Search

Since the turn of the millennium, virtual reality (VR) has become a popular global research topic. Educators are eager to employ VR for interactive learning, potentially enhancing student engagement and efficiency. Researchers have conducted numerous trials, with students across disciplines achieving notable results, affirming VR's effectiveness, even in art and design education. The field of product design, in particular, requires high-dimensional interaction throughout the learning process, making it a promising application area for VR technology. This study takes art and design majors as the analysis object and aims to explore the development trend of VR technology in education related to product design courses. In addition, this study conducted a systematic review of relevant literature over the past five years to assess the current state of VR technology in arts education, the types of VR used in teaching, and the impact of the technology on the student population. The results reveal that, despite the growing interest in VR technology, there have been relatively few cases of educators applying this technology to product design education. Moreover, immersive VR technology in art and design classrooms is still in the new stage. Consequently, researchers have ample scope for further exploring and expanding this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increase in traffic volume, load level, and service life of existing bridges, the bending bearing capacity of reinforced concrete beams (hereinafter referred to as RC beams) has decreased, leading to safety issues. In order to solve the problem of insufficient flexural bearing capacity of RC beams, this article adopts the method of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) flexural strengthening RC beams, establishes a finite element model of UHPC-RC reinforcement system, and conducts stress analysis with reinforcement thickness, reinforcement range, reinforcement form, and reinforcement height as parameters to determine the optimal scheme of the reinforcement system. Based on the calculation results, a theoretical formula for the maximum principal stress and maximum deflection of the reinforcement system is proposed. To verify the feasibility of the plan, a reinforcement design was carried out on an existing beam, and it was found that the bending bearing capacity of the RC beam increased by 21%; the high tensile strength of UHPC and the addition of steel fibers have a good limiting effect on cracks; The steel plate of the reinforcement system can be used as a template, reducing construction costs and having good economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the incompressible limit of classical solutions to the compressible ideal magnetohydrodynamic equations in three-dimensional half space with a perfectly conducting wall condition. The initial data are inside a suitable class of functions of Sobolev type. We prove that the solutions of isentropic equations with ill-prepared initial data converge to the solution of the incompressible magnetohydrodynamic system by using the dispersion of acoustic waves in the half space. The incompressible limit of nonisentropic equations is rigorously established for well-prepared initial data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which showed a route to in situ detection of diffusion dynamics in polymer micro-objects by means of optical whispering-gallery mode (WGM) resonances. Topics discussed include characterization of WGM resonances of single microspheres using a confocal microscopic photoluminescence (PL) system, an overview of the full process covering four stages, and sample preparation.

Due to its high thermodynamic efficiency and small equipment size, the S-CO2 Brayton power cycle is a leading candidate for ship waste heat utilization. The hybrid heat exchanger formed by diffusion bonding of fins and etched plates can be used for heat exchange between the high temperature flue gas and the high pressure S-CO2. However, the law of structural strength is not clear for the hybrid heat exchanger. It is critical to carry out structural stress analysis. In this study, to assess the structural strength of the hybrid heat exchanger, the FEM was used and compared with a currently used method from ASME codes. The results show that the thermal stress caused by the temperature gradient is independent of the absolute temperature value. The change in the supercritical carbon pressure in the etched channel affects the mechanical stress more than the exhaust gas in the fin channel. Under design conditions, thermal stress and mechanical stress are equally important to the total stress of the hybrid heat exchanger. Moreover, the total stress is not a simple numerical superposition of thermal stress and mechanical stress but instead indicates a complex effect. From the FEM results, the etched channel exit that withstands a higher pressure load is the weakest point in the hybrid heat exchanger core. The FEM is a more comprehensive means for structural assessment than the ASME codes. This research can provide guidance for structural stress analysis of hybrid heat exchangers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of the combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) foot bath and mild moxibustion in the treatment of limb pain in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods: A total of 120 patients with symptoms of DPN-induced pain who were hospitalized at the Department of Endocrinology in the 903rd Hospital of PLA, from January 2020 to June 2021, were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to a study group and a control group, with 60 patients in each group. Patients in both groups received conventional treatments and nursing care, while those in study group were additionally treated with a combination of TCM foot bath and mild moxibustion. Treatment efficacy in the patients was evaluated using Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), pain rating index (PRI), visual analogue scale (VAS), TCM symptom score (TCMSS), and Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS). Results: Compared with control group, there were significant improvements in pain-related scores, namely, SF-MPQ, (p < 0.05); PRI, (p < 0.01); VAS, (p < 0.05); as well as overall efficacy (p < 0.05). Similar improvements were also observed with regard to TCMSS (p < 0.001) and TCSS (p < 0.001) in the study group. However, there were no significant changes in Adjusted Diabetes Quality of Life (A-DQOL) score and blood glucose control in both groups. Conclusion: Relative to the conventional treatment for DPN, limb pain and disease score of patients are significantly reduced by the combination of TCM foot bath and mild moxibustion treatments. Further clinical trials would be required prior to application in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bridge horizontal swivel system generally adopts a symmetrical structure and uses a spherical hinge structure that can adjust the rotation to complete rotation construction. Because of the complexity of railway lines under bridges, some asymmetrical horizontal swivel systems have been increasingly applied in practical engineering in recent years. This system is more suitable for areas with complex railway lines, reduces the bridge span, and provides better economic benefits. However, it is also extremely unstable. In addition, instability can easily occur under dynamic loads, such as earthquake action and pulsating wind effects. Therefore, it is necessary to study their mechanical behavior. Based on the horizontal swivel system of an 11,000-ton asymmetric continuous girder bridge, the dynamic response of the horizontal swivel system to seismic action was studied using the finite element simulation analysis method. Furthermore, using the Peer database, seismic waves that meet the calculation requirements are screened for time-history analysis and compared to the response spectrum method. The mechanical properties of the structural system during and after rotation were obtained through calculations. During rotation, the seismic response of the structure is greater. To reduce the calculation time cost, an optimization algorithm based on the mode shape superposition method is proposed. The calculation result is 87% that of the time-history analysis, indicating a relatively high calculation accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PLKs plays an important role in the regulation of mitosis and meiosis in the cell cycle, so the exact expression pattern and prognosis of the five subtypes of PLK are clearly analyzed. • The expression of PLKs in breast cancer tissues was analyzed by Oncomine database, GEPIA database, Kaplan-Meier mapper and cBioPortal database system for the first time. • In the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database, high levels of PLK1 and PLK4 transcripts were observed to be associated with low relapse-free survival in all breast cancer patients. On the other hand, high levels of PLK2, PLK3, and PLK5 were associated with higher relapse-free survival. • PLK1 and PLK4 are potential targets for breast cancer patients to receive precision therapy, and PLK2, PLK3 and PLK5 have been proposed as new biomarkers for the prognosis of breast cancer. A thorough examination of PLKs in breast cancer, including their expression and prognosis. With the help of the Oncomine database, the transcript levels of PLKs in breast cancer were examined. The changes in PLKs expression with tumor stage and indeed the relationship between PLKs expression and stage of cancer in women with breast cancer were scrutinized by using the GEPIA database. Based on Kaplan-Meier plots, breast cancer patients were assessed for their prognosis. Breast cancer gene expression and mutations were analyzed within the cBioPortal database. According to Oncomine data, PLK1 and PLK4 mRNA expression levels were dramatically elevated in breast cancer patients while PLK2 and PLK5P levels were significantly downregulated. PLK1 and PLK4 expression were discovered to be greater in breast cancer tissues than in healthy tissues following analysis of the GEPIA database (P < 0.05). High levels of PLK1 and PLK4 transcripts have been linked to poor relapse-free survival rates across all patients with breast cancer according to the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database. The high levels of PLK2, PLK3, and PLK5 were associated with a higher recurrence-free survival rate. In the cBioPortal database, PLK was altered in 9.6% of breast cancer samples. Genetic alterations occurred in 15.07% of clinically counted invasive breast cancers, with mutations in 4.11%, gene amplifications in 9.59%, and gene deletion mutations in 1.37%. Additionally, the KEGG database demonstrates that PLKs are crucial for the cell cycle. The findings imply that elevated PLK1 and PLK4 expression in tissues of breast cancer might contribute significantly to the carcinogenesis of breast cancer. Moreover, PLK1 and PLK4 are highly expressed in breast cancer, and their use as molecular markers to identify high-risk subsets from patients with breast cancer is potentially possible. For the precise therapy of breast cancers, PLK1 and PLK4 are potential targets, while PLK2, PLK3, and PLK5 are brand-new biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the spherical hinge in the bridge swivel structure bears huge vertical pressure, the material and its structural load-bearing capacity are therefore highly-required. In the latest research, the ultrahigh performance concrete material is applied to the spherical hinge structure and the author of this article has conducted a detailed study on the mechanical properties and failure mechanism of this structure; however, there is still no real bridge application at present. In order to ensure the stability of the structure, based on an actual project, this research proposes a monitoring method for the stability of the UHPC spherical hinge horizontal rotation system, i.e., using theoretical calculations and numerical analysis methods. Besides, the mechanical characteristics of the bridge during the process of rotation are predicted, and the monitoring data of the stress of the UHPC spherical hinge, the bending moment of the pier bottom, as well as the acceleration time history of the cantilever beam end are made a comparison to judge whether the rotating posture of the structure is stable. The results show that UHPC spherical hinge features high strength and will not cause axial damage; also, the horizontal rotation system will not cause the unstability due to wind-induced vibration and structural self-excited vibration. Briefly concluded, the theoretical model is basically consistent with the measured data, i.e., the mechanical properties of the structure can be accurately predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problems of high moisture content of stems during buckwheat harvesting and easy clogging of grid concave plates, a telescopic rod tooth-ribbed rod roller type threshing device was designed. The device is mainly composed of a ribbed rod roller and telescopic rod teeth. When the ribbed rod roller type rotates, the telescopic rod teeth do reciprocating telescopic motion. When the rod teeth rotate to the minimum threshing gap, the outstretch length is the smallest. When the rod teeth rotate to the top, the outstretch length maximum. The device solves the problems of poor material flow between threshing devices and clogging of grid concave plates. This threshing device was attached to the threshing performance test bench, and the buckwheat threshing test was performed. Through the single factor test, the threshing parameter range under the condition of low loss rate and damage rate of the threshing device was obtained: the speed of the threshing roller is 350~450 r/min, the feeding amount is 0.8~1.2 kg/s, and the threshing gap is 9~11 mm. Through the quadratic orthogonal rotation combination test, the results were fitted by multiple linear regression, and the regression equations of the loss rate and the broken rate were obtained, and the significance test was carried out. The response surface analysis of the main influencing factors was carried out to explore the influence of threshing parameters on the loss rate and damage rate. Through parameter optimization, the threshing parameter combination with the lowest loss rate and damage rate of the threshing device was obtained. The speed of the threshing roller is 405.47 r/min, the feed amount is 1.06 kg/s, and the threshing gap is 10.49 mm. Under these conditions, the loss rate is 0.05%, and the damage rate is 4.05%. The overall performance of the threshing device is good, which provides a theoretical basis for the research and development of buckwheat mechanized harvesting equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problems of large loss rate and high damage rate during buckwheat threshing, an inner and outer roller buckwheat thresher was designed. The device is mainly composed of an inner roller and an outer roller, the inner roller is a rod-tooth combination roller, and the outer roller is a grid roller, the inner and outer rollers can be rotated independently. The outer roller is supported on the friction wheels and the supporting wheels, and driven to rotate by the friction wheel transmission system. The compression device is installed at the top to prevent the outer roller from slipping during the rotation. During working, the materials enter between the inner and outer rollers and the separation of grains and stems under the brushing and kneading action of the inner and outer rollers takes place. In order to push the materials between the inner and outer rollers smoothly, a double spiral blade type screw feeding device was designed. By establishing a mathematical model of material pushing, the screw feeding device has a material conveying speed of 1.87 m/s and a conveying capacity of 4.29 kg/s. In order to study the threshing performance, the threshing device was installed on the basis of the Kubota 688 tracked type combine to complete a prototype of a tracked buckwheat combination harvester. Field tests show that the grain impurity rate is 6.50%, the grain damage rate is 1.42%, the threshing loss rate is 0.25%, the cleaning loss rate is 1.01%, the direct loss rate of the header is 2.43%, and the total machine harvest loss rate is 3.69% at the working speed of 0.53 m/s and the feeding rate of 0.41 kg/s. The test results provide a basis for the improvement of buckwheat mechanized harvesting machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an acoustic receiver, transducer plays a vital role in signal acquisition and image reconstruction for magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI). In order to optimize signal acquisition, the expressions of acoustic pressure detection and waveform collection are theoretically studied based on the radiation theory of acoustic dipole and the reception pattern of transducer. Pressure distributions are simulated for a cylindrical phantom model using a planar piston transducer with different radii and bandwidths. The proposed theory is also verified by the experimental measurements of acoustic waveform detection for an aluminum foil cylinder. It is proved that acoustic pressure with sharp and clear boundary peaks can be detected by the large-radius transducer with wide bandwidth, reflecting the differential of the induced Lorentz force accurately, which is helpful for precise conductivity reconstruction. To detect acoustic pressure with acceptable pressure amplitude, peak pressure ratio, amplitude ratio, and improved signal to noise ratio, the scanning radius of 5–10 times the radius of the object should be selected to improve the accuracy of image reconstruction. This study provides a theoretical and experimental basis for transducer selection and application in MAT-MI to obtain reconstructed images with improved resolution and definition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the distribution of buckwheat threshing outputs, on the self-designed internal and external rotary roller buckwheat threshing device test bench, the feeding amount was 0.5 kg/s, the internal roller speed was 380 r/min, and the external roller speed was +50 r/min (same direction as the internal roller), 0 r/min and -50 r/min (reverse direction compared to the internal roller) for threshing test. By analysing the overall condition of the threshing outputs, the content of each component in the threshing outputs, and the axial distribution of the threshing roller, it was found that the receiving box below the rasp bar roller mainly contained grains and chaff, leaves and petals, and the receiving box below the spike tooth roller mainly contained short stalks. Under the three conditions, the proportion of chaff in the threshing outputs was 40- 45%, the proportion of leaves and petals was 23-29%, the proportion of grains was 13-19%, the proportion of short stalks was 14-16%. Grains, chaff, leaves and petals were mainly concentrated at the front, and short stalks were mainly distributed at the rear of the threshing roller, providing a theoretical basis for the design of the cleaning system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edge computing provides capabilities similar to traditional cloud computing at network edge closer to users. Offloading applications from the cloud to the edge of the network can effectively diminish the latency of users waiting for applications to improve their quality of service(QoS). Due to the user mobility, however, the distance between the user and the edge device is constantly increasing, resulting in a degradation of the user's QoS. To satisfy the QoS of mobile users, applications should be dynamically migrated to follow the user mobility. In this paper, we propose a mobility-aware dynamic service placement policy that reduces the number of virtual machine migrations and diminishes user-perceived latency simultaneously. The proposed scheme filters out the invalid migration that the user handoffs to another access point before the migration is completed. The simulation trials demonstrate that our solution improves the QoS of users and reduces the number of application migrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleaving with other categories of stimuli has been shown to enhance category learning. However,learners, tend to believe that blocking enhances learning, even after their own performancehad showed the opposite. The present study explored the contributions of processing fluency(Experiment 1) and beliefs (Experiment 2) to the illusion that blocking enhances category learning.We found that: (a) learners' performance benefited from interleaving, but their metacognitivejudgments were not in conformity with it, (b) the perceived tendency of metacognitive illusionwas reduced by inserting an unrelated cartoon image in the blocked presentation condition todecrease fluency, and (c) learners came to the experimental task with a pre-existing belief that theinstruction of blocking by topic was superior to intermixing topics. This belief disappeared whenlearners were offered the theoretical explanation of why interleaving exemplars is more effective.In conclusion, this study revealed that processing fluency and held beliefs were two factors thatcause this metacognitive illusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleaving with other categories of stimuli has been shown to enhance category learning. However, learners, tend to believe that blocking enhances learning, even after their own performance had showed the opposite. The present study explored the contributions of processing fluency (Experiment 1) and beliefs (Experiment 2) to the illusion that blocking enhances category learning. We found that: (a) learners' performance benefited from interleaving, but their metacognitive judgments were not in conformity with it, (b) the perceived tendency of metacognitive illusion was reduced by inserting an unrelated cartoon image in the blocked presentation condition to decrease fluency, and (c) learners came to the experimental task with a pre-existing belief that the instruction of blocking by topic was superior to intermixing topics. This belief disappeared when learners were offered the theoretical explanation of why interleaving exemplars is more effective. In conclusion, this study revealed that processing fluency and held beliefs were two factors that cause this metacognitive illusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to significant influences of in-wheel motors on the performance of suspension, a modified GPSO-LQG controller is proposed for one-quarter vehicle suspension with the purpose of optimizing suspension performance for entire speed ranges. After the introduction of one-quarter vehicle suspension model, road surface excitation model and magneto-rheological damper model, the GPSO-LQG controller is investigated with three weighted coefficients optimized by utilizing the Genetic Particle Swarm Optimization (GPSO). With the intension of meeting the requirements across the speed range, the weighted coefficients are presented as functions of speed in a modified GPSO-LQG controller while constraint values (α, β) are given in the optimization of the weighted coefficients. Subsequently, simulation models are constructed with two working conditions. In the end, simulation results indicate that the modified GPSO-LQG controller reduces body acceleration by 8.37% at a low speed and decreases the tire dynamic load by 8.55% at a high speed, as compared with a GPSO-LQG controller. In terms of its outstanding advantages in improving the performance of suspension, the modified GPSO-LQG controller is more suitable for in-wheel motors suspension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) have connections with childhood trauma, and there might be an attentional deterioration in DID adolescents. The Mismatch Negativity (MMN) of the event-related potentials might provide an objective marker of pre-attention (passive or involuntary attention) deficit in these younger patients. Methods: We therefore trialed MMN in 10 adolescents with DID and in children of age 11 and their gender matched healthy volunteers using an auditory frequency deviance paradigm at three midline scalp electrodes. Their anxiety and depression levels were measured using the self-rating anxiety and depression scales respectively. Results: The MMN amplitudes at the three electrode sites and N1 amplitudes to deviant stimulus at two sites were higher in patients, both anxiety and depression levels were also more elevated in patients, but the cerebral potentials were not correlated with either anxiety or depression level. Conclusions: The higher MMN amplitudes in DID indicate more enhanced accuracy in discriminating stimulus change, which might be related to an atypical lack of inhibition on the irrelevant stimuli or increased cortical neuronal activity in the disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mg-MOF-74 is one of the most well-known metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and has been widely studied for gas adsorption and separation. Nevertheless, employment of original Mg-MOF-74 in powder form inevitably leads to a high pressure drop across column and even dust pollution in practical application. In this work, we molded powder Mg-MOF-74 into extrudates and tested its performance on adsorptive separation of ethylene/ethane mixture for the first time, taking commercialized benchmark 13X zeolite as comparison. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), specific surface area measurements, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were performed to characterize the transformed samples, and adsorption equilibrium of ethylene and ethane on molded Mg-MOF-74 were measured at 273 and 298 K and pressure up to 1 bar. The potential industrial application of molded Mg-MOF-74 was examined through breakthrough and regeneration experiments, revealing that molded Mg-MOF-74 was feasible and stable enough to be exploited as adsorbent of adsorptive separation of ethylene/ethane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flies have the capacity to transfer pathogens between different environments, acting as one of the most important vectors of human diseases worldwide. In this study, we trapped flies on a university campus and tested them for mobile resistance genes against colistin, a last-resort antibiotic in human medicine for treating clinical infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Quantitative PCR assays we developed showed that 34.1% of Musca domestica (86/ 252) and 51.1% of Protophormia terraenovae (23/45) isolates were positive for the mcr-1 gene, 1.2% of M. domestica (3/252) and 2.2% of P. terraenovae (2.2%, 1/45) isolates were positive for mcr-2, and 5.2% of M. domestica (13/252) and 44.4% of P. terraenovae (20/45) isolates were positive for mcr-3. Overall, 4.8% (9/189) of bacteria isolated from the flies were positive for the mcr-1 gene (Escherichia coli: 8.3%, 4/48; Enterobacter cloacae: 12.5%, 1/8; Providencia alcalifaciens: 11.8%, 2/17; Providencia stuartii: 4.9%, 2/41), while none were positive for mcr-2 and mcr-3. Four mcr-1- positive isolates (two P. stuartii and two P. alcalifaciens) from blow flies trapped near a dumpster had a MIC for colistin above 4 mg/ml. This study reports mcr-1 carriage in Providencia spp. and detection of mcr-2 and mcr-3 after their initial identification in Belgium and China, respectively. This study suggests that flies might contribute significantly to the dissemination of bacteria, carrying these genes into a large variety of ecological niches. Further studies are warranted to explore the roles that flies might play in the spread of colistin resistance genes.IMPORTANCE Antimicrobial resistance is recognized as one of the most seriousglobal threats to human health. An option for treatment of the Gram-negative ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) bacteria with multiple drug resistance was the reintroduction of the older antibiotic colistin. However, a mobile colistin resistance gene (mcr-1) has recently been found to occur widely; very recently, two other colistin resistance genes (mcr-2 and mcr-3) have been identified in Belgium and China, respectively. In this study, we report the presence of colistin resistance genes in flies. This study also reports the carriage of colistin resistance genes in the genus Providencia and detection of mcr-2 and mcr-3 after their initial identification. This study will stimulate more in-depth studies to fully elucidate the transmission mechanisms of the colistin resistance genes and their interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Highly hypnotizable individuals have impaired executive function, elevated motor impulsivity and increased emotional sensitivity, which are sometimes found in bipolar disorder patients. It is then reasonable to assume that certain aspects of hypnotic susceptibility differ with the types of bipolar disorder. Methods: The Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale: Form C (SHSS:C) test, the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), the Hypomanic Checklist-32 (HCL-32) and the Plutchick-van Praag Depression Inventory (PVP) were applied to 62 patients with bipolar I disorder, 33 bipolar II disorder, and 120 healthy volunteers. Results: The passing rate of the SHSS:C 'Moving hands apart' item was higher in bipolar I patients than in controls, whereas for 'Mosquito hallucination' the rate was lower. Bipolar I and II patients scored significantly higher on MDQ, HCL-32 and PVP scales than controls. The passing rates of 'Mosquito hallucination' in controls, 'Arm rigidity' in bipolar I, and 'Age regression' in bipolar II predicted the respective MDQ scores. Conclusion: In contrast to cognitive suggestions, bipolar I patients followed motor suggestions more often under hypnosis. Furthermore, both bipolar disorder patients and healthy volunteers demonstrated associations between mania levels and certain hypnotic susceptibility features. Our study aids in better understanding the altered conscious states in bipolar disorders, and encourages the use of related psychotherapy for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF), HOF-11, has been successfully prepared by the slow diffusion of hexane into a tetrahydrofuran solution of tris(4-carboxyphenyl)amine (TCPA). HOF-11 has been characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analysis, which is composed of TCPA ligands connected by the intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions in the carboxylic group dimer, showing 11-fold interpenetrated three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded networks in a (10,3)-b topology with the pore size of 6.2 × 6.8 Ų. The permanent porosity of degassed HOF was demonstrated by virtue of the CO2 sorption and selective gas adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Headache symptoms self-reported by migraine patients are largely congruent with the clinician-used diagnostic criteria, but not always so. Patients' self-reports of headache symptoms might offer additional clues to characterize migraine with (MA) and without (MO) aura more precisely.Methods: Firstly, we invited 324 participants with a life-long headache attack to answer an item-matrix measuring symptoms of primary headaches, then we performed both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to their answers and refined a headache symptom questionnaire. Secondly, we applied this questionnaire to 28 MA and 52 MO patients.Results: In participants with a life-long headache, we refined a 27-item, structure-validated headache symptom questionnaire, with four factors (scales) namely the Somatic /Aura Symptoms, Gastrointestinal and Autonomic Symptoms, Tightness and Location Features, and Prodromal/Aggravating Symptoms. Further, we found that MA patients reported higher than did MO patients on the Somatic/Aura Symptoms and Tightness and Location Features scales.Conclusions: Compared to MO, MA was conferred with more prominent tightness and location features besides its higher somatic or aura symptoms. Patients' self-reports of headache symptoms might offer more clues to distinguish two types of migraine besides their clinician-defined criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (NCRMD) designation remains widely misunderstood by the public. Such misunderstandings may also be reflected in the media. As such, the aim of this study is to conduct a preliminary examination of the tone and content of recent Canadian newspaper articles where NCRMD is a major theme, comparing these to generic articles about mental illness.Methods: Articles about mental illness were gathered from major Canadian newspapers. These were then divided into two categories: 1) articles where NCRMD was a major theme and 2) articles where NCRMD was not a major theme. Articles were then coded for the presence or absence of 1) a negative tone, 2) stigmatising tone/content, 3) recovery/rehabilitation as a theme, and 4) shortage of resources/poor quality of care as a theme.Results: The retrieval strategy resulted in 940 articles. Fourteen percent ( n = 131) of all articles had NCRMD as a major theme. In comparison to generic articles about mental illness, articles with NCRMD as a major theme were significantly more likely to have a negative tone ( P < 0.001) and stigmatising tone/content ( P < 0.001) and significantly less likely to have recovery/rehabilitation ( P < 0.001) or shortage of resources/poor quality of care as a theme ( P < 0.001).Conclusions: Articles with NCRMD as a theme were overwhelmingly negative and almost never focused on recovery or rehabilitation, in stark comparison to generic articles about mental illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Adaptive Discrete Geometric Approach is proposed for high-accuracy simulations of 2-D elliptic problems on the coarse grid. The idea is to reduce the error coming from the discretization of the constitutive equations by using the patch recovery technique. The integration-oriented scheme is adopted for the recovery procedure due to the high-precision of the regression functions. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed approach are verified by the numerical tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine variations between immigrants and nonimmigrants in 1) prevalence of common mental disorders and other mental health variables; 2) health service utilisation for emotional problems, mental disorders, and addictions, and 3) health service satisfaction.Methods: This article is based on a longitudinal cohort study conducted from May 2007 to the present: the Epidemiological Catchment Area Study of Montreal South-West (ZEPSOM). Participants were followed up at 4 time points (T1, n = 2433; T4, n = 1095). Core exposure variables include immigrant status (immigrant vs. nonimmigrant), duration of residence, and region of origin. Key outcome variables included mental health status, health service utilisation, and health service satisfaction. Data were analysed both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.Results: Immigrants had been in Canada for 20 years on average. Immigrants had significantly lower rates of high psychological distress (32.6% vs. 39.1%, P = 0.016), alcohol dependence (1.4% vs. 3.9%, P =0.010), depression (5.2% vs. 9.2%, P = 0.008), and various other mental disorders. They had significantly higher scores of mental well-being (48.9 vs. 47.1 score, P = 0.014) and satisfaction with social (34.0 vs. 33.4 score, P = 0.021) and personal relationships (16.7 vs. 15.6 score, P < 0.001). Immigrants had significantly lower rates of health service utilisation for emotional problems, mental disorders, and addictions and significantly higher rates of health service satisfaction at all time points. Asian and African immigrants had particularly low rates of utilisation and high rates of satisfaction.Conclusions: Immigrants had better overall mental health than nonimmigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bipolar disorder types I (BD I) and II (BD II) might present different dysfunctions of the cortex and brainstem, as reflected by the second exteroceptive suppression period of temporalis muscle activity (ES2) under different stimuli of external emotions. Methods: This study included 30 BD I and 20 BD II patients, and 40 healthy volunteers. All participants were invited to answer the Mood Disorder Questionnaire, the Hypomania Checklist-32, and the Plutchik-van Praag Depression inventory, as well as to undergo the ES2 test under external emotional-stimuli (emotional pictures plus sounds) of Disgust, Erotica, Fear, Happiness, and Sadness. Results: The scale scores were elevated in both patient groups, but were not correlated with ES2 parameters. Compared to healthy controls, BD I showed prolonged ES2 latency under Erotica, and their perceived happiness and sadness intensities were negatively correlated with the respective ES2 durations, while BD II showed prolonged ES2 latencies under Disgust and Happiness, and shortened ES2 durations under Disgust, Happiness and Sadness. Moreover, ES2 duration under Sadness was significantly shorter in BD II than that in BD I. Conclusions: The cortico-brainstem inhibitory dysfunctions in BD I and BD II was different, and this difference was independent of the patient's ongoing emotions. Our study thus provides some hints to distinguish the two types of bipolar disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] To explore the scientific cultivation mode of Pseudostellaria heterophylla in Shandong Province. [Methods] According to the ecological characteristics of P. heterophylla, the cultivation techniques and management points of P. heterophylla in Weihai are summarized. [Results] The scientific cultivation techniques and management points of P. heterophylla are introduced from the aspects of land selection, land preparation, seed selection, seedling nursing, timely sowing and transplanting, field management and disease and pest control. [Conclusions] This study will provide theoretical guidance for the high-quality, high-yield and high-efficiency cultivation of P. heterophylla in Shandong area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Niemann-Pick C1 protein (NPC1) is a late-endosomal membrane protein involved in trafficking of LDL-derived cholesterol, Niemann-Pick disease type C, and Ebola virus infection. NPC1 contains 13 transmembrane segments (TMs), five of which are thought to represent a "sterol-sensing domain" (SSD). Although present also in other key regulatory proteins of cholesterol biosynthesis, uptake, and signaling, the structure and mechanism of action of the SSD are unknown. Here we report a crystal structure of a large fragment of human NPC1 at 3.6 Å resolution, which reveals internal twofold pseudosymmetry along TM 2-13 and two structurally homologous domains that protrude 60 Å into the endosomal lumen. Strikingly, NPC1's SSD forms a cavity that is accessible from both the luminal bilayer leaflet and the endosomal lumen; computational modeling suggests that this cavity is large enough to accommodate one cholesterol molecule. We propose a model for NPC1 function in cholesterol sensing and transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is an unusual variant of fibrosarcoma that was previously considered to be a low-grade tumor with an indolent course. The tumor occurs most commonly in the soft tissue of the limb, trunk, head and neck, and occasionally in the bone and visceral organs. The skull is a rare primary site for SEF, with only 3 cases reported to date. The current study reports a case of SEF occurring in the occipital bone of a 24-year-old man, who lacked neurological symptoms. Imaging revealed a large mass emanating from the occipital bone and involving the superior sagittal sinus, torcular herophili and adjacent brain tissue. Histological and immunohistochemical characteristics confirmed the diagnosis of SEF. The patient experienced local recurrence and distant metastasis at 10 and 15 months, respectively, subsequent to the resection of the primary mass. The current case and review of the literature suggest that skull SEF may behave clinically as an aggressive malignant sarcoma. Radiological findings indicated the biological and histopathological characteristics of the tumor. Thus, its clinical behavior and certain imaging features may suggest this diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal carbonization has been proven to improve the fuel properties of lowash straw biomass. To explore the effect of hydrothermal carbonization on high-ash straw biomass, the fuel properties and combustion behavior of hydrochar prepared by high-ash rice straw and corn straw at different temperature were studied. The results showed that increased reaction temperature could improve the C content, fixed carbon, heating value, and fuel ratios (FC/VM) in high-ash straw hydrochars, which is similar to the change trend of low-ash biomass. The hydrochar prepared at 260 °C has similar H/C and O/C atomic ratios and FC/VM to lignite. In addition, the highest energetic recovery efficiency is obtained at 200 °C. While at 180 °C, the comprehensive combustion characteristic index of the hydrochar is the best, which is 5.04 · 10-11 [min-2K-3] and 6.42 · 10-11 [min-2K-3]. In addition, the C content in the hydrochars at 180 °C was lower than the raw material, and the ash content increases with the reaction temperature, which is quite different from the low-ash biomass. In conclusion, the hydrothermal carbonization could improve the fuel quality of high-ash straw, while its ash content remains at a high level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Evolutionary information in the form of a Position-Specific Scoring Matrix (PSSM) is a widely used and highly informative representation of protein sequences. Accordingly, PSSM-based feature descriptors have been successfully applied to improve the performance of various predictors of protein attributes. Even though a number of algorithms have been proposed in previous studies, there is currently no universal web server or toolkit available for generating this wide variety of descriptors. Here, we present POSSUM (Position-Specific Scoring matrix-based feature generator for machine learning), a versatile toolkit with an online web server that can generate 21 types of PSSMbased feature descriptors, thereby addressing a crucial need for bioinformaticians and computational biologists. We envisage that this comprehensive toolkit will be widely used as a powerful tool to facilitate feature extraction, selection, and benchmarking of machine learning-based models, thereby contributing to a more effective analysis and modeling pipeline for bioinformatics research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chip-scale, optical microcavity-based biosensors typically employ an ultra-high-quality microcavity and require a precision wavelength-tunable laser for exciting the cavity resonance. For point-of-care applications, however, such a system based on measurements in the spectral domain is prone to equipment noise and not portable. An alternative microcavity-based biosensor that enables a high sensitivity in an equipment-noise-tolerant and potentially portable system is desirable. Here, we demonstrate the proof-of-concept of such a biosensor using a coupled-resonator optical-waveguide (CROW) on a silicon-on-insulator chip. The sensing scheme is based on measurements in the spatial domain, and only requires exciting the CROW at a fixed wavelength and imaging the out-of-plane elastic light-scattering intensity patterns of the CROW. Based on correlating the light-scattering intensity pattern at a probe wavelength with the light-scattering intensity patterns at the CROW eigenstates, we devise a pattern-recognition algorithm that enables the extraction of a refractive index change, Dn, applied upon the CROW upper-cladding from a calibrated set of correlation coefficients. Our experiments using an 8-microring CROW covered by NaCl solutions of different concentrations reveal a Δn of ~1.5 × 10-4 refractive index unit (RIU) and a sensitivity of ~752 RIU-1, with a noise-equivalent detection limit of ~6 × 10-6 RIU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gliomatosis peritonei (GP) is characterized by the presence of benign, mature neuroglial implants throughout the peritoneum and is typically accompanied by mature or immature ovarian teratomas. GP is a condition that has only been described relatively recently, with ~100 cases reported in the English literature. The majority of reported cases have focused on the pathology and clinical treatment of the disease; radiological findings are distinct, but the discussion of this is scarce in the literature. The current study presents two cases of GP with bilateral ovarian teratomas and provides a review of the relevant literature, with particular emphasis on the radiological differential diagnosis. The present study reinforces previously reported observations from imaging analysis and suggests that radiological investigation alone cannot sufficiently aid the differentiation of benign glial deposits from diffuse peritoneal malignant seeding. However, radiologists should be familiar with this rare condition in order to provide an accurate diagnosis, particularly in ovarian tumor staging, which may markedly impact the administered treatment. It is recommended that doctors undertake long-term follow-ups in patients presenting with GP due to the potential for malignant transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel screw-thread-type ultrasonic actuator based on a Langevin piezoelectric vibrator, with an assembly comprised a threaded shaft, is presented. The bolt-clamped Langevin vibrator consists of 4 chips of PZT ceramics and generates more energy with a certain input power. The threads of the stator multiply the linear force and position resolution, and the threaded rod is rotated directly to achieve linear movement without additional mechanical conversion. The actuator was designed and optimized using the Finite Element Method (FEM), and a prototype was fabricated. At 300 Vp-p, the maximum thrust force, velocity, and efficiency were approximately 4.2 N, 9.5 mms-1, and 5.6%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about longitudinal associations between added sugar consumption (solid and liquid sources) and glucose-insulin homeostasis among youth. Caucasian children (8-10 y) with at least one obese biological parent were recruited in the QUébec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth (QUALITY) cohort (n = 630) and followed-up 2 y later (n = 564). Added sugars were assessed by 3 24-h dietary recalls at baseline. Two-year changes were examined in multivariate linear regression models, adjusting for baseline level, age, sex, Tanner stage, energy intake, fat mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and physical activity (7 d accelerometer). Added sugar intake in either liquid or solid sources was not related to changes in adiposity measures (fat mass, body mass index, or waist circumference). However, a higher consumption (10 g/d) of added sugars from liquid sources was associated with 0.04 mmol/L higher fasting glucose, 2.3 pmol/L higher fasting insulin, 0.1 unit higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and 0.4 unit lower Matsuda-insulin sensitivity index (Matsuda-ISI) in all participants (P < 0.01). No associations were observed with consumption of added sugars from solid sources. Overweight/obese children at baseline had greater increases in adiposity indicators, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR and decreases in Matsuda-ISI during those 2 y than normal-weight children. Consumption of added sugars from liquid or solid sources was not associated with changes in adiposity, but liquid added sugars were a risk factor for the development of impaired glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance over 2 y among youth at risk of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic deactivation caused by coking was studied in zeolite Y and ZSM5 during 1-hexene isomerization under subcritical and supercritical conditions. The effects of varying temperature and pressure, from 220 to 250 °C and from 10 to 70 bar, respectively, on conversion and coke deposition were studied in both zeolites. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectra (DRIFTS), and nitrogen sorption isotherms for fresh and coked catalysts were compared. In zeolite Y an exponential decay in conversion was observed with the rate of deactivation being slower at supercritical conditions at 235 °C and 40 bar than subcritical conditions at 235 °C and 10 bar. It is thought that in zeolite Y the micropores with diameter 7.4 Å could accommodate coke molecules leading to the observed deactivation; however, in ZSM5 the micropores of 5.3–5.6 Å diameter were too small to accommodate coke molecules, and thus coke was deposited outside the zeolite crystals within the mesopores of the alumina binder. Although zeolite Y deactivated, while ZSM5 did not, the use of a supercritical fluid reaction environment enabled the conversion at 235 °C, 40 bar to be maintained at 42% over zeolite Y, which was higher than the conversion of 34% over ZSM5 catalyst under the same conditions. Operating with supercritical fluid led to the partial alleviation of the significant coking effects observed with zeolite Y and improved its viability for use in this reaction compared with the performance of ZSM5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micrometer-scale hierarchical flower-like structures of Cu3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O assembled by nanoplates were, for the first time, fabricated in a high yield viaa simple hydrothermal process in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). X-Ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the samples. The results demonstrated that CTAB played an important role as a soft template in the formation of the 3D Cu3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O architecture. The formation mechanism was preliminarily studied based on XRD studies and SEM observations by arresting the growth at a series of intermediate stages in the formation of the flower-like structures. Some factors influencing the morphologies of the Cu3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O flower-like micro/nanocomposite structures were systematically investigated. The electrochemical measurements revealed that the Cu3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O microflowers displayed a high discharge capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy-coupling factor (ECF) transporters, responsible for vitamin uptake in prokaryotes, are a unique family of membrane transporters. Each ECF transporter contains a membrane-embedded, substrate-binding protein (known as the S component), an energy-coupling module that comprises two ATP-binding proteins (known as the A and A′ components) and a transmembrane protein (known as the T component). The structure and transport mechanism of the ECF family remain unknown. Here we report the crystal structure of RibU, the S component of the ECF-type riboflavin transporter from Staphylococcus aureus at 3.6-Å resolution. RibU contains six transmembrane segments, adopts a previously unreported transporter fold and contains a riboflavin molecule bound to the L1 loop and the periplasmic portion of transmembrane segments 4-6. Structural analysis reveals the essential ligand-binding residues, identifies the putative transport path and, with sequence alignment, uncovers conserved structural features and suggests potential mechanisms of action among the ECF transporters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the capability of venography based on MR phase-sensitive imaging (PSI) in the visualization of internal cerebral veins (ICV) and their tributaries, and to concurrently describe their anatomical variants. Patients and methods: A total of 100 consecutive patients underwent PSI MR examination. A minimum intensity projection image from PSI was generated and evaluated by two radiologists. Veins included in this study were ICV, thalamostriate veins (TSV), septal veins (SV), anterior caudate nucleus veins, medial atrial veins and lateral direct veins. Results: With PSI-based venography, we clearly delineated ICV, SV, TSV, anterior caudate nucleus veins, medial atrial veins and lateral direct veins in 100, 98.5, 100, 92.5, 92 and 32% of 200 sides, respectively, within a group of 100 patients. In 80.5% of the sides, the TSV–SV–ICV junction was located adjacent to the posterior margin of the foramen of Monro; in 19.5% the junction was located beyond the foramen of Monro; and in 70.8%, the anterior caudate nucleus veins drained into TSV. In 21.6% of the sides, the SV, TSV and anterior caudate nucleus veins joined together to form the ICV. In 7.6% of the sides, the anterior caudate nucleus veins and TSV separately conjoined with SV or ICV. The pattern that the anterior caudate nucleus veins drain into SV or ICV is more frequent in the sides with TSV–SV–ICV in the posterior location. Of the 64 lateral direct veins, 59.4% of the sides were accompanied by an insufficient development of the TSV and 40.6% sides were normal. Enlarged direct lateral veins frequently accompany an insufficient development of TSV. Conclusions: Phase-sensitive imaging-based venography showed its extraordinary detectability in demonstrating the anatomy and variants of ICV and their tributaries. The advantages of this technique are a relatively short examination time, and a non-invasive and contrast-free procedure. We propose that PSI-based venography may be a promising method to study the anatomy of subependymal veins, especially the tiny and tortuous ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isomerization and oligomerization of 1-hexene was studied over ZSM-5 catalyst under sub- and supercritical conditions within a down-flow fixed bed reactor in the temperature range of 220−250 °C and pressure range 10−70 bar. The catalyst activity and the product selectivity were found to be dependent on the operation conditions. Reactions were carried out over beds with 10 and 0.5 g catalyst, the smaller bed being used to simulate coking in the top layer of the larger bed. The conversion of 1-hexene over the 10 g bed of catalyst was in the range 83−99%, depending upon the operating conditions and was stable during the test period. An increase of the reaction temperature from 220−250 °C led to higher selectivity toward oligomerization, as did increases in reaction pressure in the range 10−70 bar. The amount of coke deposited on the catalysts decreased from 18.8 wt % at 235 °C and 10 bar in the subcritical region to 10.4 wt % at 235 °C and 40 bar in the supercritical region. DRIFTS showed that deposited coke is mainly polyolefinic. Nitrogen sorption showed that following initial shallow pore filling over shorter contact times, the pore mouth subsequently became blocked and coke mainly formed on the outside of the zeolite crystallites. When operating with 0.5 g catalyst, some deactivation occurred under subcritical conditions, although not under supercritical conditions. It appeared that with the smaller catalyst mass oligomers were retained within the pore structure of ZSM-5. The results of the study demonstrate that adjustment of the operating temperature and pressure can be used to tune the product selectivity of the reaction and the total amount of coke deposited upon the catalyst is reduced by operating under supercritical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure of triclinic hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) has been refined against diffraction data extending to 0.65 Å resolution measured at 100 K using synchrotron radiation. Refinement with anisotropic displacement parameters and with the removal of stereochemical restraints for the well ordered parts of the structure converged with a conventional R factor of 8.39% and an Rfree of 9.52%. The use of full-matrix refinement provided an estimate of the variances in the derived parameters. In addition to the 129-residue protein, a total of 170 water molecules, nine nitrate ions, one acetate ion and three ethylene glycol molecules were located in the electron-density map. Eight sections of the main chain and many side chains were modeled with alternate conformations. The occupancies of the water sites were refined and this step is meaningful when assessed by use of the free R factor. A detailed description and comparison of the structure are made with reference to the previously reported triclinic HEWL structures refined at 0.925 Å (at the low temperature of 120 K) and at 0.95 Å resolution (at room temperature). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper solution of a macromolecular crystal structure based on anomalous scattering and/or isomorphous differences requires that the anomalous differences in reflection amplitudes be measured properly and that the correct enantiomer of the substructure be selected. If this information is wrong then the resulting electron-density maps will not show the correct structural features, but the reflection phases and map features will be related to the correct ones in a specific way. This text aims to explain how misinterpretation of the Bijvoet differences or of the substructure affects the resulting phases and electron-density maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD) data from a crystal of proteinase K were collected using synchrotron radiation of 0.98 Å wavelength at SER-CAT 22-­ID beamline, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory. At this wavelength, the expected Bijvoet ratio resulting from the presence of one calcium, one chloride and ten S atoms in the 279-residue protein is extremely small at ∼0.46%. The direct-methods program SHELXD located 11 anomalous sites using data truncated to 2 Å resolution. SHELXE was used to produce an easily interpretable electron-density map. This study shows that an accurate beamline and a good-quality crystal provide the possibility of successfully using a very weak anomalous signal of sulfur measured at a short wavelength for phasing a protein structure, even if a small degree of radiation damage is present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediocin-like bacteriocins, also designated class IIa bacteriocins, are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides targeting species closely related to the producers. They act on the cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-positive cells by dissipating the transmembrane electrical potential through pore formation with the mannose phosphotransferase system (man-PTS) as the target/receptor. Bacteriocin-producing strains also synthesize a cognate immunity protein that protects them against their own bacteriocins. Herein, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the bacteriocin-receptor-immunity ternary complex from Lactobacillus sakei. The complex structure reveals that pediocin-like bacteriocins bind to the same position on the Core domain of man-PTS, while the C-terminal helical tails of bacteriocins delimit the opening range of the Core domain away from the Vmotif domain to facilitate transmembrane pore formation. Upon attack of bacteriocins from the extracellular side, man-PTS exposes its cytosolic side for recognition of the N-terminal four-helix bundle of the immunity protein. The C-terminal loop of the immunity protein then inserts into the pore and blocks leakage induced by bacteriocins. Elucidation of the toxicity and immunity mechanisms of pediocin-like bacteriocins could support the design of novel bacteriocins against antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale and Objectives: Computer‐aided detection (CAD) of pulmonary nodules reduces the impact of observer variability, improving the reliability and reproducibility of nodule assessments in clinical practice. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of CAD on inter‐observer agreement in the follow‐up management of subsolid nodules. Materials and Methods: A dataset comprising 60 subsolid nodule cases was constructed based on the National Cancer Center lung cancer screening data. Five observers independently assessed all low‐dose computed tomography scans and assigned follow‐up management strategies to each case according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, using both manual measurements and CAD assistance. The linearly weighted Cohen's kappa test was used to measure agreement between paired observers. Agreement among multiple observers was evaluated using the Fleiss kappa statistic. Results: The agreement of the five observers for NCCN follow‐up management categorization was moderate when measured manually, with a Fleiss kappa score of 0.437. Utilizing CAD led to a notable enhancement in agreement, achieving a substantial consensus with a Fleiss kappa value of 0.623. After using CAD, the proportion of major and substantial management discrepancies decreased from 27.5% to 15.8% and 4.8% to 1.5%, respectively (p < 0.01). In 23 lung cancer cases presenting as part‐solid nodules, CAD significantly elevates the average sensitivity in detecting lung cancer cases presenting as part‐solid nodules (overall sensitivity, 82.6% vs. 92.2%; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The application of CAD significantly improves inter‐observer agreement in the follow‐up management strategy for subsolid nodules. It also demonstrates the potential to reduce substantial management discrepancies and increase detection sensitivity in lung cancer cases presenting as part‐solid nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]