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In the context of limited energy resources in the World energy resources, improving energy utilization and finding new energy has always been the goal of the scientific community. In addition, new opportunities brought by the production of new quality productive forces have made it a new pursuit for scientists to find a small energy source that can provide disorderly dispersion for micro/nano electromechanical systems and self-driving devices. Solid–liquid triboelectric nanogenerator (SL-TENG) is based on the contact electrocution (CE) and electrostatic induction (EI). It has attracted much attention with its benefits such as exquisite structure, convenient manufacturing, low cost and unparalleled advantages in collecting droplet energy. Since its discovery, it has gradually become a new research direction for TENG. This paper first elaborates on the electrification mechanism of SL-TENG and introduces its main working modes. Subsequently, a review is focused on the influencing factors and latest research of SL-TENG. Then, the commonly used manufacturing methods to improve the performance of frictional power generation were introduced, and the practical applications of SL-TENG were summarized and analyzed, as well as the relevant technological progress and research directions. Finally, the significance and challenges of SL-TENG are summarized, and its future development trend is prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Renal Syndrome Hemorrhagic Fever (HFRS) continues to pose a significant public health threat to the well-being of the population. Given that the spread of HFRS is susceptible to meteorological factors, we aim to probe into the meteorological drivers of HFRS. Thus, novel techniques that can discern time-delayed non-linear relationships from nonlinear dynamical systems are compulsory. Methods: We analyze the epidemiological features of HFRS in Weifang City, 2011–2020, via the employment of the Empirical Dynamic Modeling (EDM) method. Our analysis delves into the intricate web of time-delayed non-linear associations between meteorological factors and HFRS. Additionally, we investigate the repercussions of minor perturbations in meteorological variables on future HFRS incidence. Results: A total of 2515 HFRS cases were reported in Weifang from 2011 to 2020. The average weekly incidence was 4.81, and the average weekly incidence was 0.52 per 1,000,000. The propagation of HFRS is significantly impacted by the mean weekly temperature, relative humidity, cumulative rainfall, and wind speed, and the ρCCM converges to 0.55,0.48,0.38 and 0.39, respectively. The graphical representation of the relationship between temperature (lagged by 2 weeks) and the incidence of HFRS exhibits an inverted U-shaped curve, whereby the incidence of HFRS culminates as the temperature reaches 10 °C. Moreover, temperature, relative humidity, cumulative rainfall, and wind speed exhibit a positive correlation with HFRS incidence, with a time lag of 4–6 months. Conclusions: Our discoveries suggest that meteorological factors can drive the transmission of HFRS both at a macroscopic and microscopic scale. Prospective alterations in meteorological conditions, for instance, elevations in temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation will instigate an upsurge in the incidence of HFRS after 4–6 months, and thus, timely public health measures should be taken to mitigate these changes. Author summary: Renal Syndrome Hemorrhagic Fever (HFRS) is a serious disease caused by the Hantavirus and transmitted by rodents. Meteorological factors, such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed, can influence the occurrence, spread, and outbreak of HFRS. However, the relationship between climate change and its impact on the disease is complex, and more research is needed to provide a strong scientific basis for the development of adaptation strategies. This study employs a novel technique called Empirical Dynamic Modeling (EDM) to investigate the time-delayed non-linear relationships between meteorological factors and HFRS outbreaks in Weifang. The results show that meteorological factors can drive the transmission of HFRS both at a macroscopic and microscopic scale. The relationship between temperature (lagged by 2 weeks) and HFRS incidence exhibits an inverted U-shaped curve, with the highest incidence occurring at 10 °C. Changes in meteorological conditions, such as increases in temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation, can lead to an upsurge in the incidence of HFRS after 4–6 months. The findings of this study are crucial for public health officials and policymakers to take timely measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on the spread of HFRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prevent the spread of pine wilt disease (PWD), a transportable carbonization equipment was designed for in-situ treatment of infected pine wood (IPW). The equipment killed all pine wood nematodes (PWNs) in IPW when carbonization temperature was up to 200 °C. The optimal laboratory process of infected pine wood charcoal (IPWC) was carbonization temperature of 500 °C, heating rate of 3 °C min−1 and holding time of 0 min. Based on the optimal laboratory process, the transportable carbonization equipment produced IPWC with a fixed carbon content of 79.82%, and ash content of 1.14% and a moisture content of 7.83%, which meets the requirements of EN 1860-2:2005(E) standard. The economic efficiency of incineration (T1 mode), crushing (T2 mode), and transportable carbonization (T3 mode) was evaluated. For each ton of IPW treatment, the profit generated was −75.48 USD in T1 mode, 26.28 USD in T2 mode, and 51.91 USD in T3 mode. T3 mode had the highest economic efficiency. These findings will be helpful to provide guidance for the control of PWD and value-added utilization of IPW. Highlights: A transportable carbonization equipment was designed for in-situ treatment of IPWs The transportable carbonization equipment killed all PWNs of IPW when carbonization temperature was up to 200 °C. In the transportable carbonization mode, the income generated from treating each ton of IPW was 51.91 USD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep learning models can enhance the detection efficiency and accuracy of rapid on-site screening for imported grains at customs, satisfying the need for high-throughput, efficient, and intelligent operations. However, the construction of datasets, which is crucial for deep learning models, often involves significant labor and time costs. Addressing the challenges associated with establishing high-resolution instance segmentation datasets for small objects, we integrate two zero-shot models, Grounding DINO and Segment Anything model, into a dataset annotation pipeline. Furthermore, we encapsulate this pipeline into a software tool for manual calibration of mislabeled, missing, and duplicated annotations made by the models. Additionally, we propose preprocessing and postprocessing methods to improve the detection accuracy of the model and reduce the cost of subsequent manual correction. This solution is not only applicable to rapid screening for quarantine weeds, seeds, and insects at customs but can also be extended to other fields where instance segmentation is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the dependence of the early tropical cyclone (TC) weakening rate in response to an imposed moderate environmental vertical wind shear (VWS) on the warm‐core strength and height of the TC vortex using idealized numerical simulations. Results show that the weakening of the warm core by upper‐level ventilation is the primary factor leading to the early TC weakening in response to an imposed environmental VWS. The upper‐level ventilation is dominated by eddy radial advection of the warm‐core air. The TC weakening rate is roughly proportional to the warm‐core strength and height of the initial TC vortex. The boundary‐layer ventilation shows no relationship with the early weakening rate of the TC in response to an imposed moderate VWS. The findings suggest that some previous diverse results regarding the TC weakening in environmental VWS could be partly due to the different warm‐core strengths and heights of the initial TC vortex. Plain Language Summary: The warm core is a basic structural feature of a tropical cyclone (TC), and TC intensity is closely related to the warm‐core strength and height. This study investigated the dependence of the initial TC weakening rate in response to an imposed moderate environmental vertical wind shear (VWS) on the strength and height of the TC vortex during the TC intensifying period using idealized numerical simulations. It is found that the weakening of the warm core is the primary factor leading to the early weakening of the TC, and the TC weakening rate is roughly proportional to the warm‐core strength and height of the TC vortex. It is also found that the boundary‐layer ventilation associated with VWS‐induced convective downdrafts show no relationship with the early weakening rate of the TC in response to an imposed moderate VWS. The findings of this study can help explain why some TCs can continuously develop under the influence of moderate environmental VWS while some others cannot, which are partly due to the different warm‐core strengths and heights of the initial TC vortex. Key Points: The tropical cyclone (TC) weakening rate in response to an imposed moderate environmental vertical wind shear (VWS) is proportional to the strength and height of the TC warm coreThe warm‐core weakening induced by upper‐level ventilation is the primary factor to the early TC weakening induced by the imposed VWSThe boundary‐layer ventilation shows no relationship with the early weakening rate of the TC in response to the imposed moderate VWS [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a predementia condition that combines slow gait speed and subjective cognitive concerns (SCC). The SCC criterion is presently unstandardized, possibly limiting risk detection. We sought to (a) characterize SCC practices through MCR literature review; (b) investigate the ability of SCC in slow gait individuals in predicting the likelihood of cognitive impairment in a demographically diverse sample of community-dwelling, nondemented older adults. Methods First, we comprehensively reviewed the MCR literature, extracting information regarding SCC measures, items, sources, and cognitive domain. Next, Einstein Aging Study (EAS) participants (N  = 278, M age = 77.22 ± 4.74, %female = 67, M education = 15 ± 3.61, %non-Hispanic White = 46.3) completed gait, Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR), and SCC assessment at baseline and annual follow-up (M follow-up = 3.5). Forty-two participants met slow gait criteria at baseline. Generalized linear mixed-effects models examined baseline SCC to predict cognitive impairment on CDR over follow-up. Results We reviewed all published MCR studies (N  = 106) and documented ambiguity in SCC criteria, with a prevalent approach being use of a single self-reported memory item. In EAS, high SCC endorsement on a comprehensive, validated screen significantly affected the rate of cognitive impairment (CDR; βinteraction = 0.039, p  = .018) in slow gait individuals. Conclusions An assessment approach that queries across numerous SCC domains was found to predict future decline in clinical dementia status in slow gait older adults. Current SCC practices in MCR, which tend to utilize a single-memory item, may not be the optimal approach. We discuss the implications of SCC criteria validation and standardization to enhance early dementia detection in MCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Observational studies had investigated the association of iron metabolism with anxiety disorders. The conclusions were inconsistent and not available to reveal the causal or reverse-causal association due to the confounding. In this study we estimated the potential causal effect of iron homeostasis markers on anxiety disorders using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: Summary data of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with four iron-related biomarkers were extracted from a recent report about analysis of three genome-wide association study (GWAS), the sample size of which ranged from 131471 to 246139 individuals. The corresponding data for anxiety disorders were from Finngen database (20992 cases and 197800 controls). The analyses were mainly based on inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. In addition, the heterogeneity and pleiotropy of the results were assessed by Cochran's Q test and MR-Egger regression. Results: Basing on IVW method, genetically predicted serum iron level, ferritin and transferrin had negative effects on anxiety disorders. The odd ratios (OR) of anxiety disorders per 1 standard deviation (SD) unit increment in iron status biomarkers were 0.922 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.862–0.986; p = 0.018) for serum iron level, 0.873 (95% CI 0.790–0.964; p = 0.008) for log-transformed ferritin and 0.917 (95% CI 0.867–0.969; p = 0.002) for transferrin saturation. But no statical significance was found in the association of 1 SD unit increased total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) with anxiety disorders (OR 1.080; 95% CI 0.988–1.180; p = 0.091). The analyses were supported by pleiotropy test which suggested no pleiotropic bias. Conclusion: Our results indicated that genetically determined iron status biomarkers causally linked to the risk of anxiety disorders, providing valuable insights into the genetic research and clinical intervention of anxiety disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the influence of deashing on fusion characteristics, a combined method of water and acid washing with different sequences (water washing followed by acid washing, and acid washing followed by water washing) was used to treat the biochar of bamboo shoot shells (BBSSs). The results show that deashing decreased the K content of the biochar from 50.3% to 1.08% but increased the Si content from 33.48% to 89.15%. The formation of silicates and aluminosilicates from alkali metal oxides with silicon was an inevitable result of ash phase transformation at the high temperatures used to improve the fusion temperature (>1450 °C). The thermochemical behavior of ash mainly occurs at 1000 °C. The deashing treatment significantly reduced the reaction intensity during the high-temperature process. This significantly increased the thermal stability of the ash. The adjustment of the washing sequence had a slight impact on the chemical compositions, but the differences in ash micromorphology were obvious. Deashing treatments with different washing sequences can significantly improve ash fusion properties effectively and reduce the risk of scaling, slagging, and corrosion. This study provides a new and reasonable strategy for the deashing of biochar to commercially utilize bamboo shoot shell resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Cognitive Change Index (CCI) is a widely-used measure of self-perceived cognitive ability and change. Unfortunately, it is unclear if the CCI predicts future cognitive and clinical decline. Objective: We evaluated baseline CCI to predict transition from normal cognition to cognitive impairment in nondemented older adults and in predementia groups including, subjective cognitive decline, motoric cognitive risk syndrome, and mild cognitive impairment. Different versions of the CCI were assessed to uncover any differential risk sensitivity. We also examined the effect of ethnicity/race on CCI. Methods: Einstein Aging Study participants (N = 322, Mage = 77.57±4.96, % female=67.1, Meducation = 15.06±3.54, % non-Hispanic white = 46.3) completed an expanded 40-item CCI version (CCI-40) and neuropsychological evaluation (including Clinical Dementia Rating Scale [CDR], Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Craft Story) at baseline and annual follow-up (Mfollow - up=3.4 years). CCI-40 includes the original 20 items (CCI-20) and the first 12 memory items (CCI-12). Linear mixed effects models (LME) and generalized LME assessed the association of CCI total scores at baseline with rate of decline in neuropsychological tests and CDR. Results: In the overall sample and across predementia groups, the CCI was associated with rate of change in log odds on CDR, with higher CCI at baseline predicting faster increase in the odds of being impaired on CDR. The predictive validity of the CCI broadly held across versions (CCI-12, 20, 40) and ethnic/racial groups (non-Hispanic black and white). Conclusions: Self-perception of cognitive change on the CCI is a useful marker of dementia risk in demographically/clinically diverse nondemented samples. All CCI versions successfully predicted decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper‐exchanged zeolites, such as CuCHA are active catalysts for removing NO and NO2 from automotive exhaust. The zeolite synthesis is decisive for the aluminium distribution in the framework and the properties of the catalyst. We have applied in‐situ EPR spectroscopy on CuCHA based on CHA synthesized in four different ways. We found that different mineralizing agents led to differences in the Cu distribution in the final product. Several distinct Cu sites were present after thermal activation according to the EPR spectra and we found that the presence of Na+ during the synthesis boosted the forming of "paired" Al close to Cu, but at the same time limited the ion‐exchange capacity and the redox activity. Two types of well‐defined EPR spectra were found, Site A and Site B. Site B was redox active and catalytically active for all investigated materials whereas the properties of Site A depended on the CHA material and consisted of two subtypes distinguished by their reactivity towards NO and NH3. Studies with isotope labeled NH3 showed that the system was highly dynamic. In‐situ EPR was proved to be an excellent spectroscopic technique to investigate the Cu distribution directly and investigate the Al distribution indirectly for CuCHA zeolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to optimize the microwave vacuum drying of raspberries, the temperature variation of different constant power microwave vacuum conditions was investigated. The conventional microwave vacuum drying (MVD) and the three different steady temperature control scheme was selected. A microwave intermittent vacuum drying scheme (MIVD), microwave vacuum drying power curves control scheme (MVD-T), and microwave vacuum drying power curves with intermittent control scheme (MIVD-T) were developed and conducted. As shown, temperatures under control schemes were all kept at more moderate ranges compared to constant power, where MIVD-T showed less fluctuation by adopting power curve changing with time as input variable. It was found that temperature control schemes could improve the appearance, as MVD-T and MIVD-T both reduced carbonization on the exterior and interior of raspberries. For antioxidant properties, there were differences between different schemes, in which MIVD-T could maintain more total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) compounds and keep other antioxidant compounds similar to other drying methods. Control schemes such as MIVD, MVD-T, and MIVD-T were effective in obtaining more steady temperature materials than conventional microwave vacuum drying and were beneficial for drying quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Ce–Fe bimetallic oxide catalysts were prepared by a hydrothermal method for CO catalytic oxidation at a high concentration of SO2 in this paper. Ce0.7Fe0.3 showed the highest catalytic performance in CO oxidation, reaching higher than 97% CO conversion at above 300 °C in the flue gas containing 1000 ppm CO. When the concentration of SO2 in the flue gas increased to 1000 mg m−3, the CO conversion of Ce0.7Fe0.3 remained 86% for 10 hours. The doping of Fe into the CeO2 lattice resulted in the formation of a CeO2-like solid solution and the increase in the oxygen vacancy concentration in Ce0.7Fe0.3, thus facilitating the CO oxidation activity of Ce0.7Fe0.3. In the flue gas containing SO2, the doping of Fe showed positive effects of resisting the change in crystallinity and mitigating the loss of pore structure. The sulfation of CeO2 could lead to the formation of Ce2(SO4)3 on the surface, which deactivated the catalyst. The doping of Fe inhibited the reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+ by SO2, thereby preventing the formation of Ce2(SO4)3. Furthermore, a small amount of sulfate was deposited on the surface of Ce0.7Fe0.3, exhibiting poorer thermal stability than that deposited on CeO2. The Fe-doping modification played a positive role in enhancing the CO oxidation activity and SO2-poisoning resistance of Ce0.7Fe0.3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐speed flow energy, such as breezes and rivers, which are abundant in smart agriculture and smart cities, faces significant challenges in efficient harvesting as an untapped sustainable energy source. This study proposes an alternating magnetic field‐enhanced triboelectric nanogenerator (AMF‐TENG) for low‐speed flow energy harvesting, and demonstrates its feasibility through experimental results. AMF‐TENG's minimum cut‐in speed is 1 m s−1, thereby greatly expanding its wind energy harvesting range. When the wind speed is 1–5 m s−1, the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) is 20.9–179.3 V. The peak power is 0.68 mW at 5 m s−1. In a durability test of 100 K cycles, the VOC decreases from 188.4 to 174.2 V but remain at 92.5% of the initial value. furthermore, the AMF‐TENG can harvest low‐speed flow energy from the natural environment to power temperature and humidity sensors and wireless light intensity sensor in smart agriculture. This study provides a promising method for low‐speed flow energy harvesting in distributed applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study addressed the working memory capacity (WMC) of gesture-command associations in gestural interaction and investigated the impact of compatibility between users' mental models and the predefined gesture-command associations on WMC. Gestural interaction is a popular representative of natural interactions. Although gestural interaction intends to be natural, it has been criticized for not being so. One of the critical problems lies in learning and memorizing. WMC is a pivotal bottleneck that underlies learning and memorizing gesture-command associations, yet it remains unknown. Two standardized paradigms were used to estimate the WMC of gesture-command associations: change-detection task in Experiment 1, and span task in Experiment 2. Besides, we further examined the impact of compatibility on WMC. We found that two gesture-command associations can be retained in working memory under low-compatibility conditions, while three to five associations can be retained under high-compatibility conditions. The result implies that WMC of gesture-command associations is highly limited, while this cognitive limitation could be reduced by promoting the compatibility between users' mental model and the predefined gesture-command associations. Designers for gestural interactions may require users to memorize two to five gesture-command associations, considering different application scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have investigated how the environmental vertical wind shear (VWS) may trigger the asymmetric structure in an initially axisymmetric tropical cyclone (TC) vortex and how TC intensity changes in response. In this study, the possible effect of the initial vortex asymmetric structure on the TC intensity change in response to an imposed environmental VWS is investigated based on idealized full‐physics model simulations. Results show that the effect of the asymmetric structure in the initial TC vortex can either enhance or suppress the initial weakening of the TC in response to the imposed environmental VWS. When the initial asymmetric structure is in phase of the VWS‐induced asymmetric structure, the TC weakening will be enhanced and vice versa. Our finding calls for realistic representation of initial TC asymmetric structure in numerical weather prediction models and observations to better resolve the asymmetric structure in TCs. Plain Language Summary: Although a strong tropical cyclone (TC) is often treated as an axisymmetric vortex in most theoretical studies, asymmetric structure always exists in a TC in nature, such as that generated by the environmental vertical wind shear (VWS). However, it is unclear whether and how the asymmetric structure in the initial TC vortex may affect the TC intensity change in response to an imposed environmental VWS. This has been addressed in this study by conducting idealized high‐resolution numerical simulations. Results show that the asymmetric structure in the initial TC vortex can either enhance or suppress the initial weakening of the TC in response to an imposed environmental VWS depending on how the initial asymmetry is aligned with the asymmetry induced by the VWS. If they are in phase, the TC weakening would be enhanced and vice versa. Our finding highlights the importance of realistically representing the asymmetric structure in the initial TC vortex in numerical weather prediction models for TC forecasts and also the need to better resolve the TC asymmetric structure in observations. Key Points: The initial asymmetric structure in a tropical cyclone (TC) vortex can either enhance or suppress the TC weakening induced by an imposed environmental vertical wind shear (VWS)If the initial asymmetric structure is in phase with the VWS‐induced asymmetric structure, the TC weakening would be enhanced and vice versaThe TC asymmetric structure should be better observed in real time and realistically represented in numerical weather prediction models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that exhibits a high degree of heterogeneity, marked by unpredictable disease flares and significant variations in the response to available treatments. The lack of optimal stratification for RA patients may be a contributing factor to the poor efficacy of current treatment options. The objective of this study is to elucidate the molecular characteristics of RA through the utilization of mitochondrial genes and subsequently construct and authenticate a diagnostic framework for RA. Mitochondrial proteins were obtained from the MitoCarta database, and the R package limma was employed to filter for differentially expressed mitochondrial genes (MDEGs). Metascape was utilized to perform enrichment analysis, followed by an unsupervised clustering algorithm using the ConsensuClusterPlus package to identify distinct subtypes based on MDEGs. The immune microenvironment, biological pathways, and drug response were further explored in these subtypes. Finally, a multi-biomarker-based diagnostic model was constructed using machine learning algorithms. Utilizing 88 MDEGs present in transcript profiles, it was possible to classify RA patients into three distinct subtypes, each characterized by unique molecular and cellular signatures. Subtype A exhibited a marked activation of inflammatory cells and pathways, while subtype C was characterized by the presence of specific innate lymphocytes. Inflammatory and immune cells in subtype B displayed a more modest level of activation (Wilcoxon test P < 0.05). Notably, subtype C demonstrated a stronger correlation with a superior response to biologics such as infliximab, anti-TNF, rituximab, and methotrexate/abatacept (P = 0.001) using the fisher test. Furthermore, the mitochondrial diagnosis SVM model demonstrated a high degree of discriminatory ability in distinguishing RA in both training (AUC = 100%) and validation sets (AUC = 80.1%). This study presents a pioneering analysis of mitochondrial modifications in RA, offering a novel framework for patient stratification and potentially enhancing therapeutic decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a micro-invasive surgery used to treat patients with aortic stenosis (AS) efficiently. However, the uneven valve expansion can cause a non-circular annulus, which is one of the main factors leading to complications after TAVI. As a preliminary work, the main purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of adverse aortic events in patients with a non-circular aortic annulus after TAVI. This study numerically investigated the distribution of four wall shear stress (WSS)-based indicators and three helicity-based indicators in eight patient-specific aortas with different annulus including circular, type I elliptical and type II elliptical shapes. Both elliptical annulus features can significantly enhance the intensity of the helicity (h2) in the ascending aorta (p < 0.001). However, for the type I elliptical annulus, the spiral flow structure was changed into low-velocity and disturbed flow pattern close to the inner side of the aortic arch. For the type II elliptical annulus, the spiral flow remained but became skewed in distribution. The elliptical annulus feature could increase the general level WSS-based indicators, especially in the ascending aorta. However, due to the disturbance of spiral flow or second helical flow in ascending aortas, areas with low TAWSS accompanied by high oscillatory shear index (OSI) and cross flow index (CFI) were observed in all the ascending aortas with non-circular annulus. The elliptical annulus feature can change the hemodynamic environment in the aortic arch, especially in the ascending aorta. Although both elliptical annulus features enhanced the strength of helicity, the uniform distribution of the helical flow was disturbed, especially in the ascending aorta, indicating the potential risk of adverse aortic events may increase. Therefore, for the patients without paravalvular leak but elliptical annulus shape after TAVI treatment, surgeons may be needed to consider further dilatation to make the non-circular annulus become circular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cu–Fe metal‐based ceramic grinding wheel material with SiC as abrasive was prepared by the powder metallurgy process of ball milling and hot pressing sintering. Cu–Fe–SiC cermets with Cu:Fe mass ratios of 4:1, 1:1, and 1:4 were designed by changing the composition of metal binder. The phase composition, microstructure, mechanical properties, and grinding properties of Cu–Fe–SiC cermets were systematically studied. The effect of Cu–Fe binder ratio on the microstructure and properties of cermets was analyzed. The results show that with the increase of Fe content, the density and hardness of cermets increase gradually, indicating that the mechanical properties are improved. Because the Fe in the adhesive can react with the abrasive SiC to form the reaction bonding interface, the Cu–80Fe–SiC cermets with higher Fe content have better adherence. The grinding test results of Cu–80Fe–SiC cermet show that the friction coefficient is.341, the surface roughness is 6.64 μm, the residual stresses parallel to the grinding direction are 353.3 MPa, and the residual stresses perpendicular to the grinding direction are 140.9 MPa. With the increase of Fe content, the wear mechanism changes from ploughing and cutting to friction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Continuous cross talk between MSCs and macrophages is integral to acute and chronic inflammation resulting from contaminated polyethylene particles (cPE); however, the effect of this inflammatory microenvironment on mitochondrial metabolism has not been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that (a) exposure to cPE leads to impaired mitochondrial metabolism and glycolytic reprogramming and (b) macrophages play a key role in this pathway. Methods: We cultured MSCs with/without uncommitted M0 macrophages, with/without cPE in 3-dimensional gelatin methacrylate (3D GelMA) constructs/scaffolds. We evaluated mitochondrial function (membrane potential and reactive oxygen species—ROS production), metabolic pathways for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production (glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation) and response to stress mechanisms. We also studied macrophage polarization toward the pro-inflammatory M1 or the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype and the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Results: Exposure to cPE impaired mitochondrial metabolism of MSCs; addition of M0 macrophages restored healthy mitochondrial function. Macrophages exposed to cPE-induced glycolytic reprogramming, but also initiated a response to this stress to restore mitochondrial biogenesis and homeostatic oxidative phosphorylation. Uncommitted M0 macrophages in coculture with MSC polarized to both M1 and M2 phenotypes. Osteogenesis was comparable among groups after 21 days. Conclusion: This work confirmed that cPE exposure triggers impaired mitochondrial metabolism and glycolytic reprogramming in a 3D coculture model of MSCs and macrophages and demonstrated that macrophages cocultured with MSCs undergo metabolic changes to maintain energy production and restore homeostatic metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (EIF5A) family consists of three members, namely EIF5A1, EIF5A2, and EIF5AL1. Recent studies have shown that the expression of EIF5As is related to many human diseases, such as diabetes, viral infection, central nervous system injury, and cancer. Among them, EIF5A1 plays different functions in various cancers, possibly as a tumor-suppressor or oncogene, while EIF5A2 promotes the occurrence and development of cancer. Yet, the biological function of EIF5AL1 is not being studied so far. Interestingly, although there are only three amino acid (at residues 36, 45, and 109) differences between EIF5A1 and EIF5AL1, we demonstrate that only EIF5A1 can be hypusinated while EIF5AL1 cannot, and EIF5AL1 has a tumor-suppressor-like function by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration. We also show that EIF5AL1 protein turnover is mediated through the proteasomal pathway, and EIF5AL1 protein turnover is much faster than that of EIF5A1, which may explain their differential protein expression level in cells. By engineering single and double mutations on these three amino acids, we pinpoint which of these amino acids are critical for hypusination and protein stability. The data of this work should fill in the gaps in EIF5As research and pave the way for future studies on EIF5AL1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies showed that the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index was a better predictor of adverse cardiovascular events than triglycerides or fasting blood glucose alone. However, few studies have focused on new-onset hypertension. We aimed to explore the association of TyG index with new-onset hypertension in Chinese adults. Methods: A total of 4,600 participants who underwent at least 2 rounds of visits from 2009 to 2015 in the China Health and Nutrition Survey were enrolled in this study. Our outcome of interest was new-onset hypertension. Multivariate Cox hazard regression models and restricted cubic spline were performed to explore the relationship between TyG index and new-onset hypertension. Results: The mean (standard deviation, SD) age of the study population was 48.1 (13.6) years, and 2058 (44.7%) of the participants were men. The mean (SD) TyG index level was 8.6 (0.7). A total of 1,211 (26.3%) participants developed new-onset hypertension during a median (interquartile range) follow-up duration of 6.0 (2.0–6.1) years. The incidences of new-onset hypertension were 18.1%, 25.3%, 28.5%, and 33.4% by quartiles of TyG index [from quartile 1 (Q1) to Q4], respectively. The Cox model showed that high levels of TyG index were significantly associated with increased risk of new-onset hypertension (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.55, Q2; aHR, 1.24, 95% CI 1.03–1.49, Q3; aHR, 1.50, 95% CI 1.22–1.84, Q4) compared with Q1. Consistently, as a continuous variable, for every 1.0 increase in TyG index, there was a 17% increase in the risk of new-onset hypertension (aHR, 1.17; 95% CI 1.04–1.31). The associations were consistent in various subgroups and sensitivity analysis. The dose–response curve indicated a positive, linear association between TyG index and the risk of new-onset hypertension. Conclusions: High TyG index was significantly associated with an increased risk of new-onset hypertension among Chinese adults. Our findings suggest that maintaining a relatively low level of TyG index might be effective in the primary prevention of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preterm birth has been identified as a risk factor for development of long-term chronic kidney disease. Podocyte loss has been reported to contribute to this process in preterm animal models. However, details about podocyte loss in preterm infants and related perinatal risk factors have not been well clarified. Methods: Forty full-term infants and 106 preterm infants were enrolled. Urine samples were collected from full-term infants within 4–7 days of birth and preterm infants at 37–40 weeks of corrected age. Levels of urine podocin mRNA, urine protein (UP), and urine microalbumin (UMA) were measured, and the relationship between these markers was evaluated. Clinical information in these infants was collected, and potential correlates that may lead to increased podocyte loss during the perinatal period were identified using linear regression analysis. Results: Urine podocyte loss indicated by the urine podocin mRNA to creatinine ratio (UpodCR) was higher in preterm infants than in full-term infants. UpodCR was correlated with the levels of UP and UMA. Multiple linear regression analysis also showed that lower gestational age (GA) at birth and small for gestational age (SGA) were high risk factors for urine podocyte loss. Conclusions: Increasing urine podocyte loss was identified in preterm infants. Moreover, perinatal factors were associated with podocyte loss and may be a potential direction for comprehensive research and intervention in this field. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keeping an appropriate level of trust in automated driving (AD) is critical to safe driving. Although ample studies have investigated factors affecting trust in AD, few studies have investigated whether the personality of drivers influences the trust in AD system. Considering that trust measured at a given point in time lies on a continuum between dispositional and history-based trust, the current research investigated the relationship between driver's personality and dispositional as well as history-based trust. We revealed that personality affected the two types of trust in different ways: A significant negative correlation emerged between Neuroticism and dispositional trust of AD (Study 1), whereas a significant negative correlation between Openness and history-based trust was found when participants interacted with the AD system (Study 2). These results suggest that drivers' personality has an impact on the trust in AD, which is further modulated by the experience of driver's interaction with the AD system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D printing technology is gaining widespread attention due to its powerful flexibility in material components and structure to design. In this paper, graphene (GR) and Mn–Zn ferrite (MZF) were filled into polylactic acid (PLA) as reinforcement. The GR-MZF/PLA composite wires were prepared by ball-mill mixing and melt extrusion method. Finally, the GR-MZF/PLA composites were prepared by fused deposition molding using the composite wires. The effects of the graphene content on the mechanical properties and wave absorption properties of the composites were investigated. With the increase in graphene content, the microwave absorption properties of the composites first enhance and then decrease. When the GR content is 4 wt.%, GR-MZF/PLA composite exhibits excellent microwave absorption performance. At the material thickness of 2.5 mm, the maximum reflection loss is −24.3 dB and the absorption bandwidth is 5.12 GHz, and good mechanical property is achieved with a tensile strength of 34.4 MPa. The results show that the GR-MZF/PLA composites prepared by the method described in this paper have good microwave absorption properties and load-bearing capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the difficult machining characteristics of high volume fraction SiCp/Al composites, this paper researches the grinding force variation of grinding SiCp/Al composites with grinding rod. A diamond grinding rod with a diameter of 3mm is used to grind the SiCp/Al2024 composite with 60% volume fraction by the method of end face grinding. By measuring the tangential grinding forces and normal grinding forces after grinding, the theoretical model of unit grinding force is deduced. According to the experimental parameters of spindle speed, feed rate, and grinding depth, this paper derives the theoretical model of grinding force based on SiCp/Al2024 composites. And it clarifies the influence mechanism of grinding depth and feed rate on grinding force and explores the variation of grinding parameters on grinding force under dry grinding condition. Then the variation rule of grinding component force ratio is obtained. The related research and theoretical model have theoretical guiding significance for exploring the grinding properties of hard-to-machine materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature type is one of the key traits determining the cultivation regime of Lentinula edodes. However, the molecular and metabolic basis underling temperature type remain unclear. Here, we investigated the phenotypic, transcriptomic, and metabolic features of L. edodes with different temperature types under both control (25 °C) and high (37 °C) temperature conditions. We found that under the control condition, the high- and low-temperature types of L. edodes harbored distinct transcriptional and metabolic profiles. The high-temperature (H-)-type strain had a higher expression level of genes involved in the toxin processes and carbohydrate binding, while the low-temperature (L-)-type strain had a high expression level of oxidoreductase activity. Heat stress significantly inhibited the growth of both H- and L-type strains, while the latter had a higher growth inhibition rate. Upon exposure to heat, the H-type strain significantly up-regulated genes associated with the components of the cellular membrane, whereas the L-type strain markedly up-regulated genes involved in the extracellular region and carbohydrate binding. Metabolome data showed that thermostress altered purine and pyrimidine metabolism in the H-type strain, whereas it altered cysteine, methionine, and glycerophospholipid metabolism in the L-type strain. Transcriptome and metabolome integrative analysis was able to identify three independent thermotolerance-related gene–metabolite regulatory networks. Our results deepen the current understanding of the molecular and metabolic basis underlying temperature type and suggest, for the first time, that thermotolerance mechanisms can be temperature-type-dependent for L. edodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excavation of hard rock roadways in coal mines is often in the environment of underground water and high ground temperature, and it is easy to be affected by the dynamic load, which leads to roadway destruction and increases the difficulty of roadway support. The ring sandstone specimens with different inner diameters (0~25 mm) were treated with temperature and water coupled, and the dynamic compression test was produced by the Hopkinson pressure rod device (SHPB). The experimental results indicate that the coupling effect of temperature and water reduces the dynamic performance of sandstone specimens. XRD test results showed that the composition of sandstone specimens did not change before and after warm water coupling, and no new substances were found. Dynamic properties of ring sandstone specimens with different inner diameters weaken with the increase in inner diameters. With the increasing inner diameter of ring sandstone specimens, the energy dissipation per unit volume increases the dynamic compressive strength decreases, and the degree of breakage increases. Fracture morphology, average strain rate, and dynamic peak strain of ring sandstone specimens increase with inner diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A finite element model of single abrasive grinding was established to analyze the material removal during the grinding process and analyze the surface and subsurface defects of the material after grinding. Using the orthogonal test method to machine the surface of the workpiece with a grinding rod of 2 mm grinding head diameter, and to investigate the influence degree of the machining parameters on the roughness. It was concluded that the grinding depth has the most significant effect on surface roughness, followed by the spindle speed and the feed speed, and the minimum roughness of the ground surface obtained was 0.066 µm. The rough surface was simulated by the digital filtering method based on fast Fourier transform (FFT), and the morphological characteristics of the rough surface at Ra = 0.116 µm were described, and the simulated surface was consistent with the detected surface. The laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used for inspection, and the analysis showed that the main removal forms of the enhanced particles were broken, fractured, and pulled out. The surface defects were cracks, pits, and burrs, and the subsurface damages were voids, cracks, and pits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many studies have examined the effects of perceived stress on some specific stress responses during the COVID-19, a comprehensive study is still lacking. And the co-mediating role of coping style and resilience as important mediators of stress processes is also unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of perceived stress on emotional, physical, and behavioral stress responses and the mediating roles of coping style and resilience in Chinese population during the recurrent outbreak of COVID-19 from a comprehensive perspective. 1087 participants were recruited to complete the anonymous online survey including the Perceived Stress Scale, the Stress Response Questionnaire, the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire and the Emotional Resilience Questionnaire. Pearson's correlation and Hayes PROCESS macro 3.5 model 6 were used in the mediating effect analysis. Results showed that positive coping style and resilience both buffered the negative effects of perceived stress on emotional, physical, and behavioral responses through direct or indirect pathways, and resilience had the strongest mediating effects. The findings urged relevant authorities and individuals to take measures to promote positive coping style and resilience to combat the ongoing pandemic stress and protect public physical and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the last local case of diphtheria in 1992, there had not been any case in Singapore until an autochthonous case was reported in 2017. This fatal diphtheria case of a migrant worker raised concerns about the potential re-emergence of locally transmitted toxigenic diphtheria in Singapore. We conducted a seroprevalence study to assess the immunity levels to diphtheria among migrant workers in Singapore. Methods: Residual sera from migrant workers who hailed from Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and the Philippines were tested for anti-diphtheria toxoid immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. These migrant workers previously participated in a survey between 2016 and 2019 and had provided blood samples as part of the survey procedure. Results: A total of 2176 migrant workers were included in the study. Their overall mean age was 27.1 years (standard deviation 5.0), range was 20–43 years. The proportion having at least basic protection against diphtheria (antitoxin titres ≥ 0.01 IU/ml) ranged from 77.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 72.8 – 82.3%) among migrant workers from Bangladesh to 96.7% (95% CI 92.5 – 98.6%) in those hailing from Malaysia. The proportion showing full protection (antitoxin titres ≥ 0.10 IU/ml) ranged from 10.1% (95% CI 6.5 – 15.4%) in Chinese workers to 23.0% (95% CI 17.1 – 30.3%) in Malaysian workers. There were no significant differences in the proportion with at least basic protection across birth cohorts, except for those from Bangladesh where the seroprevalence was significantly lower in younger migrant workers born after 1989. Conclusions: The proportions having at least basic protection against diphtheria in migrant workers from five out of seven Asian countries (India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and the Philippines) were higher than 85%, the threshold for diphtheria herd immunity. Seroprevalence surveys should be conducted periodically to assess the level of immunity against diphtheria and other vaccine preventable diseases in migrant worker population, so that appropriate interventions such as booster vaccination can be implemented proactively to prevent sporadic outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preoperative prediction of severe cholecystitis (SC), including acute gangrenous cholecystitis (AGC) and acute purulent cholecystitis (APC), as opposed to acute exacerbation of chronic cholecystitis (ACC), is of great significance, as SC is associated with high mortality rate.Methods: In this study, we retrospectively investigated medical records of 114 cholecystitis patients, treated in Shanghai No. 6 People's Hospital from February 2009 to July 2020. Gallbladder wall thickness (GBWT), indexes of blood routine examination, including white blood cell (WBC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the percentage of neutrophil, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), fibrinogen (FIB), gamma-glutamyl transferase, prothrombin time and total bilirubin were evaluated. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate significant differences between a certain kind of SC and ACC to select a prediction index for each kind of SC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to identify the prediction effectiveness of these indexes and their optimal cut-off values.Results: Higher WBC and lower ALP were associated with AGC diagnosis (P < 0.05). Higher percentage of neutrophils was indicative of APC and AGC, while higher GBWT was significantly associated with APC diagnosis (P < 0.05) The optimal cut-off values for these indexes were established at 11.1*109/L (OR: 5.333, 95% CI 2.576-10.68, P < 0.0001, sensitivity: 72.73%, specificity: 66.67%), 79.75% (OR: 5.735, 95% CI 2.749-12.05, P < 0.0001, sensitivity: 77.92%, specificity: 61.9%) and 5.5 mm (OR: 22, 95% CI 4.757-83.42, P < 0.0001, sensitivity: 78.57%, specificity: 85.71%), respectively.Conclusion: We established a predictive model for the differentiations of APC and AGC from ACC using clinical indexes, such as GBWT, the percentage of neutrophil and WBC, and determined cut-off values for these indexes based on ROC curves. Index values exceeding these cut-off values will allow to diagnose patients as APC and AGC, as opposed to a diagnosis of ACC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Although patients with grade 2 glioma have a relatively better prognosis and longer survival than those with high-grade glioma, there are still a number of patients with disappointing outcomes. In order to accurately predict the prognosis of patients, relevant risk factors were included in the analysis to establish a clinical prediction model so as to provide a basis for clinically individualized treatment. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted in patients diagnosed with grade 2 glioma. Data including clinical features, pathological type, molecular classification, neuroimaging examination, treatment, and survival were collected. The data sets were randomly assigned, with 80% of the data used for model building and 20% for validation. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to construct the model using important risk factors and present it in the form of a nomogram. The nomogram was evaluated a using C-index and calibration chart. Results. A total of 160 patients were enrolled in this analysis, including 128 in the training group and 32 in the validation group. In the training group, eight important risk factors including preoperative KPS, the first presenting symptom, the extent of resection, the gross tumor size, 1p19q, IDH, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were identified to construct the model. The C-index of the training group and the validation group was 0.832 and 0.801, respectively, indicating that the model had good prediction ability. The calibration charts of the two groups were drawn respectively, which showed that the calibration line and the standard line had a good consistency, which suggested that the model-predicted risk had a good consistency with the actual risk. Conclusions. Based on the data of our center, a nomogram prediction model with eight variables has been established as an off-the-rack tool and verified its accuracy, which can guide clinical work and provide consultation for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The transient receptor potential ion channel TRPM3 is highly prevalent on nociceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, but its functions in neuronal plasticity of chronic pain remain obscure. In an animal model of nonspecific low back pain (LBP), latent spinal sensitization known as nociceptive priming is induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) injection. Here, we address the TRPM3-associated molecular basis of NGF-induced latent spinal sensitization at presynaptic level by studying TRPM3-mediated calcium transients in DRG neurons. By investigating TRPM3-expressing HEK cells, we further show the dynamic mitochondrial activity downstream of TRPM3 activation. NGF enhances TRPM3 function, attenuates TRPM3 tachyphylaxis, and slows intracellular calcium clearance; TRPM3 activation triggers more mitochondrial calcium loading than depolarization does, causing a steady-state mitochondrial calcium elevation and a delayed recovery of cytosolic calcium; mitochondrial calcium buffering accounts for approximately 40% of calcium influx subsequent to TRPM3 activation. TRPM3 activation provokes an outbreak of pulsatile superoxide production (mitoflash) that comes in the form of a surge in frequency being tunable. We suggest that mitoflash pulsations downstream of TRPM3 activation might be an early signaling event initiating pain sensitization. Tuning of mitoflash activity would be a novel bottom-up therapeutic strategy for chronic pain conditions such as LBP and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary Sjögren's syndrome is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration and dysfunction of exocrine glands. The persistent presence of lymphocytes in these glands is an important cause of injury to glandular epithelial cells. MicroRNAs play an important role in primary Sjögren's syndrome and regulate mRNA expression. This study evaluated the expression of microRNA related to lymphocyte infiltration in primary Sjögren's syndrome patients so as to find novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for primary Sjögren's syndrome. We also explored the microRNA-mRNA networks related to lymphocyte infiltration.Methods: mRNA-seq and microRNA-seq of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were performed on samples from five primary Sjögren's syndrome patients and five matched healthy controls. Meanwhile, microRNA-mRNA network analysis was also conducted. RT-qPCR was used for validation of differentially expressed RNAs. Immunohistochemistry analysis was used to detect MMP2 expression in labial gland tissue. Hsa-miR-3202 mimics/inhibitor-transfected Jurkat cells were used to measure the effects of hsa-miR-3202 on the infiltration potential of T cells.Results: mRNA and microRNA sequencing revealed that 84 differentially expressed mRNAs and 49 differentially expressed microRNAs had a mutual regulatory relationship. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that differentially expressed MMP2 and its related microRNA, hsa-miR-3202, were enriched in the leukocyte transendothelial migration pathway. MMP2 was highly expressed in PBMC and labial gland tissue in primary Sjögren's syndrome patients. Hsa-miR-3202 was lower expressed in primary Sjögren's syndrome than healthy control. Furthermore, hsa-miR-3202 mimics transfection decreased MMP2 expression in Jurkat cells, and inhibited Jurkat cells invasion (p = 0.047).Conclusion: Large number of differentially expressed microRNAs and mRNAs were detected in primary Sjögren's syndrome, and these differentially expressed microRNAs and mRNAs had a mutual regulatory relationship and played an important role in primary Sjögren's syndrome. In the study, we found hsa-miR-3202 regulate MMP2 and inhibited the infiltration of T cells from peripheral blood into the gland, which played a protective role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During milling, brittle fracture occurs in SiCp/Al composites due to extrusion, while plastic deformation occurs in the aluminum matrix. The damage of particles and the matrix is different. In order to observe the brittle fracture process of particles more accurately, a single particle milling model was established to analyze the damage and deformation of particles when cutting along different positions. In the study of the influence of cutting speed on particle failure, a two-dimensional simulation model with multi-particle random distribution was established. Keeping the cutting depth the same, only the cutting speed was varied to study its effect on the surface quality. Detailed analysis of the orthogonal test results shows that the influence on surface quality is from feed rate, milling speed, and milling depth in descending order. The optimal cutting conditions are milling speed of 47.10 m/min, feed speed of 10 mm/min, and cutting depth of 80 μm. Through the analysis of sub-surface morphology, the main causes of cracks, pits, and other defects on machined surfaces can be explained, and the experimental results are proved to be the same as the simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electrokinetic effects induce a sharp velocity decrease at fluid interfaces. • Liquid heights greatly affect flow field distribution and droplet moving velocity. • Droplet dynamic viscosity has a minor effect on its electrokinetic velocity. The electrokinetic effects at fluid interfaces can be utilized for droplet manipulation and separation in water, showing promising applications in areas such as oil-water separation and liquid-liquid extraction. In this study, numerical simulations are employed to investigate the impact of electrokinetic effects at the droplet surface and the horizontal interface between a non-conductive liquid and water on the electrokinetic velocity of a droplet within a microchannel. The findings indicate that as the magnitude of the negative zeta potential intensifies at the horizontal liquid-liquid interface, the flow velocity of non-conductive liquid gradually decreases and reverses direction when the zeta potential of the interface exceeds that of the channel wall. Conversely, the flow velocity of water continues to rise, resulting in an increased droplet movement velocity in water. The study also reveals that a lower water height and a greater non-conductive liquid height lead to faster water flow velocity and, consequently, a swifter droplet movement velocity. Additionally, the dynamic viscosity of the droplet has minimal impact on its electrokinetic velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF) is an acute, febrile, highly contagious infection of pigs caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). The purpose of this study is to understand the molecular mechanism of ASFV infection and evaluate the effect of DCA on MAPK pathway, so as to provide scientific basis for the development of new antiviral drugs. The transcriptome analysis found that ASFV infection up-regulated the IL-17 and MAPK signaling pathways to facilitate viral replication. Metabolome analysis showed that DCA levels were up-regulated after ASFV infection, and that exogenous DCA could inhibit activation of the MAPK pathway by ASFV infection and thus inhibit viral replication. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to screen the genes of ASFV and revealed that I73R could significantly up-regulate the transcription level of AP-1 transcription factor in the MAPK pathway. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that I73R could promote AP-1 entry into the nucleus, and that DCA could inhibit the I73R -mediated nuclear entry of AP-1, inhibiting MAPK pathway, and I73R interacts with AP-1. These results indicated that DCA can inhibit ASFV-mediated activation of the MAPK pathway, thus inhibiting ASFV replication. This study provides a theoretical basis for research on ASF pathogenesis and for antiviral drug development. • ASFV infection up-regulates the IL-17 and MAPK signaling pathways. • DCA levels are up-regulated after ASFV infection. • DCA inhibits ASFV-mediated MAPK signaling activation and inhibits viral replication. • I73R promotes AP-1 nuclear transfer. • DCA inhibits I73R-mediated AP-1 nuclear transfer and thus inhibits MAPK signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new oxidovanadium(V) complexes, [VOL¹(HQ)] (1) and [VOL2(SAH)] (2), were prepared by the reaction of [VO(acac) 2] (where acac = acetylacetonate) with N'-(3-ethoxy-2-hydroxybenzylidene)nicotinohydrazide (H2L¹) and 8-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ), and N'-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene)nicotinohydrazide (H2L2) and salicylhydroxamic acid (HSAH), respectively, in methanol. Crystal and molecular structures of the complexes were determined by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The V atoms in both complexes are in octahedral coordination. Thermal stability of the complexes was studied. Both complexes can decrease the blood glucose level in alloxan-diabetic mice, but the blood glucose level in the treated normal mice was not altered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of the study is to explore the clinical efficacy and prognosis factors of joint application of laparoscopic radical resection of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and docetaxel therapy in treating COAD of middle and advanced stages. Methods. The clinical data of 103 COAD patients of middle and advanced stages treated in our hospital from July 2016 to July 2018 were selected for the retrospective analysis, all patients received the treatment scheme of combining laparoscopic radical resection of COAD with docetaxel therapy for the observation of short-term efficacy, follow-up was conducted to record their 3-year survival, and relevant factors affecting patient prognosis were analyzed by the logistic regression model. Results. After treatment, the total remission rate of patients was 75.73% (78/103), the total incidence rate of adverse reactions was 16.50% (17/103); patients' level values of various serum tumor markers after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.001); according to the univariate analysis results, for COAD patients with different tumor diameters, differentiated degrees, TNM stages, perineural invasion degrees, pathological types, and depths of invasion, their modality rates were statistically different (P < 0.05); and the logistic regression analysis showed that tumor diameter ≥5 cm, poor differentiation, TNM stage IV, perineural invasion, pathologically signet-ring cell carcinoma, and T3-invasion were the independent risk factors affecting patient prognosis (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Combining laparoscopic radical resection of COAD with docetaxel therapy in treating COAD of middle and advanced stages achieves affirmed short-term efficacy, which can reduce patients' level of serum tumor markers and ensure high safety and good survival prognosis. Tumor diameter, differentiated degree, TNM stage, perineural invasion, pathological type, and T3-invasion are the relevant factors affecting the prognosis of middle and advanced COAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Development of pulmonary fibrosis is associated with altered DNA methylation modifications of fibrogenic gene expression. However, their causal relationships and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the critical role of DNA methylation aberration‐associated suppression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) in pulmonary fibrosis. Experimental Approach Expression of PPARγ and bioactive DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and PPARγ promoter methylation status were examined in fibrotic lungs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and bleomycin (Blm)‐treated mice. DNA demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5aza) and glycyrrhizic acid (GA) derived from medicinal plant were assessed for their PPARγ de‐repression and anti‐pulmonary fibrosis activities. PPARγ knockout mice were created to determine the critical role of PPARγ in this protection. Key Results: Lung PPARγ expression was markedly suppressed in IPF patients and Blm mice, accompanied by increased DNMT 1/DNMT3a and PPARγ promoter hypermethylation. Administration of 5‐aza and GA similarly demethylated PPARγ promoter, restored PPARγ loss and alleviated fibrotic lung pathologies, including structural alterations and adverse expression of fibrotic mediators and inflammatory cytokines. In cultured lung fibroblasts and alveolar epithelial cells, GA alleviated PPARγ–mediated suppression of fibrosis in a gain of DNMT‐sensitive manner, and in PPARγ knockout mice, the anti‐fibrotic effects of 5aza and GA were significantly reduced, suggesting that PPARγ is a critical mediator of epigenetic pulmonary fibrogenesis. Conclusion and Implications: Aberrant DNMT1/3a elevations and the resultant PPARγ suppression contribute significantly to the development of pulmonary fibrosis, and strategies targeting DNMT/PPARγ axis with synthetic or natural compounds might benefit patients with pulmonary fibrotic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compressing complex flows into a tangle of vortex filaments is the basic implication of the classical vortex-representation notion. This work focuses on the effectiveness of the local identification criteria in the vortex representation of wall-bounded turbulence. Basically, five local identification criteria regarding vortex strength and three criteria for vortex axis are considered. Instead of separately evaluating the two classes of criteria, the current work defines vortex vectors by arbitrarily combining the vortex strength and vortex axis expressed by various criteria, and attempts to figure out the most effective one regarding the vortex representation. The effectiveness of these vortex vectors is evaluated based on two aspects: first, the alignment of the vortex axis and vortex iso-surface should be well established, which benefits the simplification of the vortex filaments; second, vortices could be viewed as the "gene code" of turbulent flows, which means reconstructing the velocity fields based on them should be effective. For the first aspect, the differential geometry method is employed to describe the vortex isosurface-axis alignment property quantitatively. For the second aspect, the Biot-Savart law is employed to accomplish the vortex-to-velocity reconstruction. Results of this work provide some reference for the applications of vortex identification criteria in wall-bounded turbulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crisp yam chips were produced using hot air drying (AD), vacuum drying (VD), freeze drying (FD), and explosion puffing drying (EPD). As a result, the reducing sugar, total polyphenol and vitamin C contents, rehydration rate and volume ratio were well retained in freeze-dried chips with explosion puffing-dried chips following closely behind, which exhibited a higher total soluble solids content (TSS) and crispness. The microstructure of explosion puffing-dried chips showed distinct cell wall breakage and cell expansion, indicating the release of more TSSs and a relatively high hardness and crispness. Based on physicochemical chip properties, FD and EPD could be distinguished from the other drying methods, and the characteristic physicochemical properties of explosion puffing-dried yam chips were identified as the hardness and TSS level using multivariate analysis. Furthermore, 43 volatile compounds were isolated and identified in fresh yam and dried yam chips using headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Based on the volatile compositions of the samples, oct-1-en-3-ol was identified as the major volatile compound in fresh yam, and the volatiles in the explosion puffing-dried chips were clearly distinguished from those in the other dried yam chips due to the unique puffing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently a technique based on the interaction between adhesion proteins extracted from Streptococcus pyogenes, known as SpyRing, has been widely used to improve the thermal resilience of enzymes, the assembly of biostructures, cancer cell recognition and other fields. It was believed that the covalent cyclization of protein skeleton caused by SpyRing reduces the conformational entropy of biological structure and improves its rigidity, thus improving the thermal resilience of the target enzyme. However, the effects of SpyTag/ SpyCatcher interaction with this enzyme are poorly understood, and their regulation of enzyme properties remains unclear. Here, for simplicity, we took the single domain enzyme lichenase from Bacillus subtilis 168 as an example, studied the interface interactions in the SpyRing by molecular dynamics simulations, and examined the effects of the changes of electrostatic interaction and van der Waals interaction on the thermal resilience of target enzyme. The simulations showed that the interface between SpyTag/SpyCatcher and the target enzyme is different from that found by geometric matching method and highlighted key mutations at the interface that might have effect on the thermal resilience of the enzyme. Our calculations highlighted interfacial interactions between enzyme and SpyTag/SpyCatcher, which might be useful in rational designs of the SpyRing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of ultrasound treatment on dioscorin, the primary storage protein found in yam tubers. Three key factors, namely ultrasound power, duration, and frequency, were focused on. The research revealed that ultrasound-induced cavitation effects disrupted non-covalent bonds, resulting in a reduction in α-helix and β-sheet contents, decreased thermal stability, and a decrease in the apparent hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) of dioscorin. Additionally, previously hidden amino acid groups within the molecule became exposed on its surface, resulting in increased surface hydrophobicity (Ho) and zeta-potential. Under specific ultrasound conditions (200 W, 25 kHz, 30 min), Dh decreased while Ho increased, facilitating the adsorption of dioscorin molecules onto the oil-water interface. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that at lower frequencies and pressures, the structural flexibility of dioscorin's main chain atoms increased, leading to more significant fluctuations between amino acid residues. This transformation improved dioscorin's emulsifying properties and its oil-water interface affinity. [Display omitted] • Dioscorin was treated by different ultrasound conditions (time, frequency & power). • Under ultrasound of 200 W, 25 kHz & 30 min, dioscorin shows superior emulsification. • MD simulations were conducted simulating different ultrasound conditions. • In FT-IR and simulation. Ultrasound reduced dioscorin's α-helical & β-sheet contents. • Lower frequency and power enhanced emulsification in both experiments and simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A gas-assisted method is proposed for improving the output performance of TENG. • The charge transfer ability of GA-TENG is improved by 13.86 times via the method. • GA-TENG can provide power to wireless sensors and water level detection modules. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have unparalleled performance advantages in the low-frequency range and become an emerging technology for efficient wave energy harvesting. There are various methods to improve the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators, but the output effect and manufacturing convenience of the TENGs cannot be balanced, which limits their promotion and application in a wider field. Here, a gas-assisted triboelectric nanogenerator (GA-TENG) for harvesting wave energy is reported, which has high performance through a gas-assisted method. The gas-assisted device is mainly composed of two airbags and a flexible substrate to increase the actual contact area between the triboelectric layers, which increases the open-circuit voltage (V oc) and transferred charge (Q sc) by 7.99 and 13.86 times, respectively, compared to the rigid substrate. The power density of GA-TENG can reach 20.4 W/m3 under the wave frequency of 1 Hz. In addition, the applications of GA-TENG are successfully demonstrated, including powering three lamps of 3 W, a wireless temperature and humidity sensor, and a water level monitoring module. This work provides a design scheme for wave energy harvesting and a universal method for TENG to harvest renewable energy efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydro-Fluctuation Belt (HFB), a periodically exposed bank area formed by changes in water level fluctuations, is critical for damaging the reservoir wetland landscape and ecological balance. Thus, it is important to explore the mechanism of hydrological conditions on the plant-soil system of the HFB for protection of the reservoir wetland and landscape restoration. Here, we investigated the response of plant community characteristics and soil environment of the HFB of Tonghui River National Wetland Park (China), is a typical reservoir wetland, to the duration of inundation, as well as the correlation between the distribution of dominant plants and soil pH, nutrient contents, and enzyme activity by linear regression and canonical correlation analyses. The results show that as the duration of inundation decreases, the vegetation within the HFB is successional from annual or biennial herbs to perennial herbs and shrubs, with dominant plant species prominent and uneven distribution of species. Soil nutrient contents and enzyme activities of HFB decreased with increasing inundation duration. Dominant species of HFB plant community are related to soil environment, with water content, pH, urease, and available potassium being principle soil environmental factors affecting their distribution. When HFB was inundated for 0–30 days, soil pH was strongly acidic, with available potassium content above 150 mg kg−1 and higher urease activity, distributed with Arundo donax L., Polygonum perfoliatum L., Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb., and Daucus carota L. communities. When inundated for 30–80 days, soil pH was acidic, with lower available potassium content (50–150 mg kg−1) and urease activity, distributed with Beckmannia syzigachne (Steud.) Fern.+ Polygonum lapathifolium L., Polygonum lapathifolium L., Medicago lupulina L. + Dysphania ambrosioides L. and Leptochloa panicea (Retz.) Ohwi communities. Using the constructed HFB plant-soil correlation model, changes in the wetland soil environment can be quickly judged by the succession of plant dominant species, which provides a simpler method for the monitoring of the soil environment in the reservoir wetland, and is of great significance for the scientific management and reasonable protection of the reservoir-type wetland ecosystem. [Display omitted] • Inundation duration determines plant communities and soils within the HFB. • There was a correlation between the succession of dominant plants and soil in HFB. • The plant‒soil association model can quickly indicate soil environment by plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has significant potential in Earth sciences, particularly in mineral identification for industrial exploration, geological mapping, and archaeological research. However, traditional methods are time-consuming, expensive, and complex. And existing mineral identification methods based on mineral photos face several critical challenges, including lack of consideration for natural image features captured in real environments, limitations of single-label classification which does not align with multi-mineral occurrences in nature, and growing computational complexity as the number of identifiable mineral labels increases. Therefore, this paper proposes an efficient mineral identification model based on multi-label image classification, focusing on natural environmental features. First, realistic feature datasets are created by simulating mineral photos in real environments. Then, the model uses the query-label (Query2Label) framework, with MaxViT-T (Multi-Axis Vision Transformer-Tiny) as the feature extraction network and the asymmetric loss function. Knowledge distillation is employed to improve identification accuracy while reducing computational complexity. The proposed model achieves an impressive average identification accuracy of 84.74% on a dataset of 495,756 mineral photos, surpassing existing models like ResNet-101, ML-GCN (Multi-Label Graph Convolutional Network), and SRN (Spatial Regularization Net). It maintains a lower parameter count and computational complexity. In the end, ablation experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of each optimization scheme. • Selecting image noise and color shift methods for realistic mineral data simulation. • Proposing an enhanced two-stage image multi-Label identification model framework. • Applying knowledge distillation for multi-label classification subtask decomposition. • Being with low computational complexity and high mineral identification accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-N-modified activated carbons (ACs) were prepared from bamboo shoot shells (BSS) by potassium ferrate activation for arsenic adsorption. BSS provided abundant nitrogen and carbon sources for ACs, while potassium ferrate significantly improved the pore volume and specific surface area (SSA), but also loaded iron particles. The highest SSA of AC was 1900 m2/g, with the iron content of 4.54–6.52% and nitrogen content of 2.88–3.35%. Based on the arsenic adsorption capacity, the optimized manufacturing process was activation temperature of 800 °C, activation time of 120 min, and activator ratio of 3.5. The optimized AC exhibited excellent arsenic adsorption performance and the maximum adsorption capacity was 9.18 mg/g. The good magnetism of AC was beneficial to recovery and reuse. The adsorption capability retention was still more than 50% after reusing for five times. This work showed that BSS had great potential for commercial development, and also provided a cost-effective production way for arsenic adsorbents. • Fe-N-modified activated carbons are manufactured by K 2 FeO 4 activation. • Activation temperatures affect the forms of iron and nitrogen. • The influences of process parameters on pore structure are investigated. • Activated carbons exhibit excellent arsenic adsorption property. • AC-800-120-3.5 shows satisfactory magnetism and reuse life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effects of CTC on serration behavior in wide t g Zr-based BMGs were investigated. • The number and magnitude of stress drops correlate with the plasticity of BMGs. • BMGs with lower t g undergo strain hardening during plastic deformation. • Fine serrations occur easily in Zr-based BMGs with high Zr content and lower t g. Serration behavior serves as a pivotal link connecting micro-deformation mechanism to the mechanical properties of metallic glasses. To elucidate the impact of cryogenic thermal cycling (CTC) and compositional modifications on metallic glasses' serration behavior, a series of Zr-based metallic glasses, exhibiting a broad range of glass transition temperatures (T g), were meticulously manufactured. The stress drop magnitude initially decreases before the peak-rejuvenation induced by CTC, then gradually increases, while the number of stress drops exhibits an initial increase and then a decrease. These trends correlate with optimized plasticity of the metallic glasses. Remarkably, metallic glasses with lower T g predominantly undergo strain hardening during plastic deformation. They exhibit lower viscosity in shear band zones and stress drop compared to others, attributed to the temperature increase around shear band zones approaching T g. This phenomenon promotes shear band activation in smaller flow units, leading to finer serrations compared to glasses with higher T g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]