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The carbon neutral policy restrains the carbon emissions of product family manufacturers, which incurs additional costs for manufacturers. In previous studies of product family supplier selection, the dilemma of carbon neutrality faced by manufacturers was rarely researched. Therefore, this study puts forward an intelligent optimisation method for product family supplier selection under carbon neutral constraints, which assists manufacturers in satisfying carbon neutrality constraints while minimising total production costs. Firstly, the data representation models of product family are constructed by using information ontology technology, and then the candidate suppliers that meet the manufacturer’s performance requirements are mined by semantic similarity. Secondly, by calculating the configuration cost and carbon footprint of the product family, the configuration cost-carbon neutral cost model (CC-CNC model) of the manufacturer is established with the goal of minimising the manufacturer’s total cost, and then the genetic algorithm is employed to solve the model, thus the optimal supplier selection scheme is mined. The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated by supplier selection for water-cooled fan product family, which guides the manufacturer to minimise the cost by selecting the best supplier scheme and taking reasonable carbon neutral measures, contributing to the manufacturer’s low-carbon production and economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In diploid organisms, half of the chromosomes in each cell come from the father and half from the mother. Through previous studies, it was found that the paternal chromosome and the maternal chromosome can be regulated and expressed independently, leading to the emergence of allele specific expression (ASE). In this study, we analyzed the differential expression of alleles in the high-altitude population and the normal population based on the RNA sequencing data. Through gene cluster analysis and protein interaction network analysis, we found some changes occurred at the gene level, and some negative effects. During the study, we realized that the calmodulin homology domain may have a certain correlation with long-term survival at high altitude. The plateau environment is characterized by hypoxia, low air pressure, strong ultraviolet radiation, and low temperature. Accordingly, the genetic changes in the process of adaptation are mainly reflected in these characteristics. High altitude generation living is also highly related to cancer, immune disease, cardiovascular disease, neurological disease, endocrine disease, and other diseases. Therefore, the medical system in high altitude areas should pay more attention to these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calculation of land surface temperatures (LSTs) via low-altitude thermal infrared remote (TIR) sensing images at a block scale is gaining attention. However, the accurate calculation of LSTs requires a precise determination of the range of various underlying surfaces in the TIR images, and existing approaches face challenges in effectively segmenting the underlying surfaces in the TIR images. To address this challenge, this study proposes a deep learning (DL) methodology to complete the instance segmentation and quantification of underlying surfaces through the low-altitude TIR image dataset. Mask region-based convolutional neural networks were utilized for pixel-level classification and segmentation with an image dataset of 1350 annotated TIR images of an urban rail transit hub with a complex distribution of underlying surfaces. Subsequently, the hyper-parameters and architecture were optimized for the precise classification of the underlying surfaces. The algorithms were validated using 150 new TIR images, and four evaluation indictors demonstrated that the optimized algorithm outperformed the other algorithms. High-quality segmented masks of the underlying surfaces were generated, and the area of each instance was obtained by counting the true-positive pixels with values of 1. This research promotes the accurate calculation of LSTs based on the low-altitude TIR sensing images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation was claimed to increase over Asian–African summer monsoon (AAM) regions during past interglacial epochs and also under future global warming scenario. Using CMIP6 model experiments, this study compares the simulated changes of AAM in Last Interglacial (LIG) and Mid-Holocene (MH) to that global warming scenario. Moisture budget analysis shows that the increased monsoon rainfall during interglacial epochs primarily results from the dynamic process associated with strengthened monsoon circulation but is caused by thermodynamic process under global warming scenario associated with increased mean moisture. To disentangle the mechanisms for the distinct changes in vertical and horizontal monsoon circulation, we further decompose the response of AAM to global warming into the direct effect from CO2 radiative forcing and the indirect effect due to increased sea surface temperature (SST), based on idealized experiments. The results show that the effect of direct CO2 radiative forcing on the AAM is similar with that in interglacial epochs driven by enhanced land–ocean equivalent potential temperature contrast, both of which are characterized by strengthened vertical and horizontal monsoon circulation despite regional difference. However, the above effect is overwhelmed by the substantially increased SST under global warming, which is absent in interglacial epochs. The substantial SST warming acts to weaken the monsoon circulation by decreasing the land–ocean equivalent potential temperature contrast and enhancing atmospheric static stability. Therefore, the lack of global SST warming in interglacial epoch is the primary cause for the distinct change of AAM circulation from global warming scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed a recombinant Bacillus subtilis to carry the LGSPDVIVIR peptide (cmP4) isolated from the hydrolyzed products of cottonseed meal with excellent antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties in vitro. It was carried as a tandem of five cmP4 peptides (cmP4') to be stably expressed on a large scale. Then, its effectiveness was evaluated in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) based on growth performance, redox defense, and innate immunity. A total of 280 crabs (mean body weight: 41.40 ± 0.14) were randomly assigned to seven diets including a control one (without B. subtilis) and six experimental ones with different doses (107,108, and 109 CFU/kg) of unmodified and recombinant B. subtilis, respectively, for 12 weeks. Each diet was tested in four tanks of crabs (10/tank). In terms of bacterial dosages, the final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), hemolymph and hepatopancreatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lysosome (LZM), acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and hepatopancreatic transcriptions of cat, mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (mtmnsod), thioredoxin-1 (trx1), and prophenoloxidase (propo) all increased significantly with increasing B. subtilis dosages, while hemolymph and hepatopancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the transcriptions of toll like receptors (tlrs), NF-κB-like transcription factor (relish), and lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α factor (litaf) all decreased remarkably. In terms of bacterial species, the recombinant B. subtilis group obtained significantly high values of FW, WG, hemolymph, and hepatopancreatic activities of SOD, CAT, LZM, ACP, and AKP, and the transcriptions of mtmnsod, peroxiredoxin 6 (prx6), and propo compared with the unmodified B. subtilis, while opposite results were noted in hemolymph and hepatopancreatic MDA content and the transcriptions of tlrs, relish, and litaf. These results indicated that dietary supplementation with 109 CFU/kg of recombinant B. subtilis can improve the growth performance, redox defense, and nonspecific immunity of E. sinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper explores the causes of paediatric inguinal hernia (PIH) recurrence after single-port laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (SPLPEC). Method: From January 2015 to December 2020, the clinical data of 3480 children with PIHs who underwent SPLPEC were retrospectively reviewed, including 644 children who underwent SPLPEC with a homemade single-hook hernia needle from January 2015 to December 2016 and 2836 children who underwent the SPLPEC with a double-hook hernia needle and hydrodissection from January 2017 to December 2020. There were 39 recurrences (including communicating hydrocele) during the 2–5 years of follow-up. The findings of redo-laparoscopy were recorded and correlated with the revised video of the first operation to analyse the causes of recurrence. Result: Thirty-three males and 6 females experienced recurrence, and 8 patients had a unilateral communicating hydrocele. The median time to recurrence was 7.1 months (0–38). There were 20 cases (3.11%) in the single-hook group and 19 cases (0.67%) in the double-hook group. Based on laparoscopic findings, recurrence most probably resulted from multiple factors, including uneven tension of the ligation (10 cases), missing part of the peritoneum (14 cases), loose ligation (8 cases), broken knot (5 cases), and knot reaction (2 cases). All children who underwent repeat SPLPEC were cured by double ligations or reinforcement with medial umbilical ligament. Conclusion: The main cause of recurrence is improper ligation. Tension-free and complete PIH ligation are critical to the success of surgery, which requires avoiding the peritoneum skip area and the subcutaneous and muscular tissues. Redo-laparoscopic surgery was suitable for the treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia (RIH). For giant hernias, direct ligation of the internal ring incorporating the medial umbilical ligament (DIRIM) may be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is uncertain how COVID-19 outbreak influences the hepatitis B epidemics. This study aims to evaluate the effects on hepatitis B owing to the COVID-19 outbreak and forecast the hepatitis B epidemiological trend in mainland China to speed up the course of the "End viral hepatitis Strategy". Methods: We estimated the causal impacts and created a forecast through adopting monthly notifications of hepatitis B each year from 2005 to 2020 in mainland China using the Bayesian structural time series (BSTS) method. Results: The hepatitis B epidemics fluctuates irregularly during the period 2005–2007(APC = 8.7, P = 0.246) and 2015–2020(APC = 1.7, P = 0.290), and there is a downturn (APC=-3.2, 95% CI -5.2 to -1.2, P = 0.006) from 2007 to 2015 in mainland China. The COVID-19 outbreak was found to have a monthly average reduction on the hepatitis B epidemics of 26% (95% CI 18–35%) within the first three months in 2020,17% (95% CI 7.7–26%) within the first six months in 2020, and 10% (95% CI19–22%) all year as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, (probability of causal effect = 96.591%, P = 0.034) and the forecasts showed an upward trend from 2021 to 2025 (annual percentage change = 4.18, 95% CI 4.0 to 4.3, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The COVID-19 has a positive effect on the decline of hepatitis B cases. And the potential of BSTS model to forecast the epidemiological trend of the hepatitis B can be applied in automatic public health policymaking in mainland China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Providing effective support to parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an important part of clinical work. This study used outsider witnesses in group counselling for parents of children with ASD and explored the mechanism through which the therapeutic effects occurred. Method: Parents of children diagnosed with ASD participated in an eight-session group activity. Two outsider witnesses were introduced into some of the sessions. The participants were interviewed to collect their experiences of and reflections on the outsider-witness practice. Texts were analysed using the categorical content approach. Results: The intervention was effective because the participants shifted their subjective experiences to an objective position, leading them to reflect on their previous limited perspectives, thus resulting in self-redefinition. These therapeutic effects may arise due to physical displacement, experience resonance, and externalization of subjective experiences. The results of this study have important implications for parents and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms are an important component of global biodiversity and play an important role in plant growth and development and the protection of host plants from various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, little is known about the identities and communities of endophytic fungi inhabiting cultivated medicinal plants in the farmland ecosystem. The diversity and community composition of the endophytic fungi of cultivated medicinal plants in different hosts, tissue niches, and seasonal effects in the farmland of Northern China were examined using the next-generation sequencing technique. In addition, the ecological functions of the endophytic fungal communities were investigated by combining the sequence classification information and fungal taxonomic function annotation. A total of 1025 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of endophytic fungi were obtained at a 97% sequence similarity level; they were dominated by Dothideomycetes and Pleosporales. Host factors (species identities and tissue niches) and season had significant effects on the community composition of endophytic fungi, and endophytic fungi assembly was shaped more strongly by host than by season. In summer, endophytic fungal diversity was higher in the root than in the leaf, whereas opposite trends were observed in winter. Network analysis showed that network connectivity was more complex in the leaf than in the root, and the interspecific relationship between endophytic fungal OTUs in the network structure was mainly positive rather than negative. The functional predications of fungi revealed that the pathotrophic types of endophytic fungi decreased and the saprotrophic types increased from summer to winter in the root, while both pathotrophic and saprotrophic types of endophytic fungi increased in the leaf. This study improves our understanding of the community composition and ecological distribution of endophytic fungi inhabiting scattered niches in the farmland ecosystem. In addition, the study provides insight into the biodiversity assessment and management of cultivated medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the sound absorption performance of porous ceramics at low-to-medium frequencies, a novel porous ceramic with closed-pore structure was prepared through the addition of silicon carbide (SiC), which foamed at high temperature. The porous ceramic with closed-pore structure exhibited a better combination property than those without such pore structure. The results revealed a 69.6% improvement in the average sound absorption coefficient of porous ceramics with closed-pore structure compared to those without closed-pore structure at 200–1600 Hz. Furthermore, the sound insulation performance of porous ceramics with closed-pore structure exhibited a 150% improvement at 160–1600 Hz. Moreover, these ceramics featured a high open porosity from 65% to 82% when combined with sufficient compressive strength of 1.21–5.13 MPa and low thermal conduction of 0.126–0.198 W/m∙K, indicating a considerably promising combination of properties for noise control and reduction in corrosive environments at high temperature. These results indicated that the porous ceramic had sufficient strength, low thermal conduction, and good sound absorption performance, which was expected to be applied as the building insulation and acoustic damping material. Besides, this study provides a new method for enhancing the sound absorption performance of porous ceramics at low-to-medium frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A transmission and reflection matrix method for moving loads on a stratified TI saturated half-space is proposed. • An analytical model is proposed to simulate the responses of railway tracks on a stratified TI saturated half-space. • The effect of the material anisotropy and soil layering on the critical speed is investigated. The responses of railway tracks are significantly amplified when the high-speed train travels around the speed of waves propagating in underlying soils. The dynamic amplification phenomenon corresponding to the issue of the critical speed may compromise the stability and safety of operation and increase track damage. This paper proposes an analytical model to analyze the effect of the transverse isotropy of ground on the critical speed of railway tracks on stratified saturated soils. By using the Biot's theory, the general solutions of the transversely isotropic saturated porous medium are derived by employing the potential decomposition and Fourier transform. The transmission and reflection matrix method is extended to derive the three-dimensional fundamental solution for moving point loads acting on a multi-layered transversely isotropic saturated half-space. The models for railway tracks and wheel-axle loads are subsequently coupled to the ground. The proposed model is validated through a comparison with two existing models. Numerical studies demonstrate that the material anisotropy changes the critical speed and the corresponding dynamic amplification coefficient by up to 20%. The anisotropy in the shear modulus has the most significant influence on the critical speed, followed by Young's modulus and the permeability coefficient. The material anisotropy and soil layering cannot be ignored for the assessment of the critical speed of a track-ground system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the summer (July and August) of 2022, unprecedented heat wave occurred along the Yangtze River Valley (YRV) over East Asia while unprecedented flood occurred over western South Asia (WSA), which are located on the eastern and western sides of Tibetan Plateau (TP). Here, by analyzing the interannual variability based on observational and reanalysis data, we show evidences that the anomalous zonal flow over subtropical Tibetan Plateau (TP) explains a major fraction the extreme events occurred in 2022. As isentropic surfaces incline eastward (westward) with altitude on the eastern (western) side of the warm center over TP in summer, anomalous easterly (westerly) flow in upper troposphere generates anomalous descent (ascent) on the eastern side of TP and anomalous ascent (descent) on the western side of TP via isentropic gliding. The anomalous easterly flow is extremely strong to reverse the climatological westerly flow over subtropical TP in 1994, 2006, 2013 and 2022. The easterly flow in 2022 is the strongest since 1979, and it generates unprecedented descent (ascent) anomaly on the eastern (western) side of TP, leading to extreme heat wave over YRV and extreme flood over WSA in 2022. The anomalously strong easterly flow over subtropical TP in 2022 is dominated by atmospheric internal variability related to mid-latitude wave train, while the cold sea surface temperature anomaly over the tropical Indian Ocean increases the probability of a reversed zonal flow over TP by reducing the meridional gradient of tropospheric temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk (abbreviated TAMs) comprise a family of homologous type 1 receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that have been implicated as inhibitory receptors that dampen inflammation, but their roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis remains understudied. Here, to investigate TAMs in an inflammatory arthritis model, antibody-induced arthritis in single TAM-deficient mice (Tyro3- KO, Axl-KO, Mertk-KO) was induced by K/BxN serum injection. Subsequently, joint inflammation and cytokine levels, as well as the expression of Fcγ Rs and complement receptors were assessed in WT and TAM-deficient mice. Compared with littermate control mice, Axl−/− and Mertk−/− mice developed more severe antibody-induced arthritis, while in contrast, Tyro3−/− mice showed diminished joint inflammation. Concomitantly, the levels of cytokines in joints of Axl−/− and Mertk−/− mice were also significantly increased, while cytokines in the Tyro3−/− joint tissues were decreased. At the molecular and cellular level, TAMs showed distinct expression patterns, whereby monocytes expressed Axl and Mertk, but no Tyro3, while neutrophils expressed Axl and Tyro3 but little Mertk. Moreover, expression of Fcγ receptors and C5aR showed different patterns with TAMs expression, whereby FcγRIV was higher in monocytes of Axl−/− and Mertk−/− mice compared to wild-type mice, while Tyro3−/− neutrophils showed lower expression levels of FcγRI, FcγRIII and FcγRIV. Finally, expression of C5aR was increased in Mertk−/− monocytes, and was decreased in Tyro3−/− neutrophils. These data indicate that Axl, Mertk and Tyro3 have distinct functions in antibody-induced arthritis, due in part to the differential regulation of cytokines production, as well as expression of FcγRs and C5aR. 1eHRq_qjGV2iQGKkb-YYk- Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk (abbreviated TAMs) comprise a family of homologous type 1 receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that have been implicated as inhibitory receptors that dampen inflammation, but their roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis remains understudied. Here, to investigate TAMs in an inflammatory arthritis model, antibody-induced arthritis in single TAM-deficient mice (Tyro3- KO, Axl-KO, Mertk-KO) was induced by K/BxN serum injection. Subsequently, joint inflammation and cytokine levels, as well as the expression of Fcγ Rs and complement receptors were assessed in WT and TAM-deficient mice. Compared with littermate control mice, Axl−/− and Mertk−/− mice developed more severe antibody-induced arthritis, while in contrast, Tyro3−/− mice showed diminished joint inflammation. Concomitantly, the levels of cytokines in joints of Axl−/− and Mertk−/− mice were also significantly increased, while cytokines in the Tyro3−/− joint tissues were decreased. At the molecular and cellular level, TAMs showed distinct expression patterns, whereby monocytes expressed Axl and Mertk, but no Tyro3, while neutrophils expressed Axl and Tyro3 but little Mertk. Moreover, expression of Fcγ receptors and C5aR showed different patterns with TAMs expression, whereby FcγRIV was higher in monocytes of Axl−/− and Mertk−/− mice compared to wild-type mice, while Tyro3−/− neutrophils showed lower expression levels of FcγRI, FcγRIII and FcγRIV. Finally, expression of C5aR was increased in Mertk−/− monocytes, and was decreased in Tyro3−/− neutrophils. These data indicate that Axl, Mertk and Tyro3 have distinct functions in antibody-induced arthritis, due in part to the differential regulation of cytokines production, as well as expression of FcγRs and C5aR. 1eHRq_qjGV2iQGKkb-YYk- Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify whether intracranial hematoma (ICH) evacuation improves the prognosis of patients with ruptured anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysms concomitant with small ICHs (≥ 10 mL and < 25 mL).Methods: Data on patients diagnosed with small ICHs secondary to ruptured AcomA aneurysms who underwent surgery in our department between January 2010 and February 2018 was retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether the hematoma was evacuated. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess prognosis six months after onset.Results: The study recruited 58 patients, 19 of whom underwent aneurysm clipping and ICH evacuation. While 33 patients underwent aneurysm clipping, 6 patients underwent coiling embolism without ICH evacuation. The average ICH volume was 15.27± 4.07 mL. In the hematoma-evacuated group, 13 (68.4%) patients had unfavorable outcomes (mRS scores of 4 to 6). In the non-evacuated hematoma group, 13 (33.3%) patients had unfavorable outcomes (P = 0.001), postoperative infarction occurred in 11 (57.9%) patients in the hematoma evacuation group and 9 (23.1%) patients in the other group (P = 0.009).Conclusion: ICH evacuation was associated with unfavorable outcomes and postoperative infarction in ruptured AcomA aneurysms with concomitant small hematomas (< 25 mL). Aneurysm clipping or coiling without ICH evacuation may be a safe and effective choice; however, further investigation is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio‐ink has gradually transited from ionic‐crosslinking to photocrosslinking due to photocurable bio‐hydrogel having good formability and biocompatibility. It is very important to understand and quantify the crosslinking process of photocurable hydrogels, otherwise, bioprinting cannot be standardized and scalable. However, there are few studies on hydrogel formation process and its photocrosslinking behavior which cannot be accurately predicted. Herein, the photoinitiated radical polymerized bio‐hydrogels are taken as an example to establish the formation theory. Three typical crosslinking reactions are first distinguished. It is further proposed that not all double‐bonds consumed during crosslinking contributeequally to polymerization. Then the concept of effective double‐bond conversion (EDBC) is elicited. Deriving from EDBC, several important formation indices are defined. According to theory, it is predicted that slow crosslinking can improve the crosslinking degree. Furthermore, based on the slow crosslinking effect, a new strategy of projection‐based 3D printing (PBP) is proposed, which significantly improved printing quality and efficiency. Overall, this work will fill the gap in hydrogel's formation theory, making it possible to accurately quantify the formation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth retardation and prolonged marketing cycle have been noticed in the practical aquaculture of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) fed with artificial feed. Plant protein hydrolysates contain a large number of small peptides and free amino acids, which can improve the growth performance of aquatic animals. However, the potential mechanisms are still not well elucidated. In this research, the influences of cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate (CPH) on the growth, feed utilization, muscle growth, and molting performance were investigated in E. sinensis. A total of 240 crabs (mean body weight 37.32 ± 0.38 g) were individually randomly distributed to six diets supplemented with 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.6%, and 3.2% of CPH for 12 weeks. These findings indicated that the addition of CPH at 0.4% significantly increased the survival rate, body protein gain, apparent protein utilization, trypsin and pepsin activities, and the methyl farnesoate content. When the dose reached 0.8%, the weight growth ratio, meat yield, ecdysone concentration, and the transcription of the ecdysteroid receptor all significantly increased, while the transcriptions of both myostatin and molt-inhibiting hormone significantly decreased. When CPH was added at 1.6%–3.2%, the feed conversion ratio, body crude protein content, Na+/K+-ATPase activity, and the molting ratio were all significantly improved, while the opposite was true for the transcription of the transforming growth factor-β type I receptor. The investigation results indicated that when added above 0.4%, CPH could stimulate the growth performance of E. sinensis and promote the muscle growth and molting performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, aluminum titanate (Al 2 TiO 5 , AT) flexible ceramics modified with rare-earth oxides (La 2 O 3 and Y 2 O 3) were successfully prepared by solid state reaction sintering at 1400 °C in air for 2 h. To explore the effects of La 2 O 3 and Y 2 O 3 on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AT flexible ceramics, the phase compositions of the modified AT flexible ceramics was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the microstructure and crack propagation were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the grain size and oriented arrangement degree of the AT grains were determined by using Image J. LaTi 2 Al 9 O 19 (LTA) and Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 (YT) were generated after adding La 2 O 3 and Y 2 O 3 , respectively. These second-phase grains were pinned at the grain boundaries of AT grains, strengthening the branch and deflection phenomena, and increasing the resistance to crack propagation during the bending test. Moreover, the presence of second phase grains hindered the growth of AT grains, resulting in a decrease in the grain size and degree of oriented arrangement. For these two reasons, the flexural strength of La 2 O 3 /Y 2 O 3 -modified AT flexible ceramics was significantly improved. Y 2 O 3 -modified AT ceramics produced with 3 wt.% Y 2 O 3 presented a significant improvement (approximately 152%) in flexural strength relative to the pure AT ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thanks to their specific molecular symmetry, aromatic molecules and their derivatives represent ideal model systems in understanding photo-induced chemistry of small molecules. Herein, ultraviolet photodissociation dynamics of the 1-bromo-2,6-difluorobenzene molecule has been visualized via imaging the recoiling velocity distributions of photofragments. The measured recoiling angular distributions of the Br(2P3/2) product vary significantly with the increasing photon energy, arguing against the simple bond-fission mechanism within the C2v symmetry. Ab initio calculations reveal that in addition to the C–Br bond cleavage, two additional internal molecular coordinates that break the molecular symmetry are likely involved. The Br out-of-plane bending opens a direct dissociation pathway on the S1-1A″ (S1-1ππ*) state, while the asymmetric C–F stretching significantly changes the orientation of the transition dipole moment. The present study sheds new light on the effect of symmetry breaking in the photodissociation dynamics of symmetric aryl halides, highlighting the multi-dimensional feature of excited state potential energy surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C26H22N6O7Co, triclinic, P 1 ‾ (no. 2), a = 9.0033(4) Å, b = 10.1338(5) Å, c = 15.5122(8) Å, α = 96.164(4)°, β = 100.835 (4) ∘ , γ = 113.867 (5) ∘ , V = 1244.20(11) Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0473, wRref(F2) = 0.1023, T = 293(2) K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synoptic temperature variability gives rise to cold waves and extreme cold events in winter. Based on four reanalysis datasets, this study investigates the decadal trend of synoptic temperature variability in boreal winter during the period from 1980 to 2019, with particular focus on the sharp drops in synoptic-scale temperature, which are associated with cold waves. The result shows that the synoptic-scale standard deviation of temperature decreases significantly with a trend of − 0.15 K/decade (− 0.09 to − 0.21 K/decade among reanalysis datasets) over continental regions in mid-high latitudes. Correspondingly, the rapid cooling events (RCEs), defined based on the day-to-day temperature decrease exceeding 6 K, also show a general decreasing trend in terms of their frequency and intensity. The strongest decrease occurs over eastern North America (ENA) and western Eurasia (WE). The weakening of the RCEs is closely connected to the decreased trend of eddy kinetic energy (EKE), suggesting that the weakened transient eddy activities may have mitigated the synoptic-scale temperature variability and the associated RCEs over mid-high latitudes. This study highlights that the decreased synoptic temperature variability leads to fewer and weaker RCEs on the synoptic scale over mid-high latitudes in winter though the mean state of winter temperature continues to warm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the physical and chemical properties of gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine particulate matter (PM). The physical properties mainly included the particulate aggregate morphology, primary particle size, and internal nanostructure. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to obtain particle morphology information and to conduct image processing and analysis. The chemical characterization tests included X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive scanning (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). XPS can be used to observe the content of carbon and oxygen components and the surface carbon chemistry status, EDS can be used to obtain the elemental composition of particles, and TGA is used to analyze the oxidative kinetics of particles. Samples were collected from the exhaust emissions of a passenger vehicle compliant with China's VI emission standards under China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) test conditions. The study found that the particle morphology mainly comprised primary particles stacked on top of each other to form agglomerate structures, and the primary particles exhibited a core–shell structure. Analysis showed that carbon and oxygen were the predominant components of the particles, with other metallic elements also present. The XPS observations agreed with the FTIR results, indicating a small amount of oxygen was present on the particle surface and that the carbon components consisted mainly of sp2 hybridized graphite and sp3 hybridized organic carbon. The TGA results indicated high characteristic temperatures and low oxidation activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contact calling is a ubiquitous behavior of group‐living animals. Yet in birds, beyond a general connection with group cohesion, its precise function is not well‐understood, nor is it clear what stimulates changes in contact call rate. In an aviary experiment, we asked whether Swinhoe's White‐eyes, Zosterops simplex, would regulate their own production of contact calls to maintain a specific rate at the group level. Specifically, we hypothesized that the sudden cessation of the group‐level call rate could indicate an immediate predation threat, and we predicted that birds in smaller groups would call more to maintain a high call rate. We also investigated the effects of environmental characteristics, such as vegetation density, and social stimuli, such as the presence of certain individuals, on the rate of three different contact call types. To calculate mean individual‐level rates, we measured the group‐level rate and divided it by the number of birds in the aviary. We found that the individual‐level rate of the most common call types increased with a greater group size, the opposite pattern to what would be expected if birds were maintaining a specific group‐level rate. Vegetation density did not affect any call rate. However, individual‐level rates of all call types decreased when birds were in subgroups with individuals of differing dominance status, and the rate of some call types increased when birds were with affiliated individuals. Our results do not support the hypothesis that contact calls are related to habitat structure or immediate predation risk. Rather, they appear to have a social function, used for communication within or between groups depending on the call type. Increases in call rates could recruit affiliated individuals, whereas subordinates could withhold calls so that dominants are unable to locate them, leading to fluctuations in contact calling in different social contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study envisaged the behavior and relevant crack initiation mechanism of super martensitic stainless steel (0Cr13Ni5Mo) at elevated temperature (ET) under very‐high‐cycle fatigue (VHCF). Fractographic analysis revealed that all the VHCF cracks of the failure specimens initiated from the surface and formed fine granular area (FGA) morphology at ET in an absence of vacuum. The initiation characteristic area (ICA) consisted of an initiation site, a relatively smooth area, and the annular continuous FGA. FGA was formed in the peaks and valleys of local microstructures, and the smooth regions connected these peaks and valleys dominated by shear stress. It was observed that the FGA was unevenly distributed on the crack surface related to the local microstructure and below the grain surface relevant to local strain distribution. The stress intensity factor (SIF) and the crack tip plastic zone of the ICA slightly changed with temperature. Highlights: The vacuum environment was no longer necessary for the formation of FGA.FGA was unevenly distributed related to local microstructure and local strain condition.The fatigue cracks' initiation and early propagation were affected by local microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simplest polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) carrying a five‐membered ring—9H‐fluorene (C13H10)—is produced isomer‐specifically in the gas phase by reacting benzyl (C7H7⋅) with phenyl (C6H5⋅) radicals in a pyrolytic reactor coupled with single photon ionization mass spectrometry. The unconventional mechanism of reaction is supported by theoretical calculations, which first produces diphenylmethane and unexpected 1‐(6‐methylenecyclohexa‐2,4‐dienyl)benzene intermediates (C13H12) accessed via addition of the phenyl radical to the ortho position of the benzyl radical. These findings offer convincing evidence for molecular mass growth processes defying conventional wisdom that radical‐radical reactions are initiated through recombination at their radical centers. The structure of 9H‐fluorene acts as a molecular building block for complex curved nanostructures like fullerenes and nanobowls providing fundamental insights into the hydrocarbon evolution in high temperature settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simplest polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) carrying a five‐membered ring—9H‐fluorene (C13H10)—is produced isomer‐specifically in the gas phase by reacting benzyl (C7H7⋅) with phenyl (C6H5⋅) radicals in a pyrolytic reactor coupled with single photon ionization mass spectrometry. The unconventional mechanism of reaction is supported by theoretical calculations, which first produces diphenylmethane and unexpected 1‐(6‐methylenecyclohexa‐2,4‐dienyl)benzene intermediates (C13H12) accessed via addition of the phenyl radical to the ortho position of the benzyl radical. These findings offer convincing evidence for molecular mass growth processes defying conventional wisdom that radical‐radical reactions are initiated through recombination at their radical centers. The structure of 9H‐fluorene acts as a molecular building block for complex curved nanostructures like fullerenes and nanobowls providing fundamental insights into the hydrocarbon evolution in high temperature settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is closely associated with human health and the economy. Therefore, it is important to understand variations in the spatiotemporal and sectoral emission distributions of major air pollutants and their drivers. The policies (APAPPC) promulgated by China in 2013 have also achieved remarkable results. Rate of change, trend analysis, and a geographically and temporally weighted regression model were used to study the effects of socioeconomic factors on NOx, SO2, and dust emissions in China during 2011–2017. During the study period, annual average emissions of NOx, SO2, and dust decreased by 11.45, 13.42, and 4.82 Mt (−47.64, −60.53, and −39.05%), respectively. Pollutant emissions were concentrated in North China, with Shandong and Hebei provinces exhibiting the highest NOx and SO2 and dust emissions, respectively. Pollutant emissions from the power and industrial sectors were mainly distributed in East (27.08 and 28.00%, respectively) and North China (23.57 and 20.04%, respectively), whereas emissions from the residential sector were mainly concentrated in North (22.48%) and Southwest China (20.07%). Pollutant emissions were positively correlated with electricity generation, urban population density, urban green spaces, private car ownership, the secondary industry as a share of regional GDP, and steel production and negatively correlated with disposable income and gross construction output. Per capita disposable income was the dominant driving factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we reported an unusual phenomenon of strain neutral layer (SNL) spreading in an as-rolled AZ31B magnesium alloy sheet during V-bending. The SNL on the middle symmetrical surface perpendicular to the transverse direction (TD) of the sheet extended to the compression region and was accompanied by a mound-like feature. However, the SNL on the side surface perpendicular to the TD was distributed with a parallel band feature. The underlying mechanism was revealed by the finite element (FE) analysis. The results indicate that the three-dimensional compressive stresses in the compression region of the bending samples were responsible for the above phenomenon. Moreover, the area of the SNL in the middle position gradually decreased as the bending test progressed. The findings in this study provide some new insights into the bending deformation behavior of magnesium alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subtropical North Pacific and North Atlantic are controlled by basin-scale anticyclones in boreal summer. Based on a novel metric regarding the strengths of the rotational and the divergent circulation of anticyclones, we investigated the possible future responses in the intensity of these two subtropical anticyclones to global warming. While the North Atlantic subtropical anticyclone (NASA) is projected to strengthen, the North Pacific subtropical anticyclone (NPSA) is projected to weaken, in terms of both the rotational and the divergent circulation. The distinct responses of the NPSA and NASA are corroborated by the models participating in the fifth and sixth phases of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP), under both intermediate and high emission scenarios. We further investigated the possible mechanism for their distinct responses by decomposing the effect of greenhouse gas forcing into the direct effect of increased CO2 concentration and the indirect effect through sea surface temperature (SST). The intensified NASA results from the CO2 direct forcing while the weakened NPSA is dominated by the SST warming. The CO2 direct forcing enhances the NASA by increasing land–ocean thermal contrast anchored by the largest subtropical continental area, the Eurasian–African continent. Both the uniform SST warming and the change in SST pattern act to weaken the NPSA by increasing the latent heating over the subtropical North Pacific basin, as suggested by atmospheric component model simulations. The distinct responses of the NPSA and the NASA may lead to zonal asymmetry of the subtropical climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic emissions decreased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its possible effect on monsoon is unclear. Based on coupled models participating in the COVID Model Intercomparison Project (COVID-MIP), we show modeling evidence that the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) is enhanced by 2.2% in terms of precipitation and by 5.4% in terms of the southerly wind at lower troposphere, and the amplitude of the forced response reaches about 1/3 of the standard deviation for interannual variability. The enhanced EASM during COVID-19 pandemic is a fast response to reduced aerosols, which is confirmed by the simulated response to the removal of all anthropogenic aerosols. The observational evidence, i.e., the anomalously strong EASM observed in 2020 and 2021, also supports the simulated enhancement of EASM. The essential mechanism for the enhanced EASM in response to COVID-19 is the enhanced zonal thermal contrast between Asian continent and the western North Pacific in the troposphere, due to the reduced aerosol concentration over Asian continent and the associated latent heating feedback. As the enhancement of EASM is a fast response to the reduction in aerosols, the effect of COVID-19 on EASM dampens soon after the rebound of emissions based on the models participating in COVID-MIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of ultrashort pulsed-laser processing technologies, greater control of processing conditions has come into demand. A factor which particularly complicates ablation situations is "damage incubation," a phenomenon in which the intrinsic optical properties of the processed material change due to accumulated defects from repeated laser excitation. Damage incubation can induce striking changes in the observed morphology during ablation and should be an important factor governing processing results. However, only a few studies have incorporated these effects into multiple-pulse ablation models due to its complexity. Here, in order to quantify the effects of damage incubation in a practical processing setting, we study ablation morphologies of shallow grooves formed on the surface of sapphire (α -Al 2 O 3) with varying laser pulse number and energy in a purpose-made experiment. We observe clear evidence of incubation-induced changes in ablation phase and nonlinear dependence of depth on the incident total energy density. To understand the results, we create a simple empirical model for material energy absorption by characterizing interpulse absorption changes and analytically derive solutions for two limiting cases in which the material has either a very low (quasistatic absorption) or very high (accumulative absorption) damage incubation characteristic. By following the energy absorption characteristics predicted by the latter model, we were able to derive universal relations between ablated depth and incident energy density for sapphire. This work serves to highlight the effects of damage incubation on multiple-pulse ablation situations and provides a simple and practical method to predict such morphological characteristics of an arbitrary material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, chronic, and ultimately fatal diffuse parenchymal lung disease. The molecular mechanisms of fibrosis in IPF patients are not fully understood and there is a lack of effective treatments. For decades, different types of drugs such as immunosuppressants and antioxidants have been tested, usually with unsuccessful results. Although two antifibrotic drugs (Nintedanib and Pirfenidone) are approved and used for the treatment of IPF, side effects are common, and they only slow down disease progression without improving patients' survival. Macrophages are central to lung homeostasis, wound healing, and injury. Depending on the stimulus in the microenvironment, macrophages may contribute to fibrosis, but also, they may play a role in the amelioration of fibrosis. In this review, we explore the role of macrophages in IPF in relation to the fibrotic processes, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and their crosstalk with resident and recruited cells and we emphasized the importance of macrophages in finding new treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Draf IIb procedure allows the widest unilateral access to the frontal sinus in a minimally invasive fashion, with efficiency and safety comparable to the Draf III. However, this technique is still associated with a high postoperative stenosis rate. The exposure of drilled bone induces osteitis predisposing to scarring and neo-osteogenesis causing ostium restenosis. We developed a novel lateral inferior pedicle flap (LIPF) to cover the exposed bone and prevent restenosis during Draf IIb. We aimed to describe our technique. Methods: Adult patients requiring a Draf IIb for unilateral recurrent frontal sinus disease were prospectively enrolled. A LIPF technique was systematically performed. Demographics and complications were recorded. The primary outcome measure was neo-ostium patency at 12 months. In patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), the clinical control rate was evaluated at 12 months. Results: 59 patients underwent the Draf IIb with LIPF technique from 2013 to 2021. 49 patients (20 women/29 men, median age of 48.0 years) completed at least 12 months of follow-up (median 41.0 months, range 12–100 months). Indications included recalcitrant CRS (n = 32), inverted papilloma (n = 9) and frontal mucocele (n = 8). Overall, the neo-ostium remained patent at 12 months in all patients, and the clinical control rate of 32 patients with recalcitrant CRS at 12 months was 100%. No main complications were recorded. Conclusion: The LIPF technique was associated with a high rate of success for a Draf IIb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of downhole drilling robot, dragging force, size and safety of the robot are the main indexes to evaluate the adaptability of downhole drilling robot. In fact, the characteristics of the gripping mechanism are the most important factors affecting the dragging force, safety and miniaturization of the drilling robot. Based on this status, a novel drilling robot with gripping mechanism of co-directional double inclined plane (GMCDIP) is proposed. The GMCDIP is divided into two processes which are composed of griping process of inclined plane (GPIP) and griping process of connecting rod (GPCR). Mechanical models of GPIP and GPCR are established, respectively. Based on the mechanical models, the boundaries of self-locking of the GPIP and GPCR are found. When the friction coefficient between friction block and wall of wellbore is 0.35 and friction coefficient between friction block and gripping block is 0.15. The inclination angle of the gripping block is 10.66°. And, the angle of the collect rod is 19.10°. To ensure that the drilling robot will not be stuck, the inclination angle of the gripping block is taken when gripping force = 30–50% of dragging force. Furthermore, an experimental device and a drilling robot are designed and processed. Experimental data verify the correctness of the novel design method and mechanical model of GMCDIP. The significance of this paper is to solve the problem of large dragging force, safety and miniaturization of the drilling robot simultaneously. It will promote the further research and application of the drilling robot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar fertilization, an effective method to regulate plant nutrition has attracted much attention. In this study, the effects of different foliar fertilizers (F1: NPK formulation, F2: NPK+Fe-Mn-Zn formulation, F3: Fe-Mn-Zn formulation, and CK: deionized water) on plant growth, chemical composition, rhizosphere soil properties, and fungal community of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. were assessed by a field plot experiment. Rhizosphere fungal community was examined via Illumina MiSeq sequencing of ITS2 rRNA genes. Spraying foliar fertilizer directly affected the growth and chemical content of the plant, which depends on different foliar fertilizers. Ascomycota and Moraxella were the dominant fungal phyla. Nutrient elements were the main factors affecting fungal composition, and soil microelements positively influenced soil fungi, while soil macroelements negatively influenced soil fungi. Macroelement foliar fertilizer affected soil fungi by directly affecting the growth parameters and macroelement content of the plant or by directly affecting soil properties, while microelement foliar fertilizer affected soil fungi by directly affecting the microelement content of the plant or by directly affecting the soil pH and organic matter content. These factors were involved in the formation of a "leaf-root-soil microbe" conduction system similar to the "brain-gut-microbe" axis. Our results provide a basis for the application of foliar fertilizer in the cultivation of medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of a well-established animal model limits the clarification of the detailed mechanisms of the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis with pulmonary hypertension (SSc-PH) and the development of effective treatments for it. In this study, New Zealand rabbits were injected with monocrotaline (MCT), bleomycin (BLM), and MCT plus BLM, respectively. Three and six weeks after the first injection, the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was measured. Skin and lung samples were isolated and the histological changes were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining or Masson's trichrome staining. All groups of rabbits showed an increased mean mPAP compared with the saline-injected rabbits. The high mPAP persisted until week six only in the MCT and MCT + BLM groups. Furthermore, persistent high Fulton's indices were found in the MCT and MCT + BLM groups, indicating that these treatments successfully induced right ventricular hypertrophy. The rabbits in the MCT + BLM group developed severe lung inflammation, as evidenced by a high level of neutrophil infiltration in the pulmonary interstitium. Importantly, pathological changes of the skin in the MCT + BLM group were observed, and further damage to the skin was caused by additional exposure to MCT plus BLM. Meanwhile, an excessive production of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), were detected in the MCT + BLM group. These data indicate that SSc-PH induced by co-injection with MCT plus BLM shows persistent fibrosis and progressive PH, constituting a potential study model for SSc-PH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of biochar and inoculation with specific microbial strains offer promising approaches for addressing atrazine contamination in agricultural soils. However, determining the optimal method necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their effects under similar conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of biochar and Paenarthrobacter sp. AT5, a bacterial strain known for its ability to degrade atrazine, in reducing atrazine-related risks to soybean crops and influencing bacterial communities. Both biochar and strain AT5 significantly improved atrazine degradation in both planted and unplanted soils, with the most substantial reduction observed in soils treated with strain AT5. Furthermore, bioaugmentation with strain AT5 outperformed biochar in enhancing soybean growth, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant defenses. While biochar promoted higher soil bacterial diversity compared to strain AT5, the latter selectively enriched specific bacterial populations. Additionally, soil inoculated with strain AT5 displayed a notable increase in the abundance of key genes associated with atrazine degradation (trzN , atzB , and atzC), surpassing the effects observed with biochar addition, thus highlighting its effectiveness in mitigating atrazine risks in soil. [Display omitted] • Paenarthrobacter sp. AT5 outperformed biochar in reducing atrazine risks to soybeans. • Strain AT5 was more effective than biochar in enhancing atrazine degradation in soil. • Strain AT5 improved key growth parameters in soybeans exposed to atrazine. • Biochar outperformed strain AT5 in enhancing soil bacterial diversity under atrazine stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalation of global water pollution due to emerging pollutants has gained significant attention. To address this issue, catalytic peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation technology has emerged as a promising treatment approach for effectively decontaminating a wide range of pollutants. Recently, modified biochar has become an increasingly attractive as PMS activator. Metal-heteroatom-co-doped biochar (MH-BC) has emerged as a promising catalyst that can provide enhanced performance over heteroatom-doped and metal-doped biochar due to the synergism between metal and heteroatom in promoting PMS activation. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the fabrication pathways (i.e., internal vs external doping and pre-vs post-modification) and key parameters (i.e., source of precursors, synthesis methods, and synthesis conditions) affecting the performance of MH-BC as PMS activator. Subsequently, an overview of all the possible PMS activation pathways by MH-BC is provided. Subsequently, Also, the detection, identification, and quantification of several reactive species (such as, •OH, SO 4 •−, O 2 •−, 1O 2 , and high valent oxo species) generated in the catalytic PMS system by MH-BC are also evaluated. Lastly, the underlying challenges associated with poor stability, the lack of understanding regarding the interaction between metal and heteroatom during PMS activation and quantification of radicals in multi-ROS system are also deliberated. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical research on the roots and rhizomes of Strobilanthes cusia (Acanthaceae) resulted in the isolation of 22 compounds. These include eleven alkaloids (1 – 11), five organic acids or aldehydes (12 – 15 , 18), two phenols (16 , 17), three phenylpropanoids (19 – 21), and one terpenoid (22). Notably, compounds 3 , 10 , 11 , 13 , 14 , 16 , 17 , and 19 – 21 were isolated from Acanthaceae plants for the first time, with compounds 3 and 10 – 22 being reported from Strobilanthes cusia for the first time. The study also discussed the chemotaxonomic significance of these discoveries. • Fourteen compounds were first reported from Strobilanthes cusia. • Ten compounds were first reported from the family Acanthaceae. • The chemotaxonomic significance of these isolates was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the one-step chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process of ruthenium (Ru)-based copper (Cu) interconnected Cu films, a high Cu removal rate (RR) while maintaining a near zero Ru RR should be required to ensure a flat surface. The most ideal and difficult part of the CMP process is how to achieve rapid removal of Cu film without affecting Ru layer. Corrosion inhibitors in the slurry fulfill a significant function in controlling RR and improving the surface quality. Therefore, in this study, pyrazine (PY) and its derivative aminopyrazine (AP) as cost-effective and harmless corrosion inhibitors for Ru-based Cu interconnected Cu film CMP were investigated under weakly alkaline conditions (pH=8.5). First, through the utilization of experimental and theoretical methods, a systematical analysis was conducted to assess the corrosion inhibition effects of AP and PY, and it was found that the corrosion inhibition effect of AP was stronger than that of PY. Then, the adsorption and inhibition mechanism of AP on Cu/Ru surface were analyzed by electrochemical testing and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the adsorption behavior of AP molecules on the Cu (111) surface was investigated at the molecular level using quantum chemical methods. Finally, tests on Cu patterned wafers showed that the combination of 0.5 wt% AP and 0.5 wt% sarcosine (Sar) proved to be successful in effectively rectifying the step height on the Cu patterned wafer. At the same time, a high RR of 7281 Å /min, a low surface root mean square deviation (Sq) of 1.35 nm in 10 μm×10 μm region and a low static etching rate (SER) of 1015 Å /min were obtained with the synergistic effect of AP and Sar. This outcome holds substantial theoretical implications for advancing the formulation of low-node Cu film slurry. [Display omitted] • The pyrazine (PY) and its derivative aminopyrazine (AP) are firstly selected as cost-effective and harmless corrosion inhibitors for Ru-based Cu interconnected Cu film CMP in weak alkaline conditions (pH=8.5) to reduce Cu/ Ru removal rate (RR). • The effectiveness of AP and PY as corrosion inhibitors for Cu/Ru surfaces was demonstrated both experimentally and by quantum chemical calculations, while PY was weak in this regard. • AP has an excellent inhibition efficiency of 78.26% and 54.70% for Cu and Ru, respectively at 0.50wt%. • Molecular analysis using DFT studies reveals that amino groups in AP enhance its ability to interact with Cu atoms. • In addition, the introduction of a combination of 0.5 wt% sarcosine and 0.5 wt% AP proved to be effective in achieving satisfactory Cu/Ru RR, Cu SER, and low concavity in copper-patterned wafers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sidewall collapse of laser forming parts severely affects the forming quality of these parts. In this study, a strategy for the shape control of sidewalls using direct laser fabrication technology was systematically investigated. To this end, a three-dimensional (3D) model of the collapse area was constructed using SolidWorks. In addition, a horizontal equally high stratification was achieved using the linear relationship between the cladding height and scanning speed. Further, the number of scanning tracks of each layer was designed using the linear relationship between the cladding width, laser power, and number of scanning tracks. Using the aforementioned processing method, the edge of the forming part was fitted into a specially shaped base surface to ensure the gradual accumulation of the forming part on the sidewall. The results reveal that a maximum relative dimensional error of the forming parts (19.5%) was achieved via the metallurgical bonding between the base surface and the forming part. In addition, the parts exhibited a dense and uniform microstructure without notable cracks, pores, and other defects and a microhardness of 273.4–313.6 HV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in the sphenoid sinus lateral recess is a rare occurrence and poses unique challenges due to limited surgical access for surgical repair. Objective: To report our experience of surgical repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in the sphenoid sinus lateral recess through an endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach with obliteration of the lateral recess. To evaluate the efficiency of this surgical procedure. Methods: A retrospective study. Twelve cases with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in the sphenoid sinus lateral recess were reviewed. Assisted by image-guided navigation, cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea was repaired through an endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach, with obliteration of the lateral recess. Complications and recurrence were recorded. Medical photographs were used. Results: This surgical approach provided a relatively spacious corridor to dissect the sphenoid sinus lateral recess and do postoperative surveillance. The repair area completely healed in 3 months after surgery. Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in the sphenoid sinus lateral recess was successfully repaired on the first attempt in all cases (100%). No main complications or recurrence was observed during a mean follow-up time of 40.3 months. Conclusion: The endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach gives appropriate access for the treatment of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in the sphenoid sinus lateral recess. Multilayer reconstruction of a skull base defect with obliteration of the lateral recess is a reliable and simple method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zearalenone (ZEN), one of the most prevalent non-steroidal oestrogenic mycotoxins, is primarily produced by Fusarium fungi. Due to its toxicity as an oestrogenic compound and wide distribution in feed and foods, the reproductive toxicology of ZEN exposure is of public concern. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of ZEN on Sertoli cells to identify apoptotic pathways induced by this compound. We found that ZEN reduced the viability and caused apoptosis in Sertoli cells in vitro. Notably, we observed that such effects were associated with a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the number of cells that showed positive staining for γH2AX and RAD51, enzymes essential for repairing DNA damage. There was a parallel decrease in the expression of occludin and connex- in 43, proteins that are present in the testis--blood barrier and gap junctions of Sertoli cells, respectively. Overall, the present study confirms that ZEN exposure can have serious deleterious effects on mammalian Sertoli cells and offers novel insight about its molecular targets in these cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to deal with many influence factors of electric vehicles in driving under complex conditions, this paper establishes the system state equation based on the longitudinal dynamics equation of vehicle. Combined with the improved Sage–Husa adaptive Kalman filter algorithm, the road slope estimation model is established. After the driving speed and rough slope observation are input into the slope estimation model, the accurate road slope estimation at the current time can be obtained. The road slope estimation method is compared with the original Sage–Husa adaptive Kalman filter road slope estimation method through three groups of road tests in different slope ranges, and the accuracy and stability advantages of the proposed algorithm in road conditions with large slopes are verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the condition of constant thickness, improving the low‐frequency sound absorption performance of conventional sound‐absorbing materials is a challenging research topic. To address this issue, a new reduced graphene oxide/polyvinyl alcohol (RGO/PVA) porous composite ceramic was fabricated using freeze‐drying and optimized by redesigning the internal connecting pores of porous ceramic matrixes with a reticular microstructure using RGO and PVA. The as‐prepared porous structure showed significant enhancement in the low‐frequency sound absorption band compared with pristine porous ceramics. In addition, the hybrid porous ceramics exhibited low thermal conductivity. These favorable properties indicate that the hybrid sound‐absorbing ceramics have potential application prospects for noise reduction in the fields of construction and electrical and mechanical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the performance of the whale optimization algorithm and further enhance the search accuracy, while increasing the convergence speed, a quasi-reflective chaotic mutant whale swarm optimization, namely QNWOA, is proposed, fused with an operator of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in this paper. Firstly, the swarm diversity is increased by using logistic chaotic mapping. Secondly, a quasi-reflective learning mechanism is introduced to improve the convergence speed of the algorithm. Then, the FADs vortex effect and wavelet variation of the marine predator algorithm (MPA) are introduced in the search phase to enhance the stability of the algorithm in the early and late stages and the ability to escape from the local optimum by broking the symmetry of iterative routes. Finally, a combination of linearly decreasing and nonlinear segmentation convergence factors is proposed to balance the local and global search capabilities of the algorithm. Nine benchmark functions are selected for the simulation, and after comparing with other algorithms, the results show that the convergence speed and solution accuracy of the proposed algorithm are promising in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) is the most frequently mutated gene in uterine leiomyomas (ULs)—with a frequency of up to 85%—suggesting that it plays key roles in the pathogenesis of ULs. However, there is no established relationship between genetic alteration and other risk factors of UL pathogenesis such as the patient's age, weight, and race. In this meta-analysis, we established an association between these risk factors and the frequency of MED12 mutation. We also established the relationship between MED12 mutation with the number and size of tumors in a patient. A systematic literature search was performed for studies published by May 2020 and performed a meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-five studies were included in the analysis, representing 3151 tissue samples. MED12 mutations were more common in Black (74.5%) as compared to White (65.8%) and Asian (53.2%) patients. There was no significant relationship between the patient's age and the frequency of mutations (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.41). MED12 mutations were common in patients barring small-sized (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.95) multiple (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.92) tumors. For the patient's weight, studies were few and the outcome was not statistically significant. This meta-analysis provides valuable information on the relationship between the patient's clinical characteristics and frequency of MED12 mutation among patients barring ULs, which is relevant for understanding the pathogenesis of ULs. Protocol registration: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO with registration number CRD42019123439 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial communities associated with desert plants are influenced by many abiotic (such as soil factors, seasonal variations, etc.) and biotic factors, resulting in different microbial taxa. This study investigated the soil factors, microbial communities and microbial catabolism of Gymnocarpos przewalskii roots at different soil compartments (near-rhizosphere, far-rhizosphere, and blank soil) in three seasons (summer, autumn, and winter) from two sites in the hyperarid desert, northwest China. Microbial biomass and activity were relatively high in summer in the near-rhizosphere, whereas the fungal-bacterial ratio was dominant in autumn. Gram-negative bacterial biomass was the highest irrespective of season, and catabolic activity was dominated by carbohydrate, amino acid, and polymer metabolism for all three seasons and soil compartments. The influence of seasons and soil compartments on soil microbial composition mainly depended on their interactions with soil factors. Temperature, soil saccharase, alkaline phosphatase, and NO 3 −-N content were the main factors determining microbial composition and carbon source metabolism. Moreover, environmentally induced changes in soil humidity increased glomalin content by affecting the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) PLFA biomass, which affected carbon sequestration, ultimately influencing AMF colonization. Understanding the feedback processes among organisms in desert soils was important for exploring the survival and protection strategies of desert relict plants. • Soil type and season affected microbial composition and metabolism, respectively. • Saccharase, alkaline phosphatase, and NO3− mainly affected microbial composition. • Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi affected glomalin to regulate SOC, affecting its colonization. • Microbial communities and catabolic functions were decoupled in this arid desert. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue performance in both traditional and additively manufactured materials is severely affected by the presence of defects, which deserve special attention to ensure the in-service reliability and the structural integrity of complex engineering components. The traditional empirical or semi-probabilistic approaches, provided in standards and codes, only account for defects statistically; such design methodologies cannot fully exploit the material mechanical properties. Design strategies aim to explicitly account for defects features constitute a promising solution to achieve both required safety performance and material mechanical property exploitation. With the development of non-destructive techniques, such design methodologies have become applicable. However, there is still a tardiness in adopting new design strategies especially when it comes to industrial applications, e.g. emerging additive manufacturing (AM). In this review, a systematic overview is provided on the recent developments regarding fatigue behavior and failure mechanisms affected by defects, together with the methodologies for defects features characterization and probabilistic assessment. Moreover, the defects criticality and design approaches of AM parts are introduced and compared with traditional counterparts. Finally, the status of AM standardization is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]