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Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) have been manufactured by mixing the treated municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash (BA), ordinary Portland cement, fne silica sand and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) fber. Characterizations including X-ray fuorescence (XRF) and laser difraction have been performed on four types of BA powders obtained by combined treatments, and the chemical compositions and particle size distribution of those BA powders are derived. The mechanical properties of BA powders in mortar as cement replacement are tested to determine their reactivity. BA powder with highest reactivity completely replaces the fy ash in ECC, and its contribution to strain hardening of composites is investigated. Results indicate that mortar mixed with BA fnes prepared by thermal treatment followed by ball milling has the best mechanical properties. After 28 days of curing, the fexural and compressive strength of this mortar reach 82% and 81% of the reference, respectively. The strength activity index meets the requirement of not less than 70% specifed in the Chinese standards. The increase of BA powder not only reduces the frst crack strength of ECC but also reduces the ultimate tensile strength of the composites. Fortunately, the strain hardening properties of ECC are improved. In addition, the highest ductile tensile properties are obtained in ECC with BA fnes to cement ratio of 2.2. This research provides a strategy in making use of vast resources BA obtained from MSWI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The crumb rubber modifier dry process was modified and named the complex process. • Mechanical characteristics of asphalt mixtures significantly enhanced by utilising CRM complex method. • In a complex process, bitumen and aggregates were mixed, then the CRM was added. • CRM complex process provides the homogeneous mixtures and better results. • A complex method has a function of improving asphalt mixtures better than dry and wet methods. Mechanical characteristics of the asphalt binders and mixtures were enhanced by utilising modifiers. The crumb rubber modifier has been introduced to the asphalt modification as an environmentally friendly procedure of scrap tires, to improve the mechanical characteristics of the asphalt. This study aims to modify the dry method for mixing crumb rubber modifier with asphalt and aggregate based on the binder mix design. To achieve this goal crumb rubber modified asphalt mixtures were prepared and tested by applying various tests such as Marshall Stability test, indirect tensile strength test, and wheel tracking test. Three mixing methods of CRM were studied regarding evaluating the stability, rutting, and moisture susceptibility. The crumb rubber modifier dry mixing method was modified and named the complex process. Better results were achieved for enhancing mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since deformation estimation may lead to errors occurring when the camera vibrates, it is necessary to remove the image global motion before computing real bridge deformation. In this study, a combination of image motion correction algorithm and 2D image-based deformation measurement technique was utilized to address the issue of camera motion during the image data acquisition for bridge deformation measurement. Based on the proposed methodology, the image motion parameters were estimated by defining an effective sub-image in the image and using Iterative Affine Motion Estimator. Then the estimated parameters were applied to all pixels of each captured image to remove the motion effect. Finally, the corrected images were used to analyze by a 2D image-based deformation measurement technique in order to extract and measure real bridge deformation by tracking artificial or natural targets. The proposed methodology was validated by two experiments in the lab and field environments. Achieved results show the accuracy and reliability of the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protonated water cluster is one of the most important hydrogen-bond network systems. Finding an appropriate DFT method to study the properties of protonated water clusters can substantially improve the economy in computational resources without sacrificing the accuracy compared to high-level methods. Using high-level MP2 and CCSD(T) methods as well as experimental results as benchmark, we systematically examined the effect of seven exchange-correlation GGA functionals (with BLYP, B3LYP, X3LYP, PBE0, PBE1W, M05-2X, and B97-D parametrizations) in describing the geometric parameters, interaction energies, dipole moments, and vibrational properties of protonated water clusters H+(H2O)2-9,12. The overall performance of all these functionals is acceptable, and each of them has its advantage in certain aspects. X3LYP is the best to describe the interaction energies, and PBE0 and M05-2X are also recommended to investigate interaction energies. PBE0 gives the best anharmonic frequencies, followed by PBE1W, B97-D and BLYP methods. PBE1W, B3LYP, B97-D, and X3LYP can yield better geometries. The capability of B97-D to distinguish the relative energies between isomers is the best among all the seven methods, followed by M05-2X and PBE0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of three kinds of Seabuckthorn (SBT) leaf tea (dried at room temperature (SBTD), processing in traditional green (SBTG) and black tea (SBTG) making technology) on the bioactive components and human fecal microflora were studied using an in vitro digestion and fermentation model. Firstly, the content analysis confirmed that the total polysaccharide (mg/g dry weight) of SBTG (165.83 ± 2.79) was increased significantly, higher (p < 0.05) than SBTB (115.79 ± 2.23) and SBTD (100.04 ± 1.68). The total quercetin (mg/g dry weight) of SBTG (6045.63 ± 92.01) and of SBTD (5625.07 ± 87.84) were both increased significantly, higher (p < 0.05) than SBTB (2384.82 ± 38.89). On the contrary, the total garlic acid (GA) (mg/100g dry weight) in SBTB (60.417 ± 2.785) was increased obviously, higher (p < 0.05) than SBTG (46.136 ± 1.8835) and SBTD (6.851 ± 0.4258). Secondly, an in vitro digestion demonstrated that these three nutrients were destroyed heavily except for hemicelluloses, but the content order remained unchanged, compared with before and after digestion. Finally, a microbial analysis (log CFU/ml) indicated that the growth of probiotics Bifidobacteria group (0.149 ± 0.0005) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased only by SBTG, compared to the control (0.124 ± 0.0017), SBTB (0.126 ± 0.00211) and SBTD (0.126 ± 0.0011). The growth of neutral bacteria Escherichia coli group was only inhibited by SBTB (0.112 ± 0.0017). As for pathogens Clostridium perfringens group, the antimicrobial treatment of SBTB (0.104 ± 0.0008) was better (p < 0.05) than SBTG (0.108 ± 0.0009). Taken together, these findings for the first time revealed that SBTG treatment could increase the growth of Bifidobacteria group and inhibit the growth of Clostridium perfringens group at the same time. So, green tea making technology was more suitable for SBT leaf tea processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injection of OCs into adult male flies induces a strong transcriptomic response in the host flies featuring in particular genes encoding bona fide G coupled proteins, among which the gene for methuselah like 1 is prominent. The injection is followed after a 3-d lag period, by the proliferation of the oncogenic cells. We hypothesized that through the product of mthl1 the host might control, at least in part, this proliferation as a defense reaction. Through a combination of genetic manipulations of the mthl1 gene (loss of function and overexpression of mthl1), we document that indeed this gene has an antiproliferative effect. Parallel injections of primary embryonic Drosophila cells or of various microbes do not exhibit this effect. We further show that mthl1 controls the expression of a large number of genes coding for chemoreceptors and genes implicated in regulation of development. Of great potential interest is our observation that the expression of the mouse gene coding for the adhesion G-protein- coupled receptor E1 (Adgre1, also known as F4/80), a potential mammalian homologue of mthl1, is significantly induced by B16-F10 melanoma cell inoculation 3 d postinjection in both the bone marrow and spleen (nests of immature and mature myeloid-derived immune cells), respectively. This observation is compatible with a role of this GPCR in the early response to injected tumor cells in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the machining of aerospace thin-walled components, a large amount material is removed, and machining-induced residual stress is induced in the boundary layer of the work piece, which results in deformation of the components. In this study, the effects of material initial residual stress and machining-induced residual stress on the deformation of aluminium alloy plate are studied. A theoretical model of the plate is analysed first, and the experiments of the milling deformation under different initial residual stress conditions are performed. The results show that the machining-induced residual stress is the primary factor of distortion. The coupling action of compressive initial residual stress and machining-induced residual stress increase the plate deformation, and the coupling action of tensile initial residual stress and machining-induced residual stress decrease the plate deformation. The finite element simulation results are compared with experimental results and found to be in good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a series of icosahedral matryoshka clusters of A@B12@A20 (A = Sn, Pb; B = Mg, Zn, Cd), which possess large HOMO-LUMO gaps (1.29 to 1.54 eV) and low formation energies (0.06 to 0.21 eV/atom). A global minimum search using a genetic algorithm and density functional theory calculations confirms that such onion-like three-shell structures are the ground states for these A21B12 binary clusters. All of these icosahedral matryoshka clusters, including two previously found ones, i.e., [As@Ni12@As20]3- and [Sn@Cu12@Sn20]12-, follow the 108-electron rule, which originates from the high Ih symmetry and consequently the splitting of superatom orbitals of high angular momentum. More interestingly, two magnetic matryoshka clusters, i.e., Sn@Mn12@Sn20 and Pb@Mn12@Pb20, are designed, which combine a large magnetic moment of 28 µB, a moderate HOMO-LUMO gap, and weak inter-cluster interaction energy, making them ideal building blocks in novel magnetic materials and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical model was introduced for designing the rubberized asphalt mixtures and validated by mixture tests in this paper. This model is comprised of three parts: fine aggregate gradation design, coarse aggregate gradation design and mixture volumetric design. The rubberized asphalt mixture with a nominal maximum aggregate size of 13 mm (AR-13) was designed with this model. The orthogonal experimental design method was then employed to study the effect of design parameters (air voids (VV), voids in mineral aggregate (VMA) and Fuller-curve's exponent n) on the rutting performance of the mixture. The orthogonal experimental results indicate that the VV and VMA are the two key parameters which affect the rutting performance of the rubberized asphalt mixtures. The design parameter optimal combination and performance requirements of AR-13 were finally recommended based on the experimental results and previous experiences in China and America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a bi-linear cohesive zone model to simulate fatigue behavior of asphalt concrete. To demonstrate the gradual degradation of cohesive properties of asphalt concrete under cyclic loading, a fatigue damage evolution law was integrated into the cohesive zone model. The model was then implemented in commercial finite element software ABAQUS using a user-defined subroutine. A damage extrapolation scheme was adopted to reduce computational cost for high-cycle fatigue applications. Based on the proposed model, a flexural beam fatigue test was finally simulated. The fatigue lives and other features of damage evolution obtained through numerical analysis are in consistence with experimental data, which indicates that the proposed cohesive zone model could be applied to predict fatigue damage of asphalt concrete with good accuracy. During the fatigue loading process, stiffness decreases linearly while damage accumulates non-linearly and grows faster with the increase of fatigue damage. The duration of crack propagation stage is much shorter than the damage initiation stage. The tensile stress at the crack tip increases with the propagation of fatigue crack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed scanning tunneling microscope (STM) studies to observe the surface electronic structure of the following semiconducting charge-transfer complexes: dipropylamine-tetracyanoquinodimethane [DPA(TCNQ)2], triethylammonium [TEA (TCNQ)2], and N-ethylmorpholinium [HEM(TCNQ)2], which all possess the molecularly flat bc surface terminated predominately with the quasi-one-dimensional (1D) TCNQ-0.5 anion chains or the corresponding DPA+, TEA+, and HEM+ cations contributing a lesser fraction. On the bc surfaces terminated with TCNQ-0.5 anions for all crystals, the 4kF[DPA(TCNQ)s] or 2kF [TEA(TCNQ)2 and HEM(TCNQ)2] charge density wave (CDW) driven by the spin-Peierls or Peierls instability for the quasi-1D TCNQ-0.5 chains, respectively, which occur already within the bulk, were probed by use of STM on the crystal surfaces. In that the surface lattice constants obtained from CDW are in good agreement with the bulk ones obtained by x-ray diffraction, such CDWs are commensurate. This modulation of the electric structure is so distinct that the geometric corrugation of individual TCNQ anions was hardly traced during our STM measurements. On the bc surfaces terminated with DPA+, TEA+, and HEM+ cations, the STM images with submolecular resolution represent the geometric corrugation of individual molecular cations, and the surface lattice constants obtained deviate greatly from that of the x-ray crystal structures, indicating self-reassembling of the surface cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have successfully obtained a new figure of merit for qualifying fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) through two equivalent testing methods. These methods are demonstrated and applied to change the equivalent transmittance and sheet resistance of FTO glass even after the glass is assembled in DSCs. By recording the I-V characteristic of a DSC with changed equivalent transmittance and sheet resistance of FTO glass, the dependent relations between the DSC performance (short circuit current density, open circuit voltage, and fill factor) and FTO properties (transmittance and sheet resistance) are found. With these relations, the new figure of merit MTC for FTO glass is successfully defined to be in linearly increasing dependence on the efficiency of DSCs. A series of DSCs with different FTO glasses is prepared to test the effectiveness of MTC and Haacke’s figure of merit [uppercase_phi_synonym]TC, which has been widely used for more than 30 years. The result shows that MTC is proportional to the efficiency of DSCs, while [uppercase_phi_synonym]TC is not. MTC could be very useful as a guideline to greatly simplify the process of optimizing the FTO glass to improve the efficiency of DSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the feasibility of endoscope-assisted partial–superficial parotidectomy through a concealed postauricular skin incision. Endoscope-assisted partial–superficial parotidectomy through a concealed postauricular skin incision was performed for 18 cases of benign tumor located in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland. All 18 operations were successfully performed endoscopically. This new approach provided safe dissection of the facial nerve and exposed working space. Two patients had transient facial paresis and recovered in 1 and 2 months, respectively. The duration of the procedure was 90 to 120 min. The patients were satisfied with the almost invisible scar. Endoscope-assisted partial–superficial parotidectomy is a feasible method for treatment of benign tumors located in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland. The main advantage of this procedure is that the small operative scar is concealed in the postauricular area, resulting in improved cosmesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel was produced by transesterification of soybean oil with methanol using ZnO loaded with KF as a solid base catalyst. It was found that the catalyst with 15 wt.% KF loading and calcined at 873 K showed the optimum activity. XRD, IR and Hammett indicator method were employed for the catalyst characterization. The results showed the activity of the catalysts was correlated with their basicity. The influence of various reaction variables on the conversion was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primarily to evaluate the potential of contact endoscopy, the nasopharyngeal mucosa were examined using contact microscopy. With contact endoscopy it has been possible to visualize (60×, 150×) the superficial cell layers of the nasopharyngeal epithelium, previously stained with methylene blue in vivo and in situ. Normal nasopharyngeal epithelium (20 cases) and cases with pathology (18 cases of chronic nasopharyngitis, 5 cases of nasopharyngeal cyst, and 57 cases of poorly differentiated squamous carcinoma) were assessed with contact endoscopy. The results showed that contact endoscopy can offer clear morphology and arrangement of the epithelial cells of the superficial layers and microvascular networks, such as the size and shapes of the cells or nuclei, nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, karyokinesis, etc. Our study indicated that contact endoscopy can permit the mapping of cellular alteration over mucosa and constitutes a new method of monitoring a high-risk population or precancerous lesions of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We, for the first time, prepared a flexible photoelectrode for CdS/CdSe quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). A power conversion efficiency of 3.47% was achieved under AM 1.5G illumination for a sandwich type QDSSC consisting of this flexible photoelectrode, Cu2S counter electrode and polysulfide electrolyte between the electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technology of active thermal cloaks that use thermoelectric (TE) devices to manipulate heat flow is devised, and its powerful adaptive function is studied quantitatively. Determining the distribution of adaptive heat sources is a critical mission in the design of active thermal cloaks. This can be accomplished by directly solving the heat conduction equation for the device being studied. The input electric current of the TE components can then be determined individually according to the heat source distribution. On this basis, the performance of our designed cloak system is tested by finite element analysis. Simulation results show that even if the thermal conductivity ratio m (of object-to-background) and/or the temperature gradient g of the background temperature field change over a very wide range, TE components can pump the heat flow accurately from one side of the cloak to the other side by adjusting the input current, so that the background temperature field can be restored to its original state to good approximation. Design of an active thermal cloak is no longer limited by material properties and can be adjusted freely according to the thermal environment. The feasibility of active thermal cloaks is demonstrated theoretically by this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the application value of 980-nm/1470-nm dual-wavelength fiber laser in thyroidectomy. Methods: The clinical data of 130 patients undergoing thyroid surgery from March 2017 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the use types of energy devices, the patients were divided into laser group and ultrasonic scalpel group, with 65 patients in each group. The baseline data, operation-related indicators, operation complications, postoperative pathological conditions, and follow-up results of the two groups were compared. Results: The operations were successfully completed in both groups. The median operative time of total thyroidectomy (TT), lobectomy+central lymph node dissection (CLND), TT+CLND in the laser group were longer than that in the harmonic scalpel group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The incidence of parathyroid gland congestion in the laser group (10.3%) was lower than that in the harmonic scalpel group (19.2%), and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in operative type, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, operative complications, postoperative hospital stay, and lymph node metastasis rate between the two groups (p > 0.05). No incidence was noted of recurrence, metastasis, or death in both groups. Conclusions: The 980-nm/1470-nm dual-wavelength fiber laser had an efficacy in open thyroidectomy similar to that of the harmonic scalpel, was safe and feasible, and less damage to the parathyroid gland blood supply than a scalpel. It can be used as a new option for thyroid surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infection accounts for only a small proportion of fever of unknown origin (FUO) cases, it has become a more common etiology in recent years. Therefore, we reviewed FUO patients with underlying NTM infection to better understand its clinical features. Methodology: The medical records of patients presenting with FUO and diagnosed with NTM infection admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2016 and June 2021 were reviewed. The clinical information of patients whose follow-up data were available were summarized. Specimens submitted for pathogenic identification were processed by mycobacterial culture, acid-fast staining, and mycobacterial nucleic acid detection. IBM SPSS Statistics v22.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data analysis. Results: Fifty-five FUO patients were diagnosed with NTM infection (55/785; 7.0% of FUO cases). Patients were mostly middle-aged men and had a relatively long disease course. Seven, 29, and 54 patients had previously no respondence to glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and multiple antibiotics, respectively; their inflammatory indexes were significantly increased; and there was no obvious risk of immunosuppression in this group, who were likely to be T.SPOT-TB negative (33/41; 80.5%). The most commonly identified NTM was Mycobacterium intracellulare followed by Mycobacterium chelonae/abscessus, Mycobacterium kansasii, and Mycobacterium avium. Conclusions: Microbiological investigations including culture, acid-fast staining, NTM nucleic acid examination, and next-generation sequencing were performed to confirm the diagnosis of NTM in FUO patients. FUO patients should screen for NTM infections so that this important etiology can be recognized, targeted treatments administered early, and outcomes improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: To investigate the capacity of clinical nutrition services in secondary and tertiary hospitals in the Sichuan Province, China. Methods and Study Design: Convenience sampling was used. Equestionnaires were distributed to all eligible medical institutions in Sichuan through the official network of provincial and municipal clinical nutrition quality control centers. The data obtained were sorted in Microsoft Excel and analyzed by SPSS. Results: A total of 519 questionnaires were returned, of which 455 were valid. Only 228 hospitals were accessible to clinical nutrition services, of which 127 hospitals had independently set up clinical nutrition departments (CNDs). The ratio of clinical nutritionists to beds was 1:214. During the last decade, the rate of constructing new CNDs was maintained at approximately 5 units/year. A total of 72.4% of hospitals managed their clinical nutrition units as part of their medical technology departments. The specialist number ratio of senior, associate, intermediate and junior is approximately 1:4:8:10. There were 5 common charges for clinical nutrition. Conclusions: The sample representation was limited, and the capacity of clinical nutrition services may have been overestimated. Secondary and tertiary hospitals in Sichuan are currently in the second high tide of department establishment, with a positive trend of departmental affiliation standardization and a basic formation of a talent echelon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze changes in retrobulbar blood flow in patients with pathological myopia using color doppler ultrasound (CDU), and to explore the relationship of these changes with the characteristic changes resulting from myopia. Methods: One hundred and twenty patients who met the selection criteria in the ophthalmology department of He Eye Specialist Hospital from May 2020 to May 2022 were included in this study. Patients with normal vision (n=40) were considered Group-A, patients with low and moderate myopia (n=40) were considered Group-B, and patients with pathological myopia (n=40) were considered Group-C. All three groups underwent ultrasonography. The peak systolic blood flow velocity (PSV), end-diastolic blood flow velocity (EDV), and resistance index (RI) of the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, and posterior ciliary artery were recorded and compared, and the characteristics of these parameters and myopia severity were analyzed. Results: Pathological myopia resulted in significantly lower PSV and EDV of the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery and posterior ciliary artery and higher RI values than patients with normal vision and low/moderate myopia (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that retrobulbar blood flow changes were significantly correlated with age, eye axis, best corrected visual acuity, and retinal choroidal atrophy. Conclusion: CDU can objectively evaluate the retrobulbar blood flow changes in pathological myopia, and such blood flow changes are significantly correlated with the characteristic changes of myopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the sensitivity of online magnetic flux leakage (MFL) testing for steel pipe, a sensing method based on the magnetic guiding effect is proposed and investigated in this paper. Compared to the conventional contact sensing method using a non-ferromagnetic support, the proposed method creatively utilizes a ferromagnetic one to guide more magnetic flux to leak out. Based on Hopkinson's law, the principle of the magnetic guiding effect of the ferromagnetic support is theoretically illustrated. Then, numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the MFL changes influenced by the ferromagnetic support. Finally, the probe based on the proposed method is designed and developed, and online MFL experiments are performed to validate the feasibility of the proposed method. Online tests show that the proposed sensing method can greatly improve the MFL sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to implement wide band frequency sweeping, the S-parameters can be fitted with an adaptive rational interpolation based on Loewner matrix. However, the errors in the sampling data may lead to Froissart doublets, which look like spikes in the curve. In this paper, a novel technique is proposed to remove these doublets. At first, the rational expression is converted into the sum of partial fractions by solving two generalized eigenvalue problems. After that, the partial fraction term with the smallest imaginary part of the pole and relatively large absolute value is considered to generate the doublets. Removing this term results in a smooth rational polynomial, which is validated by the example of a passive circuit simulated by finite element method (FEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. Atypical presentations of Q fever can cause diagnostic difficulty or be misdiagnosed. Here we compared the clinical and diagnostic features of Q fever endocarditis and endocarditis caused by other bacteria to identify features of Q fever endocarditis that might facilitate early diagnosis. Methodology: This was a retrospective case-control study of eight cases of Q fever endocarditis diagnosed between 2000 and 2018 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital in China and 24 age- and gender-matched patients diagnosed with bacterial endocarditis over the same period. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and compared between groups. Results: The median time interval between symptoms and diagnosis was significantly longer in the case group than the control group (8.0 months (IQR 7.0-16.0) vs. 4.0 months (IQR 1.0-7.0); p = 0.002). Patients in case group had significantly lower white blood cell counts (5.8 ± 2.4 × 109/L vs. 10.0 ± 3.4 × 109/L; p = 0.003), percentage of neutrophil (62.4 ± 14.7% vs. 79.1 ± 9.2%; p = 0.014), high-sensitivity C-creative protein levels (21.1 mg/L (IQR 18.5-32.8) vs. 45.3 mg/L (IQR 32.9-54.3); p = 0.038), and platelet counts (133 ± 73 vs. 229 ± 65; p = 0.001) but higher levels of rheumatoid factor (104.3 U/L (IQR 99.0-132.8) vs. 10.2 U/L (IQR 6.9-32.5); p = 0.011) than controls. Elevated creatinine (50.0% vs. 12.5%; p = 0.047) and liver enzymes (50.0% vs. 0%; p = 0.002) were more common in cases than controls. Q fever endocarditis was less frequently diagnosed than controls before cardiac surgery (62.5% vs. 100%; p = 0.011), with negative blood cultures in all cases. Conclusions: The diagnosis of Q fever endocarditis can easily be delayed compared to other causes of infectious endocarditis. Patients with chronic fever and new valve dysfunction require careful assessment, especially when presenting with negative blood cultures and high rheumatoid factor levels. Clinical and laboratory evaluation of these patients should include routine serological testing for C. burnetii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The avionic battery discharge regulator (BDR) plays an important role in a power-conditioning unit. With its merits of high efficiency, stable transfer function, and continuous input and output currents, the non-isolated Weinberg converter (N1WC) is suitable for avionic BDR. An improved peak current control strategy is proposed to achieve high current-sharing accuracy. Current and voltage regulators are designed based on a small signal model of a three-module N1WC system. The system with the designed regulators operates stably under any condition and achieves excellent transient response and current-sharing accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open graded friction course (OGFC) is effective in improving the surface function of asphalt pavements. However, it is prone to clogging including deformation-related and particle-related clogging. The aim of the research reported in this paper is to investigate the permeability loss or reduction due to deformation-related clogging and explore the critical size of solid particles attributed to OGFC particlerelated clogging. A special falling head permeameter was developed with consideration of both rainwater flowing procedure and the pavement transversal slope. Eight types of OGFC mixtures with different air void contents, gradations, and nominal maximum aggregate sizes were prepared for deformation-related clogging evaluation. Wheel rutting tests were conducted on the OGFC samples with different loading times under two load levels [(1) 700 kPa, and (2) 900 kPa] at 45 and 60°C, and next were permeability tests using the developed permeameter. Permeability loss after different wheel loading times were calculated to explore the effects of the initial air void content, nominal maximum aggregate size, temperature, and loading pressure on deformation-related clogging. Furthermore, seven types of suspension liquids were prepared for particle-related clogging evaluation. For each suspension liquid, the proportions of solids trapped in OGFC air void, passing OGFC sample, and retained on the sample surface were calculated after permeability tests to determine the critical sizes of particle attributed to particle-related clogging. Results show that with the increase in wheel loading times, the permeability of OGFC mixture shows a steady decrease after a sharp initial decline. Permeability loss due to deformation-related clogging can be reduced effectively by using larger nominal maximum aggregate size and larger air voids. Values of 0.15-0.3 and 1.18-2.36 mm are the critical sizes of trapped particles in OGFC mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hainan Province is in a tropical area of China and previously experienced serious P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria epidemics. After nearly 70 consecutive years of malaria prevention and control, malaria in Hainan has gradually been eliminated. To achieve the elimination of malaria, Hainan enacted six stages: investigative research and pilot prevention and control, large-scale antimalaria measures, adjustment of strategies for prevention and control, joint prevention and control measures, global funding of routine malaria control, and malaria elimination. Different strategies for malaria control were adopted at different stages. Malaria was most prevalent in the mountainous areas of central and southern Hainan, which contain a high-risk population (the forest goers) and two highly effective malaria vectors (An. dirus and An. minimus). Forest goers have been a high-risk population for malaria in Hainan since their identification in the 1990s. This paper summarizes malaria monitoring in forest goers and the response of forest goers to malaria control and elimination, distilling specific malaria control and elimination measures via case studies in Hainan Province. Two case studies in the malaria control stage demonstrated different measures for outbreaks and sporadic cases in forest goers. In view of the malaria outbreak in Sanya during the elimination stage, three-layered strategies (TLSs) were implemented to control outbreaks and improve control measures. Moreover, this paper also illustrates specific management measures to prevent malaria retransmission from sporadic imported malaria cases during the elimination phase. Hainan finally eliminated malaria in 2020. However, the risk of malaria retransmission is still high due to the prevalence of effective malaria vectors in Hainan, and forest goers are still a high-risk population for malaria retransmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anionic silicon clusters doped with three boron atoms, B3Sin- (n = 4-10), have been generated by laser vaporization and investigated by anion photoelectron spectroscopy. The vertical detachment energies (VDEs) and adiabatic detachment energies (ADEs) of these anionic clusters are determined. The lowest energy structures of B3Sin- (n = 4-10) clusters are globally searched using genetic algorithm incorporated with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The photoelectron spectra, VDEs, ADEs of these B3Sin- clusters (n = 4-10) are simulated using B3LYP/6-311+G(d) calculations. Satisfactory agreement is found between theory and experiment. Most of the lowest-energy structures of B3Sin- (n = 4-10) clusters can be derived by using the squashed pentagonal bipyramid structure of B3Si4- as the major building unit. Analyses of natural charge populations show that the boron atoms always possess negative charges, and that the electrons transfer from the 3s orbital of silicon and the 2s orbital of boron to the 2p orbital of boron. The calculated average binding energies, second-order differences of energies, and the HOMO-LUMO gaps show that B3Si6- and B3Si9- clusters have relatively high stability and enhanced chemical inertness. In particular, the B3Si9- cluster with high symmetry (C3v) stands out as an interesting superatom cluster with a magic number of 40 skeletal electrons and a closed-shell electronic configuration of 1S²1P61D102S²2P61F14 for superatom orbitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A basal cell carcinoma can invade the cartilage in the nasal ala and can reach the nasal vestibule skin. A full-thickness reconstruction of the nasal ala is required to repair the tissue damage after tumor removal. We combined an auricular composite graft with a nasolabial flap to repair the defects in the nasal ala. Methods Eleven patients with full-thickness infiltration of the nasal ala by basal cell carcinoma were included in the study. The outer defect area after tumor removal ranged from 1.5 × 2.0 to 2.0 × 2.5 cm2. Skin-cartilage composite grafts 1.5 × 1.5 to 1.5 × 2.0 cm2 in size were harvested from the helix at the top of the ear. The composite graft was used as a support scaffold to reconstruct the defects. A nasolabial flap was used to cover the cartilage. Results All cases were treated successfully. No flap necrosis, skin color changes, or blistering occurred. The shape of the flap was stable, and the skin color was consistent with that of the surrounding tissue. The reconstructed nasal ala was symmetrical. Conclusions Combining an auricular composite graft with a nasolabial flap can repair defects up to 2.0 × 2.5 cm2 in size. The reconstructed nasal ala matches the original skin color and maintains the appropriate shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the Study: Ketogenic diet (KD) has been identified as an effective strategy in treating multiple diseases. KD is capable of inducing autophagy which is an important therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis (PF). This study aimed to investigate the effect of KD treatment on PF progression. Materials and Methods: Intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM, 5 mg/kg) to establish PF model in male Kunming mice fed either KD or standard diet. The survival of mice was recorded every day for 3weeks. The pulmonary tissues were weighed on day 21 and the pulmonary index was calculated. The histopathological changes of pulmonary tissues were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson staining, and the collagen deposition by hydroxyproline assay. Then the content of proinflammatory factors in pulmonary tissues was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of profibrogenic cytokines, autophagy markers and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathwayrelated proteins in pulmonary tissues using western blotting or immunohistochemistry. Results: KD treatment significantly restored the BLM-induced increase of pulmonary index and had a tendency to increase the survival rate of PF mice. Furthermore, KD treatment restored the BLM-induced damage of alveolar structure, infiltration of inflammatory cells and collagen deposition and decreased hydroxyproline content. In addition, the BLMinduced secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1b and expression of transforming growth factor b1, phospho-Smad2/3, connective tissue growth factor, a-smooth muscle actin and collagen type III alpha 1 chain were inhibited by KD. KD treatment also up-regulated the expression of light chain 3 II/I and Beclin1 and down-regulated the expression of p62, phospho-AKT, phospho-mTOR and phospho-p70S6K, suggesting that KD induced autophagy and suppressed the BLM-induced activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Conclusions: These findings indicate that KD can alleviate PF in vivo by regulating autophagy and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which provides a novel therapeutic strategy for PF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to modify Chinese natural zeolite by NaCl and to investigate its suitability as a low-cost clay adsorbent to remove ammonium from aqueous solution. The effect of Ph on ammonium removal was investigated by batch experiments. The findings indicated that Ph has a significant effect on the removal of ammonium by M-Zeo and maximum adsorption occurred at Ph 8. Ion exchange dominated the ammonium adsorption process at neutral Ph, with the order of exchange selectivity being Na+ > Ca2+ > K+ > Mg2+. The Freundlich model provided a better description of the adsorption process than the Langmuir model. The maximum ammonium adsorption capacity was 17.83 mg/g for M-Zeo at 293K. Considering the adsorption isotherms and thermodynamic studies, the adsorption of ammonium by M-Zeo was endothermic and spontaneous chemisorption. Kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption of ammonium onto M-Zeo is well fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Ea in the Arrhenius equation suggested the adsorption of ammonium on M-Zeo was a fast and diffusion-controlled process. The regeneration rate was 90.61% after 5 cycles. The removal of ammonium from real wastewater was carried out, and the removal efficiency was up to 99.13%. Thus, due to its cost-effectiveness and high adsorption capacity, M-Zeo has potential for use in ammonium removal from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Yugan Sanjie decoction on the expressions of regulatory T cells (Tregs), serum P21 protein and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in mice with hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: A total of forty specific-pathogen-free (SPF) Kunming mice were randomly assigned to four groups of 10 mice each. Except for normal control group, the other three groups were transfected with hepatoma-22 (H22) cells to establish a mouse model of liver cancer. Mice in the cyclophosphamide group was given cyclophosphamide at a dose of 20 mg/kg daily intragastrically, while those in decoction group were treated with Yugan Sanjie decoction (0.4 ml/kg/day) intraperitoneally. After 30 days of treatment, serum levels of CD4+Th17, CD4+CD25+ Treg, Th17/Treg, TNF-α, and VEGF were determined. Results: There was lower serum level of CD4+Th17 in the decoction group than in negative control and cyclophosphamide groups (p < 0.05). However, higher serum levels of CD4+CD25+ Treg and Th17/Treg were seen in the decoction group, relative to the negative control and cyclophosphamide groups (p < 0.05). Serum TNF-α was also markedly elevated in decoction group, when compared with negative control and cyclophosphamide groups (p < 0.05). Serum VEGF was markedly lower in decoction group than in negative control and cyclophosphamide groups, and was appreciably lower in cyclophosphamide group than in negative control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Yugan Sanjie decoction effectively alleviates clinical symptoms of LC, and improves immune function of mice by regulating serum levels of T lymphocytes. These findings provide scientific support for a new treatment strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a genetic algorithm incorporated in density functional theory, we explore the ground state structures of fluoride anion-water clusters F-(H2O)n with n = 1-10. The F-(H2O)n clusters prefer structures in which the F- anion remains at the surface of the structure and coordinates with four water molecules, as the F-(H2O)n clusters have strong F--H2O interactions as well as strong hydrogen bonds between H2O molecules. The strong interaction between the F- anion and adjacent H2O molecule leads to a longer O-H distance in the adjacent molecule than in an individual water molecule. The simulated infrared (IR) spectra of the F-(H2O)1-5 clusters obtained via second-order vibrational perturbation theory (VPT2) and including anharmonic effects reproduce the experimental results quite well. The strong interaction between the F- anion and water molecules results in a large redshift (600-2300 cm-1) of the adjacent O-H stretching mode. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis of the lowest-energy structures of the F-(H2O)1-10 clusters illustrates that charge transfer from the lone pair electron orbital of F- to the antibonding orbital of the adjacent O-H is mainly responsible for the strong interaction between the F- anion and water molecules, which leads to distinctly different geometric and vibrational properties compared with neutral water clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel visible-light-induced UiO-66/BiOI photocatalysts with a p-n junction structure have been prepared for the first time through a facile hydrothermal method. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized using the powder X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, UV--visible diffuse reflectance spectra, and N2 adsorption--desorption (Brunauer--Emmett--Teller) techniques respectively. The photodegradation performances of UiO-66/BiOI photocatalysts were evaluated by photodegrading salicylic acid under visible-light irradiation. The UiO-66/BiOI composites displayed much higher photocatalytic efficiencies than pure BiOI under visible light. When the content of UiO-66 was 5.2 wt%, the composite (UiO-66/BiOI-2) has the best photocatalytic activity. Most of the salicylic acid molecules can be degraded in 100 min. The degradation rate of UiO-66/BiOI-2 samples is higher than single BiOI and UiO-66. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of UiO-66/BiOI may be ascribed to the formation of p-n heterojunctions between BiOI and UiO-66, which facilitates the transfer and separation of the photogenerated charge carriers. After recycling of the photocatalyst for five times for the photodegradation of salicylic acid, more than 85% of salicylic acid could still be degraded in the fifth cycle, implying that the as-prepared photocatalysts are highly stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the flow field characteristics of pavement rainfall runoff is essential for highway drainage design and skid management. This paper presents an innovative approach to characterize the flow field properties of pavement rainfall runoff under natural rainfall events. The approach is based on two-dimensional shallow water equations with porosity to encounter pavement topography, including highway alignment, the obstructive effect of pavement surface macrotexture, and side drainage types. The model is verified with a classical dambreaking model, and compared well with field monitoring results of water film thickness on existing expressway pavement. The capabilities of the approach to predict the flow field characteristics in temporal and spatial dimension make it useful in highway geometry and drainage design, and can also be potentially incorporated into skid and hydroplaning risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new way was proposed to enhance the interfacial thermal conductance (ITC) of silicon carbide (SiC) composite through the overlapped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and intertube atoms. By nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations, the dependence of ITC on both the number of intertube atoms and the temperature was studied. It is indicated that the ITC can be significantly enhanced by adding intertube atoms and finally becomes saturated with the increase of the number of intertube atoms. And the mechanism is discussed by analyzing the probability distributions of atomic forces and vibrational density of states (VDOS). This work may provide some guidance on enhancing the ITC of CNT-based composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the property characterization of asphalt and asphalt mixtures modified by different types of crumb rubber (normal and desulfurized). This characterization was based on chemical evaluation and property testing for rubber asphalt and on performance analysis for different rubber asphalt mixtures. Chemical fraction and gel permeation chromatography tests were used to identify rubber asphalt's microstructures; conventional and Superpave property tests were performed to evaluate its macroproperties; and an isolation test was used to judge its storage stability. Also conducted were wheel loading tests, three-point beam bending tests, and Marshall tests along with splitting tests and four-point beam bending tests to evaluate rutting stability, thermal cracking resistance, water damage susceptibility, and fatigue cracking resistance in different rubber asphalt mixtures. The findings indicate that both normal and desulfurized crumb rubber have obvious positive impacts on the properties of neat asphalt and asphalt-rubber mixtures. Compared with normal crumb rubber asphalt (NCRA), desulfurized crumb rubber asphalt (DCRA) shows lower viscosity and better storage stability. Both the normal crumb rubber asphalt mixture (NCRAM) and the desulfurized crumb rubber asphalt mixture (DCRAM) exhibit good properties. However, whereas NCRAM production uses gap gradation along with greater asphalt content and higher production temperatures, DCRAM production uses dense gradation with less asphalt content and lower production temperatures, making it more similar to the Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) modified asphalt mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the great needs for MFL (magnetic flux leakage) inspection of drill pipes at wellheads, a lift-off-tolerant MFL testing method is proposed and investigated in this paper. Firstly, a Helmholtz coil magnetization method and the whole MFL testing scheme are proposed. Then, based on the magnetic field focusing effect of ferrite cores, a lift-off-tolerant MFL sensor is developed and tested. It shows high sensitivity at a lift-off distance of 5.0 mm. Further, the follow-up high repeatability MFL probing system is designed and manufactured, which was embedded with the developed sensors. It can track the swing movement of drill pipes and allow the pipe ends to pass smoothly. Finally, the developed system is employed in a drilling field for drill pipe inspection. Test results show that the proposed method can fulfill the requirements for drill pipe inspection at wellheads, which is of great importance in drill pipe safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoflavone is a type of phytoestrogen that exists in soy-based products. Previous studies have reported that certain foods containing isoflavones, particularly infant formula, may have potential adverse effects on male reproductive function. However, few studies have focused on the effects of isoflavones on testosterone biosynthesis and Sertoli cell function during the neonatal period. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of daidzein, a common isoflavone, on testosterone secretion and Sertoli cell function during the neonatal period. The organ culture method was used to assess the effects of daidzein on neonatal mouse testes. Cultured testes were treated with daidzein (0, 0.03, 0.3, 3 or 30 μmol/l) for 72 h. To verify the mechanism of action of daidzein on androgen production, Leydig cells were also treated with daidzein for 24 h. As anticipated, testosterone secretions were suppressed by daidzein (30 μmol/l) in cultured testes and Leydig cells. Further analysis demonstrated that the expression levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), which are transport proteins and key enzymes in androgen biosynthesis, were suppressed in cultured neonatal mouse testes. In addition, the expression levels of StAR, P450scc, 3β-HSD and 17α-hydroxylase/20-lyase were decreased in Leydig cells. Notably, proliferation of Sertoli cells was also inhibited by daidzein (30 μmol/l). Furthermore, the expression levels of vimentin were significantly suppressed in the testes following treatment with daidzein, whereas inhibin B expression exhibited no change. In conclusion, daidzein may suppress steroidogenic capability and impair Sertoli cell function in the neonatal period in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the effects of different parameters related to air voids on the creep behavior of asphalt mixture based on micromechanical modeling and virtual test through three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM). By using DEM software named as Particle Flow Code in three dimensions (PFC3D), user-defined micromechanical modeling was conducted for asphalt mixture. And virtual uniaxial static creep test of asphalt mixture was conducted by PFC3D and verified by laboratory creep test. The effects of air void content, microstructure parameters including size, elongated index and orientation of air voids, and air void distribution on the creep behavior of asphalt mixture were investigated based on virtual creep test. It is proved that bigger content, size and elongated index of air voids lead to greater creep strain of asphalt mixture. Compared to vertical orientation, horizontal orientation of air voids is more harmful to the creep behavior of asphalt mixture. Nonuniform distribution of air voids within asphalt mixture also has negative effects on the creep deformation of asphalt mixture, especially for vertical nonuniform distribution of air voids. Therefore, guaranteeing and improving the content, distribution and microstructure of air voids within asphalt mixture are important to keep the high-temperature stability of asphalt mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-dimensional electronicand glassy phononic transport are twoimportant ingredients of highly efficient thermoelectric materials,from which two branches of thermoelectric research have emerged. Onefocuses on controlling electronic transport in the low dimension,while the other focuses on multiscale phonon engineering in the bulk.Recent work has benefited much from combining these two approaches,e.g., phonon engineering in low-dimensional materials. Here we proposeto employ the low-dimensional electronic structure in bulk phonon-glasscrystals as an alternative way to increase the thermoelectric efficiency.Through first-principles electronic structure calculations and classicalmolecular dynamics simulations, we show that the π–π-stackingbis(dithienothiophene) molecular crystal is a natural candidate forsuch an approach. This is determined by the nature of its chemicalbonding. Without any optimization of the material parameters, we obtaineda maximum room-temperature figure of merit, ZT, of1.48 at optimal doping, thus validating our idea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocyte carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Despite many achievements in diagnosis and treatment, HCC mortality remains high due to the malignant nature of the disease. Novel approaches, especially for targeted therapy, are being extensively explored. Gene therapy is ideal for such purpose for its specific expression of exogenous genes in HCC cells driven by tissue-specific promoter. However strategies based on correction of mutations or altered expressions of genes responsible for the development/progression of HCC have limitations because these aberrant molecules are not presented in all cancerous cells. In the current work, we adopted a novel strategy by targeting the DNA replication step which is essential for proliferation of every cancer cell. Methods: A recombinant adenovirus with alpha fetoprotein (AFP) promoter-controlled expressions of artificial microRNAs targeting DNA polymerases α, δ, ε and recombinant active Caspase 3, namely Ad/AFP-Casp-AFP-amiR, was constructed. Results: The artificial microRNAs could efficiently inhibit the expression of the target polymerases in AFP-positive HCC cells at both RNA and protein levels, and HCC cells treated with the recombinant virus Ad/AFP-Casp-AFP-amiR exhibited significant G0/1 phase arrest. The proliferation of HCC cells were significantly inhibited by Ad/AFP-Casp-AFP-amiR with increased apoptosis. On the contrary, the recombinant adenovirus Ad/AFP-Casp-AFP-amiR did not inhibit the expression of DNA polymerases α, δ or ε in AFP-negative human normal liver cell HL7702, and showed no effect on the cell cycle progression, proliferation or apoptosis. Conclusions: Inhibition of DNA polymerases α, δ and ε by AFP promoter-driven artificial microRNAs may lead to effective growth arrest of AFP-positive HCC cells, which may represent a novel strategy for gene therapy by targeting the genes that are essential for the growth/proliferation of cancer cells, avoiding the limitations set by any of the individually altered gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocyte carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Despite many achievements in diagnosis and treatment, HCC mortality remains high due to the malignant nature of the disease. Novel approaches, especially for targeted therapy, are being extensively explored. Gene therapy is ideal for such purpose for its specific expression of exogenous genes in HCC cells driven by tissue-specific promoter. However strategies based on correction of mutations or altered expressions of genes responsible for the development/progression of HCC have limitations because these aberrant molecules are not presented in all cancerous cells. In the current work, we adopted a novel strategy by targeting the DNA replication step which is essential for proliferation of every cancer cell. Methods: A recombinant adenovirus with alpha fetoprotein (AFP) promoter-controlled expressions of artificial microRNAs targeting DNA polymerases α, δ, ε and recombinant active Caspase 3, namely Ad/AFP-Casp-AFP-amiR, was constructed. Results: The artificial microRNAs could efficiently inhibit the expression of the target polymerases in AFP-positive HCC cells at both RNA and protein levels, and HCC cells treated with the recombinant virus Ad/AFP-Casp-AFP-amiR exhibited significant G0/1 phase arrest. The proliferation of HCC cells were significantly inhibited by Ad/AFP-Casp-AFP-amiR with increased apoptosis. On the contrary, the recombinant adenovirus Ad/AFP-Casp-AFP-amiR did not inhibit the expression of DNA polymerases α, δ or ε in AFP-negative human normal liver cell HL7702, and showed no effect on the cell cycle progression, proliferation or apoptosis. Conclusions: Inhibition of DNA polymerases α, δ and ε by AFP promoter-driven artificial microRNAs may lead to effective growth arrest of AFP-positive HCC cells, which may represent a novel strategy for gene therapy by targeting the genes that are essential for the growth/proliferation of cancer cells, avoiding the limitations set by any of the individually altered gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the residual strength of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) to understand the strength forming mechanism of RAP in cold recycled asphalt mixture. The mechanical properties of the RAP were investigated as compared to the properties of pure aggregates. Triaxial shear tests were conducted to analyze the residual cohesion of asphalt binder in the RAP. The gradation and specific surface area of RAP were analyzed to understand the agglomeration structure of coarse RAP particles. Splitting strength of cement-RAP mixtures was tested as compared to cement-aggregate mixtures. It can be concluded that the RAP in the cold recycled asphalt mixture does not act exactly like "black color" aggregates. The aged asphalt in the RAP has active cohesion although its cohesion strength is much lower than the binder in the hot-mix asphalt mixture. The coarse RAP particles formed by agglomeration of fine particles and the aged binder have important influences on the strength of cold recycled asphalt mixtures. The cement-RAP mixture has much lower splitting strength than the cement-aggregate mixture with the same gradation and cement content. It is important to add new aggregate into the recycled mixture to increase the effective aggregate surface area that can be coated with the new binder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new kind of fibrous quantum dot sensitized solar cell has been designed and fabricated by using CdS and CdSe co-sensitized TiO2 nanotubes on Ti wire as the photoanode and highly active Cu2S as the counter electrode. By optimizing the CdSe deposition time and the length of the nanotube, a power conversion efficiency of 3.18% has been obtained under AM 1.5 illumination (100 mW cm [?] 2). The potential application of this kind of solar cell has also been discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]