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Wild-type Lactococcus lactis strain LAC460 secretes prophage-encoded bacteriocin-like lysin LysL, which kills some Lactococcus strains, but has no lytic effect on the producer. LysL carries two N-terminal enzymatic active domains (EAD), and an unknown C-terminus without homology to known domains. This study aimed to determine whether the C-terminus of LysL carries a cell wall binding domain (CBD) for target specificity of LysL. The C-terminal putative CBD region of LysL was fused with His-tagged green fluorescent protein (HGFPuv). The HGFPuv_CBDlysL gene fusion was ligated into the pASG-IBA4 vector, and introduced into Escherichia coli. The fusion protein was produced and purified with affinity chromatography. To analyse the binding of HGFPuv_CBDLysL to Lactococcus cells, the protein was mixed with LysL-sensitive and LysL-resistant strains, including the LysL-producer LAC460, and the fluorescence of the cells was analysed. As seen in fluorescence microscope, HGFPuv_CBDLysL decorated the cell surface of LysL-sensitive L. cremoris MG1614 with green fluorescence, whereas the resistant L. lactis strains LM0230 and LAC460 remained unfluorescent. The fluorescence plate reader confirmed the microscopy results detecting fluorescence only from four tested LysL-sensitive strains but not from 11 tested LysL-resistant strains. Specific binding of HGFPuv_CBDLysL onto the LysL-sensitive cells but not onto the LysL-resistant strains indicates that the C-terminus of LysL contains specific CBD. In conclusion, this report presents experimental evidence of the presence of a CBD in a lactococcal phage lysin. Moreover, the inability of HGFPuv_CBDLysL to bind to the LysL producer LAC460 may partly explain the host’s resistance to its own prophage lysin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (AILI) is a pressing public health concern. Although evidence suggests that Bifidobacterium adolescentis (B. adolescentis) can be used to treat liver disease, it is unclear if it can prevent AILI. In this report, we prove that B. adolescentis significantly attenuated AILI in mice, as demonstrated through biochemical analysis, histopathology, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Based on untargeted metabolomics and in vitro cultures, we found that B. adolescentis generates microbial metabolite hypaphorine. Functionally, hypaphorine inhibits the inflammatory response and hepatic oxidative stress to alleviate AILI in mice. Transcriptomic analysis indicates that Cry1 expression is increased in APAP-treated mice after hypaphorine treatment. Overexpression of Cry1 by its stabilizer KL001 effectively mitigates liver damage arising from oxidative stress in APAP-treated mice. Using the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database, we verified that Cry1 gene expression was also decreased in patients with APAP-induced acute liver failure. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that B. adolescentis inhibits APAP-induced liver injury by generating hypaphorine, which subsequently upregulates Cry1 to decrease inflammation and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the effectiveness and safety of target temperature management (TTM) in treating patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The primary objective was to evaluate the neurological outcome at 3 months. Secondary objectives were to assess mortality, delayed cerebral ischemia, cerebral edema, hydrocephalus, midline shift, and laboratory indicators related to TTM. A single-blind, nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted. After admission, patients with poor-grade aSAH (Hunt-Hess scores IV ∼ V) were assigned to a TTM group or a control group in a 1:1 ratio. TTM with core temperatures ranging from 36°C to 37°C was performed immediately and maintained until microclipping or endovascular embolization. Subsequently, rapid induction to 33°C ∼ 35°C was carried out and maintained for 3 to 5 days. Then, the patients underwent slow rewarming to 36°C ∼ 37°C and maintained at that temperature for a minimum of 48 hours. Sixty patients (30 treated with TTM and 30 with standard treatment) were included in the study. At 3 months, a favorable prognosis (modified Rankin scale score 0 to 3) was significantly higher in the TTM group than in the control group (n = 14, 46.7% vs. n = 6, 20.0%, P = 0.028). Adjusted multivariate logistics regression analysis indicated that TTM (odds ratio = 0.20, 95% confidence interval: 0.05–0.77, P = 0.019) reduced the number of unfavorable prognoses 3 months after admission. This study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of TTM in patients with poor-grade aSAH, and its implementation improved neurological outcomes. Multicenter randomized controlled studies with a large number of patients are needed to confirm these observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a site‐selective intermolecular C(sp3)−H alkylation of saccharides with electron‐deficient alkenes using photocatalysis by anthraquinone and tetrabutylammonium decatungstate (TBADT). The main reaction site of anthraquinone‐catalyzed C(sp3)−H alkylation is determined by the weakness of the C−H bond. The reaction site can be switched by changing the photocatalyst to TBADT, and the site‐selectivity is controlled by the steric hindrance between the bulkier TBADT photocatalyst and the substituents of the saccharides. The reaction is compatible with several electron‐deficient alkenes and saccharides, and provides C‐saccharides in good yields. Furthermore, the monoalkylated product was obtained in excellent yield, even on the gram scale, under TBADT photocatalysis. Applicability was demonstrated by site‐selective C(sp3)−H alkylation of glycosyl derivatives. The reactions proceed via a site‐selective hydrogen atom transfer between the photocatalyst and saccharide, and the generated carbon radical reacts with an electron‐deficient alkene to give alkylated products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) has been widely investigated as co‐catalysts for photocatalysis owing to their unique property for controlling the reaction kinetics. They are generally presented in a solid state. Recent studies have presented MOF in the liquid phase, meanwhile preserving the framework structure. Acting as a co‐catalyst, significantly improved efficiency has been realized for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. This concept article focuses on the chemical principle of liquid MOF (LMOF). Their applications in photocatalysis and CO2 adsorption have been discussed with showing key examples. In addition, the other relevant applications of LMOF have been presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) emitters have been studied to address the issue of the broadband emission in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Herein, the authors have systematically investigated the effect of electron‐donating or ‐withdrawing units in the para position of B atom on the optoelectronic emission modulation BCz‐BN MR‐TADF emitters. Due to the enhanced spin‐orbit coupling (SOC) effect, BN(p)SCH3 with electron structure of para‐D‐π‐B is synthesized by introducing a heavy S atom into the para position of B atom of BCz‐BN. By oxidizing BN(p)SCH3, BN(p)SOCH3 and BN(p)SO2CH3 with electron structure of para‐A‐π‐B have been synthesized. The quantum simulations and photophysical studies have illustrated BN(p)SCH3 can exhibit large reverse intersystem crossing rate constant (kRISC) of 6.4 × 104 s−1 due to the large SOC constants and small singlet‐triplet energy splitting (ΔEST) of 0.12 eV. BN(p)SOCH3 and BN(p)SO2CH3 with electron structure of para‐A‐π‐B displayed red‐shift emissions with smaller full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) values of ≈21 nm and kRISC values owing to enhanced ΔEST and the low emission contribution of the triplet excitons in contrast to those of BN(p)SCH3 with electron structure of para‐D‐π‐B. Consequently, BN(p)SCH3‐based OLEDs show highly efficient blue emission with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 26.2% and excellent color purity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For sustainable development of the environment, there has been a growing interest in using remote sensing technology to monitor the content of heavy metals in crops. Satellite hyperspectral data, while capable of providing valuable information, is often subject to environmental factors. On the other hand, laboratory spectra are collected under controlled conditions, enabling more accurate and stable models to be built. As a result, this study used the laboratory maize spectra measured using an SVC spectrometer to establish the heavy metal content prediction model and applied it to hyperspectral satellite images (Gaofen-5 and Zhuhai-1) to achieve large-scale and rapid monitoring of heavy metal content in farmland maize. However, due to the difference between the laboratory spectra (source domain) and satellite spectra (target domain), the direct transfer of laboratory models to the satellite scale has shown poor results. To address this challenge, multiple factors, including spectral feature selection, domain adaptation, regression methods, and correction models were taken into account to construct the multi-factor combined model. The research has shown that modelling after spectral feature selection can increase the accuracy of the model while reducing its complexity. Additionally, the domain adaptation method can narrow the gap between the source domain and the target domain, improving the transfer learning performance of different domains to a certain extent. Furthermore, the addition of a constructed correction model generally improves the accuracy of the transfer model. The optimal transferable model is finally obtained, which can effectively apply the laboratory heavy metal content prediction model to satellite images, and achieve large-scale and rapid monitoring of heavy metal content in farmland maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is uncertain which factors substantially influence outcomes after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in patients with supine predominant obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) To explore the predictors of UPPP outcomes in POSA patients. A total of 108 patient(52 positional patients (POSA) and 56 nonpositional patients(NPP)), who underwent the revised uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (H-UPPP), were retrospectively studied. The pre-operative information of these patients, including polysomnography (PSG), and upper airway CT, were collected for analysis. No difference was found in surgical success rates between POSA and NPP undergoing H-UPPP. In POSA patients, there were statistically significant differences between responders and nonresponders in body mass index (BMI), preoperative supine AHI, time of SaO2 < 90% (TS90) (all p <.05), minimal anteroposterior airway (mAP) (p =.016), minimal lateral airway (mLAT) (p =.002), minimal cross-sectional airway area (mCSA) (p <.001) at the velopharynx. mLAT (p =.014) and mCSA (p =.002) at the glossopharynx. The independent associated factors for surgical success were lower BMI (p <.001), narrowerm LAT (p =.002) and mAP (p <.001) at velopharynx, and wider mCSA (p <.001) at glossopharynx in POSA. POSA patients with lower BMI, narrower mLAT and mAP at velopharynx, wider mCSA at glossopharynx were more likely to achieve a positive outcome with H-UPPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of CO 2 to valuable chemicals by photocatalysis has attracted widespread interesting. Owing to the linear structure of CO 2 molecule with strong C O bond, the surface reaction is considered as one of the main issues to restrict the conversion efficiency. Herein, soluble UiO-66 has been developed as co-catalyst to enhance the photocatalytic performance for CO 2 reduction. The soluble UiO-66 has presented the performance ca. 1.5 higher than the insoluble version, yielding 30.6 µmol/h for CO 2 to CO conversion by using 5.0 mg sample. This improvement can be attributed to the preserved framework by soluble UiO-66. Therefore, the chemisorption of CO 2 molecules can be improved, boosting the reduction reaction for CO production. This research provides a new path for a rational design of metal-organic framework (MOF) for photoredox catalysis, meanwhile inspiring advanced application of MOF catalysis with the soluble manner. The difference between the general UiO-66 and soluble UiO-66 in CO 2 photocatalytic reduction reaction. [Display omitted] • A soluble UiO-66 MOF material is synthesized for CO 2 photoredox catalysis. • The product yield over soluble UiO-66 is much higher than the insoluble UiO-66. • The soluble UiO-66 maximizes the active sites, similar to a homogeneous catalyst. • This research has provided a path for design of MOFs by usage of its solubility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diffusive ionization wave can be generated by an ultrafast high voltage far exceeding the inception threshold, and is featured by its unique and repetitive conical morphology. A combinative experimental and numerical study of the diffusive ionization waves is conducted in this work to investigate the role of photoionization in different N2/O2 mixtures with oxygen concentrations of 20%, 2%, 0.2%, 1 ppm, and pure nitrogen. In all gas mixtures, the ionization wave first forms a spherical shape after its inception then a conical when it approaches the plane electrode. Compared with typical filamentary streamers and inception cloud generated by low overvoltage, photoionization in a diffusive ionization wave takes effects mainly before the formation of the spherical ionization wave, and affects slightly the propagation velocity, discharge morphology, and the width (diameter) of the ionization wave. When the pin-to-plane electrode gap distance is kept 16 mm, in the atmospheric pressure simulation with an 85 kV voltage pulse, the maximum ionization width decreases from 11.4 mm in the 20% mixture to 9.1 mm in pure nitrogen. In the 200 mbar pressure experiment with a 16 kV voltage pulse, the maximum ionization width decreases from 12.5 mm in the 20% mixture to 11.6 mm in pure nitrogen. E in the inception cloud diameter estimation function (D = 2 U E −1) is modified to estimate the width of the ionization wave during its spherical propagation stage. It is shown that the estimation results at 180–205 kV cm−1 are in good agreement with the simulation results at atmospheric pressure air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes have emerged as potential biomarkers for pancreatic cancer (PaC). However, it is still challenging to get quantitative detection of exosomes with the specific surface receptors. In this study, a highly sensitive detection system is first constructed for the direct quantitation of specific exosomes in real samples using hierarchical surface‐enhanced Raman scattering substrate (H‐SERS substrate) and rapid enrichment strategy magnetic beads @ exosomes @ SERS detection probes (MEDP). It is found that the detection system (MEDP @ H‐SERS substrate) could provide a 3.5 times higher SERS intensity compared with MEDP sandwich immunocomplex only. Moreover, LRG1‐positive exosomes (LRG1‐Exos) and GPC1‐positive exosomes (GPC1‐Exos) are chosen to distinguish PaC through exosome proteomics and database screening. The lower limit of detection (LOD) is 15 particles µL‐1 using the MEDP @ H‐SERS substrate. Significantly, the detection in clinical samples shows that the innovative combination of LRG1‐Exos and GPC1‐Exos could improve the diagnostic efficiency of PaC, with an area under the operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.95. Even for the early‐stage PaC, the diagnostic accuracy is still high (AUC = 0.95). Collectively, the findings indicate that the MEDP @ H‐SERS substrate has great potential for the early diagnosis of PaC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elucidating the genetic and molecular control of plant reproduction often requires the deployment of functional approaches based on reverse or forward genetic screens. The loss-of-function of essential genes, however, may lead to plant lethality prior to reproductive development or to the formation of sterile structures before the organ-of-interest can be analyzed. In these cases, inducible approaches that enable a spatial and temporal control of the genetic perturbation are extremely valuable. Genetic induction in reproductive organs, such as the ovule, deeply embedded in the flower, is a delicate procedure that requires both optimization and validation. Results: Here we report on a streamlined procedure enabling reliable induction of gene expression in Arabidopsis ovule and anther tissues using the popular pOP/LhGR Dex-inducible system. We demonstrate its efficiency and reliability using fluorescent reporter proteins and histochemical detection of the GUS reporter gene. Conclusion: The pOP/LhGR system allows for a rapid, efficient, and reliable induction of transgenes in developing ovules without compromising developmental progression. This approach opens new possibilities for the functional analysis of candidate regulators in sporogenesis and gametogenesis, which is otherwise affected by early lethality in conventional, stable mutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prediction of audit opinions of listed companies plays a significant role in the security market risk prevention. By introducing machine learning methods, many innovations can be implemented to improve audit quality, lift audit efficiency, and cultivate the keen insight of auditors. However, in a realistic environment, category imbalance and critical feature selection exist in the prediction model of company audit opinions. This paper firstly combines batched sparse principal component analysis (BSPCA) with kernel fuzzy clustering algorithm (KFCM) and proposes a sparse-kernel fuzzy clustering undersampling method (S-KFCM) to deal with the imbalance of sample categories. This method adopts the kernel fuzzy clustering algorithm to down-sample the normal samples, and their features are extracted from abnormal sample sets based on the group sparse component method. The sparse normal sample set can maintain the original distribution space structure and highlight the classification boundary samples. Secondly, considering the company's characteristic attributes and data sources, 448 original variables are grouped, and then BSPCA is used for feature screening. Finally, the support vector machine (SVM) is adopted to complete the classification prediction. According to the empirical results, the SKFCM-SVM model has the highest prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of local ion implantation, we investigated the influence of lateral interface on current induced magnetic switching by spin–orbit torque in a perpendicularly magnetized Pt/Co/Ta multilayer. The experimental results show that, in this system, the domain wall motion under electrical current can be affected by two mechanisms: symmetry breaking and current-driven Néel wall motion at the lateral interface. The dominant mechanism is symmetry breaking (current-driven Néel wall motion) at the large (small) current. Due to the competitive relationship of these two mechanisms, the non-hysteresis effect magnetic switching without an external magnetic field is obtained. Based on the non-hysteresis effect magnetic switching, we can realize AND and OR logic gates without resetting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ratiometric luminescent thermometry based on dual-emission centers can effectively overcome the limitations of temperature sensing based on thermally coupled levels. Herein, Bi3+ and Pr3+ co-doped CaNb 2 O 6 phosphors were prepared by high-temperature solid-phase reactions, and crystal structural and photoluminescence were characterized. Then the luminescent thermometric properties of the obtained samples were studied, and the maximum absolute and relative sensitivity of the optimal sample (CaNb 2 O 6 : 0.5%Bi3+/0.5%Pr3+ phosphor) achieved are 0.09 K−1 @ 528 K and 2.17 % K−1 @ 453 K, respectively. Furthermore, the luminescence of CaNb 2 O 6 : 0.5%Bi3+/0.5%Pr3+ phosphor transforms remarkably from blue to red as the temperature rises, which can be adopted to monitor the ambient temperature via the glow color of the phosphor. To sum up, Bi3+ and Pr3+ co-doped CaNb 2 O 6 phosphors have been shown to have good thermosensitive and thermochromic characteristics. • A strategy using dual-emission centers with different thermal behaviors is proposed. • The energy transfer from Bi3+ to Pr3+ ions was shown to be efficient. • The maximum S r of CaNb 2 O 6 : 0.5%Bi3+/0.5%Pr3+ is 2.17 % K−1 @ 453 K. • The resultant phosphors exhibited excellent thermochromic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the structure and pro‐inflammatory activities of water‐soluble wheat bran polysaccharides (WBP) were evaluated. WBP were heteropolysaccharides consisting 60.34% arabinoxylan as the main component and 31.80% mannose residues characterized with the instrumental analyses. The result of cellular experiment displayed that WBP had significant pro‐inflammatory activities by increasing the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and up‐regulating the inflammatory cytokine expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). WBP mediated macrophages RAW 264.7 pro‐inflammatory response through phosphatidylinositol 3 hydroxykinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway by significantly promoting Akt and phosphoinositide‐dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) phosphorylations. Meanwhile, the expression of related phosphorylated proteins JNK and ERK1/2 was significantly up‐regulated which suggested that WBP played pro‐inflammatory roles by activating mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway. Practical applications: In recent years, wheat bran generally has the phenomenon of high yield and low utilization rate. Wheat bran has rich nutritional value and contains a lot of effective biologically active substances. Based on our findings, the water‐soluble polysaccharides extracted from wheat bran have significant effects on regulating immunity and can be utilized as sources of natural immune modulators. The research can develop new functions of wheat bran polysaccharides, and improve processing utilization rate and product added value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the common sleep-related breathing disorders in children. However, polysomnography (PSG) is an expensive and labor-intensive diagnostic modality that may not always be feasible, especially in low-income countries or in non-tertiary hospitals. Portable monitors (PMs), a new approach for OSA diagnosis, have become more widely used with lower intolerance and cost in recent years. We aimed to analyze the diagnostic performance of Level IV PMs compared with PSG for the diagnosis of pediatric OSA.Methods: PubMed and Embase databases were searched for studies published in English up to December 31, 2020 evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of Level IV PMs against the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) measured using overnight in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) in children and adolescents. A random-effects bivariate model was used to estimate the summary sensitivity and specificity of oximetry-based statistical classifiers. A qualitative evaluation of studies was performed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) rating.Results: In total, 20 studies involving 7062 participants were included in this systematic review. Among these articles, seven studies (oximetry based on new mathematical classifiers) involving 5098 individuals satisfied the criteria for quantitative synthesis. Compared with AHI evaluation measured by PSG, different PM systems achieved diagnostic accuracy with variable degrees of success. A meta-analysis showed a pooled sensitivity of 74% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 66-80%) and pooled specificity of 90% (95% CI: 85-94%). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86-0.92).Conclusion: This study showed the potential of Level IV PMs for screening pediatric OSA patients. Oximetry based on new mathematical classifiers may provide a simple and effective alternative to PSG in the diagnosis of pediatric OSA especially in the context of appropriate clinical evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying machine learning to hyperspectral remote sensing is a new way to solve practical problems. A new method that combines spectral indexes and Naive Bayes, named SINB, was proposed to distinguish heavy metal pollution in crops. First, the CLPIOR, CLPICR, and CLPIFOD (Copper-Lead Pollution Index of the original spectrum, continuum removed spectrum, and first-order differential spectrum) were constructed based on the processed crop spectra, and they were used as input variables for Bayes discrimination. Then, the discriminant functions were constructed using samples from the training group, and the discriminant rule was formulated. Finally, the samples from the validation group were used to test the universality and robustness of the SINB. The results showed that the CLPIOR, CLPICR, and CLPIFOD were sensitive to distinguish Cu (Copper) and Pb (Lead) pollution, and the discrimination accuracy of SINB was 100% in the training group and 100% in the validation group. This method fully used the crop leaf spectral characteristics and the advantages of machine learning and achieved the discrimination of crop heavy metal pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through controlling the ssDNA product length of rolling circle amplification with AcyNTP, here we develop a nanopore signal enhancement strategy (STSS), which can successfully transfer the short oligonucleotide targets into long ssDNAs with appropriate lengths that can generate significant translocation currents. By labelling the RCA product with tags such as tetrahedral structures and isothermal amplicons, the resolution, signal specificity, and target range of the STSS can be further extended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The methyl‐modified nucleosides (methyladenosine, methylguanosine, methylcytidine, and methyluridine) occur widely in nucleic acids and serve as biomarkers for a variety of types of diseases. Their isomers have the same parent ions in MS spectra and need further discrimination. Here, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) coupled with collision induced dissociation (CID) was used to distinguish the common isomerides of methyl‐nucleosides. The various fragmentation patterns had been discussed in comparison of the different methyl modified nucleosides and were studied as a function of normalized collision energy. Then, structurally relevant fragments were obtained to efficiently identify characterization of methyl‐nucleoside isomerides by collision induced dissociation. Therefore, this study provides a promising method using CID‐MS for the discrimination of the isomeric methyl nucleosides, which could be useful to quantitative study of methyl nucleosides and detect of unknown methyl nucleosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a promising climate change mitigation technology, radiative cooling presents an economical and environmental-friendly approach to alleviate cities from overheating and urban heat island. Based on the fundamental theory, this study comprehensively reviews the materials composition and nano/microstructures underlying the radiative cooling technology. The study summarizes the primary six properties of the selective emitting material, reflecting material, back-mirror material, matrix material, insulation material and dynamic switching material, in terms of their morphologies, substrates, properties, and performances. The configuration of radiative cooling systems mostly follows the two essential designs, namely "multi-layered structures" composed of multiple continuous nano/micro-layers or "nano/micro-particle structures" consisting of discrete nano/microparticles or a combination of both. Cooling potential and end-applications on buildings were reviewed, including cool roofs, PV cooling and water cooling. At the end of this review, we present our recommendations on the combining "multilayer" and "nanostructure" designs for better design radiative cooling composites from a materialistic perspective. Unlike previous studies, our review provides a unique overview of nanomaterials and composite structures, leading to better design configuration and optimisation of radiative cooling end-applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the key mechanisms underlying OSA is reduced pharyngeal muscle tone during sleep. Data suggest that pharmacologic augmentation of central serotonergic/adrenergic tone increases pharyngeal muscle tone.Research Question: We hypothesized that venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, would improve OSA severity.Study Design and Methods: In this mechanistic, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 20 patients with OSA underwent two overnight polysomnograms ≥ 4 days apart, receiving either 50 mg of immediate-release venlafaxine or placebo before bedtime. Primary outcomes were the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and peripheral oxygen saturation (Spo2) nadir, and secondary outcomes included sleep parameters and pathophysiologic traits with a view toward understanding the impact of venlafaxine on mechanisms underlying OSA.Results: Overall, there was no significant difference between venlafaxine and placebo regarding AHI (mean reduction, -5.6 events/h [95% CI, -12.0 to 0.9]; P = .09) or Spo2 nadir (median increase, +1.0% [-0.5 to 5]; P = .11). Venlafaxine reduced total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, while increasing non-REM stage 1 sleep (Pall < .05). On the basis of exploratory post hoc analyses venlafaxine decreased ("improved") the ventilatory response to arousal (-30%; P = .049) and lowered ("worsened") the predicted arousal threshold (-13%; [P = .02]; ie, more arousable), with no effects on other pathophysiologic traits (Pall ≥ .3). Post hoc analyses further suggested effect modification by arousal threshold (P = .002): AHI improved by 19% in patients with a high arousal threshold (-10.9 events/h [-3.9 to -17.9]) but tended to increase in patients with a low arousal threshold (+7 events/h [-2.0 to 16]). Other predictors of response were elevated AHI and less collapsible upper airway anatomy at baseline (|r| > 0.5, P ≤ .02).Interpretation: In unselected patients, venlafaxine simultaneously worsened and improved various pathophysiologic traits, resulting in a zero net effect. Careful patient selection based on pathophysiologic traits, or combination therapy with drugs countering its alerting effects, may produce a more robust response.Trial Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02714400; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indoor thermal environment under an intermittent heating condition can be maintained by rationally utilizing the heat storage and release processes of the composite phase-change wall (composite-PCW), leading to heating time and energy consumption reductions. In order to optimize its heat storage and release processes, the influences of different parameters on the dynamic thermal processes of composite-PCW were studied, including the position and thickness of phase-change material (PCM), phase transition temperature, phase-change latent heat, and PCM thermal conductivity, according to two typical intermittent conditions summarized by experimental data. With large heat storage efficiency η and small heat loss rate ε, the optimized composite-PCW that was adaptive for intermittent heating was the composite-PCW with 10 mm PCM integrated to the wall inside. Its phase-transition temperature was 19–20 °C (66.2–68 °F), the phase-change latent heat was 220 kJ/kg (95.58 btu/lb), and the thermal conductivity was 0.4 W/(m·K) (0.23 btu/(ft·h·°F)) at liquid states and 0.8 W/(m·K) (0.46 btu/(ft·h·°F)) at solid states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel molybdenum disulfide modified nickel titanate composite photocatalyst MoS2/NiTiO3 was designed and synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The petal-like MoS2 is highly dispersive, which provides many active sites. The photocatalytic activity of MoS2/NiTiO3 for hydrogen evolution is better than that of pure MoS2 and NiTiO3 nanosheets. The hydrogen evolution amount of MoS2/NiTiO3 is 300.43 μmol, which is 5.3 and 1.9 times higher than of pure NiTiO3 and MoS2, respectively. In addition, the catalyst 7% MoS2/NiTiO3 has good stability through cyclic experiments. The results of photoluminescence spectroscopy and photoelectrochemical measurements show that the introduction of MoS2 accelerates the separation and transfer efficiency of photogenerated electrons. We have also proposed new discoveries for charge transfer mechanism of MoS2/NiTiO3 composite catalyst, which will provide a novel way to develop simple and inexpensive photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Both drought stress and fertilizer stress affect the growth of maize plants. • Rewatering could compensate for drought stress. • The constructed spectral indexes can distinguish the types of stress. • Integrated learning method has the best classification performance. Water stress and fertilizer stress have a significant impact on the growth and yield of maize. In order to improve the timeliness and accuracy of irrigation and fertilizer application, it is crucial to monitor water stress and fertilizer stress rapidly and accurately. This would help in conserving water and fertilizer resources and ensuring a stable maize yield. To this end, pot experiments were set up to explore the growth differences and photosynthetic properties of maize under water stress and fertilizer stress. The hyperspectral technology was used to construct the spectral indexes that can distinguish stress types, and the classification algorithm was combined to identify stress types. The research has shown that the plant height, basal diameter, leaf area, and photosynthetic properties of maize decreased with an increase in drought stress. However, rewatering could compensate for drought stress. Furthermore, fertilizer stress also affected water uptake by plants, and high nitrogen stress had a significant negative effect on the growth of maize plants. We employed a combination of spectral indexes and the support vector machine (SVM) classification algorithm in a stepwise manner to identify stress types. Using the training dataset, we constructed six classifiers for distinguishing stress types, including the SVM classifier, K-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifier, naive Bayes (NB) classifier, decision tree (DT) classifier, random forest (RF) classifier, and AdaBoost classifier. Our results showed that the RF and AdaBoost classifiers obtained stable results in stress type differentiation, achieving accurate identification of unstressed, water stressed, and fertilizer stressed maize plants. This is expected to provide a solid basis and reference for monitoring crop stress types in agricultural fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA), a plastic additive, is ubiquitous in the environment and has endocrine disrupting effects. As many countries have prohibited the manufacture and sale of plastic products with BPA, BPA analogs have been used to replace BPA during production, including bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol B (BPB). To investigate the toxicities of BPA and its analogs on neurons, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, Annexin V-FITC (fluorescein) apoptosis detection assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay, and Cell Counting Kit-8 assay were conducted to comprehensively assess the influence of different concentrations of BPA, BPB, and BPS on ROS, apoptosis, damage, and proliferation for hippocampal HT-22 cells, respectively. Results showed that 6 h of exposure to bisphenols (BPs) could increase the ROS levels, 24 h and 48 h of exposure could induce higher apoptosis and LDH leakage rates for HT-22 cells, and 7 d of exposure could inhibit the cell proliferations. In addition, non-monotonic dose-response relationships were observed between the concentrations of bisphenols and the toxic effects mentioned above. The neurotoxic effects of BPA, BPB and BPS on HT-22 cells were in the increasing order of BPS, BPA, and BPB. In conclusion, these results showed that exposure to BPA and its analogs may result in adverse effects on hippocampal neuronal cell lines. BPS is a surrogate with lower neurotoxicity to replace BPA in production of plastic utensils. Image 1 • BPA, BPS and BPB exhibit different cytotoxicity to HT-22 cells. • Non-monotonic relationships existed between BPs levels and toxic effects of HT-22 cells. • BPS might be surrogate to replace BPA in plastic production with its lower neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During intermittent heating, the heat storage and release of building envelopes are caused by indoor thermal environment variations. The heat storage and release process of the building envelope inside can be used to reduce heat loss in intermittent cycles and maintain the indoor thermal environment for occupant comfort while saving energy by efficiency in the operation. In this research, the building envelope was integrated with phase change materials, and the heat transfer model was established and verified to analyze the heat storage and release processes of composite phase change wall (composite-PCW) under two typical intermittent heating conditions. Effective heat storage utilization rate η and heat loss rate ε were used to evaluate the wall's heat storage and release characteristics and energy efficiency, and the composite-PCW was compared with a solid brick wall. The results show that (1) the η of the composite-PCW was 75.07% in the long intermittent condition; (2) the thermal processes were relatively stable in the last three cycles of the short intermittent condition, and the η was greater than 70%; and (3) the ε of the composite-PCW was smaller under the two intermittent conditions compared with the solid brick wall and was reduced by more than 36%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection usually needs two steps: amplification (mostly by polymerase chain reaction) and genotyping of SNP by using the amplification products. To shorten the time and simplify the detection, it is ideal to develop a one‐step method, in which the amplification itself can be the SNP detection signal. Meanwhile the difficulty in developing one‐step technology is the suppression of the background amplification. In this work, we designed an artificial mismatch into the third position from the 3' terminus of the probes to prevent false positive extension reaction of the probes, which greatly improved the selectivity of mutation detection. We integrated this high selective version of primer extension reaction with a rapid and isothermal nucleic acid amplification loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method to distinguish between wild‐type and mutant DNA. SYBR®Green I is selected as the fluorescent dye that is tested for real‐time measurement of the LAMP reaction by its fluorescence intensity.100aM single strand DNA (ssDNA) or double strand DNA (dsDNA) targets can be accurately determined and as low as 0.1% mutant DNA can be detected in the presence of a large excess of wild‐type DNA, indicating the high sensitivity and specificity. The real‐time measuring does not require the detection step after LAMP and gives a wide dynamic range for detection of DNA targets (from 100aM to 1 pM). One‐step selective and quantitative SNP Diagnosisbysimple Introduction of artificial mismatch in the forward inner primer with the ability of 0.1% mutant DNA detection in the presence of a large excess of wild type DNA [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleeping disorder that can cause multiple complications. Our aim is to build an automatic deep learning model for OSA event detection using combined signals from the electrocardiogram (ECG) and thoracic movement signals. We retrospectively obtained 420 cases of PSG data and extracted the signals of ECG, as well as the thoracic movement signal. A deep learning algorithm named ResNeSt34 was used to construct the model using ECG with or without thoracic movement signal. The model performance was assessed by parameters such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and area under the ROC curve (AUC). The model using combined signals of ECG and thoracic movement signal performed much better than the model using ECG alone. The former had accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and AUC values of 89.0%, 88.8%, 89.0%, 88.2%, and 92.9%, respectively, while the latter had values of 84.1%, 83.1%, 84.1%, 83.3%, and 82.8%, respectively. The automatic OSA event detection model using combined signals of ECG and thoracic movement signal with the ResNeSt34 algorithm is reliable and can be used for OSA screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field-free spin–orbit torque switching in synthetic antiferromagnets (SAF) holds significant promise for high-density spintronic memory and logic devices. In this paper, we realize the field-free magnetization switching in SAFs due to the local ion implantation-induced 45° lateral interface and symmetry breaking. Moreover, the magnetization switching ratio is enlarged by the lateral interface owing to the superimposition of a damping-like effective field and a symmetry-breaking effective field. Our work is significant for the development of magnetic random-access memory technology with high-speed and anti-interference ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Both surgical treatment and non-surgical treatment are suggested by clinicians for children with habitual snoring related to adenotonsillar hypertrophy; However, how should the decision be made remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate potential predictors for the treatment decision, i.e., surgical treatment vs wait and see in children with habitual snoring related to adenoidal and/or tonsillar hypertrophy.Methods: Children with complaints of snoring and/or apnea associated with adenotonsillar hypertrophy who received polysomnography (PSG) monitoring at our Hospital were recruited. After at least 6 months, the subjects were followed up and grouped according to whether or not they had received adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy (AT) execution. The heights, weights, as well as the quality of life (assessed using the obstructive sleep apnea-18 (OSA-18) quality of life questionnaire) and baseline PSG of the subjects were recorded and compared. Two logistic regressions were performed to reveal the factors influencing decision-making on conducting AT.Results: A total of 509 children were finally included (345 males and 164 females). Among these children, 287 eventually received AT. Significant differences in age, scores for item 1 and 5 of the OSA-18, apnea-hypopnea index, obstructive apnea index, obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI), and Lowest arterial oxygen saturation (P < 0.05) were observed between groups. By multivariate logistic regression, the factors that influenced the surgical decision were identified as follows: age < 7 years (P = 0.008: odds ratio [OR] = 1.667, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.140-2.438), score for item 5 of OSA-18 > 4 points (P = 0.042: OR = 1.489, 95% CI 1.014-2.212) and OAHI > 1/h (P = 0.044: OR = 1.579, 95% CI 1.013-2.463).Conclusion: School-age children aged < 7 years, with OAHI > 1/h and mouth breathing scored > 4 points were more likely to receive AT during the disease process and thus require increased attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of a lightweight building is limited because its indoor temperature is highly affected by the outdoor environment due to the low thermal inertia of the lightweight envelope. In order to improve the thermal performance, this study focuses on lightweight buildings integrated with phase change materials. EnergyPlus software with building model validated by experimental data is used to analyze the thermal performance improvement of lightweight buildings by integrating with phase change materials under typical weather conditions in five climate zones in China. The results show that phase change materials can reduce temperature fluctuations through improving the heat stability of the lightweight envelope. Phase change materials can effectively improve the indoor thermal environment throughout the whole year in a temperate zone. Also, phase change materials can improve the indoor thermal environment of lightweight buildings significantly in the transition seasons, but it also reduces the hours of the indoor air temperature within the range 18°C (64.4°F) to 26°C (78.8°F) during cold winters and hot summers. For the lightweight buildings with air conditioning, due to the addition phase change material, heating loads can be reduced by 40–70%, while cooling loads increase slightly in the summers with the higher air temperature.ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHERCopyright of Science & Technology for the Built Environment is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a radical cation [4+2] annulation of arylalkenes to afford naphthalene derivatives using an organic photosensitizer (9-mesityl-10-methylacridinium perchlorate) under visible light photocatalysis. In the presence of oxygen (in the air), the oxidative dimerization/intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition of two alkene molecules provides 3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2 H)-ones in good to high yields. Under a nitrogen atmosphere, (dihydro)naphthalenes were attained in moderate to excellent yields by using Selectfluor as the oxidant. The transformation proceeds via a tandem dimeric electrophilic addition/Friedel-Crafts cyclization/radical coupling/elimination sequence. This approach represents a mild and straightforward assembly of the naphthalene skeleton using a visible light photocatalytic cascade strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Variability of GGEMG at sleep onset is associated with apnea severity in OSA patients. At sleep onset, a lower decline in GGEMG might suggest a more severe OSA.Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate genioglossus (GG) activation in the Chinese population at early sleep onset, and clarify the relationship of GG activation and the apnea severity in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).Methods: Thirty-five OSA patients and 10 normal controls underwent overnight polysomnography with synchronous genioglossus electromyography (GGEMG) using intra-oral electrodes. The upper airway (UA) anatomy was evaluated by three-dimensional computer tomography (3D-CT) in all subjects.Results: The average GGEMG and tonic GGEMG were higher in the apnea patients than in the normal controls during wakefulness and early sleep onset period (three breaths) (p < 0.01). Eight OSA patients had increased GGEMG at sleep onset and 27 patients had decreased GGEMG values. Between the two groups, there were significant differences in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), minimal cross-sectional airway area (mCAS) and minimal lateral airway dimension (mLAT) at velopharynx (p < 0.05). The change in GGEMG, phasic GGEMG and tonic GGEMG from awake to sleep showed positive correlations with AHI and negative correlations with velopharynx (mLAT and mCAS) (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

[Display omitted] • Constructed the soil heavy metal pollution index (SHMPI) • The two-dimensional plane can intuitively display the polluted samples. • Selecting the optimal spectral bands by correlation optimal algorithm. • Realized the rapid identification of Cu and Pb pollution types in soil. • Distinguish whether the soil is polluted by heavy metals. This study proposes a method for the rapid identification of elements in soil heavy metal pollution using spectral indices. Set up a simulation experiment of planting crops in soil polluted by multi-gradient Cu and Pb. The obtained polluted soil spectral data was initially pre-processed to obtain the original spectrum (OR), the continuum removed spectrum (CR), and the first-order differential spectrum (FOD). Then the preliminary model of soil heavy metal pollution index (SHMPI) was constructed. Using the correlation optimal algorithm, the maximum median distance algorithm, and the maximum average distance algorithm to select the optimal bands corresponding to the OR, CR, and FOD. The optimal bands selected by each algorithm were substituted into the SHMPI. Each algorithm obtains three indices, and two of them were selected as the x -axis and y -axis to form a two-dimensional pollution identification plane. Nine two-dimensional planes can be obtained by three algorithms and three combinations of OR, CR, and FOD. Support vector machine classifier was used to classify the Cu and Pb polluted samples in the planes, and nine classification models to distinguish Cu and Pb pollution in soil were constructed. The results show that using the correlation optimal algorithm to extract the optimal bands, and using OR and CR to construct SHMPI, the accuracy of the classification line model of Cu and Pb pollution obtained was 93% in the training group and 86% in the validation group. This method can stably and effectively identify the types of heavy metal pollution in soil, and can also effectively identify whether the soil is polluted by heavy metals, which is expected to guide the rapid and non-destructive identification of heavy metal pollution in polluted areas, and provide new ideas for the identification of other types of heavy metals in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to investigate the mechanism of the protective action of Procyanidins (PC) against tertiary butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced cytotoxicity and cell death in human hepatocyte-derived cell line HL7702 cells. Incubation of HL7702 cells with PC prevented TBHP-induced loss in cell viability and reduction in GSH/GSSG ratio and activities of antioxidant enzymes have also been found to be prevented by PC. Western blot was used to evaluate the levels of cytochromec, Bcl-2, Bax, Sirt3 and IDH2. The results showed that PC effectively protect TBHP-treated HL7702 cells from death, and increase superoxide dismutase activity and significantly decrease malondialdehyde production. PC increased the ratio of GSH/GSSG and NADPH/NADP+, and reduced the release of cytochromecfrom mitochondria and decreased the Bax expression, and also increased the expression of Bcl-2, IDH2 and Sirt3. PC prevented TBHP-induced oxidative stress injury in HL7702 cells and functioning via Sirt3-dependent mitochondria pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If there is an ideal wind turbine, its performances will be the pursuit goals for designing the actual wind turbine. In this paper, the wind turbine that has the maximum efficiency is defined as ideal wind turbine, which has three main features: lift-drag ratio is infinite, it has enough number blades so that the blade tip and root losses can be ignored, and its blades are limited in width. Using blade element theory, the differential equations of power, torque, lift and thrust of blade element were derived, and the expressions of power, torque, lift and thrust coefficients of the ideal wind turbine were gained by integrating along the blade span. Research shows that the power, torque and lift coefficients of the ideal wind turbine are functions of tip-speed ratio. When the lift-drag ratio and the tip-speed ratio is approaching infinity, power coefficient of the ideal wind turbine is close to the Betz limit; The torque limit is 0.401 when the tip-speed ratio equals about 0.635; The Lift limit is 0.578 when the tip-speed ratio equals about 0.714; The thrust coefficient is 8/9, which is unrelated with tip-speed ratio. For any wind turbine which tip-speed ratio is less than 10, the power coefficient is unlikely to exceed 0.585, for any high-speed wind turbine which tip-speed ratio is greater than 6, the torque coefficient in steady state is unlikely to exceed 0.1, and the lift coefficient is unlikely to exceed 0.2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jute, comprising white and dark jute, is the second important natural fiber crop after cotton worldwide. However, the lack of expressed sequence tag-derived simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers has resulted in a large gap in the improvement of jute. Previously, de novo 48,914 unigenes from white jute were assembled. In this study, 1,906 EST-SSRs were identified from these assembled uingenes. Among these markers, di-, tri- and tetra-nucleotide repeat types were the abundant types (12.0%, 56.9% and 21.6% respectively). The AG-rich or GA-rich nucleotide repeats were the predominant. Subsequently, a sample of 116 SSRs, located in genes encoding transcription factors and cellulose synthases, were selected to survey polymorphisms among12 diverse jute accessions. Of these, 83.6% successfully amplified at least one fragment and detected polymorphism among the 12diverse genotypes, indicating that the newly developed SSRs are of good quality. Furthermore, the genetic similarity coefficients of all the 12 accessions were evaluated using 97 polymorphic SSRs. The cluster analysis divided the jute accessions into two main groups with genetic similarity coefficient of 0.61. These EST-SSR markers not only enrich molecular markers of jute genome, but also facilitate genetic and genomic researches in jute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RATIONALE In recent years, methylated nucleosides have been considered to be potential biomarkers to human diseases. The early diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) is an unsolved problem in clinical cardiology. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether urinary methylated nucleosides can serve as useful biomarkers for CAD. METHODS A solid-phase extraction (SPE) column was used for extraction and purification of methylated nucleosides in urine, and high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS/MS) was employed for specific, sensitive and rapid determination of the urinary methylated nucleosides from patients with cardiac events. RESULTS We have analyzed six methylated nucleosides (N3-methylcytidine, N1-methyladenosine, N6-methyladenosine, N2-methylguanosine, N1-methylguanosine and N2,N2-dimethylguanosine) in urine from 51 patients with CAD and 25 non-CAD controls by HPLC/ESI-MS/MS using selective reaction monitoring (SRM). Our results have shown that there were significant differences in the N6-methyladenosine levels from the patients and the non-CAD controls in the urine analyzed. CONCLUSIONS The results have indicated that HPLC/ESI-MS/MS is a highly specific and sensitive tool to measure urinary methylated nucleosides for analysis of CAD. Our result has revealed that the evaluation of urinary methylated nucleosides might be helpful in the analysis of CAD by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Therefore, this N6-methyladenosine is worthy of further studies in the near future. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interior decorating coatings (IDCs) are the heat-transfer medium between indoor air and building walls, which mainly form the cooling load and are important in an indoor built environment. To explore the impacts of the precooling process of IDCs on indoor thermal environment of occupants during intermittent air conditioning, this paper investigated the dynamic thermal response of IDCs. Three representative coating materials were integrated to the external insulation wall and internal insulation wall, and their interior surface temperatures were experimentally tested under intermittent air conditioning operation in southern China. Moreover, a heat transfer model was established and verified to analyze the influences of IDC on the thermal response of the interior surface. During the pull-down process, the cold was accumulated in the IDC layer with small thermal diffusivity and could not be transferred into the wall inside, so that the largest temperature reduction was obtained, meaning that the indoor thermal environment could meet the setpoint in a short time. According to modelling calculations, the thick IDC with volumetric specific heat capacity less than 1 × 105 J/(m3·K) and small thermal conductivity integrated to the internal insulation wall was beneficial to increase the thermal response rate and had the better energy-saving efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) is an important fluorescence technology due to its ability to significantly improve the fluorescence intensity. Here, we present a new MEF configuration of the bionic nanorod array illuminated by radially polarized vector beam (RVB). The bionic nanorod array is fabricated via a nanoimprinting method by using the wings of the Chinese cicada "meimuna mongolica" as bio-templates, and later coating gold film by ion sputtering deposition method. The MEF performance of the prepared substrate is tested by a home-made optical system. The experiment results show that, in the case of RVB excitation, the intensity of fluorescence is more than 10 times stronger with the nano-imprinted substrate than that with glass. Using the bionic nanoarray as a substrate, the intensity of fluorescence is ~2 times stronger via RVB than that by the linearly polarized beam. In addition, the prepared substrate is verified to have good uniformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The NBS cut-off value for DMD screening was established by detecting CK-MM level in DBS based on a large cohort of Henan population. • The estimated incidence of male neonatal duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) was 1/4,370 in Henan province, China. • The experience from this study provided a model that will allow further expansion in Henan hospital systems. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a rare disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Recent availability in treatment for DMD raised the need of early screening in our center, but newborn screening (NBS) for DMD has not been carried out in Henan Province. To determine an optimal cutoff value through the quantitative determination of the creatine kinase isoform MM (CK-MM) concentration dried blood spot (DBS) to identify male DMD, and to evaluate assess the detection rate and mutation spectrum of DMD in Henan, China. The CK-MM level in DBS was measured using with a GSP® neonatal creatine kinase -MM kit from 13,110 male newborns to establish the cut-off value for CK-MM. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) were carried out for infants with elevated CK levels to detect DMD gene deletions/ duplications, NGS and sanger sequencing were then applied to exclude MLPA-negative samples to single‐nucleotide variants. Phenotype-genotype correlations were analyzed using REVEL For novel missense mutations. Statistical analysis of CK-MM value of the 13,110 neonates suggested that the cut-off value may be set as 472 ng/mL. 3 cases of DMD were screened among 13,110 newborns, all of whom had CK-MM levels >600 ng/mL. We detected 4 rare variants in DMD gene, including 2 exon deletions (deletion of exon 52 and deletion from exon 3 to exon 7) and 2 point variants (c.9568C>T and c.4030C>T). Two cases were all exon deletions, one case was compound heterozygous variants. The estimated incidence of male neonatal DMD was 1:4,370 in Henan province. NBS is of great value to the early intervention and treatment of the disease, and is fundamental to support public health decision-making. The experience from this study provided a model that will allow further expansion and facilitate establishment a universal public health screening in Henan hospital systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The retropalatal airway is one of the most collapsible sites during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The primary anatomical contributors to increased collapsibility in the retropalatal segment remain unclear. Objectives: This study seeks to investigate how the balance between pharyngeal soft tissues and the bony enclosure influences retropalatal mechanical loads in patients with OSA. Methods: The segmental mechanical load of the retropalatal pharynx was determined by the region's critical closing pressure in 30 anesthetized, paralyzed and intubated subjects with OSA. The volumetric anatomical parameters of the retropalatal airway were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging, and their associations with retropalatal closing pressures were analyzed. Results: Increased retropalatal closing pressure was associated with the increased proportion of volumetric pharyngeal soft tissues to the surrounding cervicomandibular bony frame (r = 0.791, p < 0.001), enlarged soft tissues of the lateral wall (r = 0.752, p < 0.001) and soft palate (r = 0.726, p < 0.001). The decreased volume of the nasopharynx (r = -0.650, p < 0.001) and pharyngeal cavity (r = -0.653, p < 0.001) indicated a relatively higher retropalatal closing pressure. The multivariate linear regression model demonstrated that the proportion of retropalatal soft tissues to the bony frame and volume of the soft palate predicted 69.4% of the variability in closing pressure (F = 30.674, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The increased volumetric proportion of pharyngeal soft tissue to the bone enclosure may be an important contributor to increased retropalatal mechanical loads. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li, Y.-R., 2019. Cruise ship dock landscape design based on figure-ground relation. In: Gong, D.; Zhu, H., and Liu, R. (eds.), Selected Topics in Coastal Research: Engineering, Industry, Economy, and Sustainable Development. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 94, pp. 547–551. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. The main object of the thesis is the landscape of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The practice research on the landscape of the riverside city in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River is made, and the situation of the landscape of the city wharf facing the river is statistically summarized. The design characteristics and causes of the use of the dock landscape space are discussed. The construction status of the dock landscape space is specifically investigated, and the utilization method of the dock landscape space is summarized. This paper analyses the design content and spatial function of the landscape space of the cruise ship terminal, and finally summarizes the design strategy of the landscape space utilization of the cruise ship terminal. Based on the research and analysis of the practical case of the cruise ship dock landscape space, the method of designing and utilizing the landscape space of the cruise terminal is summarized, which has certain theoretical guiding significance for the corresponding dock landscape case design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Analysis of heavy metal pollution of corn spectrum in the frequency domain. • The tissue structure of corn leaves was destroyed under the stress of Cu or Pb. • Extract four spectral characteristics: blue edge, green peak, red valley, red edge. • The first and second modal components of VMD are sensitive to heavy metal pollution. • Red edge is more effective in distinguishing heavy metal pollution in corn. Exploring the characteristics and types of heavy metal pollution in crops has important implications for food security and human health. In this study, a method for distinguishing heavy metal-polluted elements in corn leaves was proposed. Based on the spectral data obtained from corn leaves polluted by Cu and Pb, the spectra were divided into four characteristic regions. Variational mode decomposition (VMD) was used to decompose the first-order differential spectrum, and the characteristic analysis was transformed from the spectral domain to the frequency domain. Each modal component was processed separately using principal components analysis (PCA) according to the different characteristic regions to obtain the main information on the pollution characteristics, and then a two-dimensional space was constructed to identify the differential characteristics of corn under Cu and Pb stress visually. Finally, the support vector machine (SVM) classifier was used to get the classification line model to distinguish Cu and Pb pollution. This method was named VMD-PCA-SVM. The results show that the method can highlight the spectral response characteristics of heavy metal pollution, which is expected to guide the rapid and non-destructive identification of heavy metal pollution in crops and the formulation of remediation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Methods Results Conclusions The study aims to introduce a novel indicator, effective withdrawal time (WTS), which measures the time spent actively searching for suspicious lesions during colonoscopy and to compare WTS and the conventional withdrawal time (WT).Colonoscopy video data from 472 patients across two hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. WTS was computed through a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and manual verification. The results obtained through WTS were compared with those generated by the AI system. Patients were categorized into four groups based on the presence of polyps and whether resections or biopsies were performed. Bland Altman plots were utilized to compare AI‐computed WTS with manually verified WTS. Scatterplots were used to illustrate WTS within the four groups, among different hospitals, and across various physicians. A parallel box plot was employed to depict the proportions of WTS relative to WT within each of the four groups.The study included 472 patients, with a median age of 55 years, and 57.8% were male. A significant correlation with manually verified WTS (r = 0.918) was observed in AI‐computed WTS. Significant differences in WTS/WT among the four groups were revealed by the parallel box plot (P < 0.001). The group with no detected polyps had the highest WTS/WT, with a median of 0.69 (interquartile range: 0.40, 0.97). WTS patterns were found to be varied between the two hospitals and among senior and junior physicians.A promising alternative to traditional WT for quality control and training assessment in colonoscopy is offered by AI‐assisted computation of WTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new mechanical-based experimental method is proposed to determine the corrosion initiation and subsequent corrosion behavior of steel in simulated concrete pore solutions. The proposed experiment is used to investigate the corrosion of the steel wire under various different conditions and to examine the effects of pre-stress level in steel wire, passivation time of steel wire, composition and concentration of simulated concrete pore solution on the corrosion initiation, and subsequent corrosion development in the steel wire. The experimental results show that the reduction rate of the cross-section area of the steel wire increases with the increase of chloride concentration or decrease of pH value in the solution. However, for the case where the chloride concentration is high and the pH value is low, there is a slight decrease in the corrosion rate due to the coating function of the corrosion products surrounding the wire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]