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Background: To investigate factors associated with different reproductive outcomes in patients with Caesarean scar pregnancies (CSPs). Methods: Between May 2017 and July 2022, 549 patients underwent ultrasound-guided uterine aspiration and laparoscopic scar repair at the Gynaecology Department of Hubei Maternal and Child Health Hospital. Ultrasound-guided uterine aspiration was performed in patients with type I and II CSPs, and laparoscopic scar repair was performed in patients with type III CSP. The reproductive outcomes of 100 patients with fertility needs were followed up and compared between the groups. Results: Of 100 patients, 43% had live births (43/100), 19% had abortions (19/100), 38% had secondary infertility (38/100), 15% had recurrent CSPs (RCSPs) (15/100). The reproductive outcomes of patients with CSPs after surgical treatment were not correlated with age, body mass index, time of gestation, yields, abortions, Caesarean sections, length of hospital stay, weeks of menopause during treatment, maximum diameter of the gestational sac, thickness of the remaining muscle layer of the uterine scar, type of CSP, surgical method, uterine artery embolisation during treatment, major bleeding, or presence of uterine adhesions after surgery. Abortion after treatment was the only risk factor affecting RCSPs (odds ratio 11.25, 95% confidence interval, 3.302–38.325; P < 0.01) and it had a certain predictive value for RCSP occurrence (area under the curve, 0.741). Conclusions: The recurrence probability of CSPs was low, and women with childbearing intentions after CSPs should be encouraged to become pregnant again. Abortion after CSP is a risk factor for RCSP. No significant difference in reproductive outcomes was observed between the patients who underwent ultrasound-guided uterine aspiration and those who underwent laparoscopic scar repair for CSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the value of a multimodal deep learning (MDL) model based on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A total of 287 patients with HCC from our institution and 58 patients from another individual institution were included. Among these, 119 patients with only CT data and 116 patients with only MRI data were selected for single-modality deep learning model development, after which select parameters were migrated for MDL model development with transfer learning (TL). In addition, 110 patients with simultaneous CT and MRI data were divided into a training cohort (n = 66) and a validation cohort (n = 44). We input the features extracted from DenseNet121 into an extreme learning machine (ELM) classifier to construct a classification model. Results: The area under the curve (AUC) of the MDL model was 0.844, which was superior to that of the single-phase CT (AUC = 0.706–0.776, P < 0.05), single-sequence MRI (AUC = 0.706–0.717, P < 0.05), single-modality DL model (AUCall-phase CT = 0.722, AUCall-sequence MRI = 0.731; P < 0.05), clinical (AUC = 0.648, P < 0.05), but not to that of the delay phase (DP) and in-phase (IP) MRI and portal venous phase (PVP) CT models. The MDL model achieved better performance than models described above (P < 0.05). When combined with clinical features, the AUC of the MDL model increased from 0.844 to 0.871. A nomogram, combining deep learning signatures (DLS) and clinical indicators for MDL models, demonstrated a greater overall net gain than the MDL models (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The MDL model is a valuable noninvasive technique for preoperatively predicting MVI in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lumbar disc herniation is a common degenerative lumbar disease with an increasing incidence. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy can treat lumbar disc herniation safely and effectively with a minimally invasive procedure. However, the learning curve of this technology is steep, which means that initial learners are often not sufficiently proficient in endoscopic operations, which can easily lead to iatrogenic damage. At present, the application of computer deep learning technology to clinical diagnosis, treatment, and surgical navigation has achieved satisfactory results. Purpose: The objective of our team is to develop a multi-element identification system for the visual field of endoscopic spine surgery using deep learning algorithms and to evaluate the feasibility of this system. Method: We established an image database by collecting surgical videos of 48 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation, which was labeled by two spinal surgeons. We selected 6000 images of the visual field of percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery (including various tissue structures and surgical instruments), divided into the training data, validation data, and test data according to 2:1:2. We developed convolutional neural network models based on instance segmentation—Solov2, CondInst, Mask R-CNN and Yolact, and set the four network model backbone as ResNet101 and ResNet50 respectively. Mean average precision (mAP) and frames per second (FPS) were used to measure the performance of each model for classification, localization and recognition in real time, and AP (average) is used to evaluate how easily an element is detected by neural networks based on computer deep learning. Result: Comprehensively comparing mAP and FSP of each model for bounding box test and segmentation task for the test set of images, we found that Solov2 (ResNet101) (mAP = 73.5%, FPS = 28.9), Mask R-CNN (ResNet101) (mAP = 72.8%, FPS = 28.5) models are the most stable, with higher precision and faster image processing speed. Combining the average precision of the elements in the bounding box test and segmentation tasks in each network, the AP(average) was highest for tool 3 (bbox-0.85, segm-0.89) and lowest for tool 5 (bbox-0.63, segm-0.72) in the instrumentation, whereas in the anatomical tissue elements, the fibrosus annulus (bbox-0.68, segm-0.69) and ligamentum flavum (bbox-0.65, segm-0.62) had higher AP(average),while extra-dural fat (bbox-0.42, segm-0.44) was lowest. Conclusion: Our team has developed a multi-element identification system for the visual field of percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery adapted to the interlaminar and foraminal approaches, which can identify and track anatomical tissue (nerve, ligamentum flavum, nucleus pulposus, etc.) and surgical instruments (endoscopic forceps, an high-speed diamond burr, etc.), which can be used in the future as a virtual educational tool or applied to the intraoperative real-time assistance system for spinal endoscopic operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized using Aspergillus oryzae (A. oryzae) as raw material for the first time. The crystal structure, photoluminescence (PL) properties, cytotoxicity, and A. oryzae application of ZnS QDs were studied in detail. The results displayed that ZnS QDs had a wurtzite crystal structure with blue emission, and the average crystalline size was about 3.96 nm. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and A. oryzae application showed that ZnS QDs had low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility, and it acted as an activator to promote the biomass, kojic acid, glutathione, PL intensity, and extracellular proteins of A. oryzae. This study can supply a new idea for the synthesis of QDs and increase the output of A. oryzae or other microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two isoreticular metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed from M8(OH)4(H2O)2(pyz)12 (M = Co, Ni; pyz = pyrazolate) secondary building units (SBUs) and Ni(salen)-derived metalloligands were synthesized. The two MOFs were found to be highly stable in a wide pH and temperature range. Together with the tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) co-catalyst, they catalysed the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides with near-quantitative yields and easy recyclability for at least 11 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper investigates the event‐triggered output feedback control problem for the two‐time‐scale systems with structured uncertainty. Due to the non‐ignorable problem in applications such as equipment aging or parameter drifting, the robustness of the designed controller is worth discussing. A dynamic event‐triggered scheme is proposed to reduce the computational cost of the control signal. The results indicate that with the proposed event‐triggered controller, the system can achieve asymptotic stability without some common restrictions on the fast system rather than practical stability. Moreover, the Zeno behavior is excluded. Simulation examples with comparison studies illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the effectiveness of nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions in primary health care. Methods: The following Chinese and English databases were searched for relevant articles: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), from the establishment of the databases until the last updating search 1 April 2022. Two researchers screened the studies independently and extracted the data. Meta‐analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of 12 studies were included in this review. It was found that nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions significantly shortened patients' length of stay in hospital (standardized mean differences [SMD] = −1.28, 95%CI: −2.03 to −0.54; P<0.001) and decreased incidences of complications (RR = 0.24, 95%CI:0.10 to 0.54; P = 0.0006) compared to the control group, and lowered patients' anxiety levels (SMD = −1.21, 95%CI: −1.99 to −0.44; P<0.01) and depression levels (SMD = −1.85, 95%CI: −3.42 to −0.28; P<0.0001). Furthermore, the results of subgroup analysis indicated that nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions had significant effects on patients' self‐management ability (SMD = 4.45, 95%CI:2.45 to 6.44; P<0.0001) and quality of life (SMD = 1.01, 95%CI: 0.63 to 1.40; P<0.0001) compared to the control group. Conclusions: Nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions had strong effects in primary health care, contributing to shorten patients' length of stay in hospital, decrease incidences of complications and reduce the levels of anxiety and depression. Moreover, nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions also improved patients' self‐management ability and quality of life. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Chronic diseases with long duration and slow recovery are one of the priorities for management in primary health care.In China and other countries around the world, primary health care is highly regarded for its efforts for the health of all.Several randomized controlled trials have explored the effectiveness of nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions in primary health care, but the findings of these studies are contradictory. What this paper adds? The review demonstrates that nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions could shorten patients' length of stay in hospital, decrease the incidence of complications and reduce the levels of anxiety and depression.Nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions also improve patients' self‐management ability and quality of life.Nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions are beneficial for promoting health and preventing disease in primary health care. The implications of this paper: Community primary health‐care personnel should be aware of the importance of nurse‐led multidisciplinary interventions in preventing disease and safeguarding health.For people with chronic diseases, community health‐care personnel should adopt multidisciplinary care methods to improve outcomes for patients.High‐quality studies are needed to verify the effects of interventions for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective laser melting (SLM) can effectively replace traditional processing methods to prepare parts with arbitrary complex shapes through layer-by-layer accumulation. However, SLM Ti-6Al-4V alloy typically exhibits low ductility and significant mechanical properties anisotropy due to the presence of acicular α′ martensite and columnar prior β grains. Post-heat treatment is frequently used to obtain superior mechanical properties by decomposing acicular α′ martensite into an equilibrium α + β phase. In this study, the microstructure and tensile properties of SLM Ti-6Al-4V alloy before and after various heat treatments were systematically investigated. The microstructure of the as-fabricated Ti-6Al-4V sample was composed of columnar prior β grains and acicular α′ martensite, which led to high strength (~1400 MPa) but low ductility (~5%) as well as significantly tensile anisotropy. The single heat treatment samples with lamellar α + β microstructure exhibited improved elongation to 6.8–13.1% with a sacrifice of strength of 100–200 MPa, while the tensile anisotropy was weakened. A trimodal microstructure was achieved through multi-step high-to-low-temperature (HLT) heat treatment, resulting in an excellent combination of strength (~1090 MPa) and ductility (~17%), while the tensile anisotropy was almost eliminated. The comprehensive mechanical properties of the HLT samples were superior to that of the conventional manufactured Ti-6Al-4V alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various studies, especially in recent years, have shown that quercetin has beneficial therapeutic effects in various human diseases, including diabetes. Quercetin has significant anti-diabetic effects and may be helpful in lowering blood sugar and increasing insulin sensitivity. Quercetin appears to affect many factors and signaling pathways involved in insulin resistance and the pathogenesis of type 2 of diabetes. TNFα, NFKB, AMPK, AKT, and NRF2 are among the factors that are affected by quercetin. In addition, quercetin can be effective in preventing and ameliorating the diabetic complications, including diabetic nephropathy, cardiovascular complications, neuropathy, delayed wound healing, and retinopathy, and affects the key mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of these complications. These positive effects of quercetin may be related to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. In this article, after a brief review of the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, we will review the latest findings on the anti-diabetic effects of quercetin with a molecular perspective. Then we will review the effects of quercetin on the key mechanisms of pathogenesis of diabetes complications including nephropathy, cardiovascular complications, neuropathy, delayed wound healing, and retinopathy. Finally, clinical trials investigating the effect of quercetin on diabetes and diabetes complications will be reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous study examined the phytochemical composition and bio-activities of raw daylily flower (Hemerocallis fulva L.). However, this plant food is usually served via heat process such as cooking in a soup. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile and biofunctions of steamed daylily flower (SDF). The content of total phenolic acids, total flavonoids, total carotenoids, total anthocyanins and total triterpenoids in SDF aqueous extract was assessed. Normal cardiac and hepatic cells, H9c2 and L-02 cells, were used to evaluate the protective effects of SDF against ethanol. SDF concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% were applied to treat H9c2 or L-02 cells for 48 h at 37 °C initially, followed by exposure to ethanol at 150 mM for 24 h at 37 °C. Results showed that the content of assessed phytochemicals was in the range of 1019--2045 mg/100 g dry weight. Flavonoids and triterpenoids were two major detected phytochemicals in SDF. SDF treatments at 0.5% and 1% increased the viability of H9c2 cells, but at three concentrations enhanced the survival of L-02 cells. SDF at 0.5% and 1% up-regulated Bcl-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and down-regulated Bax mRNA expression. Ethanol increased reactive oxygen species production, decreased glutathione content, as well as lowered glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities. SDF treatments reversed these changes. SDF at 0.5% and 1% reduced the activity of cytochrome P450 2E1 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, limited p47phox mRNA expression, as well as enhanced factor E2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1 mRNA expression. SDF at three con-centrations decreased gp91phox mRNA expression. In conclusion, these novel findings indicated that SDF aqueous extract was rich in phytochemicals and provided anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative actions to protect cardiac and hepatic cells against ethanol. Thus, SDF might be considered as a functional food with multiple bio-activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing utilization of semi-thyroidectomy and rapid advancements in ultrasound-guided thermal ablation therapy for the management of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and PTC cervical lymph node metastasis, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has emerged as the predominant approach for the pre-treatment cytopathologic diagnosis of PTC. Numerous expert consensuses and practice guidelines have delineated the acquisition of sufficient, high-quality cellular specimens for cytological examination. However, new challenges keep emerging in the real-world practice of thyroid FNAB, primarily stemming from the perceptions and expertise of physicians or technicians who perform FNAB. The aim of this study was to delineate the key deficiencies in specimen collection during FNAB, elucidate principles of systematic thinking, and propose preventive measures for these issues, along with a range of innovative concepts and technical approaches. Effectively addressing these concerns will enhance FNAB implementation and facilitate advancements in novel therapeutic modalities, such as thermal ablation, to ameliorate prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep‐Learning‐based Fault Localisation (DLFL) leverages deep neural networks to learn the relationship between statement behaviour and program failures, showing promising results. However, since DLFL uses program failures as labels to conduct supervised learning, a labelled dataset is a requisite of applying DLFL. A failure is detected by comparing program output with a test oracle which is the standard answer for the given input. The problem is, test oracles are often difficult, or even impossible to acquire in real life, and that has severely restricted the application of DLFL since we have only unlabelled datasets in most cases. Thus, MetaFL: Metamorphic Fault Localisation Using Weakly Supervised Deep Learning is proposed, to provide a weakly supervised learning solution for DLFL. Instead of using test oracles, MetaFL uses metamorphic relations to prescribe expected behaviour of a program, and defines labels of metamorphic testing groups by verifying integrity in each group of test cases. Hence, a coarse‐grained labelled dataset can be built from the originally unlabelled one, with which DLFL can work now, utilising a weakly supervised learning paradigm. The experiments show that MetaFL yields a performance comparable to plain DLFL under ideal condition (i.e. the labels of datasets are available). MetaFL successfully extends the methodology of DLFL from supervised learning to weakly supervised learning, and a fully labelled dataset is no longer mandatory for applying DLFL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a kind of three-dimensional hollow Mg-Ca-Al hydrotalcite-like compounds (HTLCs) microsphere was prepared by self-assembly of hydrotalcite-like nanosheets. Mg-Ca-Al HTLCs microsphere (MS) has large specific surface area and large pore size, and the modification of KF·2H2O increases numerous alkaline active sites on the surface of the catalyst. The prepared catalyst has excellent catalytic effect for the production of biodiesel by transesterification. Under the optimal conditions of the catalyst addition amount which accounts for 2% of the weight of oil, the biodiesel yield of the best catalyst is as high as 92% within 30 minutes. This article also provides a paradigm of a rational structural design for regulating the morphology of HTLCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐pressure hydrogen direct injection technology can enable an internal combustion engine to attain high thermal efficiency and discharge clean emissions; hence, the advantages provided by hydrogen jet impingement are crucial. This paper presents an experimental investigation of the high‐pressure hydrogen direct injection from a single‐hole cylindrical injector. A test rig with a spring set was designed based on the impulse conservation law to test important high‐pressure hydrogen jet impingement parameters, such as jet impingement force and impulse. The results show that the hydrogen gas jet exhibits a two‐zone behavior. In Zone I (near‐field dynamic region), the jet impulse is not conservative, and the jet characteristic parameters (jet impingement force and impulse) fluctuate—first decreasing and then increasing. In Zone II, the jet impulse is conservative. This two‐zone jet feature is induced by shockwaves because a high‐pressure hydrogen jet with a high nozzle pressure ratio reaches its sonic speed at the nozzle outlet. The Mach disk height is the inflection point of these two zones. Moreover, the hydrogen injection pressure has a considerable influence on the gas jet. As the injection pressure increases, the hydrogen jet impingement force and impulse increase. Both jet parameters have a linearly increasing relationship with injection pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coupling of Eulerian and Lagrangian methods in the Eulerian–Lagrangian Spray Atomization (ELSA) approach is critical. This study proposes an equation for the primary breakup particle diameter D of a diesel fuel spray and adopts it as a key transition criterion for coupling. A three-dimensional diesel spray is modeled by the large-eddy simulation (LES) approach. This improved ELSA simulation was conducted using various transition criteria for particle diameter Dcr. The results show that fuel spray experiences two stages: stage I, when a liquid column appears without a dispersed phase, and stage II, when primary breakup occurs with many discrete particles. Although Dcr has little influence on the macro-spray characteristics, such as top penetration distance S and spray cone angle θ, it has significant effects on discrete particles, such as their number, average diameter, distribution and location, and spray cone area. Dcr should be determined on the basis of actual operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 4-fluorophenylboronic anhydride (TFTB) was employed as a multifunctional electrolyte additive for lithium ion batteries. • The TFTB exhibits unique H 2 O/HF impurity scavenging effect. • The TFTB simultaneously stabilizes the two-sided interfaces on both Si-C anode and NCM cathode. • The TFTB endows the NCM/Si-C full cell with improved reversible capacity and cycle performance. In this work, an electrolyte optimization strategy is proposed for simultaneously stabilizing the two-sided interfaces in the LiNi 0.5 Co 0.3 Mn 0.2 O 2 (NCM)/Si-C batteries by employing a multifunctional additive, 4-fluorophenylboronic anhydride (TFTB). It is revealed that the TFTB is capable of scavenging the trace amount of moisture and HF acidic species in the electrolyte by strongly coordinating with them, meanwhile, possesses preferential reduction/oxidation sequence in contrast to conventional carbonate solvents. Profited from these synergistic effects from the additive, favorable interface chemistry can be simultaneously built on both Si-C anode and NCM cathode accompanied by greatly suppressed electrolyte degradation, which not only well accommodates the volume change of the Si-C anode during cycling, but also effectively protects the NCM cathode from structural destruction. Consequently, the addition of the TFTB endows the NCM/Si-C full cell with improved reversible capacity and cycle performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • New RNF-126-based p300/CBP-PROTACs were designed. • A8 was a potent p300/CBP PROTAC that could induce efficient and sufficient degradation of p300/CBP. • A8 inhibited the proliferation of p300/CBP-dependent cancer cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Histone acetyltransferase CREB-binding protein (CBP) and its homologous protein p300 are key transcriptional activators that can activate oncogene transcription, which present promising targets for cancer therapy. Here, we designed and synthesized a series of p300/CBP targeted low molecular weight PROTACs by assembling the covalent ligand of RNF126 E3 ubiquitin ligase and the bromodomain ligand of the p300/CBP. The optimal molecule A8 could effectively degrade p300 and CBP through the ubiquitin–proteasome system in time- and concentration-dependent manners, with half-maximal degradation (DC 50) concentrations of 208.35/454.35 nM and 82.24/79.45 nM for p300/CBP in MV4-11 and Molm13 cell lines after 72 h of treatment. And the degradation of p300/CBP by A8 is dependent on the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway and its simultaneous interactions with the target proteins and RNF126. A8 exhibits good antiproliferative activity in a series of p300/CBP-dependent cancer cells. It could transcriptionally inhibit the expression of c-Myc, induce cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and apoptosis in MV4-11 cells. This study thus provided us a new chemotype for the development of drug-like PROTACs targeting p300/CBP, which is expected to be applied in cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Even though adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) demonstrated powerful efficacy in the initially successful treatment of infantile spasms (IS), nearly one-half of patients whose spasms were once suppressed experienced relapse. There is currently no validated method for the prediction of the risk of relapse. The Burden of Amplitudes and Epileptiform Discharges (BASED) score is an electroencephalogram (EEG) grading scale for children with infantile spasms. We sought to determine whether an association exists between the BASED score after ACTH treatment and relapse after initial response with ACTH. Methods: Children with IS who achieved initial response after ACTH treatment were selected as the study subjects. Those who experienced relapse within 12 months after ACTH treatment were categorized as the relapse group, and those who did not were categorized as the non-relapse group. Their general clinical data and EEG data (using BASED scoring) after ACTH treatment were collected, and compared between groups. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to determine factors associated with relapse. Results: A total of 64 children with IS were enrolled in the study, of which 37 (57.8%) experienced a relapse, and the median duration after ACTH treatment was 3 (1.5, 6) months. The BASED score was significantly higher in the relapse group than in the non-relapse group. Cox modeling demonstrated that BASED score was independently associated with relapse. The patients with a score greater than or equal to 3 showed a high rate (89.3%) of relapse. The relapse group had stronger, more stable EEG functional networks than the non-relapse group, and there were obvious correlations between BASED score and functional connectivity. Conclusion: This study suggests the BASED score after ACTH treatment has potential value as a predictor for relapse after initial response. Children with IS who have a BASED score greater than or equal to 3 after the initial response of ACTH carry a high risk of relapse within 1 year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonate rock from the Late Proterozoic to the Early Paleozoic is an important field of oil and gas exploration. The Sinian carbonate rock series in Tarim Basin are old, deep buried, with few drilling wells and various geological problems are unclear that restrict the exploration of deep carbonate rock. Based on the analysis of Sinian geological structure, by means of stratigraphic correlation and seismic prediction, the distribution of Sinian favorable source rocks, deep reservoir facies belts, and reservoir forming assemblages are studied to comb the exploration fields and favorable zones of Sinian in Tarim Basin. The findings reveal that slope-basin facies source rocks developed in Sinian. In the upper part of the Qigebulake Formation, high-quality dolomite reservoirs evolved, and mudstone from the Yuertus Formation at the foot of Cambrian can form favorable reservoir cap assemblage. The south slope of Tabei Uplift and the north slope of Tazhong Uplift are the most favorable exploration zones for Sinian dolomite, favorable exploration area of approximately 31,000 km2. The findings can provide a certain reference for the Sinian carbonate oil and gas exploration in the Tarim Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new oxidovanadium(V) complex, [VOL(OEt)(EtOH)] (1), and a new dioxidomolybdenum(VI) complex, [MoO2L(OH2)] (2), where L is the dianionic form of 2-bromo-N'-(3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide, have been synthesized and structurally characterized by physico-chemical methods and single crystal X-ray determination. X-ray analysis indicates that the V and Mo ions in the complexes are in octahedral coordination. Crystal structures of the complexes are stabilized by hydrogen bonds. The catalytic property for epoxidation of styrene by the complexes was evaluated. Both complexes have effective catalytic properties for the epoxidation of styrene, with conversions over 76% and selectivities over 92%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study of peak particle velocity (PPV) and frequency, an improved algorithm (principal empirical mode decomposition, PEMD) based on principal component analysis (PCA) and empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is proposed, with the goal of addressing poor filtering de-noising effects caused by the occurrences of modal aliasing phenomena in EMD blasting vibration signal decomposition processes. Test results showed that frequency of intrinsic mode function (IMF) components decomposed by PEMD gradually decreases and that the main frequency is unique, which eliminates the phenomenon of modal aliasing. In the simulation experiment, the signal-to-noise (SNR) and root mean square errors (RMSE) ratio of the signal de-noised by PEMD are the largest when compared to EMD and ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD). The main frequency of the de-noising signal through PEMD is 75 Hz, which is closest to the frequency of the noiseless simulation signal. In geotechnical engineering blasting experiments, compared to EMD and EEMD, the signal de-noised by PEMD has the lowest level of distortion, and the frequency band is distributed in a range of 0–64 Hz, which is closest to the frequency band of the blasting vibration signal. In addition, the proportion of noise energy was the lowest, at 1.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault localization aims at developing an effective methodology identifying suspicious statements potentially responsible for program failures. The spectrum-based fault localization is the widely used methodology by analyzing the statistical coincidences viewed from the spectrum to evaluate the suspiciousness of each statement of being faulty. However, just analyzing statistical coincidences in the coverage information perspective and without combining diverse amount of information may restrict fault localization effectiveness. Thus, this article proposes feature-based fault localization (Feature-FL): A family fault localization methodology of feature-based metrics by combining the feature diversity from the view of program features into suspiciousness evaluation. Specifically, Feature-FL defines a concept of branching execution probability to abstract program behaviors as the values of features. Then, Feature-FL uses feature selection (i.e., a family of feature-based metrics) to evaluate the relevance of each feature with program failures. Finally, Feature-FL associates each feature with its corresponding statement, and uses the relevance as the suspiciousness to locate suspicious statements. We present six feature-based metrics for Feature-FL, and conduct an extensive study to evaluate the effectiveness of Feature-FL and its potential over the state-of-the-art spectrum-based formulas. Our results provide insight into the potential among different feature-based metrics and also show Feature-FL significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art spectrum-based formulas, e.g., an average saving of at least 30% over spectrum-based formulas in case of real faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new bismuth(III) Schiff‐base complex [Bi2(HL)2(NO3)4] was synthesized by using equivalent molar of Schiff‐base ligand [H2L = (E)‐N′‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzylidene)isonicotinohydrazide] and Bi(NO3)3•5H2O with the assistance of Mannitol. The complex was structurally characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic methods, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The experimental and theoretical vibrational bands (infrared and Raman spectra) have been discussed. The antimicrobial activity of the complex against Schizosaccharomyces pombe was evaluated by bio‐microcalorimetry at 32°C. Some thermokinetic parameters (k, Pmax, tG, and Qtotal) were obtained from the metabolic power–time curves of S. pombe, and their quantitative relationships with the concentration (c) were discussed. The half inhibition concentrations (IC50) of isoniazid, Schiff base, and the complex were calculated. The complex showed the strongest inhibition effect among three compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reaction of the Schiff base 2,4-difuloro-6-(((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)imino)methyl)phenol (HL) with copper salts and some bridging ligands afforded five complexes, [CuClL] (1), [Cu(μ-Br)L] n (2), [Cu(μ-Br)(μ 1,5 -dca)L] n ·nCH 3 OH (3), [Cu(μ 1,3,5 -dca)L] n (4) and [Cu(μ 1,3 -N 3)L] n (5) (dca = dicyanoamide). These complexes have been analyzed and characterized by the means of elemental analysis, infrared and electronic spectra, as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction. The Cu atom in the mononuclear complex 1 is in square planar coordination, in the bromido-bridged polynuclear complex 2 is in square pyramidal coordination, in the bromido and dca co-bridged polynuclear complex 3 is in square pyramidal coordination, in the dca bridged polynuclear complex 4 is in octahedral coordination, and in the azido bridged polynuclear complex 5 is in square pyramidal coordination. The Schiff base ligand coordinates to the CuII ions through the phenolate oxygen, imine nitrogen and pyrrolidine nitrogen atoms. The biological study revealed that the complexes have good antimicrobial activity against the bacteria strains B. subtilis , S. aureus , E. coli and P. fluorescens. [Display omitted] Reaction of the Schiff base 2,4-difluoro-6-(((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)imino)methyl)phenol (HL) with copper salts and some bridging ligands afforded five complexes, [CuClL] (1), [Cu(μ-Br)L] n (2), [Cu(μ-Br)(μ 1,5 -dca)L] n ·nCH 3 OH (3), [Cu(μ 1,3,5 -dca)L] n (4) and [Cu(μ 1,3 -N 3)L] n (5) (dca = dicyanoamide). These complexes have been analyzed and characterized by the means of elemental analysis, infrared and electronic spectra, as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction. The Cu atom in the mononuclear complex 1 is in square planar coordination, in the bromido-bridged polynuclear complex 2 is in square pyramidal coordination, in the bromido and dca co-bridged polynuclear complex 3 is in square pyramidal coordination, in the dca bridged polynuclear complex 4 is in octahedral coordination, and in the azido bridged polynuclear complex 5 is in square pyramidal coordination. The Schiff base ligand coordinates to the CuII ions through the phenolate oxygen, imine nitrogen and pyrrolidine nitrogen atoms. The biological study revealed that the complexes have good antimicrobial activity against the bacteria strains B. subtilis , S. aureus , E. coli and P. fluorescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The transient jet characteristics of gaseous ammonia fuel was investigated with LES simulation. • Sonic structures of under-expansion and instantaneous vortices was analyzed qualitatively and quantitively. • The transient propagation features of ammonia jets were compared with hydrogen jets. • Numerical results by LES and RANS were compared to exhibit jet characteristics. This study investigates the characteristics of gaseous ammonia jets under an injection pressure of 0.8 MPa and an ambient pressure of 0.1 MPa, using LES and RANS simulation approaches to inform applications of ammonia in internal combustion engines. A three-dimensional constant volume chamber model was established, and the Dynamic Structure model was applied in LES modeling with AMR techniques. The near-nozzle transient structures were successfully captured. Furthermore, a direct comparison between LES and RANS simulation was made, and main jet characteristics were investigated. LES outperforms RANS in predicting the instantaneous structures of ammonia jets and provides a more distinct visualization of oblique shock waves and diamond-like shock cells. RANS excels at displaying averaged features with a smoother distribution curve that represents self-similar characteristics. Additionally, the transient characteristics of ammonia and hydrogen jets were compared. The vortex formation and mixing process in ammonia jets occur at a much slower rate compared to hydrogen jets. Meanwhile, transient vortex ring behaviors were analyzed in detail, including their development tendencies regarding initial, secondary, and broken vortex formation. It is revealed that petal-like swirling movements are strongly correlated with the air–fuel mixing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of metal-free carbon-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) to replace conventional Pt-based catalysts has become a hot spot in current research. This work proposes an activation-assisted carbonization strategy, to manufacture N-doped ultra-thin carbon nanosheets (GWS180M800) with high catalytic activity, namely, melamine is used as an accelerator/nitrogen source, and walnut green peels biological waste as a carbon source. The melamine acts as a nitrogen donor in the hydrothermal process, effectively enhancing the nitrogen doping rate. The content of pyridine nitrogen groups accounts for up to 48.5% of the total nitrogen content. Electrochemical tests show that the GWS180M800 has excellent ORR electrocatalytic activity and stability, and makes a quasi-four-electron ORR pathway clear in the alkaline electrolyte. The initial potential and half slope potential are as high as 1.01 and 0.82 V vs. RHE, respectively. The GWS180M800 catalyst has a better ability to avoid methanol cross poisoning than Pt/C has. Compared with 20 wt% Pt/C, GWS180M800 has improved methanol tolerance and stability. It is a metal-free biochar ORR catalyst with great development potential and application prospects. This result provides a new space for the preparation of valuable porous nano-carbon materials based on carbonaceous solid waste and provides new ideas for catalyzing a wide range of electrochemical reactions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In traditional flood frequency analysis, a minimum of 30 observations is required to guarantee the accuracy of design results with an allowable uncertainty, however, there has not been a recommendation for the requirement on the length of data in NFFA (nonstationary flood frequency analysis). Therefore, this study has been carried out with three aims: (i) to evaluate the predictive capabilities of nonstationary (NS) and stationary (ST) models with varying flood record lengths; (ii) to examine the impacts of flood record lengths on the NS and ST design floods and associated uncertainties; and (iii) to recommend the probable requirements of flood record length in NFFA. To achieve these objectives, 20 stations with record length longer than 100 years in Norway were selected and investigated by using both GEV (generalized extreme value)-ST and GEV-NS models with linearly varying location parameter (denoted by GEV-NS0). The results indicate that the fitting quality and predictive capabilities of GEV-NS0 outperform those of GEV-ST models when record length is approximately larger than 60 years for most stations, and the stability of the GEV-ST and GEV-NS0 is improved as record lengths increase. Therefore, a minimum of 60 years of flood observations is recommended for NFFA for the selected basins in Norway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternating therapeutic plasma exchange with double plasma molecular adsorption system can rapidly remove bilirubin and ammonia and supplement the essential substance from the blood, which could be used as an effective treatment for fulminant hepatic failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to suppress the random shift error of laser gyro and improve the practical precision of inertial navigation system, an improved gyro filtering method is proposed by combining the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) and principal component analysis (PCA). Firstly, the gyro signal is decomposed by CEEMDAN, and the noise energy of each intrinsic mode function (IMF) is estimated according to the distribution model of noise energy. Then, on basis of noise energy, the principal component analysis is used to remove the noise IMF to achieve the final denoising of gyro signal. In the proposed method, CEEMD can improve the mode mixing and denoising effect of gyro signal. Moreover, PCA is used to decompose each IMF. According to the noise energy, the noise of each IMF is removed adaptively to avoid the selection of noise IMF and better retain the useful information of the signal. The proposed method is completely dependent on the characteristics of gyro signal and has good adaptability and strong denoising ability. Furthermore, the filtered effect of different methods is analyzed by overlapping Allan variance. The experimental results show that the proposed method can suppress the gyro random drift more efficiently, and the effect of removing noise is better than EMD threshold method and EMD correlation coefficient method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanol as a renewable fuel has been applied in fuel vehicles (FVs), and it is promising in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). This work aims to investigate the emission characteristics of ethanol applied in both FVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The paper conducted a real-road test of an internal combustion FV and PHEV, respectively, based on the world light vehicle test cycle (WLTC) by using gasoline and regular gasoline under different temperature conditions. The use of E10 and E20 in FVs has been effective in reducing the conventional emissions of the vehicles. At 23 °C, E10 and E20 reduced the conventional emissions including carbon monoxide (CO), total hydrocarbon compound (THC), non-methane hydrocarbon compound (NMHC), particulate matter (PM), and particulate number (PN) by 15.40–31.11% and 11.00–44.13% respectively. At 6 °C, E10 and E20 reduced conventional emissions including THC, CO, and PM by 2.15–8.61% and 11.02–13.34%, respectively. However, nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions increased to varying degrees. The reduction trend of non-conventional emissions including methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2) from FVs fueled with E10 and E20 is not significant for vehicles. Overall, the emission reduction effect of E20 is better than that of E10, and the emission reduction effect of ethanol gasoline on vehicle emissions is reduced at low temperatures. Lower ambient temperatures increase vehicle emissions in the low-speed segment but decrease vehicle emissions in the ultra-high-speed segment. HEV emissions of THC, CO, PN, and PM are reduced by 25.28%, 12.72%, 77.34%, and 64.59%, respectively, for E20 compared to gasoline, and the use of E20 in HEVs contributes to the reduction of overall vehicle emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A theorem on optimal policy in the discrete-time 2-sector RSL model. • Numerical analysis of optimal policy. • Comparison with the two-sector neoclassical optimal growth model. • Discussion of the straight-down-the-turnpike policy. • An overview of optimal economic growth with a view towards applications in resource economics. This paper considers the neglected case of a capital-intensive investment-good sector in the two-sector Robinson-Shinkai-Leontief (RSL) model of discrete-time optimal economic growth. We find the optimal policy to be surprisingly simple and uniform between the discounted and undiscounted cases. The "straight-down-the-turnpike" policy, first identified by Winter and Shell, entails unemployment or excess supply of capital throughout the optimal transition dynamics. We extend our analysis to the case of circulating capital and find the optimal policy to have the same property. We also briefly indicate possibilities for application to topical concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reaction of silver nitrate with 2‐aminobenzothiazole (abbreviated as Habt) in methanol at 45°C gave mononuclear complex of formula [Ag (Habt)2]NO3•CH3OH. The structure of the complex was characterized by infrared (IR) spectra, single crystal X‐ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. X‐ray diffraction analysis indicated that the title complex was crystallized in the triclinic crystal system with space group P–1, in which silver(I) ion was coordinated to two 2‐aminobenzothiazole ligands through the benzothiazol nitrogen atom. Theoretical study of the complex was carried out by density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP method. The antimicrobial effects of the ligand and its silver(I) complex were evaluated by bio‐microcalorimetry on the growth of Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. pombe). Some quantitative metabolic parameters, such as growth rate constant (k), maximum heat power (Pmax), inhibition ratio (I), and half inhibition concentration (IC50), were derived from the metabolic power–time curves of S. pombe growth. The half inhibition concentration (IC50) of the ligand was calculated to be 2.58 × 10−3 mol L−1. The complex could strongly influence the lag phase of S. pombe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophages play an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus-associated diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). The immunomodulation of macrophage responses might be a potential approach for the prevention and treatment of DAH. Erythropoietin (EPO) could regulate macrophage bioactivities by binding to the EPO receptor expressing on macrophages. This study assessed the effects of EPO on DAH protection using an immune-mediated DAH murine model with macrophages as the major contributor. A DAH murine model was established in female C57BL/6 mice by an i.p. injection of pristane. We found that EPO administration alleviates DAH by reducing pulmonary macrophages recruitment and promoting phenotype switch toward M2 macrophages in vivo. EPO drove macrophages to the anti-inflammatory phenotype in the primary murine bone marrow-derived macrophages and macrophages cell line RAW 264.7 with LPS, IFN-γ, and IL-4 in vitro. Moreover, EPO treatment increases the expression of EPOR and decreases the expression of miR-494-3p, resulting in increased phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3. In conclusion, EPO can be a potential therapeutic agent in DAH by reducing cell apoptosis and regulating macrophage polarization through the EPOR/JAK2/STAT3 axis. Further studies are also needed to validate the direct target of miR-494-3p in regulating JAK2/STAT3 signaling transduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many fault localization approaches recently utilize deep learning to learn an effective localization model showing a fresh perspective with promising results. However, localization models are generally learned from class imbalance datasets; that is, the number of failing test cases is much fewer than passing test cases. It may be highly susceptible to affect the accuracy of learned localization models. Thus, in this paper, we explore using data resampling to reduce the negative effect of the imbalanced class problem and improve the accuracy of learned models of deep‐learning‐based fault localization. Specifically, for deep‐learning‐based fault localization, its learning feature may require duplicate essential data to enhance the weak but beneficial experience incurred by the class imbalance datasets. We leverage the property of test cases (i.e., passing or failing) to identify failing test cases as the duplicate essential data and propose an iterative oversampling approach to resample failing test cases for producing a class balanced test suite. We apply the test case resampling to representative localization models using deep learning. Our empirical results on eight large‐sized programs with real faults and four large‐sized programs with seeded faults show that the test case resampling significantly improves fault localization effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the bacterial profiles and taste characteristics of rice wine from the Xiaogan and Dazhou regions, this study employed a combination of High-throughput sequencing, traditional pure culture techniques, and bionics equipment. The findings revealed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in bacterial diversity and community structure between the rice wine from Xiaogan and Dazhou. In particular, Leuconostoc , Lactococcus , Lacticaseibacillus , Exiguobacterium , Gluconobacter , Streptococcus , and Pantoea were significantly enriched in Xiaogan rice wine, Limosilactobacillus , Pediococcus , and Lactobacillus were significantly enriched in Dazhou rice wine. Notably, the most dominant group of bacteria in rice wine was lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and the main culturable isolates were Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Pediococcus pentosaceus. Additionally, the dominant bacterial genera showed a significant correlation with the taste characteristics of rice wine. Limosilactobacillus , Pediococcus , Lactobacillus , and Pseudomonas were positively correlated with the lactic acid, citric acid, pH value, Ala, Ile, and Leu of rice wine. Meanwhile, Exiguobacterium , Lacticaseibacillus , and Streptococcus were positively correlated with the richness of rice wine. This study provides insights into the bacterial diversity and taste characteristics of rice wine from different regions of the Yangtze River Basin and highlights the potential of traditional fermented foods as resources for LAB. • Bacterial communities in rice wines from different regions differed significantly. • Mainly lactic acid bacteria were isolated from traditionally fermented rice wine. • A relationship was found between the bacteria and taste characteristics in rice wine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of fungal communities and cultivable yeast isolates in rice wine from the Xiaogan and Dazhou regions using Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology and traditional culture-dependent methods. And we further explored the correlation between the sensory quality and fungal communities in rice wine. The results demonstrated no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the abundance and diversity of fungal communities and cultivable yeast isolates between Xiaogan and Dazhou rice wine. The dominant fungal genera were Rhizopus and Saccharomyces , with Saccharomyces cerevisiae accounting for the greatest proportion of yeast isolates. The rice wine samples could be divided into two types based on the composition of fungal communities. Type 1 mainly contained Rhizopus and Saccharomyces , while type 2 mainly contained Rhizopus. Properties such as lightness, blueness-yellowness, methane levels, ethanol levels, organic sulfide content, and soluble solids content accounted for the main differences between the two types of rice wine. In addition, Candida and Clavispora showed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) with the aromatic substances in rice wine. The findings of the study enrich our understanding of traditional rice wine, providing meaningful information for the improvement and development of the traditional rice wine industry. • Xiaogan and Dazhou rice wine were explored by various technological methods. • Clavispora and Mucor were biomarkers for rice wine samples from the Xiaogan and Dazhou regions, respectively. • S. cerevisiae accounted for the greatest proportion of yeast species in rice wine sample isolates from the two regions. • There were covariability between sensory quality of rice wine and Rhizopus , Saccharomyces , Candida , Clavispora , and Mucor. • We found a strongly positive correlation that the Candida and Clavispora with aromatic substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three isostructural mixed-valence FeIII 2 FeII trinuclear complexes {[(Tp4-Me)FeIII(CN) 3 ] 2 FeII(1-(4-R-phenyl)-1H-imidazole)} (R = Br, Cl, F) were synthesized by self-assembly. Magnetic and spectroscopic studies showed that these trinuclear complexes show thermally and photo-induced SCO behaviors, respectively. These findings highlight the importance of steric hindrance and synergistic effects in tuning SCO properties, enabling effective control of multifunctional SCO materials. [Display omitted] • A series of cyanide-bridged trinuclear {FeIII 2 FeII} complexes were synthesized. They provided a good platform to study the substituent effect on the spin transition behaviors. • X-ray diffraction, magnetic and IR spectra studies revealed that all complexes exhibited a complete spin transition with the transition temperatures of 142, 150, and 144 K, respectively. In addition, they all showed the photo-responsive property, where the low-spin state can be excited to the high-spin state by light irradiations. • magneto-structural analyses demonstrated the steric hindrance effect on spin crossover transition temperature is more significant than the electron effect in this series of complexes. We synthesized three isostructural mixed-valence {FeIII 2 FeII} trinuclear complexes {[(Tp4-Me)FeIII(CN) 3 ] 2 FeII(1-(4-R-phenyl)-1H-imidazole)}·Sol (1 : R = Br, Sol = 10·H 2 O; 2 : R = Cl, Sol = 2 CH 3 OH; 3 : R = F, Sol = 2 CH 3 OH; Tp4-Me = tri(4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl)borate) and characterized their structures and magnetic and spectroscopic properties. The linear trinuclear structures of complexes 1 ––– 3 are isomorphic. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and variable-temperature IR analyses revealed that the magnetic behavior of the complexes can be finely tuned by the substituents, which significantly influence the ligand field strength. The complexes exhibit complete one-step spin-crossover (SCO) behavior with T 1/2↑ = 146 K, T 1/2↓ = 142 K for 1 ; T 1/2↑ = 155 K, T 1/2↓ = 150 K for 2 ; T 1/2↑ = 147 K, T 1/2↓ = 144 K for 3 , respectively. Photomagnetic study indicates that all of them show the light-induced spin state transition from low-spin to high spin states by applying 946 nm light for 1 and 808 nm light for 2 and 3. Variable-temperature structural analysis demonstrates that the three complexes exhibit π···π interactions between the intermolecular benzene ring and the pyrazole ring. Our study demonstrates that the modification of substituent ligand can significantly affect the intermolecular interactions of these trinuclear complexes and the SCO behaviour of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the mixing effect of natural gas calorific value control process, this study establishes the pipeline models for the mixing of the natural gas with different calorific value, meshing for the pipeline models, and caries out the numerical simulation on the natural gas mixing for one branch pipe and one manifold by using ANSYS Fluent 16.0 software. Based on the distribution characteristics of the velocity Held and the components Held in pipeline after natural gas mixing, the effect of natural gas mixing is compared and analyzed. In addition, the effect of natural gas mixing is evaluated by analyzing the percentage of the gas components at different pipe diameter positions after natural gas mixing. The numerical results show that for the branch pipe nixing flow, the mixing effect is not as good as that of the manifold because of the low-speed stagnation area at the mixing corner. For the branch pipe mixing flow, the mixing is relatively sufficient and the gas components are relatively inform at the distance of 15D=3 000 mm from the mixing center. However, with the development of flow in the downstream, the mixing is still in progress. For the mixing flow of the manifold, the direction of fluid flow is changed due to the existence of the manifold, which aggravates the mixing of natural gas flow. Therefore, the mixing effect is better. At the outlet of the manifold, that is, the inlet of the branch pipe, the gas components have reached a relatively uniform state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since making its debut on the global stage in December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has afflicted nearly 4 million people and caused hundreds of thousands of deaths. Case reports and case series depicting the clinical effects of the causative virus--severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)--have been published, yet few demonstrate the cytopathologic alterations of this disease. We present a clinical-pathologic correlation report of a previously healthy Hispanic woman with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who had typical features of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and also showed cardiac abnormalities thought to represent fulminant viral myocarditis. Congruent with the ARDS clinical impression, autopsy findings were remarkable for extensive and markedly severe acute lung injury consistent with viral pneumonia, characterized by diffuse alveolar damage, pulmonary infarction, severe pulmonary edema, desquamation of pneumocytes with intra-alveolar aggregation, and pneumocyte morphologic alterations suggestive of viral cytopathic effect. However, there was incongruence between the clinical impression and the cardiovascular pathology findings in that viral myocarditis was not detected on histopathologic evaluation. This case highlights the importance of pathologic corroboration of the clinical impression and, in addition, illuminates the key role autopsy plays during a pandemic by providing valuable insight into viral pathology in tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the global robust output regulation problem of a class of uncertain nonlinear systems is investigated by the event-triggered adaptive control law for the case of unknown control direction. The Nussbaum-type function-based technique is proposed to tackle the presence of unknown control direction. Then, by applying the adaptive control technique and the internal model principle, a new event-triggered adaptive control method is proposed. With the proposed corresponding event-triggered mechanism, the output regulation of the nonlinear systems can be realized regardless of the unknown control direction, meanwhile the Zeno behavior can be excluded. Finally, a numerical example is presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi2O3 is an important metal oxide in catalysis. In this paper we employed density functional theory and slab model to investigate the surface energies and structures of various α-Bi2O3 surfaces. We first studied ten different terminations along [100] direction which has both polar and nonpolar terminations due to alternating stacking of Bi layers and O layers. Our calculated surface free energies show that the stoichiometric symmetric terminations are most stable at both high and low oxygen pressures, followed by the T2O/T4O terminations at low/high oxygen pressures. In the low Miller index planes, the (010) plane is the most stable whereas the (110) plane is the least stable. Analyses reveal that relaxation may change the surface structures significantly and there is a nice linear relationship between the surface density of broken short Bi-O bonds and the surface energy before relaxation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is one of the most common complications of mechanical ventilation (MV), which strongly impacts the outcome of ventilated patients. Current evidences indicated that inflammation is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of VILI. Our results showed that MV induced excessive proinflammatory cytokine productions together with decreased CXCL14 and increased PKM2 expressions in injured lungs. In addition, CXCL14 overexpression downregulated PKM2 expression and attenuated VILI with reduced inflammation. Moreover, the overexpression of PKM2 markedly diminished the protective effects of CXCL14 against VILI as reflected by worsened morphology and increased cytokine production, whereas PKM2 knockdown decreased cytokine production and attenuated VILI. Collectively, these results suggested that CXCL14 overexpression attenuates VILI through the downregulation of PKM2-mediated proinflammatory cytokine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This network meta-analysis compares different lasers, placebo, and no treatment in terms of their effects on dentine hypersensitivity (DH) immediately after treatment and over the long term (1 month). Methods: A systematic electronic literature search of four databases and a manual search were performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining different laser treatments for the treatment of DH. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed to analyze the desensitization effect immediately after treatment and over the long term. The risk of bias was assessed based on the Cochrane guidelines and funnel plots. The quality of the evidence, statistical heterogeneity, inconsistencies, and ranking probability were also evaluated. Results: A total of 11 RCTs were included in the network meta-analysis; 11 and 9 of these studies analyzed immediate and long-term effects, respectively. All four types of laser had a better desensitizing effect than controls immediately after treatment and over the long term, but there were no significant differences among the four different lasers. There was a significant placebo effect immediately after treatment. The laser with the highest probability of being the most effective treatment for DH was Er,Cr:YSGG immediately after treatment and over the long term (73% and 47%, respectively). Conclusions: All four types of laser had significantly better effects than no treatment on DH immediately after treatment and in the long term, but there were no significant differences among the four lasers. In addition, there was a significant placebo effect, supporting the importance of including a placebo group in future studies. Furthermore, Er,Cr:YSGG may be the most effective laser for the treatment of DH immediately and over the long term. Clinical relevance: This study used network meta-analyses to compare different lasers, placebo, and no treatment over different time periods, which is to provide guidance for selecting an appropriate laser treatment in patients with DH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CH 4 gas sensor was fabricated by depositing WO 3 film (200 nm) on a ceramic substrate through E-beam evaporation, followed by depositing Rh nanoparticles on WO 3 through Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). The amount of Rh nanoparticles was regulated by ALD cycles. The TEM characterization showed that Rh nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed on WO 3 thin film, and the XPS investigation indicated the interactions between Rh nanoparticles and WO 3 thin film. The gas-sensing performance testing showed that, when the Rh ALD deposition cycle is 20, the sample showed the highest selectivity, which is increased by~110% compared with pure WO 3 , which could be attributed to the surface catalytic effect contributed by Rh nanoparticles, while over high concentration of Rh could be harmful to the gas sensing performance, which blocks the active sites on the surface of WO 3 thin film. The sensing stability of WO 3 /Rh composite (with ALD cycle of 20) was further investigated by exposing the sensor in CH 4 gas environment for one week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the benefits and risks of shortened magnesium sulfate with traditional 24 h for severe postpartum preeclampsia.Methods: We systematically searched the Cochrane, Embase, Web of science and Pubmed database from inception till May 15 2019. Studies included type is limited to randomized controlled trial (RCT). Pooled risks difference (RDs), odds risks (ORs), mean difference (MD), standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confifidence intervals (CIs) were used to summarize the effect sizes.Results: Totally studies included are 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Shortened magnesium sulfate treatment has the same risk as eclampsia (RD 0.00, 95%CI-0.01-0.01) and total complications (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.53-1.15), however, significant difference was observed in both groups pertaining to flushing (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.20-0.82), and the need for prolonged treatment (RD 0.05, 95% CI 0.01 - 0.1), Others factors,namely the benefits of shortened magnesium sulfate treatment,showed differences in both groups.Conclusions: Shortened postpartum magnesium sulfate treatment was as effective as traditional 24 h magnesium sulfate in seizure prevention and total complications. But flushing and needed for prolonged treatment in the shortened groups warrants further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of ionic liquids (ILs) were synthesized and their Hammett acidities (H0) were determined using 4-nitroaniline as the indicator. The relationship among IL's structure, the acid strength, and the catalytic performance in the condensation reaction of 9-fluorenone with phenol was discussed. The effective H0 range of ionic liquids that can catalyse the condensation reaction was obtained. Moreover, the catalysis of the mercapto compound co-catalyst was also systematically studied. According to the analysis of how the structure of the sulfydryl co-catalyst affects the percent conversion of 9-fluorenone and the selectivity of BHPF, a mechanism for the reaction in the IL–thiol cooperative catalytic system was proposed. The present work gave a clear clue to design novel IL catalysts for the synthesis of BHPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wearable lower limb power robotic exoskeleton is a device that can improve the human walking ability. In this paper, an improved exoskeleton device for knee joint is designed, including the improvement of mechanical structure and hydraulic cylinder. In order to verify the effectiveness of the improvement of the hydraulic cylinder, we have carried out the following studies. Firstly, in terms of mechanical structure, length adjusting device is added to meet the needs of different people. At the same time, a limit device is added to the knee joint to improve the safety performance and comfort. Secondly, the dynamics of the model is carried out by Lagrange, and the exoskeleton model is established for ADAMS motion simulation. The force of ADAMS simulation, the calculated by Lagrange equation and the force of the first edition of hydraulic cylinder are compared, and the force selection of hydraulic cylinder is analyzed. By comparison with the first edition, the optimization rate of the improved hydraulic cylinder reaches 8 %. Finally, in order to verify the rationality of ADAMS simulation and the effectiveness of hydraulic cylinder improvement, the wear test is carried out, the average errors of leg centroid in normal walking, wearing exoskeleton walking and ADAMS simulation data are compared. The average error rate is less than 10 %. The results show that the simulation model design is reasonable, and the effectiveness of the hydraulic cylinder improvement is verified. The exoskeleton device designed can well follow the human motion. The simulation analysis of the exoskeleton provides important parameters for the manufacture and it also provides theoretical basis for the later control theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to detect apples with minor damages quickly and efficiently, which is essential for grading of apples and improving fruit quality, a method based on hyperspectral imaging and a SVM (support vector machine) model was proposed. First, to actualize this model, black-and-white correction and brightness correction based on the near-sphere geometry were applied to the apple hyperspectral image, which reduced the noise interference in the spectral image and corrected the uneven brightness distribution so that the damaged parts of the apple were easy to detect. Second, four effective wavelengths from the full-spectrum spectral data were selected via PCA (principal component analysis) and ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis. Third, the SVM model was trained using a total of 800 sets of data, which referenced the mean brightness values of intact and damaged areas in the spectral images utilizing the effective wavelengths. Additionally, 160 sets of data were employed to test the accuracy of the damage identification model. Finally, the SVM model was trained using all the samples to identify damage in 360 sets of apple images using the effective wavelengths, and the damaged areas were marked onto the apple's visible-light image. The detection accuracy for the premium, first-class and second-class apples was 90.8%, 88.3% and 87.5%, respectively, with an average detection accuracy of 88.9%. These experimental results indicated that the developed procedures were conducive to more accurate and effective detection of minor apple damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]