Search

Frustrated lattices with dispersionless band structures and fully localized states are an exciting platform for exploring many-body physics. In this work, we identify X 3 MnN 3 (X = Ca, Sr, Ba) as a frustrated lattice and investigate its physical properties in the ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) states based on first-principles calculations. Our results show that all three materials in FM and A-type AFM configurations have flatbands with band touching in the k z ∼ 0 and k z ∼ π planes with bandwidths less than 0.2 eV. Intriguingly, the flatband is tuned to the Fermi level when X 3 MnN 3 is transformed into the FM state. Furthermore, we find the two-dimensional dice model hidden in X 3 MnN 3 by treating the coupled Mn and N atoms as a basic site, revealing that the compact localized state is generated by destructive interferences between the hopping amplitudes, and the dice models stack the system staggered along the c -axis. Our work provides new candidate materials for exploring strong correlation physics and reveals the mechanism of their localized state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fur color of mammals is mainly determined by melanin synthesized by melanocytes. Cell staining includes melanocyte development, melanin synthesis and metabolism, and signal pathways regulating melanin synthesis. Melanocytes can be classified into many types, and these types can be identified by a variety of melanocyte markers. Fur color can judge the physical condition and nutritional status of animals, and different fur colors may have certain influence on animal production. This paper reviews the structural basis and development cycle of mammalian fur color formation, describes the cytochrome process from neural crest to mature melanocytes residing in several tissues, summarizes the types of melanocytes and the markers of each type of melanocytes, and discusses the application of animal coat color in animal production, providing help for analyzing the genetic mechanism of mammalian fur color formation and providing effective suggestions for animal production affected by fur color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novelty of immobilized p -dimethylaminobenzylidenerhodanine is successfully prepared by using TiO2-based nanoparticles as the carrier. It is applied to preconcentrate and separate trace thallium and detect by flow injection combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. The results show that immobilized p -dimethylaminobenzylidenerhodanine can preconcentrate and separate trace thallium and eliminate the interference of many other ions. The optimal adsorption occurs at pH = 3.5, the retention time is 2.0 min, and the flow velocity is 2.5mL/min. The optimal desorption takes place at a flow velocity of 1.0 mL/min, 1 mL mixed solution (thiourea and HCl were both 0.1 mol/L). The recovery rate of thallium is over 95%; the amount of immobilized p -dimethylaminobenzylidenerhodanine is 22.08 mg/g; the adsorption capacity of thallium for immobilized p -dimethylaminobenzylidenerhodanine is 7.2 mg/g; the molar ratio of thallium ions and p -dimethylaminobenzylidenerhodanine is 5:2. The immobilized p -dimethylaminobenzylidenerhodanine can be recycled and reused. For the developed method, the limit of detection is 8 ng/L, the relative standard deviation is 3.7%, and the recovery is 89%–107%. The method is successfully applied to actual samples with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stability of coal pillar is extremely important to the control of rock strata movement and surface subsidence. It is of great significance for mining design to analyze the stability and failure characteristics of coal and rock pillars left after mining and to study the failure characteristics and rheological properties of coal and rock with different shapes. In this paper, based on uniaxial compression and rheological tests on rock samples, the rheological properties of rock samples with different shapes were discussed by using the nonlinear theoretical mechanics and damage theory, and the rheological mechanical characteristics of coarse yellow sandstone samples under the action of different free surface areas and the same loading contact area were investigated by means of experimental research, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. The following conclusions were drawn: the failure characteristics and dynamic change process of rock samples with different shapes under the same loading contact area are obtained by uniaxial compression test and multi-stage rheological loading. The uniaxial compressive strengths of rock samples with the same loading contact surface area and different free surface areas are inversely proportional to their free surface areas. For the round sample, the stress level in the rheological test is obviously lower than the instantaneous peak uniaxial compression strength, while for the other samples, the stress level in the rheological test is close to the instantaneous peak uniaxial compression strength. For rock all these samples, both the ratio of steady-state rheological time to final failure time and the deformation degree decrease with the increase of free surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 1 gastric neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are relatively rare to the extent that some physicians have little experience in diagnosing and treating them. The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of the disease by analyzing and summarizing the management and prognoses of patients with type 1 gastric NETs at our center. Methods: The data of 229 patients (59.4% female) with type 1 gastric NETs who were treated at our center during 2011–2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The average patient age was 50.5 ± 10.8 years. Multiple tumors affected 72.5% of the patients; 66.4% of the tumors were < 1 cm, 69.4% were NET G1, and 2.2% were stage III-IV. A total of 76.9% of the patients had received endoscopic management, 60.7% had received traditional Chinese medicine treatment, 10.5% received somatostatin analogues treatment, and 6.6% underwent surgical resection. Seventy patients (41.2%) experienced the first recurrence after a median follow-up of 31 months (range: 2-122 months), and the median recurrence-free time was 43 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative recurrence-free survival rates were 71.8%, 56.8%, and 50.3%, respectively. During a median follow-up of 39 months (range: 2-132 months), one patient had bilateral pulmonary metastasis, and no disease-related deaths were observed. Conclusion: Type 1 gastric NETs have a high recurrence rate and a long disease course, underscoring the importance of long-term and comprehensive management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) implements creative placemaking (CPM) policy by forging and coordinating a broad-based national policy network. This article visualizes and analyzes the national CPM policy network based on hyperlinks on the policy actors' websites. By unpacking the roles, resources, and affected interests of policy actors and their relationships with each other in the policy network, this article finds that the NEA exercises institutional entrepreneurship through CPM policy with four governance strategies: (1) seek legitimacy by re-activating federal interagency relations; (2) reorient and expand arts constituencies through existing governance infrastructure and new brokers; (3) develop discursive strategy and advance policy implementation through consulting and research organizations, and (4) diversify financial support by reaching out to banks and foundations. In the entrepreneurial process, the NEA also develops a mutually reinforcing mechanism of public value, financial stability, and artistic vitality with the governance strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimulated by the recent researches of black hole thermodynamics for black hole with Newman–Unti–Tamburino (NUT) parameter, we investigate the thermodynamics and weak cosmic censorship conjecture for a Kerr–Newman Taub–NUT black hole. By defining the electric charge as a Komar integral over the event horizon, we construct a consistent first law of black hole thermodynamics for a Kerr–Newman Taub–NUT black hole through Euclidean action. Having the first law of black hole thermodynamics, we investigate the weak cosmic censorship conjecture for the black hole with a charged test particle and a complex scalar field. We find that an extremal black hole cannot be destroyed by a charged test particle and a complex scalar field. For a near-extremal black hole with small NUT parameter, it can be destroyed by a charged test particle but cannot be destroyed by a complex scalar field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategically upcycling industrial wastes such as petroleum coke and dye wastewater into value-added materials through scalable and economic processes is an effective way to simultaneously tackle energy and environmental issues. Doping carbon electrodes with heteroatoms proves effective in significantly enhancing electrochemical performance through alterations in electrode wettability and electrical conductivity. This work reports the use of dye wastewater as the sole dopant source to synthesize N and S co-doped petroleum coke-based activated carbon (NS-AC) by the one-step pyrolysis method. More importantly, our wastewater and petroleum coke-derived activated carbon produced on a large scale (20 kg/batch) shows a specific surface area of 2582 m2 g−1 and an energy density of about 95 Wh kg−1 in a soft-packaged full cell with 1 M TEATFB/PC as the electrolyte. The scalable production method, together with the green and sustainable process, can be easily adopted and scaled by industry without the need for complex processes and/or units, which offers a convenient and green route to produce functionalized carbons from wastes at a low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) with varied thicknesses on surface of a turbine vane has practical significance. The present study focused on reducing the residual stress levels through optimally designing the interface morphology in TBC at the junction between zones with different coating thicknesses. The two-dimensional FEM was employed to estimate the interface stress level. The combined influences of the internal interface morphology parameters and the external geometrical parameters of TBCs on the interface stress behaviors were discussed deeply. The TBC with unchanged thickness was chosen as the reference. The comparisons revealed that the maximum increment in harmful tensile stress level due to the variation of thickness can reach 60%. Relative to the other phases, the interface morphology featuring zero phase can acquire a higher harmful stress level and larger high-stress region. The proposed interface with nonuniform morphologies can reduce the harmful stress by about 60%. The criteria in the amplitude variations and the location of each period with the external geometrical parameters were acquired. The thickened thermally grown oxide can reduce properly the benefits of the modifications of interface morphology on the reduction of stress; however, the maximum decrement can be controlled below 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to effectively obtain species‐related low‐dimensional data from massive environmental variables has become an urgent problem for species distribution models (SDMs). In this study, we will explore whether dimensionality reduction on environmental variables can improve the predictive performance of SDMs. We first used two linear (i.e., principal component analysis (PCA) and independent components analysis) and two nonlinear (i.e., kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) and uniform manifold approximation and projection) dimensionality reduction techniques (DRTs) to reduce the dimensionality of high‐dimensional environmental data. Then, we established five SDMs based on the environmental variables of dimensionality reduction for 23 real plant species and nine virtual species, and compared the predictive performance of those with the SDMs based on the selected environmental variables through Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC). In addition, we studied the effects of DRTs, model complexity, and sample size on the predictive performance of SDMs. The predictive performance of SDMs under DRTs other than KPCA is better than using PCC. And the predictive performance of SDMs using linear DRTs is better than using nonlinear DRTs. In addition, using DRTs to deal with environmental variables has no less impact on the predictive performance of SDMs than model complexity and sample size. When the model complexity is at the complex level, PCA can improve the predictive performance of SDMs the most by 2.55% compared with PCC. At the middle level of sample size, the PCA improved the predictive performance of SDMs by 2.68% compared with the PCC. Our study demonstrates that DRTs have a significant effect on the predictive performance of SDMs. Specifically, linear DRTs, especially PCA, are more effective at improving model predictive performance under relatively complex model complexity or large sample sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species are described from the Rizhao coast along the Yellow Sea. Desmolaimus magnus sp. nov. is characterized by its relatively large body size, faintly striated cuticle, four long cephalic setae, a wide buccal cavity with cuticularized transverse rings, an amphidial fovea at the junction of the buccal cavity and pharynx, a pharynx without a bulb, curved spicules, a gubernaculum with a dorso–caudal apophysis, and an elongated conical tail. Metadesmolaimus robustus sp. nov. is characterized by its relatively large body size, coarsely striated cuticle, spacious buccal cavity with cuticularized rings, six inner labial sensilla setiform, six outer labial setae, and four long cephalic setae. The pharynx is notably muscularized, and the spicules are straight and jointed with a slightly swollen proximal end and a hooked distal end. The gubernaculum is brownish and comma–shaped, and the tail is conico–cylindrical with terminal setae. Phylogenetic analyses using maximum–likelihood and Bayesin inference, based on small subunit and D2–D3 fragment of large subunit rDNA sequences, place Desmolaimus magnus sp. nov. within the framework of the family Linhomoeidae and Metadesmolaimus robustus sp. nov. within Xyalidae. Topology trees at the family level show genera Desmolaimus and Metadesmolaimus as paraphyletic groups, the genus Terschellingia as a monophylectic group, the genus Theristus as a monophylectic group based on SSU sequence, the genus Daptonema as a monophylectic group based on LSU sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C28H22OS, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 21.690(3) Å, b = 5.9871(10) Å, c = 17.587(3) Å, β = 112.993(2)°, V = 2102.4(6) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0449, wRref(F2) = 0.1171, T = 296(2) K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the domain of environmental science, pollutants of nanoscale plastic dimensions are acknowledged as subjects of intricate significance. Such entities, though minuscule, present formidable challenges to ecological systems and human health. The diminutive dimensions of these contaminants render their detection arduous, thus demanding the inception of avant-garde methodologies. The present manuscript postulates the employment of the tetraphenylethylene functional group with a fused xanthene (TPEF), a distinguished fluorophore, as an exemplary system for the discernment of nanoplastic particulates. The synthesis and characterization of TPEF have been exhaustively elucidated, revealing its paramount fluorescence attributes and inherent affinity for interaction with nanoplastics. When subjected to comparison with TPEF, nanoplastics are observed to manifest a more pronounced fluorescent luminescence than when associated with the conventional Nile Red (NR). Particularly, the TPEF has shown exceptional affinity for polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics. Further, the resilience of nanoplastics within the hypocotyl epidermis of soybeans, as well as their persistence in mung bean sprouts subsequent to rigorous rinsing protocols, has been meticulously examined. Additionally, this investigation furnishes empirical data signifying the existence of nano-dimensional plastic contaminants within HeLa cellular structures. The urgency of addressing the environmental ramifications engendered by these diminutive yet potent plastic constituents is emphatically highlighted in this manuscript. TPEF paves the way for prospective explorations, with the aspiration of devising efficacious mitigation strategies. Such strategies might encompass delineating the trajectories undertaken by nanoplastics within trophic networks or their ingress into human cellular architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain aging is the most important risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders, and abnormal apoptosis is linked to neuronal dysfunction. Specifically, studies have found that exercise effectively inhibits hippocampal neuronal apoptosis, while the molecular mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the impact of aerobic exercise on hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in aging mice and the potential involvement of DAPK1 and its downstream pathways based on recent data that DAPK1 may be associated with neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases. Senescent mice were subjected to 8 weeks of Aerobic training. Following behavioral testing, hippocampal samples were examined histologically and biochemically to detect pathological changes, neuronal apoptosis, and mRNA and protein levels. We found that the exercise intervention improved spatial memory and alleviated neuronal apoptosis in the brain. Notably, exercise down‐regulated DAPK1 expression and inhibited Fas death receptor transactivation and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in the hippocampus. These results shed new light on the protective effect of regular exercise against brain aging though modulating the DAPK1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the heating penetration in salmon muscle tissue was evaluated during ohmic heating (OH) at 20 kHz. The electrical conductivities (ECs) in five muscle-tissue sections (fat content from 7.85 to 21.15 %) of salmon were measured under different conditions of applied frequency (50 Hz–20 kHz), temperature (5–70 °C), and direction of the electric current (parallel or series) in relation to the muscle arrangement. Significant differences in the ECs of the five sections were found, especially at high frequencies. A lower fat content and the parallel current direction resulted in higher ECs than a higher fat content and the series current direction. Empirical equations were derived to determine the EC values of all five sections of the salmon fillet based on their temperature dependence. The cooking losses after OH processes were low in the order of parallel < series < minced. These results are of potential value for the design of the OH process for salmon-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional TiO2/N719 photoanodes often suffer from the limited visible light absorption (450–500 nm) and the serous recombination of photo-generated carries (e−/h+)/electrolyte ions (I3−), accordingly outputting a low photoelectronic conversion efficiency (PCE). In this work, a type of strawberry-like TiO2/NiTiO3 (NTO) nanospheres was designed via a simple hydrothermal method. In this design, the NTO quantum dots (QDs) with size of several nanometers were decorated on the surface of TiO2 nanospheres. This TiO2/NTO nanostructure can not only enhance the visible light absorption of the TiO2/N179 photoanodes but also improve the separation of photo-generated carriers and depress the recombination of e−/h+ and I3−. Thus, the optimal TiO2/NTO/N719 dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) achieved greatly improved Jsc and Voc, both of which result into a 32.8%-improved PCE compared to the TiO2/N719 ones. These improvements could be due to the decreased charge transfer resistance at the photoanode/electrolyte interface (Rct2) and the increased electron lifetime (τn) caused by TiO2/NTO hetero-interface. In addition, the optimization on NTO QDs indicates that the density of QDs main affects the τn, and the size of QDs affects with Rct2. Moderate density and size (ca. 5 nm) of QDs can optimize the photoelectronic performances of DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between metabolically healthy obese individuals (MHO) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is disputed. This study investigated the association of metabolically unhealthy non-obese(MUNO) individuals and MHO with arterial stiffness and 10-year CVD risk. Methods: A total of 13,435 participants were enrolled and further divided into the metabolically healthy non-obese (MHNO) phenotype (n = 4927), MUNO phenotype (n = 1971), MHO phenotype (n = 2537) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) phenotype (n = 4000) according to body mass index (BMI) and metabolic status. We used brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) to measure arterial stiffness and the Framingham risk score (FRS) to evaluate the 10-year CVD risk. Results: The MUO and MUNO phenotypes had higher mean baPWV values than the MHO and MHNO phenotypes, regardless of age (1446.19 ± 233.65 vs. 1423.29 ± 240.72 vs. 1283.57 ± 213.77 vs. 1234.08 ± 215.99 cm/s, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the MUNO and MUO phenotypes were independently correlated with elevated baPWV and 10-year CVD risk, while the MHO phenotype was independently associated with only the 10-year CVD risk. In metabolically healthy subjects, BMI showed a dose-dependent increase in the risk of elevated baPWV, with an adjusted OR of 1.007 (95% CI 1.004–1.010, P < 0.001). However, in metabolically unhealthy participants, the estimate for the relationship between elevated baPWV and BMI was nonsignificant. Conclusions: The MUNO phenotype exhibits increased arterial stiffness and 10-year CVD risk. However, BMI is positively and dose-dependently correlated with arterial stiffness only in metabolically healthy subjects. We speculate that metabolic status may be a strong confounder in the obesity–elevated baPWV association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for malaria treatment. Statistical analysis was conducted on the basic attributes of TCM drugs with regard to property, therapeutic methods, flavor, and meridian tropism. A complex network of TCM drug associations was constructed. Cluster analysis was applied to obtain the core drugs for malaria treatment. The Apriori algorithm was applied to analyze the association rules of these core drugs. A total of 3S7 herbs were used 3,194 times in 461 prescriptions for malaria treatment. Radix Glycyrrhizae (▪), Rhizoma Pinelliae (▪), Radix Bupleuri (▪), and Radix Dichroae (▪) were the frequently used herbs through supplementing, exterior-releasing, heat-clearing, qi-rectifying, and damp-resolving therapeutic methods. Such herbs had warm, natural, and cold herbal properties; pungent, bitter, and sweet flavors; and spleen, lung, and stomach meridian tropisms. Cluster analysis showed 61 core drugs, including Radix Glycyrrhizae, Rhizoma Pinelliae, Radix Bupleuri, and Radix Scutellariae (▪). Apriori association rule analysis yielded 12 binomial rules (herb pairs) and 6 trinomial rules (herb combinations). Radix Bupleuri plus Radix Scutellariae was the core herbal pair for treating malaria. This pair could be combined with Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (▪) for treating warm or cold malaria, combined with Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (▪) or Radix Dichroae (▪) for treating miasmic malaria, or combined with turtle shells (▪) for treating malaria with splenomegaly. TCM can be used to classify and treat malaria in accordance with the different stages of development. As the core herbal pair, Radix Bupleuri and Radix Scutellariae can be combined with other drugs to treat malaria with different syndrome types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the five-dimensional Einstein–Maxwell theory, Bah et al. constructed a singularity-free topology star/black hole [Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 151101 (2021)]. After performing the Kaluza–Klein reduction, i.e., integrating the extra space dimension, it can obtain an effective four-dimensional spherically static charged black hole with scalar hair. In this paper, we study the quasinormal modes (QNMs) of the scalar, electromagnetic, and gravitational fields in the background of this effective four-dimensional charged black hole. The radial parts of the perturbed fields all satisfy a Schrödinger-like equation. Using the asymptotic iteration method, we obtain the QNM frequencies semianalytically. For low-overtone QNMs, the results obtained using both the asymptotic iteration method and the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin approximation method agree well. In the null coordinates, the evolution of a Gaussian package is also studied. The QNM frequencies obtained by fitting the evolution data also agree well with the results obtained using the asymptotic iteration method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the development of high-performance flexible tactile sensors, pursuing the next generation of highly intelligent electronics with diverse potential applications in self-powered wearable sensors, human–machine interactions, electronic skin, and soft robotics. Among the most promising materials that have emerged in this context are functional polymer composites (FPCs), which exhibit exceptional mechanical and electrical properties, enabling them to be excellent candidates for tactile sensors. Herein, this review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in FPCs-based tactile sensors, including the fundamental principle, the necessary property parameter, the unique device structure, and the fabrication process of different types of tactile sensors. Examples of FPCs are elaborated with a focus on miniaturization, self-healing, self-cleaning, integration, biodegradation, and neural control. Furthermore, the applications of FPC-based tactile sensors in tactile perception, human–machine interaction, and healthcare are further described. Finally, the existing limitations and technical challenges for FPCs-based tactile sensors are briefly discussed, offering potential avenues for the development of electronic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cattle-yak, the hybrid offspring of yak and taurine cattle, exhibits male sterility with normal female fertility. Spermatogenesis is arrested in adult cattle-yak, and apoptosis is elevated in spermatogenic cells. Currently, the mechanisms underlying these defects remain elusive. Sertoli cells are the only somatic cells that directly interact with spermatogenic cells in the seminiferous tubules and play essential roles in spermatogenesis. The present study was designed to investigate gene expression signatures and potential roles of Sertoli cells in hybrid sterility in cattle-yak. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the 5 mC and 5hmC signals in Sertoli cells of cattle-yaks were significantly different from those of age-matched yaks (P < 0.05). Transcriptome profiling of isolated Sertoli cells identified 402 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between cattle-yaks and yaks. Notably, niche factor glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was upregulated, and genes involved in retinoic acid (RA) biogenesis were changed in Sertoli cells of cattle-yak, suggesting possible impairments of spermatogonial fate decisions. Further studies showed that the numbers of proliferative gonocytes and undifferentiated spermatogonia in cattle-yak were significantly higher than those in yak (P < 0.01). Exogenous GDNF significantly promoted the proliferation of UCHL1-positive spermatogonia in yaks. Therefore, we concluded that altered GDNF expression and RA signaling impacted the fate decisions of undifferentiated spermatogonia in cattle-yak. Together, these findings highlight the role of Sertoli cells and their derived factors in hybrid sterility. [Display omitted] • Differences in gene expression were detected in Sertoli cells of yak and cattle-yak. • The altered GDNF expression and RA signaling occurred in Sertoli cells of cattle-yaks. • The gonocytes to spermatogonia transition was different between yak and cattle-yak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive interactions drive critical ecological processes in plant communities. Yet, how competitive interactions are influenced by polyploidy that has a widespread incidence in plants remains largely unknown.To evaluate the hypothesis of competitive asymmetry between polyploids and diploids, we competed tetraploid and diploid plants of perennial herbaceous Chrysanthemum indicum L. (Asteraceae) at different relative frequencies under contrasting soil water contents. We quantified the interaction intensity between competing plants of the same (intraploidy) and different ploidy levels (interploidy), and measured functional traits related to gas exchange and plant water use to understand the underlying mechanisms.The stronger competitive effect of tetraploids on diploids than that of diploids on tetraploids provided evidence for the competitive asymmetry. As a stronger competitor, tetraploids were limited more by individuals of their own than by diploids. Such competitive asymmetry was not only maintained under reduced soil water content, but also translated into higher above‐ground biomass of tetraploids. Tetraploids showed more resource‐acquisitive traits than diploids under high soil water content and more resource‐conservative traits under reduced soil water content. As such, the higher trait plasticity in tetraploids than diploids likely explained the competitive asymmetry.Synthesis. These results elucidate the nature and magnitude of species interactions between polyploid and diploid plants under changing environments and the underlying mechanisms, and provide important insights into the prevalence and persistence of polyploid plants under a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure sensors show significant potential applications in health monitoring, bio-sensing, electronic skin, and tactile perception. Consequently, tremendous research interest has been devoted to the development of high-performance pressure sensors. In this paper, recent progress on the polymer composite-based flexible pressure sensor is reviewed. The parameters of pressure sensors, including sensitivity, linear response range, detection limit, response speed, and reliability, are first introduced. Secondly, representative types of pressure sensors and relevant working principles are introduced and discussed. After that, the applications in human physiology monitoring, health monitoring, artificial skin, and self-powered smart system are listed and discussed in detail. Finally, the remaining challenges and outlook of polymer composite-based flexible sensors are summarized at the end of this review paper. This work should have some impact on the development of high-performance flexible pressure sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lochkovian, Pragian, and basal part of the Emsian, which represent the post-Kwangsian Orogeny strata in the South China Block, are mainly composed of siliciclastic rocks. This lithological composition impedes investigation of Pragian and Lochkovian conodont biostratigraphy in the South China Block, which results in a persistent controversy on the age of relevant lithological units. The present study provides new evidence by reporting for the first time Lochkovian conodonts obtained from the South China Block, specifically the Gaoling Member of the Nahkaoling Formation at the Lingli section, central Guangxi. The conodont fauna, consisting of Pandorinellina exigua lingliensis Lu n. subsp., Pandorinellina exigua exigua, Zieglerodina? tuojiangensis Lu n. sp., Amydrotaxis praejohnsoni, and Eognathodus cf. E. irregularis, places the studied interval of the Gaoling Member in the lower or middle Lochkovian (contingent upon varying definitions for the base of the middle Lochkovian) to lower Pragian. Moreover, Amydrotaxis praejohnsoni, which was reported previously only in North America and eastern Australia, is herein also recorded in the South China Block, and thus may play an important role in intercontinental biostratigraphical correlation. By shedding light on the age of the upper limit of the underlying Lianhuashan Formation at the Lingli section, the present study indicates that the Kwangsian Orogeny ended before the late Lochkovian. This date is slightly earlier than the previously estimated late Lochkovian based on studies of fossil plants from the siliciclastic rocks deposited after the Kwangsian Orogeny. UUID: http://zoobank.org/8010f983-4f6f-43dd-949f-de4653e53d9d [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeking singularity free solutions are important for further understanding black holes in quantum level. Recently, a five-dimensional singularity free black hole/topological star was constructed (Bah and Heidmann in Phys Rev Lett 126:151101, 2021). Through the Kaluza–Klein reduction, an effective four-dimensional static spherically symmetric charged black hole with scalar hair can be obtained. In this paper, we study shadow of this charged black hole with scalar hair in terms of four kinds of observers, i.e., static observers, surrounding observers, freely falling observers, and escaping observers in four-dimensional spacetime. For a spherically symmetric black hole, the shadow is circular for any observer, but the shadow size depends on the motion status of the observer. On the other hand, the effect of plasma is also investigated by a simple model. The radius of the photon sphere depends on the plasma model. Most importantly, we find that the shadow sizes do not monotonically decrease with r in some cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual tracking is one of the most challenging problems in computer vision. Most state-of-the-art visual trackers suffer from three challenging problems: nondiverse discriminate feature representation, coarse object locator, and limited quantities of positive samples. In this paper, a multi-view multi-expert region proposal prediction algorithm for tracking is proposed to solve the above problems concurrently in one framework. The proposed algorithm integrates multiple views and exploits powerful multiple sources of information, which can solve nondiverse discriminate feature representation problem effectively. It builds multiple SVM classifier models on the expanded bounding boxes and adds the regional suggestion network module to accurately optimize it to predict optimal object location, which naturally alleviates the coarse object locator and limited quantities of positive samples problems at the same time. A comprehensive evaluation of the proposed approach on various benchmark sequences has been performed. The evaluation results demonstrate our method can significantly improve the tracking performance by combining the advantages of lightweight region proposal network predictive learning model and multi-view expert groups. The experimental results demonstrate the proposed approach outperforms other state-of-the-art visual trackers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the formation of a local Creative Placemaking (CPM) policy network based on the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) and social capital perspective of policy networks. This article hypothesizes that policy beliefs, policy learning, social capital, and the perceived risks induced by defections, as well as macro‐level changes in the broader political and socio‐economic system, influence partner selection in the local CPM policy networks. The study collected survey data from policy actors participating in the Franklinton CPM‐catalyzed revitalization project in Columbus, Ohio. An exponential random graph model (ERGM) was applied to test the hypotheses. The findings partially support the hypotheses: policy learning, certain secondary policy beliefs, and risk perceptions of changes in economic and political factors are correlated with tie formation. The reciprocity‐driven bonding structure underlies the Franklinton CPM policy network, suggesting that policy actors perceive the Franklinton CPM policy network as a high‐defection‐risk network. This study has implications for policy makers in designing engagement strategies to better involve stakeholders holding different beliefs and occupying different network positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Private dance studios exist outside the scope of K-12 institutions in the United States and serve students within their local communities. Many of them strive to benefit underrepresented groups fthrough community engagement initiatives. This mixed-method study scrutinizes the various community engagement practices of private dance studios through a grounded theory approach to investigate the following research questions: 1) What are the different ways private studios engage with community engagement practices? 2) How are the concepts of ‘community’ and ‘engagement’ perceived and manifested within dance studio practices? 3) How do community contexts and external environments influence the management of community engagement practices of dance studios? By engaging systems thinking and existing literature on arts-based civic engagement, we propose a three-level community engagement conceptual framework for dance programs and studios to better understand their communities and apply systems thinking to leverage resources and constraints within and beyond programs and organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To reconstruct the genomic epidemiology and evolution of MDR Salmonella Indiana in China.Methods: A total of 108 Salmonella Indiana strains were collected from humans and livestock in China. All isolates were subjected to WGS and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary analyses were conducted using WGS data from this study and the NCBI database.Results: Almost all 108 Salmonella Indiana strains displayed the MDR phenotype. Importantly, 84 isolates possessed concurrent resistance to ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime. WGS analysis revealed that class 1 integrons on the chromosome and IncHI2 plasmids were the key vectors responsible for multiple antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) [including ESBL and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes] transmission among Salmonella Indiana. The 108 Salmonella Indiana dataset displayed a relatively large core genome and ST17 was the predominant ST. Moreover, the global ST17 Salmonella Indiana strains could be divided into five distinct lineages, each of which was significantly associated with a geographical distribution. Genomic analysis revealed multiple antimicrobial resistance determinants and QRDR mutations in Chinese lineages, which almost did not occur in other global lineages. Using molecular clock analysis, we hypothesized that ST17 isolates have existed since 1956 and underwent a major population expansion from the 1980s to the 2000s and the genetic diversity started to decrease around 2011, probably due to geographical barriers, antimicrobial selective pressure and MDR, favouring the establishment of this prevalent multiple antibiotic-resistant lineage and local epidemics.Conclusions: This study revealed that adaptation to antimicrobial pressure was possibly pivotal in the recent evolutionary trajectory for the clonal spread of ST17 Salmonella Indiana in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although surgical resection is currently the first choice of clinical treatment for most solid tumors, postoperative cancer recurrence and metastasis are the main causes of mortality. Herein, the authors aim to enable immunotherapy consistent with surgery. To this end, the term "therapeutic‐prophylactic vaccine (TPV)" is suggested, and a TPV‐gel is developed as a filler after resection of ≈90% tumor to eradicate residue tumor (therapeutic) and prevent recurrence and metastasis (prophylactic). The TPV‐gel is made of the matrix of blends of two poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) block copolymers and the bioactive substances of inorganic calcium salt and organic R837. The aqueous system of polymeric block blends undergoes a sol‐gel transition upon heating and thus leads to an injectable hydrogel filling the resection site; loading of CaCl2 and CaCO3 results in the release of calcium ions out of the TPV‐gel, which induces immunogenic cell death of the residual tumor cells; R837, an immune adjuvant, is dispersed in the TPV‐gel as microcrystal and can be released to awaken immune responses. The therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy of this TPV‐gel is confirmed in vitro and in vivo using a postoperative breast 4T1 mice model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of stable, Earth-abundant, and high-activity molecular water oxidation catalysts under acidic and neutral conditions remains a great challenge. Here, the use of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-based iron(III) complex 1 {[phenyl(tris(3-methylimidazol-1-ylidene))borate]2Fe(III)}+ as a catalyst for water oxidation under acidic and neutral conditions was investigated. Two iron(II) carbene complexes, 2 {[2,6-bis(3-methylimidazolium-1-yl)pyridine]2Fe}2+ and 3 {[2,6-bis(3-methylimidazolium-1-yl)pyridine-4-carboxylic acid]2Fe}2+, were also used for comparison. A series of experiments demonstrate that complex 1 has excellent performance in terms of both catalytic activity and stability. In addition, the faradaic efficiency and turnover frequency (TOF) reach 95.0% and 2.8 s−1, respectively. An overpotential of ca. 490 mV is obtained at pH 1.5. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that dehydrogenation is the potential-determining step (PDS) in water oxidation. Complex 1 has a lower free energy barrier in this process than 2 and 3. High-valent Fe species are further proven in 1 by spectroelectrochemical measurements, which are crucial in promoting water oxidation. This study is expected to contribute to the development of homogeneous water oxidation catalysis under acidic and neutral conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of N,N‐coordinate nickel (II) complexes with Schiff base ligands have been synthesized. All N,N‐coordinate nickel (II) complexes 1–4 were well characterized by IR and elemental analysis. Molecular structure of complex 1 was further characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. All air and moisture stable nickel complexes showed efficient catalytic activity for the amidation reaction of a widely range of amides and primary alcohols. N‐alkylated amides were given in good to excellent yields with liberating water as the sole byproduct. A variety types of functional groups tolerated well in such reaction condition. In addition, control experiments were carried out to understand this Ni‐catalysis protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A naphthol-functionalized bis(salamo)-like chromogenic and fluorogenic probe (TBS) was designed and synthesized for efficient double-channel detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The probe TBS was characterized through various spectroscopic techniques. From both visible light and 365 nm UV light, TBS could have naked-eye recognition of H2S with obvious color change. In comparison with some chemical probes, the probe TBS could selectively monitor H2S with detection limit as low as 0.71 μM, which could serve as a promising candidate for detecting H2S in real world sampling. Beyond that, the sensing mechanism toward H2S was fully validated by 1H NMR, mass spectra (ESI-MS) as well as UV titration. Density-functional theory and time-dependent density-functional theory calculations were also carried out to further explain the photophysical behavior of the probe TBS with H2S. Finally, the probe TBS could be utilized as sulfide-targeted probe in a practical sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical Fe‐ZSM‐5 zeolite catalysts hydrothermally prepared using tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH) and [3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]octadecyldimethylammonium chloride (TPOAC) as micropore structure‐directing agent and meso‐porogen, respectively, were investigated for oxidation‐removal of NO via catalytic decomposition of gas‐phase H2O2 into hydroxyl free radicals (⋅OH). The effects of ethanol in synthesis gel on the structure, porosity, Fe species state, and catalytic performance of zeolite catalysts were explored. And the function mechanism of ethanol was speculated. Appropriate ethanol dosage in synthesis gel probably stabilized TPOAC micelles during MFI crystallization, facilitated mesopores integration in zeolite crystals, benefited oxygen vacancy formation, accelerated ⋅OH radicals generation, and thereby enhanced NO oxidation‐removal efficiency. The hierarchical Fe‐ZSM‐5 prepared with ethanol/H2O ratio of 1 in synthesis gel displayed an excellent catalytic activity with the optimal NO conversion up to 35.9 % enhancement compared to the microporous Fe‐ZSM‐5. The SO2 resistance and ⋅OH scavenger test during catalytic reaction, as well as the reaction condition influence on the catalytic performance of hierarchical Fe‐ZSM‐5 were explored, and then the oxidation‐removal mechanism of NO over hierarchical Fe‐ZSM‐5 was preliminarily proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer-aided color parameter imaging (CPI) is a novel technique for contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) that can highlight hemodynamic features of focal lesions. The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of CPI in evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) hemodynamic features and prognosis after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). One hundred twenty-one patients with HCC underwent CEUS with CPI analysis before RFA. Eighty-nine patients had pathologically proven well- to moderately differentiated HCC (WM-HCC), and 32 patients had poorly differentiated or undifferentiated HCC (PU-HCC). Perfusion features of CEUS and contrast-enhanced computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging were compared with CPI parameters for WM-HCC and PU-HCC. The results indicated that 67.4% of WM-HCC had a centrifugal perfusion CPI pattern, whereas 84.4% of PU-HCC tumors had a centripetal pattern (p < 0.001, odds ratio = 11.2). The specificity, sensitivity and accuracy of the CPI perfusion pattern regarding HCC pathological grade were higher than those with routine CEUS (84.4% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001; 67.4% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.001; 71.9% vs. 5.0%, p < 0.001). Moreover, multivariable analysis revealed that the CPI perfusion pattern was an independent risk factor for progression-free survival post-RFA (centripetal group: 28.3 ± 4.1 mo vs. centrifugal group: 45.8 ± 4.4 mo, p = 0.002). A novel CPI technique for CEUS could non-invasively provide valuable hemodynamic information and predict prognosis for HCC patients treated by RFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Axions and axion-like particles (ALPs) appear in many extensions of the Standard Model and are being investigated as promising dark matter (DM) candidates. One viable methodology for their detection involves the investigation of the line-like radio emissions from the dwarf spheroidal galaxy, potentially originating from the radiative decay of ALPs or the conversion of ALPs in the magnetic field. In this work, we constrain the properties of ALPs using the 2-hour radio observation of Coma Berenices through the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). The 95% upper limits of the ALP-photon coupling are calculated for the ALP decay and conversion scenarios, respectively. Note that the sensitive ALP masses for FAST range from ∼ μ eV to tens of μ eV, where ALP can explain the DM abundance naturally. However, our limits are weaker than those of the CAST helioscope, which can provide an independent and complementary check on the ALP non-detection for ground experiments. Furthermore, we evaluate the expected sensitivity on the ALP of FAST with its full designed bandwidth (70 MHz - 3 GHz) for 100 hours of observation time. Our results indicate that, even with the exceptional sensitivity of the FAST, it is challenging to surpass the existing experimental constraints on ALP DM using radio observation of dSphs, unless the possible enhancements of ALP signals by compact stars in dSphs are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, we aimed to identify novel biomarkers for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and analyze their potential roles in immune infiltration during PCOS pathogenesis. Methods: Five datasets, namely GSE137684, GSE80432, GSE114419, GSE138518, and GSE155489, were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected from the train datasets. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression model and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination algorithm were combined to screen potential biomarkers. The test datasets validated the expression levels of these biomarkers, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to analyze their diagnostic value. Quantitative real-time PCR was conducted to verify biomarkers' expression in clinical samples. CIBERSORT was used to assess differential immune infiltration, and the correlations of biomarkers with infiltrating immune cells were evaluated. Results: Herein, 1265 DEGs were identified between PCOS and control groups. The gene sets related to immune response and adaptive immune response were differentially activated in PCOS. The two diagnostic biomarkers of PCOS identified by us were HD domain containing 3 (HDDC3) and syndecan 2 (SDC2; AUC, 0.918 and 0.816, respectively). The validation of hub biomarkers in clinical samples using RT-qPCR was consistent with bioinformatics results. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that decreased activated mast cells (P = 0.033) and increased eosinophils (P = 0.040) may be a part of the pathogenesis of PCOS. HDDC3 was positively correlated with T regulatory cells (P = 0.0064), activated mast cells (P = 0.014), and monocytes (P = 0.024) but negatively correlated with activated memory CD4 T cells (P = 0.016) in PCOS. In addition, SDC2 was positively correlated with activated mast cells (P = 0.0021), plasma cells (P = 0.0051), and M2 macrophages (P = 0.038) but negatively correlated with eosinophils (P = 0.01) and neutrophils (P = 0.031) in PCOS. Conclusion: HDDC3 and SDC2 can serve as candidate biomarkers of PCOS and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of immune regulation in PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-object tracking is an important research topic in the field of computer vision. In multi-object tracking, overlapping targets and dramatic changes in object appearance are major challenging problems. In this paper, we propose a multi-cue and multi-hypothesis tracking algorithm for multi-object tracking, which is based on re-identification (Re-ID) to alleviate the Id-Switch problem in the case of occlusion. Our approach has two major advantages: (1) Using metric learning with person Re-ID technology, our approach is able to reduce the distance within similar classes and increase the distance between classes. The appearance model we learn is more distinguishable than the appearance model obtained by the classification network trained on ImageNet. Our method can reduce the addition of different targets to hypothetical trajectory tree operations, thereby reducing hypothetical branches. (2) We build a re-identification search library. When the target is lost, we can find the trajectory of the target from the Re-ID search library and add it to the hypothesis trees. Therefore, our approach can be used to alleviate the problem of occlusion or target loss in multi-object tracking. To improve tracking accuracy further, we use the online training discriminative model kernel correlation filtering (KCF) to verify whether the branch added can be assigned to the current trajectory. Experiments show that our method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods on MOT challenge15, MOT challenge16. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neuromuscular choristomas (NMCs), are extremely rare developmental lesions that, have been previously established associated with recurrent fibromatosis after surgery, leading to several operations or even amputation. However, reports on the ultrasound imaging features and clinical conditions of NMCs are rare. The purpose of this study is to describe the ultrasound features and clinical analysis of NMCs to provide suggestions to identify the optimal management strategy.Methods: From September 2020 to September 2021, 7 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of NMC who underwent ultrasound examination in our department were enrolled in our study. Physical examinations were performed to detect motor deficits, sensory deficits, neuropathic pain, limb undergrowth, muscular atrophy, cavus foot and bone dysplasia. Ultrasound imaging was performed and investigated both in affected nerves and neuromuscular choristomas associated desmoid-type fibromatosis (NMC-DTF). All patients had a definite history and regular follow-up. The clinical course, physical examinations, ultrasound features and pathologic results of NMC patients were analyzed.Results: Seven patients with an average age of 7.0 ± 7.2 years (range: 2-22 years) were enrolled in our study. The affected nerves included the sciatic nerve (6 cases) and the brachial plexus (1 case). Six patients (85.7%) presented with limb undergrowth, 6 (85.7%) with muscular atrophy, and 5 (71.4%) with cavus foot deformity. Based on ultrasound findings, all the visibly affected nerve segments presented with hypoechoic and fusiform enlargement with intraneural skeletal muscle elements. Five patients (71.4%) had NMC-DTFs at the site of the affected nerve. All NMC-DTFs were shown as hypoechoic solid lesions adjacent to the nerve and were well circumscribed. In the subset of the surgery group, all 5 patients presented with progression to NMC-DTFs at the site of the NMCs. No fibromatosis was detected in the other two nonsurgical patients.Conclusions: Understanding the typical ultrasound features and clinically associated conditions would support the early diagnosis of this rare disease. When a potential diagnosis is determined, an invasive procedure such as biopsy or resection might not be a good choice given the frequent occurrence of complications such as aggressive recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new 2-benzopyran-1,3-dione, talaromycone A (1), was isolated from Talaromyces wortmannii LGT-4, an endophytic fungus of Tripterygium wilfordii. The structure of 1 was elucidated by IR, MS, and 1D and 2D NMR spectra and comparison of the experimental and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Kα) inhibitory activities of 1 was also tested. The compound did not show good biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic structures of non-twisted and twisted WTe2/WSe2 heterojunction bilayers were investigated using first-principles calculations. Our results show that, for the twisted WTe2/WSe2 heterojunction bilayer, the bandgaps are all direct bandgaps, and the bandgap (K–K) increases significantly when the twist angle is from 0° to 10°. However, when the twist angle is from 11° to 14.2°, the bandgaps are all indirect bandgaps and the bandgap (G–K) significantly reduces. The band structure of the twisted WTe2/WSe2 heterojunction bilayer differs significantly from that of the non-twisted. Twisted WTe2/WSe2 heterojunction bilayers can be seen as a direct bandgap to an indirect bandgap conversion when turned to a certain angle. Interestingly, the bandgap of the WTe2/WSe2 heterojunction bilayer is very sensitive to the change in the twist angle. For example, when the twist angle is 10.5°, a maximum bandgap will appear. However, the minimum bandgap is 0.041 eV at 14.2°. Our findings have important guidance for device tuning of two-dimensional heterojunction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To explore the mechanism of the action of Huoluo Xiaoling Dan (HLXLD) in the treatment of psoriasis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods. The main active components and targets of HLXLD were collected from CMSP, and the targets related to psoriasis were collected from GeneCards, OMIM, TTD, DisGeNET, and DrugBank. Drug disease target genes were obtained by Venny tools, drug-component-target networks were constructed and analyzed, and pathway enrichment analysis was performed. AutoDockTools is used to connect the core components and the target, and PyMOL software is used to visualize the results. Results. 126 active components (such as quercetin, luteolin, tanshinone IIA, dihydrotanshinlactone, and beta-sitosterol) and 238 targets of HLXLD were screened out. 1,293 targets of psoriasis were obtained, and 123 drug-disease targets were identified. Key targets included AKT1, TNF, IL6, TP53, VEGFA, JUN, CASP3, IL1B, STAT3, PTGS2, HIF1A, EGF, MYC, EGFR, MMP9, and PPARG. Enrichment analysis showed that 735 GO analysis and 85 KEGG pathways were mainly involved in biological processes such as response to the drug, inflammatory response, gene expression, and cell proliferation and apoptosis, as well as signal pathways such as cancer, TNF, HIF-1, and T cell receptor. Molecular docking showed that there was strong binding activity between the active ingredient and the target protein. Conclusions. HLXLD could treat psoriasis through multicomponents, multitargets, and multipathways, which provides a new theoretical basis for further basic research and clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Multifunctional organohydrogels with double network structure. • Organohydrogels have excellent mechanical and electrical properties. • Excellent adhesion performance on different substrate surfaces. • Long-term environmental stability in different environments. • Organohydrogels are used for large and subtle motion monitoring. Sensitive strain sensors have attracted more attention due to their applications in health monitoring and human–computer interaction. However, the problems existing in conventional hydrogels, such as inherent brittleness, freezing at low temperature, low toughness, and water evaporation, have greatly hindered the practical applications. In order to solve the above problems, herein, we designed dual network multifunctionality organohydrogels using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) covalent cross-linking polymer as the first network, the bacterial celluloses (BCs) and calcium chloride by ligand binding as the second network. The prepared organohydrogels showed good conductivity and sensitivity over a wide temperature range (-20 ∼ 40 ℃), and maintained long-term stability (>15 days) in the air. In addition, the dynamic combination of BCs-Ca2 + and hydrogen bonds in the binary system further endows the organohydrogels with excellent tensile strength (≈1.0 MPa), tensile strain (≈1300%), toughness (≈6.2 MJ m−3), conductivity (3.4 S m−1), gauge factor (≈1.24), adhesion (≈0.3 MPa), and self-healing properties (self-healing tensile strain to 632%). Therefore, this organohydrogel has potential candidates for flexible electronic skin, motion monitoring, and soft robotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are often used to settle down the sluggish reaction kinetics in lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs). However, the self-aggregation of CNTs often makes them fail to effectively inhibit the shuttling effect of soluble lithium polysulfide (LiPS) intermediates. Herein, a type of ultra-stable carbon micro/nano-scale interconnected "carbon cages" has been designed by incorporating polar acid-treated carbon fibers (ACF) into three-dimensional (3D) CNT frameworks during vacuum filtration processes. Results show that the ACF-CNT composite frameworks possess a reinforced-concrete-like structure, in which the ACFs can well work as the main mechanical supporting frames for the composite electrodes, and the oxygen-containing functional groups (OFGs) formed on them as cross linker between ACFs and CNTs. Benefitted from this design, the ACF-CNT/S cathodes deliver an excellent rate capability (retain 72.6% at 4C). More impressively, the ACF-CNT/S cathodes also show an ultrahigh cycling stability (capacity decay rate of 0.001% per cycle over 350 cycles at 2C). And further optimization suggests that the suitable treatment on CFs could balance the chemical adsorption (OFGs) and physical confinement (carbon cages), leading to fast and durable electrochemical reaction dynamics. In addition, the assembled soft-pack LSBs further show a high dynamic bending stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various exogenous contaminants typically coexist in waste activated sludge (WAS), and the long-term impacts of these co-occurring contaminants on WAS anaerobic fermentation and associated mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study reveals that the co-occurrence of surfactants and nanoparticles (NPs, i.e. , Fe 2 O 3 and CeO 2 , frequently detected in sludge) exhibited time-dependent impacts on the volatile fatty acids (VFAs) biosynthesis. Surfactants triggered WAS decomposition and enhanced NPs dispersion, leading to increased exposure of functional anaerobes to NPs toxicity, negatively affecting them. Consequently, key fermentation processes, acidogenic bacterial abundance, and metabolic functions were inhibited in co-occurrence reactors compared to those containing only surfactants in the early stage (before 56 d). Surprisingly, the fermentation systems containing surfactants collapsed subsequently, with VFAs yield at 72 d decreasing by 48.59–71.27 % compared to 56 d. The keystone microbes (i.e. , Acidobacteria (16 d) vs Patescibacteria (56 d)) were reshaped, and metabolic traits (i.e. , proB involved in intracellular metabolism) were downregulated by 0.05–78.02 % due to reduced microbial adaptive capacity (i.e. , quorum sensing (QS)). Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) analysis suggests that the microbial community was the predominant factor influencing VFAs generation. This study provides new insights into the long-term effects of co-contaminants on the biological treatment of WAS. [Display omitted] • Anaerobic system with surfactant/NPs co-existence collapsed in semi-continuous mode. • The keystone microbes (i.e. , Acidobacteria and Patescibacteria) were identified. • The dynamic metabolic functions changes (i.e. , pyruvate metabolism) were unveiled. • Microbial adaptive capacity to unfavorable external stimuli was uncovered. • PLS-PM analysis revealed the microbial community as main factor for VFAs yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposed an innovative method, that biomass catalytic pyrolysis for 4-vinyl phenol under NH 3 atmosphere with nitrogen-doped biochar catalyst, which could realize the in-situ regeneration of the catalyst. Results indicated that NH 3 and nitrogen-doped biochar catalyst could significantly increase the bio-oil yield (up to 68 wt%) and the phenols content (80%). The selectivity and absolute yield of 4-vinyl phenol were 28% and 5.85 wt%, respectively. N/O-containing groups in the catalyst and free radicals from NH 3 promoted the break of ester bonds and β-O-4 bonds, and converted phenols intermediates to 4-vinyl phenol. Meanwhile, NH 3 also acted as activator and nitrogen dopant, which realized the in-situ regeneration of the catalyst. The regeneration rate of nitrogen content and S BET of the catalyst was up to 84.5%-150% and 72.9%-85.4%, respectively. In addition, the nitrogen-doped biochar catalyst also showed good stability and reusability, and the yield of 4-vinyl phenol was still as high as5.85–6.05 wt% after repeated use of BC10 catalyst for 3 times. [Display omitted] • Catalytic pyrolysis for phenols with in-situ regeneration of catalyst was studied. • The content of phenols reached 80% with 5.85 wt% valuable 4-vinyl phenol. • NH 3 regenerated N-doped biochar catalyst in situ as activator and nitrogen dopant. • Amount of N-doped biochar increased rather than reduced after catalytic pyrolysis. • Formation pathways of 4-vinyl phenol under NH 3 with N-doped biochar was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to investigate the associations of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2/4), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) with 3-month poor outcome, death, and malignant cerebral edema (MCE) in patients with large hemispheric infarction (LHI).Patients with LHI within 24 h of onset were enrolled consecutively. Serum MIF, TLR2/4, and MMP9 concentrations on admission were measured. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≥ 3 at 3 months. MCE was defined as a decreased level of consciousness, anisocoria and midline shift > 5 mm or basal cistern effacement, or indications for decompressive craniectomy during hospitalization. The cutoff values for MIF/MMP9 were obtained from the receiver operating characteristic curve.Of the 130 patients with LHI enrolled, 90 patients (69.2%) had 3-month poor outcome, and MCE occurred in 55 patients (42.3%). Patients with serum MIF concentrations ≤ 7.82 ng/mL for predicting 3-month poor outcome [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.827, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.144–6.990, p = 0.024] also distinguished death (adjusted OR 4.329, 95% CI 1.841–10.178, p = 0.001). Similarly, MMP9 concentrations ≤ 46.56 ng/mL for predicting 3-month poor outcome (adjusted OR 2.814, 95% CI 1.236–6.406, p = 0.014) also distinguished 3-month death (adjusted OR 3.845, 95% CI 1.534–9.637, p = 0.004).Lower serum MIF and MMP9 concentrations at an early stage were independently associated with 3-month poor outcomes and death in patients with LHI. These findings need further confirmation in larger sample studies.Methods: We aimed to investigate the associations of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2/4), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) with 3-month poor outcome, death, and malignant cerebral edema (MCE) in patients with large hemispheric infarction (LHI).Patients with LHI within 24 h of onset were enrolled consecutively. Serum MIF, TLR2/4, and MMP9 concentrations on admission were measured. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≥ 3 at 3 months. MCE was defined as a decreased level of consciousness, anisocoria and midline shift > 5 mm or basal cistern effacement, or indications for decompressive craniectomy during hospitalization. The cutoff values for MIF/MMP9 were obtained from the receiver operating characteristic curve.Of the 130 patients with LHI enrolled, 90 patients (69.2%) had 3-month poor outcome, and MCE occurred in 55 patients (42.3%). Patients with serum MIF concentrations ≤ 7.82 ng/mL for predicting 3-month poor outcome [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.827, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.144–6.990, p = 0.024] also distinguished death (adjusted OR 4.329, 95% CI 1.841–10.178, p = 0.001). Similarly, MMP9 concentrations ≤ 46.56 ng/mL for predicting 3-month poor outcome (adjusted OR 2.814, 95% CI 1.236–6.406, p = 0.014) also distinguished 3-month death (adjusted OR 3.845, 95% CI 1.534–9.637, p = 0.004).Lower serum MIF and MMP9 concentrations at an early stage were independently associated with 3-month poor outcomes and death in patients with LHI. These findings need further confirmation in larger sample studies.Results: We aimed to investigate the associations of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2/4), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) with 3-month poor outcome, death, and malignant cerebral edema (MCE) in patients with large hemispheric infarction (LHI).Patients with LHI within 24 h of onset were enrolled consecutively. Serum MIF, TLR2/4, and MMP9 concentrations on admission were measured. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≥ 3 at 3 months. MCE was defined as a decreased level of consciousness, anisocoria and midline shift > 5 mm or basal cistern effacement, or indications for decompressive craniectomy during hospitalization. The cutoff values for MIF/MMP9 were obtained from the receiver operating characteristic curve.Of the 130 patients with LHI enrolled, 90 patients (69.2%) had 3-month poor outcome, and MCE occurred in 55 patients (42.3%). Patients with serum MIF concentrations ≤ 7.82 ng/mL for predicting 3-month poor outcome [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.827, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.144–6.990, p = 0.024] also distinguished death (adjusted OR 4.329, 95% CI 1.841–10.178, p = 0.001). Similarly, MMP9 concentrations ≤ 46.56 ng/mL for predicting 3-month poor outcome (adjusted OR 2.814, 95% CI 1.236–6.406, p = 0.014) also distinguished 3-month death (adjusted OR 3.845, 95% CI 1.534–9.637, p = 0.004).Lower serum MIF and MMP9 concentrations at an early stage were independently associated with 3-month poor outcomes and death in patients with LHI. These findings need further confirmation in larger sample studies.Conclusions: We aimed to investigate the associations of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2/4), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) with 3-month poor outcome, death, and malignant cerebral edema (MCE) in patients with large hemispheric infarction (LHI).Patients with LHI within 24 h of onset were enrolled consecutively. Serum MIF, TLR2/4, and MMP9 concentrations on admission were measured. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≥ 3 at 3 months. MCE was defined as a decreased level of consciousness, anisocoria and midline shift > 5 mm or basal cistern effacement, or indications for decompressive craniectomy during hospitalization. The cutoff values for MIF/MMP9 were obtained from the receiver operating characteristic curve.Of the 130 patients with LHI enrolled, 90 patients (69.2%) had 3-month poor outcome, and MCE occurred in 55 patients (42.3%). Patients with serum MIF concentrations ≤ 7.82 ng/mL for predicting 3-month poor outcome [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.827, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.144–6.990, p = 0.024] also distinguished death (adjusted OR 4.329, 95% CI 1.841–10.178, p = 0.001). Similarly, MMP9 concentrations ≤ 46.56 ng/mL for predicting 3-month poor outcome (adjusted OR 2.814, 95% CI 1.236–6.406, p = 0.014) also distinguished 3-month death (adjusted OR 3.845, 95% CI 1.534–9.637, p = 0.004).Lower serum MIF and MMP9 concentrations at an early stage were independently associated with 3-month poor outcomes and death in patients with LHI. These findings need further confirmation in larger sample studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]