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This paper introduces an assumption-lean method that constructs valid and efficient lower predictive bounds for survival times with censored data. We build on recent work by Candès et al. (2023) , whose approach first subsets the data to discard any data points with early censoring times and then uses a reweighting technique, namely, weighted conformal inference (Tibshirani et al. 2019), to correct for the distribution shift introduced by this subsetting procedure. For our new method, instead of constraining to a fixed threshold for the censoring time when subsetting the data, we allow for a covariate-dependent and data-adaptive subsetting step, which is better able to capture the heterogeneity of the censoring mechanism. As a result, our method can lead to lower predictive bounds that are less conservative and give more accurate information. We show that in the Type-I right-censoring setting, if either the censoring mechanism or the conditional quantile of the survival time is well estimated, our proposed procedure achieves nearly exact marginal coverage, where in the latter case we additionally have approximate conditional coverage. We evaluate the validity and efficiency of our proposed algorithm in numerical experiments, illustrating its advantage when compared with other competing methods. Finally, our method is applied to a real dataset to generate lower predictive bounds for users' active times on a mobile app. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replacing cement with industrial by-products is an important way to achieve carbon neutrality in the cement industry. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of eggshell powder on cement hydration properties, and to evaluate its feasibility as a substitute for cement. The substitution rates of eggshell powder are 0%, 7.5%, and 15%. Studying the heat of hydration and macroscopic properties can yield the following results. First: The cumulative heat of hydration based on each gram of cementitious material falls as the eggshell powder content rises. This is a result of the eggshell powder's diluting action. However, the cumulative heat of hydration per gram of cement rises due to the nucleation effect of the eggshell powder. Second: The compressive strengths of ES0, ES7.5, and ES15 samples at 28 days of age are 54.8, 43.4, and 35.5 MPa, respectively. Eggshell powder has a greater negative impact on the compressive strength. The effect of eggshell powder on the speed and intensity of ultrasonic waves has a similar trend. Third: As the eggshell powder content increases, the resistivity gradually decreases. In addition, we also characterize the microscopic properties of the slurry with added eggshell powder. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) shows that, as the age increases from 1 day to 28 days, hemicaboaluminate transforms into monocaboaluminate. As the content of the eggshell powder increases, FTIR analysis finds a slight decrease in the content of CSH. Similarly, thermogravimetric (TG) results also show a decrease in the production of calcium hydroxide. Although the additional nucleation effect of eggshell powder promotes cement hydration and generates more portlandite, it cannot offset the loss of portlandite caused by the decrease in cement. Last: A numerical hydration model is presented for cement–eggshell powder binary blends. The parameters of the hydration model are determined based on hydration heat normalized by cement mass. Moreover, the hydration heat until 28 days is calculated using the proposed model. The strength development of all specimens and all test ages can be expressed as an exponential function of hydration heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal oxygen supplementation is usually used as an intrauterine resuscitation technique to prevent fetal hypoxia and acidemia during delivery. However, there has been a great deal of controversy regarding the effects of prophylactic maternal oxygen during cesarean section, during which the incidence of fetal acidemia seems to be higher compared with that during labor. High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) can improve oxygenation better in patients with high-flow oxygen airflow. The purpose of this study is to determine whether maternal oxygen supplementation with HFNO has a positive effect on fetal acidemia during cesarean section through umbilical arterial blood gas analysis. Method: This prospective, single-center, randomized, double-blinded trial will enroll 120 patients undergoing cesarean section. Participants will be randomly assigned to the HFNO group or air group at a 1:1 ratio. For parturients in the HFNO group, the flow rate is 40L/min, and the oxygen is heated to 37℃ with humidity 100% oxygen concentration through the Optiflow high-flow nasal oxygen system. And for the air group, the flow rate is 2 L/min with an air pattern through the same device. The primary outcome was umbilical artery (UA) lactate. Secondary outcomes include UA pH, PO2, PCO2, BE, the incidence of pH < 7.20 and pH < 7.10, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, and neonatal adverse outcomes. Discussion: Our study is the first trial investigating whether maternal oxygen supplementation with HFNO can reduce the umbilical artery lactate levels and the incidence of fetal acidemia in cesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05921955. Registered on 27 June 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alpha‐synuclein (SNCA) copy number variations (CNV) have been certified as a causative mutation in patients with familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD). Case: We report three SNCA duplication cases diagnosed as PD. Through whole‐exome sequencing, we identified a de novo 4.56 Mb repeated region in one patient and a 2.50 Mb repeated region in familial PD with two patients. Literature review: In review of previous cases, we suggest that aggressive behavior is more remarkable in CNV4 patients. Meanwhile, frequency of cognition decline and dementia were slightly increased in CNV4 patients. We also illustrate a younger onset age in offspring than parent in familial SNCA multiplication PD cases. No difference was observed in disease duration between parent and offspring generation. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated the clinical and genetic characteristics in PD with SNCA multiplication and provided strong evidence for genetic anticipation. These results may be instructive for future disease diagnosis and genetic counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hemoporfin‐mediated photodynamic therapy (HMME‐PDT) is currently considered one of the most promising therapies for port‐wine stain (PWS). However, the efficacy of this is very variable and needs further studies. Methods: A total of 101 patients with PWS in the face, neck, or extremities who received at least 2 HMME‐PDT sessions were included in the study, and correlations of efficacy with age, gender, locations, treatment sessions, and PDL treatment history were analyzed. Results: The efficacy of HMME‐PDT in patients with different ages, locations, and different numbers of prior PDL treatment showed constantly significant differences after 1/2/last session (p <.05). The number of treatments was associated with efficacy, and patients who received more than two sessions had a better response than those who underwent two sessions only (p <.001). Ordinal logistic regression analysis confirmed the above‐mentioned associations. Nevertheless, patients of different sex, subtype, and lesion size showed no significant differences. Conclusions: Our studies demonstrated that HMME‐PDT is effective in the treatment of PWS. The more prior PDL treatments, older age, lips involvement, PWS on limbs were adverse factors for Hemoporfin‐PDT, while multiple HMME‐PDT sessions can improve effective and response rate. Besides, ambient temperature and lesions temperature should be concerned, local cooling provides some relief from pain but may influence effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(+)-JQ1, a specific chemical inhibitor of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family protein 4 (BRD4), has been reported to inhibit smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and mouse neointima formation via BRD4 regulation and modulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of (+)-JQ1 on smooth muscle contractility and the underlying mechanisms. Using wire myography, we discovered that (+)-JQ1 inhibited contractile responses in mouse aortas with or without functional endothelium, reducing myosin light chain 20 (LC20) phosphorylation and relying on extracellular Ca2+. In mouse aortas lacking functional endothelium, BRD4 knockout did not alter the inhibition of contractile responses by (+)-JQ1. In primary cultured SMCs, (+)-JQ1 inhibited Ca2+ influx. In aortas with intact endothelium, (+)-JQ1 inhibition of contractile responses was reversed by NOS inhibition (L-NAME) or guanylyl cyclase inhibition (ODQ) and by blocking the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway. In cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), (+)-JQ1 rapidly activated AKT and eNOS, which was reversed by PI3K or ATK inhibition. Intraperitoneal injection of (+)-JQ1 reduced mouse systolic blood pressure, an effect blocked by co-treatment with L-NAME. Interestingly, (+)-JQ1 inhibition of aortic contractility and its activation of eNOS and AKT were mimicked by the (−)-JQ1 enantiomer, which is structurally incapable of inhibiting BET bromodomains. In summary, our data suggest that (+)-JQ1 directly inhibits smooth muscle contractility and indirectly activates the PI3K/AKT/eNOS cascade in endothelial cells; however, these effects appear unrelated to BET inhibition. We conclude that (+)-JQ1 exhibits an off-target effect on vascular contractility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of scientific understanding of adding an oyster shell powder (OSP) to geopolymer concrete. The purpose of this study is: (1) to evaluate the high-temperature resistance of the alkali-activated slag ceramic powder (CP) mixture added with OSP at different temperatures, (2) to address the lack of application of environmentally friendly building materials, and (3) to reduce solid waste of OSP pollution and protect the environment. OSP replaces granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and CP at 10% and 20% (based on binder), respectively. The mixture was heated to 400.0, 600.0, and 800.0 °C after curing for 180 days. The results of the experiment are summarized as follows: (1) The thermogravimetric (TG) results indicated that the OSP20 samples produced more CASH gels than the control OSP0. (2) As the temperature increased, the compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) both decreased. (3) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal that the mixture undergoes a phase transition at 800.0 °C, and compared with the control OSP0, OSP20 undergoes a different phase transition. (4) The size change and appearance image results indicate that the mixture with added OSP inhibits shrinkage, and calcium carbonate decomposes to produce off-white CaO. To sum up, adding OSP can effectively reduce the damage of high temperatures (800.0 °C) on the properties of alkali-activated binders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of immunotherapy has dramatically changed the cancer treatment paradigm and generated tremendous promise in precision medicine. However, cancer immunotherapy is greatly limited by its low response rates and immune-related adverse events. Transcriptomics technology is a promising tool for deciphering the molecular underpinnings of immunotherapy response and therapeutic toxicity. In particular, applying single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) has deepened our understanding of tumor heterogeneity and the microenvironment, providing powerful help for developing new immunotherapy strategies. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology in transcriptome analysis meets the need for efficient handling and robust results. Specifically, it further extends the application scope of transcriptomic technologies in cancer research. AI-assisted transcriptomic analysis has performed well in exploring the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance and immunotherapy toxicity and predicting therapeutic response, with profound significance in cancer treatment. In this review, we summarized emerging AI-assisted transcriptomic technologies. We then highlighted new insights into cancer immunotherapy based on AI-assisted transcriptomic analysis, focusing on tumor heterogeneity, the tumor microenvironment, immune-related adverse event pathogenesis, drug resistance, and new target discovery. This review summarizes solid evidence for immunotherapy research, which might help the cancer research community overcome the challenges faced by immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon peaking of cement-based materials refers to the point at which CO SB 2 sb emissions from the cement industry reach their highest level and gradually decline. The cement industry plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 8% of global anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO SB 2 sb ) emissions [[1]]. When the amount of fly ash beads is 0.45 (fly ash beads/binder) and the amount of high-strength polyethylene is 1%, the cost is reduced by 40% and the carbon emission is reduced by 36%. [Extracted from the article]

• PCS can undergo pozzolanic reactions with calcium hydroxide. • Adding PCS to the P-8 sample reduced the autogenous shrinkage of LC3 by 61.8%. • Internal curing carried out by PCS promotes the hydration of LC3. Limestone-calcined clay-cement (LC3) is a novel ternary cementitious material. Cenospheres (CS) are a type of fly ash with a smooth surface and hollow center. The chemical etching of the CS creates perforated CS (PCS) with pores through with water can be transported to achieve internal curing of LC3. In this study, experiments were performed to determine the effect of PCS on the performance of LC3 high-performance concrete. The dosage of PCS was 4% and 8%, and the dosage of CS was 8%. The autogenous shrinkage of samples with 4% and 8% PCS was reduced by 31.1% and 61.8%, respectively. This means PCS reduces the autogenous shrinkage of LC3. The strength of the sample with 4% PCS increased by 7.01 and 12.06 MPa compared with the control sample at 7 and 28 days of age, respectively, due to the internal curing of PCS and its volcanic ash This achieves the dual impact of low shrinkage and high strength. Furthermore, the experimental X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that PCS can undergo pozzolanic reactions with calcium hydroxide. In addition, the heat of hydration and thermogravimetric analysis experiments showed that the internal curing of PCS promotes the hydration of LC3. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the sample with 8% PCS had a high-quality dense bond between the PCS and matrix. Therefore, PCS can be used as a reactive internal curing material and the microscopic reaction of PCS can improve the macroscopic properties of concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the severe malignancies with high incidence and mortality, especially in Eastern Asian countries. Significant advancements have been made in diagnosing and treating GC over the past few decades, resulting in tremendous improvements in patient survival. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered considerable attention as an alternative therapeutic approach for GC due to its multicomponent and multitarget characteristics. Consequently, natural products found in TCM have attracted researchers' attention, as growing evidence suggests that these natural products can impede GC progression by regulating various biological processes. Nevertheless, their molecular mechanisms are not systematically uncovered. Here, we review the major signaling pathways involved in GC development. Additionally, clinical GC samples were analyzed. Moreover, the anti-GC effects of natural products, their underlying mechanisms and potential targets were summarized. These summaries are intended to facilitate further relevant research, and accelerate the clinical applications of natural products in GC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In early breast cancer treatment, the preferred surgical regimen remains a topic of controversy, and conventional pairwise meta-analysis cannot provide a hierarchy based on clinical trial evidence. Therefore, a network meta-analysis was performed both for direct and indirect comparisons and to assess the survival outcomes of surgical regimens.Methods: Randomized clinical trials comparing different surgical regimens for the treatment of early breast cancer were identified. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free-survival (DFS) were analyzed using random-effects network meta-analysis on the hazard ratio (HR) scale and calculated as combined HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All statistical tests were two-sided.Results: The network meta-analysis compared 11 different surgical regimens that consisted of 13 and 17 direct comparisons between strategies for OS (34 trials; n = 23 587 patients) and DFS (32 trials; n = 22 552 patients), respectively. The values of surface under the cumulative ranking for OS and DFS after mastectomy (M)+radiotherapy (RT) were observed to be the largest. Breast-conserving surgery (BCS)+axillary node sampling+RT almost achieved the threshold for inferiority compared with the other surgical treatment arms and was statistically significantly associated with worse OS (HR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.94; HR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.22 to 0.92; HR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.23 to 0.96). No statistically significant difference between BCS+sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)+RT vs BCS+SLNB+intraoperative RT was observed in carrying out network meta-analysis (HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.64 to 1.36).Conclusions: M+RT has the most favorable survival outcomes among the various surgical regimens for the treatment of early breast cancer patients. For patients who receive BCS, SNLB has more favorable outcomes than axillary node sampling. Intraoperative RT and postoperative RT have similar outcomes in patients who receive SLNB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, carbon utilization within the concrete industry is predominantly revolved around gaseous and liquid carbon dioxide (CO2), with relatively limited research dedicated to the application of solid CO2. This study was the first to use solid CO2 (dry ice) as an additive in alkali-activated slag and fly ash (AASF) to investigate its influences on the alkali-activation process and various property improvements. Two study systems were designed: one with alkali-activated slag (AAS) as the control group and fly ash (FA) added at substitution rates of 10%, 30%, and 50%; and the other with 50% FA alkali-activated materials (AAM) as the control group and dry ice added at substitution rates of 4%, 8%, and 12%. Several tests were conducted on AASF, encompassing assessments of setting time, compressive strength, and durability (electrical resistivity and chloride ion diffusion coefficient). Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of its microstructure was undertaken, employing analytical techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that FA substitution effectively mitigated the short setting time of AAS; however, the mechanical properties and durability decreased by approximately 50%. When dry ice was added to AAM concrete, it induced a series of physical and chemical effects that altered the kinetics of the hydration reaction of AAM. Specifically, adding dry ice significantly prolonged the setting time of AAMs. Moreover, this addition did not damage the mechanical properties or durability of AAS(F). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new technique, notching the induction motor rotor core, so as to reduce the electromagnetic noise by suppressing the vibration due to the rotor slot permeance harmonics. First, the principle of such technique is presented along with theoretical analysis. Then, finite element method is used to calculate the Maxwell force harmonics and the vibration spectra of a 5.5 kW 3000 r/m commercial induction motor and a modified motor. Finally, experimental results are given to validate the proposed technique by testing the vibration and acoustic noise spectra of the two induction motors. It is shown that the modified motor has about 5 dB(A) reduction of the overall sound pressure level compared with the commercial one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binders developed by using activation technology have received considerable attention as alternatives to Portland cement. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of introducing K+ and CO 3 2− into geopolymer samples on the properties of alkali-activated slag cement (AASC) composed of blast furnace slag (BFS) and ceramic waste powder (CWP). The CWP replaced 20% of the BFS in the AASC. The activator solutions used were Na 2 SiO 3 –NaOH (NSNH), Na 2 SiO 3 –KOH (NSKH), and K 2 CO 3 –NaOH (KCNH) hybrid solutions. Parameters for evaluating the samples included the heat of hydration, thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimeric curves, ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive strength, attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns, and resistivity. The results showed that after K+ was introduced into the geopolymer (NSNH to NSKH), the compressive strength of the NSKH sample was increased. Consequently, the formation of a hydrotalcite phase was promoted and that of a calcium aluminosilicate hydrate (CASH) gel was inhibited. After K+ and CO 3 2− were introduced simultaneously (NSNH to KCNH), the compressive strength of the KCNH sample decreased, and the surface resistivity increased significantly. Moreover, the peak of the exothermic hydration rate moved forward. The accumulated hydration heat increased and carbonates were formed, thereby altering the composition of the three-dimensional network structure of the CASH gel, which significantly contributed to its strength. • Na 2 SiO 3 –KOH samples have the highest compressive strength at all ages. • Introducing CO 3 2− into the geopolymer results in amorphous and crystalline calcium carbonate. • Introducing K+ into the geopolymer reduces the amount of calcium aluminosilicate hydrate (CASH) gel. • Introducing CO 3 2− into the geopolymer significantly increases the surface resistivity of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the underlying mechanisms of low metabolic activity of primary chondrocytes obtained from girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS); AIS is a spine-deforming disease that often occurs in girls. AIS is associated with a lower bone mass than that of healthy individuals and osteopenia. Leptin was shown to play an important role in bone growth. It can also regulate the function of chondrocytes. Changes in leptin and Ob-R levels in AIS patients have been reported in several studies. The underlying mechanisms between the dysfunction of peripheral leptin signaling and abnormal chondrocytes remain unclear; The following parameters were evaluated in AIS patients and the control groups: total serum leptin levels; Ob-R expression in the plasma membrane of primary chondrocytes; JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation status. Then, we inhibited the lysosome and proteasome and knocked down clathrin heavy chain (CHC) expression in primary chondrocytes isolated from girls with AIS and evaluated Ob-R expression. We investigated the effects of leptin combined with a lysosome inhibitor or CHC knockdown in primary chondrocytes obtained from AIS patients; Compared with the controls, AIS patients showed similar total serum leptin levels, reduced JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation, and decreased cartilage matrix synthesis in the facet joint. Lower metabolic activity and lower membrane expression of Ob-R were observed in primary chondrocytes from the AIS group than in the controls. Lysosome inhibition increased the total Ob-R content but had no effect on the membrane expression of Ob-R or leptin's effects on AIS primary chondrocytes. CHC knockdown upregulated the membrane Ob-R levels and enhanced leptin's effects on AIS primary chondrocytes; The underlying mechanism of chondrocytes that are hyposensitive to leptin in some girls with AIS is low plasma membrane Ob-R expression that results from an imbalance between the rate of receptor endocytosis and the insertion of newly synthesized receptors into the membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Secukinumab has been approved by the U.S. FDA and the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with the documented adverse effects. Here we reported in one case that a new symptom, Prurigo Nodularis (PN), developed during the programmed dosing of secukinumab. Case introduction: A 22-years-old male with a 6-month history of severe plaque psoriasis vulgaris was presented to the dermatology clinic two weeks after the fifth serial weekly doses of secukinumab, for the reason of the outbreaks of multiple erythematous papules and pruritus nodules on the trunk and extremities. Physical examination showed that psoriatic rash were under effective control with the previous targeted therapy of secukinumab for plaque psoriasis vulgaris, but new dermatologic condition was spotted with multiple edematous red firm papules on the trunk and extremities, in the form of soy or hemispherical nodules, red in color, firm to touch, with some ulcerated crusts visible at tops, but negative Auspitz sign. Pathological examination confirmed these papules as PN. Conclusion: This case report is shared to inform clinicians about an unannounced adverse effect of the secukinumab in the treatment of psoriasis, and it is recommended that patients be carefully informed of the possible risk of PN before starting treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has been implicated in the regulation of smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. The GPER selective agonist G-1 has been a useful tool for exploring the biological roles of GPER in a variety of experimental settings, including SMC proliferation. The present study, originally designed to investigate cellular and signaling mechanisms underlying the regulatory role of GPER in vascular SMC proliferation using G-1, unexpectedly revealed off-target effects of G-1. G-1(1-10 μM) inhibited bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation of human SMCs and caused G2/M cell accumulation. G-1 treatment also increased mitotic index concurrent with a decrease in phosphorylation of Cdk1 (Tyr 15) and an increase in phosphorylation of the mitotic checkpoint protein BuBR1. Furthermore, G-1 caused microtubule disruption, mitotic spindle damage, and tubulin depolymerization. G-1 induced cell apoptosis as indicated by the appearance of TUNEL-positive and annexin V-positive cells with enhanced cleavage of caspases 3 and 9. However, neither the GPER antagonist G-15 nor the MAPK kinase inhibitor PD98059 prevented these G-1 effects. Down-regulation of GPER or p44/42 MAPK with siRNA transfection also did not affect the G-1-induced apoptosis. We conclude that G-1 inhibits proliferation of SMCs through mechanisms involving mitotic arrest and apoptosis, independent of GPER and the MAPK pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 885-895, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure evolution and thermal behaviors of polyacrylonitrile homopolymer (PAN) and terpolymer [P(AN-MMA-IA)] containing about 4.19 wt% methyl methacrylate (MMA), 0.98 wt% itaconic acid (IA) and 94.83 wt% acrylonitrile (AN) during heat treatments were studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. It was found that the presence of IA comonomer in PAN promoted the cyclization reactions significantly though initiating the cyclization reactions at lower temperature and proceeding at a faster rate than these of PAN homopolymer. Moreover, it was found that the dehydrogenation was based on the formation of cyclized structures. From the results of FTIR analysis, we found the MMA comonomer blocked the cyclization reactions to some extent. Extent of cyclization reactions at different temperatures was calculated through the data of FTIR. The sequence of reactions happened during the stabilization was oxidation > cyclization > dehydrogenation. The higher rate constant k implied that the ionic mechanism actually showed a kinetic advantage at low temperature over the free radical mechanism, even though the MMA comonomer inhibited cyclization reactions to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the effects of alkali-activated blast furnace slag and fly ash (AASF) paste added with waste ceramic powder (WCP) on mechanical properties, weight loss, mesoscopic cracks, reaction products, and microstructure when exposed to 300, 600, and 900 °C. Using waste ceramic powder to replace blast furnace slag and fly ash, the replacement rate was 0–20%. The samples cured at 45 °C for 28 days were heated to 300, 600, and 900 °C to determine the residual compressive strength and weight loss at the relevant temperature. We evaluated the deterioration of the paste at each temperature through mesoscopic images, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Relevant experimental results show that: (1) with the increase in waste ceramic powder content, the compressive strength of samples at various temperatures increased, and at 300 °C, the compressive strength of all the samples reached the highest value; (2) the residual weight increased with the increase in the content of the waste ceramic powder; (3) with a further increase in temperature, all the samples produced more mesoscopic cracks; (4) at each temperature, with the rise in waste ceramic powder content, the value of the ultrasonic pulse velocity increased; (5) the TG results showed that, as the content of waste ceramic powder increased, the formation of C-A-S-H gel and hydrotalcite decreased; (6) XRD and FTIR spectra showed that, at 900 °C, the use of waste ceramic powder reduced the formation of harmful crystalline phases; (7) the SEM image showed that, at 900 °C, as the content of waste ceramic powder increased, the compactness of the sample was improved. In summary, the addition of waste ceramic powder can improve the mechanical properties of the alkali-activated paste at high temperatures, reduce the occurrence of cracks, and make the microstructure denser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of omega-3polyunsaturated fatty acids concentratesfrom oil of Schizochytrium limacinumwas optimizedto obtain the highest omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3PUFA)enrichment ratio. In this process, the content of docosapentenoicacid (DPA), the content of docosahexenoic acid (DHA) in the finalproduct, the percentage recovery of the heavy phase, and the ω-3PUFAenrichment ratio were optimized. Single-factor experiments were carriedout to study the effects of evaporator temperature, feeding rate,feeding temperature, and roller speed. A central composite designwas used to optimize technological conditions. Under optimum conditions,the highest ω-3PUFA enrichment ratio (92.98%) was obtained atan evaporator temperature of 110.4 °C, a feeding rate of 78.7mL/h, a roller speed of 350 rpm, a feeding temperature of 80 °C,and an operating pressure 10 Pa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the short-term outcomes of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for thoracic tumors. Methods: The data of 1,790 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. These patients underwent VATS pulmonary resections, VATS esophagectomies, and VATS resections of mediastinal tumors or biopsies at the Cancer Institute & Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 2009 and January 2012. Results: here were 33 patients converted to open thoracotomy (OT, 1.84%). he overall morbidity and mortality rate was 2.79% (50/1790) and 0.28% (5/1790), respectively. he overall hospitalization and chest tube duration were shorter in the VATS lobectomy group (n=949) than in the open thoracotomy (OT) lobectomy group (n=753). There were no significant differences in morbidity rate, mortality rate and operation time between the two groups. In the esophageal cancer patients, no significant diference was found in the number of nodal dissection, chest tube duration, morbidity rate, mortality rate, and hospital length of stay between the VATS esophagectomy group (n=81) and open esophagectomy group (n=81). However, the operation time was longer in the VATS esophagectomy group. In the thymoma patients, there was no significant difference in the chest tube duration, morbidity rate, mortality rate, and hospital length of stay between the VATS thymectomy group (n=41) and open thymectomy group (n=41). However, the operation time was longer in the VATS group. he median tumor size in the VATS thymectomy group was comparable with that in the OT group. Conclusions: In early-stage (I/II) non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent lobectomies, VATS is comparable with the OT approach with similar short-term outcomes. In patients with resectable esophageal cancer, VATS esophagectomy is comparable with OT esophagectomy with similar morbidity and mortality. VATS thymectomy for Masaoka stage I and II thymoma is feasible and safe, and tumor size is not contraindicated. Longer follow-ups are needed to determine the oncologic equivalency of VATS lobectomy, esophagectomy, and thymectomy for thymoma vs. OT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sweet potato residue (SPR), a by-product of sweet potato starch industry, was used as starting material to prepare cellulose nanocrystals. The method of sulfuric acid hydrolysis accompanied with ultrasonication and homogenization was used to prepare cellulose nanocrystals. The morphological, crystalline, thermal, and physicochemical properties of the cellulose nanocrystals were studied. SEM and TEM images showed spherical or elliptic granules of cellulose nanocrystals with sizes ranged from 20 to 40nm. XRD analysis indicated that the cellulose nanocrystals retained the cellulose I crystalline structure, with a crystallinity of approximately 72.53%. TGA curves showed that the decomposition temperature of nanocrystals was decreased. These results showed that cellulose nanocrystals were successfully obtained from SPR and might be potentially applied in various fields, such as pharmaceutical and food additives, bio-nanocomposites, packaging, etc. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Blood stasis syndrome (BSS) has been considered to be the major type of syndromes in unstable angina (UA) patients. The aim of this study was to find the systems biology-based micro RNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression biomarkers for BSS of UA. We identified 1081 mRNAs and 25 miRNAs differentially expressed between BSS of UA patients and healthy controls by microarrays. We used DAVID, miRTrail, and the protein-protein interactions method to explore the related pathways and networks of differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs. By combining the results of pathways and networks, we found that the upregulation of miR-146b-5p may induce the downregulation of CALR to attenuate inflammation and the upregulation of miR-199a-5p may induce the downregulation of TP53 to inhibit apoptosis in BSS of UA patients. The expression patterns of miR-146b-5p, miR-199a-5p, CALR, and TP53 were confirmed by qRT-PCR in an independent validation cohort including BBS of UA patients, non-BBS of UA patients, and healthy controls. miR-146b-5p, miR-199a-5p, CALR, and TP53 could be significant biomarkers of BSS of UA patients. The systems biology-based miRNA and mRNA expression biomarkers for the BSS of UA may be helpful for the further stratification of UA patients when deciding on interventions or clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the dynamical behavior of a standing cantilever pipe conveying fluid is investigated with time − delay. By applying piezoelectric materials and considering the time delay of voltage, the motion equation is built with motion-limiting constraints and elastic support. The motion equation is discretized into ordinary differential equations by the Galerkin method. A stability analysis of the equilibrium point with three parameters is obtained. The system will lose stability at the equilibrium point and generate Hopf branches. The central manifold theorem and the canonical type theory are used to study the stability of Hopf branching directions and branching period solutions. Finally, numerical results validate the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our aim was to compare the costs associated with hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy (HALC) and open colectomy (OC). Methods: The data of patients who underwent either HALC or OC between March 2009 and August 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. The assessed short-term outcomes included operative time, blood lost, retrieved lymph nodes, conversion rates, and complications. Direct costs of operating room, nursing, intensive care, anesthesia, laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, and other costs related to initial hospitalization were compared. Results: Forty-two patients underwent HALC, whereas 45 underwent OC. Demographics in both groups were similar. The HALC patients had significantly shorter hospital stays and incision lengths, faster recovery of bowel function, and less blood loss ( P<.001). There were no significant differences in operative time (169 minutes for HALC versus 171 minutes for OC), complication rates, or the number of retrieved lymph nodes. Although operative costs were higher for HALC (US $2260 versus $1992; P<.001), total costs were not significantly different between both methods (US $5593 vs. $5638; P=.29). Conclusion: Total costs of HALC are not significantly higher compared with OC. HALC is safe and leads to better short-term outcomes than OC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CoFeO-Pb(ZrTi)O (CFO-PZT) multilayered composite film was prepared on Pt/Ti/SiO/Si substrate via a sol-gel method and spin-coating technique. Results show that PZT and CFO phases exist in the composite film, calcined at 700 °C, besides substrate phase, and no obvious impurity phases can be detected. The composite film exhibits layered structure with obvious boundary between CFO and PZT films. Ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties were simultaneously observed in the composite film, evidencing the ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties in the composite film. The composite film exhibits both good magnetic and electric properties, as well as, magnetoelectric (ME) effect. The saturation magnetization value of the composite film is lower than that of the pure CFO film derived by the same processing as a result of the effect of the nonferromagnetic PZT layers. Ferroelectric hysteresis loops reveal that saturated polarization and remanent polarization of the composite film are lower than those of the pure PZT films. The composite film exhibits a very large ME effect, which makes the composite film attractive for technological applications as devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The missense mutations at codons 12 and 13 of KRAS gene have been confirmed as a predictor of nonresponse to EGFR-targeted therapy with monoclonal antibodies cetuximab and panitumumab in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC). Because of the intra-tumor heterogeneity at genetic levels, it is important to develop sensitive and selective assays to detect above KRAS mutation of rare mutated cells in the presence of large excess of wild-type cells. In the present study, wild-type blocking PCR (WTB-PCR) was developed to detect the aforementioned KRAS mutations, in which a chimera composed of locked nucleic acid (LNA) and DNA was used to inhibit with high sensitivity the amplification of wild-type KRAS alleles whereas it allowed the highly selective amplification of mutated KRAS alleles. Using mutated KRAS from HCT-116 as spiking DNA, the results showed that WTB-PCR could detect mutated alleles in a ratio of 1:10,000 (i.e., 0.01%) wild-type alleles and at a single copy level. For its further applications to detect aforementioned KRAS mutations in 20 cases of mCRC patients, the results showed that the detected mutation percentage of WTB-PCR (60%, 12/20) was higher than that of traditional PCR (45%, 9/20). Moreover, two patients respectively having synonymous mutated codons 13 (i.e., c.39C > T) and missense mutated codons 14 (i.e., c.40G > A) could be also only detected by WTB-PCR. In conclusion, the current WTB-PCR was a rapid, simple, and low-cost method to detect a trace amount of mutated KRAS gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new dendronized nonlinear optical (NLO) polyfluorenes were synthesized with high azo-chromophore loading density by the introduction of high generation chromophore dendrons on the side chains. Thanks to the advantages of Sharpless’ click chemistry reaction, the dendrons were conveniently bonded to the backbone of polyfluorene with the conversion of 100%, although they were really very bulky. The new-formed triazole rings in the dendrons acted as suitable isolation groups to minimize the strong dipole−dipole interactions among the polar chromophore moieties to improve NLO effects, according to the results obtained from UV−vis spectra and order parameters. All the polymers were well characterized and exhibited good solubility, high thermal ability, wide optical window, and large NLO effects (up to 106.0 pm/V). In addition, the tested NLO results of these dendronzied polymers demonstrated a deviation from the dipolar frustration that typically limits the NLO effect in conventional chromophore/polymer composite materials, indicating that the frequently observed asymptotic dependence of electro-optic activity on chromophore density may be overcome through rational design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisinin is an endoperoxide sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant Artemisia annua L. It has been widely used in South-East Asia and Africa as an effective drug against sensitive and multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria. A monoclonal antibody (mAb), designated as 3H2, was generated with artesunate–bovine serum albumin conjugate as the immunogen. mAb 3H2 was used to develop a highly sensitive and specific indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) for artemisinin. The concentration of analyte producing 50% of inhibition (IC50) and the working range of the icELISA were 1.3 and 0.2–5.8 ng/mL, respectively. The mAb 3H2 recognized the artemisinin analogs artesunate, dihydroartemisinin, and artemether with cross-reactivity of 650%, 57%, and 3%, respectively, but negligibly recognized deoxyartemisinin and the artemisinin precursors arteannuin B and artemisinic acid. The average recoveries of artemisinin fortified in A. annua samples at concentrations from 156 to 5,000 μg/g determined by icELISA ranged from 91% to 98%. The icELISA was applied for the determination of artemisinin in different wild A. annua samples and the results were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The correlation coefficient ( R2) between the two assays was larger than 0.99, demonstrating a good agreement between the icELISA and HPLC results. This ELISA is suitable for quality assurance of A. annua L. materials. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, ceramic tile factories and the iron smelting industry produce huge amounts of waste ceramic tiles and blast furnace slag (BFS), respectively. In the field of construction materials, this waste can be used as a raw material for binders, thus reducing landfill waste and mitigating environmental pollution. The purpose of this study was to mix waste ceramic powder (WCP) into BFS paste and mortar activated by sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide to study its effect on performance. BFS was partially replaced by WCP at the rate of 10–30% by weight. Some experimental studies were conducted on, for example, the fluidity, heat of hydration, compressive strength testing, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrical resistivity, sulfuric acid attack, and chloride ion diffusion coefficient. Based on the results of these experiments, the conclusions are: (1) increasing the amount of waste ceramic powder in the mixture can improve the fluidity of the alkali-activated paste; (2) adding waste ceramic powder to the alkali-activated mortar can improve the resistance of the mortar to sulfuric acid; (3) adding waste ceramic powder to the alkali-activated mortar can increase the diffusion coefficient of chloride ions; (4) the early strength of alkali-activated mortar is affected by the Ca/Si ratio, while the later strength is affected by the change in the Si/Al ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade, tremendous progress has been made in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). Their real applications require further development of device performance. OFETs consist of organic semiconductors, dielectric layers, and electrodes. Organic semiconductors play a key role in determining the device characteristics. The properties of the organic semiconductors, such as molecular structure and packing, as well as molecular energy levels, can be properly controlled by molecular design. Therefore, we designed and synthesized a series of organic molecules. The synthesized organic semiconductors exhibit excellent field-effect properties due to strong intermolecular interactions and proper molecular energy levels. Meanwhile, the influence of the device fabrication process, organic semiconductor/dielectric layer interface, and organic layer/electrode contact on the device performance was investigated. A deep understanding of these factors is helpful to improve field-effect properties. Furthermore, single-crystal field-effect transistors are highlighted because the single-crystal-based FETs can provide an accurate conducting mechanism of organic semiconductors and higher device performance as compared with thin film FETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we incorporated the organic phosphorus group on to a triazolothiadiazole ring to prepare the title compounds fused 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole heterocyclic compounds. From the results on biological activities, we found that most compounds showed weak activities, and thus the structures need to be further optimized for improved activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heterogeneity of vascular smooth muscle cells is well established in tissue culture, but their differential responses to growth factors are not completely defined. We wished to identify effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on vascular smooth muscle cells in distinct phenotypes, such as spindle and epithelioid. We found that the EGF receptors were abundant in epithelioid cells but not spindle cells. EGF treatment inhibited serumindependent DNA synthesis, which was absent in spindle cells, of epithelioid cells. Additionally, using a pulsechase assay, we found that bromodeoxyuridine-labeled cells failed to re-enter the S phase in the presence of EGF. These EGF effects were abolished by either inhibiting the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase with AG1478 or inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway with PD98059. In response to treatment with EGF, the EGF receptor was phosphorylated, which was carrelated with phosphorylation and activation of p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinases. Inhibition of EGF receptor phosphorylation and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation resulted in a reversal of the EGF-induced inhibition of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and cell cycle arrest. Subsequent studies revealed that the activation of the EGF receptor and the mitogenactivated protein kinase pathway in epithelioid cells induced expression of the cell cycle inhibitory protein p27[sup Kip1] but not p21[sup Cip1]. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the EGF receptor is abundantly expressed in epithelioid vascular smooth muscle cells and that the activation of this receptor results in cell cycle arrest through activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we introduce organic phosphorus moiety into triazole ring to prepare O-dialkyl-dithiophosphoryl-S-acetoxy triazolo compounds and characterize their structures by elementary analysis and ¹HNMR and IR spectral data. From, the results of biological activity screening, we found that the O-dialkyl-dithiophosphoryl-S-acetoxy triazolo compounds show lower fungicidal activities and their structures need to be optimized for the better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coarse calcium silicate sample is fined by airflow smashing method and the ultra-fine calcium silicate particles' size and shape are determined by laser granularity ceremony and SEM technique. The results show that the obtained ultra-fine silicate powders' mean size is 1.1 µ m, particles size distributing is below 3 µ m, particle's distributing is narrow and the shape is consistent. The study also shows that the ultra-fine particles after airflow smashed are easy to form soft- aggregation, but it can be dispersed easily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study on reaction of (1-phenyl-3-methylthio-4-cyanopyrazol-5-yl)iminomethylene ethyl ether with compounds containing amino group was discussed in order to understand its reactivity. Some structures of compounds were verified by x-ray crystallographic study. The results of the bioassay showed that some of these compounds showed good fungicidal activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which assessed the role of tyrosine kinase signal pathways in the induction of interleukin-1beta and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in rat aorta in vitro. Methodology; Bioassay procedures and induction of iNOS; Inhibition of iNOS induction by interleukin-1ra; Results and discussion.

AbstractThe preliminary study revealed that the ethyl acetate eluate of Youngia japonica (YJ-E) could inhibit the expression of key proteins of p-p65, p-IκBα, p-IKKα/β, and p-AKT in LPS stimulated BV2 cell. Further phytochemical study led to the isolation of eight compounds from YJ-E, including one new sesquiterpene lactone. Their structures were elucidated by several spectroscopic data, and comparing the NMR data of known compound. In addition, all of the isolates were evaluated for the anti-inflammatory effect. As a result, compounds 3 and 4 distinctly attenuated the expressions of p-IκBα, p-p65, and p-AKT in LPS stimulated BV2 cell, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore and develop data mining models for adult age estimation based on CT reconstruction images from the sternum. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) images of chest CT were retrospectively collected from a modern Chinese population, and data from 2700 patients (1349 males and 1351 females) aged 20 to 70 years were obtained. A staging technique within four indicators was applied. Several data mining models were established, and mean absolute error (MAE) was the primary comparison parameter. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement levels were good. Within internal validation, the optimal data mining model obtained the lowest MAE of 9.08 in males and 10.41 in females. For the external validation (N = 200), MAEs were 7.09 in males and 7.15 in females. In conclusion, the accuracy of our model for adult age estimation was among similar studies. MIP images of the sternum could be a potential age indicator. However, it should be combined with other indicators since the accuracy level is still unsatisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present an experimentally uniform linear optical scheme to implement the optimal 1→2 symmetric and optimal 1→3 symmetric economical real state quantum cloning machine of the polarization state of the single photon. This scheme requires single-photon sources and two-photon polarization entangled state as input states. It also involves linear optical elements and three-photon coincidence. Then we consider the realistic realization of the scheme by using the parametric down-conversion as photon resources. It is shown that under certain condition, the scheme is feasible by current experimental technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Two unique nitrogenous meroterpenoids were isolated. • ECD calculations were used to determine the absolute configurations. • Compound 2 possessed a novel benzo[ d ]oxazolidine-2-one based on the rearranged drimane scaffold. • Compound 1 showed potential anti-inflammatory activity in both vitro and vivo experiments. Two unique nitrogenous sesquiterpene quinone meroterpenoids, dysidinoid B (1) and dysicigyhone A (2), together with eight known analogues (3 – 10) were isolated and characterized from the marine sponge Dysidea septosa. Their structures with absolute configurations were established by a combination of extensive spectroscopic, electron circular dichroism (ECD) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction data analysis. Structurally, dysicigyhone A (2) possessed a unique benzo[ d ]oxazolidine-2-one unit. Additionally, dysidinoid B (1) exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting TNF- α and IL-6 generation with IC 50 values of 9.15 μM and 17.62 μM, respectively. Further in vivo anti-inflammatory assay verified that the dysidinoid B (1) alleviated the CuSO 4 -induced robust acute inflammatory response in zebrafish model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors report excellent white organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs) made of 9,9bis[4-(di-p-tolyl)aminophenyl]-2,7-bis(diphenylamino)fluorene (TADPF) or 9,9-bis[4-(di-p-tolyl)aminophenyl]-2,7-bis(9-carbazolyl)fluorene (TAKF). The superposition of a yellow emission coming from the TADPF or TAKF electromer and a blue emission originating from bis(2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazolate)zinc gives rise to a pure white-light emission. The multilayer device using TADPF shows a maximum luminance of 5123 cd/m2, a current efficiency of 2.8 cd/A, and Commission Internationale d’Eclairage chromaticity coordinates of (0.33, 0.33). This result is the optimal for WOLEDs based on electromers so far reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate modification of the indium tin oxide (ITO) surface with an ultrathin layer of hexadecafluorocopper phthalocyanine (F16CuPc) can significantly enhance hole injection as a result of the formation of an interfacial dipole layer. The dipole layer produces a surface potential shift, which reduces the hole injection energy barriers and thus improves the hole injection efficiency. The devices with anode modification exhibit significantly enhanced luminance efficiencies and dramatically decreased operation voltages, compared to devices with the bare ITO anode. The minimum turn-on voltage of 2.6 V and the maximum efficiency of 5.1 cd/A are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a method of fabricating noncoplanar channel organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) by a conventional photolithographic technique. Using this method, OFETs with micrometer critical features in slanting configurations and submicrometer critical features in vertical configurations were fabricated. The critical channel length over 1 μm was controlled by the patterning technique, while the one of 0.5 μm was defined by the thickness of an insulating layer between the drain and source electrodes. Also, we demonstrate that the OFETs containing two different metals as source and drain electrodes, respectively, are easily realized. All the OFETs based on copper phthalocyanine exhibit a high performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an efficient blue light-emitting diode (LED) using N, N′-bis(1-naphthyl)-N, N′-diphenylbenzidine as an emitting layer and tetra(β-naphthyl)silane (TNS) as a hole-blocking layer (HBL). We find that the hole-blocking performance, thermal stability, and film-forming ability of TNS are improved over those of the prototypical hole-blocking material 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BCP). The device that used TNS as the HBL exhibits a narrower light emission and higher current efficiency (2.5 cd/A) as compared with the device containing BCP as the HBL. TNS should be promising as an excellent hole-blocking layer in LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]