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To characterize and compare clinical and immunological features of para(p)-autoimmune retinopathy (AIR) and non-para(np)-AIR and to assess the clinical significance of the presence of serum anti-retinal antibodies (ARAs). We retrospectively reviewed 48 Chinese patients with p-AIR or np-AIR who took comprehensive ophthalmic examinations and lab tests of the presence of serum ARAs. p-AIR patients differed from np-AIR patients in terms of disease progression, ocular inflammation, findings of OCT, FFA, and presence of ARAs. No significant difference was found in the band number of serum ARAs between AIR patients and healthy controls. The prevalence of antibodies to recoverin and ɑ-enolase in the sera of p-AIR was significantly higher than that of the healthy individuals. While having many similar clinical signs, patients with p-AIR or np-AIR nevertheless displayed unique characteristics. Detection of ARAs subtypes, rather than their quantity, may be helpful in evaluating the conditions in the verified instances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to address the difficult problem of ball mill load identification during milling operation, the multi-scale fuzzy entropy algorithm is introduced into ball mill load identification and an innovative ball mill load identification method is proposed-the complete integrated empirical decomposition based on adaptive noise (CEEMDAN)-joint denoising with wavelet thresholding-multi-scale fuzzy entropy biased mean value (PMMFE) ball mill load identification method. Firstly, the vibration signals of ball mill bearings are denoised by the CEEMDAN-wavelet threshold joint denoising method and the analysis reveals that this method has obvious advantages over other denoising methods; secondly, the fuzzy entropy, multi-scale fuzzy entropy, and multi-scale fuzzy entropy deviation of denoised vibration signals are computed, the relationship between each entropy feature and the mill load is analysed in-depth and in an information-rich manner. Finally, the least squares support vector algorithm is used to identify the load of the feature vector. The analysis of the measured vibration signals reveals that the overall recognition rate of this method is 84.4%, which is significantly higher than that of other denoising methods and the combination of feature parameters, and the experiments show that the mill load recognition method based on CEEMDAN-wavelet thresholding-PMMFE is able to effectively identify the different loading states of ball mills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research establishes an emergency evacuation time model specifically designed for subway stations with complex structures. The model takes into account multiple factors, including passenger flow rate, subway facility parameters, and crowd density, to accurately assess evacuation times. It considers the impact of horizontal walking distance, flow rate, subway train size, and stair parameters on the overall evacuation process. By identifying bottleneck points such as gates, car doors, and stairs, the model facilitates the evaluation of evacuation capacity and the formulation of effective evacuation plans, particularly in multiline subway transfer stations. The good consistency is achieved between the calculated evacuation time and simulated results using the Pathfinder software (with the relative error of 5.4%). To address urban traffic congestion and enhance subway station safety, the study recommends implemented measures for emergency diversion and passenger flow control. Additionally, the research presents characteristic mathematical models for various evacuation routes by considering the structural and temporal characteristics of metro systems. These models provide valuable guidance for conducting large-scale passenger evacuation simulations in complex environments. Future research can further enhance the model by incorporating psychological factors, evacuation signage, and strategies for vulnerable populations. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of evacuation dynamics and provides practical insights to improve safety and efficiency in subway systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The significantly increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) over the last few decades triggers the demands of T2DM animal models to explore the pathogenesis, prevention, and therapy of the disease. The altered lipid metabolism may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of T2DM. However, the characterization of molecular lipid species in fasting serum related to T2DM cynomolgus monkeys is still underrecognized. Methods: Untargeted and targeted LC-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS-based lipidomics approaches were applied to characterize and compare the fasting serum lipidomic profiles of T2DM cynomolgus monkeys and the healthy controls. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that 196 and 64 lipid molecules differentially expressed in serum samples using untargeted and targeted lipidomics as the comparison between the disease group and healthy group, respectively. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of differential serum lipid metabolites obtained by untargeted and targeted lipidomics approaches, four common serum lipid species (phosphatidylcholine [18:0_22:4], lysophosphatidylcholine [14:0], phosphatidylethanolamine [PE] [16:1_18:2], and PE [18:0_22:4]) were identified as potential biomarkers and all of which were found to be downregulated. By analyzing the metabolic pathway, glycerophospholipid metabolism was associated with the pathogenesis of T2DM cynomolgus monkeys. Conclusion: The study found that four downregulated serum lipid species could serve as novel potential biomarkers of T2DM cynomolgus monkeys. Glycerophospholipid metabolism was filtered out as the potential therapeutic target pathway of T2DM progression. Our results showed that the identified biomarkers may offer a novel tool for tracking disease progression and response to therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is the leading cause of neonatal functional intestinal obstruction, which has been identified in many familial cases. HSCR, a multifactorial disorder of enteric nervous system (ENS) development, is associated with at least 24 genes and seven chromosomal loci, with RET and EDNRB as its major genes. We present a genetic investigation of familial HSCR to clarify the genotype–phenotype relationship. Methods: We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on Illumina HiSeq X Ten platform to investigate genetic backgrounds of core family members, and identified the possibly harmful mutation genes. Mutation carriers and pedigree relatives were validated by Sanger sequencing for evaluating the gene penetrance. Results: Four familial cases showed potential disease-relative variants in EDNRB and RET gene, accounting for all detection rate of 57.1%. Three familial cases exhibited strong pathogenic variants as frameshift or missense mutations in EDNRB gene. A novel c.367delinsTT mutation of EDNRB was identified in one family member. The other two EDNRB mutations, c.553G>A in family 2 and c.877delinsTT in family 5, have been reported in previous literatures. The penetrance of EDNRB variants was 33–50% according mutation carries. In family 6, the RET c.1858T>C (C620R) point mutation has previously been reported to cause HSCR, with 28.5% penetrance. Conclusion: We identified a novel EDNRB (deleted C and inserted TT) mutation in this study using WES. Heterozygote variations in EDNRB gene were significantly enriched in three families and RET mutations were identified in one family. EDNRB variants showed an overall higher incidence and penetrance than RET in southern Chinese families cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new wave of Industry 4.0 is transforming manufacturing factories into data-rich environments. This provides an unprecedented opportunity to feed large amounts of sensing data collected from the physical factory into the construction of digital twin (DT) in cyberspace. However, little has been done to fully utilize the DT technology to improve the smartness and autonomous levels of small and medium-sized manufacturing factories. Indeed, only a small fraction of small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) has considered implementing DT technology. There is an urgent need to exploit the full potential of data analytics and simulation-enabled DTs for advanced manufacturing. Hence, this paper presents the design and development of DT models for simulation optimization of manufacturing process flows. First, we develop a multi-agent simulation model that describes nonlinear and stochastic dynamics among a network of interactive manufacturing things, including customers, machines, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), queues, and jobs. Second, we propose a statistical metamodeling approach to design sequential computer experiments to optimize the utilization of AGV under uncertainty. Third, we construct two new graph models--job flow graph and AGV traveling graph--to track and monitor the real-time performance of manufacturing jobshops. The proposed simulation-enabled DT approach is evaluated and validated with experimental studies for the representation of a real-world manufacturing factory. Experimental results show that the proposed methodology effectively transforms a manufacturing jobshop into a new generation of DT-enabled smart factories. The sequential design of experiments effectively reduces the computation overhead of expensive simulations while optimally scheduling the AGV to achieve production throughput cost-effectively. This research is strongly promised to help SMMs fully utilize big data and DT technology for gaining competitive advantages in the global marketplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical analysis of Populus euphratica resins has resulted in the isolation and identification of two undescribed terpenoids, including a new triterpene (1), a new sesquiterpene (2), and nine additional terpenoid (3-11) compounds. The structures of these novel compounds were determined using HR-ESI-MS and NMR (1D and 2D) spectroscopic analyses, combined with ECD calculations. The inhibitory activity of these terpenoids against α-glucosidase was also evaluated, and the results revealed that none of the compounds exhibited significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity at a concentration of 50 μM. Only compound 1 displayed weak inhibitory activity (1.84 ± 8.96%) compared to the positive control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case of infective endocarditis (IE) in a 55-year-old man who experienced acute aortic regurgitation and aortic stenosis. Despite receiving antibiotic treatment, the patient continued to experience symptoms and was transferred to another hospital for further treatment. The patient's condition rapidly deteriorated, requiring emergency surgery for aortic valve replacement. The article emphasizes the importance of using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to assess the structure and function of the aortic valve and monitor cardiac function during surgery. The patient's surgery was successful, and they showed significant improvement in symptoms during follow-up. The article highlights the importance of early surgical intervention in reducing mortality in cases of IE. [Extracted from the article]

Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), is one of the most vital pathogens causing genitourinary tract infections of the body, and it can result in poor maternal and perinatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to establish a method to detect Ureaplasma urealyticum based on recombinant polymerase amplification (RPA) technique. Specific primers and probes were designed according to the 16sRNA gene sequence of Ureaplasma urealyticum. Six pathogens were detected for real-time fluorescence RPA specificity verification, including Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Lactobacillus vaginalis. The sensitivity of the method was performed by gradient dilution of the extracted template. A total of 60 clinical samples were detected by the established real-time fluorescence RPA. Detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum can be completed within 20 minutes at 39 °C using established RPA method. The minimum detection limit of Ureaplasma urealyticum by real-time fluorescence RPA was 3 pg. The evaluation of 60 clinical samples proved that RPA method was feasible. A high specificity, sensitivity, simplicity and rapidity method for Ureaplasma urealyticum detection was successfully established based on the real-time fluorescence RPA method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Komatiites and picrites generated by high degrees of mantle partial melting serve as potential probes of Earth's deep mantle. Tungsten (W) isotopes in these rocks offer a rare chance to better understand early differentiation, late accretion, core-mantle interaction, and subsequent evolution of Earth's mantle. We present new W isotope data for Archean komatiites and basalts from the Barberton (South Africa) and Suomussalmi (Finland) Greenstone Belts and Permian picrites from the Emeishan large igneous province (China). The Paleoarchean samples from the Barberton Greenstone Belt have modern ocean island basalt (OIB)-like μ182W values ranging from -20.4 to +5.6, whereas the Mesoarchean komatiites from the Suomussalmi Greenstone Belt show μ182W values of -2.2 to +11.3. The Permian Emeishan picrites give μ182W values of -7.1 to +3.1. Our data, combined with the published global data set, show that W isotope heterogeneity in the mantle has existed throughout Earth's history, with positive μ182W values transitioning to near-zero in the upper mantle by the end of the Archean. The negative μ182W values of Paleoarchean samples in the Barberton Greenstone Belt and modern OIBs likely result from either early differentiation or core-mantle interaction. The incorporation of a plume-delivered negative μ182W component and enhanced mantle mixing is a viable mechanism to explain the transition of μ182W values in the upper mantle from positive to near-zero, while recycling of crustal materials into the mantle would result in a shift of negative μ182W values of the lower mantle closer to zero since the onset of plate tectonics. The latter process could possibly explain the slightly negative to near-zero μ182W values of the Emeishan picrites and some kimberlites. The well-resolved negative μ182W anomalies observed in this study provide important insights into the generation, preservation, and obliteration of W isotope heterogeneities in the lower mantle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automated optical inspection (AOI) is increasingly advocated for in situ quality monitoring of additive manufacturing (AM) processes. The availability of layerwise imaging data improves the information visibility during fabrication processes and is thus conducive to performing online certification. However, few, if any, have investigated the high-speed contact image sensors (CIS) (i.e., originally developed for document scanners and multifunction printers) for AM quality monitoring. In addition, layerwise images show complex patterns and often contain hidden information that cannot be revealed in a single scale. A new and alternative approach will be to analyze these intrinsic patterns with multiscale lenses. Therefore, the objective of this article is to design and develop an AOI system with contact image sensors for multiresolution quality inspection of layerwise builds in additive manufacturing. First, we retrofit the AOI system with contact image sensors in industrially relevant 95 mm/s scanning speed to a laser-powder-bed-fusion (LPBF) machines. Then, we design the experiments to fabricate nine parts under a variety of factor levels (e.g., gas flow blockage, re-coater damage, laser power changes). In each layer, the AOI system collects imaging data of both recoating powder beds before the laser fusion and surface finishes after the laser fusion. Second, layerwise images are pre-preprocessed for alignment, registration, and identification of regions of interests (ROIs) of these nine parts. Then, we leverage the wavelet transformation to analyze ROI images in multiple scales and further extract salient features that are sensitive to process variations, instead of extraneous noises. Third, we perform the paired comparison analysis to investigate how different levels of factors influence the distribution of wavelet features. Finally, these features are shown to be effective in predicting the extent of defects in the computed tomography (CT) data of layerwise AM builds. The proposed framework of multiresolution quality inspection is evaluated and validated using real-world AM imaging data. Experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed AOI system with contact image sensors for online quality inspection of layerwise builds in AM processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a V‐band digitally controlled low noise variable gain amplifier (LNVGA) in 28‐nm bulk CMOS process. The amplifier includes three stages and the first stage is used to realize wideband high gain and low noise figure (NF). The gain control is implemented in the second and third stages with current steering and split cascode topology, respectively. A source degeneration inductor and a series inductor are introduced to reduce the phase variation in the second stage. The phase response function is analyzed, and the phase reduction of 1.2° is achieved. Moreover, with the combination of these two different topologies, the phase variation can be further reduced. The measurement results show the LNVGA has a peak gain of 16 dB with a 3‐dB bandwidth of 45–59 GHz. The measured gain control range is 0–16 dB in 16 different gain states and the minimum phase variation is 3.5° with power consumption of 23 mW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Autoimmune retinopathy (AIR) is a group of autoimmune retinal diseases that can cause blindness. The purpose of this study is to investigate the profiles of serum antiretinal antibodies (ARAs) and cytokines and their association with disease diagnosis as well as clinical features in AIR. Methods: The patients with presumed para (p) and non-paraneoplastic (np) AIR diagnosis, the patients with retinitis pigmentosa and bilateral uveitis as disease controls, and healthy subjects were prospectively enrolled. Western blotting and Luminex multiple cytokine assay/enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were used to determine the presence of serum ARAs and the concentration of cytokines, respectively. Kruskal–Wallis or chi square test was applied to compare the profiles of ARA and cytokines among various groups. The multilevel mixed-effect regression was used to investigate the association of ARA or cytokines with clinical features. Results: No significant difference in the band number and subtypes of serum ARAs was found between AIR patients and their controls. AIR patients had higher concentration of serum IFN-ɤ, CXCL9, or CXCL10 than non-AIR controls. A positive correlation was found between increased number of ARAs and elevated TNF-α in np-AIR patients. Elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines or ARA subtypes (antibody against recoverin and α-enolase) were associated with worse retinal functions or anatomy, including visual acuity, visual field, ERG parameters, and central retinal thickness. Conclusions: The data of our study demonstrate that detection of serum ARAs has limited value in the diagnosis of AIR. Th1-type cytokines/chemokines or specific ARA subtypes are associated with pathogenesis and disease severity of the AIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of nanotechnology in the anticancer application, photothermal therapy (PTT) based on nanoparticles (NPs) could repolarize the tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from protumor (M2) phenotype to antitumor (M1) phenotype, thus regulating the tumor-suppressive immune environment. However, the inevitable local inflammation occurred in the residual tumor microenvironment after PTT recruited abundant abnormal TAMs to induce immune escape and survival of the remaining tumor cells. Here, TMP195 loaded carbon quantum dots (CQDs@TMP195) were developed as innovative nanoplatforms to achieve promising PTT and immune responses. In the nanoplatforms, CQDs with distinct antitumor performance were applied as an ideal drug-loading nanocarrier and initiated photothermal effects to generate heat under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. The loaded TMP195 could repolarize the M2 phenotype TAMs into the M1 phenotype TAMs. Based on our work, the in vitro antitumor effects implied that CQDs@TMP195 could significantly kill cancer cells with minimal toxicity to normal cells. This study proposes a feasible therapeutic strategy for polarizing TAMs to the immunocompetent M1 phenotype after PTT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicken and eggs are widely consumed food. It is of great significance to promote poultry production safely and efficiently by rational use of light technology. In this paper, the poultry lamp is optimized based on non-visual effect and health lighting, which has four spectra of hatching, growth, breeding, and Sun-like. The optimal LED combination is obtained through spectrum superposition principle, and the optical design is carried out. The combination of one kind of white LED and 26 kinds of monochrome LEDs is the best effect for the multi-spectral poultry lamp optimization. The spectrum reach ratio of the three kinds of poultry spectra reaches more than 90%. In the optical design, the multi-spectral poultry lamp adopts ring array and TIR lens to achieve light collimation and improve light efficiency, and realizes the three kinds of poultry spectra and the Sun-like spectrum by lighting different LEDs. The results suggest that the multi-spectral poultry lamp can give consideration to the light requirement of poultry farming during different periods and provide the comfortable light environment for breeder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four undescribed pyranone derivatives, named ascomycopyrones A–D (1–4), as well as one known analogue simplicilopyrone (5) (this is the first study to report the absolute configuration), were isolated from the endophytic fungus Ascomycota sp. FAE17 derived from the flowers of Scutellaria formosa. The structures of these pyranones were identified by comprehensive spectroscopic and MS analyses, and the absolute configurations were determined by their experimental and quantum chemical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. All isolated compounds were tested for various bioactivities, including antibacterial, cytotoxic activity, and NO inhibitory activity. Unfortunately, none of the compounds showed significant bioactivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latest research shows that the ions generated by the corona discharge of lightning rod have dual functions of attracting and shielding lightning discharge. After the lightning rod is installed at a certain height on the ground, the lightning rod tip reaches the corona threshold to ionize the surrounding air and generate positive and negative ions under the action of the electric field at the end of the lightning downward leader. Constrained by Coulomb's Law, its positive ions (opposite charges attract each other) form an upward leader (streamer), which moves towards the end of the lightning downward leader and is connected to the downward leader, establishing a discharge channel to attract lightning to the needle tip and discharge the current to the ground, and playing a role in attracting lightning. Its negative ions are repelled by the electric field at the end of the lightning downward leader (repelled by isotropic charges) and influenced by the wind, and diffuse in the downwind area to form an ion cloud, inhibiting the growth of corona at the tip of ground objects, and playing a role in shielding lightning. In this paper, Franklin's understanding of the role of lightning rod and Yang Shaojie's new definition of the working principle of lightning rod are briefly introduced. The formation mechanism, distribution characteristics, shielding effect, and impact on lightning strike point distribution of ion clouds are analyzed. Additionally, the important role of shielding effects of ion clouds in regional lightning protection is introduced, which provides a theoretical basis for the correct understanding and use of lightning rod. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C/C–SiC composites are promising candidates for heavy‐duty tracked vehicle brake discs. A third‐body layer (TBL) can be formed on the surface of C/C–SiC self‐mated brake discs, which has an important impact on tribological behavior and wear mechanism of brake discs. Herein, the formation conditions and evolution process of TBL and its effect on friction and wear properties were investigated. An appropriate braking pressure and speed (P and V) are beneficial to the cutting of asperities and refinement of wear debris on the contact surface, which are preconditions for the formation of original TBL. The original TBL can be formed under the P·V of 12, 15, and 16, which effectively improve braking stability and reduce the wear rate. During the continuous braking process, the original TBL undergoes growth, stabilization, destruction, and regeneration. Under the frictional heat and compressive stress, wear debris gradually evolves into a uniform and dense TBL. The average coefficient of friction and wear rate reach to the lowest value of.446 and 38.5 × 10−3 cm3/MJ, respectively. A continuous high temperature in the later stages of braking leads to severe oxidative wear. The newly formed TBL covers the original surface to form a multilayered structure, indicating the TBL undergoes destruction and regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is still a challenge to comprehensively assess the safety of enfortumab vedotin (EV) in the real world with limited data. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the main features of EV-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and identify any potential safety signal using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). The evaluation included FAERS reports from Jan. 1, 2004 to Nov. 4, 2021. Standard descriptive statistics were used to summarize the study population characteristics. The chi-square tests for categorical variables were used for between-group comparisons. The disproportionality analysis was conducted by using Bayesian confidence propagation neural network of information component (IC) and reporting odds ratio (ROR). 409 EV-related reports were identified. No significant differences were found in gender, age, reporting year, or reporting region between fatal and non-fatal cases. Potentially serious ADRs were found, including kidney injury (IC025 1 25, ROR025 2.82, weak signal), urinary tract infection (IC025 0.28, ROR025 1.44, weak signal), and febrile neutropenia (IC025 0.62, ROR025 2.22, weak signal). Life-threatening ADRs, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS, IC025 2.88, ROR025 15.20, middle signal), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN, IC025 2.52, ROR025 15.52, middle signal), acute kidney injury (IC025 0.47, ROR025 1.67, weak signal), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS, IC025 0.03, ROR025 2.23, weak signal), were also detected to be significantly associated with EV use. EV could lead to kidney injury, urinary tract infection, and febrile neutropenia. Life-threatening ADRs, including SJS, TEN, acute kidney injury, and MODS, were also significantly associated with EV use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lightning interception technology is one of the three Core technical systems of regional lightning protection theory. Among them, the omni-di- rectional multi-pulse lightning interceptor (hereinafter referred to as lightning interceptor, the same below) has the ability to attenuate lightning current 5= 40% and significantly reduce the intensity of the spatial electromagnetic field around the lightning point. In order to explore the attenuation mechanism and effect of lightning interceptor to lightning current, this paper analyzed a lightning stroke process at 16;00 on August 19, 2022, and tried to explain the attenuation effect of lightning interceptor to lightning current with the physical parameters of lightning stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of acid–base-loaded γ-Al2O3 catalysts was applied as the catalysts for the isomerization of 3/4-methyl-tetrahydro phthalic anhydride. With a basic metal (K or Na) as the basic source and phosphorus (P) as the acid source, γ-Al2O3 was modified by equal volume immersion. NH3/CO2-TPD, XRD, TEM/EDS, BET, and TGA were used to analyze the catalysts, and 15%-K/Al2O3 and 10%-P/Al2O3 were determined as the most appropriate catalysts. The isomers were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and infrared spectroscopy (IR), and the reaction mechanism for the isomer formation was proposed. With 3-MTHPA as the substrate, the acid/base reaction temperature was 165/150 °C, the reaction time was 3 h and the amount of the catalyst added was 3%. A new type of continuous isomeric fixed-bed reactor was designed. The stability of the catalyst was tested, and the activity loss was 4.6–6.6% after 10 hours of operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scientific, accurate, and rapid detection of the composition and content of tea polyphenols is an important basis for their rational use and giving full play to their physiological effect. The spectrophotometric assays for total polyphenols have poor selectivity. Therefore, there is a need to develop a simple and reliable method for the determination of the total polyphenolic level in tea products. Objective: The aim of this research was to develop a flow injection chemiluminescence (FI-CL) method based on the Ag(III)-luminol system for the total polyphenol content analysis of tea and substitute tea. Method: Through Box-Behnken experimental design, we selected the optimum determination condition. The Ag(III) concentration was 5x10-5mol/L, and the luminol concentration was 3x10-7mol/L (including 0.15mol/L NaOH). The peristaltic pump is 25 r/min, and the photomultiplier voltage is 600 v. Sample extracts were diluted 100 000 times for the FI-CL assay. Results: Under optimal conditions, CL intensities were proportional to total polyphenol content (in terms of gallic acid concentrations) in the range of 0.1-100 lg/L. The LOD and LOQ were 0.03 lg/L and 0.1 lg/L. The recovery values were in the range of 86.3-111.0% with a RSD of 1.04~2.62%. The polyphenolic content of 12 teas and 6 substitute teas was determined, and the results of the developed method and Folin-Ciocalteu method were highly correlated (r=0.9493 for tea and r=0.8533 for substitute tea). Conclusions: The proposed method is better than the Folin-Ciocalteu method in terms of selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy. It is suitable for the determination of polyphenol content not only in tea, but also in substitute tea. Highlights: We developed a new flow-injection analysis method for polyphenolic content determination based on the Ag(III)-luminol chemiluminescence system. It is simple, rapid, sensitive, and accurate. It is suitable for the determination of polyphenols content not only in tea, but also in substitute tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellites provide global long-time series of spatio-temporal continuous CO2 observations. However, it is difficult to be applied to the study of small-scale carbon cycle because of its low spatial resolution. In this paper, the Greenhouse Gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) XCO2 data are super-resolution reconstructed using bicubic interpolation, which improved the spatial resolution from 2.5o to 0.5o. CO2 measurements from ten selected TCCON sites are used to compare with the reconstructed GOSAT. Further, the high accuracy Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) data analysed by the combination of geographical grid statistics and kriging is used to evaluate the reconstructed data. The results show that compared with the original GOSAT data, the reconstructed GOSAT data not only improves the spatial resolution but also has little loss of the average accuracy. The mean error of original data has significant seasonal fluctuations with a peak from February to March and a trough from June to July [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of the space industry and the demand of future complex space missions, large space deployable antennas require high deployable ratio, high precision, and lightweight. A large parabolic cylindrical deployable (PCD) mechanism with a multilayer tape-spring (MLTS) hinge was proposed. The energy method was adopted to establish the equivalent dynamic model of the large PCD mechanism with MLTS hinges. The new problems encountered in the dynamic analysis of the new mechanism are solved. First, the nonlinear effects of the tape-spring hinges and cable in the PCD mechanism were considered. The relationship equations of strain and kinetic energy were derived. Then, the stiffness and mass matrices of the PCD mechanism were obtained. Based on Timoshenko beam theory, the modal analysis of the PCD mechanism in cantilever state was conducted. The finite element method was used to verify the correctness of the equivalent continuum model of the large PCD mechanism with MLTS hinges. The equivalent dynamic analytical method can be applied to the spatial large deployable mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible, breathable and lightweight electronic textiles hold great promise to change the ways we intact with electronics. Electrical connections among functional components are indispensable for system integrations of electronic textiles. However, it remains challenging to achieve mechanically and electrically robust connections to fully integrate with interwoven architecture and weaving process of textiles. Here, we reported a seamlessly-integrated textile electric circuit by weaving conductive fibers with self-connecting capacity at the interwoven points. Self-connecting conductive fibers (SCFs) were prepared by coating modified polyurethane conductive composites onto nylon fibers. Electrical connections were achieved at interwoven points in less than 5 s once the weft and warp SCFs were woven together, due to the designed dynamic bonds of aromatic disulfide metathesis and hydrogen bonds in the modified polyurethane (MPU). The self-connecting point was electrically stable (varied by less than 6.7% in electrical resistance) to withstand repeated deformations of bending, pressing and even folding. Such a self-connecting strategy could be generalized to weave full-textile electronics capable of receiving signals and displaying with enhanced interfacial stability, offering a new way to unify fabrication of electronics and weaving of textiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a re-classification of information seeking (IS) tasks, concepts, and algorithms. The proposed taxonomy provides new dimensions to look into information seeking tasks and methods. The new dimensions include number of search iterations, search goal types, and procedures to reach these goals. Differences along these dimensions for the information seeking tasks call for suitable computational solutions. The article then reviews machine learning solutions that match each new category. The article ends with a review of evaluation campaigns for IS systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in anti-tumor immunity by inducing T cell differentiation. Herein, we found that the DC mechanical sensor Piezo1 stimulated by mechanical stiffness or inflammatory signals directs the reciprocal differentiation of TH1 and regulatory T (Treg) cells in cancer. Genetic deletion of Piezo1 in DCs inhibited the generation of TH1 cells while driving the development of Treg cells in promoting cancer growth in mice. Mechanistically, Piezo1-deficient DCs regulated the secretion of the polarizing cytokines TGFβ1 and IL-12, leading to increased TGFβR2-p-Smad3 activity and decreased IL-12Rβ2-p-STAT4 activity while inducing the reciprocal differentiation of Treg and TH1 cells. In addition, Piezo1 integrated the SIRT1-hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1α)-dependent metabolic pathway and calcium-calcineurin-NFAT signaling pathway to orchestrate reciprocal TH1 and Treg lineage commitment through DC-derived IL-12 and TGFβ1. Our studies provide critical insight for understanding the role of the DC-based mechanical regulation of immunopathology in directing T cell lineage commitment in tumor microenvironments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2015/16 El Niño brought severe drought and record-breaking temperatures in the tropics. Here, using satellite-based L-band microwave vegetation optical depth, we mapped changes of above-ground biomass (AGB) during the drought and in subsequent years up to 2019. Over more than 60% of drought-affected intact forests, AGB reduced during the drought, except in the wettest part of the central Amazon, where it declined 1 y later. By the end of 2019, only 40% of AGB reduced intact forests had fully recovered to the predrought level. Using random-forest models, we found that the magnitude of AGB losses during the drought was mainly associated with regionally distinct patterns of soil water deficits and soil clay content. For the AGB recovery, we found strong influences of AGB losses during the drought and of γ. γ is a parameter related to canopy structure and is defined as the ratio of two relative height (RH) metrics of Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) waveform data--RH25 (25% energy return height) and RH100 (100% energy return height; i.e., top canopy height). A high γ may reflect forests with a tall understory, thick and closed canopy, and/or without degradation. Such forests with a high γ (γ ≤ 0.3) appear to have a stronger capacity to recover than low-γ ones. Our results highlight the importance of forest structure when predicting the consequences of future drought stress in the tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) have limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Therefore, novel treatment modalities are needed. Since high expression of natural killer group 2 member D ligands (NKG2DLs) can be induced by FLT3 inhibitors, we constructed dual-target FLT3 single-chain fragment variable (scFv)/NKG2D-chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, and explored whether FLT3 inhibitors combined with FLT3scFv/NKG2D-CAR T cells could have synergistic anti-leukaemia effects. Methods: FLT3scFv and NKG2D expression in CAR T cells, FLT3 and NKG2DL expression in AML cells, and the in vitro cytotoxicity of combining CAR T cells with gilteritinib were assessed by flow cytometry. The therapeutic effect was evaluated in a xenograft mouse model established by injection of MOLM-13 cells. Mechanisms underlying the gilteritinib-induced NKG2DL upregulation were investigated using siRNA, ChIP-QPCR and luciferase assays. Results: The FLT3scFv/NKG2D-CAR T cells specifically lysed AML cells both in vitro and in the xenograft mouse model. The efficacy of FLT3scFv/NKG2D-CAR T cells was improved by gilteritinib-pretreatment. The noncanonical NF-κB2/Rel B signalling pathway was found to mediate gilteritinib-induced NKG2DL upregulation in AML cells. Conclusions: Bispecific FLT3scFv/NKG2D-CAR T cells can effectively eradicate AML cells. The FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib can synergistically improve this effect by upregulating NF-κB2-dependent NKG2DL expression in AML cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A-B Flow cytometry analysis indicated that NKG2DL expression in AML cells from patients with FLT3mut+ or FLT3mut- AML was significantly elevated with gilteritinib treatment. 5 Gilteritinib upregulated the expression of NKG2DLs and FLT3 in AML cells from patients with FLT3mut+ and FLT3mut- AML and in the bone marrow of xenograft mouse models. [Extracted from the article]

With the rapid development of global economy, the industrial cluster has become the new trend of world economic development. So far, the industrial cluster mode with space as the main division has been formed. The cooperation of industrial clusters is dynamic. The industries in the cluster cooperate with each other for mutual benefit and win-win, occupying a place in the fierce market competition. In addition, the industrial cluster is also conducive to strengthen the international economic division of labor and points out the direction of regional industrial transfer. China is now in a critical period of economic development; the industrial cluster plays an important role in China's industrial transformation and economic development. At present, the most common regional development mode in China is industrial cluster. The emergence of industrial cluster accelerates the development of industrial regional economy and the balance of industrial layout. Industrial clusters occupy a key position in China's economic industry chain, and the development and change in industrial clusters will directly affect the development of the entire industrial chain. This study first simulates the evolution path of industrial cluster and then establishes the relevant data model. Finally, through repast simulation, it puts forward conclusions and suggestions according to the verification results. The construction of dynamic model can realize the simulation of industrial cluster theory. According to the simulation results, we can find that the ecosystem in different stages will produce different characteristics; the formation and evolution of industrial clusters are actually the epitome of market development. In this process, the government guidance and market regulation are needed to accelerate the formation of industrial cluster ecosystem and increase the scale of industrial cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of Feng-flavor baijiu includes six stages (first fermented stage, second fermented stage, third fermented stage, normal fermented stage and quitting fermented stage, ending of fermented stage). Each stage of the base liquor has its own style. The main chromato-gram structure components were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC), to explore the characteristics of base baijiu during different production stages, which can provide a reference for classification storage and body design of baijiu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) have limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Therefore, novel treatment modalities are needed. Since high expression of natural killer group 2 member D ligands (NKG2DLs) can be induced by FLT3 inhibitors, we constructed dual-target FLT3 single-chain fragment variable (scFv)/NKG2D-chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, and explored whether FLT3 inhibitors combined with FLT3scFv/NKG2D-CAR T cells could have synergistic anti-leukaemia effects. Methods: FLT3scFv and NKG2D expression in CAR T cells, FLT3 and NKG2DL expression in AML cells, and the in vitro cytotoxicity of combining CAR T cells with gilteritinib were assessed by flow cytometry. The therapeutic effect was evaluated in a xenograft mouse model established by injection of MOLM-13 cells. Mechanisms underlying the gilteritinib-induced NKG2DL upregulation were investigated using siRNA, ChIP-QPCR and luciferase assays. Results: The FLT3scFv/NKG2D-CAR T cells specifically lysed AML cells both in vitro and in the xenograft mouse model. The efficacy of FLT3scFv/NKG2D-CAR T cells was improved by gilteritinib-pretreatment. The noncanonical NF-κB2/Rel B signalling pathway was found to mediate gilteritinib-induced NKG2DL upregulation in AML cells. Conclusions: Bispecific FLT3scFv/NKG2D-CAR T cells can effectively eradicate AML cells. The FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib can synergistically improve this effect by upregulating NF-κB2-dependent NKG2DL expression in AML cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organoids are three-dimensional culture systems generated from embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and adult stem cells. They are capable of cell proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal. Upon stimulation by signal factors and/or growth factors, organoids self-assemble to replicate the morphological and structural characteristics of the corresponding organs. They provide an extraordinary platform for investigating organ development and mimicking pathological processes. Organoid biobanks derived from a wide range of carcinomas have been established to represent different lesions or stages of clinical tumors. Importantly, genomic and transcriptomic analyses have confirmed maintenance of intra- and interpatient heterogeneities in organoids. Therefore, this technology has the potential to revolutionize drug screening and personalized medicine. In this review, we summarized the characteristics and applications of organoids in cancer research by the establishment of organoid biobanks directly from tumor organoids or from genetically modified non-cancerous organoids. We also analyzed the current state of organoid applications in drug screening and personalized medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosymbioses, intimate interactions between photosynthetic algal symbionts and heterotrophic hosts, are well known in invertebrate and protist systems. Vertebrate animals are an exception where photosynthetic microorganisms are not often considered part of the normal vertebrate microbiome, with a few exceptions in amphibian eggs. Here, we review the breadth of vertebrate diversity and explore where algae have taken hold in vertebrate fur, on vertebrate surfaces, in vertebrate tissues, and within vertebrate cells. We find that algae have myriad partnerships with vertebrate animals, from fishes to mammals, and that those symbioses range from apparent mutualisms to commensalisms to parasitisms. The exception in vertebrates, compared with other groups of eukaryotes, is that intracellular mutualisms and commensalisms with algae or other microbes are notably rare. We currently have no clear cell-in-cell (endosymbiotic) examples of a trophic mutualism in any vertebrate, while there is a broad diversity of such interactions in invertebrate animals and protists. This functional divergence in vertebrate symbioses may be related to vertebrate physiology or a byproduct of our adaptive immune system. Overall, we see that diverse algae are part of the vertebrate microbiome, broadly, with numerous symbiotic interactions occurring across all vertebrate and many algal clades. These interactions are being studied for their ecological, organismal, and cellular implications. This synthesis of vertebrate–algal associations may prove useful for the development of novel therapeutics: pairing algae with medical devices, tissue cultures, and artificial ecto- and endosymbioses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this note, we establish the strong openness and stability property of multiplier submodule sheaves associated to singular Nakano semi-positive metrics on holomorphic vector bundles, which generalizes the same properties for multiplier ideal sheaves associated to pseudo-effective line bundles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally hypothesized that high-silica (SiO2 > 75 wt%) granite (HSG) originates from crystal fractionation in the shallow crust. Yet, identifying the complementary cumulate residue of HSG within plutons remains difficult. In this work, we examine the genetic links between the porphyritic monzogranite and HSG (including porphyritic granite, monzogranite, and alkali feldspar granite) from the coastal area of southeastern China using detailed zircon U-Pb ages, trace elements, Hf-O isotopes, and whole-rock geochemistry and Nd-Hf isotopic compositions. Zircon U-Pb ages indicate that the porphyritic monzogranite and HSG are coeval (ca. 96-99 Ma). The HSG and porphyritic monzogranite have similar formation ages within analytic error, identical mineral assemblages, similar Nd-Hf isotopic compositions, and consistent variations in their zircon compositions (i.e., Eu/Eu*, Zr/Hf, and Sm/Yb), which suggests that their parental magma came from a common silicic magma reservoir and that the lithological differences are the result of melt extraction processes. The porphyritic monzogranite has relatively high SiO2 (70.0-73.4 wt%), Ba (718-1070 ppm), and Sr (493-657 ppm) contents, low K2O and Rb concentrations and low Rb/Sr ratios (0.1-0.2), and it displays weak Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.57-0.90). Together with the petrographic features of the porphyritic monzogranite, these geochemical variations indicate that the porphyritic monzongranite is the residual silicic cumulate of the crystal mush column. The HSG (SiO2 = 75.0-78.4) has variable Rb/Sr ratios (2-490) and very low Sr (1-109 ppm) and Ba (9-323 ppm) contents. Zircon from the HSG and porphyritic monzogranite overlap in Eu/Eu*, Zr/Hf, and Sm/Yb ratios and Hf contents; however, some zircon from the HSG show very low Eu/Eu* (<0.1) and Zr/Hf ratios. These features suggest that the HSG represents the high-silica melt that was extracted from a crystal-rich mush. The injection of mantle-derived hotter mafic magma into the mush column and the exsolution of F/Cl--enriched volatiles (or fluids) from the interstitial melt rejuvenated the pre-existing highly crystalline mush. Subsequent extraction and upward migration of silicic melt resulting from compaction of the mush column formed the HSG at shallow crustal levels, which left the complementary crystal residue solidified as porphyritic monzogranite at the bottom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mild cognitive impairment is a transitional state between normal aging and Alzheimer's and is an internationally recognized pre-stage state of Alzheimer's. It is the starting point for early detection and intervention in dementia. An empirical study was conducted to determine how medical social workers provide intervention services to older adults with mild cognitive impairment, specific strategies for change, and the effectiveness of the intervention. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental intervention study. Conclusion: Through integrated intervention, the development of cognitive impairment can be significantly delayed, cognitive abilities can be improved (p < .05), and decline in daily living abilities can be significantly delayed (p < .05). At the same time, the mental health of participants can be improved to a certain extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to describe the association between the genetic variation of the recently identified immune checkpoint molecules B7-H3 and B7-H4, and the susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of B7-H3 gene and three SNPs of B7-H4 gene were genotyped in 649 AS patients and 646 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Allele, genotype frequencies and different inheritance models were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and the demographic and clinical parameters of patients were recorded. Our data indicated that B7-H4 rs10801935 and rs3738414 polymorphisms were correlated with AS susceptibility. In the stratification analyses, the minor A allele and GA genotype of B7-H4 rs3738414 increased the risk of AS in male patients (OR = 1.244, 95%CI=1.026-1.508;OR=1.453, 95%CI=1.120-1.886, respectively). However, the association did not reach statistical significance after Bonferroni correction. Furthermore, haplotype analysis revealed that B7-H4 haplotype block TAG was a risk factor for the onset of AS (OR = 1.190, 95%CI = 1.020-1.389). These findings suggested that B7-H4 gene polymorphism may contribute to AS susceptibility in eastern Chinese Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematics of four species of the homolodromiid genus Dicranodromia A. Milne-Edwards, 1880, from East Asia and the Philippines is reappraised: D. danielae Ng & McLay, 2005, D. doederleini Ortmann, 1892, D. karubar Guinot, 1993, and D. martini Guinot, 1995; and key characters such as the epistome, gonopods, and spermatheca are figured in detail. Two new species, D. erinaceus sp. nov. and D. robusta sp. nov., are described from Taiwan and the Philippines, respectively. Dicranodromia erinaceus sp. nov. resembles D. spinulata Guinot, 1995, and D. delli Ahyong, 2008 (from New Caledonia and New Zealand) but can be separated by its distinctly spinulated carapace surfaces and proportionately shorter fifth ambulatory legs. Dicranodromia robusta sp. nov. is superficially similar to D. baffini (Alcock & Anderson, 1899) and D. karubar Guinot, 1993, but can easily be separated by possessing a broad dorsoventrally flattened infraorbital tooth. A genetic study of the species using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene confirms that the taxa are distinct, with D. erinaceus sp. nov. coming out in a well-supported clade from congeners. The megalopa of D. doederleini is also reported for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) can alleviate opioid dependence. However, MMT possibly increases the risk of motor vehicle collisions. The current study investigated preliminary estimation of motor vehicle collision incidence rates. Furthermore, in this population-based retrospective cohort study with frequency-matched controls, opiate adults receiving MMT (cases) and those not receiving MMT (controls) were identified at a 1:2 ratio by linking data from several nationwide administrative registry databases. From 2009 to 2016, the crude incidence rate of motor vehicle collisions was the lowest in the general adult population, followed by that in opiate adults, and it was the highest in adults receiving MMT. The incidence rates of motor vehicle collisions were significantly higher in opiate users receiving MMT than in those not receiving MMT. Kaplan–Meier curves of the incidence of motor vehicle collisions differed significantly between groups, with a significant increased risk during the first 90 days of follow-up. In conclusion, drivers receiving MMT have higher motor vehicle collision risk than those not receiving MMT in opiate users, and it is worthy of noticing road safety in such drivers, particularly during the first 90 days of MMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu and Cl treatments are important processes to achieve high efficiency polycrystalline cadmium telluride (CdTe)solar cells, thus it will be beneficial to understand the roles they play in both bulk CdTe and CdTe grain boundaries (GBs). Using first-principles calculations, we systematically study Cu and Cl-related defects in bulk CdTe. We find that Cl has only a limited effect on improving p-type doping and too much Cl can induce deep traps in bulk CdTe, whereas Cu can enhance p-type doping of bulk CdTe. In the presence of GBs, we find that, in general, Cl and Cu will prefer to stay at GBs, especially for those with Te-Te wrong bonds, in agreement with experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu and Cl treatments are important processes to achieve high efficiency polycrystalline cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells, thus it will be beneficial to understand the roles they play in both bulk CdTe and CdTe grain boundaries (GBs). Using first-principles calculations, we systematically study Cu and Cl-related defects in bulk CdTe. We find that Cl has only a limited effect on improving p-type doping and too much Cl can induce deep traps in bulk CdTe, whereas Cu can enhance p-type doping of bulk CdTe. In the presence of GBs, we find that, in general, Cl and Cu will prefer to stay at GBs, especially for those with Te-Te wrong bonds, in agreement with experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) create multiple lines of defense against viral infection. Here, we show that interferon-induced protein 35 (IFI35) inhibits swine (H3N2) influenza virus replication by directly interacting with the viral protein NS1. IFI35 binds more preferentially to the effector domain of NS1 (amino acids 128 to 207 [128-207aa]) than to the viral RNA sensor RIG-I. This promotes mutual antagonism between IFI35 and NS1 and frees RIG-I from IFI35-mediated K48-linked ubiquitination and degradation. However, IFI35 does not interact with the NS1 encoded by avian (H7N9) influenza virus, resulting in IFI35 playing an opposite virus-enabling role during highly pathogenic H7N9 virus infection. Notably, replacing the 128-207aa region of H7N9 NS1 with the corresponding region of H3N2 NS1 results in the chimeric NS1 acquiring the ability to bind to and mutually antagonize IFI35. IFI35-deficient mice accordingly exhibit more resistance to lethal H7N9 infection than exhibited by their wild-type control. Our data uncover a novel mechanism by which IFI35 regulates RIG-I-mediated antiviral immunity through mutual antagonism with influenza virus protein NS1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, emerging from a wider study on internationalization in the Republic of Ireland, explores internationalization through the everyday lived experience of faculty and its impact on their professional contexts. It highlights issues that faculty members face in a national context, where internationalization is viewed as an economic goal rather than an academic goal. This aspect, which has been under-researched in higher education literature, addresses the complexities and contradictions that internationalization can create for faculty. A social realist approach using Archer's morphogenetic framework was employed to facilitate an exploration of the variegated responses that internationalization produced. The performative response to internationalization was captured, which revealed different agential responses: from an acceptance of the instrumentalist discourse to feeling demoralized by the lack of recognition for professional commitment, the impact of non-engagement by colleagues and engagement with the process to advance other career objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A physical test model of a new lining structure for a shallow double-arch tunnels under unsymmetrical pressure with a scale of 1:20 was designed and manufactured. Kobe seismic waves and EI seismic waves were selected as the loading waves and a large-scale shaking table test was carried out. The acceleration and dynamic strain response of shallow double-arch tunnels under unsymmetrical pressure under different seismic wave types and seismic intensities are studied. The results show: Under different seismic wave excitations, only the horizontal acceleration amplification factor of the left-hole vault, right-hole invert and the top right of the mid-partition is less than 1, and the horizontal acceleration amplification factors of other measurement points are all greater than 1. The measurement points with relatively large horizontal acceleration response are the left-hole shoulder, the top left of the mid-partition, the right-hole vault and shoulder; The overall response of the right half-arch of the left-hole is greater than the left half-arch of the left-hole, and the overall response of the left half-arch of the right-hole is greater than the right half-arch of the right-hole. The measured points in the left half-arch of the left-hole and the right half-arch of the right-hole have small differences in acceleration response; The effects of Kobe wave on horizontal acceleration and vertical acceleration are greater than EI wave, and the average value of the vertical acceleration response of the lining is greater than the average value of the horizontal acceleration response. With the increase of seismic intensity, the larger the acceleration amplification factor is, the greater the increase is; Under the action of different seismic waves, the seismic wave excitation has a greater impact on the dynamic strain response of the left-hole, and less impact on the right-hole. Among them, the strain value of the left-hole shoulder, left-hole invert and the top left of the mid-partition is much larger than the other measurement points, the trend of the right-hole is relatively gentle, and the strain values of the shoulder are slightly larger. The research conclusions have certain guidance and reference value for the seismic design of shallow double-arch tunnels under unsymmetrical pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main limiting factors in CdTe solar cells is its low p-type dopability and, consequently, low open-circuit voltage (VOC). We have systematically studied P and As doping in CdTe with first-principles calculations in order to understand how to increase the hole density. We find that both P and As p-type doping are self-compensated by the formation of AX centers. More importantly, we find that although high-temperature growth is beneficial to obtain high hole density, rapid cooling is necessary to sustain the hole density and to lower the Fermi level close to the valence band maximum (VBM) at room temperature. Thermodynamic simulations suggest that by cooling CdTe from a high growth temperature to room temperature under Te-poor conditions and choosing an optimal dopant concentration of about 1018/cm3, P and As doping can reach a hole density above 1017/cm3 at room temperature and lower the Fermi level to within ~0.1 eV above the VBM. These results suggest a promising pathway to improve the VOC and efficiency of CdTe solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano selenium which has the advantages of low toxicity, strong activity and high biocompatibility has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity to bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites, and has a broad application prospect in the field of inhibiting microbial infection. This paper mainly reviews the progress in the types and mechanisms of selenium inhibition microorganisms, and prospects the development of the antibacterial activities of selenium nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a scheme for designing single-to-balanced and balanced-to-balanced dual-channel filters using multilayer substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavities. By sharing the common SIW cavities, two single-to-balanced or two balanced-to-balanced filters are flexibly integrated as one dual-channel circuit, resulting in very high integration. The input and output ports are properly arranged to the SIW cavities, where the two modes of the TM110 degenerate modes can be separately excited by the ports of the two filter channels. Moreover, the resonance modes of one channel have no coupling to those of the other channel. Thus, isolation between the two channels is achieved even though the two channels are designed sharing the same SIW cavities. The desired balanced ports are achieved based on the inherent out-of-phase electric field property of the SIW cavity at TM110 degenerate modes. For verification, a six-port single-to-balanced dual-channel filter is implemented, exhibiting excellent single-to-balanced filtering responses of each channel and high isolation between the two channels. By converting the single-ended ports to balanced ports, second-order and third-order balanced-to-balanced dual-channel filters are proposed. Moreover, the proposed designs can also realize different channel bandwidth or channel frequencies to meet different wireless applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]