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In this paper, we define the evolute and focal surface of a spacelike framed curve with lightlike components in Minkowski 3-space. It is a generalization of the previous results of regular spacelike curves, since singularities are allowed in the original spacelike curves studied by spacelike framed curves with lightlike components. Meanwhile, we show a new geometric invariant to characterise singularities of the focal surface. Then, the classification theorem and recognition theorem for the singularities of the focal surface in generic are also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer has the second highest mortality rate of all cancers and occurs mainly in women. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics features and histological grade of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast and to evaluate its diagnostic efficacy. METHODS: The two conventional MRI quantitative indicators, i.e. the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the initial enhancement rate, were collected from 112 patients with breast cancer. The breast cancer lesions were manually segmented in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and ADC images, the differences in radiomics features between Grades I, II and III IDCs were compared and the diagnostic efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: The ADC values (0.77 ± 0.22 vs 0.91 ± 0.22 vs 0.92 ± 0.20, F = 4.204, p < 0.01), as well as the B_sum_variance (188.51 ± 67.803 vs 265.37 ± 77.86 vs 263.74 ± 82.58, F = 6.040, p < 0.01), L_energy (0.03 ± 0.02 vs 0.13 ± 0.11 vs 0.12 ± 0.14, F = 7.118, p < 0.01) and L_sum_average (0.78 ± 0.32 vs 16.34 ± 4.23 vs 015.45 ± 3.74, F = 21.860, p < 0.001) values of patients with Grade III IDC were significantly lower than those of patients with Grades I and II IDC. The B_uniform (0.15 ± 0.12 vs 0.11 ± 0.04 vs 0.12 ± 0.03, F = 3.797, p < 0.01) and L_SRE (0.85 ± 0.07 vs 0.78 ± 0.03 vs 0.79 ± 0.32, F = 3.024, p < 0.01) values of patients with Grade III IDC were significantly higher than those of patients with Grades I and II IDC. All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The ADC radiomics signature model had a higher area-under-the-curve value in identifying different grades of IDC than the ADC value model and the DCE radiomics signature model (0.869 vs 0.711 vs 0.682). The accuracy (0.812 vs 0.647 vs 0.710), specificity (0.731 vs 0.435 vs 0.342), positive predictive value (0.815 vs 0.663 vs 0.669) and negative predictive value (0.753 vs 0.570 vs 0.718) of the ADC radiomics signature model were all significantly better than the ADC value model and the DCE radiomics signature model. CONCLUSION: ADC values and breast MRI radiomics signatures are significant in identifying the histological grades of IDC, with the ADC radiomics signatures having greater value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ene‐reductase (ERED)‐catalyzed asymmetric reduction of α,β‐unsaturated ketones is an attractive method in organic synthesis. Through the discovery and further structure‐guided protein engineering of BsER, an ERED from Bacillus subtilis, the selective bio‐reduction of the well‐known building blocks Hajos‐Parrish ketone (HPK, 1 a) and Wieland‐Miescher ketone (WMK, 1 b) was achieved in this study. The optically pure (R)‐HPK ((R)‐1 a) and (R)‐WMK ((R)‐1 b) with corresponding >99% and 98% enantiomeric excess (ee) values were obtained by kinetic resolution of the racemic substrates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of ERED mediated kinetic resolution of rac‐HPK and rac‐WMK. In addition, the reduction products cis‐7a‐methylhexahydro‐1H‐indene‐1,5(4H)‐dione (cis‐2 a) and cis‐8a‐methylhexahydronaphtha‐ lene‐1,6(2H,5H)‐dione (cis‐2 b) with high diastereomeric ratios (dr) were also obtained. We also developed four routes of biocatalytic cascade reduction involving BsER and ketoreductases (KREDs). Using optimized ERED‐KRED and KRED‐ERED cascades, (S)‐HPK ((S)‐1 a) and (S)‐WMK ((S)‐1 b) could be reduced stepwise, yielding the bioactive products all with >91% purity. This study presents a biocatalytic strategy for the kinetic resolution and cascade reduction of HPK and WMK (1 a and 1 b). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Currently, endometrial adenocarcinoma lacks an effective prognostic indicator. This study was to develop and validate a gene biomarker and a nomogram to predict the survival of endometrial adenocarcinoma, explore potential mechanisms and select sensitive drugs. Methods: 425 endometrial adenocarcinoma cases with RNA sequencing data from TCGA were used to identify the most immune-related module by WGCNA. As an external test set, 103 cases from GSE17025 were used. Immune-related genes were downloaded from Innate DB. The three sets of data were used to identify the prognostic genes. Based on 397 cases with complete clinical data from TCGA, randomly divided into the training set (n = 199) and test set (n = 198), we identified CXCR3 as the prognostic gene biomarker. Age, grade, FIGO stage, and risk were used to develop and validate a predictive nomogram. AUC, C-index, calibration curve and K–M estimate evaluated the model's predictive performance. KEGG enrichment analysis, immune functions, TMB, the effectiveness of immunotherapy, and drug sensitivity between the high-risk and low-risk groups. Results: CXCR3 was identified as a prognostic biomarker. We calculated the risk score and divided the cases into the high-risk and low-risk groups by the median value of the risk score. The OS of the high-risk group was better than the low-risk group. The risk was the prognostic indicator independent of age, grade, and FIGO stage. We constructed the nomogram including age, grade, FIGO stage, and risk to predict the prognosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma. The top five KEGG pathways enriched by the DEGs between the high- and low-risk groups were viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptors, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, chemokine signaling pathway, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and cell adhesion molecules. We analyzed the difference in immune cells and found that CD8+ T cells, activated CD4+ T cells, T helper cells, monocytes, and M1 macrophages were infiltrated more in the low-risk group. However, M0 macrophages and activated dendritic cells were more in the high-risk group. The immune function including APC coinhibition, APC costimulation, CCR, checkpoint, cytolytic activity, HLA, inflammation-promoting, MHC-I, parainflammation, T cell coinhibition, T cell costimulation, type I-IFN-response, and type II-IFN-response were better in the low-risk group. TMB and TIDE scores were both better in the low-risk group. By 'the pRRophetic' package, we found 56 sensitive drugs for different risk groups. Conclusion: We identified CXCR3 as the prognostic biomarker. We also developed and validated a predictive nomogram model combining CXCR3, age, histological grade, and FIGO stage for endometrial adenocarcinoma, which could help explore the precise treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To study the development process of the human retina, we analyzed the development track of main cell types and transitional cell populations, identifying the retinal organoid cell differentiation-related genes (RDRGs). Methods. Single-cell RNA sequencing data (scRNA-Seq) of human retinal organoids were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database in this study. Data were processed with quality analysis and analysis of variance. Principal component analysis and t -distributed stochastic neighbor embedding were used to conduct dimension reduction analysis and type annotation for the screened data. Marker genes and RDRGs were identified by differential analysis. Cell differentiation characteristics were determined by trajectory analysis. Enrichment pathways were analyzed by Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and functional modules were obtained by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Results. iPSCs were mainly located at the root of differentiation trajectory, while neurons and astrocytes were distributed in different branches, respectively. Meanwhile, 220 RDRGs were obtained. They were involved in the biological functions related to vision and visual development, as well as significantly enriched in signaling pathways associated with retinal vascular development and retinal neuroregulation. Protein-protein interaction network construction and functional subnetwork analysis were conducted on RDRGs, and two functional submodules were obtained. The enrichment analysis presented that the two submodules played a vital role in retinal development, visual perception, and cell respiration. Conclusions. This study identified RDRGs and revealed the biological functions involved in these genes, which are expected to provide evidence for researching retinal development and diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Watercore is a physiological disorder which often occurs on the pear fruit and the excessive accumulation of sorbitol in fruit intercellular space is considered to be an important cause of watercore. Our previous studies found that the metabolic disorder of sugars may lead to hypoxia stress and disturb respiration, resulting in aggravated fruit rot and the formation of bitter substances. However, the further changes of respiration and the fruit response mechanism are not well understood. A comprehensive transcriptome analysis of 'Akibae' pear watercore fruit was performed in this study. The transcriptome results revealed the hypoxia stress significantly induced the expression of several key enzymes in the TCA cycle and may lead to the accumulation of succinic acid in watercore fruit. The glycolytic pathway was also significantly enhanced in watercore fruit. Moreover, the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) synthesis related genes, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) genes and polyamine oxidase (PAO) genes, which associated with the GABA shunt and the polyamine degradation pathway were significantly upregulated. In addition, the PpGAD1 transcript level increased significantly along with the increase of GAD activity and GABA content in the watercore fruit. Above all, these findings suggested that the hypoxic response was marked by a significant increase of the hypoxia-inducible metabolites succinic acid and GABA and that PpGAD1 may play a key role in response to watercore by controlling the GABA synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trochoidal (TR) milling is a popular means for slotting operation. Attributing to its unique circular-shaped path pattern, TR milling avoids the full tool-workpiece engagement, which helps reduce the cutting heat accumulation and hence slow down the tool wear. While traditionally TR milling is only used for machining 2.5D cavities, it has now been extended to machining genuine 3D curved cavities under the realm of five-axis machining. However, since for a typical five-axis machine tool the rotary axes have a much larger moment of inertia than the three linear axes, to reduce both the total machining time and the consumed electric energy (for driving the machine tool), it is desirable to minimize the use of the two rotary axes (particularly the one with the larger moment of inertia) when planning a TR tool path for a given 3D cavity. Nevertheless, due to the newness of five-axis TR machining, there has no published reports on this subject. In this paper, we present a five-axis TR tool path planning algorithm for machining an arbitrary 3D curved cavity, which will consider the kinematical characteristics of the five-axis machine tool and try to minimize the use of the rotary axis with the largest moment of inertia, while tending to all the required constraints such as the threshold on the cutting force. Both computer simulation and physical cutting experiments of the proposed method have been conducted, and the results give a preliminary confirmation on the feasibility and advantages of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin‐based perovskites show great potential in photovoltaic applications, and the development of the corresponding solar cells (PSCs) has made exciting progress during the past few years. However, owing to the high Lewis acidity and easy oxidation of Sn2+, Sn‐based perovskite films suffer from fast crystallization and easy formation of vacancy defects with low activation energy during the solution film‐forming process, resulting in poor film quality and inferior device performance. Therefore, an in‐depth understanding and rational control of film‐forming dynamics of Sn‐based perovskites is essential to improve the photovoltaic performance of their PSCs. In this review, the state‐of‐the‐art developments in crystallization dynamics control for Sn‐based perovskites and their impact on the photovoltaic performance of PSCs are systematically summarized. The review begins with the introduction of fundamentals and key difficulties for the control of the crystallization process of Sn‐based perovskites. Then, the advanced strategies that focus on regulating the crystallization process of Sn‐based perovskite films are comprehensively reviewed, including solvent engineering, additive engineering, cation engineering, and film‐forming technique engineering. Finally, future perspectives and research directions, regarding the smart control of crystallization dynamics of Sn‐based perovskite film, are discussed towards high‐performance and stable Sn‐based PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine whether hysteroscopy (HSC) increases the risk of intraperitoneal dissemination in endometrial cancer patients. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of multiple databases. Quality assessments of eligible studies were performed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa and Jadad scales. Positive peritoneal cytology (PPC) as the outcome of interest was compared between endometrial cancer patients with and without HSC. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated as a measure of effects. Results: Three case–control studies and eight retrospective cohort studies included 3364 patients, of whom 1116 underwent preoperative HSC, which resulted in a significantly higher PPC rate (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.31–2.54; p = 0.0004). I2 was 11%, and the heterogeneity was acceptable. The difference between the groups with stages I–II was statistically insignificant (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 0.75–2.99; p = 0.25). When liquid was used as the uterine distension medium during HSC and the intrauterine pressure was controlled under 80 mmHg, the difference between the two groups was also insignificant (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.50–2.79; p = 0.71). However, when the intrauterine pressure exceeded 80 mmHg, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.28–3.73; p = 0.004). Conclusion: This meta‐analysis indicates that preoperative HSC in patients with endometrial cancer may increase the risk of intraperitoneal dissemination of malignant cells, which may be associated with intrauterine pressure >80 mmHg but not with stages I–II. There is no reason to avoid HSC for the diagnosis of endometrial cancer, especially in early stages, but intrauterine pressure should possibly be controlled below 80 mmHg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a continuous-time setting, the existing notion of equilibrium strategies for timeinconsistent problems in the literature, referred to as weak equilibrium, is not fully aligned with the standard definition of equilibrium in game theory in that the agent may be willing to deviate from a given weak equilibrium strategy. To address this issue, [Y.-J. Huang and Z. Zhou, Math. Oper. Res., 46 (2021), pp. 428-451] propose the notion of strong equilibrium for an infinite-time stochastic control problem in which an agent can control the generator of a time-homogeneous, continuous-time, finite-state Markov chain at each time. We study weak and strong equilibria in a general diffusion framework, provide necessary conditions for a strategy to be a strong equilibrium, and prove that strong equilibrium strategies do not exist for three investment and consumption problems. Finally, we propose a new notion of equilibrium strategies, referred to as regular equilibrium, show that it implies weak equilibrium, provide a sufficient condition under which a weak equilibrium strategy becomes a regular equilibrium, and show that this condition holds for many time-inconsistent problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimal tillage methods mainly include subsoiling technology and topsoil tillage technology. Based on the analysis of domestic technical modes and application status of minimal tillage, this paper reviewed the working principle, technical characteristics and research status of subsoiling and topsoil tillage in two key parts. Current technical difficulties were analyzed and generalized, combined with the research progress and application requirements of minimal tillage in China, and future research emphasis and development direction were provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous development of neural network theory itself and related theories and related technologies, neural network is one of the main branches of intelligent control technology. Artificial neural network is a nonlinear and adaptive information processing composed of a large number of processing units. In this paper, an adaptive fuzzy neural network (FNN) is used to construct an intelligent system architecture for English learning, and activation function is used to apply the knowledge of computer science and linguistics to English learning. The network neural structure diagram is presented. English machine learning model framework is established based on recursive neural network. On this basis, feature vector extraction and normalization algorithm are used to meet the needs of neural network model. After acquiring the feature vectors of users' learning styles, the clustering algorithm is used to effectively form a variety of learning styles. The validity of the English learning model was verified by designing the functional flow based on tests. Accurate mastery can activate the corresponding brain regions not only to improve the efficiency of learning, but also to better facilitate language learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A critical task in multi-pass process planning for the five-axis machining of complicated parts is to determine the intermediate surfaces for rough machining. Traditionally, the intermediate surfaces are simply parallel Z-level planes, and the machining is of the simplest three-axis type. However, for complicated parts, this so-called Z-level method lacks flexibility and causes isolated islands on layers, which require extraneous air movements by the tool. Moreover, the in-process workpiece machined according to the Z-level method suffers from the staircase effect, which often induces unstable dynamic problems on the tool-spindle system. In this paper, we propose a new method of planning a five-axis machining process for a complicated freeform solid part. In our method, the intermediate surfaces are no longer planar but curved, and they are intrinsically influenced by the convex hull of the part. The powerful algebraic tool of geodesic distance field is utilized to generate the desired intermediate surfaces, for which collision-free five-axis machining tool paths are then planned. In addition, we propose a novel idea of alternating between the roughing and finishing machining operations, which helps improve the stiffness of the in-process workpiece. Ample physical cutting experiments are performed, and the experimental results convincingly confirm the advantages of our method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A critical task in multi-pass process planning for the five-axis machining of complicated parts is to determine the intermediate surfaces for rough machining. Traditionally, the intermediate surfaces are simply parallel Z-level planes, and the machining is of the simplest three-axis type. However, for complicated parts, this so-called Z-level method lacks flexibility and causes isolated islands on layers, which require extraneous air movements by the tool. Moreover, the in-process workpiece machined according to the Z-level method suffers from the staircase effect, which often induces unstable dynamic problems on the tool-spindle system. In this paper, we propose a new method of planning a five-axis machining process for a complicated freeform solid part. In our method, the intermediate surfaces are no longer planar but curved, and they are intrinsically influenced by the convex hull of the part. The powerful algebraic tool of geodesic distance field is utilized to generate the desired intermediate surfaces, for which collision-free five-axis machining tool paths are then planned. In addition, we propose a novel idea of alternating between the roughing and finishing machining operations, which helps improve the stiffness of the in-process workpiece. Ample physical cutting experiments are performed, and the experimental results convincingly confirm the advantages of our method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short cells are specialised epidermal cells of grasses and they include cork and silica cells. The time of occurrence, distribution, and number of short cells differ among plants or tissues of the same plant. The present study aimed to assess the occurrence, structure, and function of short cells in the epidermis of maize (Zea mays L.) leaves from cultivar "Zhengdan 958″ under field and potted experimental conditions. Results showed that short cells occurred synchronously in multiple maize leaves. Few short cells occurred at the base of the fifth leaf; most were found at the middle and base of the sixth leaf, and throughout the seventh leaf. The accumulation of K+ and H 2 O 2 in cork cells changed periodically with stomatal opening and closure, which was consistent with the accumulation of K+ and H 2 O 2 in subsidiary cells; whereas no accumulation was observed in silica cells. Moreover, photosynthetic parameters and stomatal aperture were significantly higher in leaves containing short cells than in those without them in the same parts of different leaves or in different leaves at the same leaf position. Accumulation of K+ and H 2 O 2 in cork cells increased with increasing water stress. In conclusion, short cells not only improved leaf mechanical support and photosynthetic performance, and maize drought resistance, but they also participated in stomatal regulation. • Short cells occur synchronously in multiple maize leaves. • Short cells enhance support, photosynthesis, and drought resistance of maize leaves. • K+ and H 2 O 2 content in cork cells are consistent with those in subsidiary cells. • Short cells co-regulate the stomatal opening and closing together with subsidiary cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Local anesthesia can reduce the response to surgical stress and decrease the consumption of opioids, which may reduce immunosuppression and potentially delay postoperative tumor recurrence. We compared paravertebral block (PVB) combined with general anesthesia (GA) and general anesthesia regarding their effects on postoperative pain and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy. Methods: 54 patients undergoing elective VATS lobectomy at a single tertiary care, teaching hospital located in Qingdao between May 2, 2018 and Sep 28, 2018 were randomised by computer to either paravertebral block combined with general anesthesia or general anesthesia. The primary outcomes were pain scores at rest and on cough at 1, 4, 24, and 48 h after surgery. The secondary outcome were plasma concentrations of MMP-9, complications, and length of postoperative hospital stay. Results: 75 were enrolled to the study, of whom 21 were excluded before surgery. We analyzed lobectomy patients undergoing paravertebral block combined with general anesthesia (n = 25) or general anesthesia (n = 24). Both groups were similar regarding baseline characteristics. Pain scores at rest at 4 h and 24 h, on cough at 4 h were lower in PVB/GA group, compared with GA group (P < 0.05). There were no difference in pain scores at rest at 1 h, 48 h and on cough at 1 h, 24 h, and 48 h between groups. Patients in the PVB/GA group showed a greater decrease in plasma MMP-9 level at T1 and T2 after VATS lobectomy (P < 0.05). Postoperative complications and length of stay did not differ by anesthetic technique. Conclusions: The paravertebral block/general anesthesia can provide statistically better pain relief and attenuate MMP-9 response to surgery and after VATS lobectomy. This technique may be beneficial for patients to recover rapidly after lung surgery and reduce postoperative tumor recurrence. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial registration number ChiCTR1800016379. Registered 28 May 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse weathers are well-known to impact the operation of transportation systems, including taxis. This paper utilizes taxi GPS waypoint data to investigate the quantitative impact of rainfall on taxi hailing and taxi operations to help improve service quality on rainy days. Through statistical analysis, the study proves that it is more difficult to hail taxis on rainy days, especially during morning peak hours. By modelling the difference value of factors for rainfall and nonrainfall conditions in a multivariate regression model and attaining the significance and elasticity of each factor, passenger demand, taxi supply, search time and velocity are proved to be the significant factors that lower the taxis' level of service on rainy days. Among them, the number of passengers and taxis are two factors that have the greatest impact. It is also shown that there is no significant difference in the total taxi supply and passenger demand between rainfall and nonrainfall conditions, but a dramatic change in the spatial distribution is discovered. The results suggest that instead of simply providing more taxis on rainy days, optimally dispatching taxicabs to high demand regions can be a more effective solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organ transplantation is an important method to save the lives of patients suffering from organ failure. However, the low rate of organ donation is a common problem worldwide. Many potential organ donors in the intensive care unit (ICU) are not properly identified, which is one reason for the low donation rate. ICU nurses play a key role in organ donation but may be uncertain regarding some issues. In this study, an analysis of the reasons why ICU nurses in western China are reluctant to encourage patients and their families to donate organs is performed, providing a reference for promoting ICU nurse participation in organ donation work. From August to November of 2017, using a purposive sampling method, we conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews using a phenomenological research method with 18 ICU nurses who were working in 4 large hospitals with organ transplant accreditation in Chongqing City, China, and analyzed the data with phenomenology. Reasons for the reluctance of ICU nurses in encouraging patients to donate organs were categorized into the following 4 themes: limitation of the nurses' professional role, influence of the family's negative emotions, lack of training regarding organ donation in medical institutions, and impact of a conservative social attitude. Chinese medical and health institutions need to attach importance to the duties and roles of ICU nurses in organ donation work, the creation of a good death culture, the implementation of training for organ donation specialist nurses, and the strengthening of advocacy efforts for organ donation so that ICU nurses' reluctance in engaging in organ donation coordination in China can be mitigated and the nurses can better participate in promoting organ donation to potential donors. • To the best of our knowledge, China does not have a clear law on the duties of nurses involved in organ donation. However, there are a large number of potential organ donors in the ICU; ICU nurses are the first to identify potential organ donors. This study explored the reasons why ICU nurses refused to participate in organ donation, and thus discovered the existing problems in the implementation of organ donation policy. • There is little research on ICU nurses encouraging patients to donate organs in China. This study aimed to learn the views of ICU nurses, of which were offered as a reference for China and even the world, and to promote the role of ICU nurses in organ donation and the improvement of organ donation policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cylindrical particles have been widely used in fixed bed reactors for their better mechanical strength by extrusion granulation. The size of cylindrical particle often varies each other in industrial application. How size distributions and packing rates of particles influence the packing structures and flow behaviors in fixed bed are still not clear. In present study, Discrete Element Method (DEM) was employed to simulate packing processes of cylindrical particles. The influences of particle size distributions and packing rates of particles on packing structures of fixed bed were investigated. Subsequently, local fluid flow behaviors and overall pressure drops inside fixed bed were studied in detail by Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD). It can be found that the wider the size distributions are, the bigger the bed porosities are. Smaller packing rate of particles is beneficial to obtain denser packing beds. The radial porosity distribution is not uniform only near the wall region for wide size distributions. The local non-uniform flow exists and the average axial velocity shows similar distribution tendency with the local porosity. Pressure drops along the bed were obtained based on detailed flow simulations and compared with empirical correlations. The equation parameters were modified for smaller deviations based on the CFD results. The present study gives a detailed understanding of packing process for polydisperse cylindrical particles and the fluid behaviors inside fixed bed, which is very useful for guiding industrial reactor installation and reactor design. Unlabelled Image • Packing processes of polydisperse cylindrical particles were investigated by DEM. • Wider size distribution results in larger porosity than uniform size. • Smaller packing rate of particles is beneficial to obtain denser packing beds. • Local flow behaviors and pressure drops were obtained by CFD method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the effect of the coupling of localized surface plasmon (LSP) on the transmission properties of a compound structure with metallic particle and hole arrays. It is found that the variation in longitudinal interval G between particle and hole arrays leads to the shift in transmission peak and the new transmission peak, which are due to the change in coupling strength of LSP modes and the formation of coaxial guide mode, respectively. The lateral displacement Lx (parallel to the polarization direction of incident light) results in the splitting of transmission peak, originating from the variation in coupling manner of LSP modes, while the lateral displacement Ly (perpendicular to the polarization direction of incident light) causes the reduction and redshift in transmission peak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Hajos-Parrish/Wieland-Miescher ketones; kinetic resolution; cascade reduction; ene-reductase; ketoreductase EN Hajos-Parrish/Wieland-Miescher ketones kinetic resolution cascade reduction ene-reductase ketoreductase 2764 2764 1 09/07/23 20230905 NES 230905 The inside cover picture illustrates that the stepwise reduction of Hajos-Parrish ketone (HPK) by ene-reductase (ERED)/ketoreductase (KRED) and KRED/ERED cascade. Hajos-Parrish/Wieland-Miescher ketones, kinetic resolution, cascade reduction, ene-reductase, ketoreductase Cover Picture: Discovery and Engineering of an Ene-reductase for Kinetic Resolution and Cascade Reduction of Hajos-Parrish/Wieland-Miescher Ketones (Adv. [Extracted from the article]

This study presents a comprehensive observation of the large-scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (LSTIDs) in the eastern Asian sector during the 2015 St. Patrick's Day (17 March 2015) geomagnetic storm. For the first time, three dense networks of GPS receivers in China and Japan are combined together to obtain the two-dimensional (2-D) vertical total electron content (VTEC) perturbation maps in a wider longitudinal range than previous studies in this region. Results show that an LSTID spanning at least 60 ∘ in longitude (80–140 ∘ E) occurs as a result of possible atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) propagating from high to lower latitudes at around 09:40–11:40 UT (universal time), and the crest of this LSTID shows a tendency of dissipation starting from the eastern side. The manifestation of the 2-D VTEC perturbation maps is in good agreement with the recordings from two high-frequency Doppler sounders and the iso-frequency lines from eight ionosondes. Then, the propagation parameters of the LSTIDs are estimated by applying least-square fitting methods to the distinct structures in the 2-D VTEC perturbation plots. In general, the propagation parameters are observably longitudinally dependent. For example, the propagation direction is almost due southward between 105 and 115 ∘ E, while it is slightly southwest and southeast in the western and eastern sides of this region. This feature is probably related to the regional geomagnetic declination. The mean values of the period, trough velocity (Vt), crest velocity (Vc), and wavelength of the LSTIDs in the studied longitudinal bands are 74.8±1.4 min, 578±16 m s -1 , 617±23 m s -1 , and 2691±80 km, respectively. Finally, using the VTEC map data from the Madrigal database of the MIT Haystack Observatory, the characteristics of the ionospheric disturbances over the European sector (30–70 ∘ N, 10–20 ∘ E) are also studied. The results are very different from those in the eastern Asian sector in parameters like the occurrence time, oscillation period, and propagation velocities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a casino gambling model with an indefinite end date and gamblers endowed with cumulative prospect theory preferences. We study the optimal strategies of a precommitted gambler, who commits her future selves to the strategy she sets up today, and of a naive gambler, who is unaware of time-inconsistency and may alter her strategy at any time. We identify conditions under which the precommitted gambler, asymptotically, adopts a loss-exit strategy, a gain-exit strategy, or a nonexit strategy. For a specific parameter setting when the utility function is piecewise power and the probability weighting functions are concave power, we derive the optimal strategy of the precommitted gambler in closed form whenever it exists, via solving an indefinite-dimensional program. Finally, we study the actual behavior of the naive gambler and highlight its marked differences from that of the precommitted gambler. In particular, for most empirically relevant cumulative prospect theory parameter values, a precommitted gambler takes a loss-exit strategy while a naive agent does not stop with probability one at any loss level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • This study mainly analyzed changes of root TIPs expression under mycorrhization and drought. • AM plants had higher leaf water status and root ABA levels under WW and DS. • AMF up-regulated PtTIP1;2 , PtTIP2;1 , PtTIP4;1 and PtTIP5;1 expression under WW. • Root PtTIP1;2 , PtTIP 1;3 and PtTIP 4;1 were up-regulated by AMF under DS. • Root PtTIP2;1 and PtTIP 5;1 were down-regulated by AMF under DS. Abstract Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can enhance plant tolerance to drought stress (DS), while it is unclear whether aquaporins take part in the AMF-modulated mechanisms. In this study, a potted experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Funneliformis mosseae , on plant growth, leaf water status, root abscisic acid (ABA), and relative expression levels of root tonoplast intrinsic protein (TIPs , one of the most abundant aquaporins on plant vacuoles and plasma membranes) genes of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf.) seedlings under well-watered (WW) and DS. The 8-week DS significantly decreased mycorrhizal colonization by 19.5%. In both WW and DS, AMF significantly enhanced leaf relative water content, leaf water potential, and plant growth performance (plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, and biomass), as well as root ABA levels. With regards to root TIPs , seven TIP genes were identified. Meanwhile, AMF treatment up-regulated PtTIP1;2 , PtTIP2;1 , PtTIP4;1 , and PtTIP5;1 and down-regulated PtTIP1;1 and PtTIP2;2 under WW. Under DS, AMF seedlings showed higher expression levels of root PtTIP1;2 , PtTIP1;3 , and PtTIP4;1 and lower expression levels of root PtTIP2;1 and PtTIP5;1. It concludes that root TIPs exhibited diverse responses to mycorrhization, indicating the multiple roles of AMF in water absorption under drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity has negative effects on crop growth and production, while it is not clear whether mycorrhizal symbiosis mitigates the negative effect on citrus plants under salt stress. This study was to investigate the effects of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Rhizoglomus intraradices on plant growth, root morphology, leaf relative water content (RWC), and root endogenous hormone levels of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings exposed to 0 and 150 mmol/L NaCl for 4 weeks. The 150 mmol/L NaCl treatment significantly inhibited root mycorrhizal colonization by 38%. Salt stress significantly reduced plant growth, root morphology, and RWC, while mycorrhizal seedlings represented greater growth performance (height, stem diameter, leaf number, and total plant biomass), root morphological traits (length, area, volume, diameter, and lateral root number) and RWC under non-salt and salt stress. Mycorrhizal fungal inoculation significantly increased root abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) levels by 27%, 16%, and 11% under non-salt and by 17%, 20%, and 14% under salt stress. Mycorrhizal treatment did not alter root gibberellins and zeatin riboside levels under non-salt or salt stress, whereas increased root brassinosteroids levels by 24% only under non-salt stress. It suggests that R. intraradices had positive effects on enhancing salt tolerance of trifoliate orange, which is involved in greater plant growth, root development, and root ABA, IAA, and MeJA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We demonstrate high-efficiency warm white organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs) with an interface-exciplex-forming structure of hole-transporting 1,3-Bis(carbazol-9-yl)benzene (mCP) as electron-donor and electron-transporting 4,6-Bis(3,5-di(pyridin-3-yl)phenyl)-2-(pyridin-3-yl)pyrimidine (B3PyMPM) as electron-acceptor. The exciplex can be formed effectively at the interface of mCP/B3PyMPM due to the excellent charge-transporting properties of mCP and B3PyMPM and the large energy-levels offset of mCP/B3PyMPM interface, and then its energy transfers to the low-lying triplet states of the blue TADF fluorophors or yellow phosphors. As a result, a maximum power efficiency (PE) of 79.2 lm/W and maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 22.3% were achieved from the warm WOLED. The key factor for such high efficiency WOLED is believed to be from the effective harvest of triplet excitons of the interface-exciplex via reverse intersystem crossing process (RISC). Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Efficient triplet harvesting from the interface-exciplex formed at the interface of mCP/B3PyMPM is investigated. • High efficiency interface-exciplex warm WOLED with a maximum PE of 79.2 lm/W (EQE max : 22.3%.) is achieved. • The WOLED achieved PE of 34.0 lm/W (EQE: 13.8%) at 1000 cd/m2, corresponding to a CIE coordinate of (0.451, 0.506). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,3-Zwitterions generated from N-aminopyridines in the presence of base are trapped by perfluoroalkynylphosphonates to yield a variety of perfluoroalkylated pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine derivatives bearing a phosphonate group. The salient features of these [3+2] cycloadditions include operational simplicity, good tolerance of functional groups, and good to excellent yields at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy surgery is traditionally difficult to pursue in resource-limited countries but is nevertheless essential in the treatment of medication-refractory, surgically amenable epilepsy. With the help of international collaboration, a successful epilepsy program was started in Vietnam. This article comprises a retrospective chart review, combined with prospective longitudinal follow-up of 35 cases of unilateral drug-resistant epilepsy in the temporal lobe who underwent temporal lobectomy, in Viet Duc University Hospital from May 2018 to September 2022. The female/male ratio was 0.6:1, and focal seizures with impaired awareness accounted for 97.14% of patients. Of patients with focal awareness seizures, 51.41% were localized and detected by electroencephalography. Postoperatively, 80% of patients were seizure free (Engel I) at 1 year, and the remaining 20% had worthwhile seizure improvement (Engel II). Postoperative temporal lobe pathology was categorized as follows: mesial temporal sclerosis (48.57%), focal cortical dysplasia (25.71%), and low-grade neoplasms (25.71%). Of patients, 17.14% had postoperative complications (5 infections and 1 transient extremity paresis), and there were no deaths. Even in low-resource environments, effective and safe surgical care can be provided for drug-resistant epilepsy caused by temporal lobe disease. This study serves as a model of international collaboration and support for future hospitals in low-resource environments to replicate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three dimensional CFD model was developed for studying flow and heat transfer in fixed beds with cylindrical particles for low tube to particle diameter ratios. The packing structures were generated by means of the discrete element method (DEM), in which the rigorous cylindrical particle was adopted. The detailed packing structure features were obtained, including the particle position, orientation, porosity distribution and the effect on the flow and heat transfer process was analyzed. The wall effect was found to be obvious for fixed beds with low tube to particle diameter ratios. The cylindrical particles tend to be organized in circles, which is even more visible in the vicinity of walls. The radial porosity distribution showed that the obvious oscillation existed in near wall region. The detailed velocity and temperature distribution were investigated. The average axial velocity showed similar tendency with radial porosity distribution. Large porosity caused large velocity and temperature gradients in the wall region. The radial temperature distribution was also calculated by the improved two dimensional quasi-homogeneous model, in which the local porosity and axial average velocity distributions from CFD simulations were adopted and good consistencies for temperature distribution were achieved for different tube to particle diameter ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sucrose and proline metabolisms are often associated with drought tolerance of plants. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species (Funneliformis mosseae and Paraglomus occultum) on root biomass, lateral root number, root sucrose and proline metabolisms in trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings under well-watered (WW) or drought stress (DS). All the AMF treatments significantly increased root dry weight, taproot length, and the number of lateral roots in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class under WW and DS. Mycorrhizal seedlings conferred considerably higher fructose and glucose concentrations but lower sucrose accumulation, regardless of soil water status. Under DS, F. mosseae treatment significantly increased root sucrose synthase (SS, degradative direction) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity but deceased root acid invertase (AI) and neutral invertase (NI) activity, and P. occultum inoculation markedly increased root AI, NI, SS, and SPS activities. AMF treatments led to a lower proline accumulation in roots, in company with lower activities of Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), δ-ornithine aminotransferase (OAT), Δ1- pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (P5CR), and proline dehydrogenase (ProDH) in roots. It appears that the AM symbiosis induced greater root development and sucrose and proline metabolisms to adapt DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a sensitive atomic emission spectrometer (AES) based on a new low power and low argon consumption (<8 W, 100 mL min-1) miniature direct current (dc) atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APGD) plasma (3 mm x 5 mm) excitation source was developed for the determination of arsenic in water samples. In this method, arsenic in water was reduced to AsH3 by hydride generation (HG), which was then transported to the APGD source for excitation and detected by a compact CCD (charge-coupled device) microspectrometer. Different parameters affecting the APGD and the hydride generation reactions were investigated. The detection limit for arsenic with the proposed APGD-AES was 0.25 µg L-1, and the calibration curves were found to be linear up to 3 orders of magnitude. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of certified reference material (GBW08605), tap water, pond water, groundwater, and hot spring samples. Measurements from the APGD analyzer showed good agreement with the certified value/values obtained with well-established hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS). These results suggest that the developed robust, cost-effective, and fast analyzer can be used for field based arsenic determination and may provide an important tool for arsenic contamination and remediation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a polygenic neuropsychiatric disease. Previous studies have indicated that dysregulation in the histaminergic system may play a crucial role in disease onset. In this study, we investigated the role of the histidine decarboxylase gene (HDC) in TS susceptibility in the Chinese Han population. After genotyping 241 TS nuclear families trios, we analyzed three tag HDC single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs854150, rs854151, and rs854157) in a family-based study using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) and haplotype relative risk (HRR). TDT showed no over-transmission in these SNPs across the HDC region (for rs854150: χ2 = 0.472, P = 0.537, OR = 1.097, 95%CI = 0.738–1.630; for rs854151: χ2 = 0.043, P = 0.889, OR = 1.145, 95%CI = 0.767–1.709; for rs854157:χ2 = 0.984, P = 0.367, OR = 1.020, 95%CI = 0.508–2.049). HRR also showed the same tendency (for rs854150: χ2 = 0.211, P = 0.646, OR = 1.088, 95%CI = 0.759–1.559; for rs854151: χ2 = 0.134, P = 0.714, OR = 0.935, 95%CI = 0.653–1.339; for rs854157:χ2 = 0.841, P = 0.359, OR = 1.206, 95%CI = 0.808–1.799). Additionally, the haplotype-based haplotype relative risk showed a negative association. Although these findings indicate an unlikely association between HDC and TS in the Chinese Han population, a potential role for HDC cannot be ruled out in TS etiology. Future research should investigate this more thoroughly using different populations and larger samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An influenza virus polymerase reconstitution assay based on the human, dog, or chicken RNA polymerase I (PolI) promoter has been developed and widely used to study the polymerase activity of the influenza virus in corresponding cell types. Although it is an important member of the influenza virus family and has been known for sixty years, no studies have been performed to clone the horse PolI promoter or to study the polymerase activity of equine influenza virus (EIV) in horse cells. In our study, the horse RNA PolI promoter was cloned from fetal equine lung cells. Using the luciferase assay, it was found that a 500 bp horse RNA PolI promoter sequence was required for efficient transcription. Then, using the developed polymerase reconstitution assay based on the horse RNA PolI promoter, the polymerase activity of two EIV strains was compared, and equine myxovirus resistance A protein was identified as having the inhibiting EIV polymerase activity function in horse cells. Our study enriches our knowledge of the RNA PolI promoter of eukaryotic species and provides a useful tool for the study of influenza virus polymerase activity in horse cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitogenomes of flatfishes (Pleuronectiformes) exhibit the greatest diversity of gene rear-rangements in teleostean fishes. Duplicate control regions (CRs) have been found in the mito-genomes of two flatfishes, Samariscus latus (Samaridae) and Laeops lanceolata (Bothidae), which is rare in teleosts. It has been reported that duplicate CRs have evolved in a concerted fashion in fishes and other animals, however, whether concerted evo-lution exists in flatfishes remains unknown. In this study, based on five newly sequenced and six previously reported mitogenomes of lefteye flounders in the Bothidae, we explored whether duplicate CRs and concerted evolution exist in these species. Results based on the present study and previous reports show that four out of eleven bothid species examined have duplicate CRs of their mitogenomes. The core regions of the duplicate CRs of mitogenomes in the same species have identical, or nearly identical, sequences when compared to each other. This pattern fits the typical characteristics of concerted evolution. Additionally, phylogenetic and ancestral state reconstruction analysis also provided evidence to support the hypothesis that duplicate CRs evolved concertedly. The core region of concerted evolution is situated at the conserved domains of the CR of the mitogenome from the termination associated sequences (TASs) to the conserved sequence blocks (CSBs). Commonly, this region is con-sidered to regulate mitochondrial replication and transcription. Thus, we hypothesize that the cause of concerted evolution of the duplicate CRs in the mtDNAs of these four bothids may be related to some function of the conserved sequences of the CRs during mitochondrial rep-lication and transcription. We hope our results will provide fresh insight into the molecular mechanisms related to replication and evolution of mitogenomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new strategy for determining the Hg isotopes in low Hg concentration samples is proposed, utilizing the flow injection plasma electrochemical vapor generation (FI-PEVG) sampling technique coupled with MC-ICPMS. Our study reveals that PEVG technology not only offers superior sensitivity compared to that achieved by conventional cold vapor generation (CVG), but also reduces potential interferences/contaminations arising from reagents as it avoids the use of SnCl2, thus greatly facilitating the analysis of low content samples. By integrating with the FI technique, we can decrease the required sample volume to 0.15 mL (1.5 ng) and shorten the analysis time to just 150 s, resulting in significant reductions in sample consumption and analysis time. Different parameters affecting Hg isotope measurements were optimized, and the linear regression slope method was selected to process the transient Hg isotope signals. Under the optimized conditions, the δ202Hg and Δ199Hg values achieved a precision of 0.05‰ and 0.04‰ (SD, n = 33), respectively. The efficacy of our strategy is demonstrated by analyzing spiked natural water samples and two reference materials (GBW 08617 and GBW(E) 080124). Although a small number of low Hg concentration samples have been analyzed in this study, it is believed that the proposed method provides a promising rapid and sensitive approach for accurate Hg isotope analysis of low-content samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanochemistry has developed rapidly in recent years for efficient chemicals and materials synthesis. Twin screw extrusion (TSE) is a particularly promising technique in this regard because of its continuous and scalable nature. A key aspect of TSE is that it provides high shear and mixing. Because of the high shear, it potentially also offers a way to delaminate 2‐D materials. Indeed, the synthesis of 2‐D materials in a scalable and continuous manor remains a challenge in their industrialization. Here, as a proof‐of‐principle, the automated, continuous mechanochemical exfoliation of graphite to give multi‐layer graphene (MLG, ≈6 layers) by TSE is demonstrated. To achieve this, a solid‐and‐liquid‐assisted extrusion (SLAE) process is developed in which organic additives such as pyrene are rendered liquid due to the high temperatures used, to assist with the exfoliation, and simultaneously solid sodium chloride is used as a grinding aid. This gave MLG in high yield (25 wt%) with a short residence time (8 min) and notably with negligible evidence for structural deterioration (defects or oxidation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trepanation skulls have been found clustered in the Gan‐Qing region of northwestern China, where the trepanation also demonstrated more signs of healing than those from other areas. In this study, two skulls belonging to the pre‐Qiang people from the Mapai cemetery in the late Neolithic period in the Gan‐Qing region with trepanation were observed using ultra‐depth electron microscopy and CT imaging. Moreover, trepanation experiments were conducted to test different tools and tool combinations to investigate the trepanation technique used by the pre‐Qiang people. Results demonstrated that the trepanation openings with signs of healing were the work of experienced trepanation practitioners, most likely for therapeutic purposes. Our experiments also demonstrated that different tools need to be used to generate similar perforations, suggesting a mature trepanation procedure by the pre‐Qiang people. Although it seems clear that the two individuals in this study underwent neurosurgical operations, it is impossible to determine why that surgery was performed. The trepanation phenomenon of the Gan‐Qing region enriches our knowledge of lifestyles, health status, and primitive yet then advanced medical techniques and healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose and numerically analyze a terahertz tunable plasmonic directional coupler which is composed of a thin metal film with a nanoscale slit, dielectric grating, a graphene sheet, and a dielectric substrate. The slit is employed to generate surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), and the metal-dielectric grating-graphene-dielectric constructs a Bragg reflector, whose bandgap can be tuned over a wide frequency range by a small change in the Fermi energy level of graphene. As a graphene-based Bragg reflector is formed on one side of the slit, the structure enables SPP waves to be unidirectionally excited on the other side of the slit due to SPP interference, and the SPP waves in the Bragg reflector can be efficiently switched on and off by tuning the graphene's Fermi energy level. By introducing two optimized graphene-based Bragg reflectors into opposite sides of the slit, SPP waves can be guided to different Bragg reflectors at different Fermi energy levels, thus achieving a tunable bidirectional coupler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of annealing temperature on the structural and magnetic properties of Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 thin films on Si (100) substrates were investigated at room temperature by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, a vibrating sample magnetometer and conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy. The thin films were prepared by a sol–gel spin-coating technique. It was observed that Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 thin films annealed at above 600°C exhibited a single phase cubic spinel structure, and the lattice constant of ferrite thin films decreased monotonically from 0.8370 to 0.8346nm. Their coercivity decreased from 14 to 11kA/m when the average grain size increased from 47 to 172nm by varying the annealing temperature from 600 to 900°C, while their saturation magnetization increased from 433 to 544kA/m. The study of Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that thin films were completely magnetically ordered. The isomer shift and the quadrupole splitting decreased with increasing annealing temperature while the hyperfine field increased. The change in the cation distribution of thin films was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional adsorbents rely on surface active sites (or unsaturated energy) to adsorb heavy metal pollutants by intermolecular force. Its efficient adsorption is limited by the number of active groups. Ion-exchange resins adsorb multiple metal ions in the Coulomb force adsorption mode, which the sorption capacity is generally better than that of traditional adsorbents limited by surface active sites, nevertheless. In this paper, sodium polyacrylate (PAANa) was prepared by solution polymerization. A series of batch sorption and desorption experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of contact time, pH value, temperature and lead ions concentration on PAANa. The structure of PAANa was tested by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that the maximum sorption capacity of PAANa for lead ions more than 173.6 mg/g, which has a higher sorption upper limit. The mechanism of superior adsorption of lead ions is attributed to the ion-exchange and chelating ability of functional groups (e.g., -COO−) in the PAANa matrix. The sorption/desorption isotherm of PAANa is an exponential curve. The phenomenon indicates that there is osmotic pressure difference between PAANa and the external environment after lead ion adsorption. Furthermore, the SEM analysis shows that PAANa has a loose and porous structure, which increases the specific surface area and sorption efficiency. As an environmentally friendly clean production material, PAANa has great potential in practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-efficiency photooxidation vapor generation (POVG) method for the determination of osmium in water by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) has been developed. Osmium is readily converted to volatile osmium tetraoxide in plain (neutral) water medium by simply exposing to UV irradiation, enabling fast and effective generation without the use of any chemical oxidizing agents. An optimum generation efficiency of 96.1% was achieved by the use of a home-made high efficiency photooxidation UV reactor. The influences of the background matrices, sample flow rate, carrier gas flow rate, and heating temperature were investigated. Under optimized conditions, a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.2 ng mL-1 was obtained with the proposed POVG method. A precision of 1.3% (RSD, n = 6) was achieved at a concentration of 2 µg mL-1. The method is simple, rapid, free of contamination, and not subject to severe interferences. It provides a novel approach to the generation of Os vapor from water samples in a green manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we reveal that the enhanced transmission through a perforated metal film can be further boosted up by a V-shaped nanoslit, which consists of two connected oblique slits. The maximum transmission at resonance can be enhanced significantly by 71.5% in comparison with the corresponding vertical slit with the same exit width. The value and position of transmission resonance peak strongly depend on the apex angle of the V-shaped slit. The optimum apex angle, at which the transmission is maximal, is sensitive to the slit width. Such phenomena can be well explained by a concrete picture in which the incident wave drives free electrons on the slit walls. Moreover, we also simply analyze the splitting of the transmission peak in the symmetry broken V-shaped slit, originating from the resonances of different parts of the V-shaped slit. We expect that our findings will be used to design the nanoscale light sources based on the metal nanoslit structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Due to its cancer-specific expression, DDX43 (DEAD-box helicase 43) is considered a potential target molecule for cancer therapy. • Biochemical assays to determine the enzymatic activities and properties of DDX43 protein, including its KH domain, link domain, and ATPase/helicase core domain. • Identify the specific nucleic acids sequence bound by its KH domain using SELEX, ChIP-seq, CLIP-seq, and NMR. • Structural characterization of the KH domain and full-length DDX43 protein aided by Phyre 2, NMR, and AphaFold. • Emerging roles of DDX43 in piRNA amplification, tumorigenesis, RAS signaling, and innate immunity. • Structural and functional studies of DDX43 will facilitate anti-cancer drug development by targeting DDX43. DDX43 (DEAD-box helicase 43), also known as HAGE (helicase antigen gene), is a member of the DEAD-box protein family. It contains a K homology (KH) domain in its N terminus, a helicase core domain in its C terminus, and a flexible linker domain in between. DDX43 expression is low or undetectable in normal tissue, but is overexpressed in many tumors; therefore, it is considered a potential target molecule for cancer therapy. We, along with other groups, have shown that DDX43 is an ATP-dependent RNA and DNA helicase, and the KH domain is required for its ATPase and unwinding activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq, crosslinking immunoprecipitation (CLIP)-seq, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) showed that the KH domain prefers to bind pyrimidine-rich ssDNA and ssRNA, such as TTGT in the promoter regions of genes. Moreover, the KH domain facilitates the substrate specificity and processivity of the DDX43 helicase. No animal model has been generated for DDX43; cellular studies have revealed that DDX43 has roles in piRNA amplification, tumorigenesis, RAS signaling, and innate immunity. Structural and functional studies of DDX43 will not only advance our understanding of DEAD-box helicases and KH domains, but also shed light on the application of DDX43 as therapeutics, where its key binding sites can be targeted by small molecules and natural products as an alternative approach in treating DDX43 overexpressed cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is an important complication following the use of iodinated contrast media. Bilirubin has a protective effect but may also aggravate CI-AKI. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess whether bilirubin is a risk factor for CI-AKI. We searched the databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Ovid Medline, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VPCS (Vip Paper Check System), Wanfang, and CBM (Chinese BioMedical Literature Database) from the initial date to May 6, 2023. We summarized the results by directly combining the effect-size odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) and identified sources of heterogeneity through subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression analysis. A total of 10 studies (14 data sets) were included: 7 retrospective studies (10 data sets) and 3 prospective studies (4 data sets), involving 12776 participants. The incidence of CI-AKI of 16% (95% CI: 14-19%). Total bilirubin was positively associated with the occurrence of CI-AKI (OR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.36-2.38). Both low and high bilirubin concentrations were risk factors for CI-AKI. The incidence of CI-AKI was higher in the low bilirubin group than in the high bilirubin group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a computational study of the transmission resonances in a symmetry-broken square coaxial aperture with an inserted particle offset (δ) from the centre. According to the distribution characteristics of oscillating charges on the exit surface, the TE11- and TE21-like mode resonances in the hole may be regarded as dipole and quadrupole plasmon resonances, respectively. It is found that symmetry breaking, due to the particle offset, makes the quadrupole plasmon resonance, which is dark in symmetric geometry, visible. Based on the charge oscillation induced light emission mechanism, we qualitatively explain the variation of the transmission peaks of dipole and quadrupole plasmon resonances with the geometrical parameter δ, and the refractive index of the dielectric filled in the hole. Using polarization-dependent surface charge plots, we illustrate two distinct mode configurations of quadrupole plasmon resonance. Our findings will be of value in tuning the electromagnetic wave in subwavelength optics and designing chemical and biomedical sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cham people are the major Austronesian speakers of Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA) and the reconstruction of the Cham population history can provide insights into their diffusion. In this study, we analyzed non-recombining region of the Y chromosome markers of 177 unrelated males from four populations in MSEA, including 59 Cham, 76 Kinh, 25 Lao, and 17 Thai individuals. Incorporating published data from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), our results indicated that, in general, the Chams are an indigenous Southeast Asian population. The origin of the Cham people involves the genetic admixture of the Austronesian immigrants from Island Southeast Asia (ISEA) with the local populations in MSEA. Discordance between the overall patterns of Y chromosome and mtDNA in the Chams is evidenced by the presence of some Y chromosome lineages that prevail in South Asians. Our results suggest that male-mediated dispersals via the spread of religions and business trade might play an important role in shaping the patrilineal gene pool of the Cham people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ba[(Zn1-xMgx)1/3Nb2/3]O3 (BZMN, x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) solid solution ceramics were synthesized by the conventional solid-state reaction method. Vibration spectra (Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform far-infrared reflection [FTIR] spectroscopy) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to evaluate the correlation between crystal structures and vibration modes of these solid solutions as a function of Zn2+ ions replaced by Mg2+ ions. Spectroscopic and structural data show sensitivity to the sample structural evolution with Mg2+ concentration, and a 1:2 ordered structure appears for Mg-rich samples where x ≥ 0.6. The Ba[(Zn0.4Mg0.6)1/3Nb2/3]O3 has a 1:2 ordered monoclinic unit cell, which is distorted by the antiphase tilting of the oxygen octahedra. The phonon modes were assigned, and a correlation of phonon vibrations with the microstructure was found. The position and width of the phonon modes were determined and correlated to the ionic radii, mass, and tolerance factors for the different atoms substituted in the B'-site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]