conditions (such as temperature and pressure), and the direction and feasibility of reactions. Moreover, thermodynamics can predict the composition of resulting products and reveal the reaction mechanisms. All the aforementioned issues are instrumental in refining solid waste treatment processes and achieving efficient use of resources. Therefore, to promote the application of aluminosilicate solid waste, this paper describes the predictive and guiding functions of thermodynamics in the utilization of solid waste, focusing on three aspects: composition design, ceramization, and process optimization. Additionally, current challenges and future trends are discussed herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time–frequency-domain reflection method (TFDR) based on the Wigner–Ville distribution (WVD) is confronted with the problem of cross-term interference in existing methods to locate power cable defects. Therefore, a new method of locating cable defects based on Gaussian narrow-band envelope signals and the S-transform is proposed in this paper. In this method, the wide-band cable transfer function is obtained by adjusting the parameters of the Gaussian narrow-band envelope signal because the Gaussian narrow-band envelope signal has a good frequency-adjusting ability and time–frequency characteristics. Then, the time–frequency of the cable signal is transformed by the generalized S-transform, and the time delay of the modular matrix of the transformation matrix is estimated by the generalized cross-correlation algorithm to complete the accurate detection of the cable defect's location. Compared with traditional methods, the proposed method can adaptively adjust the analysis time width according to the frequency change and provide intuitive time–frequency characteristics without cross-term interference. Finally, the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method are verified in MATLAB 2017_a by simulating a 40 m/10 kV medium-voltage power cable and submarine cable with a length of 32 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rotator cuff tears have been repaired using the transosseous method for decades. The direct suture (DS) technique has been widely used for rotator cuff tears; however, the retear rate is relatively high. Suture anchors are now used frequently for rotator cuff repair (RCR) in accordance with recent developments in materials. However, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) may still cause complications such as the formation of cysts and osteophytes. Some studies have developed the inlay suture (IS) technique for RCR. Purpose/Hypothesis: To compare how 3 different surgical techniques—namely, the DS, IS, and PEEK suture anchor (PSA)—affect tendon-bone healing after RCR. We hypothesized that the IS technique would lead to better tendon-to-bone healing and that the repaired structure would be similar to the normal enthesis. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Acute infraspinatus tendon tears were created in 36 six-month-old male rabbits, which were divided into 3 groups based on the technique used for RCR: DS, IS, and PSA. Animals were euthanized at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively and underwent a histological assessment and imaging. The expression of related proteins was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Mechanical properties were evaluated by biomechanical testing. Results: At 12 weeks, regeneration of the enthesis was observed in the 3 groups. However, the DS group showed a lower type I collagen content than the PSA and IS groups, which was similar to the results for scleraxis. The DS group displayed a significantly inferior type II collagen expression and proteoglycan deposition after safranin O/fast green and sirius red staining. With regard to runt-related transcription factor 2 and alkaline phosphatase, the IS group showed upregulated expression levels compared with the other 2 groups. Conclusion: Compared with the DS technique, the PSA and IS techniques contributed to the improved maturation of tendons and fibrocartilage regeneration, while the IS technique particularly promoted osteogenesis at the enthesis. Clinical Relevance: The IS and PSA techniques may be more beneficial for tendon-bone healing after RCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushroom is a sustainable food option and a meat substitute which yet needs some strategies to enhance sensory attributes. Especially, their taste characteristics (nonvolatile taste components: soluble sugars, organic acids, free amino acids, and 5'-nucleotides) can vary significantly due to operating conditions and parameters during different stages from farm to fork. This review is aimed to provide an overall view of the determined effects of operating conditions and parameters for mushroom taste attributes, suggestions for future research from lacking variables, and some recommendations for improving the taste perception of mushrooms. Taste compounds of mushrooms alter differently based on cultivation (species, cultivation or maturity stage, substrate composition, part, grade, mycelium strain), cooking (cooking method, time, temperature), preservation, and post-harvest storage conditions (drying parameters, pretreatment, preservation method, gamma irradiation, packaging, storage time and temperature). The dominant tastes of mushrooms given by sweet and umami taste active substances can be enhanced significantly with proper control of parameters during cultivation, cooking, drying, or post-harvest storage. The parameters and variations organized in this review can be used to develop a mathematical model for obtaining optimum taste attributes of mushrooms and mushroom-based meat alternatives and to discover the variables of mushroom species not studied yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal oxide nanoparticle (NP) supports of both good conductivity and stability have the potential to enhance both the reaction activity and stability of the loaded electrocatalysts. In this paper, a facile two-step approach to disperse Pt nanoparticles on the surface of an IrO2 NP support (Pt/IrO2) was developed. Physical characterization by x-ray diffraction spectroscopy and transmission/scanning electron microscopy suggests a good dispersion of the Pt NPs. The temperature effect (from 293 to 353 K) of oxygen reduction reaction on Pt/IrO2 was studied by using a rotating ring disk electrode The results show that although the kinetic current density on Pt/IrO2 is close to that on commercial Pt/C at room temperature, the apparent activation energy (Ea,app) in the former case is much lower, suggesting a much higher activity at elevated temperatures. The superiority in Ea,app is attributed to the electron interaction between Pt and the IrO2 support, as supported by the change of surface chemical state given by x-ray photo-electron spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active topological phase transitions widely occur in active matters and biological systems, such as developing embryos. Since the discovery of the intriguing bulk-boundary effects of topological insulators in Hermitian and non-Hermitian systems, various electric, optical, acoustic, and mechanical topological metamaterials with efficient energy transmission and robust defect-immunization have been designed. To date, however, it remains a challenge to precisely and fast manipulate the topological phase transitions in elastic topological insulators. In this paper, on the basis of theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, we propose an active strategy to achieve this aim through a combination of pneumatic actuation and liquid metals. The proposed method can precisely tune the connecting stiffness and vertex mass in the tight Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model. Thus, we realize the effective and fast control of topological phase transitions and elastic wave bandgap switching. We also uncover the active spinning bulk-boundary effects and higher-order topological states in the elastic topological insulators, demonstrating the high effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method. In addition, the differences between the 1D edge and 0D corner higher-order states are specified by information entropy theory. This work not only gains insights into the active manipulation of topological phase transitions but also inspires novel strategies to design active topological materials through untethered methods, e.g., magnetism or biological cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

a new refractory microstructure with thermal stress buffering gap around aggregates was designed. PVA (Polyvinyl alcohol)-coated MgAl 2 O 4 (MA) aggregates were prepared by spray coating technology. The obtained PVA coated MA aggregates were adopted in MgAl 2 O 4 –C (MA-C) refractories to research its effect on properties of refractories. The results showed that a uniform PVA layer could be coated on the surface of MA aggregates by spraying coating technique. In the heat treatment process, the PVA around MA aggregates was decomposed and leaves gap between aggregates and matrix, which could offset the aggregates expansion. Due to the reducing thermal expansion coefficient, the thermal shock resistance of refractories was significantly improved. The COMR after thermal shock and the residual strength retention rate of the sample with stress buffering gap were 6.02 MPa and 77.87 %, while that of the sample without stress buffering gap were 5.26 MPa and of 60.32 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rate at which the anticancer drug paclitaxel is cleared from the body markedly impacts its dosage and chemotherapy effectiveness. Importantly, paclitaxel clearance varies among individuals, primarily because of genetic polymorphisms. This metabolic variability arises from a nonlinear process that is influenced by multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Conventional bioinformatics methods struggle to accurately analyze this complex process and, currently, there is no established efficient algorithm for investigating SNP interactions. Methods: We developed a novel machine‐learning approach called GEP‐CSIs data mining algorithm. This algorithm, an advanced version of GEP, uses linear algebra computations to handle discrete variables. The GEP‐CSI algorithm calculates a fitness function score based on paclitaxel clearance data and genetic polymorphisms in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer. The data were divided into a primary set and a validation set for the analysis. Results: We identified and validated 1184 three‐SNP combinations that had the highest fitness function values. Notably, SERPINA1, ATF3 and EGF were found to indirectly influence paclitaxel clearance by coordinating the activity of genes previously reported to be significant in paclitaxel clearance. Particularly intriguing was the discovery of a combination of three SNPs in genes FLT1, EGF and MUC16. These SNPs‐related proteins were confirmed to interact with each other in the protein–protein interaction network, which formed the basis for further exploration of their functional roles and mechanisms. Conclusion: We successfully developed an effective deep‐learning algorithm tailored for the nuanced mining of SNP interactions, leveraging data on paclitaxel clearance and individual genetic polymorphisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibration behaviors of elastically supported functionally graded (FG) sandwich beams resting on elastic foundations under moving loads are investigated. The transformed-section method is first applied to establish the bending vibration equations of FG sandwich beams, then the Chebyshev collocation method is used to study free and forced vibrations. Two types of sandwich beams with FG faces-isotropic core and isotropic faces-FG core are considered. The material properties of FG materials are assumed to vary across the beam thickness according to a simple power function. Regarding the free vibration analysis, bending vibration frequencies are calculated numerically by forming a matrix eigenvalue equation. As for the forced vibration analysis, the backward differentiation formula method is employed to solve the time-dependent ordinary differential equations to obtain the dynamic deformations of the beam. To ensure the accuracy of the proposed model, some calculated results are compared with those in the published literature. Parametric studies are then performed to demonstrate the effects of material gradient indexes, stack types, layer thickness ratios, slenderness ratios, excitation frequency and speed of moving loads, and foundation and support stiffness parameters on the dynamic characteristics of FG sandwich beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]