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Recurrent events, including cardiovascular events, are commonly observed in biomedical studies. Understanding the effects of various treatments on recurrent events and investigating the underlying mediation mechanisms by which treatments may reduce the frequency of recurrent events are crucial tasks for researchers. Although causal inference methods for recurrent event data have been proposed, they cannot be used to assess mediation. This study proposed a novel methodology of causal mediation analysis that accommodates recurrent outcomes of interest in a given individual. A formal definition of causal estimands (direct and indirect effects) within a counterfactual framework is given, and empirical expressions for these effects are identified. To estimate these effects, a semiparametric estimator with triple robustness against model misspecification was developed. The proposed methodology was demonstrated in a real‐world application. The method was applied to measure the effects of two diabetes drugs on the recurrence of cardiovascular disease and to examine the mediating role of kidney function in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel white light converter has been successfully synthesized using a non-reactive sintering process to afford a fully densified Ce:YAG-MgO composite ceramic phosphor with high wavelength conversion efficiency under excitation at 450 nm. The composite obtained by HIP (hot isostatic pressing) treatment at 1080 ºC has no residual pores and the XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis shows that there are no secondary phases other than Ce:YAG and MgO, moreover, the EDS (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) analysis indicates no interdiffusion at the Ce:YAG-MgO contact interface. The thermal conductivity of 5–7.5 wt% Ce:YAG-added MgO composites is over 40 W/mK, nearly reaching the theoretical value. Due to the synergetic effect of "the difference in refractive index between MgO and Ce:YAG" and "MgO matrix with strong birefringence", the excitation light (450 nm) is multiply scattered inside the composite medium, which provides efficient excitation even in a thin medium, resulting in the photoluminescence intensity that is 2.6 times higher than that of transparent Ce:YAG ceramics. This innovative white light converter combines a highly thermal conductive MgO matrix and Ce:YAG phosphor with high emission intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for capsular-located papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) in a large cohort and to compare its outcomes with those of noncapsular-located PTMC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent RFA for solitary capsular-located and noncapsular-located low-risk PTMC (n = 1095) from June 2014 to October 2020. To balance confounding variables between capsular and noncapsular groups, we employed the 1:1 propensity score matching approach. We evaluated and compared tumor changes, disease progression, and complications in both groups. Furthermore, we analyzed the association between capsular location and disease progression using multivariable Cox regression. Results: During a mean follow-up time of 29.86 ± 16.14 months and 29.73 ± 15.69 months, no substantial difference was observed between capsular and noncapsular groups in the latest volume (0.83 ± 3.66 mm3 vs. 0.85 ± 3.67 mm3, p = 0.44) and volume reduction ratio (99.29 ± 4.04% vs. 99.43 ± 3.03%, p = 0.43), and cumulative disappearance rate (87.87% vs. 86.07%, p = 0.31). In addition, no significant differences were observed in complication incidence (1.35% vs. 1.12%, p = 0.76) and progression-free survival (p = 0.53). Based on adjusted multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, the association between capsular location and disease progression was nonsignificant (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the short-term outcomes of RFA for capsular-located PTMCs are comparable to those of noncapsular-located PTMCs. These findings indicate that RFA may be a viable and effective alternative for eligible patients with solitary capsular-located PTMC. Clinical relevance statement: Radiofrequency ablation may serve as a safe and effective alternative treatment method for eligible patients with capsular-located and noncapsular-located papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Key Points: • The safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for capsular-located and noncapsular-located papillary thyroid microcarcinomas were comparable. • Disease progression did not differ significantly between capsular-located and noncapsular-located papillary thyroid microcarcinomas. • The incidence of complications for capsular-located papillary thyroid microcarcinoma was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual selection is an important evolutionary force and despite extensive research, understanding mate choice on naturally occurring trait variation remains an intriguing area of study. The correlation between mass, a trait associated with courter viability and common target for mate choice, and signals is particularly noteworthy. This study focuses on Schizocosa mccooki, the largest member of a wolf spider genus renowned for its diverse complex male courtship. Our objective was to understand the relationship of male mass and other courtship signals on female choice within this species. We conducted lab experiments involving random pairings of field caught males and females, recording vibratory courtship and its outcomes. Our findings revealed that S. mccooki courtship consisted of vibratory signals with two major components, thumps and raps. Male mass, overall courtship vigor, and thump duration were found to predict mating success. Interestingly, we found no correlation between temporal traits and mass suggesting independent information and an absence of trade‐offs between mass, courtship vigor, and signal component rates/durations. Instead, we found that heavier males tend to produce thumps with lower frequencies. The finding that male mass predicts mating success contrasts with patterns observed in other species in this well‐studied genus. By uncovering the mate choice patterns of S. mccooki, this study underscores the importance of comparative studies to understand the ways in which sexual selection drives diversification, even among closely related taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the brief and cryptic nature of predatory behavior, sentinel prey has been widely adopted as an indirect way to identify predators and understand trophic interactions. However, sentinel prey presents only static visual cues, potentially biasing toward visually oriented predators while ignoring those that utilize other sensory cues for foraging. Despite this, the effectiveness of sentinel prey has rarely been tested. In this study, we focused on the weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), a keystone predator widespread in the Asian and Australian tropics. As this species has large eyes and is known to visually navigate in its arboreal habitats, we hypothesized that it relies on visual cues to forage and that its predatory behavior will be captured by caterpillar‐shaped sentinel prey. Ants were collected as colonies, and preference trials on baits were conducted using combinations of olfactory and static visual cues, including the caterpillar shape. Surprisingly, O. smaragdina showed little or no preference for baits in the absence of olfactory cues and did not differentiate the shapes of baits regardless of olfactory cues. Our results indicate that O. smaragdina is likely to make predatory decisions based primarily on olfactory cues, whereas visual cues might be used for other behaviors. Furthermore, O. smaragdina is likely to be left out by the predation studies using sentinel prey models, which is particularly alarming considering the dominant role of this species in the trophic interactions of tropical rainforests. Our study demonstrates that morphological characteristics, arboreal habitats, and visually oriented behavior do not necessarily suggest the use of static visual cues for predatory decisions. We suggest that sentinel prey models should not be used alone when the dominant predators are unlikely to use visual cues to make predatory decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Exosomes are extracellular vesicles, measuring 40–160 nm in diameter, that are released by many cell types and tissues, including adipose tissue. Exosomes are critical mediators of intercellular communication and their contents are complex and diverse. In recent years, accumulating evidence has proved that multiple adipose tissue‐derived exosomal noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of diverse metabolic diseases, such as obesity. In this narrative review, we focus on the adipose tissue‐derived exosomal ncRNAs, especially exosomal miRNAs, and their dysregulation in multiple types of metabolic diseases. A deeper understanding of the role of adipose tissue‐derived exosomal ncRNAs may help provide new diagnostic and treatment methods for metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of sulfur-incorporated cluster-based coordination polymers was limited and underexplored due to the lack of efficient synthetic routes. Herein, we report facile mechanochemical ways toward a new series of SFe3(CO)9-based dipyridyl-Cu polymers by three-component reactions of [Et4N]2[SFe3(CO)9] ([Et4N]2[1]) and [Cu(MeCN)4][BF4] with conjugated or conjugation-interrupted dipyridyl ligands, 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpee), 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpea), 4,4'-dipyridyl (dpy), or 1,3-bis (4-pyridyl)propane (bpp), respectively. X-ray analysis showed that bpee-containing 2D polymers demonstrated unique SFe3(CO)9 cluster-armed and cluster-one-armed coordination modes via the hypervalent µ5-S atom. These S-Fe-Cu polymers could undergo flexible structural transformations with the change of cluster bonding modes by grinding with stoichiometric amounts of dipyridyls or 1/[Cu(MeCN)4]+. They exhibited semiconducting behaviors with low energy gaps of 1.55-1.79 eV and good electrical conductivities of 3.26 × 10-8-1.48 × 10-6 S cm-1, tuned by the SFe3(CO)9 cluster bonding modes accompanied by secondary interactions in the solid state. The electron transport efficiency of these polymers was further elucidated by solidstate packing, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES), density of states (DOS), and crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) analysis. Finally, the solid-state electrochemistry of these polymers demonstrated redox-active behaviors with cathodically-shifted patterns compared to that of [Et4N]2[1], showing that their efficient electron communication was effectively enhanced by introducing 1 and dipyridyls as hybrid ligands into Cu+-containing networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global existence of smooth solution and the long-time asymptotic stability of the equilibrium to vacuum free boundary problem of the spherically symmetric Euler equations with damping and solid core have been obtained for arbitrary finite positive gas constant A in the state equation p = A ρ γ with p being the pressure and ρ the density, provided that γ > 4 / 3 , initial perturbation is small and the radius of the equilibrium R is suitably larger than the radius of the solid core r 0. Moreover, we obtain the pointwise convergence from the smooth solution to the equilibrium in a surprisingly exponential time-decay rate. The proof is mainly based on weighted energy method in Lagrangian coordinate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of the interval between bilateral cochlear implantation on the development of bilateral peripheral auditory pathways as revealed by the electrically evoked auditory brainstem response (EABR). Methods: Fifty-eight children with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss were recruited. Among them, 33 children received sequential bilateral cochlear implants (CIs), and 25 children received simultaneous bilateral CIs. The bilateral EABRs evoked by electrical stimulation from the CI electrode were recorded on the day of second-side CI activation. Results: The latencies of wave III (eIII) and wave V (eV) were significantly shorter on the first CI side than on the second CI side in children with sequential bilateral CIs but were similar between the two sides in children with simultaneous bilateral CIs. Furthermore, the latencies were prolonged from apical to basal channels along the cochlea in the two groups. In children with sequential CIs, the inter-implant interval was negatively correlated with the eV latency on the first CI side and was positively correlated with bilateral differences in the eIII and eV latencies. Conclusions: Unilateral CI use promotes the maturation of ipsilateral auditory conduction function. However, a longer inter-implant interval results in more unbalanced development of bilateral auditory brainstem pathways. Bilateral cochlear implantation with no or a short interval is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: By radiomic analysis of the postcontrast CT images, this study aimed to predict locoregional recurrence (LR) of locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC). Methods: A total of 192 patients with stage III–IV OPC or HPC from two independent cohort were randomly split into a training cohort with 153 cases and a testing cohort with 39 cases. Only primary tumor mass was manually segmented. Radiomic features were extracted using PyRadiomics, and then the support vector machine was used to build the radiomic model with fivefold cross-validation process in the training data set. For each case, a radiomics score was generated to indicate the probability of LR. Results: There were 94 patients with LR assigned in the progression group and 98 patients without LR assigned in the stable group. There was no significant difference of TNM staging, treatment strategies and common risk factors between these two groups. For the training data set, the radiomics model to predict LR showed 83.7% accuracy and 0.832 (95% CI 0.72, 0.87) area under the ROC curve (AUC). For the test data set, the accuracy and AUC slightly declined to 79.5% and 0.770 (95% CI 0.64, 0.80), respectively. The sensitivity/specificity of training and test data set for LR prediction were 77.6%/89.6%, and 66.7%/90.5%, respectively. Conclusions: The image-based radiomic approach could provide a reliable LR prediction model in locally advanced OPC and HPC. Early identification of those prone to post-treatment recurrence would be helpful for appropriate adjustments to treatment strategies and post-treatment surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical reactions are generally assumed to proceed from reactants to products along the minimum energy path (MEP). However, straying from the MEP—roaming—has been recognized as an unconventional reaction mechanism and found to occur in both the ground and first excited states. Its existence in highly excited states is however not yet established. We report a dissociation channel to produce electronically excited fragments, S(1D)+O2(a1Δg), from SO2 photodissociation in highly excited states. The results revealed two dissociation pathways: One proceeds through the MEP to produce vibrationally colder O2(a1Δg) and the other yields vibrationally hotter O2(a1Δg) by means of a roaming pathway involving an intramolecular O abstraction during reorientation motion. Such roaming dynamics may well be the rule rather than the exception for molecular photodissociation through highly excited states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To define a response-to-ablation system based on dynamic risk stratification proposed by the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines for predicting clinical outcomes and guiding follow-up strategies for patients with low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods: This retrospective study reviewed patients with low-risk PTMC who underwent RFA between 2014 and 2018. We classified patients into three groups based on their response to therapy at the 1-year follow-up: complete, indeterminate, and incomplete. The primary endpoints were local tumor progression (LTP) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: Among the 748 patients (mean age, 43.7 years ± 9.8; 586 women), 4.0% (30/748) had LTP during a median follow-up of 5 years. The response was complete in 80.2% (600/748) of the patients, indeterminate in 18.1% (135/748), and incomplete in 1.7% (13/748). The LTP rate in the final follow-up was 1% (6/600), 8.1% (11/135), and 100% (13/13), respectively. The risk of LTP was significantly different in the incomplete response group (HR, 1825.82; 95% CI: 458.27, 7274.36; p < 0.001) and indeterminate response group (HR, 8.12; 95% CI: 2.99, 22.09; p < 0.001) than in the complete response group. There were significant differences in DFS among groups (p < 0.001). The proportion of variation explained and C-index of the system was high (27.66% and 0.79, respectively). Conclusions: We defined a response-to-ablation system that provides a new paradigm for the management of patients with PTMC who underwent RFA. Our data confirm that the system can effectively predict the risk of LTP and guide ongoing follow-up recommendations. Key Points: • The response-to-ablation system can classify patients with low-risk PTMC who underwent RFA into complete, indeterminate, or incomplete response categories. • Results suggest that, in this population, this system can identify three separate cohorts of patients who have significantly different clinical outcomes. • The response-to-ablation system will help better tailor the ongoing follow-up recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based on quantum dots (QDs) and dye molecules have great application potential in biochemical fields. How to achieve an efficient energy transfer process has become an important research topic. Pressure can be used to regulate the energy transfer process, but its regulation on metal halide perovskite systems is rarely reported. Herein, the efficient FRET process between CsPbBr3 QDs and Rhodamine B (RhB) molecules under high pressure is investigated. Upon compression to 1.3 GPa, the FRET rate of the CsPbBr3–RhB composite reaches 0.21 ns−1 and the FRET efficiency is improved from 12.4% to 62.4%, due to enhanced spectral overlap and shortened minimum distance between CsPbBr3 QDs and RhB molecules. This study provides a strategy for achieving efficient FRET research and further promotes the development of applications based on halide perovskite molecular systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessment of the patient's respiratory effort is essential during assisted ventilation. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of airway pressure (Paw)-based indices to detect potential injurious inspiratory effort during pressure support (PS) ventilation. Methods: In this prospective diagnostic accuracy study conducted in four ICUs in two academic hospitals, 28 adult acute respiratory failure patients undergoing PS ventilation were enrolled. A downward PS titration was conducted from 20 cmH2O to 2 cmH2O at a 2 cmH2O interval. By performing an end-expiratory airway occlusion maneuver, the negative Paw generated during the first 100 ms (P0.1) and the maximal negative swing of Paw (∆Pocc) were measured. After an end-inspiratory airway occlusion, Paw reached a plateau, and the magnitude of change in plateau from peak Paw was measured as pressure muscle index (PMI). Esophageal pressure was monitored and inspiratory muscle pressure (Pmus) and Pmus–time product per minute (PTPmus/min) were used as the reference standard for the patient's effort. High and low effort was defined as Pmus > 10 and < 5 cmH2O, or PTPmus/min > 200 and < 50 cmH2O s min−1, respectively. Results: A total of 246 levels of PS were tested. The low inspiratory effort was diagnosed in 145 (59.0%) and 136 (55.3%) PS levels using respective Pmus and PTPmus/min criterion. The receiver operating characteristic area of the three Paw-based indices by the respective two criteria ranged from 0.87 to 0.95, and balanced sensitivity (0.83–0.96), specificity (0.74–0.88), and positive (0.80–0.91) and negative predictive values (0.78–0.94) were obtained. The high effort was diagnosed in 34 (13.8%) and 17 (6.9%) support levels using Pmus and PTPmus/min criterion, respectively. High receiver operating characteristic areas of the three Paw-based indices by the two criteria were found (0.93–0.95). A high sensitivity (0.80–1.00) and negative predictive value (0.97–1.00) were found with a low positive predictive value (0.23–0.64). Conclusions: By performing simple airway occlusion maneuvers, the Paw-based indices could be reliably used to detect low inspiratory efforts. Non-invasive and easily accessible characteristics support their potential bedside use for avoiding over-assistance. More evaluation of their performance is required in cohorts with high effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steel and composite walls with corrugated steel plates have found their wide application in China due to their excellent structural performance. Extensive research has been conducted over the past few decades to investigate their behavior and load-bearing capacity. This paper summarized numerous experimental and numerical studies on the corrugated steel plate shear walls (CSPSWs), double corrugated steel plate shear walls (DCSPSWs), and concrete-infilled double steel corrugated-plate walls (CDSCWs). First, the load-bearing mechanism and design methods of CSPSWs and DCSPSWs under monotonic and horizontal cyclic loads were elucidated. Subsequently, this paper elaborates the load-bearing capacity and corresponding design methods including the sectional strength capacity, the overall stability, and the wall panel stability of CDSCWs under axial compression, compressive-bending combination, and compressive-bending-shear combination. The proposed design methods of CSPSWs, DCSPSWs, and CDSCWs have successfully implemented in practical high-rise building structures and some of them have been adopted by the Chinese engineering construction standards T/CECS 290 and T/CECS 624. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of weather variability and air pollutants on tuberculosis (TB) has been a research hotspot. Previous studies have mostly been limited to a certain area or with a small sample size of cases, and multi-scale systematic studies are lacking. In this study, 14,816,329 TB cases were collected from 31 provinces in China between 2004 and 2018 to estimate the association between TB risk and meteorological factors and air pollutants using a two-stage time-series analysis. The impact and lagged time of meteorological factors and air pollutants on TB risk varied greatly in different provinces and regions. Overall cumulative exposure–response summary associations across 31 provinces suggested that high monthly mean relative humidity (RH) (66.8–82.4%, percentile56-100 (P56–100)), rainfall (316.5–331.1 mm, P96–100), PM2.5 exposure concentration (93.3–145.0 μg/m3, P58–100), and low monthly mean wind speed (1.6–2.1 m/s, P0–38) increased the risk of TB incidence, with a relative risk (RR) of 1.10 (95% CI: 1.04–1.16), 1.10 (95% CI: 1.03–1.16), 2.08 (95% CI: 1.18–3.65), and 2.06 (95% CI: 1.27–3.33), and attributable risk percent (AR%) of 9%, 9%, 52%, and 51%, respectively. Conversely, high monthly average wind speed (2.3–2.9 m/s, P54–100) and mean temperature (20.2–25.3 °C, P79–96), and low monthly average rainfall (2.4–25.2 mm, P0–7) and concentration of SO2 (8.1–21.2 μg/m3, P0-16) exposure decreased the risk of TB incidence, with an overall cumulative RR of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.87–0.98), 0.74 (95% CI: 0.59–0.94), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.79–0.95), and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.56–0.93), respectively. Our study provided insights into future planning of public health interventions for TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] To study the main active components, targets and related pathways of Ningmitai capsule for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) based on network pharmacology. [Methods] The chemical components of Ningmitai capsule were collected through literature search, and the relevant target information of the components was sorted out. The UTIs-associated targets were also screened out using DisGeNET database and GeneCards database. Cytoscape 3.6.1 software and STRING platform were used to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and MCODE plug-in in this software was used to analyze the action pathway and key targets of Ningmitai capsule for the treatment of UTIs. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of key targets was conducted using David database, and the component-target-pathway network diagram of Ningmitai capsule for the treatment of UTIs was established. [Results] A total of 37 active compounds, including salicylate, ferulic acid, baicalin, quercetin, apigenin and ellagic acid were screened from seven TCM components of Ningmitai capsule. There were 26 possible targets related to the treatment of UTIs, such as NFKB1, JUN, CTNNB1 and STAT3, which play an important role for the treatment of UTIs through prostate cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer and other signaling pathways. [Conclusions] The study provides a theoretical basis for the study of the mechanism of Ningmitai capsule in the treatment of UTIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Identifying children at high risk of developing asthma can facilitate prevention and early management strategies. We developed a prediction model of children's asthma risk using objectively collected population‐based children and parental histories of comorbidities. Method s : We conducted a retrospective population‐based cohort study using administrative data from Manitoba, Canada, and included children born from 1974 to 2000 with linkages to ≥1 parent. We identified asthma and prior comorbid condition diagnoses from hospital and outpatient records. We used two machine‐learning models: least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression (LR) and random forest (RF) to identify important predictors. The predictors in the base model included children's demographics, allergic conditions, respiratory infections, and parental asthma. Subsequent models included additional multiple comorbidities for children and parents. Results: The cohort included 195,666 children: 51.3% were males and 17.7% had asthma diagnosis. The base LR model achieved a low predictive performance with sensitivity of 0.47, 95% confidence interval (0.45–0.48), and specificity of 0.67 (0.66–0.67) using a predicted probability threshold of 0.20. Sensitivity significantly improved when children's comorbidities were included using LASSO LR: 0.71 (0.69–0.72). Predictive performance further improved by including parental comorbidities (sensitivity = 0.72 [0.70–0.73], specificity = 0.69 [0.69–0.70]). We observed similar results for the RF models. Children's menstrual disorders and mood and anxiety disorders, parental lipid metabolism disorders and asthma were among the most important variables that predicted asthma risk. Conclusion: Including children and parental comorbidities to children's asthma prediction models improves their accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been used in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who refuse surgery or active surveillance. However, the long‐term outcomes are still limited. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of RFA for solitary T1N0M0 PTC in a large cohort over a more than 5‐year follow‐up period. Methods: This retrospective study included 358 patients with solitary T1N0M0 PTC who were treated with RFA and followed for at least 5 years. The bipolar RFA procedure was performed using hydrodissection technique, transisthmic approach, and moving‐shot technique. The primary outcomes were disease progression, including lymph node metastasis (LNM), recurrent tumor, persistent tumor, and distant metastasis. The secondary outcomes were volume reduction rate, complete disappearance rate, complications, and delayed surgery. Results: During a mean follow‐up period of 75.5 ± 9.7 months, the overall disease progression was 5.0%. The incidence of LNM, recurrent tumor, and persistent tumor was 1.4%, 3.1%, and 0.6%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the disease progression (5.0% vs. 5.5%, p = 1.000), LNM (1.3% vs. 1.8%, p =.568), recurrent tumor (3.3% vs. 1.8%, p =.872), persistent tumors (0.3% vs. 1.8%, p =.284), and 5‐year recurrence‐free survival rates (95.4% vs. 96.4%, p =.785) in the T1a and T1b groups. Volume reduction rate was 100.0 ± 0.3%, with 96.9% of tumors disappearing. No complications occurred. No patients underwent delayed surgery because of anxiety. Conclusions: RFA is an effective and safe alternative for patients with T1N0M0 PTC and can offer a minimally invasive curative option for patients who refuse surgery or active surveillance. Plain Language Summary: During a mean follow‐up period of 75.5 ± 9.7 months, the overall papillary thyroid carcinoma disease progression was 5.0%. The volume reduction rate was 100.0 ± 0.3%, with 96.9% of tumors disappearing.The T1a and T1b groups had similar incidence of disease progression and 5‐year recurrence‐free survival rates. No patients experienced complications or underwent delayed surgery because of anxiety. During a mean follow‐up period of 75.5 ± 9.7 months, the overall disease progression of T1N0M0 papillary thyroid carcinoma was 5.0%. No significant differences were observed in disease progression and recurrence‐free survival rates between the T1a and T1b groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a severe complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Hematopoietic dysfunction accompanied by severe aGVHD, which may be caused by niche impairment, is a long-standing clinical problem. However, how the bone marrow (BM) niche is damaged in aGVHD hosts is poorly defined. To comprehensively address this question, we used a haplo-MHC–matched transplantation aGVHD murine model and performed single-cell RNA-Seq of nonhematopoietic BM cells. Transcriptional analysis showed that BM mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) were severely affected, with a reduction in cell ratio, abnormal metabolism, compromised differentiation potential, and defective hematopoiesis-supportive function, all of which were validated by functional assays. We found that ruxolitinib, a selective JAK1/2 inhibitor, ameliorated aGVHD-related hematopoietic dysfunction through a direct effect on recipient BMSCs, resulting in improved proliferation ability, adipogenesis/osteogenesis potential, mitochondria metabolism capacity, and crosstalk with donor-derived hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. By inhibiting the JAK2/STAT1 pathway, ruxolitinib maintained longterm improvement of aGVHD BMSC function. Additionally, ruxolitinib pretreatment in vitro primed BMSCs to better support donor-derived hematopoiesis in vivo. These observations in the murine model were validated in patient samples. Overall, our findings suggest that ruxolitinib can directly restore BMSC function via the JAK2/STAT1 pathway and, in turn, improve the hematopoietic dysfunction caused by aGVHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, finite‐time cluster synchronization (FTCS) in networks of nonidentical coupled dynamical systems is addressed by introducing a discontinuous interaction rule. This interaction rule overcomes the effect of heterogeneous dynamics among nodes. It is proven that with proper coupling gain, the dynamics of the coupled system converges into the kernal space of the graph Laplacian matrix in finite time. Then sufficient conditions for FTCS are provided. In addition, the discontinuous interactions rule is applied to investigate finite‐time intra‐layer synchronization in multiplex networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemistry of polypyridyl Ru(II) and cyclometalated Ir(III) derivatives provides long-lasting interest to researchers due to the inherent advantage of their triplet states in a variety of photoactivities. The introduction of Ru(N^N)3 and Ir(C^N)2(X^N) modules into well-defined architectures extends the research areas of both photoactive metal complexes and network chemistry, generating a lot of new opportunities with interesting structural aesthetics and profound functional possibilities. The rapid development of research in integrating Ru(II) or Ir(III) metallotecons into the architectures has been apparent in recent years which makes this a fascinating subject for reviewing. This review focuses on the design and syntheses of Ru(N^N)3 and Ir(C^N)2(X^N) functionalized architectures of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent–organic frameworks (COFs), metallasupramolecules, organic supramolecules and supramolecular organic frameworks (SOFs). Furthermore, the photocatalytic applications including the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), photocatalytic oxidation and photoredox catalysis of organic transformation are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspidistra daqingshanensis (Asparagaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from Longzhou County, Guangxi, China. It is morphologically similar to Aspidistra fasciaria G.Z. Li but differs in its leaf blade wider to 4--8 cm, distal margin denticulate, perianth lobes broadly ovate, yellow, stigma white, slightly recurved at apex. A somatic chromosome count of 2n = 38 and a karyotype formula 2n =22m + 10sm + 6st were determined for A. daqingshanensis. The new species is currently only known from the type locality in southwest Guangxi, near the border with northern Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which developed noninvasive in vivo imaging ligands via phage display libraries derived from llamas immunized with α-synuclein and tau preparations, respectively. Topics discussed include &#945#-synuclein versus tau immunization and single-domain antibody (sdAb) characterization, imaging studies by In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS), and histological analysis of sdAb brain signal.

Silicon carbide-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (SiCp/Al) have excellent physical properties, but the presence of SiC particles in the reinforcing phase causes severe tool wear and more serious surface defects during cutting, which seriously hinders the machining efficiency of SiCp/Al composites. To improve the surface quality of SiCp/Al composites and improve the tool wear problem, it were carried out that simulation and experimental verification of the milling tool parameters of SiCp/Al composites and experimental study of CMQL with the selected tool parameters. The results show that the cutting tool with rake angle of 4° and relief angle of 10° can achieve efficient cutting of SiCp/Al composites. The CMQL condition can effectively reduce the surface roughness, improve the surface microstructure, reduce tool wear and increase tool life; The increase of cutting speed can reduce the machined surface roughness, while the increase of feed and cutting depth will lead to the increase of surface roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Z-scheme TiO2/Bi2O3-g-C3N4 ternary heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully constructed by sol–gel method and solvothermal method. The structure, morphology, chemical composition, optical properties of photocatalyst were characterized by XRD, TEM(HRTEM), SAED, XPS, EDX, UV–vis, FTIR, PL, EIS. And the photocatalytic performance of the photocatalyst was studied by using RhB as a simulated organic pollutant. The results show that the prepared ternary heterojunction photocatalyst has high photocatalytic activity under both ultraviolet light and visible light, and the degradation rate reaches 100% in 100 min. This paper also proposes a possible Z-scheme mechanism of a ternary heterojunction photocatalyst to explain the increased photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collisions transferring large portions of energy are often called supercollisions. In the H + C2H2 reactive system, the rovibrationally cold C2H2 molecule can be activated with substantial internal excitations by its collision with a translationally hot H atom. It is interesting to investigate the mechanisms of collisional energy transfer in other important reactions of H with hydrocarbons. Here, an accurate, global, full-dimensional potential energy surface (PES) of H + C2H4 was constructed by the fundamental invariant neural network fitting based on roughly 100 000 UCCSD(T)-F12a/aug-cc-pVTZ data points. Extensive quasi-classical trajectory calculations were carried out on the full-dimensional PES to investigate the energy transfer process in collisions of the translationally hot H atoms with C2H4 in a wide range of collision energies. The computed function of the energy-transfer probability is not a simple exponential decay function but exhibits large magnitudes in the region of a large amount of energy transfer, indicating the signature of supercollisions. The supercollisions among non-complex-forming nonreactive (prompt) trajectories are frustrated complex-forming processes in which the incoming H atom penetrates into C2H4 with a small C–H distance but promptly and directly leaves C2H4. The complex-forming supercollisions, in which either the attacking H atom leaves (complex-forming nonreactive collisions) or one of the original H atoms of C2H4 leaves (complex-forming reactive trajectories), dominate large energy transfer from the translational energy to internal excitation of molecule. The current work sheds valuable light on the energy transfer of this important reaction in the combustion and may motivate related experimental investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple kHz-rate spectral phosphor thermometry technique with sub-millisecond temporal resolution for contactless point measurements of short duration transient surface temperature changes was developed by employing a compact high-speed fiber-optic spectrometer, a high repetition rate pulsed green laser, and a fast decaying thermographic phosphor. Temperature changes were determined from the temperature-dependent emission spectra of the YAG:Ce phosphor using a spectral slope method. The precision of single-shot temperature measurements was better than 4% for temperatures up to 700 K. An application of the technique for time-resolved measurements of local transient temperature changes at 5 kHz during repetitive long CO2 laser pulse heating is presented. The measured temperature transients are well-predicted using a two-dimensional axisymmetric heat transfer model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the value of a questionnaire as a screening tool for benign paroxysmal position vertigo (BPPV). Study design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: Tertiary care centers. Methods: A total of 520 vertigo adults completed the questionnaire before the diagnosis was confirmed. After vestibular function examination and other diagnostic examination, the diagnosis of all participants was confirmed by experts. By validating valuable items from the questionnaire with 47 items, a new questionnaire of 5 items was formed to quickly diagnose BPPV. The internal consistency of the new questionnaire and validity were evaluated. The correlation between the score obtained from the new questionnaire and diagnosis was investigated. The mean score was also compared between groups with and without BPPV and diagnostic precision measures were calculated. Results: 520 vertigo participants answered all the question completely and BPPV was identified in 138 participants (26.5%). The responses to questionnaire revealed preferable reproducibility (r = 0.898, P < 0.05) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.702) as well as the validity (Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin, KMO = 0.731). The higher the individual score, the more likely to be BPPV (B = 2.082; P < 0.05). The mean score of answers was greater in the group with a clinical diagnosis of BPPV compared to those without BPPV (F = 58.459, P < 0.05). The sensitivity of the screening tool was 92.8% and specificity was 88.5%, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.946 (95% confidence interval 0.926–0.965; P < 0.05). Conclusion: The questionnaire proved to be of great value to screen for individuals with possible BPPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To build three prognostic models using radiomics analysis of the hemorrhagic lesions, clinical variables, and their combination, to predict the outcome of stroke patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). Materials and methods: Eighty-three sICH patients were included. Among them, 40 patients (48.2%) had poor prognosis with modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 5 and 6 at discharge, and the prognostic model was built to differentiate mRS ≤ 4 vs. 5 + 6. The region of interest (ROI) of intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) were separately segmented. Features were extracted using PyRadiomics, and the support vector machine was applied to select features and build radiomics models based on IPH and IPH + IVH. The clinical models were built using multivariate logistic regression, and then the radiomics scores were combined with clinical variables to build the combined model. Results: When using IPH, the AUC for radiomics, clinical, and combined model was 0.78, 0.82, and 0.87, respectively. When using IPH + IVH, the AUC was increased to 0.80, 0.84, and 0.90, respectively. The combined model had a significantly improved AUC compared to the radiomics by DeLong test. A clinical prognostic model based on the ICH score of 0–1 only achieved AUC of 0.71. Conclusions: The combined model using the radiomics score derived from IPH + IVH and the clinical factors could achieve a high accuracy in prediction of sICH patients with poor outcome, which may be used to assist in making the decision about the optimal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enantiomers of chiral ester derivatives containing an amide group, and possessing one or two stereogenic centers were prepared from L‐ and D‐α‐amino acids, and glycine with (S)‐ and (R)‐mandelic acid for probing their chiral recognition as a new class of chiral guests by 1H NMR spectroscopy, since chiral ester derivatives have been rarely used as chiral substrates for chiral recognition by 1H NMR technology. The results indicated that these chiral ester derivatives have been successfully differentiated in the presence of tetraaza macrocyclic chiral solvating agents (TAMCSAs) 1 a–1 c. In order to better understand their chiral discriminating behavior, Job plots, association constants (Ka), and theoretical calculations of (S,S)‐G1 and (R,R)‐G1, as a representative example, were performed, respectively. In order to evaluate their practical application, the 1H NMR spectra of G1 and G9 with various optical purities were measured (up to 98 % ee). In this work, a practical strategy has been effectively established for chiral recognition of chiral ester derivatives containing an amide group and possessing one or two chiral centers in the presence of tetraaza macrocyclic chiral solvating agents 1 a–1 c by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary malpractice is a risk factor for obesity. This study tested the hypothesis that consumption of a high-fat diet alters mammary metabolome in pubertal mice. We performed untargeted metabolomic analysis of primary metabolism on mammary glands from pubertal mice fed the AIN93G standard diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 3 weeks. We identified 97 metabolites for statistical comparisons. The HFD altered the amino acid metabolism considerably. This included elevated expression of branched-chain amino acids, non-essential amino acids (aspartic acid and glutamic acid), and methionine sulfoxide (oxidized methionine) and an alteration in the aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, elevations of fumaric acid and malic acid (both are citrate cycle intermediates) and glyceric acid (its phosphate derivatives are intermediates of glycolysis) in HFD-fed mice suggest an acceleration of both citrate cycle and glycolysis. Lower expression of glycerol, oleic acid, and palmitoleic acid, as well as decreased mammary expression of genes encoding lipid metabolism (Acaca, Fads1, Fasn, Scd1, and Srebf1) in HFD-fed mice indicate an attenuated lipid metabolism in the presence of adequate dietary fat. In conclusion, consumption of the HFD for 3 weeks alters metabolic profile of pubertal mammary glands. This alteration may affect mammary development and growth in pubertal mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-temperature and weak-light conditions have major effects on the growth and flower quality of horticultural plants. A greenhouse pot experiment was performed to investigate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Funneliformis mosseae and Glomus versiforme) on the growth, photosynthesis, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.) under low-temperature and weaklight stress. The growth and biomass of snapdragon were higher following inoculation with F. mosseae and G. versiforme compared with control plants. The percentage of mycorrhizal colonization and root activity were high in A. majus plants with AMF. AMF inoculation enhanced the net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency of plants under low-temperature and weak-light conditions. Furthermore, the chlorophyll content, potential activity of photosystem II (PSII), effective photochemistry quantum efficiency of PSII, actual photochemical quantum efficiency of PSII, and photochemical quenching coefficient were higher in AMF-inoculated plants than in uninoculated plants. The application of AMF reduced the intercellular CO2 concentration and non-photochemical quenching coefficient. Thus, snapdragon plants treated with F. mosseae and G. versiforme are more resistant to low-temperature and weak-light stress than untreated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial ryegrass is considered an excellent cold-season turfgrass, and salinity is an important environmental factor that affects its growth. Many studies have shown that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can alleviate stress responses in plants, but there have been few reports on the promotion of turfgrass growth in saline-alkali land by AM fungi. We designed an experiment to investigate the effects of different saline conditions (0%, 0.05%, 0.1% salt, w/w) on the growth and physiological metabolism of perennial ryegrass. The results showed that under 0.05% salt stress, AM fungi increased the plant height by 25.9%, the aboveground and underground dry weight by 37.1% and 55.6%, respectively; and the content of chlorophyll a in the plants by 31.0%. Inoculation with AM fungi increased the net photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and stomatal conductance (Gs) of perennial ryegrass, and the increase in their levels negatively correlated with increasing salt concentrations. Under 0.1% salt stress, the A, Ci, Gs, and E of perennial ryegrass inoculated with AM fungi increased by 24.6%, 23.2%, 139.1%, and 40.7%, respectively. However, inoculation with AM fungi reduced Fv/Fm and had no significant impacts on the SOD activity, MDA, proline (Pro) content, soluble sugar content, and soluble protein content of perennial ryegrass. In conclusion, AM fungi can promote the growth of perennial ryegrass under salt stress, enhance its photosynthetic capacity, and improve the ability of perennial ryegrass to resist salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate and compare the clinical outcomes between radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and thyroid lobectomy (TL) for T1bN0M0 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 283 patients with solitary T1bN0M0 PTC treated with RFA (RFA group, 91 patients) or TL (TL group, 192 patients) from May 2014 to November 2018. The patients were regularly followed up after treatment. Local tumor progression, lymph node metastasis (LNM), recurrent tumor, persistent tumor, recurrence-free survival (RFS), treatment variables (hospitalization, procedure time, estimated blood loss, and cost), complication, and delayed surgery were compared. Results: During the follow-up (median [interquartile ranges], 50.4 [18.0] months), no significant differences were found in the local tumor progression (4.4% vs 3.6%, p = 1.000), LNM (1.1% vs 2.1%, p = 0.917), recurrent tumor (2.2% vs 1.6%, p = 1.000), persistent tumor (1.1% vs 0%, p = 0.146), and RFS rate (95.6% vs 96.4%, p = 0.816) in the RFA and TL groups. Distant metastasis was not detected. Patients in the RFA group had a shorter hospitalization (0 vs 7.0 [3.0] days, p < 0.001), shorter procedure time (5.6 [2.9] vs 90.0 [38.5] min, p < 0.001), lower estimated blood loss (0 vs 20 [20] mL, p < 0.001), lower cost ($1972.5 [0.1] vs $2362.4 [1009.3], p < 0.001), and lower complication rate (0 vs 12/192 [6.3%], p = 0.015) than those in the TL group. No patients in the RFA group underwent delayed surgery. Conclusions: This study revealed comparable 4-year clinical outcomes between RFA and TL for T1bN0M0 PTC in terms of local tumor progression and RFS. As a minimally invasive modality, RFA may be a promising feasible alternative to surgery for the treatment of T1bN0M0 PTC in selected patients after strict evaluation. Key Points: • No significant difference in local tumor progression and RFS was found between RFA and TL for T1bN0M0 PTC during a median follow-up period of 50.4 months. • Compared with TL, RFA led to a shorter hospitalization, lower estimated blood loss, lower cost, and lower complication rate. • RFA may be a promising feasible alternative to surgery for the treatment of T1bN0M0 PTC in selected patients after strict evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for isthmus papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) versus PTC originating from the lobes. Patients with solitary low-risk PTC treated with RFA between July 2014 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. This study was approved by our institutional review board. Of the 562 patients, 104 and 458 had PTCs located in the thyroid isthmus and thyroid lobes, respectively. Local tumor progression (LTP), LTP-free survival (LTPFS), changes in tumor volume, and complications were compared between the two groups using propensity-score matching (PSM). The isthmic and lobar groups showed no significant differences in LTP (2.9% vs. 3.8%), new PTC (2.9% vs. 2.9%), persistent lesions (0.0% vs. 0.2%), or LTPFS after PSM. Before PSM, the two groups showed significant differences in the volume reduction ratio (VRR) of the ablated tumors at 1, 3, 24, 30, and 48 months after RFA, but no differences between the two groups were observed in tumor volume, VRR, or disappearance rate after PSM (p >.05). One patient in the isthmic group presented with coughing, while another complained of hoarseness. Complications did not differ significantly between the two groups (p >.05). The outcomes of RFA for patients with low-risk PTC in the thyroid isthmus and thyroid lobes were similar. Therefore, RFA may serve as an alternative treatment option for patients with low-risk isthmic PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating locally recurrent papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). This retrospective study involved 32 patients with pathologically confirmed locally recurrent PTC. The ablation zone was assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) after RFA. At baseline, 6 and 12 months and every 6 months or 12 months thereafter, the following results were recorded: recurrence rate, largest diameter, volume, volume reduction rate (VRR) of recurrent lesions, serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level and complications. 58 recurrent lesions in 32 patients were successfully ablated with RFA. The mean follow-up time was 73.19 ± 12.68 months (range, 60 to 98 months). At the last follow-up, almost all ablated lesions disappeared completely, and only one lesion showed scar-like changes. Nine (28.13%) patients developed new locally recurrent tumors; they were successfully treated with repeat RFA sessions. No new recurrent lesions were found during the follow-up. The largest diameter and volume of recurrent lesions decreased from 13.71 ± 6.48 mm and 520.43 ± 627.85 mm3 to 0 each at the end of observation period (p <.001). The average VRRs at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 months and last follow-up after RFA were 54.17%, 72.90%, 82.28%, 89.30%, 92.57%, 96.60%, 96.88%, 98.14% and 100% respectively. The median of serum Tg level was decreased from 1.48 ng/mL to 0.00 ng/mL (p <.05). No complications were reported during the follow-up. US-guided RFA is an effective and safe option for treating locally recurrent PTC in selected patients, with favorable long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining an optimal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level is important in the postoperative management of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, there is little evidence for TSH target levels in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This study aimed to determine the optimal TSH level for management in low-risk patients who underwent RFA. This retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study included patients with low-risk PTC who underwent RFA from January 2014 to December 2018. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the range of TSH levels: low (≤2 mU/L) and high (>2 mU/L) TSH levels. Local tumor progression and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between the low TSH and high TSH groups, using propensity score analyses based on patient- and tumor-level characteristics. Univariate analyses were performed to select risk factors for tumor progression. Overall, our study included 516 patients with low-risk PTC who underwent RFA with a long-term follow-up of 5-years. During follow-up, the overall incidence rate of local tumor progression was 4.8% (25/516), with no significant difference between the matched groups (7/106 [6.6%] vs. 5/53 [9.4%], p = 0.524). DFS did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.5). Moreover, TSH level was not regarded as a significant predictor of tumor progression after Cox analysis; primary tumor size was the only relevant risk factor. This large propensity-matched study revealed no association between TSH levels and tumor progression. Thus, for patients with low-risk PTC who underwent RFA, the optimalTSH level is recommended at the euthyroid range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serotonin is ubiquitous across all forms of life and functions in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. In rice, the conversion of tryptamine to serotonin is catalyzed by Sekiguchi lesion (SL). Previous studies have identified an sl mutation (a null mutation of SL) in several rice varieties and confirmed its increase of resistance and cell death. However, a systematic understanding of the reprogrammed cellular processes causing cell death and resistance is lacking. We performed a multi-omics analysis to clarify the fundamental mechanisms at the protein, gene transcript, and metabolite levels. We found that cell death and Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae) infection of the sl-MH-1 mutant activated plant hormone signal transduction involving salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and abscisic acid (ABA) in multiple regulatory layers. We characterized the dynamic changes of several key hormone levels during disease progression and under the cell death conditions and showed that SA and JA positively regulated rice cell death and disease resistance. SL-overexpressing lines confirmed that the sl-MH-1 mutant positively regulated rice resistance to M. oryzae. Our studies shed light on cell death and facilitate further mechanistic dissection of programmed cell death in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

So far, numerous researches on the He2H− system have still been restricted to several analytical forms of the potential energy interaction, where the calculations in the three‐body interaction may be not precise. With that in mind, we have provided an accurate, global, full‐dimensional potential energy surface (PES) for the ground state of the He2H− system by the fundamental invariant neural network (FI‐NN) fitting based on roughly 45 000 ab initio data points. The energy points are calculated with the coupled‐cluster singles and doubles with perturbative triples (CCSD[T]) method using the augmented Dunning‐type correlation‐consistent (aug‐cc‐pVTZ, aug‐cc‐pVQZ and aug‐cc‐pV5Z) basis sets, respectively. Based on adoption and comparison of three different extrapolation formulas, we obtained even accurate data points, which are extrapolated to the complete basis set (CBS) limit. The overall root mean square error of the fitting PES is only about 6.314 × 10−3 cm−1. It can be expected that this accurate PES would provide insights to further interesting discoveries in dynamics or spectroscopies for the relevant molecular systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current theoretical analysis model for high-dimensional quantum key distribution (QKD) was developed without carefully considering the dead time and after-pulse of the single-photon detectors. Here, we propose a new model that accounts for these two effects. With this model, we analyze the effects of various properties of the single-photon detector on the performance of the high-dimensional quantum key distribution and show numerically that the high-dimensional quantum key distribution can be achieved up to 180 km with InGaAs/InP-type single-photon detectors. This work can improve our understanding of the factors that determine the performance of high-dimensional quantum key distribution and will help to promote the application of single-photon detectors based on avalanche photodiodes in high-dimensional quantum key distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide levels can affect inflammation and cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rScO2), a pathophysiological indicator of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). To compare the cerebral rScO2 and postoperative inflammation based on patient end-tidal carbon dioxide (PET CO2) levels in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Ninety patients were randomly divided into three groups according to PET CO2 level: group L (low PET CO2, 36-40 mmHg), group C (control PET CO2, 41-45 mmHg) and group H (high PET CO2, 46-50 mmHg). Eighty-four patients (age, range: 60-80 years) scheduled to undergo radical laparoscopic gastrectomy were included in the final analysis. The indicated PET CO2 was maintained for patients in each group. Their intraoperative cerebral rScO2 was recorded at indicated timepoints (T0-T6) from arrival at the operating room to post-extubation. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA) and changes in serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines were measured at 1 h, 1d and 7 d after surgery. The cerebral rScO2 at T3 (1 h post-skin incision)-T5 (completion of skin sutures) was significantly higher in group H than in group L, while the MoCA score was not significantly different between group H and L (p > 0.05). At 1 h, 1 d and 7 d after surgery, the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6) and S100ß, were significantly higher in group L than in group H (p < 0.05). At 1 h and 7 d after surgery, the inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in group C than in group H. Our findings suggest that higher PET CO2 levels increased cerebral rScO2 and reduced the serum concentrations of IL-6 and S100ß but may not affect the MoCA score in elderly patients after radical laparoscopic gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a sample of 14 hydrogen-rich superluminous supernovae (SLSNe II) from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) between 2018 and 2020. We include all classified SLSNe with peaks Mg < −20 mag with observed broad but not narrow Balmer emission, corresponding to roughly 20 per cent of all hydrogen-rich SLSNe in ZTF phase I. We examine the light curves and spectra of SLSNe II and attempt to constrain their power source using light-curve models. The brightest events are photometrically and spectroscopically similar to the prototypical SN 2008es, while others are found spectroscopically more reminiscent of non-superluminous SNe II, especially SNe II-L. 56Ni decay as the primary power source is ruled out. Light-curve models generally cannot distinguish between circumstellar interaction (CSI) and a magnetar central engine, but an excess of ultraviolet (UV) emission signifying CSI is seen in most of the SNe with UV data, at a wide range of photometric properties. Simultaneously, the broad H α profiles of the brightest SLSNe II can be explained through electron scattering in a symmetric circumstellar medium (CSM). In other SLSNe II without narrow lines, the CSM may be confined and wholly overrun by the ejecta. CSI, possibly involving mass lost in recent eruptions, is implied to be the dominant power source in most SLSNe II, and the diversity in properties is likely the result of different mass loss histories. Based on their radiated energy, an additional power source may be required for the brightest SLSNe II, however – possibly a central engine combined with CSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two types of transparent Y 2 O 3 ceramics without including large scattering sources such as residual pores, one with very high optical homogeneity (type A) and another one with slightly insufficient optical homogeneity (type B), are purposely prepared, and their optical properties are investigated and compared qualitatively and quantitatively. Type A ceramic exhibits transmittance characteristics with very low internal loss in the visible to infrared wavelength region, while type B ceramic is inferior in various optical performances especially in the short (visible) wavelength region. In type B ceramic, birefringence occurs due to optical inhomogeneity in the visible region, resulting in a decrease in the extinction ratio. Non-uniform refractive index distribution is also observed in the Schlieren image of type B ceramic, hence the laser beam quality through that material is degraded. This study proved the importance of optical homogeneity of transparent ceramics and clarified the problems in actual applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high time resolution synchronous sampling method al ong with determination of stable carbon isotopes of gaseous water-soluble organic carbon (WSOCg) and particulate water-soluble organic carbon (WSOCp) was realized in this research through equipment modification and method improvement. It was found that WSOCg has significant higher concentration than WSOCp and a more depleted δ13C. Both concentrations of WSOCp and WSOCg have the seasonal variation characteristics of high in winter (WSOCp=15.7±3.9µg/m³; WSOCg=42.4±6.0µg/m³) and low in summer (WSOCp=5.9±1.8µg/m³; WSOCg=25.2±5.2µg/m³), with greater increase in WSOCp (167%) than that in WSOCg (68%). During wintertime, WSOCp and WSOCg had similar daily variation characteristics of concentration, and opposite daily variation characteristics of δ13C. WSOCp had a bimodal distribution with obvious low value at sunrise and sunset, while δ13C WSOCp had a unimodal distribution with low in daytime (-24.6±1.1‰) and high in nighttime (- 22.3±1.7‰). WSOCg and δ13C-WSOCg had same distribution with high in daytime and (49.3±8.8µg/m³; -27.9±1.1‰) low in nighttime (38.3±4.6µg/m³; -29.9±0.4‰). Combining the δ13C variation characteristics with the synchronous observation results of meteorological conditions, gaseous precursor pollutants, gaseous oxidants, gaseous acids and fine particle components, the restriction factors of WSOC gas-particle distribution mechanism were discussed. The presence of radiation rather than its intensity decided whether generations process of WSOCp and WSOCg are divided, for δ13C-WSOC of two phases showed significant correlation only during daytime. Meteorological conditions, gaseous precursor pollutants, gaseous oxidants and gaseous acids restrict the gas particle distribution of WSOC by affecting the aging process of WSOCp and WSOCg, gas particle conversion ratio of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) and the gas phase and liquid phase generation ratio of WSOCp. At the same time, the gas-particle distribution process of WSOC is strongly related to the formation of secondary inorganic ions (nitrate, sulfate, ammonium), and the gas-particle distribution between gaseous nitrous acid and nitrite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of sustained oscillations on complex networks with excitable node dynamics received much interest in recent years. Although an individual unit is non-oscillatory, they may organize to form various collective oscillatory patterns through networked connections. An excitable network usually possesses a number of oscillatory modes dominated by different Winfree loops and numerous spatiotemporal patterns organized by different propagation path distributions. The traditional approach of the so-called dominant phase-advanced drive method has been well applied to the study of stationary oscillation patterns on a network. In this paper, we develop the functionalâ€"weight approach that has been successfully used in studies of sustained oscillations in gene-regulated networks by an extension to the high-dimensional node dynamics. This approach can be well applied to the study of sustained oscillations in coupled excitable units. We tested this scheme for different networks, such as homogeneous random networks, small-world networks, and scale-free networks and found it can accurately dig out the oscillation source and the propagation path. The present approach is believed to have the potential in studies competitive non-stationary dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome with characterized facial features. The aim of study was to report on prenatal sonographic findings associated with KS in six Chinese families. Case Presentation During the study period, 7 families of KS were diagnosed. Variants of KMT2D were detected in 4 cases, and variants of KDM6A in 3 cases. For cases with KMT2D variants, cleft palate was the only finding on second trimester ultrasound in 2 cases. One case presented with polyhydramnios in late third trimester. One case showed ventricular septal defect and renal anomaly at 22 weeks gestation. For cases with KDM6A variants, one was detected at 22 weeks to have coarctation of the aorta. One presented with third-trimester intrauterine growth restriction. The other with hypoplastic left heart had a maternal KDM6A variant c.1227_1228del. Further family study showed that this variant was also present in the healthy maternal mother, but not in the healthy maternal father and two maternal brothers. The two female carriers were healthy. Discussion/Conclusion Although there is no specific ultrasound feature which has both a high sensitivity and high positive predictive value for KS, this disorder should be considered as a differential diagnosis in fetuses with congenital anomalies including polyhydramnios with normal karyotyping/microarray analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration (AT[N]) framework has conceptualized the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum as a continuum of disease with evidence of amyloid‐related pathologies independent of clinical manifestation. Based on this framework, it is necessary to reveal the distribution and risk factors of AD continuum in the cognitively intact population among different cohorts and races, including the northern Chinese Han population. Methods: This study classified cognitively intact Chinese Alzheimer's Biomarker and LifestylE (CABLE) participants through the AT(N) scheme. Gaussian mixture models were used to identify the cutoff values of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, which distinguished AD continuum (A + T−N−, A + T + N−, A + T−N + and A + T + N +) from 1,005 participants (mean age 61 years; 40% female). Multivariable logistic regressions and Cochran–Armitage trend tests were used to test neuropsychological performance and risk factors for AD continuum. Results: Approximately one‐third of individuals (33.7%) belonged to the AD continuum. Four potential modifiable risk factors, including hypertension, thyroid diseases, social isolation, and minimal depression symptoms, were identified for the AD continuum (OR ranging 1.68–6.90). A trend toward higher prevalence of the AD continuum was associated with a larger number of risk factors (p for trend <0.0001). The risk of AD continuum increased by approximately twofold for each additional modifiable risk factor (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.65–2.24, p < 0.0001). Interpretation: This study revealed the distribution and potential risk factors of the AD continuum in a cognitively intact Han population in northern China, which filled the gap in the area about the performance of the AT(N) framework in the Asian population. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:439–450 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both clinical and laboratory studies have shown that monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) is involved in cancer spread. To understand the role of MCP-1 in metabolism in the presence of metastasis, we conducted an untargeted metabolomic analysis of primary metabolism on plasma collected from a study showing that MCP-1 deficiency reduces spontaneous metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) to the lungs in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). In a 2 × 2 design, wild-type (WT) or Mcp-1 knockout (Mcp-1 -/-) mice maintained on the AIN93G standard diet or HFD were subcutaneously injected with LLC cells to induce lung metastasis. We identified 87 metabolites for metabolomic analysis from this study. Amino acid metabolism was altered considerably in the presence of LLC metastases with the aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathways as the leading pathway altered. The HFD modified lipid and energy metabolism, evidenced by lower contents of arachidonic acid, cholesterol, and long-chain saturated fatty acids and higher contents of glucose and pyruvic acid in mice fed the HFD. These findings were supported by network analysis showing alterations in fatty acid synthesis and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways between the 2 diets. Furthermore, elevations of the citrate cycle intermediates (citric acid, fumaric acid, isocitric acid, and succinic acid) and glyceric acid in Mcp-1 -/- mice, regardless of diet, suggest the involvement of MCP-1 in mitochondrial energy metabolism during LLC metastasis. The present study demonstrates that MCP-1 deficiency and the HFD altered plasma metabolome in mice bearing LLC metastases. These findings can be useful in understanding the impact of obesity on prevention and treatment of cancer metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to explore the impact of the punch structure (number of grooves, area ratio of grooves, depth of grooves and flaring angle) on the loading, torque and metal flow during the rotary extrusion (RE) process via finite element simulation (FEM) software. In order to further verify the simulation results, physical experiments were carried out and the microstructure of Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr alloy after RE deformation was characterized and analyzed. The FEM results indicated that increasing the groove number will increase the amount of shear deformation and promote the metal at the bottom of the punch to flow rapidly to the cylinder wall. The increase in the groove depth would continue to reduce the forming load and increase the strain. However, if the groove depth exceeded 6 mm, an excessive flow-velocity difference would be formed, resulting in the formation of folding defects. The time of metal flow from the bottom of the punch to the cylinder wall would be shortened with the increase in flaring angle. Therefore, a groove number of 8, an area ratio of 64.49%, a groove depth of 6 mm and a flaring angle ranging from 7° to 9° were the optimal parameters of the punch structure to form the Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr cylindrical parts via the RE technique. In addition, the cylinder parts could be formed with good quality according to the optimized FEM results. The cylinder wall from inner region to outer region exhibited gradient microstructure owing to the different metal flow and strain during the RE process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]