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Objective To establish an optimal limiting dose for dose limiting rings placed in the anterior and posterior regions of the neck for reducing head and neck lymphedema under intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT) for early nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) from a dosimetric perspective. Method Fifteen newly diagnosed early-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients who underwent CT localization for radiotherapy at the Cancer Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January to September 2022 were included in the study. Each case was designed with five sets of radiotherapy plans. Plan A consisted of conventional unlimited-field plans, while Plans B-E consisted of limited-field plans with dose constraints set at 20, 18, 16, and 14 Gy, respectively, with the remaining parameters consistent with Plan A. The impact on target coverage and organ-at-risk constraints was evaluated through variance analysis and pairwise multiple comparisons using a randomized block design to determine the optimal dose limits. Results The gradient of 16Gy was determined as the optimal dose limiting cutoff point for achieving the balance between target coverage and organ limiting dose. Compared with the conventional plan, The plans with the placement of a cervical anterior and posterior dose limiting ring (16Gy) did not change the target dose coverage (P > 0.05), but only yielded a slight change in the homogeneity index (P < 0.05). It did not cause any changes of the dosage in the inner ear, mandible, and brainstem (all P > 0.05), but lead to statistically significant reductions in the oral cavity, throat, and thyroid (all P < 0.05). It caused a slight increase of the dose in the parotid gland and spinal cord (both P < 0.05), but the increased dose was anyhow within the tolerance range. Conclusion The dosimetric investigation determines an optimal dose limit cutoff point for the cervical anterior and posterior dose limiting rings. It is expected to provide a design method for IMRT plans to reduce head and neck lymphedema after radiotherapy for early NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Senecavirus A (SVA), identified in 2002, is known to cause porcine idiopathic vesicular disease (PIVD), which presents with symptoms resembling other vesicular diseases. This similarity complicates field diagnosis. Conventional molecular diagnostic techniques are limited by their cost, sensitivity, and requirement for complicated instrumentation. Therefore, developing an effective and accurate diagnostic method is crucial for timely identification and isolation of affected pigs, thereby preventing further disease spread. Methods: In this study, we developed a highly-specific and ultra-sensitive SVA detection method powered by CRISPR/Cas12a. To enhance the availability in laboratories with varied equipment conditions, microplate reader and ultraviolet light transilluminator were introduced. Moreover, PCR amplification has also been incorporated into this method to improve sensitivity. The specificity and sensitivity of this method were determined following the preparation of the recombinant Cas12a protein and optimization of the CRISPR/Cas12a-based trans-cleavage system. Results: The method demonstrated no cross-reactivity with ten kinds of viruses of swine. The minimum template concentration required to activate substantial trans-cleavage activity was determined to be 106 copies/µL of SVA templates. However, when PCR amplification was incorporated, the method achieved a detection limit of one copy of SVA templates per reaction. It also exhibited 100% accuracy in simulated sample testing. The complete testing process does not exceed three hours. Conclusions: Importantly, this method utilizes standard laboratory equipment, making it accessible for use in resource-limited settings and facilitating widespread and ultra-sensitive screening during epidemics. Overall, the development of this method not only broadens the array of tools available for detecting SVA but also holds significant promise for controlling the spread of PIVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tiger puffer (Takifugu rubripes) is one of the most expensive farmed marine fish species in China. The high profitability of farmed tiger puffer is used to attract many new investors. However, some investments failed due to a lack of information about the tiger puffer fish farm business, poor farm and facility design, and flawed investment plans. To improve the investment efficiency and profitability of this industry, this analysis evaluated the economic performance of tiger puffer from eggs to harvest size using two different open-indoor combination aquaculture systems: a combination of recirculating aquaculture system and open net pen (RAS+ONP) and a combination of flow-through system and earth pond (FTS + EP). This analysis evaluated the financial performance of both systems using profit margin, net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period. At the same time, a sensitivity analysis was employed to measure economic risk. The results revealed that despite the RAS+ONP system being more economically profitable than the FTS + EP system, the financial indicators of the FTS + EP system granted a better economic performance in terms of NPV and IRR due to lower initial investment and operating costs. Meanwhile, the sensitivity analysis revealed that the economic performance of both systems was vulnerable to the fluctuations in fish prices and feed prices. The potential risk of earning profit was higher for the RAS+ONP if the feed price fluctuated compared to the FTS + EP system, while the risk was higher for the FTS + EP if the fish price fluctuated. Hence, the FTS + EP system could represent an opportunity for new entrants to obtain a more profitable production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimizing the risk of heavy metal pollution is of utmost importance to ensure consumer safety. In this research, we utilized inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry to determine the presence of 12 heavy metals in Taiwanese commercial edible oils, both refined and unrefined. Results: Our analytical findings revealed significantly lower levels of heavy metals in refined oils compared with unrefined oils. Through principal component analysis and cluster analysis of 19 types of edible oils, we identified Cd, Ba, Fe, Pb, and Co as the primary variables influencing heavy metal levels in edible oils. Notably, the heavy metal contents in the edible oils did not surpass international standards. Risk assessment results indicated that unrefined oils carried higher risk levels than refined oils. The incremental lifetime cancer risk values calculated for unrefined oils exceeded 10−6 in all age groups except for the 19 ~ 65 years category, while the noncarcinogenic risks remained well below 1, regardless of refined or unrefined oils. Conclusions: Our study sheds light on the distribution characteristics of heavy metal contents in edible oils, highlighting higher levels of heavy metals and associated risks in non‐refined oils compared with refined oils. Ultimately, the presence of heavy metals in edible oils poses low health risks to the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the early months of life, infant formula plays a crucial role as a primary source of both food and essential nutrients for infants, serving as a replacement for or supplement to breast milk. However, nonessential metals in infant formulas are a concern because infants are highly vulnerable to chemical exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate infant exposure to nonessential metals in infant formula products in Taiwan and assess the associated health risks. In this study, concentrations of arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and vanadium (V) in 45 formula products for 0–1‐year‐old infants were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The mean As, Ba, Cd, Mn, Pb, and V concentrations were 6.42, 280, 3.72, 1425, 20.4, and 21.9 µg/kg, respectively. According to our probabilistic simulation of the estimated daily intake of metals, the proportion of hazard quotients exceeding one was 7.69% for As and 3.29% for Mn, and that of hazard index (HI) values exceeding 1 was >17% for metals. Arsenic had the largest HI contribution (46.9%), followed by Mn (22.3%) and Pb (12.7%). The nonessential metals content in infant formula raises potential noncarcinogenic health concerns for infants in Taiwan. Therefore, regulations for nonessential metals must be imposed on related food products in Taiwan, with a particular focus on As and Mn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong gravitational lensing provides a natural opportunity to test general relativity (GR). We propose a model-independent method for simultaneous constraining on Hubble constant (H 0) and post-Newtonian parameter (γPPN) using strong lensing systems and observational Type Ia supernovae. The time-delay measurements from strong lensing can directly determine the Hubble constant, and the lens distance inferred from the spectroscopic measurement of the stellar kinematics of the deflector galaxy can help us to constrain the post-Newtonian parameter. We seek the Pantheon data set and reconstruct unanchored distances using Gaussian process regression to achieve the cosmological-model-independent GR testing instead of assuming a specific model, which can reduce possible bias on GR testing and measurement of Hubble constant. Combining the reconstructed unanchored distances and the four H0LiCOW lens data sets, our results are |$H_0=72.9^{+2.0}_{-2.3} \, \mathrm{km \, s^{-1} \, Mpc^{-1}}$| and |$\gamma _{\rm {PPN}}=0.89^{+0.17}_{-0.15}$|⁠. All the lenses show that there is no obvious evidence to support GR deviation within observational uncertainties. In the subsequent analysis, we consider a ratio of distance |${D_{\Delta t}}/{D^{^{\prime }}_{\mathrm{ d}}}$| method to further avoid the influence of H 0 on GR testing. The results show that, except J1206 within the ∼1.2σ observational uncertainty, the remaining three lenses support that GR holds within the 1σ observational uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The joint detection of gravitational wave (GW) signals by a network of instruments will increase the detecting ability of faint and far GW signals with higher signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), which could improve the ability of detecting the lensed GWs as well, especially for the third-generation (3G) detectors, e.g. Einstein Telescope (ET) and Cosmic Explorer (CE). However, identifying strongly lensed gravitational waves (SLGWs) is still challenging. We focus on the identification ability of 3G detectors in this article. We predict and analyse the SNR distribution of SLGW signals and prove only 50.6 per cent of SLGW pairs detected by ET alone can be identified by lens Bayes factor (LBF), which is a popular method at present to identify SLGWs. For SLGW pairs detected by CEET network, owing to the superior spatial resolution, this number rises to 87.3 per cent. Moreover, we get an approximate analytical relation between SNR and LBF. We give clear SNR limits to identify SLGWs and estimate the expected yearly detection rates of galaxy-scale lensed GWs that can get identified with 3G detector network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal dose for targeted oncology therapeutics is often not the maximum tolerated dose. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling can be an effective tool to integrate clinical data to help identify the optimal dose. This case study shows the utility of population PK/PD modeling in selecting the recommended dose for expansion (RDE) for the first‐in‐patient (FIP) study of PF‐06939999, a small‐molecule inhibitor of protein arginine methyltransferase 5. In the dose escalation part of the FIP trial (NCT03854227), 28 patients with solid tumors were administered PF‐06939999 at 0.5 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, or 8 mg once daily (q.d.) or 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, or 6 mg twice daily (b.i.d.). Tolerability, safety, PK, PD biomarkers (plasma symmetrical dimethyl‐arginine [SDMA]), and antitumor response were assessed. Semimechanistic population PK/PD modeling analyses were performed to characterize the time‐courses of plasma PF‐06939999 concentrations, plasma SDMA, and platelet counts collected from 28 patients. Platelet counts were evaluated because thrombocytopenia was the treatment‐related adverse event with clinical safety concern. The models adequately described the PK, SDMA, and platelet count profiles both at individual and population levels. Simulations suggested that among a range of dose levels, 6 mg q.d. would yield the optimal balance between achieving the PD target (i.e., 78% reduction in plasma SDMA) and staying below an acceptable probability of developing grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia. As a result, 6 mg q.d. was selected as the RDE. The model‐informed drug development approach informed the rational dose selection for the early clinical development of PF‐06939999. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about long‐term treatment‐related symptoms in older breast cancer survivors. We characterized long‐term patient‐reported symptoms and examined factors associated with the presence and severity of symptoms, and symptom interference with daily activities. Methods: Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) Medicare linkage data was used to identify breast cancer patients age 65 and older with local/regional stage disease diagnosed between 2012–2013. Symptom burden was assessed using breast‐specific items from the Patient‐Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO‐CTCAE™). Demographic and clinical data also were collected. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between symptom burden and respondent sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Results: Of 4448 eligible patients, 1594 (response‐rate 35.8%) completed questionnaires. Of these, 1245 eligible respondents were included in the analysis based on self‐reported data. Median time from diagnosis to survey completion was 68 months (IQR: 62–73). Most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue/lack of energy (76.8%), aching muscles (72.1%) and aching joints (72.5%). Receipt of chemotherapy was associated with higher symptom burden. Patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy had higher risk of numbness/tingling (OR: 3.16; 95% CI: 2.36–4.24), hair loss (OR: 2.72; 95% CI: 2.05–3.60), and fatigue/lack of energy (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.29–2.52). Similarly, patients who received chemotherapy were more likely to report the majority of symptoms as moderate to severe and as interfering with daily activities. Conclusion: Receipt of chemotherapy is associated with significant symptom burden more than 5 years after breast cancer treatment. Long‐term chemotherapy impact should be discussed with patients in a shared‐decision making process and approaches to symptom management during survivorship care are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of great significance for bivalve aquaculture to promote the growth through nutritional strategy. Phosphatidic acid (PA) is a potential growth-promoting nutraceutical that targets for mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in vertebrates, but its role in invertebrates remains largely unknown. Here, the effects of PA on mTOR and metabolic pathways in bivalve mollusk Sinonovacula constricta were determined by intramuscular injection with di-18 : 2 PA and di-16 : 0 PA. PA (both di-18 : 2 and di-16 : 0 PA) was found to increase the glycogen concentration in the muscle of S. constricta. Di-16 : 0 PA decreased the triglyceride concentration from 0.143 ± 0.04 mmol/g protein to 0.040 ± 0.018 mmol/g protein. The concentration of Asp, Glu, Ala, Cys, Val, Met, Ile, Leu, Phe, Arg, and Pro was reduced by di-18 : 2 PA or/and di-16 : 0 PA. PA increased the mRNA level of mTOR and the phosphorylation levels of eIF4E binding protein 1 and p70S6 kinase 1. Furthermore, PA decreased the protein level of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ and the mRNA level of AMP-activated protein kinase. The mRNA expressions of two key enzymes of glycolysis (pyruvate kinase and glucokinase) were also upregulated by both PA, while the mRNA level of glucose transporter 1 was increased by di-18 : 2 PA. Di-16 : 0 PA decreased the mRNA level of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. The mRNA levels of sterol responsive element binding protein, fatty acid synthase, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase were increased by both PA. The mRNA level of stearoyl-CoA desaturase was increased by di-18 : 2 PA. Both PA species increased the mRNA levels of key enzymes involved in tricarboxylic acid cycle (citrate synthase and NADP-isocltrate debydrogenase). Our results indicated that PA activated mTOR signaling pathway, subsequently leading to the increase of anabolism and the inhibition of catabolism in S. constricta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To broaden the stable operating range of hypersonic aircrafts, this work examined the mechanisms of the hysteresis phenomenon for hypersonic inlets under acceleration/deceleration process conditions. Guided by unsteady flowfield simulations on two typical 2D hypersonic inlets with different critical unstart modes of hard unstart and soft unstart, two dominant characteristics of the hysteresis phenomenon during the acceleration/deceleration processes were identified. The first characteristic is that, at the same free-stream Mach number in the hysteresis range, the main separation bubble at the cowl-lip station or the internal contraction section of the inlet during the acceleration process is considerably larger than that induced by the cowl shock wave/boundary layer interaction (SWBLI) during the deceleration process. The second characteristic is that the self-starting Mach number during the acceleration process exceeds the unstart Mach number during the deceleration process. Two mechanisms are proposed to explain such hysteresis. First, in the unstarting flowfield at relatively high incoming Mach numbers, the large-scale separation bubble under the unstarted state stems from the self-coupled SWBLI, instead of the throat blockage or the isolated SWBLI, the dimensionless pressure rise through the self-coupled SWBLI during acceleration is much larger than that of the isolated SWBLI during deceleration. Second, the transition between the unstarted state and the started state in the hysteresis range is, in essence, the conversion between the self-coupled SWBLI and the isolated one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the period of 2018–2020, we first combined reported low-pass whole genome sequencing and NGS-based STR tests for miscarriage samples analysis. Compared with G-banding karyotyping, the system increased the detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities in miscarriage samples to 56.4% in 500 unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions. In this study, a total of 386 STR loci were developed on twenty-two autosomes and two sex chromosomes (X and Y chromosomes), which can help to distinguish triploidy, uniparental diploidy and maternal cell contamination and can trace the parental origin of erroneous chromosomes. It is not possible to accomplish this with existing methods of detection in miscarriage samples. Among the tested aneuploid errors, the most frequently detected error was trisomy (33.4% in total and 59.9% in the error chromosome group). In the trisomy samples, 94.7% extra chromosomes were of maternal origin and 5.31% were of paternal origin. This novel system improves the genetic analysis method of miscarriage samples and provides more reference information for clinical pregnancy guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corneal myofibroblasts play a crucial role in the process of corneal scarring. Potassium has been documented to reduce skin scar tissue formation. Herein, we investigated the ability of potassium to prevent corneal fibrosis in cell culture and in vivo. Corneal fibroblasts (CFs) were isolated from the corneal limbus and treated with TGF-β1 to transform into corneal myofibroblasts. Corneal myofibroblast markers were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. The contractive functions of corneal myofibroblast were evaluated by the scratch assay and the collagen gel contraction assay. RNA sequencing in corneal fibroblasts was performed to explore the mechanisms underlying hyperosmolar potassium treatment. GO and KEGG analysis were performed to explore the underlying mechanism by hyperosmolar potassium treatment. The ATP detection assay assessed the level of cell metabolism. KCl eye drops four times per day were administered to mice models of corneal injury to evaluate the ability to prevent corneal scar formation. Corneal opacity area was evaluated by Image J software. Treatment with hyperosmolar potassium could suppress corneal myofibroblast transformation and collagen I synthesis induced by TGF-β1 in cell culture. Hyperosmolar potassium could inhibit wound healing and gel contraction in CFs. RNA sequencing results suggested that genes involved in the metabolic pathway were downregulated after KCl treatment. ATP levels were significantly decreased in the KCl group compared with the control group. Hyperosmolar potassium could prevent corneal myofibroblast transformation after corneal injury and corneal scar formation in mice. Potassium can suppress corneal myofibroblast transformation and collagen I protein synthesis. Moreover, given that KCl eye drops can prevent corneal scar formation, it has been suggested to have huge prospects as a novel treatment approach during clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As theincrease of wind power penetration, the fluctuations of wind power results in serious power system frequency turbulences. This article proposes a low-pass virtual filter (VF) for wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) to smoothen output power. First, a linearized model is established for a WECS. Then, a low-pass VF is derived for the active power control loop in WECS to modulate the kinetic energy stored in rotating mass for output smoothing. The principle is to modify the traditional wind power controller to emulate a physical energy storage system controlled as a low-pass filter to smooth the wind power output. The proposed low-pass VF does not need the physical deployment of energy storage system but still can filter the high-frequency fluctuations in the output wind power. Furthermore, in order to ensure operation stability of the wind turbine (WT), a stability-constrained coefficient is determined according to the proposed stability criteria to ensure the stability of WTs. Simulation and experiment results verify the effectiveness of the proposed VF in WECS for output wind power fluctuation reduction and the stability-constrained coefficient for stability ensuring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the seismic performance of a corrugated steel plate utility tunnel, based on an engineering prototype. The research combines quasi-static testing and numerical simulation to investigate the behavior of the structure under cyclic loads in different directions. Specifically, six loading scenarios were considered: the quasi-static test was conducted for transverse tension and compression, transverse bending and shear, vertical shear test (Conditions (1–3)), while numerical simulations were performed for longitudinal tension and compression, transverse shear, and vertical bending shear test (Condition (4–6)) in Part(II). The results reveal comprehensive hysteresis curves for the plate under diverse loading directions, with an extended yield platform section that underscores its significant plastic deformation capacity. However, the "pinch" phenomenon of the hysteresis curve is obvious. The existence of rounded corners not only makes the hysteresis curve of the plate asymmetrical but also makes a great difference to the bearing capacity of the structure in the direction of positive and negative loading. The component exhibits superior bearing capacity and stiffness along the longitudinal direction compared to other orientations. Additionally, the structure demonstrates remarkable energy dissipation capabilities because of the inherent "accordion effect" of the corrugated steel plate. Moreover, the maximum energy dissipation coefficient in three directions is more than 1.0, illustrating its excellent energy dissipation capacity. The results provided valuable insight into the seismic performance of joints and contributed to the safe design of prefabricated corrugated steel utility tunnels. In this paper, configurations of six loading scenarios for the Prefabricated Corrugated Steel Utility Tunnel (PCSUT) were proposed to study its seismic performance. Moreover, three cyclic loading scenarios were conducted to examine the effects on the seismic behavior of PCSUT and to analyze the joint failure mechanism. First, the details of the specimens and test setup were introduced, and then the failure mechanisms of the specimens were analyzed. Lastly, the hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, ductility coefficient, stiffness and strength characteristics, and energy dissipation capacity were provided in detail. For example, schematic diagrams of the six loading scenarios were designed (Fig. 1 (a) to (f)), and the test setup for the three loading scenarios was provided below (Fig. 2 (a) to (c)). The seismic behavior of the PCSUT specimens is illustrated in Fig. 3 (a) to (c). Fig. 1 The schematic diagrams of test setup. Fig. 2 The test setup for (a) Condition 1; (b) Condition 2; (c) Condition 3. Fig. 3 Hysteresis and Skeleton Curve. [Display omitted] • A Quasi-Static experiment was conducted on the joint's of seismic behavior of prefabricated steel utility tunnel sections. • The lower node (1/4 Model) of a full-scale utility tunnel was selected for the experiment and three cyclic loading scenarios were applied to model the effects of earthquake actions. • The joint failure mechanism and a systematic analysis were conducted on key factors under low cycle cyclic loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Aim to analyze the effect of radiotherapy for cervical lymph node metastatic carcinoma with unknown primary (CCUP) and compare the survival benefits between Comprehensive radiotherapy and Involved Field radiotherapy. Materials and methods: The patients diagnosed with CCUP between 2009 and 2019 in our institution were analyzed retrospectively. The categorical variables were tested by χ2 test. Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival analysis. Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression were performed with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) as the primary outcome variables. Results: Of 139 patients, 64.7% (90/139) of them received radiotherapy. Of the 90 patients who underwent radiotherapy, 45.6% (41/90) received Involved Field radiotherapy and the rest 49 patients received Comprehensive radiotherapy. The median follow-up of 139 patients is 69 months. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS rates are 87%, 62%, and 39%, respectively, and the DFS rates are 73%, 45%, and 29%, respectively. Multivariate analysis of 139 patients with CCUP shows that differentiation grade, N stage, radiotherapy, and the length of the largest lymph node (DmaxLN) are the independent prognostic factors for both OS and DFS. Subgroup analysis of 90 patients who received radiotherapy shows that the Comprehensive radiotherapy group has a better OS (P < 0.001) and DFS (P < 0.001) compared with Involved Field radiotherapy. Conclusion: Radiotherapy is the independent prognostic factor for CCUP. Comprehensive radiotherapy may be superior to Involved Field radiotherapy in survival benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the metabolic effects of fatty acids on fish intestine is critical to the substitution of fish oil with vegetable oils in aquaculture. In this study, the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and palmitic acid (PA) on fish intestine were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. As the first step for in vitro study, an intestinal cell line (SPIF) was established from silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus). Thereafter, the effects of EPA and PA on cell viability, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, and the expression of genes related to heat shock response, inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and degradation were examined in SPIF cells. Finally, these metabolic effects of EPA and PA on the intestine were examined in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. Results showed that all tested fatty acids (PA, oleic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid) except EPA reduced SPIF viability to distinct degrees at the same concentrations. PA decreased SPIF viability accompanied by an increase in PGE2 level. Meanwhile, PA increased the expression of genes related to heat shock response (grp78 , grp94 , hsp70 , and hsp90) and inflammation (nf-κb , il-1β , and cox2). Furthermore, PA reduced the expression of collagen type I (col1a1a and col1a1b) and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation-related gene mmp2 , while up-regulating timp2 mRNA expression. In vivo , PA also increased hsp70 , il-1β , and cox2 mRNA levels and limited the expression of collagen type I in the larval zebrafish intestine. Interestingly, the combination of EPA and PA partially recovered the PA-induced changes in cell viability, PGE2 production, and mRNA expression in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that PA may result in heat shock and inflammatory responses, as well as alter ECM formation and degradation in fish intestine, while EPA could at least partially mitigate these negative effects caused by PA. • An intestinal cell line from silver pomfret (SPIF) was developed as a study model. • Except for EPA, PA, OA, LA, ALA, ARA and DHA decreased SPIF viability to distinct degrees. • PA induced heat shock and inflammatory responses, and affected repair processes in fish intestine. • EPA mitigated PA-induced negative effects on fish intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass cutting is widely used in many fields, such as aerospace and integrated electronics. To meet requirements of high-quality glass cutting, methods of full ablation cutting and stealth dicing of silica glass using picosecond laser Bessel beam are studied in this paper. Position synchronized output function of laser source and burst mode (BM) can flexibly adjust drilling spacing and the number of sub-pulses during processing. Through experimental research and theoretical analyses, effect of hole spacing, BM, laser power, and defocusing distance on the roughness of the cross-sections of cutting samples are investigated. The optimal combination of full ablation cutting parameters is obtained with the minimum roughness of the cross-section of 355 nm. To expand the application range of Bessel beam glass cutting, stealth dicing process is developed. Process parameters selection strategy of stealth dicing is obtained. Main parameter that affects the effect of stealth dicing is the defocusing distance. Aforementioned methods may provide simple, efficient, and high-quality full ablation cutting and stealth dicing technologies for glass materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequency security is one of the most critical factors for ensuring the safe and stable operation of power systems. In wind-photovoltaic-hydro-thermal multi-power systems (WPHTMPS), the increase in new energy share and the water hammer effect weaken the frequency modulation (FM) capability, threatening the frequency security of the power system. To address this issue and ensure the frequency security of WPHTMPS under the trend of large-scale development of wind and photovoltaic (PV) power, this paper proposes a novel expansion planning method for wind and PV power in WPHTMPS that considers FM capability in the planning stage. The method realizes the coordinated optimization of long-term planning and short-term operation while adhering to the frequency security constraints. The constraints are derived from the multi-power system frequency response model (MPSFR) which integrates virtual inertia, synchronous inertia, and the water hammer effect. However, due to the high-order characteristic of the MPSFR model, the frequency security constraints cannot be expressed explicitly to be embedded in the planning model by current study. Therefore, the boundary equivalence method is proposed to deal with this problem, which is effective to convert the frequency security constraints into inertia constraints and embed them in the planning model according to their relationship with installed capacity and unit commitment. Finally, simulation for a power system in Southwest China validates the proposed method, with results indicating that around 13% more capacity of new energy is needed to provide adequate FM reserve and power supply. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the FM capability of new energy can improve the installed share of new energy from 46.5% to 70% while effectively ensuring frequency security. • The frequency modulation capability is necessary in generation expansion planning. • An integrated system frequency response model with multiple power sources is built. • A two-layer model optimizing long-term planning and short-term operation is built. • The frequency security constraint is linearized by the boundary equivalence method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been a surge of interest on velocity-based training (VBT) in recent years. However, it remains unclear whether VBT is more effective in improving strength, jump, linear sprint and change of direction speed (CODs) than the traditional 1RM percentage-based training (PBT). Objectives: To compare the training effects in VBT vs. PBT upon strength, jump, linear sprint and CODs performance. Data sources: Web of science, PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Study eligibility criteria: The qualified studies for inclusion in the meta-analysis must have included a resistance training intervention that compared the effects of VBT and PBT on at least one measure of strength, jump, linear sprint and CODs with participants aged ≥16 yrs. and be written in English or Chinese. Methods: The modified Pedro Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. Random-effects model was used to calculate the effects via the mean change and pre-SD (standard deviation). Mean difference (MD) or Standardized mean difference (SMD) was presented correspondently with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria including a total of 124 participants aged 16 to 30 yrs. The differences of training effects between VBT and PBT were not significant in back squat 1RM (MD = 3.03kg; 95%CI: -3.55, 9.61; I2 = 0%) and load velocity 60%1RM (MD = 0.02m/s; 95%CI: -0.01,0.06; I2 = 0%), jump (SMD = 0.27; 95%CI: -0.15,0.7; I2 = 0%), linear sprint (MD = 0.01s; 95%CI: -0.06, 0.07; I2 = 0%), and CODs (SMD = 0.49; 95%CI: -0.14, 1.07; I2 = 0%). Conclusion: Both VBT and PBT can enhance strength, jump, linear sprint and CODs performance effectively without significant group difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) originates from the mucous epithelium of the nasopharynx. Although induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the major therapeutic protocol used for locally advanced NPC without metastasis, more research studies are needed to evaluate the curative effects. We aim to identify the therapeutic effects and prognosis after induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced NPC under the intensity-modulated radiotherapy mode. Methods: The patients (N = 544) with locally advanced NPC (III and Iva, UICC 8th) after intensity-modulated radiotherapy with induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy were included in this study. We analyzed the characteristics of patients including gender, age, smoking status, tumor node staging system, clinical stage, pathological type, the therapy protocol of induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and chemotherapy prescription. Results: We have found the 5-year survival rates of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were 85.21%, 78.51%, 90.71%, and 85.21% in follow-up, and these data indicated that our therapeutic procedure provided beneficial effects on survival rates. Subsequently, the chemotherapy drug based on docetaxel (DOC) provided a more beneficial effect on survival rate compared with taxol (TXT) (all estimated HR >1; p = 0.005, 0.004, and <0.001 of OS, PFS, and DMFS), but there was no significant difference between chemotherapy drugs based on cisplatin (DDP) and nedaplatin (NDP) in treating NPC patients (p = 0.390, 0.549, 0.364, and 0.645 of OS, PFS, LRRFS, and DMFS). The therapeutic effects of induction chemotherapy revealed no difference between TPF and TP (T: DOC or TXT, P: DDP or NDP, and F: 5-fluorouracil) (p = 0.541, 0.897, 0.498, and 0.765 of OS, PFS, LRRFS, and DMFS). In addition, there was also no significant change between concurrent chemotherapy with TP dual drugs or a single platinum drug (being excluded in the multivariate model using forward [Wald] procedure). Moreover, the survival rate showed no difference between platinum accumulation dose of more or less than 150 mg/m2 for concurrent chemotherapy (being excluded in the multivariate model using forward [Wald] procedure). Conclusion: Our results indicate that induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy under intensity-modulated radiotherapy which is the standard therapeutic method for locally advanced NPC provides beneficial therapeutic effects, and it is worthy of further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates a dynamic 3D trajectory design of multiple cache-enabled unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a wireless device-to-device (D2D) caching network with the goal of maximizing the long-term network throughput. By storing popular content at the nearby mobile user devices, D2D caching is an efficient method to improve network throughput and alleviate backhaul burden. With the attractive features of high mobility and flexible deployment, UAVs have recently attracted significant attention as cache-enabled flying base stations. The use of cache-enabled UAVs opens up the possibility of tracking the mobility pattern of the corresponding users and serving them under limited cache storage capacity. However, it is challenging to determine the optimal UAV trajectory due to the dynamic environment with frequently changing network topology and the coexistence of aerial and terrestrial caching nodes. In response, we propose a novel multi-agent reinforcement learning based framework to determine the optimal 3D trajectory of each UAV in a distributed manner without a central coordinator. In the proposed method, multiple UAVs can cooperatively make flight decisions by sharing the gained experiences within a certain proximity to each other. Simulation results reveal that our algorithm outperforms the traditional single- and multi-agent Q-learning algorithms. This work confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of cache-enabled UAVs which serve as an important complement to terrestrial D2D caching nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strongly lensed explosive transients such as supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, fast radio bursts, and gravitational waves are very promising tools to determine the Hubble constant (H 0) in the near future in addition to strongly lensed quasars. In this work, we show that the transient nature of the point source provides an advantage over quasars: The lensed host galaxy can be observed before or after the transient's appearance. Therefore, the lens model can be derived from images free of contamination from bright point sources. We quantify this advantage by comparing the precision of a lens model obtained from the same lenses with and without point sources. Based on Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) observations with the same sets of lensing parameters, we simulate realistic mock data sets of 48 quasar lensing systems (i.e. adding AGN in the galaxy centre) and 48 galaxy–galaxy lensing systems (assuming the transient source is not visible but the time delay and image positions have been or will be measured). We then model the images and compare the inferences of the lens model parameters and H 0. We find that the precision of the lens models (in terms of the deflector mass slope) is better by a factor of 4.1 for the sample without lensed point sources, resulting in an increase of H 0 precision by a factor of 2.9. The opportunity to observe the lens systems without the transient point sources provides an additional advantage for time-delay cosmography over lensed quasars. It facilitates the determination of higher signal-to-noise stellar kinematics of the main deflector, and thus its mass density profile, which, in turn plays a key role in breaking the mass-sheet degeneracy and constraining H 0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective laser melting (SLM) is one of the widely used metal additive manufacturing techniques. While SLM is able to produce high-quality products, the parameter selection process can be very complicated, especially for magnetic materials in that the iron loss and permeability properties must also be considered, which renders the parameter selecting process more complicated. This research explores the parameter selection process of magnetic material for SLM, which integrates machine and evolutionary algorithms to accurately predict magnetic characteristics, such as iron loss and permeability, and generates suggestions for the process parameters according to practical demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Each individual studies is limited to multi-factors and potentially lead to a significant difference of results among them. The present study aim to explore the critical genes related to the development of Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by integrated transcriptomics and to investigate the clinical significance by experimental validation.Methods: Datasets of protein-coding genes expression which involved in ESCC were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The "Robustrankaggreg" package in language was used for data integration, and the different expression genes (DEGs) were identified based the cut-off criteria as follows: adjust p-value < 0.05, |fold change (FC)| ≥ 1.5; The protein expression of seed gene in 184 cases of primary ESCC tissues and 50 tumor adjacent normal tissues (at least 5 cm away from the tumor, and defind as the controls) were detected by immunohistochemistry; The relationship between the expression level of seed genes and clinical parameter were analyze. Enumeration data were represented by frequency or percentage (%) and were tested by x2 test. The P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 244 DEGs were identified by comparing gene expression patterns between ESCC patients and the controls based on integrating dataset of GSE77861, GSE77861, GSE100942, GSE26886, GSE17351, GSE38129, GSE33426, GSE20347 and GSE23400; The Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 3 (CDKN3) were identified the top 1 seed gene of top cluster by use of protein-protein Interaction network and plug-in Molecular Complex Detection; The level of CDKN3 mRNA was significantly increased in ESCC patients compared to controls; The positive expression rate of CDKN3 protein in ESCC tissue samples was 32 and 61.4% in control, respectively. The correlations between the expression level of CDKN3 and lymph node metastasis or clinical staging of ESCC patients are statistically significant.Conclusion: Integrated transcriptomics is an efficient approach to system biology. By this procedure, our study improved the understanding of the transcriptome status of ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional requirements and metabolism of bivalves remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary carbohydrate/lipid ratios on growth performance, body composition, digestive enzyme activities, oxidative status, and transcriptome profile in juvenile razor clam Sinonovacula constricta. Five microcapsule diets with varying levels of carbohydrate (30–45%) and lipid (2–15%) were prepared and designated as C45L2 (45% carbohydrate and 2% lipid), C41L5, C36L8, C33L11, and C30L15 groups. Juvenile S. constricta with an initial shell length of 4.9 mm were fed with these microcapsule diets for 2 weeks. The results showed that the clam in the C33L11 group exhibited the fastest growth rate. The body protein content decreased with the decreasing dietary carbohydrate/lipid ratio. The clam in the C33L11 group showed significantly higher glycogen content compared to the C45L2, C41L5, or C30L5 group. The amylase activity of the clam in the C45L2 and C41L5 group was significantly higher than that in the C36L8, C33L11, and C30L15 group. The clam in the C33L11 group showed significantly higher catalase and superoxide dismutase activities compared to other microcapsule groups. The malondialdehyde level of the clam in the C30L15 group was significantly higher than that in the C45L2, C41L5, and C33L11 group. Transcriptome analysis showed that the autophagy pathway in the clam fed C41L5 was upregulated compared with those fed C33L11. Meanwhile, the protein levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 A/1B-light chain 3 membrane type (LC3-II) in the C41L5 group were also significantly higher than those in the C33L11 group. Moreover, the clam in the C41L5 group exhibited increased phosphorylation levels of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein (4E-BP) and decreased phosphorylation levels of the ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (S6K). Our results revealed that the optimal dietary carbohydrate/lipid ratio for juvenile S. constricta was approximately 3.01. The high-carbohydrate/low-lipid diet may repress the growth of clam by inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and subsequently activating autophagy, while the poor growth performance in the low-carbohydrate/high-lipid diet group may be associated with high lipid peroxidation levels in juvenile S. constricta. • The optimal carbohydrate/lipid ratio for juvenile S. constricta was about 3.01. • The body protein content was decreased with the decline of carbohydrate/lipid ratio. • Amylase activity increased with the increase of dietary carbohydrate. • Fit carbohydrate/lipid ratio enhanced SOD, CAT activities, and lower carbohydrate to lipid ratio increased MDA level. • Compared to C33L11 diet, C41L5 diet might lead to autophagy through mTORC1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• G and M levels in foods were analyzed by GC–MS followed by Soxtec extraction. • The highest concentrations of G and M were found in processed fats and cookies. • 58% of palm oil-containing foods exceeded the upper limits of G or M set by the EU. • Packaged foods with palm-derived oils had significantly higher levels of G and M. • Main exposures to G and M were from cookies and instant noodles that exceeded TDIs. Glycidyl esters (GEs) and 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (3-MCPDEs) are carcinogenic contaminants found in refined oils. This study aimed to determine levels of GEs and 3-MCPDEs in packaged foodstuffs, and estimate daily exposure levels using food consumption data. The analysis involved Soxtec extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the recovery of spiked GEs and 3-MCPDEs was within the range of 80%∼110%. Results showed that GEs and 3-MCPDEs were almost ubiquitous in food products (95%), with the highest concentrations found in processed fats, followed by cookies and spreads. Food products containing palm-derived oils had significantly higher levels of contaminants (p < 0.05), with up to 58.1% of palm oil-containing foodstuffs exceeding the upper limits of either GEs or 3-MCPDEs set by the European Union. Cookies and instant noodles were identified as the main sources of exposure to GEs and 3-MCPDEs, with potential daily intake levels exceeding the tolerable daily intakes in children aged 0 ∼ 12 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microlensing not only allows for extra magnification lightcurves on top of the intrinsic ones but also shifts them in time domain, causing the actual time delays between images of strongly lensed active galactic nucleus to change on the ∼day(s) light-crossing timescale of the emission region. The microlensing-induced time delays would bias strong lens time-delay cosmography if unaccounted for. However, due to the uncertainties of the disk size and the disk model, the impact is hard to accurately estimate. In this work, we study how to reduce the bias with a designed observation strategy based on a standard disk model. We find that long time monitoring of the images could alleviate the impact since it averages the microlensing time-lag maps due to the peculiar motion of the source relative to the lens galaxy. In addition, images in bluer bands correspond to smaller disk sizes and therefore benefit time-delay measurements as well. We conduct a simulation based on a PG 1115+080-like lensed quasar. The results show that the time-delay dispersions caused by microlensing can be reduced by ∼40% with 20 yr lightcurves, while u band relative to r band reduces ∼75% of the dispersions. Nevertheless, such an effect cannot be totally eliminated in any cases. Further studies are still needed to appropriately incorporate this effect into inferences of an accurate Hubble constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare expenditure on pharmaceuticals, especially innovative oncology drugs, is escalating. Current knowledge on this topic is largely limited to studies conducted upon reimbursement of new drugs. We investigated how endogenous factors (e.g., changed reimbursement criteria, such as an expanded indication) and exogenous factors (e.g., competing drugs) affect the level and trends of innovative oncology drug utilization in the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) system, both upon reimbursement and afterward. This retrospective longitudinal study analyzed monthly data (January 2009 to December 2014) from the NHI Research Database on the consumption (prescribing volume) of 15 innovative oncology drugs reimbursed by the NHI between 2007 and 2013. Effects of endogenous and exogenous factors on drug utilization were evaluated using interrupted time series analyses. In segmented regression analyses, changed drug prescribing volume after the indication expanded (endogenous factor) was statistically significant; however, drug volume did not change significantly after prescription restrictions changed. First‐competitors and non‐first‐competitors (exogenous factors) were significantly associated with drug prescription levels or utilization rates. Taking sorafenib as an example, the post‐reimbursement drug prescribing volume did not change significantly after its therapy line changed (endogenous factor), whereas the reimbursement of first‐competitors (exogenous factor) was significantly associated with a lower level or usage rate of sorafenib. Utilization of innovative oncology drugs in Taiwan changed dramatically after NHI reimbursement, driven largely by expanded indications and new competitors. Drug utilization evaluations should investigate both endogenous and exogenous factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Single‐dose pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in healthy subjects have been the design of choice for bioequivalence determination for decades. This preference has been recently extended to PK similarity studies of proposed biosimilars. However, PK similarity studies can be complicated by the effect of immunogenicity response on drug disposition. The impact is exacerbated when there is an imbalance in host‐specific immunological characteristics of subjects between the test and reference groups. Such complications remain poorly understood. The purpose of this communication is to show that the impact of immunogenicity response on PK similarity determination can be critical, using adalimumab as an example. Methods: Data for adalimumab concentrations and immunogenicity response over 10 weeks were obtained from 133 healthy subjects receiving a 40 mg dose of Humira® in a PK similarity study. Also, a population PK model with a mechanistic construct for delineating the interplay between adalimumab disposition and antidrug antibodies response was utilized to estimate via simulation the probability that a PK similarity study would fail in typical study settings. Results: The simulations showed that the immunogenicity response can have a profound impact on the outcome of PK similarity determination. As such, the probability of failing to achieve the similarity conclusion increased to 51.9%, from 13.8% in the absence of immunogenicity response. Conclusion: This study provides a model‐based framework for better understanding of how a PK similarity study can be optimally designed and for interpretation of the outcome of PK similarity determination when the drug disposition is affected in the presence of immunogenicity response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a droop-based consensus control scheme (DCCS) is proposed to realise economic dispatch for islanded microgrids in a fully distributed manner. Different from the existing consensus-based approaches, the proposed DCCS embeds droop control into the consensus algorithm, which utilises the neighbouring incremental cost information and P–f droop control to realise economic dispatch for islanded microgrids. The implementation of the proposed DCCS only needs local measurements and transmitting incremental cost information among neighbouring distributed generations (DGs) through a unidirectional ring communication network (URCN), which does not require any additional conditions (such as leader DG, power mismatch estimation, etc.). Besides, the URCN in the proposed DCCS can efficiently reduce the communication burden compared with the existing consensus-based algorithms implemented in an undirected manner. Furthermore, the theoretical deduction is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed DCCS. Several simulations show an excellent performance of the proposed DCCS against sudden load and source changes, and the ability to maintain the steady operation even with communication failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a droop‐based consensus control scheme (DCCS) is proposed to realise economic dispatch for islanded microgrids in a fully distributed manner. Different from the existing consensus‐based approaches, the proposed DCCS embeds droop control into the consensus algorithm, which utilises the neighbouring incremental cost information and P–f droop control to realise economic dispatch for islanded microgrids. The implementation of the proposed DCCS only needs local measurements and transmitting incremental cost information among neighbouring distributed generations (DGs) through a unidirectional ring communication network (URCN), which does not require any additional conditions (such as leader DG, power mismatch estimation, etc.). Besides, the URCN in the proposed DCCS can efficiently reduce the communication burden compared with the existing consensus‐based algorithms implemented in an undirected manner. Furthermore, the theoretical deduction is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed DCCS. Several simulations show an excellent performance of the proposed DCCS against sudden load and source changes, and the ability to maintain the steady operation even with communication failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug lag—delayed approval or reimbursement—is a major barrier to accessing cutting‐edge drugs. Unlike approval lag, reimbursement lag is under‐researched. We investigated the key determinants of reimbursement lag under Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI), and compared this lag with those in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Using retrospective data on 190 new NHI‐reimbursed drugs from 2007 to 2014, we studied reimbursement lag in Taiwan vs. other countries, and investigated associated factors using generalized linear models (GLMs). The median reimbursement lags during before ("first‐generation") and after ("second‐generation") NHI drug reimbursement scheme in Taiwan were 378 and 458 days, respectively. The "first‐generation" lag was shorter only than that in South Korea, whereas the "second‐generation" lag only exceeded those of the United Kingdom and Japan. In GLM models, higher drug expenditure and the introduction of the "second‐generation" NHI were two statistically significant parameters associated with reimbursement lag among antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents. For other drug classes, the reimbursement price proposed by pharmaceutical companies and use of price‐volume agreements were two statistically significant parameters associated with longer reimbursement lags. The current reimbursement lag in Taiwan is longer than 1 year, but only longer than those of the United Kingdom and Japan. The determinants differ between drug categories. A specific review process for antineoplastic and immunomodulating drugs may expedite reimbursement. There is a clear need for systematic data collection and analysis to ascertain factors associated with reimbursement lag and thereby inform future policy making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bivalve lectins perform a crucial function in recognition of foreign particles, such as microalgae and pathogenic bacteria. In this study, a novel C-type lectin form Sinonovacula constricta (ScCL) was characterized. The full-length cDNA of ScCL was 1645 bp, encoding a predicted polypeptide of 273 amino acids with one typical carbohydrate-recognition domain. ScCL has the highest similarity and closest phylogenetic relationship with the C-type lectin from Solen grandis. Real-time PCR analysis showed that ScCL was expressed in all tested tissues, with the highest expression in the foot and the lowest expression in hemocytes. Agglutination activity of ScCL was Ca2+-independent. ScCL showed the strongest agglutination on Chlorella vulgaris , the modest agglutination on Platymonas subcordiformis , Nannochloropsis sp., and Thalassiosira pseudonana , the weakest agglutination on Chaetoceros sp., and no agglutination on Isochrysis zhanjiangensis. Meanwhile, agglutination tests and western blot analysis revealed that the recombinant ScCL protein could agglutinate Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio harveyi , but could not agglutinate Vibrio anguillarum , Bacillus cereus , or Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Furthermore, ScCL had a high binding activity with LPS and mannose, a low binding activity with LTA, and no binding activity with PGN. The expression of ScCL in the gill of S. constricta fed with C. vulgaris and T. pseudonana was significantly increased at 1 and/or 3 h. After injection with S. aureus , the expression of ScCL in the gill was significantly increased at 3, 6, and 24 h. These results indicated that ScCL was involved in food particle recognition and immunity of S. constricta. • A novel C-type lectin from Sinonovacula constricta (ScCL) was characterized. • ScCL protein could bind to several PAMPs and bacteria. • ScCL protein could agglutinate several microalgae and bacteria in Ca2+-independent. • After feeding Chlorella vulgaris and Thalassiosira pseudonana , or after challenged with staphylococcus aureus , the expression of ScCL was up-regulated. • ScCL may be involved in food recognition and innate immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article traces the origins and evolution of the ideas and concepts associated with the Chinese revolution in military affairs (RMA). It identifies the PLA Daily 's 'Study Military' column and 'Military Salon' as core elements of a future war studies community that has been a major force advocating a forward-looking approach to military studies and defence planning since the early 1980s. It examines their studies and activities, and argues that this community was at the forefront of studying foreign military theories and ideas and introduced RMA-related concepts to China and adapted them to the Chinese context. More specifically, in the early 1980s, they contributed to the reassessing of the international security environment and shaped the Chinese leadership's threat perception, which eventually led to the shift of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) strategic thought from preparing for imminent all-out war to peacetime army-building. In the late 1980s, they proposed major PLA-wide future war studies initiatives, which resulted in introducing the concepts of local war and high-tech wars into the PLA. They were a major intellectual force that laid the theoretical foundation for the PLA's doctrine of 'local war under high-tech conditions', announced in 1993, which paved the way to the RMA with Chinese characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although rates of hospice use have increased over time, insurance plan- and racial/ethnic-based disparities in rates have been reported in the USA. We hypothesized that increased rates of hospice use would reduce or eliminate insurance plan-based disparities and that racial/ethnic disparities would be eliminated in managed care (MC) insurance plans.Methods: We studied the use of hospice care in the final 30 days of life among 40,184 elderly Texas Medicare beneficiaries who died from primary breast, colorectal, lung, pancreas, or prostate cancer between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2013, using statewide Medicare claims linked to cancer registry data. Rates of hospice use were computed by race/ethnicity and insurance plan (MC or fee-for-service (FFS)). We used logistic regression to account for the impact of confounding factors.Results: Rates of hospice use increased significantly over time, from 68.9% in 2007 to 76.1% in 2013. By 2013, differences in hospice use rates between MC and FFS plans had been reduced from 10% to < 5%. However, after accounting for insurance plan and confounding factors, racial/ethnic minority beneficiaries' hospice use was significantly lower than non-Hispanic white beneficiaries' (p < 0.0001). This disparity was observed among both FFS and MC beneficiaries.Conclusions: Hospice use in the final 30 days of life has increased among elderly cancer patients in Texas, virtually eliminating the difference between FFS and MC insurance plans. Despite these positive trends, racial/ethnic-based disparities persist. These disparities are not explained by confounding factors. Future research should address social and behavioral influences on end-of-life decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La 2 Zr 2 O 7 used as a top coat material has low thermal conductivity and high stability at high temperature, but it also has a low fracture toughness, which limits its application. To improve the fracture toughness of La 2 Zr 2 O 7 , a La 2 Zr 2 O 7 @YSZ core–shell structured composite ceramic was designed and prepared. The morphology of the La 2 Zr 2 O 7 @YSZ composite ceramic was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The resulting images show that the YSZ is coated on the surface of the La 2 Zr 2 O 7. The phases were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the XRD patterns show that pyrochlore and fluorite structures coexist in the La 2 Zr 2 O 7 @YSZ composite material without any chemical reaction. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to detect the heat change of the composite ceramic during heat treatment. The properties of the La 2 Zr 2 O 7 @YSZ composite ceramic, such as the thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and mechanical properties were investigated using a laser flash method, high-temperature dilatometer, and nano-hardness tests, respectively. The thermal conductivity of the composite ceramic is in the range of 1.7745–2.3076 W m−1 K−1 in the temperature regime of 200–1000 °C. The maximum CTE of the composite ceramic is 10.3 × 10−6/°C. Owing to the thin YSZ coating on the La 2 Zr 2 O 7 surface, the hardness and Young's modulus of the composite ceramic are 8.17 GPa and 168.3 GPa, respectively. The nucleation and propagation of micro-cracks are investigated using a micro-hardness tester. Compared to La 2 Zr 2 O 7 , the micro-cracks in the composite ceramic are shorter and more tortuous. The weak interface between the YSZ and La 2 Zr 2 O 7 results in the nucleation and tortuous propagation of micro-cracks, which depletes part of the energy and improves the fracture toughness of the composite ceramic. The results reveal that the La 2 Zr 2 O 7 @YSZ composite ceramic has good mechanical and thermophysical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new model-independent strategy to calibrate the distance relation in Type Ia supernova (SN) observations and to probe the intrinsic properties of SNe Ia, especially the absolute magnitude M B , basing on strong lensing observations in the upcoming Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) era. The strongly lensed quasars can provide the Time Delay Distances (TDD) and the Angular Diameter Distances (ADD) to the lens galaxies. These absolute distance measurements can model-independently anchor the SNe Ia at cosmological distances. We simulated 55 high-quality lensing systems with 5 % uncertainties for both TDD and ADD measurements basing on future observation conditions. For the time delay distances and the angular diameter distances as the calibration standards, the calibrated 1 σ uncertainties of M B are approximately 0.24 mag and 0.03 mag, respectively. Besides, we also consider an evolving distance relation, for example, caused by the cosmic opacity. In this case, the 1 σ uncertainties of M B calibrated with TDD and ADD are approximately 0.31 mag and 0.06 mag, respectively. The results show that the ADD method will be a promising tool for calibrating supernovae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of six male patients, who had undergone radical cystectomy and sigma-rectum pouch surgery due to bladder cancer (2–5 years previously), developed hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia and renal dysfunction. The patients underwent urinary undiversion surgery (the pouch was isolated from the intestinal tract, abdominal ostomy was performed, and the sigmoid colon and rectum were reconnected) and blood gas and electrolyte analysis and renal function were compared pre- and post-surgery. Blood hydrocarbonate levels significantly improved 3 months post-surgery compared with the preoperative levels (17.90±4.12 vs. 7.57±4.25; P=0.026). At 6 months post-surgery, blood pH (7.36±0.04 vs. 7.16±0.08; P=0.028) and potassium levels (3.95±0.38 vs. 3.12±0.21; P=0.032) were found to have improved significantly compared with the pre-surgery levels, and remained normal. Serum creatinine levels decreased significantly from the preoperative levels at 6 months post-surgery (213.00±44.85 vs. 304.67±55.58; P=0.028). Serum chlorine (99.17±2.75 vs. 110.90±4.38; P=0.038) significantly improved until 3 years post-surgery. The results of this case report indicated that urinary undiversion from a sigma-rectum pouch to a cutaneous urinary stoma that separates the pouch and intestine may be a beneficial treatment for post-sigma-rectum pouch surgery acidosis and electrolyte disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The invalidation mechanism of kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs) was clarified. • The formation trajectories of methane hydrate in the presence of KHIs were given. • The impact of KHIs on the hydrate formation process was analyzed. Vinyl lactam-based polymers have been shown to be excellent kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs), inhibiting the formation and growth of methane hydrate under low subcooling conditions. However, under moderate/high subcooling conditions, they lose their inhibitory effect and can even be converted into hydrate promoters. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to explore the invalidation mechanism of two vinyl lactam-based KHIs, namely, PVP-A and PVP, under high subcooling conditions. By analyzing the nucleation and growth trajectories of methane hydrate in the absence/presence of KHIs, we found that the addition of KHIs could shorten the nucleation time of methane hydrate by reducing the mass transfer resistance of methane and water molecules and accelerating the formation of the hydrate precursor. Additionally, KHIs can facilitate the formation and survival of sII hydrate by improving the kinetic superiority of the methane-water homogeneous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femtosecond Bessel beam is advantageous in high-quality glass cutting because of its resistance to diffraction. However, the sizes of the modified layer in the glass ablated by Bessel beam can be affected by many factors. In this study, an analytical model to predict the sizes(the depth and the maximum diameter) of modified layer in glass with femtosecond Bessel beam based on an axicon through an orthogonal experiment L 16 (44) was conducted. The coefficient values of four factors are obtained through the Matlab multiple linear regression function based on the experimental data. Simultaneously, the significance of the regression equation was tested by using the F-value test and the verification test. It found that the experimental results are consistent with the theoretical results. The combined processing parameters with the largest aspect ratio are determined through the range analysis and the influence of the various factors on the sizes was obtained. Finally, an application of thin glass cutting by the internal modification and breaking process is demonstrated. The glass is well cut with the chipping on the breaking edge <10 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A new robust sliding mode based inter-area oscillation damping controller with variable-gain super-twisting algorithm is proposed for DFIG. • A derivative-free nonlinear Kalman Filter is developed as a disturbance estimator to accurately estimate the disturbance terms in the represented system. Abstract This paper proposes a sliding mode based inter-area oscillation damping control strategy for the Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) to enhance the stability of interconnected power systems. The synthesized damping controller is designed based on the variable-gain super-twisting algorithm to deal with the inherent nonlinear behavior in the DFIG and the power system. A Derivative-free nonlinear Kalman Filter is also developed as a disturbance estimator to accurately estimate the disturbance terms in the represented system. Such estimated results make the gains of super-twisting algorithm more efficient. The proposed controller is insensitive to the presence of unmolded system dynamics and the external disturbances acting on the system, and has a fast response speed and robustness with respect to the power system uncertainties. The stability property of the proposed damping controller is proved via the Lyapunov method, and its performance has been verified through numerical simulations considering detailed system model, external disturbances and operation point uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Silver pomfret can biosynthesize DHA from endogenous EPA. • Cd exposure increases the brain-specific expression of genes required for DHA synthesis from EPA. • Pparα regulates LC-PUFA biosynthesis gene expression in response to Cd exposure. • Cd exposure reduces the DHA concentration and increases the malondialdehyde concentration in the brain of silver pomfret. Abstract Despite a close interaction between cadmium (Cd) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) metabolism, the influence of Cd exposure on the endogenous synthesis of LC-PUFA has received little attention. In the present study, we hypothesized that Cd exposure would affect the synthesis of LC-PUFA in the marine fish silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus). Therefore, the molecular basis of LC-PUFA biosynthesis and regulation was investigated as the first step to understanding the mechanisms underpinning the effects of Cd exposure. Thereafter, transcriptional regulation of the genes that participate in LC-PUFA biosynthesis and regulation by Cd exposure were also explored. Our results showed that fatty acyl desaturase 2 (Fads2) and elongases of very long-chain fatty acids 5 (Elovl5), two key enzymes involved in LC-PUFA biosynthesis, enabled silver pomfret to biosynthesize 20:3n–6 and 20:4n–3 from 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3. The results also raise the possibility that silver pomfret may have the ability to produce docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) from endogenous eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3). The expression of silver pomfret fads2 and elovl5 was transcriptionally regulated by the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (Pparα). The expression of fads2 , elovl5 and pparα in the brain was significantly increased in response to Cd exposure. In addition, Cd exposure significantly reduced the DHA concentration and significantly increased the malondialdehyde concentration in the brain of silver pomfret. Cd exposure likely increases brain-specific DHA synthesis from EPA by transcriptionally activating fads2 and elovl5 via Pparα in silver pomfret. This regulation may be a coping mechanism for the reduction of DHA caused by Cd-oxidative stress in the brains of silver pomfret. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human biomonitoring (HBM) provides information to identify chemicals that need to be assessed regarding potential health risks to human populations. We established a population-representative sample in Taiwan, namely the Taiwan Environmental Survey for Toxicants (TESTs) in 2013–2016. In total, 1871 participants (aged 7–97 years) were recruited from throughout Taiwan. A questionnaire survey was applied to obtain individuals' demographic characteristics, and urine samples were obtained to assess metal concentrations. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was used to determine concentrations of urinary As (total), Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, In, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Tl, and Zn. The purpose of this study was to establish the human urinary reference levels (RVs) for metals in the general population of Taiwan. We found that median concentrations of urinary Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn in males were statistically significant (p < 0.05) higher than in females (Cu: 11.48 vs. 10.00 μg/L; Fe: 11.48 vs. 10.46 μg/L; Pb: 0.87 vs. 0.76 μg/L; and Zn: 448.93 vs. 348.35 μg/L). On the contrary, Cd and Co were significantly lower in males than in females (Cd: 0.61 vs. 0.64 μg/L; and Co: 0.27 vs. 0.40 μg/L). Urinary Cd levels in the ≥18-year-old group (0.69 μg/L) were significantly higher than those in the 7-17-year-old group (0.49 μg/L, p < 0.001). Among the investigated metals, most were significantly higher in the 7-17-year-old group than in the ≥18-year-old group, except for Cd, Ga, and Pb. Participants who lived in central Taiwan had higher median levels of urinary Cd, Cu, Ga, Ni, and Zn than those in other regions. Median levels of urinary As, Cd, Pb, and Se were significantly higher in participants who lived in harbor (94.12 μg/L), suburban (0.68 μg/L), industrial (0.92 μg/L), and rural (50.29 μg/L) areas, respectively, than the others who lived in other areas. RV 95 percentiles of urinary metals (ng/mL) for 7–17/≥18-year-old groups were As (346.9/370.0), Cd (1.41/2.21), Co (2.30/1.73), Cr (0.88/0.88), Cu (28.02/22.78), Fe (42.27/42.36), Ga (0.13/0.12), In (0.05/0.04), Mn (3.83/2.91), Ni (8.09/6.17), Pb (8.09/5.75), Se (122.4/101.9), Sr (556.5/451.3), Tl (0.57/0.49), and Zn (1314.6/1058.8). In this study, we have highlighted the importance of As, Cd, Pb, and Mn exposure in the general population of Taiwan. The established RV 95 of urinary metals in Taiwanese would be fundamental information to promote the reduction of metal exposure or policy intervention. We concluded that urinary levels of exposure to certain metals in the general Taiwanese population varied by sex, age, region, and urbanization level. References of metal exposure in Taiwan were established in the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The challenges of compensating for uncharacteristic voltage harmonics are identified. • A control structure that achieves the impedance reshaping for DFIG in a wideband frequency range is proposed. • The voltage controller is designed, in which the compensation performance and stability are co-currently considered. Using the idle capacity to compensate voltage harmonics at the point of common coupling (PCC) is an important reflection of participating in power grid regulation for the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG), which is very beneficial to improve the power supply quality in the regional power grid. Due to the pouring of power electronized devices, the uncharacteristic harmonics of which frequencies are unfixed appear in the power grid. The existing voltage harmonics compensation methods mainly focus on the traditional characteristic harmonics. The frequencies of these kinds of harmonics are fixed and pre-known (6n ± 1 orders). This fact makes the existing methods only work at the specific and fixed frequency, and cannot deal with the harmonics of which frequencies are uncharacteristic or unfixed. Therefore, starting from the theoretical analysis of voltage harmonics at PCC, this paper investigates the mechanism that can simultaneously compensate for the characteristic and uncharacteristic harmonics of PCC voltage, and indicates that decreasing the impedance of DFIG in the frequency range of harmonics is the core of voltage harmonics compensation. Then, this paper proposed a wideband control structure and the matched controller, so that the impedance of DFIG can be effectively decreased in a wideband frequency range. The design procedure of the harmonics controller co-currently considers the compensation performance and system stability. Finally, this paper carries on the evaluation based on the hardware-in-the-loop platform and scale-down experimental platform to verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the effectiveness of the control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthy lifestyles are crucial for preventing chronic diseases. Nonetheless, approximately 90% of Chinese community residents regularly engage in at least one unhealthy lifestyle. Mobile smart devices-based health interventions (mHealth) that incorporate theoretical frameworks regarding behavioral change in interaction with the environment may provide an appealing and cost-effective approach for promoting sustainable adaptations of healthier lifestyles. We designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of a socioecological model-guided, smart device-based, and self-management-oriented lifestyles (3SLIFE) intervention, to promote healthy lifestyles among Chinese community residents. Methods: This two-arm, parallel, cluster-RCT with a 6-month intervention and 6-month follow-up period foresees to randomize a total of 20 communities/villages from 4 townships in a 1:1 ratio to either intervention or control. Within these communities, a total of at least 256 community residents will be enrolled. The experimental group will receive a multi-level intervention based on the socioecological model supplemented with a multi-dimensional empowerment approach. The control group will receive information only. The primary outcome is the reduction of modifiable unhealthy lifestyles at six months, including smoking, excess alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, unbalanced diet, and overweight/obesity. A reduction by one unhealthy behavior measured with the Healthy Lifestyle Index Score (HLIS) will be considered favorable. Secondary outcomes include reduction of specific unhealthy lifestyles at 3 months, 9 months, and 12 months, and mental health outcomes such as depression measured with PHQ-9, social outcomes such as social support measured with the modified Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, clinical outcomes such as obesity, and biomedical outcomes such as the development of gut microbiota. Data will be analyzed with mixed effects generalized linear models with family and link function determined by outcome distribution and accounting for clustering of participants in communities. Discussion: This study will provide evidence concerning the effect of a mHealth intervention that incorporates a behavioral change theoretical framework on cultivating and maintaining healthy lifestyles in community residents. The study will provide insights into research on and application of similar mHealth intervention strategies to promote healthy lifestyles in community populations and settings. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2300070575. Date of registration: April 17, 2023. https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a zoonotic gastric microorganism capable of efficient interspecies transmission. Domesticated companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, serve as natural reservoirs for H. pylori. This phenomenon facilitates the extensive dissemination of H. pylori among households with pets. Hence, the prompt and precise identification of H. pylori in companion animals holds paramount importance for the well-being of both animals and their owners. With the assistance of Multienzyme Isothermal Rapid Amplification (MIRA) and CRISPR-Cas12a system, we successfully crafted a highly adaptable optical detection platform for H. pylori. Three sensor systems with corresponding visual interpretations were proposed. This study demonstrated a rapid turnaround time of approximately 45 min from DNA extraction to the result display. Moreover, this platform topped germiculture and real-time PCR in terms of sensitivity or efficiency in clinical diagnoses of 66 samples. This platform possesses significant potential as a versatile approach and represents the premiere application of CRISPR for the non-invasive detection of H. pylori in companion animals, thereby mitigating the dissemination of H. pylori among household members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Arsenic exposure is a global health concern. Several studies have focused on chronic arsenic exposure in adults; however, limited data are available regarding the potential adverse effects of prenatal exposure on fetuses and neonates. Objectives To assess which time point maternal arsenic exposure may influence the fetus during pregnancy and birth outcomes. Methods In this study, total arsenic concentrations were analyzed in urine samples collected from 130 women with singleton pregnancies (22–45 years old) in Taiwan from March to December of 2010. All fetal biometric measurements in each trimester period and birth outcomes at delivery were obtained. We applied a generalized estimating equation model and multivariate regression models to evaluate the associations between maternal urinary total arsenic (UtAs) exposure during pregnancy, fetal biometric measurements, and neonatal birth outcomes. Results We observed statistically significant correlations between maternal UtAs levels and the fetal biparietal diameter over all three trimesters (β = − 1.046 mm, p < 0.05). Multiple regression analyses showed a negative association between maternal UtAs levels and chest circumference in the first trimester (β = − 0.721 cm, p < 0.05), and second-trimester UtAs exposure was associated with decreases in birth weight (β = − 173.26 g, p < 0.01), head circumference (β = − 0.611 cm, p < 0.05), and chest circumference (β = − 0.654 cm, p < 0.05). Dose-response relationships were also observed for maternal UtAs exposure and birth outcomes. Conclusions We identified a negative relationship between maternal UtAs levels during pregnancy, fetal development, and neonatal birth outcomes. These findings should be confirmed in future studies with large sample sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel input-output linearization algorithm-based inter-area oscillation damping control strategy for the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is proposed in this paper. The dynamic model of the study system, a classical two-area power system for inter-area oscillation study integrated with a DFIG-based wind farm, is modeled first. Then, the suitable input and output variables are chosen according to the control objective, which are the variables need to be linearized. The feedback control law, which can linearize the selected system input to system output, is obtained via the Lie derivative of the output function and state function according to the input-output linearization algorithm. Therefore, the control parameters can be designed to utilize the linear system control algorithm to improve the system dynamic response. The proposed control strategy can deal with the nonlinearity existing in the damping control loop, and thus the performance of the damping control can be improved. The simulation carried on the MATLAB/Simulink platform was employed to investigate the performance of the proposed damping control strategy for DFIG. Simulation results are compared with those of a system with no additional damping controller and with a conditional damping controller. It shows that proposed method can improve the system damping obviously. Compared to the conventional power system stabilizer (PSS) control, the proposed damping controller can damp the swing in power more quickly. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A microcapsule containing a silane coupling agent was prepared by spray drying. The optimal encapsulating condition was determined by employing a response surface methodology with a central composite design. The effect of emulsion’s solid content and oil concentration, inlet air temperature, and atomizer speed on properties of microcapsule were investigated. The resulting microcapsule containing silane coupling agent and possessing an unbroken surface and a good shape under optimized conditions exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 82.7%, average size of 21.3 µm, and moisture content of 0.93%. The experimental results agree well with the model prediction, with a relative error below 5.0%. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]