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The black hole X-ray binary source 4U 1543–47 experienced a super-Eddington outburst in 2021, reaching a peak flux of up to ∼1.96 × 10−7 erg cm−2 s−1 (∼8.2 Crab) in the 2−10 keV band. Soon after the outburst began, it rapidly transitioned into the soft state. Our goal is to understand how the accretion disk structure deviates from a standard thin disk when the accretion rate is near Eddington. To do so, we analyzed spectra obtained from quasi-simultaneous observations conducted by the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (Insight-HXMT), the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), and the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory (Swift). These spectra are well fitted by a model comprising a disk, a weak corona, and a reflection component. We suggest that the reflection component is caused by disk self-irradiation, that is by photons emitted from the inner disk that return to the accretion disk surface as their trajectories are bent by the strong gravity field. In this scenario, the best-fitting parameters imply that the reflected flux represents more than half of the total flux. Using general relativistic ray-tracing simulations, we show that this scenario is viable when the disk becomes geometrically thick, with a funnel-like shape, as the accretion rate is near or above the Eddington limit. In the specific case of 4U 1543–47, an angle ≳45 deg between the disk surface and the equatorial plane can explain the required amount of self-irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a comprehensive timing analysis on the Be/X-ray binary pulsar RX J0440.9+4431 using observations from NICER and Insight - HXMT during the 2022–2023 outburst. The power density spectrum (PDS) of RX J0440.9+4431 exhibits typical aperiodic variability in X-ray flux across a wide frequency range. During a supercritical accretion state, we detect quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) at 0.2–0.5 Hz in the light curves of five pulses for RX J0440.9+4431. The observed QPOs manifest during flares, while the flares appear at the peaks of the pulse profiles on a time-scale of seconds and are primarily caused by an increase in hard photons. These flares can be explained by increased material ingestion in the accretion column at a fixed phase, primarily generating hard photons. Alternatively, an increase in accretion rate, independent of phase, may result in highly beamed hard photons within the accretion column, causing the flares. We argue the origin of QPOs to instabilities within the accretion flow. Additionally, we find that the break frequencies in the noise power spectra align well with |$\propto L_{\mathrm{x}}^{3 / 7}$| across three orders of magnitude in the luminosity, which points to a relatively strong magnetic field in RX J0440.9+4431, estimated to be ~1013 G. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RX J0440.9+4431, a Be/X-ray binary, had its brightest outburst in 2022 since its discovery, with a peak X-ray flux of 2.25 Crab (as recorded by Swift /BAT, 15–50 keV). We analyze the timing properties of this giant outburst using data from Insight -Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope and Neutron Star Interior Composition Exlporer , focusing on the evolution of the pulse profile and pulse fraction. We observe that when the luminosity reached around ~ |$3\times 10^{37}\ {\rm erg\ \rm s^{-1}}$|⁠ , a transition from double-peaked to single-peaked pulse profiles occurred across the energy range, with the peak of the low-energy profile aligning gradually with the peak of the high-energy profile. This change indicates a transition from subcritical to supercritical accretion. Additionally, we found a concave in the pulse fraction as a function of energy around 20–30 keV throughout the entire outburst period. Compared to the low luminosity, the concave becomes weaker in high luminosities, and overall, the pulse fraction is higher. We propose that this concave could be caused by the scattering of high-energy photons by the atmosphere of a neutron star, leading to a dilution of the pulse fraction. As the accretion reaches the supercritical state, the accretion column height increases, resulting in a larger direct component of strongly beamed X-ray flux, and an elevated pulse fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MAXI J1816–195 is a newly discovered accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar that went outburst in 2022 June. Through timing analysis with Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) and Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) observations, we find a transient modulation at ~2.5 Hz during the decay period of MAXI J1816–195. The modulation is strongly correlated with a spectral hardening, and its fractional rms amplitude increases with energy. These results suggest that the modulation is likely to be produced in an unstable corona. In addition, the presence of the modulation during thermonuclear bursts indicates that it may originate from a disc-corona where the optical depth is likely the main factor affecting the modulation, rather than temperature. Moreover, we find significant reflection features in the spectra observed simultaneously by NICER and NuSTAR , including a relativistically broadened Fe-K line around 6–7 keV, and a Compton hump in the 10–30 keV energy band. The radius of the inner disc is constrained to be R in  = (1.04–1.23)  R ISCO based on reflection modeling of the broad-band spectra. Assuming that the inner disc is truncated at the magnetosphere radius, we estimate that the magnetic field strength is |$\le 4.67 \times 10^{8}\, \rm G$|⁠. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cr, Pb, and Cd in 37 samples collected from surface sediments from the Inner Mongolia section of Yellow River, China were discussed in order to estimate their distribution and pollution level. The measured metals in the sediments were found be in the range of Cu 10.28~45.54, Fe 18, 460.00~41, 880.00, Mn 448.90~919.83, Ni 8.52~67.39, Zn 60.93~149.40, Cr 65.69~149.67, Pb 0.50~19.98 and Cd 0.23~4.36 mg kg–1. The mean values of the heavy metal contents were arranged in the following decreasing order: Fe > Mn > Cr > Zn > Ni > Cu > Pb >Cd. Significant positive correlations were observed between the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. Common sources and the identical behavior are observed in these heavy metals. PCA extracted two components with eigenvalues explaining 62.190% of the total variance. Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr had the natural origin controlled by the first factor. Anthropogenic causes are major sources of Pb and Cd. Ni could be affected by natural geological background and human activity. The higher values of Geo-accumulation index, enrichment factor, and PLI of Cr were attributed principally to anthropogenic activities. Fe and Zn did not lead to pollution. The Sediment contamination grade from the Inner Mongolia section in upstream of Yellow River was 0~1, belonging to from unpolluted to moderately polluted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Qira black sheep is a famous indigenous sheep breed in China. The objectives of this study are to identify candidate genes related to body size, and to estimate the level of inbreeding depression on body size based on runs of homozygosity in Qira black sheep. Here, 188 adult Qira black sheep were genotyped with a high density (630 K) SNP chip and genome‐wide association study for body weight and body size traits (including withers height, body slanting length, tail length, chest girth, chest width, and chest depth) were performed using an additive linear model. In consequence, 12 genome‐ and chromosome‐wide significant SNPs and, accordingly, six candidate genes involved in muscle differentiation, metabolism and cell processes were identified. Of them, ZNF704 (zinc finger protein 704) was identified for body weight; AK2 (adenylate kinase 2) and PARK2 (parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase) for tail length; MOCOS (molybdenum cofactor sulfurase) and ELP2 (elongator acetyltransferase complex subunit 2) for chest width; and MFAP1 (microfibril associated protein 1) for chest girth. Additionally, inbreeding depressions on body size were observed in the current herd. These results will provide insightful understandings into the genetic mechanisms of adult body size, and into the conservation and utilization of Qira black sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Litter size is one of the most important reproductive traits of sheep, which has pronounced effects on the profit of husbandry enterprises and enthusiasm of breeders. Despite the importance of litter size, the underlying genetic mechanisms have not been entirely elucidated. Therefore, based on a high‐density SNP chip, genome‐wide comparative analysis was performed between two groups with different fecundity to reveal candidate genes linked to litter size via detection of homozygosity and selection signatures in Luzhong mutton sheep. Consequently, nine promising genes were identified from six runs of homozygosity islands, and functionally linked to reproduction (ACTL7A, ACTL7B, and ELP1), embryonic development (KLF5 and PIBF1), and cell cycle (DACH1, BORA, DIS3, and MZT1). A total of 128 genes were observed under selection, of which HECW1 and HTR1E were related to total lambs born, GABRG3, LRP1B, and MACROD2 to teat number, and AGBL1 to reproductive seasonality. Additionally, the presence of inbreeding depression implies the urgency of reasonable mating system to increase litter size in the present herd. These findings provide a comprehensive insight to the genetic makeup of litter size, and also contribute to implementation of marker‐assisted selection in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conduct a comprehensive analysis of the accreting X-ray pulsar, Hercules X-1, utilizing data from Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) and Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array. IXPE performed five observations of Her X-1, consisting of three in the Main-on state and two in the Short-on state. Our time-resolved analysis uncovers the linear correlations between the flux and polarization degree as well as the pulse fraction and polarization degree. Geometry parameters are rigorously constrained by fitting the phase-resolved modulations of Cyclotron Resonance Scattering Feature and polarization angle with a simple dipole model and Rotating Vector Model, respectively, yielding roughly consistent results. The changes of χp (the position angle of the pulsar's spin axis on the plane of the sky) between different Main-on observations suggest the possible forced precession of the neutron star crust. Furthermore, a linear association between the energy of Cyclotron Resonance Scattering Feature and polarization angle implies the prevalence of a dominant dipole magnetic field, and their phase-resolved modulations likely arise from viewing angle effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the investigation on the ferroelectricity and tunneling electroresistance (TER) effect in PbTiO3 (PTO)-based ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs) using first-principles calculations. For symmetric FTJs, we have calculated the average polarizations of PTO film and effective screening lengths of different metal electrodes for a number of FTJs, which is useful for experimental research. For asymmetric FTJs, significant asymmetric ferroelectric displacements in PTO film are observed, which is attributed to the intrinsic field generated by the two dissimilar electrodes. Moreover, by performing quantum transport calculations on those asymmetric FTJs, a sizable TER effect is observed. It is found that the asymmetry of ferroelectric displacements in PTO barrier, which is determined by the difference of work functions of the electrodes, controls the observed TER effect. Our results will help unravel the TER mechanism of asymmetric FTJs in most experiments and will be useful for the designing of FTJ-based devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low-lying electronic states of Yb isolated in a solid Ar matrix grown at 4.2 K are characterized through absorption and emission spectroscopy. Yb atoms are found to occupy three distinct thermally stable trapping sites labeled "red," "blue," and "violet" according to the relative positions of the absorption features they produce. Classical simulations of the site structure and relative stability broadly reproduced the experimentally observed matrix-induced frequency shifts and thus identified the red, blue, and violet sites as due to respective single substitutional (SS), tetravacancy (TV), and hexavacancy (HV) occupation. Prolonged excitation of the ¹S → ¹P transition was found to transfer the Yb population from HV sites into TV and SS sites. The process showed reversibility in that annealing to 24 K predominantly transferred the TV population back into HV sites. Population kinetics were used to deduce the effective rate parameters for the site transformation processes. Experimental observations indicate that the blue and violet sites lie close in energy, whereas the red one is much less stable. Classical simulations identify the blue site as the most stable one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low-lying electronic states of Yb isolated in a solid Ar matrix grown at 4.2 K are characterized through absorption and emission spectroscopy. Yb atoms are found to occupy three distinct thermally stable trapping sites labeled "red," "blue," and "violet" according to the relative positions of the absorption features they produce. Classical simulations of the site structure and relative stability broadly reproduced the experimentally observed matrix-induced frequency shifts and thus identified the red, blue, and violet sites as due to respective single substitutional (ss), tetravacancy (tv , and hexavacancy (hv) occupation. Prolonged excitation of the 1S → 1P transition was found to transfer the Yb population from hv sites into tv and ss sites. The process showed reversibility in that annealing to 24 K predominantly transferred the tv population back into hv sites. Population kinetics were used to deduce the effective rate parameters for the site transformation processes. Experimental observations indicate that the blue and violet sites lie close in energy, whereas the red one is much less stable. Classical simulations identify the blue site as the most stable one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the Insight -HXMT observations of the new black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1820+070 during its 2018 outburst. Detailed spectral analysis via the continuum fitting method shows an evolution of the inferred spin during its high soft sate. Moreover, the hardness ratio, the non-thermal luminosity and the reflection fraction also undergo an evolution, exactly coincident to the period when the inferred spin transition takes place. The unphysical evolution of the spin is attributed to the evolution of the inner disc, which is caused by the collapse of a hot corona due to condensation mechanism or may be related to the deceleration of a jet-like corona. The studies of the inner disc radius and the relation between the disc luminosity and the inner disc radius suggest that, only at a particular epoch, did the inner edge of the disc reach the innermost stable circular orbit and the spin measurement is reliable. We then constrain the spin of MAXI J1820 + 070 to be |$a_*=0.2^{+0.2}_{-0.3}$|⁠. Such a slowly spinning black hole possessing a strong jet suggests that its jet activity is driven mainly by the accretion disc rather than by the black hole spin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tunnel crossing active fault is severely damaged under the action of fault dislocation. Considering the "economic and safety" principle in engineering design, the tunnel damage should be effectively reduced. In this work, a two-level design method for fault dislocation was proposed and the Urumqi subway tunnel in China was chosen as a typical model to deeply investigate its application feasibility. Based on the definition of the design events of different levels and corresponding design goals, three-dimensional finite element soil-tunnel models were established to estimate the response of tunnel. Meanwhile, the rationality of soil-tunnel model was judged by tunnel deformation and internal forces distribution characteristics analysis, and the two-level design goals were evaluated by comparing tunnel damage degree and volumes. The results suggest that under the condition of fault dislocation, the tunnel without disaster mitigation method suffers severely shear, tensile-crack, and compressive damage, which may eventually induce the tunnel collapse. The tunnel damage is reduced significantly by adopting the method of flexible joint. For Urumqi subway tunnel with flexible joints, both of the two-level design goals are effectively realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spin–orbit coupling (SOC) links the spin degree of freedom to the orbital motion of electrons in a solid and plays an important role in the emergence of new physical phenomena. In non-centrosymmetric materials, the SOC locks the electron's spin direction to its momentum resulting in non-trivial spin textures in the reciprocal space. Depending on the crystal symmetry, the spin texture may exhibit Rashba, Dresselhaus, persistent, or more intricate configurations. In ferroelectric materials these spin textures are coupled to the ferroelectric polarization and thus can be controlled by its orientation and magnitude. This provides a promising platform to explore the coupling between spin, orbital, valley, and lattice degrees of freedoms in solids and opens a new direction for nonvolatile spintronic devices, such as a spin-field-effect transistor and a valley spin valve. Here, we review the recent advances in spin-texture physics of ferroelectric materials and outline possible device implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of polarization and the Rashba effect in ferroelectrics enables the electrical control of spin degree of freedom. Here, we explore the Rashba effect in 2D ferroelectric LiAlTe2, which has been predicted recently based on the global structure search by the particle optimization algorithm. Based on the density functional theory calculations, we have studied the electronic structures and spin textures driven by spin–orbit coupling and demonstrated a large Rashba spin splitting around the bottom of conduction bands. Further, the magnitude of the Rashba parameter is tunable by polarization switching. The physical mechanism of the Rashba effect is well analyzed within the k · p Hamiltonian model using the method of invariants. Our results add additional functionality to 2D LiAlTe2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Insulin therapy is the mainstay to treat diabetes characterizedd by hyperglycemia. However, its short half-life of only 4–6 min limits its effectiveness in treating chronic diabetes. Advances in recombinant DNA technology and protein engineering have led to several insulin analogue products that have up to 42 h of glycemic control. However, these insulin analogues still require once- or twice-daily injections for optimal glycemic control and have poor patient compliance and adherence issues. To achieve insulin release for more than one day, different injectable delivery systems including microspheres, in situ forming depots, nanoparticles and composite systems have been developed. Several of these delivery systems have advanced to clinical trials for once-weekly insulin injection. This review comprehensively summarizes the developments of injectable insulin analogs and delivery systems covering the whole field of injectable long-lasting insulin technologies from prototype design, preclinical studies, clinical trials to marketed products for the treatment of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Intensive artificial selection has been imposed in Yunshang black goats, the first black specialist mutton goat breed in China, with a breeding object of improving reproductive performance, which has contributed to reshaping of the genome including the characterization of SNP, ROH and haplotype. However, variation in reproductive ability exists in the present population. A WGS was implemented in two subpopulations (polytocous group, PG, and monotocous group, MG) with evident differences of litter size. Following the mapping to reference genome, and SNP calling and pruning, three approaches – GWAS, ROH analysis and detection of signatures of selection – were employed to unveil candidate genes responsible for litter size. Consequently, 12 candidate genes containing OSBPL8 with the minimum P‐value were uncovered by GWAS. Differences were observed in the pattern of ROH between two subpopulations that shared similar low inbreeding coefficients. Two ROH hotspots and 12 corresponding genes emerged from ROH pool association analysis. Based on the nSL statistic, 15 and 61 promising genes were disclosed under selection for MG and PG respectively. Of them, some promising genes participate in ovarian function (PPP2R5C, CDC25A, ESR1, RPS26 and SERPINBs), seasonal reproduction (DIO3, BTG1 and CRYM) and metabolism (OSBPL8, SLC39A5 and SERPINBs). Our study pinpointed some novel promising genes influencing litter size, provided a comprehensive insight into genetic makeup of litter size and might facilitate selective breeding in goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a theoretical study of magnetoresistance and spin-polarized transport of a series of paracyclophane-based molecular tunnel junctions. We predict that the molecular tunnel junction using [2.2]-paracyclophane barrier has the desired low resistance area product in combination with high magnetoresistance ratio. In addition, we find the spin-polarized conductance decreases exponentially with increasing the molecular length, indicating a nonresonant tunneling mechanism. In particular, the characteristic decay constant can be theoretically evaluated from the complex band structure of periodic paracyclophane molecule. The spin-polarized transport mechanism is systematically analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first-principles studies of adsorption of Cu-phthalocyanine (CuPc) molecules on Fe(001) surfaces using density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation. The van der Walls interaction between CuPc molecules and Fe surfaces was included with Grimme approximation. The detailed structural and electronic and magnetic properties at the interface between the CuPc and Fe(001) were obtained. More importantly, based on the understanding of adsorption configurations, we further studied the interfacial properties with considering the effect of external electric field. The results demonstrate that both the transferred charge and localized magnetic moments of adsorbed molecules can be tuned by external applied electric field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I)‐dependent inhibitory receptors on natural killer (NK) cells have been found to contribute to NK cell dysfunction in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the roles of MHC‐I‐independent inhibitory receptors on NK cells in HCC remain poorly defined. In this study, we analyzed the expression of the MHC‐I‐independent inhibitory receptors sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin (Siglec)‐7 and Siglec‐9 on NK cells by analyzing the peripheral blood of 35 HCC patients and 63 healthy donors. We observed that HCC patients had lower frequencies and total numbers of NK cells in the peripheral blood. Importantly, both the expression levels of Siglec‐7 on NK cells and the frequencies of Siglec‐7+ NK cells were significantly reduced in HCC patients, which was accompanied by a decrease in activating receptor and an increase in inhibitory receptor expression on NK cells. Moreover, Siglec‐7+ NK cells expressed higher levels of activating receptors and displayed stronger effector functions, compared with Siglec‐7− NK cells. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that reduced Siglec‐7 expression predicts NK cell dysfunction in HCC patients, suggesting that Siglec‐7 may be a potential marker of functional NK cell subset in HCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sheep, an important source of meat, dairy products and wool, play an essential part in the global agricultural economy. Body weight and body conformation are key traits in the sheep industry; however, their underlying genetic mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, a GWAS was implemented to identify promising genes possibly linked to birth weight (BW) and body conformation traits in neonatal sheep, using a high‐throughput chip (630 K). After quality control, 277 individuals and 518 203 variants were analyzed using gemma software in a mixed linear model. A total of 48 genome‐wide suggestive SNPs were obtained, of which four were associated with BW, four with withers height (WH), 11 with body length (BL) and 29 with chest girth (CG). In total, 39 genes associated with BW and body conformation traits were identified by aligning to the sheep genome (Ovis aries_v4.0), and most of them were involved in the cell cycle and body development. Promising candidate genes found included the following: FOS like 2 or AP‐1 transcription factor subunit (FOSL2) for BW; potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily D member 2 (KCND2) for WH; transmembrane protein 117 (TMEM117), transforming growth factor beta induced (TGFBI), and leukocyte cell‐derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) for BL; and trafficking kinesin protein 1 (TRAK1) and LOC101102529 for CG. These results provide cues for similar studies aiming at uncovering the genetic mechanisms underlying body development, and marker‐assisted selection programs focusing on BW and body conformation traits in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Design principles and strategies for pure and hybrid DNA nanostructures were reviewed. • The application of DNA as nanocarrier surface and matrix modifier was summarized. • The applications of DNA aptamers as nanotherapeutic targeting agents were compiled. • The uses of DNA nanostructures as a drug and gene delivery system were discussed. • Limitations and future perspectives of oligonucleotide nanotherapeutics were addressed. DNA nanostructures have emerged as promising novel drug and gene delivery systems. Sophisticated programmable hybrid DNA nanotherapeutics have also been used for controlled and targeted drug and gene delivery. There are also numerous reports of utilizing DNA aptamers as nanomaterials targeting moieties. However, the body of literature on these DNA-based nanotherapeutics is fragmented and is not systematically reviewed. The purpose of this review is to systematically summarize the design strategy for various oligonucleotide-based programmable nanotherapeutics that are responsive to biomolecules. A systematic review on how to design different programmable nanotherapeutics using oligonucleotides as building blocks or as surface and matrix modifiers for controlled and targeted delivery of various therapeutic agents in presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flooding of a damaged ship in waves is a complex process, often coupled with the internal and external liquid motion together with the ship hull motion. Paramount to the operation safety, in order to improve the prediction accuracy of ship motion during the flooding process, the strip theory is applied to study the dynamic response of the damaged ship in beam seas; a smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model is developed to consider the coupling effects of various factors including internal sloshing of intact cabins and damaged cabins and external waves. The numerical wave tank with a perfectly matched layer absorbing boundary condition is established and validated by the experimental results. The detailed sensitivity study is carried out focusing on the effects of damaged opening sizes, the relative position of opening, and the incident wave and the liquid loading conditions on the dynamic response of the damaged ship in regular beam waves. It is observed that the flooding process was slowed down and interrupted by the water exchanges at the damaged opening due to the dynamic motion. Compared with the opening facing the incident wave, the back one endangered the ship pronouncedly with large amplitude and frequency roll motion. It is also revealed that the liquid tank in the damaged ship imposes a significant influence on its rolling response. It is further demonstrated that the present SPH model is capable of handling the nonlinear phenomenon in a flooding process of a damaged ship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the successful deployment of large scale tidal turbine arrays occupying a large part of tidal channels, understanding the effects of wake interaction in densely spaced arrays is of importance. A comprehensive set of experiments has been conducted with scaled tidal turbines to investigate the resulting wake characteristics in a number of different staggered array configurations with up to four turbines on a designated support frame. Wake velocity deficits and turbulence intensities at a number of locations within and downstream of the array are presented and in addition the flow field recordings from Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements are presented for visual investigation of the resulting wake field and wake characteristics along the array centre line. The experiments show that lateral and longitudinal spacing variations of the individual devices vary the resulting flow field downstream of the array section significantly. Lateral spacing can be optimised to result in beneficial flow effects that accelerate the downstream wake recovery. Very close spacing however leads to significantly reduced velocity recovery. Longitudinal spacing shows less significant influence, especially for configurations with wide lateral distances. Differences in wake velocity deficit of up to 10% have been identified and suggest array wake recovery in and downstream of staggered sections, in areas of lower ambient turbulence levels, to be more significantly influenced by the lateral spacing especially towards the front rows of the array. With every additional array section the increasing turbulence intensity within the array is anticipated to reduce this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of previously fermented juice (PFJ) prepared from alfalfa and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants on the dynamic changes of nutritive components in ensiled alfalfa after various ensiling periods were investigated by using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System. The third-cut alfalfa was harvested at the budding stage, exposed to sunlight, weighed occasionally to estimate the dry matter (DM) content until the actual DM finally obtained was 347.8 g/kg fresh weight, and then chopped to 1-2-cm lengths. Chopped forages were treated with (1) distilled water (control), (2) alfalfa PFJ or (3)LABat 1 mL/50 g fresh weight. The application amounts of PFJ and LAB to the fresh forage were 8.73 log (colony-forming units/mL) and 7.32 log (colony-forming units/mL) respectively. All silages were prepared in mini-silos of 100-mL polypropylene centrifuge tubes and kept in an incubator at 30°C, and triplicate silos from each treatment were opened after 1, 3, 7, 14 and 35 days of ensiling. Results suggested that silage treated with LAB and PFJ was of better quality than was the control silage, as evidenced by lower volatile fatty acid concentrations, as well as higher lactic acid, sugar, starch, soluble fibre and digestible natural detergent fibre production at various ensiling periods (P < 0.05), and a lower protein degradation as suggested by the low non-protein nitrogen production (P < 0.05). The effect of PFJ on alfalfa fermentation quality and protein degradation was greater than that of LAB as evidenced by the lower pH value and volatile fatty acid content and the higher concentrations of lactic acid (P < 0.05). In addition the cost of PFJ for 1 tonne of alfalfa silage is ~1/7-1/5 of that of LAB. In conclusion adding PFJ to alfalfa forages before preservation as silage is a cost-effective way to improve the silage formation quality; in addition its effect as a fermentation stimulant may be comparable to or even better than that of LAB inoculants at various ensiling periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate chemotherapy-induced alterations in the functional framework of the brain, and probe the relationship between these changes and executive function impairments in breast cancer patients. Thirty-three breast cancer patients ( BC) after receiving chemotherapy and 31 matched healthy controls ( HC) were enrolled in this study. All participants received resting-state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fc MRI) and neuropsychological background tests. The lower functional connectivity of the posterior cingulate cortex ( PCC) was found in the left postcentral gyrus, left precentral gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, right cingulate gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus. A significant negative correlation was found between the response time on the Trail Making Tests and the functional connectivity strength between the PCC and right middle frontal and right cingulate gyri in breast cancer patients. In addition, the strength of the functional connectivity between the PCC and right middle frontal gyrus had a negative correlation with the response times on the Stroop Interference Test in breast cancer patients. This study demonstrated that BC patients after receiving chemotherapy have abnormal functional connectivity. These findings suggest that functional connectivity changes might play an important role in chemotherapy-induced executive function impairments in breast cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This article explores the impact of race, gender, age, and intersectionality on attorneys' perceptions of unfair treatment by other lawyers and on satisfaction with their legal careers. Method Using an original survey of over 2,000 attorneys, ordered logit is utilized to analyze attorneys' perceptions of disparate treatment based on race, gender, and age and to test whether minority female attorneys face unique barriers within their professional relationships. Results We find that minority women are more likely than others to perceive unfair treatment based on race, gender, and age. This also contributes to lower career satisfaction for attorneys who are women of color than for other groups. Conclusion The findings have important implications for understanding attorney relationships and potential barriers for minority groups within a profession's culture. These obstacles not only impact attorneys, but could also influence attorney choice for citizens and the prospects for a representative judiciary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of a detailed timing and spectral analysis of the quasi-regular modulation (QRM) phenomenon in the black hole X-ray binary 4U 1630−47 during its 1998 outburst observed by the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). We find that the ∼50–110 mHz QRM is flux dependent, and the QRM is detected with simultaneous low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (LFQPOs). According to the behaviour of the power density spectrum, we divide the observations into four groups. In the first group, namely behaviour A, LFQPOs are detected, but no mHz QRM. The second group, namely behaviour B, a QRM with frequency above ∼88 mHz is detected and the ∼5 and ∼7 Hz LFQPOs are almost overlapping. In the third group, namely behaviour C, the QRM frequency below ∼88 mHz is detected and the LFQPOs are significantly separated. In the fourth group, namely behaviour D, neither QRM nor LFQPOs are detected. We study the energy dependence of the fractional rms, centroid frequency, and phase lag of QRM and LFQPOs for behaviour B and C. We then study the evolution of QRM and find that the frequency of QRM increases with hardness, while its rms decreases with hardness. We also analyse the spectra of each observation, and find that the QRM rms of behaviour B has a positive correlation with |$F_{\rm power\ law}$| / |$F_{\rm total}$|⁠. Finally, we give our understanding for this mHz QRM phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnAl, as a prospective candidate of magnetic electrode materials for MgO-based magnetic tunnel junctions, possesses several advantages including the spin polarized D1 band, relatively low Gilbert damping factor, and large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Here, we report a thorough firstprinciples investigation on MnAl/MgO/MnAl-magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). It is found that the bulk anisotropy density is 17.39 Merg/cm3, while the interfacial anisotropy contribution is evaluated to be 0.12 erg/cm2 and 0.44 erg/cm2 for Mn- and Al-terminated structures, respectively. The large anisotropy can be attributed to dyz and dz2 orbits. Furthermore, the formation of a Mn-O bond on the interface of MnAl/MgO is shown to be detrimental for the improvement of perpendicular anisotropy. On the other hand, a giant zero-bias tunneling magnetoresistance ratio is predicted and can be maintained over 2000% even for a bias up to 0.6V for Mn-terminated MTJs. The in-plane spin transfer torque for Mn-terminated MTJs increases linearly with a bias up to 0.6V due to the large net spin-polarized current. This work paves the way for the further application of MnAlbased perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studies of biological, disease, and pharmacological networks are facilitated by the systems-level investigations using computational tools. In particular, the network descriptors developed in other disciplines have found increasing applications in the study of the protein, gene regulatory, metabolic, disease, and drug-targeted networks. Facilities are provided by the public web servers for computing network descriptors, but many descriptors are not covered, including those used or useful for biological studies. We upgraded the PROFEAT web server http://bidd2.nus.edu.sg/cgi-bin/profeat2016/main.cgi for computing up to 329 network descriptors and protein–protein interaction descriptors. PROFEAT network descriptors comprehensively describe the topological and connectivity characteristics of unweighted (uniform binding constants and molecular levels), edge-weighted (varying binding constants), node-weighted (varying molecular levels), edge-node-weighted (varying binding constants and molecular levels), and directed (oriented processes) networks. The usefulness of the network descriptors is illustrated by the literature-reported studies of the biological networks derived from the genome, interactome, transcriptome, metabolome, and diseasome profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a first-principles study of the ferroelectricity and spin-dependent transport through Co/ BaTiO3/CoO/Co multiferroic tunnel junctions (MFTJs). We find the coexistence of large tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio and large tunneling electroresistance (TER) ratio in the MFTJs. The large TMR effect originates from the spin-filter tunneling through the BaTiO3 barrier, while the TER effect is due to the modulation of orbitals overlap by polarization reversal. The microscopic physics of TER are identified and understood through the analysis of metal-oxygen relative displacements, local polarization magnitude, transmission in momentum space and real space scattering states. Our results provide a practical way to achieve the coexistence of large TER and TMR effects in MFTJs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mono-culture fungal inoculant of Phaerochaete chrysosporium ( P. chrysosporium ) and the co-culture fungal inoculants of P. chrysosporium and Aspergillius niger ( A. niger ) or Trichoderma viride ( T. viride ) were screened for their potential to increase the in situ fiber and crude protein digestibility of maize stalk in sheep. The milled maize stalk samples were inoculated in vitro with the mono-culture and co-culture fungal inoculants (10 mL/20 g) and incubated under solid state fermentation conditions at 30 °C for 10 days to determine their fibre-degrading enzyme activity and chemical composition. In situ ruminal degradability was assessed using six ruminally cannulated Dorper × thin-tailed Han crossbred ewes (60.0 ± 1.73 kg BW) fed a diet with a concentrate-to-roughage ratio of 69:31(dry matter (DM) basis). The samples were incubated in nylon bags for 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h in the rumen. The results showed that the inoculation of P. chrysosporium increased in situ ruminal degradation of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and hemicellulose in comparison to the control ( P < 0.05). The maize stalk incubated with P. chrysosporium + T. viride had the greatest in situ degradability of DM, OM, NDF, ADF, ADL and cellulose after incubation for 12 h ( P < 0.05). The inoculation of P. chrysosporium + A. niger increased in situ ruminal crude protein (CP) degradation ( P < 0.05) in comparison to the other treatments. The in situ DM degradability after fermentation for 72 h (72h-DMD) was correlated with the loss of ADL (r = 0.870; P < 0.05), cellulose (r = 0.763; P < 0.05), hemicellulose (r = 0.864; P < 0.05) and the ratio of ADL to hemicellulose (r = 0.686; P < 0.05). Generally, the co-culture fungal inoculants of P. chrysosporium + T. viride had the greatest effect on improving the availability of nutrients in maize stalks to rumen microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the X-ray timing results of the black hole candidate MAXI J1820+070 during its 2018 outburst using the Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (Insight-HXMT) and Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer Mission (NICER) observations. Low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (LFQPOs) are detected in the low/hard state and the hard intermediate state, which lasted for ∼90 days. Thanks to the large effective area of Insight-HXMT at high energies and NICER at low energies, we are able to present the energy dependence of the LFQPO characteristics and phase lags from 0.2 to 200 keV, which has never been explored by previous missions. We find that the centroid frequency of the LFQPOs does not change significantly with energy, while the full width at half maximum and fractional rms show a complex evolution with energy. The LFQPO phase lags at high energies and low energies show consistent energy-dependence relations taking the ∼2 keV as reference. Our results suggest that the LFQPOs from high energy come from the LT precession of the relativistic jet, while the low-energy radiation is mainly from the perpendicular innermost regions of the accretion disk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By constructing asymmetric polar interfaces, all-oxide ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs) are proposed that can achieve a sizable tunneling electroresistance (TER) effect. Based on first-principles quantum transport calculations on a prototypical LaNiO3/BaTiO3/LaNiO3 junction, we predict that TER reaches 10³% under a finite bias. Driven by the asymmetric polar interfaces, the resultant intrinsic electric field causes a highly asymmetric electrostatic potential in comparison to that of the FTJ with symmetric polar interfaces. As a result, the tunneling resistance changes significantly upon polarization reversal leading to sizable TER. The physical origin of the TER effect can be well understood in terms of local density of states, transport in momentum space, real-space scattering states and a free-electron tunneling model. Our results provide an insight into the understanding of ferroelectricity and the TER mechanism in FTJs and will be useful for FTJ-based devices design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vernalization plays a key role in the bolting and flowering of Chinese cabbage ( Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). Plants can switch from vegetative to reproductive growth and then bolt and flower under low temperature induction. The economic benefits of Chinese cabbage will decline significantly when the bolting happens before the vegetative body fully grows due to a lack of the edible value. It was found that continuous seedling breeding reduced the heading of Chinese cabbage and led to bolt and flower more easily. In the present study, two inbred lines, termed A161 and A105, were used as experiment materials. These two lines were subjected to vernalization and formed four types: seeds-seedling breeding once, seedling breeding twice, seedling breeding thrice and normal type. Differences in plant phenotype were compared. DNA methylation analysis was performed based on MSAP method. The differential fragments were cloned and analyzed by qPCR. Results showed that plants after seedling breeding thrice had a loosen heading leaves, elongated center axis and were easier to bolt and flower. It is suggested that continuous seedling breeding had a weaker winterness. It was observed that genome methylation level decreased with increasing generation. Four differential genes were identified, short for BraAPC1, BraEMP3, BraUBC26 and BraAL5. Fluorescent qPCR analysis showed that expression of four genes varied at different reproduction modes and different vernalization time. It is indicated that these genes might be involve in the development and regulation of bolting and flowering of plants. Herein, the molecular mechanism that continuous seedling breeding caused weaker winterness was analyzed preliminarily. It plays an important guiding significance for Chinese cabbage breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To examine the short- and long-term cost-effectiveness of intensive multifactorial treatment compared with routine care among people with screen-detected Type 2 diabetes. Methods Cost-utility analysis in ADDITION- UK, a cluster-randomized controlled trial of early intensive treatment in people with screen-detected diabetes in 69 UK general practices. Unit treatment costs and utility decrement data were taken from published literature. Accumulated costs and quality-adjusted life years ( QALYs) were calculated using ADDITION- UK data from 1 to 5 years (short-term analysis, n = 1024); trial data were extrapolated to 30 years using the UKPDS outcomes model (version 1.3) (long-term analysis; n = 999). All costs were transformed to the UK 2009/10 price level. Results Adjusted incremental costs to the NHS were £285, £935, £1190 and £1745 over a 1-, 5-, 10- and 30-year time horizon, respectively (discounted at 3.5%). Adjusted incremental QALYs were 0.0000, - 0.0040, 0.0140 and 0.0465 over the same time horizons. Point estimate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ( ICERs) suggested that the intervention was not cost-effective although the ratio improved over time: the ICER over 10 years was £82 250, falling to £37 500 over 30 years. The ICER fell below £30 000 only when the intervention cost was below £631 per patient: we estimated the cost at £981. Conclusion Given conventional thresholds of cost-effectiveness, the intensive treatment delivered in ADDITION was not cost-effective compared with routine care for individuals with screen-detected diabetes in the UK. The intervention may be cost-effective if it can be delivered at reduced cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-silico methods have been explored as potential tools for assessing ADME and ADME regulatory properties particularly in early drug discovery stages. Machine learning methods, with their ability in classifying diverse structures and complex mechanisms, are well suited for predicting ADME and ADME regulatory properties. Recent efforts have been directed at the broadening of application scopes and the improvement of predictive performance with particular focuses on the coverage of ADME properties, and exploration of more diversified training data, appropriate molecular features, and consensus modeling. Moreover, several online machine learning ADME prediction servers have emerged. Here we review these progresses and discuss the performances, application prospects and challenges of exploring machine learning methods as useful tools in predicting ADME and ADME regulatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a theoretical study of the tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) and spin-polarized transport in Fe3Si/MgO/Fe3Si(001) magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ). It is found that the spin-polarized conductance and bias-dependent TMR ratios are rather sensitive to the structure of Fe3Si electrode. From the symmetry analysis of the band structures, we found that there is no spin-polarized ∆1 symmetry bands crossing the Fermi level for the cubic Fe3Si. In contrast, the tetragonal Fe3Si driven by in-plane strain reveals half-metal nature in terms of ∆1 state. The giant TMR ratios are predicted for both MTJs with cubic and tetragonal Fe3Si electrodes under zero bias. However, the giant TMR ratio resulting from interface resonant transmission for the former decreases rapidly with the bias. For the latter, the giant TMR ratio can maintain up to larger bias due to coherent transmission through the majority-spin ∆1 channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] New experimental data for pulverized wood combustion and emissions. [•] First experimental visualisation of ‘rocket force’ effect on particle motion. [•] Numerical modelling revealing insight into structures of pulverized wood flames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have revealed that deleterious I ANKZF1 i mutations may disrupt mitochondrial integrity and play a pathogenic role in the development of IBD in human.[5] No other meaningful mutations related to IBD have been identified in the proband. Learning point for clinicians At present, only five mutations of I ANKZF1 i have been identified in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our findings demonstrate the first case of IBD attributed to I ANKZF1 i heterozygous mutation (NM 018089.2: c.1243T>G; p.Leu415Val) in Asia, which expands our understanding of I ANKZF1 i mutations. [Extracted from the article]

During thermonuclear bursts, it is suspected that cooling of the corona by the burst emission may be the cause of hard X-ray deficits. Although such a deficit has been observed in nine sources, it has not been observed from 4U 1608–52, a nearby prolific burster. Therefore, the authenticity and universality of the hard X-ray deficit may be in question. To investigate this suspicion, Insight–HXMT performed cadence observations during the low/hard state of 4U 1608–52 in 2022 September and detected 10 thermonuclear X-ray bursts. Two of these bursts show a double-peaked structure in the soft X-ray band, which could be caused by the high temperature of the burst emission and a marginal photospheric radius expansion (PRE) around the burst peak time. This is indicated by their peak fluxes being up to the Eddington limit and having a large colour factor at the peak of the bursts. A hard X-ray deficit is observed at a significant level during bursts at > 30 keV. Furthermore, the fraction of this deficit shows saturation at 50 per cent for the first eight bursts. This saturation may indicate that the corona is layered and only part of the corona is cooled by the bursts: for example, the part close to the neutron star surface is cooled while the rest remains intact during bursts. This result provides a clue to the geometry of the corona. For example, a possible scenario is that the corona has two forms: a quasi-spheric corona between the neutron star and the disc and a disc corona on both surfaces of the disc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Thermonuclear bursts, also known as type I X-ray bursts, result from unstable nuclear burning of H/He accreted to the surface of neutron stars, lasting from tens to hundreds of seconds. Thermonuclear bursts have an important impact on accretion environments around the neutron stars, such as their disks and coronas, and are therefore a subject of extensive research. Thermonuclear bursts can be used as probes to gain a deeper understanding of the properties of their disks and coronas. Aims. By analyzing the data from Insight-HXMT and NICER, we can determine the evolution of the significance of the hard shortage in 4U 1636–536 with its spectral state, as well as the evolution of the fraction of deficit with energy. Additionally, we investigate the possible geometry and evolution of the corona in 4U 1636–536 by combining our findings with the results of spectral analysis. Methods. We extracted the light curves from the Insight-HXMT low-energy, medium-energy, and high-energy data and subtracted their pre-burst emission, which allowed us to estimate the significance of the hard shortages during the bursts. By fitting the spectra, the correlation between the persistent spectral parameters and the significance of the hard shortages could be established. The bursts were then grouped according to the spectral state in which they occurred, and the significance of the hard shortages was estimated. These in turn helped to investigate the evolution of the fraction of deficit with energy. Results. We find that during the soft state the significance of possible hard X-ray shortage in bursts is almost zero. However, in the hard state, some bursts exhibit significant shortages (> 3σ), while others do not. We attempt to establish a correlation between the significance of the hard X-ray shortage and the spectral parameters, but the data quality and the limited number of bursts prevent us from finding a strong correlation. For bursts with insignificant shortages in the soft state, the fraction of the deficit remains small. However, in the hard state the fraction of deficit for all bursts increases with energy, regardless of the significance of the shortage of individual bursts. For bursts during the hard state, we investigated the evolution of the fraction of deficit during the bursts by stacking the peaks and decays of the bursts, and find that as the flux of the bursts decreases, the energy corresponding to the maximum of the fraction of deficit becomes progressively higher. Conclusions. We explore the possible geometry and evolution of the corona suggested by the evolution of the fraction of deficit, which is obtained from the spectral and temporal analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive deformation retrieval method based on the multi-baseline synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) technique for ground movement monitoring. Both the displacement pattern in at the large scale and detailed deformation for local areas are investigated by exploiting two sets of data generated at low and full spatial resolution. In particular, we focus on the description and estimation of non-linear deformation in full-resolution signals. A polynomial parameter model is built and the total least squares-singular value decomposition algorithm is proposed to control the overall errors of the system. The ascending Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array type L-band SAR (PALSAR) data set on Tianjin China is used for the algorithm experiment and detailed displacement information between July 2008 and August 2010 is obtained. The experimental results are validated by levelling data and field surveys, and the good agreement proves the effectiveness of the algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of cadmium (Cd) supply level in nutrient solution (0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 μM) on growth, Cd accumulation ability, and the related physiological indices of maize ( Zea mays L.) seedlings were studied under hydroponic conditions. The results showed that the increments in the shoot height and biomass were stimulated at relatively low external Cd supply levels (<100 μM), while they were inhibited at Cd supply levels over 200 μM. Cd accumulation ability of the maize seedlings also showed the similar stimulation/inhibition pattern as shoot growth, and the Cd contents in the shoots and roots reached the peaks (389.5 and 505.5 mg/kg dry wt, respectively) at 50 μM Cd. The contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids in the maize leaf blades decreased with increasing external Cd supply level. At the highest Cd supply level (800 μM), the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids in the leaf blade were only 38.9, 46.0, and 29.7% of the control plants, respectively. Moreover, chlorophyll b was more sensitive to the Cd stress than chlorophyll a. The increased proline content in the leaf blade of maize seedlings resulted from external Cd stress indicates that maize can adapt to the adversity menace via changing the content of proline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND:CYR61 (cysteine-rich protein 61, also named IGFBP10) is a secreted signaling molecule that promotes angiogenesis and tumor growth. The goal of this study is to determine whether a functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the CYR61 gene (rs3753793) is associated with prostate cancer (PCa) risk and gene expression in Chinese patients.METHODS:A total of 665 patients diagnosed with PCa and 703 cancer-free controls were genotyped in this hospital-based case-control study, and 26 PCa tissue samples were evaluated for mRNA expression of CYR61 by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR.RESULTS:Men carrying the G allele of rs3753793 (TG+GG) had significantly lower risk of PCa when compared with the TT genotype (odds ratio (OR)=0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.61-0.95). The association was generally more pronounced among subgroups of PCa patients with advanced stage (OR=0.70, 95% CI=0.53-0.94), Gleason score >7 (OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.46-0.86) and PSA>20 ng ml−1 (OR=0.68, 95% CI=0.53-0.88). Prostate tumors derived from cases with the GT/GG genotypes had significantly lower levels of CYR61 mRNA when compared with cases with the TT genotypes (P=0.02).CONCLUSIONS:Our results indicate that the genetic variation of rs3753793 in the CYR61 promoter may contribute to genetic predisposition to PCa and intra-tumor expression gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pH optimum and thermostability of both exo-peptidases and endopeptidases were investigated in this study to elucidate the possible role of plant proteases in proteolysis during ensiling of alfalfa herbage. Proteolytic activities of 4 classes of endopeptidases (i.e., serine, metallo, aspartic, and cysteine peptidase) and 5 classes of exopeptidases (i.e., aminopeptidase, carboxypeptidase, dipeptidase, dipeptidyl-peptidase, and tripeptidyl-peptidase) were examined within pH values of 3 to 9, and within temperatures from 20 to 90°C. Serine and metalloproteases, the principal endopeptidases that hydrolyzed most of the protein to nonprotein nitrogen in alfalfa silage, had optimum activities at pH 4. Among the major exopeptidases contributing protein degradation in ensiled alfalfa, dipeptidase and tripeptidyl-peptidase had stable activities between pH 4 and 6, and carboxypeptidase activity was optimal at pH 5. The optimum temperature for most peptidase activities was 40°C. Proteolytic activities of both endo- and exopeptidases increased with the elevation of incubating temperature from 20 to 40°C. The pH value in well-preserved alfalfa silage is often above 4.0, and the temperatures in the ensiled mass range from 25 to 40°C. Therefore, high proteolytic activities between pH 4 and 6 and the temperature range of ensiled alfalfa suggest that plant peptidases play a role in hydrolyzing protein during prolonged storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, we assessed clinical results by using a minimal extracorporeal circuit (MECC) and compared it to a conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures.Methods and Materials: From August to October 2006, forty consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG procedures were randomly assigned to either a miniaturized closed circuit CPB with the Maquet-Cardiopulmonary MECC system (Group M, n=20) or to a conventional CPB system (Group C, n=20). Clinical outcomes were observed before, during and after the operation. Besides evaluating the perioperative clinical data, serial blood venous samples were obtained after induction, 30 minutes after CPB initiation, 2h, 6h, 12h, and 24h post-CPB. The focus of our study was on myocardial damage (cTnI), neutrophil and platelet counts, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and free hemoglobin.Results: Both the transfusion of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma were significantly lower in Group M compared to Group C (p<0.05). The levels of cTnI were lower in Group M at 2h, 6h and 12h post-CPB than in Group C (p<0.01). The values of aPTT in Group M recovered to normal levels after surgery, but were prolonged in Group C at early post-CPB and were statistically longer than Group M at 2h, 6h, and 12h post-CPB (p<0.05). The concentrations of free hemoglobin in Group C were higher than in Group M during and post-CPB, and there was a statistical difference at 2h post-CPB (p<0.05).Conclusion: In conclusion, the MECC system is a safe alternative for patients who undertake extracorporeal circulation (ECC) for CABG surgery. Lower transfusion requirements and less damage to red cells may further promote the use of MECC systems, especially in higher risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the transient Galactic black hole candidate MAXI J0637−430 with data from Insight-HXMT, Swift , and XMM–Newton. The broad-band X-ray observations from Insight-HXMT help us constrain the power-law component. MAXI J0637–430 is located at unusually high Galactic latitude; if it belongs to the Galactic thick disc, we suggest a most likely distance ≲7 kpc. Compared with other black hole transients, MAXI J0637–430 is also unusual for other reasons: a fast transition to the thermal dominant state at the start of the outburst; a low peak temperature and luminosity (we estimate them at ≈0.7 keV and ≲0.1 times Eddington, respectively); a short decline time-scale; a low soft-to-hard transition luminosity (≲0.01 times Eddington). We argue that such properties are consistent with a small binary separation, short binary period (P ∼ 2 h), and low-mass donor star (M 2 ∼ 0.2 M⊙). Moreover, spectral modelling shows that a single disc blackbody component is not a good fit to the thermal emission. Soft spectral residuals, and deviations from the standard |$L_{\rm disc} \propto T_{\rm in}^4$| relation, suggest the need for a second thermal component. We propose and discuss various scenarios for such component, in addition to those presented in previous studies of this source. For example, a gap in the accretion disc between a hotter inner ring near the innermost stable orbit, and a cooler outer disc. Another possibility is that the second thermal component is the thermal plasma emission from an ionized outflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]