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Traditional diagnostic techniques including visual examination, ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have limitations of in-depth information for the detection of nail disorders, resolution, and practicality. This pilot study, for the first time, evaluates a dual-modality imaging system that combines photoacoustic tomography (PAT) with the US for the multiparametric quantitative assessment of human nail. The study involved a small cohort of five healthy volunteers who underwent PAT/US imaging for acquiring the nail unit data. The PAT/US dual-modality imaging successfully revealed the fine anatomical structures and microvascular distribution within the nail and nail bed. Moreover, this system utilized multispectral PAT to analyze functional tissue parameters, including oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, oxygen saturation, and collagen under tourniquet and cold stimulus tests to evaluate changes in the microcirculation of the nail bed. The quantitative analysis of multispectral PAT reconstructed images demonstrated heightened sensitivity in detecting alterations in blood oxygenation levels and collagen content within the nail bed, under simulated different physiological conditions. This pilot study highlights the potential of PAT/US dual-modality imaging as a real-time, noninvasive diagnostic modality for evaluating human nail health and for early detection of nail bed pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain functional network disruption and neurocognitive dysfunction have been reported in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Nevertheless, most research studies static networks, while brain evolution continues dynamically. To investigate the characteristics of dynamical networks in moderate-to-severe OSA patients using multilayer network analysis of dynamic networks and compare their association with neurocognitive function. Twenty-seven moderate-to-severe OSA patients and twenty-five matched healthy controls (HCs) who completed the examination of the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), neurocognitive function, polysomnography, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were prospectively included. The dynamic variations of resting-state functional networks in both groups were described via network switching rate. Switching rates and their correlation with clinical parameters were analyzed. At the global level, network switching rates were notably lower in the OSA group than in the HCs group (p = 0.002). More specifically, the differences include the default mode network (DMN), auditory network, and ventral attention network at the subnetwork level, and the right rolandic operculum, left middle temporal gyrus, and right precentral gyrus at the nodal level. Furthermore, these altered switching rates have a close correlation with ESS, sleep parameters, and neurocognitive function. Patients with moderate-to-severe OSA showed lower network switching rates, especially in the DMN, auditory network, and ventral attention network. The disruption of dynamic functional networks may be a potentially crucial mechanism of neurocognitive dysfunction in moderate-to-severe OSA patients. • Multilayer network analysis captures dynamic variations in the brain. • Moderate-to-severe OSA patients experience lower brain network switching rates. • Disruption of the dynamic functional networks closely links to neurocognition. • Multilayer network analysis offers new insights into cognitive deficits in OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecule alterations are important to explore the pathological mechanism of ischemic stroke (IS). Ferroptosis, a newly recognized type of regulated cell death, is related to IS. Identification of the interactions between circular RNA (circRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and ferroptosis related mRNA may be useful to understand the molecular mechanism of IS. The circRNA, miRNA and mRNA transcriptome data in IS, downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, was used for differential expression analysis. Ferroptosis related mRNAs were identified from the FerrDb database, followed by construction of circRNA-miRNA-ferroptosis related mRNA network. Enrichment and protein–protein interaction analysis of mRNAs in circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was performed, followed by expression validation by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and online dataset. A total of 694, 41 and 104 differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs were respectively identified in IS. Among which, dual specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) and solute carrier family 2 member 3 (SLC2A3) were the only three up-regulated ferroptosis related mRNAs. Moreover, DUSP1, NCOA4 and SLC2A3 were significantly up-regulated in IS after 3, 5 and 24 h of the attack. Based on these three ferroptosis related mRNAs, 4 circRNA-miRNA-ferroptosis related mRNA regulatory relationship pairs were identified in IS, including hsa_circ_0071036/hsa_circ_0039365/hsa_circ_0079347/hsa_circ_0008857-hsa-miR-122-5p-DUSP1, hsa_circ_0067717/hsa_circ_0003956/hsa_circ_0013729-hsa-miR-4446-3p-SLC2A3, hsa_circ_0059347/hsa_circ_0001414/hsa_circ_0049637-hsa-miR-885-3p-SLC2A3, and hsa_circ_0005633/hsa_circ_0004479-hsa-miR-4435-NCOA4. In addition, DUSP1 is involved in the signaling pathway of fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis. Relationship of regulatory action between circRNAs, miRNAs and ferroptosis related mRNAs may be associated with the development of IS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an unpublished anatomical treatise written around 1670, the English anatomist and fellow of the Royal Society of London Edmund King proposed that the human body was ultimately an assemblage of tubes and contained liquids. Without literally seeing every of its constituents to be tubular, how did King come to posit a tubular body? This article tackles the question by examining King's inquiry about the pulse against his framing of the circulatory system into a universally tubular model. Asking how King registered this model despite the limited visibility of vascularity in practice, I discuss the place of analogy in his anatomical observation. I argue that analogy constituted an essential strategy for extending what King had perceived to account for the hardly perceptible nuances of the human body. I concentrate on two of his analogies, in which the artery was compared to the cord and the ureter. These two analogies revealed remarkable epistemic potency in representing and reasoning the pulse as the inherent motion of the living artery. They suggest that in seventeenth-century observation accounts, analogy was not simply a rhetoric suspicious of violating the principle of scientific empiricism; rather, they opened up ways of seeing and imagining nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic that poses a severe threat to human health. Evidence suggests that many obesity comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, steatohepatitis, and cardiovascular diseases, are related to obesity-induced chronic low-grade inflammation. Macrophages are the primary immune cells involved in obesity-associated inflammation in both mice and humans. Intensive research over the past few years has yielded tremendous progress in our understanding of the additional roles of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) beyond classical M1/M2 polarization in obesity and related comorbidities. In this review, we first characterize the diverse subpopulations of ATMs in the context of obesity. Furthermore, we review the recent advance on the role of the extensive crosstalk between adipocytes and ATMs in obesity. Finally, we focus on the extended crosstalk within adipose tissue between perivascular mesenchymal cells and ATMs. Understanding the pathological mechanisms that underlie obesity will be critical for the development of new intervention strategies to prevent or treat this disease and its associated co-morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental program was undertaken to study the mechanical behaviors of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) tube confined recycled aggregate concrete with sea sand (GRACSS) under the axial compression. Two different parameters were mainly considered: recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) replacement percentage (0, 100%) and type of sand (sea sand, river sand). Typical influences of RCA and sea sand on the strength, the deformation and the load–deformation curve of GRACSS were investigated. The test results showed that the failure pattern of GRACSS was similar to that of GFRP tube confined ordinary concrete (GCOC). The strength of GRACSS decreased with an increasing RCA replacement percentage, while sea sand could reduce the negative effect of RCA. It is also found that the peak deformation of GRACSS increased with the increasing RCA replacement percentage whereas with decreasing sea sand chloride ion (Cl–) content. The stiffness of the specimen was obviously influenced by the concrete type. Research findings indicated that the axial load-deformation curve of GRACSS can be divided into elastic-plastic and hardening stages. An analytical expression was proposed to calculate the load-deformation curve of GRACSS. Finally, the finite element method (FEM) was applied to study the effects of outer tube thickness, concrete strength, RCA replacement percentage and Cl– content in sea sand on the mechanical behaviors (strength and deformation) of GRACSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of sea sand recycled concrete filled circular steel tubes (SSRCFSs) under axial compression. The mechanical behaviours of axially loaded SSRCFSs were investigated. Two different parameters were considered: sea sand chloride ion (Cl−) content and recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement percentage. Typical influences of sea sand Cl− and RCA contents on the bearing capacity, deformation and load–deformation curve of SSRCFS were studied. The test results showed that the typical failure mode of the SSRCFSs was similar to that of ordinary concrete filled steel tubes. The axial load–deformation curves of the SSRCFSs could be divided into elastic, plastic growth, declining and steady stages. It was found that the bearing capacity of SSRCFSs increased with decreasing RCA replacement percentage. The effect of sea sand Cl− content on the mechanical behaviour of the SSRCFSs decreased with an increase in RCA replacement percentage. The peak strain of the specimen could be enhanced due to the low modulus of the RCA, but this improvement decreased with increasing sea sand Cl− content. Finally, numerical expressions were developed to obtain the peak load and load–deformation curve of the SSRCFSs. The calculated results were in line with the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical properties of foamed silicone rubber are outstanding: it can show better high-temperature resistance and ageing resistance than other compact materials in practical application. To characterise the changes in foamed silicone rubber performance in humid and hot environments, we expound the influence of ageing time, temperature and humidity on foamed silicone rubber through physical performance testing under different ageing conditions. A method of measuring lateral strain is proposed according to the compressibility of such a material. Through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy energy spectral analysis and crosslinking density tests, the changes in foamed silicone rubber's physical properties are explained, and the ageing mechanism of foamed silicone rubber is described. The mechanical simulation model of the sealing strip used in a lithium battery shell was established to verify the variation of its mechanical properties with increased ageing time, temperature and humidity, and the combination of mechanical simulation and physical performance test data can provide guidance for future research into the use of the material in static sealing mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Failure of coral concrete was obviously influenced by the mix component. • The stress-strain curve varied with the variation of mix component. • The deformation distribution was slightly changed after using different types of materials. • Seawater changed the crack propagation of CC, while FA partly counteracted the effect of seawater. Typical influences of mix component on the properties of coral concrete (CC) were analyzed in this paper. Different types of fine aggregates (sea sand and river sand), mixing water (seawater and fresh water) and cementitious materials (cement and fly ash) were considered. An experimental system was developed involving uniaxial compression tests and the use of digital image correlation (DIC) method to investigate the deformation distribution and crack propagation of CC. The variations in failure pattern, strength and deformation of CC were studied. Test results indicated that the failure of CC adopting sea sand and seawater was brittle compared to CC using fresh water and river sand. It was found that axial stress-strain curve (SSC) of ordinary concrete (OC) was different from that of CC. The curvature and the descending slope of SSC obviously changed with the variation of mix components. The seawater improved the strength and elastic modulus of CC compared to fresh water, however, the effect of sea sand was negative. It was verified that prismatic compressive strength of CC with fly ash (FA) developed slowly in early stage, while it increased quickly in late stage. After using different types of aggregates, mixing water and cementitious materials, obvious changes were found in the crack propagation and the axial deformation distribution. However, typical influence of mix component on horizontal displacement distribution was negligible. The cracking of CC was seldom observed before the peak stress when compared to OC, and the seawater and sea sand accelerated the CC crack growth after the peak point. Finally, a numerical stress-strain expression of CC considering the influences of mix component was suggested, which could be used in the theoretical analysis and practical design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Failure of concrete was obviously influenced by the coarse aggregate type. • The strength and stress-strain curve varied with the variation of coarse aggregate type. • After mixing different types of coarse aggregates the deformation distribution was not changed. • Characteristics of cracks in NAC were different from those of cracks in RAC and CAC. Abstract The effects of different types of coarse aggregates on mechanical properties of concrete were compared in this paper. Three different coarse aggregates were considered: natural coarse aggregate (NCA), recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) and coral coarse aggregate (CCA). An experimental campaign was developed involving uniaxial compression tests and the use of digital image correlation (DIC) method to obtain the deformation distribution and crack propagation of specimen. The influence of coarse aggregate on deformation development of concrete phases (cement mortar and interface transition zone (ITZ), etc.) was also studied. Test results indicated stress-strain curve (SSC) of concrete using NCA (natural aggregate concrete) was similar to that of concrete adopting RCA (recycled aggregate concrete), while SSC of coral aggregate concrete (concrete using CCA) was different from the others. Compared with coral aggregate concrete (CAC), the failures of natural aggregate concrete (NAC) and recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) were more ductile. But prismatic compressive strength of CAC was higher than other specimens. Coarse aggregate type had obvious influence on the distribution of axial deformation fields of concrete. It indicated that the axial displacements of cement mortar and ITZ were higher than that of NCA before peak point. After mixing different types of coarse aggregates, obvious changes were not found in the displacement distribution of specimen. It was also found that the large strains (axial and transverse) of NAC and RAC mainly concentrated in cement mortar and ITZs before peak stress, however, those of CAC obviously appeared in CCA. Type of coarse aggregate changed the crack propagation of concrete. Compared with NAC and RAC, CAC cracking seldom appeared before peak stress, and cracks drastically expanded to critical size after that. Finally, a normalized analytical expression for different types of concretes was suggested, which could provide a basis for the application of recycled and coral aggregate concretes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of axially loaded sea sand recycled aggregate concrete (SSRAC) were experimentally and theoretically investigated in this paper. The main parameters in the test are the sea sand chloride ions (Cl − ) content and the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement percentage. The influences of sea sand Cl − and RCA content on the compressive strength, stress-strain relation and failure pattern of SSRAC were studied. Test results showed that both the strength and deformation of specimen changed with the variation of sea sand Cl − content and RCA replacement percentage. The compressive strength of SSRAC was higher than that of ordinary concrete. The elastic modulus increased, while the peak strain decreased due to the effect of sea sand. It was also indicated that the influence of recycled coarse aggregate replacement percentage on the properties of SSRAC decreased with increasing sea sand Cl − content. The Poisson's ratio and stress-strain curve of SSRAC were similar to those of ordinary concrete. Finally, a numerical expression for the stress-strain curves of SSRAC under axial loading was presented, which could be used in the theoretical and practical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model for evaluating structural damage of recycled aggregate concrete filled steel tube (RCFST) columns under seismic effects is proposed in this paper. The proposed model takes the lateral deformation and the effect of repeated cyclic loading into account. Available test results were collected and utilized to calibrate the parameters of the proposed model. A seismic test for six RCFST columns was also performed to validate the proposed damage assessment model. The main test parameters were the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement percentage and the bond-slip property. The test results indicated that the seismic performance of the RCFST member depends on the RCA contents and their damage index increases as the RCA replacement percentage increases. It is also indicated that the damage degree of RCFST changes with the variation of the RCA replacement percentage. Finally, comparisons between the RCA contents, lateral deformation ratio and damage degree were implemented. It is suggested that an improvement procedure should be implemented in order to compensate for the performance difference between the RCFST and normal concrete filled steel tubes (CFST). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hot deformation behavior of nanostructural oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) Mo alloy was investigated in the temperature range of 1200–1500 °C and strain rate range of 0.001–1 s−1 with a constant strain of 0.50 by analyzing constitutive equations, hot processing maps, and microstructure evolution. The results show that the flow behavior is greatly affected by the deformation temperatures and strain rates, exhibiting typical hardening, softening, and steady stages. The constitutive equation is established, which can predict the flow stress precisely. The stress exponent n and the apparent activation energy Q are estimated to be 5.44 and 384.26 kJ·mol−1, respectively, revealing that the deformation mechanism is dominated by the dislocation climb. Furthermore, the hot processing maps of ODS Mo alloy are developed based on the dynamic materials model, presenting two stability zones of 1350–1450 °C/0.001 s−1 and 1450–1500 °C/0.1–1 s−1. By observing microstructures, dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization occur in the stability zone 1500 °C/1 s−1, and the mechanism of the stability zone 1400 °C/0.001 s−1 is dominated by dynamic recovery and grain growth. • The hot deformation behavior of nanostructural oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) Mo alloy was investigated in the temperature range of 1200–1500 °C and strain rate range of 0.001–1 s−1. • The constitutive equation and processing maps were established. • The microstructure evolution and deformation mechanism at instability and safety zones were clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the mechanical mechanism of concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs) under axial compression, a theoretical model for analysing the behaviour of axially loaded CFST columns is presented in this paper. The model is derived from the theory of elasto-plasticity, non-linear elastic mechanics and materials properties. Based on a related numerical program, analytical results were compared with experimental data. The complete load-deformation relationship of specimens, steel tube stress, performance of the confined core concrete and the interaction between the outer tube and the core concrete were investigated. The analytical results indicated that this model is able to capture the mechanical behaviour of concrete-filled circular steel tubes. It was found that the axial and circumferential stresses of the steel tubes behaved non-linearly during the loading history. It was concluded that the behaviour of the confined core concrete was significantly influenced by the confining pressure. The constraining factor had an important effect on the improvement of the core concrete strength. The analytical results also indicated that the axial stress-strain relationship of concrete under constant confinement was not appropriate for the core concrete in CFST specimens. Finally, a comparison between the confining pressure and the confined concrete response is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new mechanical model for analysing the behaviour of axially loaded recycled aggregate concrete filled steel tubes (RACFSTs) stub columns is presented in this study. The model is derived from the typical elastoplasticity, the nonlinear elastic mechanics, and the properties of materials. Based on the mechanical model, a novel numerical program is developed. The mechanical model and the numerical program are adopted to study the effect of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement percentage on RACFST mechanical behaviour. The complete load-deformation relationship of specimens, the steel tube axial and circumferential stresses, and the performance of the confined core concrete and the variation of interaction are also investigated. The analytical results indicate that this model is able to capture the mechanical behaviour of RACFST. It is also found that the axial and circumferential stresses of steel tube change nonlinearly during the loading stages. It is concluded that the behaviour of the confined core concrete is significantly influenced by the confining pressure. The steel tube confinement could improve the mechanical behaviour of RAC effectively and the RCA replacement percentage slightly changes the response of core concrete. Finally, the relations between confined core concrete and confining pressure are analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the completion of the draft assembly of the giant panda genome sequence, RNA sequencing technology has been widely used in genetic research on giant pandas. We used RNA‐seq to examine black and white hair follicle samples from adult pandas. By comparison with the giant panda genome, 75 963 SNP loci were labeled, 2426 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and 2029 new genes were discovered, among which 631 were functionally annotated. A cluster analysis of the DEGs showed that they were mainly related to the Wnt signaling pathway, ECM–receptor interaction, the p53 signaling pathway, and ribosome processing. The enrichment results showed that there were significant differences in the regulatory networks of hair follicles with different colors during the transitional stage of hair follicle resting growth, which may play a regulatory role in melanin synthesis during growth. In conclusion, our results provide new insights and more data support for research on the color formation in giant pandas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Failure of fibre reinforced SSRAC was obviously affected by coarse aggregate type. • The concrete stress–strain curve varied with the variation in mix component. • The change of concrete deformation distribution was negligible after adopting fibres. • The crack propagation significantly changed with the variations in fibre type and content. This study investigates the mechanical properties of fibre reinforced seawater sea-sand recycled aggregate concrete (SSRAC). A total of 360 concrete specimens, considering four different variables—the type of concrete (SSRAC, recycled aggregate concrete and ordinary concrete), age (day 7, 14 and 28), fibre type (polypropylene and stainless steel fibres) and content—were fabricated. The macro properties and mechanical mechanism of discrete fibre reinforced SSRAC were systematically studied through a novel experimental system involving axial compression test and digital speckle correlation method (DSCM). The failure pattern, strength, ductility, stress–strain curve, deformation filed, crack initiation and propagation of fibre reinforced SSRAC were analysed. The major research findings indicate that the stainless steel fibres (SSF) could effectively offset the effects of seawater, sea-sand and recycled aggregates on the mechanical properties of concrete compared to polypropylene fibres (PF). The failure pattern of specimen slightly changed with the fibre type used. The compressive and splitting tensile strengths of SSRAC increased with an increase in PF content, while the optimal SSF content for SSRAC was 1.0% by volume content of concrete. Moreover, the typical influence of PF on the elastic modulus of SSRAC was negative but SSF could greatly improve that of specimen. The axial stress–strain curve of fibre reinforced SSRAC consisted of elastic, elastic–plastic ascending and declining stages. Increasing SSF and PF contents decreased the curve curvature while increased the ductility and peak strain, and the descending branch of curve tended to be smooth. Generally, the effects of fibres on the crack initiation of SSRAC and the distributions of deformation field and cracks were negligible compared to coarse aggregates, while the crack propagation of SSRAC significantly changed with the variations in fibre type and content. The cracks and high-value strain of SSF reinforced SSRAC developed slowly compared to plain SSRAC and PF reinforced SSRAC. Finally, an analytical stress–strain model of fibre reinforced SSRAC considering the coupled effects of various variables were proposed, which can be used to conduct a theoretical evaluation and design of the marine structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of seismic tests on the recycled aggregate concrete filled steel tube (RCFS) and recycled aggregate concrete filled glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) tube (RCFF) columns. The objective of this study is to evaluate the seismic behavior of steel/ GFRP tube in-filled recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) columns. The main parameters in the tests are the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement percentage and the tube material. The results show that both deformation and bearing capacities of RCFF and RCFS columns are greatly improved. The seismic behavior of RCFS columns is better than that of RCFF columns. Research findings also indicate that the energy dissipation capacity and the ductility slightly change with the variation of recycled coarse aggregate replacement percentage, whereas the bond-slip has little effect on the seismic behavior. Besides the experiments, a finite element method (FEM) analysis is also conducted. It is found that the seismic behavior of both RCFS and RCFF columns is decreased with the increase of the axial load ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A theoretical study of the mechanical response of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) confined by steel tubes under axial compression is conducted to examine the sensitivity of the confining pressure on the strength and deformation of RAC. The main parameter in this analysis is the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement percentage. The axial stress–strain relationship of confined RAC is obtained based on the elastoplasticity and verified by experimental results. It is found that the development of the confining pressure can be divided into three sections: linear increase, nonlinear increase and relatively smooth increase. The mechanical proprieties of confined RAC are dependent on the variation of the confining pressure. The analysis results indicate that the assumption of constant confinement or elastic–plastic confinement is not appropriate for concrete confined by steel tubes and the RCA replacement percentage has a moderate effect on the mechanical response of the confined concrete. Finally, a simple model for the constitutive relationship of RAC under varying pressures and different RCA replacement percentages is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the results of axial compression tests on recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) confined by steel tubes and RAC confined by glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) tubes. The objective of this study is to evaluate the mechanical properties of confined RAC under axial compressive loading. The main parameters in the tests are the recycled coarse aggregate replacement percentage and the tube material. Research findings indicate that both the strength and deformation of RAC are obviously improved. The mechanical properties of RAC confined by steel tubes are better than those of RAC confined by GFRP tubes when all parameters are kept the same. It is also found that the peak stress of RAC confined by steel tubes decreases while the corresponding strain increases when the replacement percentage of RCA is increased, which are similar to those of RAC confined by GFRP tubes. Expressions for the peak stress and the stress–strain relationship of the confined RAC are then obtained based on the test data. Finally, the finite element method (FEM) is applied to study the effect of the outer tube thickness and the core RAC strength on the stress–strain relationship of confined RAC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An experimental study on the mechanical behavior of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) tube confined seawater coral aggregate concrete reinforced with epoxy-coated steel bars (GSCACESB) under axial compression were systematically performed. Three different parameters were considered: concrete type (seawater coral aggregate concrete and ordinary concrete), GFRP tube thickness (4 mm, 5 mm and 6 mm) and reinforcement ratio (longitudinal and circumferential reinforcement ratios). Typical influences of concrete, GFRP tube and reinforcement on the bearing capacity, deformation and load-deformation curve of GSCACESB were investigated. Test results showed that the failure pattern of GSCACESB was similar to that of GFRP tube confined ordinary concrete (GCOC). However, the bearing capacity of GSCACESB was significantly decreased compared to GCOC due to the less confinement between seawater coral aggregate concrete and outer tube. The peak deformation and bearing capacity of GSCACESB increased with the increases of tube thickness, and longitudinal and circumferential reinforcement ratios. The load-deformation curve of GSCACESB was divided into elastic-plastic and hardening stages. The more the reinforcement ratio, the less the curve curvature. An analytical expression considering the influences of SCAC was also proposed, which could predict the structural response of GSCACESB. Finally, the numerical simulation analysis was undertaken to investigate the GSCACESB mechanical behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new method for laser welding of steel-PMMA plates was explored. • Laser welding steel-PMMA joint strength is 974 N, much larger than ever reported. • Five types of steel-PMMA welded joints and fracture model have been proposed. • Taguchi method was applied to optimize welding parameters and improve joint quality. Dissimilar joining of 304 stainless steel to PMMA is accomplished by a Nd: YAG pulsed laser. The light and process were represented by laser peak power, welding speed, defocus, pulse duration, pulse frequency and Ar gas flow rate, as these experiment parameters have significant effects on joints strength, weld width, joints quality and appearance. The welding parameters were optimized by an orthogonal experiment design, then the validation and optimization experiments were carried out to obtain the best combination of process parameters. A maximum weld strength of the joints of 974 N was achieved (the joints efficiency reached 70% of the base PMMA), much larger than ever reported. Bead profiles such as bead width and mechanical strength were investigated, and five types of 304 stainless steel-PMMA welded joints and three kinds of fracture model have been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bond between epoxy-coated reinforcement (ECR) and seawater coral aggregate concrete (SCAC) were studied by using a series of pull-out tests. Five different parameters were considered in this test: types of concrete (SCAC and ordinary concrete (OC)) and reinforcement (ECR and ordinary reinforcement), the ratio of bond length to reinforcement diameter (3, 5 and 8), and concrete strength (C25 and C35) and thickness of concrete cover. The failure mode, bond-slip curve and strength of specimens were analyzed. Typical failure mode of pull-out specimen was splitting failure, while the failure surface of SCAC specimen was different from that of OC specimen. Test results indicated that the bond strength of specimen with SCAC was high compared to specimen using OC even under the similar concrete strength. Seawater coral aggregate concrete-ECR (SCAC-ECR) bond strength decreased with increasing bond length and decreasing concrete strength and thickness of concrete cover. The bond-slip curve of SCAC-ECR was similar to that of ordinary concrete (OC)-ordinary reinforcement (OR). However, SCAC and ECR reduced the bond-slip curve curvature. The decline of curve was improved by using ECR. Finally, an analytical expression for bond stress-slip curves was proposed. The obtained results provide a basis for the application of reinforced SCAC. • Typical failure mode of SCAC-ECR pull-out specimen is splitting failure. • SCAC enhances the bond strength, while the influence of ECR is negative. • Bond strength obviously increases with an increase in concrete cover thickness. • Types of concrete and reinforcement change the shape of bond-slip curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effect of laser pulse shapes on Al-Cu dissimilar metals mixing. • Relationship between metals mixing and IMCs formation. • The effect of laser pulse shapes on mechanical and electrical properties of Al-Cu joints. The Nd: YAG laser is utilized to weld 1060 aluminum (Al) and 110 copper (Cu) with a thickness of 0.4 mm. The effect of different pulse shapes on the microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties of Al-Cu lap joints are investigated by using of the optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), tensile test device and micro-resistance tester, respectively. This investigation provided a detailed understanding of how the different pulse shapes influence the metal mixing and the formation of intermetallic compounds (IMCs). The results indicate that the pulse shape with an initial preheating phase improved the laser absorption efficiency. Additionally, this pulse shape resulted in less dissimilar metal mixing compared to the pulse shape that maintained the maximum power throughout. Furthermore, the pulse shape in which the laser power was linearly increased and then maintained at maximum power reduced the formation of IMCs at the joint interface. As a result, the joint exhibited mechanical strengths up to 92 % of the Al base material and similar electrical conductivity. The study provides theoretical guidance on how to utilize pulse shape modulation in laser welding to achieve optimal mechanical and electrical properties in typical joints between Al tabs and Cu busbars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a thermodynamic-assisted target-converting strategy was designed by utilizing new 2D DNA nanoprobes (DNPs) to develop electrochemical biosensors for the sensitive determination of trace Pb2+. Herein, a stable DNP with a special structure was prepared through the hybridization reaction between three single-strand DNA (RS1, RS2, and P). Once the existence of Pb2+, the DNP will crumble and then release RS1 and RS2 due to the strong thermodynamic instability of the RS1/RS2 duplex. since RS1 and RS2 were designed in the same sequence in the free domain, they can be simultaneously used as effective output DNA, enhancing the conversion rate of Pb2+to ssDNA up to 1:2. Following the same principle, ferrocene-labeled bipedal DNPs (Fc-bDNPs) are prepared for stable electrochemical signal output. In the presence of RS1, RS2, and a hairpin DNA strand (H1), the ferrocene-labeled DNA strands (S3) escape from the Fc-bDNPs due to strand-displacement reaction, accompanying release of the two ssDNA outputs that can simultaneously trigger another strand-displacement reaction. Consequently, the one Pb2+input makes multiple Fc-labeled DNA strands far away from the electrode surface, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the response current of Fc. The developed biosensors show a linear relationship between current value and logarithmic concentration of Pb2+ ranging from 1 pM to 40 nM with a detection limit of 0.30 pM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Laser welding technology is effective for bonding of Al and Cu dissimilar metals. • Relationship between process parameters and joint properties are explored. • Controlling defects and improving joints quality methods are discussed. • Review for welding process, filler metals and process monitoring. Dissimilar metal composite structures have been used in a wide range of applications to meet the requirements of lightness, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity due to their excellent overall performance. With the global energy conservation and emission reduction policies, dissimilar aluminium (Al) and copper (Cu) for lithium battery welding are more and more discussed. Laser welding is a unique technology for Al and Cu due to its high energy density, precise control, ease of automation, and remote welding. However, high reflectivity and differences in material properties result in poor laser absorption and an unstable welding process. Furthermore, sufficient mixing of Al and Cu during the welding process tends to form brittle intermetallic compounds (IMCs). This paper discusses the laser welding and the challenges faced by joining Al/Cu dissimilar metals, and analyzes the effect of different process parameters and laser output modes on the weld joint. Furthermore, the research progress on filler metals and process monitoring are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, which is driven by macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue and leads to elevated cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the circulation and tissues. Previous studies demonstrate that SENP3, a redox-sensitive SUMO2/3-specific protease, is strongly implicated in the development and progression of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of SENP3 in obesity-associated inflammation remains largely unknown. To better understand the effects of SENP3 on adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) activation and function within the context of obesity, we generated mice with myeloid-specific deletion of SENP3 (Senp3flox/flox;Lyz2-Cre mice). We found that the expression of SENP3 is dramatically increased in ATMs during high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. Senp3flox/flox;Lyz2-Cre mice show lower body weight gain and reduced adiposity and adipocyte size after challenged with HFD and during aging. Myeloid-specific SENP3 deletion attenuates macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue and reduces serum levels of inflammatory factors during diet and age-induced obesity. Furthermore, we found that SENP3 knockout markedly inhibits cytokine release from macrophage after lipopolysaccharide and palmitic acid treatment in vitro. Mechanistically, in cultured peritoneal macrophages, SENP3 protein level is enhanced by IL-1β, in parallel with the upregulation of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1). Moreover, we demonstrated that SENP3 modulates de-SUMO modification of YAP1 and SENP3 deletion abolishes the upregulation of YAP1 induced by IL-1β. Most importantly, SENP3 deficiency reduces YAP1 protein level in adipose tissue during obesity. Our results highlight the important role of SENP3 in ATM inflammation and diet and age-induced obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To stage axillary lymph nodes in women with early-stage breast cancer, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), rather than axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), has been employed. Moreover, different tracer methods have various advantages and disadvantages. In recent years, carbon nanoparticle suspensions (CNSs) have been used as lymph node tracers during surgeries for thyroid cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. The study retrospectively analyzed the feasibility and accuracy of CNS for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in patients with early breast cancer. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included breast cancer patients who underwent SLNB from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017, in the Department of Breast Cancer, Guangdong General Hospital. All patients received standard SLNB surgery using a CNS tracer. Results: A total of 332 cases were included in this study. The SLN identification rate was 99.1% (329/332), and the mean number of SLNs was 2.6 (range, 1–6). SLN metastasis was found in 62 (18.8%) cases, of which 90.3% were found to be macrometastases. The sensitivity of SLNB was 95.9% (47/49), with a specificity of 100% (42/42), a positive predictive value of 100% (47/47), a negative predictive value of 95.5% (42/44), and a false-negative rate of 4.1% (2/49). Conclusion: The identification and predictive values of a CNS tracer for SLNB were satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We established a method for calculating and analyzing the static leakage rate based on a porous media model for foamed silicone rubber materials. The mechanical properties of the foamed silicone rubber material under macroscopic compression were described by the Ogden third (foam) model in the finite-element hyperelastic model. It solved the problem of difficult convergence of large compressible and volume compressible cell materials. The size and distribution of the cells on the surface of the foamed material were obtained by a white-light interferometer and mathematical fitting. The boundary conditions for solving the porous medium model were obtained by the coupling of the macroscopic contact pressure and the microscopic cell contact pressure. For the unique cell structure and contact state of the surface of the foamed material, the flow state of the fluid at the sealing interface was described by a porous medium model, and the leak rate was obtained. In addition, this article analyzed the effect of different compression and the relative pressure of the sealing end face on the leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the safety and feasibility of 24-hour hospitalization after thyroid surgery. A randomized controlled trial study was performed for 432 patients scheduled for thyroidectomy in Guangdong General Hospital between January 2014 and January 2016. Group A cases (n = 216) were 24-hour hospital stay and group B cases (n = 216) were inpatient. Preoperative patient characteristics and operative characteristics as well surgical complications were evaluated. Two hundred and fourteen patients (99%) of group A were discharged after a 24-hour postoperative observation except 1 patient hospitalized 2 days for persistent nausea after surgery, and 1 patient who was hospitalized for 2 days for fear of the complication after the operation. The complication rates were similar between the 2 groups (9/216, 11/216; P > 0.05) and no one was readmitted for operation. The overall complication rate of 24-hour hospital stay procedure was low, and there were no differences in the rate of complications between these 2 groups. Thyroid surgery with 24-hour hospital stay is feasible and safe by experienced surgeon in a setting of appropriate facility and management protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Laser joining of 316L stainless steel and polylactic acid was studied by orthogonal experiment. • Significant factors affecting the joint quality and morphology were discovered. • Shear force of joint reached 88.73% of the polylactic acid base material. • The relationship between five joint morphologies and four failure modes was established. To realize the joining of dissimilar material 316L stainless steel with polylactic acid (PLA), the laser-assisted metal-plastic direct joining (LAMP) method was applied, and the process parameters were optimized based on the method of orthogonal experiment, and the quality of the joint was studied. The influence law of each influencing factor of the joining process on the joint quality and joint morphology was obtained through orthogonal experiments, to find out the maximum influencing factor and obtain the optimal process combination. By a universal tensile testing machine to find out the influence of the process parameters on the joint failure modes. The results showed that the laser power, pulse duty ratio, and laser speed had a major influence on the shear force, elongation at break and joint width. The maximum shear force achieved by the optimized method was 1694.379 N, reaching 88.73 % of the tensile force of the PLA base material, and the elongation at break was 5.47 %, reaching 76.91 % of the base material, obtained a more satisfactory joint effect. The correspondence between five joint morphologies and four failure modes is established, and different process parameters can be selected according to different applications of 316L stainless steel-PLA composite materials, to optimize industrial manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BEV-CFKT proposed in this paper leverages knowledge transfer through transformers for LiDAR-Camera fusion in the Bird's-Eye-View (BEV) space, aiming to achieve accurate and robust 3D object detection. BEV-CFKT comprises three main components, which include the generation of BEV features from images and point clouds, cross-modality interaction, and hybrid object queries using a monocular detection head. By unifying features from both point clouds and images into the BEV space, we simplify modal interaction, facilitate knowledge transfer, and extract richer structural and semantic information from multimodal data. This effectively enhances the network's performance. To further improve detection performance, BEV-CFKT incorporates a temporal fusion module. Additionally, a hybrid object queries module based on a monocular detection head accelerates the convergence of our model. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach through an extensive set of experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed at investigating the effect and mechanism of LINC01087 on the malignant evolution of thyroid cancer cells. The expression levels of LINC01087, miR-135a-5p, and PPM1E in thyroid carcinoma tissues were detected by QRT-PCR. Cell viability was detected using the CCK-8 method. Transwell assay was used to assess the ability of cells to invade. The targeting relationship between LINC01087 and miR-135a-5p was detected by dual luciferase reporting assay. In comparison with normal thyroid tissues and cells, the expression level of LINC01087 in thyroid cancer tissues and TPC-1 and K1 cells increased, and the expression level of miR-135a-5p in thyroid cancer tissues and TPC-1 and K1 cells decreased. LINC01087 knockdown and the high expression of miR-143-3p inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and EMT processes of TPC-1 and K1 in thyroid cancer cells. LINC01087 negatively targeted miR-135a-5p. Has-miR-135a-5p inhibited the malignant evolution and EMT of thyroid cancer by targeting PPM1E. The PPM1E overexpression can reverse the inhibitory effect of LINC01087 gene knockdown on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of thyroid cancer cells. LINC01087 can promote the proliferation and apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells, and its mechanism may be related to the miR-135a-5p/PPM1E axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • RE realized the visual and portable detection of pig manure, urine, serum, and pork. • RE was employed to detect Cu2+ content in high-copper feed for the first time. • The probe's recognition is reversible and can be used for Cu2+ detection multiple times. In this work, a reversible "turn on-off" fluorescent probe (RE) was designed and synthesized using rhodamine B spirolactam and 3-Ethoxysalicylaldehyde as raw materials. Experimental results showed that the probe has high sensitivity and selectivity to realize "naked eye" recognition for Cu2+ in EtOH-PBS buffer solution (1:2) at pH 7.4 with the detection limit of 27 nM (1.73 × 10−3 mg/kg). The recognition process was reversible for 4 times, and the recognition mechanism has been verified by 1H NMR and HRMS. The probe was used to detect the Cu2+ content quickly in high-copper feed when the copper ion exceeds from the standard limits. The accuracy of fluorescent probe method was verified by comparing it with atomic absorption spectrometry and recovery percentage of spiked samples. Furthermore, the copper content was accurately detected by probe in pig manure, urine, serum, pork, and portable test strips which were employed for visual detection of copper content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting various types of cells in and around the tumor matrix holds a special significance in characterizing the tumor micro-environment for cancer prognostication and research. Automating the tasks of detecting, segmenting, and classifying nuclei can free up the pathologists’ time for higher value tasks and reduce errors due to fatigue and subjectivity. To encourage the computer vision research community to develop and test algorithms for these tasks, we prepared a large and diverse dataset of nucleus boundary annotations and class labels. The dataset has over 46,000 nuclei from 37 hospitals, 71 patients, four organs, and four nucleus types. We also organized a challenge around this dataset as a satellite event at the International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging (ISBI) in April 2020. The challenge saw a wide participation from across the world, and the top methods were able to match inter-human concordance for the challenge metric. In this paper, we summarize the dataset and the key findings of the challenge, including the commonalities and differences between the methods developed by various participants. We have released the MoNuSAC2020 dataset to the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine-grained Mo alloys doped with uniformly distributed nanoscale Y 2 O 3 particles were successfully prepared by employing two powerful strategies: fabricating high-quality precursor powders using hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent powder consolidation by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. In this study, the effect of hydrothermal variables on the morphology and existent form of yttrium and Mo was systematically studied, and the refinement mechanism of reduced mixing powders and the densification under the different sintering parameters were investigated. The results show that spherical Y 2 (CO 3) 3 ·2H 2 O gradually replaced Y(OH)CO 3 owing to the increased concentration of hydrogen bonds and CO 3 2− at excess alcohol and urea, and lamellar (NH 4) 2 Mo 4 O 13 developed into large pillar-shaped h-MoO 3 with decreasing pH. Due to the low calculated lattice mismatch degree of Mo/Y 2 O 3 interfaces ~10.9%, Y 2 O 3 particles further refined and homogenized the reduced mixing powders as heterogeneous nucleating sites. After sintering at 1700 °C for 5 min with a heating rate of 100 °C/min, Mo-Y 2 O 3 alloys possessed fine grains of 1.80 ± 0.17 μm, a high density of 98.18% and the high indentation hardness of 314.77 ± 26.12 HV 0.3 and 4.82 ± 0.53 GPa H IT. The Y 2 O 3 particles were uniformly distributed in the Mo matrix, and semi-coherent with Mo lattice, with the orientation relationships as follows: (010) Y2O3 //(011) Mo , (01-1) Y2O3 //(020) Mo , and [100] Y2O3 //[100] Mo. • Fine-grained Mo alloys doped with nanoscale Y 2 O 3 particles were fabricated by using hydrothermal synthesis and SPS technique. • Y 2 O 3 particles refined and homogenized the reduced mixing powders by acting as heterogeneous nucleation sites. • The Y 2 O 3 particles were uniformly distributed in the Mo matrix, and semi-coherent with Mo lattice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Probe T shows high selectivity toward β-HB detection. • Detection limit of probe T is as low as 0.154 μM. • The "turn-on" color change of probe T is observed by naked-eye. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) serve as a valuable diagnostic biomarker for Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Here, a new Schiff base fluorescent probe T was designed and synthesized to detect β-HB level in aqueous solution in vitro. The probe T can detect β-HB sensitively and selectively in DMF solution (5.0 × 10−5 M) among other interfering species (cations, anions, amino acids, biomarkers). The detection limit of probe T for β-HB was calculated to be 0.154 μM. These results demonstrate that the probe T may provide a convenient method for rapid detection of β-HB to diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing, acute, and chronic skin disease featured by intractable itching, eczematous skin. Conventional therapies based on immunosuppression such as corticosteroids are associated with multiple adverse reactions. Periploca forrestii Schltr saponin (PFS) was shown to potently inhibit murine arthritis by protecting bone and cartilage injury and suppressing NF-κB activation. However, its therapeutic effect on oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) and the underlying mechanisms on macrophage are still unclear. The AD-like dermatitis was induced by repeated oxazolone challenge to the skin of BALB/c mice in vivo. Blood and ears were biochemically or histologically processed. RT-PCR, western blotting, and ELISA were conducted to evaluate the expression of macrophage factors. Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used as a model in vitro. PFS treatment inhibited AD-like dermatitis development. PFS downregulated epidermis thickness and cell infiltration, with histological analysis of the skin lesion. PFS alleviated plasma immunoglobulin (Ig) E, IgG2a, and IgG1 levels. PFS downregulated the expression of M1 macrophage factors, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, interleukin- (IL-) 6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and nitric oxide synthase2 (NOS2), and M2 macrophage factors, IL-4, arginase1 (Arg1) and CD163 in AD-like skin, which were confirmed by western blot and ELISA analysis. In addition, PFS inhibited LPS-induced macrophage polarization via the inhibition of the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. These results suggest that PFS exerted an antidermatitis effect against oxazolone by modulating macrophage activation. PFS administration might be useful in the treatment of AD and inflammatory skin diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution‐processed indium‐gallium‐zinc oxide (IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) have become well known in recent decades for their promising commercial potential. However, the unsatisfactory performance of small‐sized IGZO TFTs is limiting their applicability. To address this issue, this work introduces an interface engineering method of bi‐functional acid modification to regulate the interfaces between electrodes and the channels of IGZO TFTs. This method increases the interface oxygen vacancy concentration and reduces the surface roughness, resulting in higher mobility and enhanced contact at the interfaces. The TFT devices thus treated display contact resistance reduction from 9.1 to 2.3 kΩmm, as measured by the gated four‐probe method, as well as field‐effect mobility increase from 1.5 to 4.5 cm2 (V s)−1. Additionally, a 12 × 12 organic light emitting diode display constructed using the acid modified IGZO TFTs as switching and driving elements demonstrate the applicability of these devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has made proposition of a nested array and an estimation algorithm for direction-of-arrival (DOA) of two-dimensional (2D) coherently distributed (CD) sources. According to the difference coarray concept, double parallel hole-free virtual uniform linear arrays are generated by virtue of vectorization operation on cross-correlation matrices of subarrays. Sensor coordinates of virtual arrays are derived. Rational invariance relationships of virtual arrays are derived. According to the rotational invariance relationships, matrices satisfying rotation invariance are constructed by extracting and regrouping the receive vectors of the virtual arrays, and then an estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques- (ESPRIT-) like framework on matrix reconstruction is deduced. Optimal configuration of the nested array as well as computational complexity are analyzed. Without pair matching, the proposed method can resolve more sources than the sensor number. Simulation outcomes indicate that the proposed method tends to have a better performance as compared to the traditional uniform arrays that have similar number of sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The dry root of Flemingia philippinensis has been widely used in the treatment of rheumatism, arthropathy, and osteoporosis in traditional Chinese medicine; the therapeutic effects of Flemingia philippinensis are associated with antiarthritis in traditional Chinese medicine theory. This study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism of bone erosion protection and anti-inflammatory effect of Flemingia philippinensis flavonoids (FPF) in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Methods. Flavonoids were extracted from the dry root of Flemingia philippinensis. Collagen-induced arthritis in C57BL/6 mice was used as a rheumatoid arthritis model, and the mice were orally fed with FPF prior to induction to mimic clinical prophylactic therapy for a total of 39 days. After treatment, histology and immunohistochemistry staining were performed, and the levels of anti-collagen type II (CII) antibody and inflammatory mediators, as well as the key proteins of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, were detected in the samples taken from ankle joints, plasma, and paws. Results. FPF administration significantly suppressed the paw swelling and arthritic score in CIA mice. FPF reduced inflammatory infiltration and pannus formation, articular cartilage destruction and osteoclast infiltration, and the expression of MMP-9 and cathepsin K in the ankle joint. FPF inhibited plasma anti-CII antibody levels and the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in CIA paws. FPF treatment suppressed the activation of NF-κB as indicated by downregulating the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and mitogen-activated protein kinases in CIA paws. Additionally, FPF significantly inhibited inflammation signaling by suppressing the activation of activator protein-1 subset and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). Conclusions. Our data suggest that FPF might be an active therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis and the preventive effect of FPF on arthritis is attributable to an anti-inflammatory effect on CIA by preventing bone destruction, regulating inflammatory mediators, and suppressing NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lesion detection from retinal images is an important topic in the retinal image analysis. Many computer-aided detection techniques have been developed for detecting retinal lesions. However, these techniques are mainly used to detect specific lesion types from retinal images. They cannot be applied to detect diverse types of lesions from retinal images, which is a challenging task because lesion number and types in retinal images are generally unknown in advance, and different lesions may exhibit diverse properties in shapes, sizes, colors, textures and positions. Inspired by the doctors’ visual diagnostic mode, this paper proposes a novel computational framework to detect various types of lesions from retinal images. In this framework, many healthy fundus images are collected to act as ”doctors’ detection experience”, and local visual properties of lesions are used to distinguish true positives from false positives. A specific subspace is learned from the collected normal set and acts as a specific structural filter, by which various lesions in a retinal image can be filtered out while other normal regions keep little changes. By computing the difference image between a target image and its filtered image, different types of lesion candidates can be separated from the image. Furthermore, based on local visual context properties of lesions, the true lesions are identified from the lesion candidates. Extensive experiments have shown that the proposed method can more effectively detect diverse lesions from retinal images compared with related methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting defects in weld radiographs is an important research topic in the field of industrial non-destructive testing. Many computer-aided detection techniques have been designed for detecting defects. However, these techniques are mainly used to detect specific defective types. They cannot be applied to detect diverse types of defects, which is a difficult task because the number and types of defects in weld radiographs are generally unknown in advance, and different defects may exhibit different visual properties in shapes, sizes, textures, contrasts and positions. Inspired by the experienced workers' visual inspection mechanism, this paper develops a novel framework to detect diverse types of defects from X-ray images. In the framework, a large number of normal X-ray images are firstly collected to serve as “workers' experience” and guide the defect detection. Then, a dictionary is learned from the collected normal set. It can selectively reconstruct the background and the weld region of a test image while suppressing defective regions via sparsity reconstruction. By computing the difference image between the test image and its reconstructed image, flaws are well highlighted as the reconstruction residuals and separated from the difference image. Extensive experiments have shown that the proposed technique detects diverse defects more accurately compared with the state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Longitudinal MRI data to explore brain structural changes of patients recovered from COVID-19 after two years. • After two years of follow-up, the dynamics of clinical sequelae varied. • GMV recovered in the left frontal and temporal lobes, while persisted in the cerebellum, vermis, and right temporal lobe. The long-term effects of COVID-19 on brain structure remain unclear. A prospective study was conducted to explore the changes in brain structure in COVID-19 survivors at one and two years after discharge (COVID-19 one , COVID-19 two). The difference in gray matter volume (GMV) was analyzed using the voxel-based morphometry method, and correlation analyses were conducted. The dynamic changes in clinical sequelae varied. The GMVs in the cerebellum and vermis were reduced in COVID-19 one and COVID-19 two , positively correlated with lymphocyte count, and negatively correlated with neutrophil count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (COVID-19 one), and systemic immune-inflammation index (COVID-19 two). The decreased GMVs in the left middle frontal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus of the operculum, right middle temporal gyrus, and inferior temporal gyrus returned to normal in COVID-19 two. The decreased GMV in the left frontal lobe was negatively correlated with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). The GMV in the left temporal lobe was aggravated in COVID-19 two and positively correlated with C-reactive protein. In conclusion, GMV recovery coexisted with injury, which was associated with AIS and inflammatory factors. This may shed some light on the dynamic changes in brain structure and the possible predictors that may be related to GMV changes in COVID-19 two. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructural Y-Zr-O oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) Mo alloys were in-situ prepared based on the dissolution and re-precipitation strategy of oxides during mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The effect of Zr addition on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Mo-1Y 2 O 3 -xZr alloy (x = 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 wt%) was investigated. The results show that both intragranular and intergranular Y-Zr-O particles are nanoscale and non-stoichiometric, possessing a different Y/Zr ratio. The Y-Zr-O particles and ultrafine grain structure jointly contribute to high strength (1.87 times over pure Mo) and simultaneously great elongation (2.98 times over pure Mo) of Mo-1Y 2 O 3 -0.3Zr alloy. The yield strength and elongation are reduced as Zr addition beyond 0.6 wt%, owing to the aggregation of Y-Zr-O particles at grain boundaries. The theoretical calculation indicates that the strength is mainly affected by grain refinement strengthening and Orowan precipitate strengthening. But the strength is less predicted due to a great amount of Y-Zr-O nanoclusters smaller than 5 nm cannot be considered in the statistical analysis by conventional TEM. • In-situ preparing nanostructural Y-Zr-O oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) Mo alloys byMA and SPS. • Nanoscale intragranular and intergranular Y-Zr-O oxides and ultra-grained structure jointly improved mechanical properties. • Grain refinement strengthening and Orowan precipitate strengthening dominate the improvement of strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanostructural oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) Mo alloy was successfully fabricated by mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). In this study, the MA and SPS conditions were systematically studied, and the characteristics of oxide particles were investigated. The results show that the MA process can refine the powder and promote the dissolution of interstitial atoms, but introduce the ZrO 2 and excess O impurities. To recycle ZrO 2 impurity as a source of active element Zr for alloy preparation, the content of Zr and O with milling time was quantitatively evaluated. In the SPS process, the precipitation of oxide particles retard the densification of as-MA Mo powders. Based on the calculated linear shrinkage, the densification behavior is controlled by sintering temperature, which is driven by grain boundary or dislocation climbing. A high relative density of 99.28% in ODS Mo alloy is achieved using the optimized MA (250 rpm/18 h) and SPS (1400 °C/5 min) parameters. Additionally, the ultrafine Mo grain structure (300 nm) and uniformly dispersed nanoscale Y-Zr-O oxide particles (20.32 nm) inside grains greatly improve the mechanical properties (569.63 ± 28.08 HV 0.3) of ODS Mo alloys. Non-stoichiometric Y-Zr-O particles, with different Y/Zr ratios (Y/Zr <1), possess a special fluorite crystal structure. • The nanostructural ODS Mo alloy with ultrafine Mo grain (300 nm) and nanoscale Y-Zr-O particles (20.32 nm) was fabricated. • The MA can refine powders and promote the dissolution of interstitial atoms, but introduce ZrO 2 and excess O impurities. • The precipitation of oxide particles retard powder densification of as-MA Mo powders. • Non-stoichiometric Y-Zr-O particles, with different Y/Zr ratios (Y/Zr < 1), possess a special fluorite crystal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence supports the early involvement of monocyte/macrophage recruitment to activated endothelial cells by leukocyte adhesion molecules during atherogenesis. CD40 and its ligand CD40L are highly expressed in vascular endothelial cells, but its impact on monocyte adhesion and the related molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study was designed to evaluate the direct effect of CD40L on monocytic cell adhesion and gain mechanistic insight into the signaling coupling CD40L function to the proinflammatory response. Exposure of cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) to clinically relevant concentrations of CD40L (20 to 80 ng/mL) dose-dependently increased human monocytic THP-1 cells to adhere to them under static condition. CD40L treatment induced the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) mRNA and protein expression in HAECs. Furthermore, exposure of HAECs to CD40L robustly increased the activation of protein kinase C beta (PKCβ) in ECs. A selective inhibitor of PKCβ prevented the rise in VCAM-1 and THP-1 cell adhesion to ECs. Moreover, stimulation of ECs to CD40L induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. PKCβ inhibition abolished CD40L-induced NF-κB activation, and NF-κB inhibition reduced expression of VCAM-1, each resulting in reduced THP-1 cell adhesion. Our findings provide the evidence that CD40L increases VCAM-1 expression in ECs by activating PKCβ and NF-κB, suggesting a novel mechanism for EC activation. Finally, administration of CD40L resulted in PKCβ activation, increased VCAM-1 expression and activated monocytes adhesiveness to HAECs, processes attenuated by PKCβ inhibitor. Therefore, CD40L may contribute directly to atherogenesis by activating ECs and recruiting monocytes to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]