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Background: Solid nodules (SN) had more aggressive features and a poorer prognosis than part-solid nodules (PSN). This study aimed to evaluate the specific impacts of nodule radiological appearance (SN vs. PSN) on lymph node metastasis and prognosis based on solid size in cT1 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Patients with cT1 NSCLC who underwent anatomical resection between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively screened. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were adopted to evaluate the associations between nodule radiological appearance and lymph node metastasis. The log-rank test and Cox regression analyses were applied for prognostic evaluation. The cumulative recurrence risk was evaluated by the competing risk model. Results: There were 958 and 665 NSCLC patients with PSN and SN. Compared to the PSN group, the SN arm had a higher overall lymph node metastasis rate (21.7% vs. 2.7%, P < 0.001), including nodal metastasis at N1 stations (17.7% vs. 2.1%), N2 stations (14.0% vs. 1.6%), and skip nodal metastasis (3.9% vs. 0.6%). However, for cT1a NSCLC, no significant difference existed between SN and PSN (0 vs. 0.4%, P = 1). In addition, the impacts of nodule radiological appearance on lymph node metastasis varied between nodal stations. Solid NSCLC had an inferior prognosis than part-solid patients (5-year disease-free survival: 79.3% vs. 96.2%, P < 0.001). The survival inferiority only existed for cT1b and cT1c NSCLC, but not for cT1a. Strikingly, even for patients with nodal involvement, SN still had a poorer disease-free survival (P = 0.048) and a higher cumulative incidence of recurrence (P < 0.001) than PSN. Specifically, SN had a higher recurrence risk than PSN at each site. Nevertheless, the distribution of recurrences between SN and PSN was similar, except that N2 lymph node recurrences were more frequent in solid NSCLC (28.21% vs. 7.69%, P = 0.041). Conclusion: SN had higher risks of lymph node metastasis and poorer prognosis than PSN for cT1b and cT1c NSCLC, but not for cT1a. SN exhibited a greater proportion of N2 lymph node recurrence than PSN. SN and PSN needed distinct strategies for nodal evaluation and postoperative follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initial formation of bubbles has a significant impact on bubble dynamics and acoustics. Meanwhile, the bubble initial shape is affected by the nozzle boundary. In this study, the processes of bubble generated from sawtooth nozzles have been investigated by means of controlled experiments. A three-dimensional visualization imaging system is used to study bubble behaviors. The morphology and the time-frequency spectrum of the sound pressure signal are analyzed synchronously. Moreover, the effects on bubble trajectory are also studied. Results show that sawtooth nozzle is not conducive to bubble detachment, resulting in larger bubble diameters than the circular nozzle. With the gas flow rate increasing, bubble diameter increases. When the gas flow rate reaches a certain critical value, the surface tension is not sufficient to support the continued development of bubble size. Due to effect of the sawtooth structure, bubbles tend to break in the necking stage, accompanying by small bubbles. The generation of accompanying bubbles lead to the irregular generation of nearby bubbles. This study aims to reveal the effect of sawtooth nozzle structure on the initial formation of bubbles, so as to predict the flow patterns and sound signal characteristics of the bubbles. • Effect of sawtooth nozzle structure on bubble behaviors is investigated. • 3D visualization imaging system and controlled experiment is employed. • Sawtooth nozzle impedes bubble detachment, causing larger bubble size. • Accompanying bubbles cause irregular flow patterns. • Overall energy and frequency distribution of bubble acoustic more dispersed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing (AM) can produce almost any product shape through layered stacking. The usability of continuous fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) fabricated by AM, however, is restricted owing to the limitations of no reinforcing fibers in the lay-up direction and weak interface bonding between the fibers and matrix. This study presents molecular dynamics in conjunction with experiments to explore how ultrasonic vibration enhances the performance of continuous carbon fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (CCFRPLA). Ultrasonic vibration improves the mobility of PLA matrix molecular chains by causing alternative fractures of chains, promoting crosslinking infiltration among polymer chains, and facilitating interactions between carbon fibers and the matrix. The increase in entanglement density and conformational changes enhanced the density of the PLA matrix and strengthened its anti-separation ability. In addition, ultrasonic vibration shortens the distance between the molecules of the fiber and matrix, improving the van der Waals force and thus promoting the interface binding energy between them, which ultimately achieves an overall improvement in the performance of CCFRPLA. The bending strength and interlaminar shear strength of the specimen treated with 20 W ultrasonic vibration reached 111.5 MPa and 10.16 MPa, respectively, 33.11% and 21.5% higher than those of the untreated specimen, consistent with the molecular dynamics simulations, and confirmed the effectiveness of ultrasonic vibration in improving the flexural and interlaminar properties of the CCFRPLA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Segmentectomy has been recommended for ground glass opacity (GGO)‐dominant small‐sized non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or those with GGO component. Pure solid NSCLC is a special sub‐type and has an inferior prognosis. Whether segmentectomy could achieve comparable long‐term outcomes with lobectomy for pure solid small‐sized NSCLC remained controversial. This study aimed to compare the prognosis of segmentectomy and lobectomy for pure solid NSCLC. Methods: NSCLC patients with a pure solid nodule (≤2 cm) who received segmentectomy or lobectomy between January 2010 and June 2019 were retrospectively screened. Log‐rank test, univariable, and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used for prognostic comparison. Further, the propensity score matching analysis was adopted to yield a matched cohort. Results: After screening, 344 pure solid NSCLC patients with a median follow‐up time of 56 months were reserved. Among them, 98 patients underwent segmentectomy and the other 246 subjects received lobectomy. The lobectomy group had a larger tumor size, a higher rate of lymph node metastasis than the segmentectomy arm. Generally, patients with segmentectomy had a better disease‐free survival (DFS) (p = 0.011) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.028) than those with lobectomy. However, the multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated that no significant survival difference existed between segmentectomy and lobectomy after adjusting the potential confounding factors (DFS: hazard ratio [HR], 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30–1.77, p = 0.476; OS: HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.08–1.59, p = 0.178). Consistently, in the propensity score matched cohort, segmentectomy (n = 74) yielded similar DFS (p = 0.960) and OS (p = 0.320) with lobectomy (n = 74). Conclusions: Segmentectomy could achieve comparable oncological outcomes with lobectomy for pure solid small‐sized NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural materials for satellites call for reliant stiffness while meeting the requirements of strength. Cyanate resins with superior mechanical properties and reliable dimensional stability have come under the light in the aerospace field. Herein, TDE‐86 epoxy resin was adopted to modify bisphenol E cyanate resin to prepare a high‐performance composite matrix with superior mechanical properties, low molding temperature and adequate toughness. The silica‐coated carboxylated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (SiO2@MWCNT) was designed and synthesized by sol‐gel method for the reinforced preparation of high‐modulus cyanate/epoxy composites. The experiment results demonstrated that the mechanical properties of the resin matrix could be effectively enhanced by the introduction of SiO2@MWCNT, and the optimal overall performance was achieved with 0.9 wt% SiO2@MWCNT. Compared with unmodified resin matrix, the incorporation of SiO2@MWCNT contributes a large increase in the storage modulus and glass transition temperature. Benefit from the addition of nanomaterials, the curing temperature and viscosity of cyanate resin modified by epoxy resin were further reduced to nearly 70 °C and 40 mPa ⋅ s, which makes the composite matrix retain excellent processing properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the theoretical model for predicting the flexural behavior of steel‐reinforced basalt fiber‐reinforced concrete (RBFRC) beams was developed and the results were experimentally validated. The experimental results presented two failure modes of the RBFRC beams including flexural failure and flexural‐shear failure. The load‐carrying capacity, deformation ability, and crack resistance of RBFRC beams failing in flexure can be significantly enhanced with the addition of chopped basalt fiber. To verify the theoretical model, the predicted results were compared with the experimental results of RBFRC beams, and the relative error between the two methods is very small. Based on the theoretical method, a parametric study was conducted to identify the influence of several crucial materials and structural parameters on the flexural behavior of RBFRC beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Grit plays a critical role in the academic achievement and future career success of college students. The family environment has an important influence on the development of individual grit, but the mechanisms linking family and grit are not well known. To further understand these relationships, this study sought to explore the mediating role of basic psychological needs between parental autonomy support and grit, and the moderating role of achievement motivation. Methods: The present study model was developed according to the proposed hypotheses and was analyzed using structural equation modeling. A total of 984 college students in Hunan Province, China participated in the present study. The following tools were used: Perceived Parental Autonomy Support Scale, Basic Psychological Needs Scales, Short Grit Scale, and Achievement Motivation Scale. Results: Parental autonomy support was positively correlated with basic psychological needs and grit, and both basic psychological needs and achievement motivation were positively correlated with grit. Basic psychological needs mediated the effect of parental autonomy support on grit. Achievement motivation moderated the second half of the path of the mediation model. Conclusion: Parental autonomy support influences perseverance through the mediation of basic psychological needs, and achievement motivation plays a moderating role. Findings of this study reveal the influence of family environment on grit, and give reference to the development of grit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tumor size and consolidation‐to‐tumor ratio (CTR) are crucial for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) prognosis. However, the optimal CTR cutoff remains unclear. Whether tumor size and CTR are independent prognostic factors for part‐solid NSCLC is under debate. Here, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic impacts of CTR and tumor size on NSCLC, especially on part‐solid NSCLC. Methods: We reviewed 1366 clinical T1 NSCLC patients who underwent surgical treatment. Log‐rank test and Cox regression analyses were adopted for prognostic evaluation. The "surv_cutpoint" function was used to identify the optimal CTR and tumor size cutoff values. Results: There were 416, 510, and 440 subjects with pure ground‐glass opacity (pGGO), part‐solid, and pure solid nodules. The 5‐year overall survival (disease‐free survival) for patients with pGGO, part‐solid, and pure solid nodules were 99.5% (99.5%), 97.3% (95.8%), and 90.4% (78.9%), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that CTR was an independent prognostic factor for the whole patients, and the optimal CTR cutoff was 0.99. However, for part‐solid NSCLC, CTR was not independently associated with survival, even if categorized by the optimal cutoffs. The predicted optimal cutoffs of total tumor size and solid component size were 2.4 and 1.4 cm for part‐solid NSCLC. Total tumor size (HR = 6.21, 95% CI: 1.58–24.34, p = 0.009) and solid component size (HR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.04–5.92, p = 0.045) grouped by the cutoffs were significantly associated with part‐solid NSCLC prognosis. Conclusions: CTR was an independent prognostic factor for the whole NSCLC, but not for the part‐solid NSCLC. Tumor size was still meaningful for part‐solid NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution profile of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) in young adults and its related factors are not well understood. We performed a generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis for plasma-Hcy-correlated factors in 2436 young adults, aged 20–39 years, from a health checkup population. We observed that the mean Hcy concentration in males (16.7 ± 10.3 μmol/L) was significantly higher than that in females (10.3 ± 4.0 μmol/L), and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) prevalence in males was 5.37 times than that in females (33.3% vs. 6.2%). A GEE analysis stratified by sex indicated that age (B = −0.398, p < 0.001) and LDL-C (B = −1.602, p = 0.043) were negatively correlated, while BMI (B = 0.400, p = 0.042) was positively correlated, with the Hcy level in young males. ALT (B = −0.021, p = 0.033), LDL-C (B = −1.198, p < 0.001) and Glu (B = −0.446, p = 0.006) were negatively correlated, while AST (B = 0.022, p = 0.048), CREA (B = 0.035, p < 0.001), UA (B = 0.004, p = 0.003) and TG (B = 1.042, p < 0.001) were positively correlated, with the Hcy level in young females. These results suggest that young males have a significantly higher plasma Hcy level and HHcy prevalence than young females; therefore, more attention should be paid to the reason for and effect of the higher HHcy prevalence in young males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shape memory polymer composites (SMPC) can find their use as deployable structure devices for aerospace applications due to lightweight, low cost, durable, and functionality. In this work, a binary shape memory epoxy resin (SMEP) system was designed using hydrogenated bisphenol A-type epoxy resin (AL-3040) and diglycidyl-4,5-epoxycyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate epoxy resin (TDE-86). Further, the binary resin system was applied as prepreg for carbon fiber reinforced shape memory composite with vacuum bag degassing molding process. It is found that the glass transition temperature (Tg), tensile strength and Young's modulus of SMEPs were notably increased with increasing TDE-86 content, whereas the impact strength was decreased. The SMEP exhibited good shape memory performance with a shape fixity ratio > 97.1% and a shape recovery ratio > 98.4% after 30 cycles. The whole shape recovery process of SMEP can be completed within 45 s. Compared to neat SMEP, the SMPC showed excellent mechanical properties at both ambient temperature and low temperature. The tensile strength and tensile modulus of SMPC at ambient temporary were as high as 626 MPa and 38 GPa, which were 10 times and 30 times higher than that of SMEP, respectively. Furthermore, the shape memory tests showed that the shape fixity ratio and the recovery ratio of SMPC were both over 95% after 30 cycles. With a higher recovery force provided by carbon fibers, the shape memory process was shortened to 29 s. It seems that the SMPC in this work is quite promising for aerospace applications, such as hinges, deployable panels, and morphing wings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation were conducted to study the disaster-causing mechanism of structural instability of the overlying strata induced by water–rock coupling and effectively prevent and control the powered support jammed accident during mining below the unconsolidated confined aquifer. The influencing factors on the stability of the overlying strata structure were analyzed, and the numerical simulation method of unconsolidated confined aquifer was designed. The disaster-causing mechanism and the evolution process of the stress–displacement–crack field of the overlying strata induced by water–rock coupling were discovered. Meanwhile, the prevention measures for the structural instability of the overlying strata were proposed and verified in some engineering practice. Results show that the stability of the overlying strata structure reduces with the increase in hydraulic pressure, the breaking interval of the main roof, and the decrease in the overlying strata strength and waterproof coal pillar height. The overlying strata structure keeps a stable equilibrium state before the fracture planes through a whole waterproof coal–rock pillar. When the hydraulic pressure is small or the bedrock surface is a thick topsoil layer, the sliding block is in a state of limit equilibrium for the decrease of pressure on the sliding block while the fracture planes through a whole waterproof coal–rock pillar because of the action of unloading during an overlying strata movement. When the hydraulic pressure is high, the pressure on the sliding block remains constant at about hydraulic pressure, and the intact shear fall of the sliding block occurs as a result of the hydraulic pressure of the confined aquifer and the weight of the sliding block, which may result in a powered support jammed accident. However, this type of accident can be prevented by drainage for decreasing hydraulic pressure, presplitting blasting of the hard main roof, overlying strata grouting reinforcement, and increasing the height of the waterproof coal–rock pillar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella enteritidis (SE) is an important factor causing foodborne disease, and electrochemical sensors have drawn much attention for SE prevention and detection due to their many advantages. A renewable electrochemical sensor using specially designed locked nucleic acids (LNA) as linkers for the detection of SE was proposed to improve the reusability and reproducibility of biosensors. One end of the LNA was designed as an anchor to attach to modified electrodes through the sulfhydryl group; the other end was used to match with a short segment of SE aptamers, which will allow for the convenient renewal of occupied aptamers by raising the temperature. Results revealed that the manufactured biosensor had good stability, reproducibility, and selectivity in addition to a linear range of 6 × 101–6 × 105 CFU/mL and a limit of detection (LOD) of 20.704 CFU/mL. The recovery rate of SE for the real sample varied from 98.84% to 134.82% without exceeding 16.27% in the relative standard deviation (RSD). The proposed biosensor appears to be a promising tool for foodborne pathogen detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety and depression levels in patients with ureteral stricture (US) and to further investigate factors independently affecting this. Methods: We prospectively recruited a cohort of 275 consecutive patients with US between June 2020 and April 2021. The participants were required to provide complete sociodemographic, clinical and pathologic information. All patients were administered questionnaires to evaluate HRQoL, anxiety and depression. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to assess the contribution of covariates on HRQoL, anxiety and depression. Results: Patients with US, particularly iatrogenic US, scored significantly lower than the Chinese general population in all domains of the SF-36 (all p < 0.001), except SF. Increased age, female and high education attainment were independently associated with poor HRQoL. Interestingly, iatrogenic US, nephrostomy tube placement, urinary symptoms, high anxiety and depression level independently predicted poor HRQoL. Furthermore, the percentages of anxiety and depression cases in patients with US were 31.3% and 20.7%, respectively. Iatrogenic US and urinary symptoms, specifically waist discomfort, were the strongest predictors of increased levels of anxiety and depression. Conclusion: Patients with US exhibited poor quality of life and emotional status. Various factors independently predicted worse HRQoL and emotion, which provide potential targets for medical, lifestyle-related, psychological interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NP) possessing multiple biological activities might be a potential substitute for the combination of ZnSO4 and antibiotic growth promoter in broiler diets. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of dietary ZnO NP as a substitute to the combination of ZnSO4 and xanthomycin for growth, antioxidant capacity, immunity, intestinal barrier and liver function in broilers. Arbor Acres chicks (n = 320) were assigned to 5 treatments with 8 replicates. Birds received a basal diet supplemented with 80 mg/kg ZnSO4 plus 5 mg/kg xanthomycin (ZnSO4 + Xanthomycin) or 0 (negative control, NC), 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg ZnO NP for 42 days. The average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed-to-gain ratio showed dose-dependent increases with the increasing level of dietary ZnO NP during the 21–42 day and 1–42 day stages. The final body weight (42 d) and serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 and growth hormone increased linearly with the increasing level of dietary ZnO NP. In addition, 80 mg/kg ZnO NP increased the serum concentrations of IgA, IgG, IgM, andinterleukin-10 and peroxidase activity, the jejunal mucosal villus height, villus width and goblet cell numbers. Dietary 80 or 160 mg/kg ZnO NP significantly altered mRNA abundances of genes related to antioxidant status, intestinal barrier and immunity in the jejunal mucosa. These results indicated that dietary supplementation with 40–160 mg/kg ZnO NP caused no obvious negative effects on liver function, but effectively improved growth performance, intestinal barrier function, immunity and antioxidant capacity. Dietary 40–160 mg/kg zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NP) improved growth performance and enhanced immunity of broilers without obvious negative effects on liver function. Dietary 40–160 mg/kg ZnO NP improved intestinal barrier and intestinal morphology, and enhanced antioxidant capacity via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Doses of 40–80 mg/kg ZnO NP were suggested to alternate the combination of 80 mg/kg ZnSO4 and 5 mg/kg xanthomycin in diets of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Expansion of flocs triggered by denitrification results in higher SOUR e and SOUR q. • SOUR q increases exponentially with the specific denitrification rate. • An index R q/t is proposed for estimating denitrification capacity. Respirogram technology has been widely applied for aerobic process, however, the response of respirogram to anoxic denitrification is still unclear. To reveal such response may help to design a new method for the evaluation of the performance of denitrification. The size distribution of flocs measured at different denitrification moments demonstrated a clear expansion of flocs triggered by denitrification, during which higher specific endogenous and quasi-endogenous respiration rates (SOUR e and SOUR q) were also observed. Furthermore, SOUR q increases exponentially with the specific denitrification rate (SDNR), suggesting that there should be a maximum SDNR in conventional activated sludge systems. Based on these findings, an index R q/t , defined as the ratio of quasi-endogenous (OUR q) to maximum respiration rate (OUR t), is proposed to estimate the denitrification capacity that higher R q/t indicates higher denitrification potential, which can be readily obtained without complex measurement or analysis, and it offers a novel and promising respirogram-based approach for denitrification estimation and control by taking measures to extend anoxic time to maintain its value at a high level within a certain range. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modifying proteins to enhance their affinity for polyphenols is essential for developing a practical and efficient delivery system that promotes the synergistic effects of bioactive substances. The study investigated the nanoparticle complexation in both pure soy protein isolate (SPI) or SPI modified by ultrasonic combined heat treatment (UHSPI) with varying concentrations of curcumin/catechin (CU/CA) complex, and its effects on the functionality, structure and conformational changes of protein-polyphenol nanocomplexes. Additionally, the intermolecular interaction and co-delivery mechanisms of nanocomplexes were analyzed. Results showed that the physical modification process (28/40 kHz, 90 °C, 15 min) and a rational concentration of CU/CA (0.6 mg/mL) improve the encapsulation efficiency of polyphenols by SPI (up to 77% for curcumin, and 93% for catechin), resulting in a higher DPPH and ABTS scavenging capacity, along with the highest emulsification activity index, as well as enhanced storage stability and thermal stability. The interaction between UHSPI and CU/CA disrupted the protein's secondary structure and exposed more hydrophobic residues to a hydrophilic environment, and exhibited stronger fluorescence quenching. Molecular docking analysis revealed that protein-polyphenol interactions primarily relied on hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, and 11S subunits exhibited higher affinity with CU/CA. FTIR, fluorescence spectra, and XRD further confirmed the enhanced interaction ability between UHSPI and CU/CA, resulting in the formation of a more stable nanocomplex. Overall, the modified SPI effectively facilitates the co-delivery of an appropriate concentration of curcumin/catechin complex. [Display omitted] • Modified SPI effectively facilitates the co-delivery of curcumin/catechin (CU/CA) complex. • The interaction of UHSPI and CU/CA exhibited stronger fluorescence quenching. • Hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions played major roles in binding process. • Appropriate concentration of CU/CA significantly enhances the stability of the nanocomplexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on enhancing the toughness and strength of negative Poisson's ratio metamaterial (NRPM) through pyrolysis and carbonization of a polyethylene glycol diacrylate photocurable resin and in-situ self-assembling into polymer-graphene, and the mechanical properties of NRPM were significantly improved by the synergism of polymer-graphene and the resin matrix. Experimental results illustrated that maximum load of completely carbonized NRPM was 144.4 N, which was almost nine times higher than that of the untreated prototype. Moreover, the elastic modulus of completely carbonized NRPM was 2.46 MPa, which was only 1/8 of the untreated prototype, indicating a significant improvement in flexibility. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to study the self-assembly mechanism of polymer-graphene, conjunction with experiments, which offers new insights into the evolution of photocurable resins into polymer-graphene and opens up possibilities for fine-tuning the proportion of polymer-graphene and nanostructures for a broad range of multi-scenario applications of NRPM. • The polymer-graphene synthesized through in-situ self-assembly was proposed to enhance NRPM. • The bearing capacity and toughness of the carbonized NRPM were significantly improved. • Molecular dynamics simulations offers new insights into the evolution of resin precursor into polymer-graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind turbine towers experience complex dynamic loads during actual operation, and these loads are difficult to accurately predict in advance, which may lead to inaccurate structural strength assessment during the structural design phase, thereby posing safety risks to the wind turbine tower. Therefore, a reconstruction method for structural stress distribution of wind turbine tower was developed based on modal expansion and linear superposition theory to estimate the full-field stress distribution of a tower, which can be used for online monitoring of structural strength. The dynamic stress distribution of the tower is assumed to be the superposition of several structural modal stress distributions, in the reconstruction method for structural stress distribution developed in this study. The modes with the greatest contribution to the wind turbine structural response were selected based on the modal effective mass, and used for the base functions of an initial mathematical model for the reconstruction of structural stress distribution of the tower, in which many candidate strain gauge locations and directions were considered. Then, the initial mathematical model was expressed as a linear system of equations. Two numerical examples were used to verify the accuracy and stability of the initial mathematical model for the reconstruction of structural stress distribution of the tower, and the reconstruction results indicate that the initial mathematical model combined with the Moore–Penrose inverse algorithm can provide stable and accurate reconstruction results. However, the initial mathematical model uses too many sensors, which is not conducive to engineering applications. Therefore, D-optimal and C-optimal design methods were used to reduce the dimensions of the initial mathematical model, optimise the system of equations, and determine the location, direction and number of strain gauges. Finally, the numerical examples of stress distribution reconstruction show that dimensionality reduction of the mathematical model leads to higher accuracy, in which the C-optimal design algorithm providing a more robust reconstruction outcome. • Through the analysis of the wind load on the tower, the optimal arrangement direction of the sensor is determined. • 21 dominant modes are selected as the basis functions to reconstruct the stress response. • Two mathematical model optimization methods are used to optimise the location and number of sensors. • The C-optimal design optimization algorithm improves stability and accuracy of stress reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doubanjiang (DBJ), a mixed fermented broad bean (Vicia faba L.) and red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) condiment used worldwide, is known for its high-salt content (∼20g/100g). Industry demands sodium reduction in DBJs. In this study, we investigated the physicochemical properties, microbial community changes, and pathogen surveillance in DBJ samples with varying salt contents (10g/100g, 15g/100g, 20g/100g and 25g/100g). Our findings revealed that these samples could be categorized into two groups: low-salt (10g/100g) and high-salt samples (15–25g/100g). In low-salt samples, Lactobacillus emerged as the predominant bacteria, exhibiting higher antioxidant activity. The most concentrated organic acids were γ-aminobutyric acid and lactic acid. Conversely, Staphylococcus dominated the bacteria composition in high-salt samples. Human pathogenicity such as Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were discovered in both low- and high-salt samples. Higher abundance of antimicrobial resistances was observed in high-salt samples while slightly increased biogenic amine content in low-salt samples. This knowledge provides insights into impact of NaCl on fermented broad bean (Vicia faba L.) paste. • Impact of NaCl on fermented broad bean paste was evaluated. • Lactobacillus emerged as the predominant bacteria in low-salt samples. • Staphylococcus is the dominant in the high-salt samples. • Human pathogenicity were discovered in both low- and high-salt samples. • Antimicrobial resistances was higher in high-salt samples. • Amino acid metabolism pathways were affected most by the salt content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to reveal the serum tumor marker (STM) levels in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) histological subtypes and evaluate their values in predicting the solid and micropapillary components (SMC). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 3100 invasive LUAD patients between January 2017 and December 2020. Associations between preoperative STMs (CEA, CYFRA21‐1, CA199, CA724, NSE, AFP) and LUAD subtypes were evaluated. Multivariate regression analyses were used to determine the independent predictors. Predictive models for SMC were constructed and AUC (area under the curve) was calculated. Results: CEA and CYFRA21‐1 levels differed across the LUAD histological subtypes, with the SPA (solid‐predominant adenocarcinoma) having the highest level and the LPA (lepidic‐predominant adenocarcinoma) harboring the lowest level (p <0.001). Tumors with SMC also had higher CEA and CYFRA21‐1 levels than those absence of SMC. Gender, tumor size, CEA, Ki‐67, EGFR mutation (solid components only), and tumor differentiation were significantly independently associated with the containing of SMC. Patients were split into two data sets (training set: 2017–2019 and validation set: 2020). The model with gender and tumor size yielded an AUC of 0.723 (training set) and 0.704 (validation set) for the solid component. Combination of CEA, gender, and tumor size led to a significant increase in the predictive accuracy (training set: 0.771, p = 0.009; validation set: 0.747, p = 0.034). The AUC of the model for micropapillary component with only gender and tumor size was 0.699 and 0.711 in the training set and validation set, respectively. Integration of CEA with gender and tumor size significantly improved the predictive performance with an AUC of 0.746 (training set, p = 0.045) and 0.753 (validation set, p <0.001). Conclusion: Serum CEA and CYFRA21‐1 varied considerably according to LUAD histological subtypes. The combination of serum CEA and other factors showed prominent values in predicting the SMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastering the formation mechanism and dynamic evolution pattern of bed separation zone during repeated mining is the key to the success or failure of separation grouting injection technology. Taking a mine in Ningdong as the engineering background, using the research methods of theoretical analysis, numerical simulated, and field measurement, four overburden structure models of single or multiple key strata with repeated mining and single or multiple key strata without repeated mining were constructed. The evolution pattern of bed separation zone was studied from four aspects: bed separation zone development mechanism, formation position, development form, and change of clearance. The results showed that when a single key stratum of repeated mining exists between coal seams, it is difficult to form a large separation area because there is no key stratum during the upper coal mining, and a separation area will be formed below the key stratum when mining the lower coal. When the key stratum exists above all coal seams, a large separation zone will be formed under the key stratum when the upper coal is mined. When mining the lower coal, when the coal seam spacing is less than 4 times of the mining height of the lower coal, the crack will penetrate the upper coal floor. If the key stratum is not completely broken, secondary separation may occur. When multiple key strata are all located above all coal seams, there will be bed separation zone under the high-level key stratum. When multiple key strata and coal seams are distributed at intervals, the separation below the high-level key stratum during upper coal mining and the separation below the low-level key stratum during lower coal mining are formed. Because the high-level key stratum bends and sinks after being affected by the mining of coal 1, the clearance of bed separation during mining coal 2 is slightly less than that during mining coal 1, which is contrary to the pattern that the greater the bed separation clearance increases with the increase of mining height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D pyramidal polymer single crystals provide spatial gradient variations within the crystal molecules, and these variations facilitate the study of the relationship between structure and properties within the molecules of various complexes with anisotropic structures. As described herein, a low‐temperature‐assisted microfluidic pore channeling approach is proposed to prepare structurally ordered polymer single crystals. A mixture of dichloromethane and dimethyl sulfoxide is used as a prepolymer, and a liquid microfluidic technique is employed to grow the end‐functionalized polymers into 3D polymer single crystals. Through the ordered growth of single crystals, a personalized pyramidal pattern with a homogeneous structure is formed. To evaluate the mesh node density, low‐temperature growth time and substrate type are also investigated. Rectangular, pyramidal, and dendritic patterns are synthesized via low‐temperature single crystal growth. This work shows that low temperature‐assisted microfluidics provides a novel means to tune the 3D structure of polymer single crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is a type of epithelial-derived differentiated TC that reportedly accounts for a majority of TCs. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound and a member of the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family derived from turmeric plants, can exhibit anticancer effects. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin on PTC and elucidate underlying mechanisms. Accordingly, PTC B-CPAP cells were treated with curcumin, in combination with/without long noncoding RNA LINC00691 inhibition, to determine the effect of curcumin and its relationship with LINC00691 in PTC cells. We observed that curcumin treatment decreased B-CPAP cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Curcumin inhibited LINC00691 expression in B-CPAP cells. Curcumin administration or si-LINC00691 transfection alone promoted ATP levels, inhibited glucose uptake and lactic acid levels, and inhibited lactate dehydrogenase A and hexokinase 2 protein expression in B-CPAP cells, which were further enhanced by combination treatment. Moreover, curcumin administration or si-LINC00691 transfection alone inhibited p-Akt activity, further suppressed by combination treatment. Akt inhibition promoted apoptosis and suppressed the Warburg effect in B-CPAP cells. In conclusion, our findings indicate that curcumin promotes apoptosis and suppresses proliferation and the Warburg effect by inhibiting LINC00691 in B-CPAP cells. The precise molecular mechanism might be mediated through the Akt signaling pathway, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of PTC with curcumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel colorimetric aerogel was developed by the complexation of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), sodium alginate (SA), and black goji anthocyanin (BGA) followed by freeze-drying for monitoring fish (Coho salmon) freshness during storage at 4 °C and 25 °C. The various aerogels (C/S/B3:1, C/S/B2:1, C/S/B1:1, C/S/B1:2, and C/S/B1:3) externally and internally were characterized using SEM, FTIR, XRD, DSC, and TGA. Among them, the aerogel composite C/S/B1:2 exhibited the most uniform pore size, largest specific surface area, rapid color changes in various alkaline vapors (5 μM and 50 μM), and better mechanical strength. Furthermore, the colorimetric aerogel became dark blue from light purple during fish storage at temperatures of 4 °C and 25 °C when it reached pH 7.49 and 7.33, TVC 8.9 × 107 CFU/g and 8.5 × 107 CFU/g, and TVB-N 33.8 mg/100 g and 26.12 mg/100 g, respectively, indicating fish completely deteriorated. Taken together, the colorimetric aerogel composite C/S/B1:2 was promising for determining fish freshness, which could be utilized as a non-destructive and useful intelligent sensor in monitoring various fish and meat freshness and/or quality. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • RuBisCo co-pigments showed high copigmentation effects on P3C5G. • RuBisCo drastically shifted p K H -values and hyperchromicity of P3C5G. • The half-life of P3C5G was doubled when adding RuBisCo. • RuBisCo interacted with P3C5G via H-bonding and π-π stacking. • P3C5G altered the secondary structure of RuBisCo. The co-pigmentation behaviour of RuBisCo proteins (with different concentrations) on peonidin-3-O-p-coumaroylrutinoside-5-O-glucoside (P3C5G, extracted from Rosetta potato's peels) conjugates in isotonic sport drinks (ISD) was examined using multispectral, thermal stability kinetics, and libDock-based molecular docking approaches. The colorant effects of RuBisCo on P3C5G were also studied in spray-dried microencapsulated ISD-models. RuBisCo, especially at a concentration of 10 mg/mL in ISD, showed a co-pigmentation effect on the color of P3C5G, mostly owing to its superior hyperchromicity, p K H -levels, and thermal stability. Results from multispectral approaches also revealed that RuBisCo could noncovalently interact with P3C5G as confirmed by libDock findings, where P3C5G strongly bound with RuBisCo via H-bonding and π–π forces, thereby altering its secondary structure. RuBisCo also preserved color of P3C5G in ISD-powdered models. These detailed results imply that RuBisCo could be utilized in ISD-liquid and powder models that might industrially be applied as potential food colorants in products under different conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, to overcome the poor interfacial adhesion and ultraviolet (UV) resistance of poly(p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fiber simultaneously, a new hierarchical reinforcement was fabricated by in situ growing titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on the surface of the fiber using mussel‐inspired polydopamine (PDA) as a robust reaction platform. The surface morphologies and chemical compositions of the modified fiber were measured to prove the TiO2 binding. The interfacial shear strength of PBO fiber‐reinforced epoxy resin composite had a 57.2% enhancement after TiO2 modification, which was caused by increased surface roughness (Ra) and wettability. In addition, the thermal stability of the fiber and hygrothermal aging resistance of the composite were improved remarkably. Moreover, the compact TiO2 coating on the surface of PBO/PDA/Ti led to excellent UV resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near-infrared (NIR) emission materials can be widely applied in various fields, such as food detection, imaging, treatment, electronic products. With the trend of miniaturization of equipment, smaller materials are needed. In this work, we successfully synthesized a series of M2Ga2GeO7:N3+ (M = Ca, Ba, Sr; N = Cr, Nd, Er) samples and then focused on the study of Nd3+ doped Sr2Ga2GeO7 (SGGO). A series of SGGO:xNd3+ sub-micron phosphors were prepared via a microwave-assisted sol–gel process combined with subsequent calcination at 750 ℃, and the structural information and luminescent properties were systematically studied. SGGO is a representative tetragonal crystal and belonging to the space group of P 21m (113). The Nd3+ ions occupy eight-coordinated Sr2+ sites in the crystal lattice. From SEM analysis, the average particle size distribution is 219.7 ± 41.4 nm. The sub-micron phosphors have rich excitation spectra ranging from 350 nm to 850 nm and can produce multiband NIR emissions of 1331, 1056, and 905 nm when excited by ultraviolet and NIR light. The maximum emission intensity was obtained by optimizing the doping ratio of Nd3+ ions. A commercial chip was then utilized to fabricate light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to verify its application potential in NIR-II mini-LEDs. Compared with blue light LEDs, the as-prepared LEDs had good imaging penetration depth and could be clearly observed under 10 mm of chicken breast coverage. The maximum imaging penetration depth can be 33 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The X-ray radiation from computed tomography (CT) brought us the potential risk. Simply decreasing the dose makes the CT images noisy and diagnostic performance compromised. Here, we develop a novel denoising low-dose CT image method. Our framework is based on an improved generative adversarial network coupling with the hybrid loss function, including the adversarial loss, perceptual loss, sharpness loss, and structural similarity loss. Among the loss function terms, perceptual loss and structural similarity loss are made use of to preserve textural details, and sharpness loss can make reconstruction images clear. The adversarial loss can sharp the boundary regions. The results of experiments show the proposed method can effectively remove noise and artifacts better than the state-of-the-art methods in the aspects of the visual effect, the quantitative measurements, and the texture details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) provided us an unprecedented chance to identify novel oncogenes or tumor suppressors at single-cell resolution. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to the functional states of cancer cells might play vital roles in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In this study, lncRNAs that were associated with the functional states of LUAD cells identified in scRNA-seq studies were screened based on the CancerSEA database. Differential gene expression analysis and survival analysis were performed in TCGA, GEO and our JSPH databases. Finally, transwell and tail vein metastasis assays were used to reveal the functions of our identified novel prognostic lncRNAs. A total of 849 lncRNAs were initially identified. Among them, 11 lncRNAs were found significantly associated with LUAD prognosis in the TCGA database. Two of them (PCBP1-AS1 and ZSCAN16-AS1) were further validated in independent GEO datasets. ScRNA-seq analysis showed that PCBP1-AS1 and ZSCAN16-AS1 were significantly negatively correlated with most of the functional states of LUAD cells, especially with metastasis. Functionally, PCBP1-AS1 was aberrantly downregulated in LUAD cells and tumor tissues. Knockdown of PCBP1-AS1 significantly promoted the migration and invasion of LUAD cells. Consistently, PCBP1-AS1 overexpression suppressed the metastasis of LUAD in vitro and in vivo. Besides, PCBP1-AS1 inhibition induced decreased E-cadherin expression and increased N-cadherin, Vimentin and Snail expression. In conclusion, PCBP1-AS1 could suppress the metastasis of LUAD by targeting the epithelial–mesenchymal transition pathway and might serve as a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target of LUAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteroplasty for the repair of retrocaval ureter, a rare congenital anomaly. The study included eight patients who underwent this surgical technique, which was successfully completed without the need for open surgery. The results showed favorable outcomes, including minimal blood loss and shorter hospital stays. The use of 3D imaging during the procedure helped with accurate diagnosis and facilitated the identification and dissection of the affected area. The study acknowledges its limitations and suggests further research is needed. Overall, robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteroplasty is considered a safe and feasible technique for the repair of retrocaval ureter. [Extracted from the article]

A case study based on the 401103 fully mechanized caving face in the Hujiahe Coal Mine was carried out in this research to analyze the rock burst risks in a 54 m-wide coal pillar for roadway protection. Influencing factors of rock burst risks on the working face were analyzed. Stress distribution characteristics on the working face of the wide coal pillar for roadway protection were discussed using FLAC3D numerical simulation software. Spatial distribution characteristics of historical impact events on the working face were also investigated using the microseismic monitoring method. Results show that mining depth, geological structure, outburst proneness of coal strata, roof strata structure, adjacent mining area, and mining influence of the current working face are the main influencing factors of rock burst on the working face. Owing to the collaborative effects of front abutment pressure of the working face and lateral abutment pressure in the goaf, the coal pillar is in the ultimate equilibrium state and microseismic events mainly concentrate in places surrounding the coal pillars. Hence, wide coal pillars become the regions with rock burst risks on the working face. The working face adopts some local prevention technologies, such as pressure relief through presplitting blasting in roof, pressure relief through large-diameter pores in coal seam, coal seam water injection, pressure relief through large-diameter pores at bottom corners, and pressure relief through blasting at bottom corners. Moreover, some regional prevention technologies were proposed for narrow coal pillar for roadway protection, including gob-side entry, layer mining, and fully mechanized top-coal caving face with premining top layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with various health problems, but less is known about the gender differences in risk factors for high plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels. Methods: In this study, a retrospective study was carried out on 14,911 participants (7838 males and 7073 females) aged 16–102 years who underwent routine checkups between January 2012 and December 2017 in the Health Management Department of Xuanwu Hospital, China. Anthropometric measurements, including body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio, were collected. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure the biochemical indexes. The outcome variable was Hcy level, and a generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis was used to identify the associations of interest based on gender. Results: Males exhibited increased Hcy levels (16.37 ± 9.66 vs 11.22 ± 4.76 μmol/L) and prevalence of HHcy (37.0% vs 11.3%) compared with females. Hcy levels and HHcy prevalence increased with age in both genders, except for the 16- to 29-year-old group. GEE analysis indicated that irrespective of gender, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, uric acid, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were positively correlated with Hcy levels, and alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol and glucose were negatively correlated with Hcy levels. However, age, BMI and triglycerides (TGs) were positively correlated with Hcy levels exclusively in females. Conclusions: Gender differences in risk factors for high plasma Hcy levels were noted. Although common correlational factors existed in both genders, age, BMI and TGs were independent risk factors for Hcy levels specifically in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The SPA subtype had the highest level of Ki-67, followed by MPA, PPA, APA and LPA. • Males, smoking, tumor size, LN + and EGFR wild type correlated with Ki-67 level. • Patients with a higher Ki-67 expression level had a poorer OS and DFS. • MPA/SPA had non-inferior prognosis than LPA/APA/PPA with a comparable Ki-67 level. • Ki-67 and tumor size might contribute to the survival difference between subtypes. Ki-67 is a key molecular marker to indicate the proliferative activity of tumor cells in lung cancer. However, Ki-67 expression and its prognostic significance in histological subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain unclear. We retrospectively analyzed 1028 invasive LUAD patients who underwent surgery treatment between January 2012 and April 2020 in our department. Associations between Ki-67 expression and histological subtypes of LUAD, as well as other clinicopathological characteristics, were evaluated. The prognostic role of Ki-67 in LUAD subtypes was further assessed using log-rank test and univariate/multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Ki-67 expression differed across LUAD histological subtypes. The solid-predominant adenocarcinoma (SPA, 46.31 ± 24.72) had the highest expression level of Ki-67, followed by micropapillary (MPA, 31.71 ± 18.14), papillary (PPA, 22.09 ± 19.61), acinar (APA, 19.73 ± 18.71) and lepidic-predominant adenocarcinoma (LPA, 9.86 ± 8.10, P < 0.001). Tumors with solid or micropapillary components also had a higher Ki-67 expression than those without solid or micropapillary components. Besides, males, smokers, larger tumor size, lymph node metastasis and EGFR wild type were correlated with elevated Ki-67 expression. Univariate analysis indicated that increased Ki-67 expression and MPA/SPA subtypes were significantly associated with a poorer prognosis. Notably, the survival differences between LUAD subtypes vanished after adjusting for tumor size and Ki-67 expression in multivariate analysis, while Ki-67 was an independent prognostic factor of LUAD. Patients with MPA/SPA had non-inferior overall and disease-free survival than LPA/APA/PPA patients with a Ki-67 expression comparable to MPA/SPA subjects. Ki-67 expression varied considerably according to the predominant histological subtypes of LUAD. Ki-67 expression level and tumor size contributed to the survival differences between LUAD histological subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectrum induced polarisation (SIP) is a frequency-domain method commonly used in electrical geophysical exploration. However, SIP is very sensitive to the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal, so noise reduction is very important. Independent component analysis can be used to reduce the noise of geophysical exploration data, but it cannot be used when the observed signal has only one dimension. In this paper, an empirical wavelet transform-independent component analysis method is proposed, which can be used for noise reduction in spectrum induced polarisation data. Firstly, the original measurement data are adaptively decomposed into a finite number of intrinsic modal functions by empirical wavelet transform, and then the intrinsic modal functions are selected to construct a virtual noise channel according to their correlation with the induced polarisation signal. Finally, the induced polarisation signal in the multi-dimensional mixed data is extracted by independent component analysis. Our experiment shows results show that this method can effectively remove noise signals and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of induced polarisation data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic procedure of Eu-BTB and detection mechanism toward copper ions. [Display omitted] • The synthesized Eu-MOF has stable fluorescence emission. • Cu2+ can break the "antenna effect" between Eu-BTB and change the fluorescence emission. • The constructed ratio fluorescence sensor can effectively eliminate background interference. • It has been successfully applied to three real samples of different water bodies. Water contamination caused by heavy metals represents an urgent global issue. Cu2+, a potential trace heavy metal pollutant, can accumulate in the human body through the food chain, leading to excessive levels that give rise to diverse health complications. Hence, in this investigation, a novel and efficacious fluorescent probe named Eu-BTB was developed for the detection of Cu2+, employing 1,3,5-triphenyl(4-carboxyphenyl) (H 3 BTB) as the ligand and Eu3+ as the metallic framework. The probe demonstrates exceptional fluorescence characteristics. The interaction between the probe ligand BTB and Eu3+ triggers an antenna effect, heightening the emission efficiency of Eu3+ while preserving its intrinsic emission. The introduction of Cu2+ competes with BTB for binding, thus quelling the antenna effect and inducing a fluorescence alteration. Within the concentration range of 0.05–10 μM, the fluorescence intensity-to-Cu2+ concentration ratio exhibits a robust linear correlation, with a remarkably low detection limit of 10 nM and a rapid response time of 3 min. The fluorescent probe has been effectively deployed for the detection of copper ions in water across diverse environmental conditions, with the obtained outcomes being validated via the conventional approach of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The Eu-BTB probe showcases the advantages of simplicity, swiftness, and broad applicability, thus affirming its potential for the prompt and accurate detection of Cu2+ in diverse environmental water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor heterostructures are one of the most promising materials for hydrogen energy production. However, the low hydrogen production rate of current materials becomes a bottleneck. To this end, we designed an interface redox-induced synthesis (IRIS) approach to fabricate SrTiO 3 /α-Fe 2 O 3 heterojunction with broadband absorption for efficient hydrogen production by the photolysis of water. The hydrogen production rate and output reached 9.8 mmol g−1 h−1 and 235.2 µmol, and the hydrogen production in 12 h of the material from the IRIS approach was 47 times higher than that of similar materials fabricated from other methods. Detailed experimental characterization and theoretical computation revealed that the much-improved performance is contributed by the tight bonding of two materials and the desired band structure at the interface. The working mechanism and the synthesis approach provide an essential guideline for designing photocatalysts for renewable energy, water treatment, and other applications. Synthesis of SrTiO 3 /α-Fe 2 O 3 HNCs with excellent morphology, while α-Fe 2 O 3 is uniformly distributed on SrTiO 3. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This longitudinal study examined whether poverty-related family risk groups with varying family resource, parental, and relational risks differed in their children's internalizing problems, and whether children's hope mediated this relationship. A sample of 798 children from poor families (N = 798, M age = 11.76, SD = 2.56) was obtained from six township public schools in China. Four groups were identified: education and involvement risk group, high risk group, parenting risk group, and family resource risk group. All groups differed in terms of internalizing problems. Compared to the education and involvement risk group, children in the high risk and parenting risk groups demonstrated higher internalizing problems, which was explained by their lower level of hope. These findings highlight that children from poor families are affected by different risk combinations, and hope may be a possible mechanism linking specific risk combinations with children's internalizing problems. These findings have implications for targeted intervention strategies. • The four poverty-related family risk groups differed in their level of internalizing problems. • Specific constellations of poverty-related adversities differentially predicted children's internalizing problems. • Hope mediated the links between risk and internalizing problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expression levels of LI-cadherin and miR-378e in the serum of patients with colorectal cancer, and the diagnostic value and prognostic significance in colorectal cancer were investigated. A total of 110 patients who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Weihai Central Hospital, from January 2012 to November 2014, were selected and enrolled in the experimental group, and 90 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination were enrolled in the control group. The expression level of miR-378e in serum was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and the expression of LI-cadherin in serum was detected by ELISA. ROC curves of LI-cadherin and miR-378e were drawn and the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis were estimated. The association of the expression levels of LI-cadherin and miR-378e with the survival of the patients was analyzed. LI-cadherin and miR-378e expression levels were significantly higher in the control group than those in the experimental group (P<0.001). LI-cadherin was significantly associated with the pathogenic site, the lymphatic metastasis, depth of infiltration, degree of differentiation and clinical stage (P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of the LI-cadherin combined with miR-378e detection were respectively 86 and 94%; the sensitivity of miR-378e detection was the highest, as well as the specificity of the combined detection. At the end of the follow-up period, the survival rates of the patients in the LI-cadherin high-expression group and miR-378e high-expression group were significantly higher than those in the low-expression groups (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the LI-cadherin and miR-378e expression levels in both the experimental and control group (r=0.5845 and 0.6356, respectively; P<0.05). In conclusion, LI-cadherin and miR-378e are expressed at low levels in colorectal cancer, suggesting that they have a good diagnostic value for colorectal cancer and can be used as biomarkers for colorectal cancer prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the world's eighth most common malignant neoplasm and is ranked as the sixth leading cause of death related to cancer. Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression has been reported to be associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, the molecular mechanism of miR‐204‐5p in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is not clear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of miR‐204‐5p in ESCC. In the present study, we found that miR‐204‐5p could affect ESCC proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle in cell and mouse models. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay showed that miR‐204‐5p expression was negatively correlated with interleukin‐11 (IL‐11) expression. IL‐11 overexpression reversed the suppressive effects of miR‐204‐5p in the cell lines. These results indicated that miR‐204‐5p functions as a tumor suppressor by directly targeting IL‐11 in ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The poor outcome of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) highlights the importance of the identification of novel effective prognostic biomarkers. We aimed to identify a clinically applicable prognostic immunohistochemistry (IHC) panel for ESCC. Methods: An integrated analysis was performed to screen and establish a prognostic panel using exome sequencing profile from 81 pairs of ESCC samples and RNA expression microarray data from 119 ESCC subjects. Two independent ESCC cohorts were recruited as training and validation groups to test the prognostic value. Results: Three genes were selected, namely, ANO1, GAL, and MMP3, which were aberrantly expressed in ESCC tumor tissues (P <.001). Among them, ANO1 and MMP3 were reserved for the construction of the prognostic panel due to their significant association with the prognosis of ESCC patients (P =.015 and P <.001). Patients with both ANO1+ and MMP3+ had a poorer prognosis than that with ANO1−/MMP3+, ANO1+/MMP3−, or ANO1−/MMP3 − in both the training set and validation set (P <.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the combination of IHC panel and eighth American Joint Commission on Cancer staging yielded a better prognostic predictive efficacy compared with the two indexes alone (P <.001, area under curve: 0.752). Finally, a nomogram was created by integrating the IHC markers and clinicopathological risk factors to predict prognosis with a C‐index of 0.695 (95% confidence interval: 0.657‐0.734). Conclusion: Using an integrated multistage screening strategy, we identified and validated a valuable prognostic IHC panel for ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve post-fire self-consolidating concrete (SCC) symmetric inclination beams containing steel fibre, macroscopic polypropylene fibre, microscopic polypropylene fibre and their hybridisations were studied under the combined loading of flexure and axial compression to evaluate the effect of hybrid fibres on the flexural performance of tunnel segments. The effect of different fibres on the temperature field of the midspan cross-section was analysed. The load–deflection behaviour, crack patterns and crack width of post-fire flexural SCC symmetric inclination beams were investigated. A model for calculating the ultimate bearing capacity of flexural SCC symmetric inclination beams after fire exposure was proposed by considering the contribution of hybrid fibres to SCC in a tension zone. The results of the proposed model were found to agree well with the experimental data in this study. The proposed model can be employed to estimate the ultimate flexural bearing capacity of SCC symmetric inclination beams containing hybrid fibres after exposure to fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and subsequent neurological deficits are the most severe consequence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Minocycline has been wildly used clinically as a neurological protective agent in clinical practice. However, the underlying mechanisms by which minocycline functions remain unclear. Therefore, we assessed the influence of minocycline on BBB structure, neurological function, and inflammatory responses in a collagenase-induced ICH model, and elucidated underlying molecular mechanisms as well. Following a single injection of collagenase VII-S into the basal ganglia, BBB integrity was assessed by Evans blue extravasation while neurological function was assessed using an established neurologic function scoring system. Minocycline treatment significantly alleviated the severity of BBB disruption, brain edema, and neurological deficits in ICH model. Moreover, minocycline decreased the production of inflammatory mediators including TNF, IL-6, and MMP-9, by microglia. Minocycline treatment decreased DKK1 expression but increased Wnt1, β-catenin and Occludin, a phenomenon mimicked by DKK1 silencing. These data suggest that minocycline improves the consequences of ICH by preserving BBB integrity and attenuating neurologic deficits in a DKK1-related manner that involves enhancement of the Wnt1–β-catenin activity. • Blood–brain barrier disruption can cause severe neurological deficits. • Minocycline decreases DKK1 expression and invigorating Wnt–β-catenin activity. • Minocycline decreases the production of inflammatory mediators in microglia. • Minocycline alleviates BBB disruption and neurological deficits in ICH model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) were green synthesized by using gellan gum (GG). • GG-AgNPs show good sensitivity and selectivity towards H 2 S. • GG-AgNPs presented visible color changes when used to monitor meat spoilage. • GG-AgNPs should have great potential for application in intelligent packaging. A colorimetric hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) sensor based on gellan gum capped silver nanoparticles was developed to real-time monitor meat spoilage. The colorimetric sensor strategy was attributed to the ultrastrong binding ability of Ag with H 2 S to form Ag 2 S. The sensor enables the analysis of H 2 S with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.81 μM, and it exhibited excellent selectivity toward H 2 S against other volatile components generated from chicken breast and silver carp during spoilage. By these virtues, the sensor presented visible color changes from yellow to colorless by in situ and nondestructively sensing H 2 S generated from chicken breast and silver carp in a packaging system. This strategy provided a simple but useful, non-destructive, robust, cost-effective, and user-friendly platform to real time monitor meat spoilage for intelligent food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A vision-based autonomous driving perception system necessitates the accomplishment of a suite of tasks, including vehicle detection, drivable area segmentation, and lane line segmentation. In light of the limited computational resources available, multi-task learning has emerged as the preeminent methodology for crafting such systems. In this article, we introduce a highly efficient end-to-end multi-task learning model that showcases promising performance on all fronts. Our approach entails the development of a reliable feature extraction network by introducing a feature extraction module called C2SPD. Moreover, to account for the disparities among various tasks, we propose a dual-neck architecture. Finally, we present an optimized design for the decoders of each task. Our model evinces strong performance on the demanding BDD100K dataset, attaining remarkable accuracy (Acc) in vehicle detection and superior precision in drivable area segmentation (mIoU). In addition, this is the first work that can process these three visual perception tasks simultaneously in real time on an embedded device Atlas 200I A2 and maintain excellent accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Songjianghe gold deposit is located in the southeastern part of the Jiapigou–Haigou metallogenic belt, north of the North China Craton. The distribution of the ore body is governed by ductile shear zones and fractures oriented in the SN direction. The gold ore body consists of lenticular gold-bearing quartz veins. Mineralization can be divided into five stages: the quartz-oxidation stage (I), the pyrite-magnetite-quartz stage (II), the quartz-polymetallic sulfide stage (III), the telluride stage (IV), and the carbonate stage (V), with the main mineralization stages being III and IV. On the basis of lithological characteristics, three types of fluid inclusions were identified in the vein mineral assemblage: NaCl-H2O (W-type), CO2-H2O (C-type), and a minor amount of pure CO2 (pc-type). W-type and C-type inclusions coexist randomly around natural gold minerals in the same quartz grain, indicating that the mineralizing fluid is heterogeneous. The mineralizing fluids had a medium temperature and low to medium salinity based on micro temperature measurements of various inclusions. During the main mineralization phase, H-O isotope tests indicate that the mineralizing fluids are mantle-driven and mixed with atmospheric precipitation during mineralization. δ34S data indicate that the mineralizing material originated from the mantle. The aforementioned characteristics suggest that Songjianghe is an orogenic gold deposit based on its dynamical background, with fluid immiscibility and sulfidation being the primary mechanisms of gold precipitation and enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A 3D cell-based electrochemical sensor was developed to detect numbing substances. • The sensor utilized sodium alginate/gelatin hydrogel for 3D cell culture and showed excellent biocompatibility. • Detection of Spicy Substances Based on TRPV1 Expression in Human HepG2 Cells. • Lay a foundation for later detection of spicy and numb taste. The Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) has been identified as a suitable candidate for a spicy taste (Zanthoxylum plant) sensor. In this study, we investigated the response of TRPV1 expressed on human HepG2 cell membranes following stimulation with Hydroxy-α-sanshool. A three-dimensional (3D) cell-based electrochemical sensor was fabricated by layering cells expressing hTRPV1. l -cysteine/AuNFs electrodes were functionalized on indium tin oxide-coated glass (ITO) to enhance the sensor's selectivity and sensitivity. HepG2 cells were encapsulated in sodium alginate/gelatin hydrogel to create a 3D cell cultivation system, which was immobilized on the l -cysteine/AuNFs/ITO to serve as biorecognition elements. Using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), the developed biosensor was utilized to detect Hydroxy-α-sanshool, a representative substance in Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. The result obtained from DPV was linear with Hydroxy-α-sanshool concentrations ranging from 0 to 70 μmol/L, with a detection limit of 2.23 μmol/L. This biosensor provides a sensitive and novel macroscopic approach for TRPV1 detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated edible Pickering emulsions stabilized by polysaccharide complexes as inks for food 3D printing. The interface membrane structure in the Pickering emulsion system was formed using complexes consisting of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Except for provide sufficient steric barrier and electrostatic repulsion to increase the stability of the Pickering emulsions, the interface membrane constructs also can demonstrate good biphasic wettability and lower oil/water interfacial tension. The hydrophilicity of complexes (β-CD/CMC) was mainly adjusted by the ratio of β-CD/CMC (R β/C) and the substitution degree (DS) of CMC, which further adjusted the physical and chemical properties of Pickering emulsion to make it correspond to the rheological behavior applied to 3D printing. The stable Pickering emulsion (R β/C = 2:2, DS = 1.2, weight ratio of oil phase (φ) = 65 %) displayed excellent printing potential by characterizations analysis of Pickering emulsions. The smoothness, viscosity, and self-supporting ability of the Pickering emulsion under the optimized conditions were further analyzed using a filling density printing experiment of a cuboid model. The emulsifying properties of β-CD were adjusted by hydrophilic CMC to achieve the required amphipathic properties of the complexes to develop Pickering emulsions for food 3D printing. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A simple hydrothermal process to obtain V 2 O 5 @CNT from V-MOF@CNT. • High specific surface area and nanorod-like porous structure. • V 2 O 5 @CNT with abundant accessible electrochemical active sites. • Carbon nanotubes could enhance the conductivity of the overall structure. Aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) are considered as the next generation of power sources due to their high theoretical capacity, low redox potential, and abundant reserves. However, it has still been the main bottleneck limiting cathode materials with superior cyclic performance and rate capability for aqueous ZIBs. Here, a nanorod architecture V-MOF@CNT derived V 2 O 5 @CNT is listed as the excellent cathode composite material for ZIBs for the first time. Here, V 2 O 5 @CNT has outstanding electrochemical characteristics in aqueous ZIBs by virtue of its unique nanorod composite structure, adequate electrochemical active sites and the synergistic effect of V 2 O 5 and carbon nanotubes. In this regard, the V 2 O 5 @CNT nanocomposite shows a high discharge specific capacity of 400 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, showing twice the discharge specific capacity of pure vanadium pentoxide (200 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1). The capacity retention (84.4% after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1) is better than the V 2 O 5 cathode (63.5% after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1). These results indicte that the V 2 O 5 @CNT cathode should provide the basis for the development of high-performance aqueous zinc ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]