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Given the increasing challenges in academia since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is crucial to understand how work demands, life demands, and job resources affect the mental health of academic researchers. In extending the job demands-resources theory, the present study investigates the relationships between job resources, research work demand, life demand (i.e. caring responsibility), stress, loneliness and mental health among doctoral students and academics. The results from a secondary dataset of 4,563 academic researchers (academics undertaking research and doctoral students) in the UK indicate that job resources are positively associated with mental health, while caring responsibility and loneliness negatively impact mental health. Stress is also found to partially mediate (explain) the relationships between job resources, research work demand, and mental health. Moreover, loneliness moderates the positive impact of job resources on mental health, particularly attenuating this relationship for academic researchers who experience higher levels of loneliness. Surprisingly, during Covid-19, the moderation effect of gender on the path from caring responsibility to stress is significantly stronger for males than for female colleagues. Feeling unprepared, male colleagues who were pressured to take on caring responsibilities experienced higher stress. We suggest strategic interventions to enhance job resources and support researchers who have caregiving responsibilities, while also alleviating stress and feelings of loneliness. Future research should engage alternative perspectives at both individual (e.g. age, familial wealth) and institutional (e.g. education system, discipline/field) levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a metabolic disorder closely associated with profound alterations in gut microbial composition. However, the dynamics of species composition and functional changes in the gut microbiome in obesity remain to be comprehensively investigated. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of metagenomic sequencing data from both obese and non-obese individuals across multiple cohorts, totaling 1351 fecal metagenomes. Our results demonstrate a significant decrease in both the richness and diversity of the gut bacteriome and virome in obese patients. We identified 38 bacterial species including Eubacterium sp. CAG:274, Ruminococcus gnavus, Eubacterium eligens and Akkermansia muciniphila, and 1 archaeal species, Methanobrevibacter smithii, that were significantly altered in obesity. Additionally, we observed altered abundance of five viral families: Mesyanzhinovviridae, Chaseviridae, Salasmaviridae, Drexlerviridae, and Casjensviridae. Functional analysis of the gut microbiome indicated distinct signatures associated to obesity and identified Ruminococcus gnavus as the primary driver for function enrichment in obesity, and Methanobrevibacter smithii, Akkermansia muciniphila, Ruminococcus bicirculans, and Eubacterium siraeum as functional drivers in the healthy control group. Additionally, our results suggest that antibiotic resistance genes and bacterial virulence factors may influence the development of obesity. Finally, we demonstrated that gut vOTUs achieved a diagnostic accuracy with an optimal area under the curve of 0.766 for distinguishing obesity from healthy controls. Our findings offer comprehensive and generalizable insights into the gut bacteriome and virome features associated with obesity, with the potential to guide the development of microbiome-based diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the safety and application value of combining Laennec extracapsular occlusion with ICG fluorescence imaging in laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomy. Methods: Complete laparoscopic dissection was performed outside the Laennec sheath, blocking Glisson's pedicle of the corresponding liver segment or lobe. An appropriate amount of indocyanine green (ICG) dye was intravenously injected, and the boundary line between the pre‐cut liver segment and liver lobe was identified using fluorescence laparoscopy. Complete resection of the liver segment or lobe was performed based on anatomical markers. Clinical data, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications, were collected. Results: A total of 14 cases were included in the study, including seven cases of primary liver cancer, three cases of metastatic liver cancer, three cases of intrahepatic bile duct calculi, and one case of hepatic hemangioma. All 14 patients underwent anatomic hepatectomy under fluorescent laparoscopy, with four cases involving the right liver, seven cases involving the left liver, two cases involving the right anterior lobe, and one case involving the right posterior lobe. Conclusion: Combining laparoscopic follow‐up of the Laennec membrane with Glisson outer sheath block and intraoperative ICG fluorescence imaging provides real‐time guidance for locating the resection boundaries during anatomic hepatectomy. This approach helps in controlling intraoperative bleeding, reducing operation time, and ensuring high safety. It holds significant value in clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of blasting vibrations primarily hinges on two physical quantities: velocity and acceleration. A significant challenge arises when attempting to reference the two types of vibration data in relation to one another, such as different types of seismometers, noise, etc., necessitating a method for their equivalent transformation. To address this, a transformation method is discussed in detail with a case study, and equations for the ratio (Ra) of the particle peak velocity (PPV) to the particle peak acceleration (PPA) are proposed. The findings are twofold: (1) The conventional data conversion processes often suffer from low accuracy due to the presence of trend terms and noise in the signal. To mitigate this, the built-in MATLAB function is used for trend term elimination, complemented by a combined approach that integrates CEEMDAN with WD/WDP for noise reduction. These significantly enhance the accuracy of the transformation. (2) This analysis reveals a positive power function correlation between Ra and the propagation distance of the blast vibrations, contrasted by a negative correlation with the maximum charge per delay. Intriguingly, the Ra values observed in pre-splitting blasting operations are consistently lower than those in bench blasting. The established Ra equations offer a rapid, direct method for assessing the transformation between the PPV and PPA, providing valuable insights for the optimization of blasting design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneity is ubiquitous in stem cells (SC), cancer cells (CS), and cancer SC (CSC). This heterogeneity manifests in the form of diverse sub-populations of SC, CS, and CSC with self-renewal and unique regeneration capacity. Moreover, the progeny of CSC possess multiple plasticity and cancerous characteristics. Many studies have demonstrated that cancer heterogeneity is among the greatest obstacles to successful anti-cancer therapy. This leads to incomplete therapy and transitory efficacy. Furthermore, numerous micro-metastases lead to the spread of tumor cells widely across the body; this is the beginning of metastasis. Epigenetic processes (DNA methylation and histone remodification) represent sources of heterogeneity. In this study, we develop a mathematical model to quantify the heterogeneity of SC, CS, and CSC, taking into consideration both genetic and epigenetic effects. We reveal the roles and physical mechanisms of heterogeneity in SC, CSC, and cancer cells. Under the adiabatic regime (relatively fast regulatory binding and effective coupling among genes), seven native states (SC, CSC, cancer, premalignant, normal, lesion, and hyperplasia) emerge. Under the non-adiabatic regime (relatively slow regulatory binding and effective weak coupling among genes), SC, CS, CSC, and differentiated states emerge and become diffusive, partially explaining the origin of heterogeneity. In other words, slow regulatory binding that mimics epigenetic effects can give rise to heterogeneity. Moreover, we calculated the entropy production rate and Fano factor, which can be used to quantify the thermodynamic cost and the degrees of the variations or the fluctuations as the parameter ω (representing the speed of regulatory binding/unbinding relative to the synthesis/degradation) changes. Elucidating the origins of heterogeneity and the dynamical relationships between intra-tumoral cells has a clear clinical significance and will improve the understanding of the cellular basis of treatment response, therapeutic resistance, and cancer metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Strengths-based approaches to case management for people with mental illness have been widely used in Western countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Strengths Model Case Management (SMCM) among mental health clients in Hong Kong. Method: Two hundred and nine service clients were recruited from three Integrated Community Centres. Multiple measures related to recovery progress (e.g., Recovery Assessment Scale) were reported by both the clients and caseworkers before intervention and at 6 and12 months post-recruitment. Results and conclusion: Although there were no significant differences in improvement of most outcomes between the SMCM and control groups, the recovery scores of the SMCM group remained stable over time regardless of age, and also middle-aged participants (i.e., 40–59 years old) in the SMCM group achieved higher recovery scores over time than those in the control group. Trial registration number: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN) 12617001435370. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bladder cancer (BC) is the most frequently occurring cancer of the urinary system, with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) accounting for 75–85% of all the bladder cancers. Patients with NMIBC have a good survival rate but are at high risk for tumor recurrence and disease progression. Intravesical instillation of antitumor agents is the standard treatment for NMIBC following transurethral resection of bladder tumors. Chemotherapeutic drugs are broadly employed for bladder cancer treatment, but have limited efficacy due to chemo-resistance and systemic toxicity. Additionally, the periodic voiding of bladder and low permeability of the bladder urothelium impair the retention of drugs, resulting in a weak antitumoral response. Chitosan is a non-toxic and biocompatible polymer which enables better penetration of specific drugs to the deeper cell layers of the bladder as a consequence of temporarily abolishing the barrier function of urothelium, thus offering multifaceted biomedical applications in urinary bladder epithelial. Nowadays, the rapid development of nanoparticles significantly improves the tumor therapy with enhanced drug transport. This review presents an overview on the state of chitosan-based nanoparticles in the field of intravesical bladder cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to understand the cough characteristics and health journeys among community-based chronic cough (CC) patients, and their characteristics associated with healthcare visits. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020, using the South Korea and Taiwan National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS) and CC surveys. Patients with current CC were defined by daily coughing for > 8 weeks in the past 12 months and currently coughing at the time of survey. The survey items pertained to CC patients' treatment journey and cough characteristics. Results: Patients with current CC in South Korea and Taiwan, respectively, had cough duration for 3.45 ± 5.13 years and 5.75 ± 7.28 years and cough severity visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of 4.50 ± 2.15 and 4.46 ± 1.92 out of 0–10 scale, with 70.3% and 57.9% having spoken with a physician about cough. Compared to CC patients who had not visited healthcare professionals for cough, those who visited reported more severe cough (VAS: 3.89 ± 1.71 vs. 4.6 ± 2.02; p = 0.009), worse cough-specific quality of life (Leicester Cough Questionnaire: 16.20 ± 3.23 vs.13.45 ± 2.68, p < 0.001), greater symptom severity (Hull Airway Reflux Questionnaire: 16.73 ± 15.16 vs. 24.57 ± 13.38; p < 0.001), and more urinary incontinence (13.6 vs. 26.5%, p = 0.027). More than 50% of patients perceived cough medication(s) as not or a little useful and 25% felt their physicians did not well understand how CC impacts their life. Conclusion: Cough is frequently severe and persistent among community-based CC patients. They experience several issues in their health journey, including treatment ineffectiveness and physician's understanding. Further efforts are warranted to reduce CC burden in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spermatogenesis is a highly orchestrated dynamic developmental process, during which piRNAs play an indispensable role. Our previous studies have confirmed that the levels of piR‐1207 and piR‐2107 were significantly decreased in spermatozoa and seminal plasma of patients with asthenozoospermia, compared with the fertile controls. In order to explore the function of piR‐1207 and piR‐2107 in human spermatogenesis and their potential regulatory downstream genes, we examined the transcriptomic landscape in mouse spermatocyte cell line GC‐2spd(ts) transfected with anti‐piR‐1207 and anti‐piR‐2107 by RNA sequencing. The result showed that 86 and 75 differential expression genes (DEGs) in anti‐piR‐1207 and anti‐piR‐2107 group, respectively. Among the DEGs, three genes including Pbp2, Pde3a and Cage1 were identified as potential key genes playing important roles in mediating sperm motility and morphology in anti‐piR‐1207 or anti‐piR‐2107 transfected transcriptomic response. Next, the expression levels of Pbp2, Pde3a and Cage1 were confirmed by qRT‐PCR. These results showed that Pbp2, Pde3a and Cage1 may serve as the potential regulatory genes of piR‐1207 or piR‐2107. In summary, piR‐1207 and piR‐2107 might have an implication in modulating the process of spermatogenesis through regulating the expression of potential genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish a rapid and specific antigen detection method for porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced against the PCV2 epidemic strains and a red latex microsphere immunochromatographic strip was established. A total of eight anti-PCV2b and four anti-PCV2d mAbs were produced, and seven mAbs were confirmed to react with PCV2a, PCV2b, and PCV2d strains using an immunoperoxidase monolayer assay. The results of micro-neutralization tests showed that the mAbs 2C8, 9H4, 10G7, 7B9, and 7C7 had good neutralizing activity, whereas the neutralizing activity of the mAbs 4B3, 4C9, 6H9, and 7E2 was lower than 50%. Three mAbs, 4B3, 7C7, and 9H4, and PCV2 pAb were selected for the establishment of a red latex microsphere immunochromatographic strip, and the combination of mAb 7C7 labeled with red latex microspheres and mAb 9H4 exhibited the greatest detection ability. The immunochromatographic strip had minimum detection limits of 102.5 TCID50/0.1 ml, 100.7 TCID50/0.1 ml, and 101.5 TCID50/0.1 ml for PCV2a/CL, PCV2b/MDJ, and PCV2d/LNHC, respectively. Furthermore, no cross-reactivity was found for African swine fever virus, classical swine fever virus, porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus, porcine parvovirus, porcine pseudorabies virus, porcine circovirus type 1, transmissible gastroenteritis virus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, porcine rotavirus, or porcine deltacoronavirus using the immunochromatographic strip. Using PCR as a reference standard, the detection sensitivity, specificity, and overall coincidence rate of the immunochromatographic strip were 81.13%, 100%, and 90.00%. Additionally, the detection ability of the immunochromatographic strip was correlated with that of virus titration. The immunochromatographic strip was used to detect 183 clinical disease samples, and the average positive detection rate was 22.95%. In summary, this method has good sensitivity and specificity and is simple, convenient, and quick to operate. It has high application value for on-site diagnosis of PCV2 and virus quantification. Key points: • A red latex microsphere immunochromatographic strip for PCV2 detection was developed. • The method was not only simple to operate, but also takes less time. • The method had good sensitivity and specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies with high mortality worldwide. It is known that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. This study investigates the role of lncRNA ZNF667-AS1 in gastric cancer cells. Methods. We have applied real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) to study the levels of ZNF667-AS1 in gastric cancer biopsies and cell lines. The effects of ZNF667-AS1 on the propagation, clonogenicity, metastasis, and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells were evaluated by calorimetry, colony formation, cell migration, and angiogenesis assays. Western blotting was used to identify the levels of proteins involved in cancer invasion and angiogenesis signaling pathways. Result. It was found that lncRNA ZNF667-AS1 was downregulated in gastric cancer biopsies. Overexpression of ZNF667-AS1 reduced the propagation, migration, and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells. Molecular mechanism studies displayed that the high level of lncRNA ZNF667-AS1 promoted the expression of E-cadherin and inhibited the expression of N-cadherin and VEGFA, leading to the inhibition of the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells. Conclusion. As a tumor suppressor gene, lncRNA ZNF667-AS1 significantly hinders the propagation, metastasis, and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells by promoting the expression of E-cadherin and inhibiting the expression of N-cadherin and VEGFA. Therefore, lncRNA ZNF667-AS1 could play a synergistic therapeutic role by targeting tumor cells and vascular endothelial cells, which represents a new therapeutic scheme for novel therapeutics of gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Omics tools can accurately and efficiently describe and identify food markers in the field of safety and authenticity. • Omics can detect proteins, metabolites or DNA in samples through high-throughput detection mode. • The application of omics technology in food safety testing has expanded the scope of food safety testing and brought greater development to food safety testing technology. • The characteristics, advantages, relationship and processes of different omics in food research are highlighted. One of the main goals of food science is to ensure the high quality and safety of food. The inspection technology for known hazards has matured, and the identification of unknown and potential food safety hazards, as well as the identification of their composition and origin, is a challenge faced by food safety. Food safety and authenticity require multi-omics methods to support the implementation of qualitative discrimination to precise quantitative analysis, from targeted screening to non-target detection, and from multi component to full component analysis to address these challenges. The present review aims to provide characterizations, advantages, the latest progress, and prospects of using omics (including genomics, proteomics, and metabonomics) in food safety and authenticity. Multi omics strategies used to detect and verify different standard biomarkers of food will contribute to understanding the basic relationship between raw materials, processing, foods, nutrition, food safety, and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) with noticeable drug-resistance profile is one of the most pernicious pathogens that attracts major public health concerns. Herein, a 3D printed device combined with hydrogel pellet modified with phages was designed for point-of-care testing (POCT) of this pathogen with both colorimetric and pressure readout modes. A P. aeruginosa phage belonging to the family of Podoviridae was isolated from river water and noted as vB_PaeP-JZ1 (JZ1). Due to its host specificity, phage JZ1 was used as a recognizing agent for modifying the hydrogel pellet, and the modified hydrogel pellet was assembled into the 3D printed device to act as the sensing interface. Polymyxin B (PMB) was tagged with Pd@Pt core-shell nanodendrites (Pd@PtNDs) showing excellent peroxidase-like activity to act as the colorimetric and pressure signal tracer. P. aeruginosa can be quantified within the concentration ranges of 2.6 × 103 cfu mL−1 - 2.6 × 108 cfu mL−1 and 2.6 × 102 cfu mL−1 - 2.6 × 107 cfu mL−1 with colorimetric and pressure readout modes, respectively. The both modes can achieve quantitation of P. aeruginosa within 25 min. Thus the "both-in-one" 3D printed device with dual-mode readout function offers a rapid, sensitive, and specific platform for POCT of pathogenic bacteria. • A "both-in-one" 3D printed device was developed for point-of-care testing. • A phage was isolated and used as recognizing agent for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. • Phage modified hydrogel pellet was assembled into the device as sensing interface. • Quantitation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be achieved by dual readout modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adlay seed hull polysaccharide (ASP) was developed here as a green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl solution, and its inhibition effect was studied with electrochemical experiments, surface analyses, and theoretical calculations. The results revealed that ASP is an effective corrosion inhibitor, and its inhibition efficiency reached up to 94.70% at 800 mg L−1. Polarization curve experiments indicated that ASP acted as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor. The adsorption of ASP on the mild steel surface conformed to the Langmuir isotherm model and showed good corrosion inhibition performance in a wide temperature range. The results of surface analyses showed that the corrosion damage of mild steel immersed in HCl solution was significantly reduced with the addition of ASP at 800 mg L−1. Theoretical studies derived from quantum chemical calculations confirmed the adsorption mechanism of ASP on the steel surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is known as a second major cause of death globally. Nowadays, several modalities have been developed for the treatment of cancer. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the most common modalities in most countries. However, newer modalities such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy drugs can kill cancer cells with minimal side effects. All anticancer agents work based on the killing of cancer cells. Numerous studies are ongoing to kill cancer cells more effectively without increasing side effects to normal tissues. The combination modalities with low toxic agents are interesting for this aim. Curcumin is one of the most common herbal agents that has shown several anticancer properties. It can regulate immune system responses against cancer. Furthermore, curcumin has been shown to potentiate cell death signalling pathways and attenuate survival signalling pathways in cancer cells. The knowledge of how curcumin induces cell death in cancers can improve therapeutic efficiency. In this review, the regulatory effects of curcumin on different cell death mechanisms and their signalling pathways will be discussed. Furthermore, we explain how curcumin may potentiate the anticancer effects of other drugs or radiotherapy through modulation of apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, senescence, autophagy and ferroptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, fishing economies of prehistoric populations of coastal South China have been inadequately studied. This paper presents the results from the first systematic study that documents a subsistence economy from the Neolithic settlement site of Guye (5900–5400 cal BP) in the Pearl River Delta region of Southern China using an ichthyoarchaeological analysis. The analysis yielded a large number of fish remains, including at least 18 kinds of freshwater- and brackish water/inshore–associated fish taxa. They were likely caught by nets, traps, spears, and angling. The characteristics of this long-term fishing-reliant subsistence pattern help to elucidate the mechanisms of the sustainability and complexity of fishing-hunting-gathering communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osimertinib has demonstrated efficacy in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in clinical trials. However, real-world data on its effectiveness remain scarce. Taiwanese patients with T790M-positive locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC and progressive disease following treatment with at least one EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) were enrolled from the osimertinib early access program. Of the 419 patients (mean age, 63 years; female, 67%), 53% were heavily pretreated (≥ third-line [3L]), making osimertinib a fourth-line (4L) intervention. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.95–11.41); the 18-month PFS rate was 26.5%. The median overall survival (OS) was 19.0 months (95% CI: 16.30–20.95); the 24-month OS rate was 40.9%. The objective response rate was 32.46%, and the disease control rate was 86.38%. The median time to treatment discontinuation of osimertinib monotherapy was 11.9 months (95% CI: 10.49–13.11). Subgroup analyses of median PFS and OS in the chemotherapy combination group vs. the osimertinib monotherapy group yielded no difference. Central nervous system (CNS) metastasis, number of prior lines of therapy, and types of initial EGFR-TKIs did not significantly impact outcomes. The median PFS values were 9.0 (95% CI: 5.18–11.34) and 10.9 (95% CI: 9.18–11.90) months with and without CNS metastasis, respectively, and 10.8 (95% CI: 8.59–12.69), 13.6 (95% CI: 10.89–16.3), and 9.2 (95% CI: 7.8–10.62) months for second-line (2L), 3L, and ≥4L therapy, respectively. In patients who received osimertinib as 2L therapy, the median PFS values in response to prior afatinib, erlotinib and gefitinib treatment were 11.2 (95% CI: 4.85–4.79), 10.5 (95% CI: 8.59–20.26) and 8.7 (95% CI: 7.21–16.79) months, respectively. Overall, real-world data from Taiwan support the clinical benefits of osimertinib in EGFR T790M -positive NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aimed to identify the most important protective factors predicting caregivers' depressive symptoms among factors of caregivers' dispositional mindfulness, self-compassion, compassion from others, and patients' dispositional mindfulness and their moderator effects on the relationship between caregiving stress and depressive symptoms.Methods: A total of 72 lung cancer outpatients and their family caregivers participated in this study. Family caregivers completed the Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Self-Compassion Scale, and Compassion from Others Scale. Patients completed the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), BDI-II, and FFMQ.Results: After controlling for patients' factors (treatment status, symptom distress, and depressive symptoms) and caregivers' health status, caregivers' stress and dispositional mindfulness, the domain of mindful awareness, and self-compassionate action were significantly associated with their depressive symptoms. Further analysis indicated that mindful awareness or self-compassionate action could buffer the effect of caregiving stress on depressive symptoms. When the two moderators, mindful awareness and self-compassionate action, were tested simultaneously, only self-compassionate action remained as a significant moderating effect.Conclusions: Caregivers' mindful awareness and self-compassionate action were protective factors, which mitigate the impact of caregiving stress on their depressive symptoms. Therefore, the future supportive program aims at training the competencies of self-compassionate action with mindful awareness, which may enhance caregivers' coping resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground vibrations are an integral part of the process of rock blasting. The analysis of blasting vibration attenuation is the basis for a blasting risk assessment. To study the influence of rock joints on the blasting vibration attenuation, an autoclaved aerated concrete block was used as a similar material of rock in model tests of blasting vibration propagation. The attenuation process of the blasting vibration was physically simulated. The attenuation behaviors of the blasting vibrations in different directions to joint strike were fitted. Additionally, a positive correlation between the attenuation parameters and the directions was obtained. Furthermore, the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) based on the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) was used to analyze the vibration velocity signals. The characteristics and variation of the energy distribution were studied in the time–frequency domain. The results showed that the energy amplitude decreased as the propagation distance increased. The energy distribution gradually evolved from concentrated to discrete in the frequency domain. The low-frequency components were always present in the velocity signals at each measurement point, but the high-frequency components constantly changed due to the reflection and transmission of the waves after encountering the joint surfaces. The results of this study provide a reference for the prediction and control of the blasting vibration effect in jointed rock masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study is to assess the associations between periodontal disease, tooth loss and liver diseases. Materials and methods: PubMed and Embase databases were utilized to search eligible studies. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as effect size to assess the associations between periodontal disease, tooth loss and liver diseases risk. Results: Our results indicated positive associations between periodontal disease and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.06–1.33), liver cirrhosis (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.50–3.48) and elevated transaminase level risk (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.02–1.15). Moreover, tooth loss could increase NAFLD (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.12– 1.56) and liver cancer risk (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.04–1.74), and every five increment in tooth loss was associated with 5% increased liver cancer risk (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01 – 1.10) with a linear relationship. In addition, tooth loss had a positive tendency towards liver cirrhosis risk (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 0.85–4.85) although there was no statistical significance. Conclusion: Periodontal disease and tooth loss are positively associated with liver diseases including NAFLD, elevated transaminase level, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the Bose–Einstein condensate in the non-Abelian gauge field, the atomic wavefunction obtains helical modulation, which would lead to nontrivial objects, such as three-dimensional Skyrmion. The spin–orbit coupled condensate is usually capable of supporting Skyrmion ground states, which can be well understood through the wavefunction modulation vector concept. In the present manuscript, the modulation vector is characterized both analytically and numerically with respect to the spin–orbit coupling strength. For the SU(2) symmetric condensate, the modulation vector of the wavefunction is linearly proportional to the spin–orbit coupling strength. In the presence of spin-dependent interaction, the modulus of the modulation vector is predicted to increase or decrease according to the sign of the interaction parameter, resulting in a shrunken or expanded Skyrmion. However, the Skyrmion is unstable for a certain area of the parameter space of the spin–orbit coupling and spin-dependent interaction. The condensate favors a single Skyrmion state or the Skyrmion lattice state according to the strength of the spin–orbit coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of preoperative glycemic control on the survival outcomes of patients undergoing a radical hysterectomy (RH) for cervical cancer has not been investigated. Patients and Methods: We reviewed patients who underwent a type III RH for cervical cancer between January 2004 and June 2011 in our institution. Results: A total of 431 patients were included and 83 (19.3%) were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM). Poorly controlled DM (preoperative hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] ≥7.0%) was observed in 49 (59.0%) diabetic patients. Compared to patients without DM and diabetic patients with good glycemic control (preoperative HbA1c <7.0%), diabetic patients with poor glycemic control had significantly higher risks of tumor recurrence, cervical cancer-specific death, and overall death. In multivariate analysis, DM with poor glycemic control independently predicted recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). We excluded patients without DM and performed a sensitivity analysis. When HbA1c levels were treated as a dichotomous variable, preoperative HbA1c ≥7.0% was independently associated with RFS, CSS, and OS. When HbA1c level was treated as a continuous variable, it remained an independent predictor of RFS, CSS, and OS. Conclusion: DM with poor glycemic control prior to RH was significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence and mortality in cervical cancer patients. These results underscore the importance of intensive glycemic control and close follow-up for diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal oxide semiconductor sensors based on nanocrystalline In2O3 and its composites are found to be very sensitive in detecting low-concentration (~ 5 ppm) gases such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and butane. Here, we successfully obtained fiber-shaped In2O3 crystalline nanofibers via electrospun and calcination routes. The gas sensing properties of the In2O3 nanofibers were studied by exposing them to the acetic acid vapor with different concentrations from 500 ppb to 2000 ppm at the optimum operating temperature (250 °C). The device possesses ultra-high response of 66.7 toward 2000 ppm acetic acid vapor, low response and recovery times of 25 s and 37 s (100 ppm), respectively, and significant selectivity to acetic acid at 100 ppm. In particular, the sensor based on In2O3 nanofibers has very low detection limit and can reach 500 ppb. Therefore, the presented In2O3 nanofiber sensor can be used in practice in acetic acid detection area in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal oxide semiconductor (MOSC) sensors based on nanocrystalline MoO 3 , In 2 O 3 , and their composites are considered to be very sensitive to detect low concentrations of ethanol, ozone, hydrogen, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide. Here, we firstly introduced In 2 (MoO 4) 3 phase, which has excellent negative thermal expansion and high electric conductivity properties, into In 2 (MoO 4) 3 @In 2 O 3 crystalline nanocomposites. The gas-sensing performance of the In 2 (MoO 4) 3 @In 2 O 3 nanocomposites was studied upon exposure to the ethanol gas with different concentration from 5 to 300 ppm at the optimum temperature (300 °C). What's more, the device possesses ultra-high response of 110 and selectivity to ethanol. Particularly, it can effectively work in high humidity (RH = 80%) with super long-term stability of as long as 90 days, compared with the pristine In 2 O 3 sensor and previous reports. The presented novel In 2 (MoO 4) 3 @In 2 O 3 sensor offers great opportunities for future ethanol detection under harsh conditions. Image 1 • In 2 (MoO 4) 3) as an outstanding functional material has not been introduced in the MOSC sensors. • The peony shaped In 2 (MoO 4) 3 @In 2 O 3 nanocomposites were fabricated via the hydrothermal and the calcination routes. • The In 2 (MoO 4) 3 @2.5In 2 O 3 sensor possesses ultra-high response of 110 under 300 ppm and good selectivity to ethanol vapor. • The device can effectively work in high humidity (RH = 80%) with super long-term stability of as long as 90 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varicose veins (VVs) is a common disease presenting with chronic venous insufficiency. tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are associated with a variety of pathological conditions. However, the functions of tRFs in VVs have not been elucidated to date. The present study aimed to identify the key tRFs and investigate their potential roles in VVs. Small RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to investigate the expression of tRFs in tissues of patients with VVs and their matched adjacent normal veins tissues (ANVs). Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to confirm the differential expression of tRFs. A total of 13,789 tRFs were identified by small RNA-seq, including 45 differentially expressed tRFs (DETs), which comprised 14 upregulated and 31 downregulated tRFs in VV tissues compared with ANVs. In addition, DETs were mainly involved in the function of epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling pathways in VVs. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that the target genes of DETs were predominantly involved in Wnt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, as well as calcium signaling. Additionally, two upregulated tRFs (tRF-36-F900BY4D84KRIME and tRF-23-87R8WP9IY) and one downregulated tRF (tRF-40-86J8WPMN1E8Y7Z2R) were further validated by RT-qPCR, and a signaling pathway regulation network of their target genes confirmed their involvement in the calcium, Wnt and MAPK signaling pathways. The results of the present study identified three DETs (tRF-36-F900BY4D84KRIME, tRF-23-87R8WP9IY and tRF-40-86J8WPMN1E8Y7Z2R), which may have crucial roles in the occurrence and progression of VVs by regulating Wnt and MAPK signaling, as well as calcium signaling. The present results may provide a basis for further investigation of the functional roles of tRFs in VVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the rock mass quality classification, this paper proposes a new prediction formula for the attenuation parameters of blasting vibration velocity in jointed rock masses. A parametric sensitivity study is also conducted while considering a variety of influence factors, including joint angle, joint spacing, and joint stiffness. Compared to the existing blast-related standard in China, in which the attenuation parameters are merely derived from rock hardness, without considering the joint characteristics of rock masses, the proposed prediction formula is proved to be a more promising approach to carry out accurate blasting design and blasting safety assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sulfation of curdlan was achieved by modification of curdlan with sulfur trioxide–pyridine complex. Curcumin−loaded curdlan sulfate−sodium caseinate stabilized foxtail millet prolamin nanoparticles were fabricated using pH-driven method. Under the optimal conditions, two kinds of foxtail millet prolamin−based nanoparticles were fabricated using different preparation processes for the first time. The mean diameters and zeta-potentials of co−assembled foxtail millet prolamin−sodium caseinate−curdlan sulfate nanoparticles and curdlan sulfate coated co−assembled foxtail millet prolamin−sodium caseinate nanoparticles were 84.7 nm, 136.4 nm and − 45.7 mV, − 41.5, respectively. Molecular docking and infrared spectroscopy indicated that the curcumin was retained in the hydrophobic region of foxtail millet prolamin though four hydrogen bonds and ten hydrophobic interactions, and amino residues of proline, arginase, cysteine, glycine, and alanine served as the main binding sites for curcumin. The deposition and co−assembly of curdlan sulfate enhanced the curcumin encapsulation efficiency from 78.3% to 81.8% and 85.9%, respectively, and slightly reduced the release of curcumin under physiological and endosomal pH conditions. Consequently, the intake of curdlan sulfate−sodium caseinate stabilized composite nanoparticles encapsulated−curcumin by MCF-7 cells was lower than that of sodium caseinate stabilized nanoparticles entrapped−curcumin, and increased the IC 50 value from 5.3 μg/mL to 10.5 and 9.0 μg/mL, respectively. This study showed that the biopolymeric nanoparticles have the potential to encapsulate hydrophobic bioactives, and the incorporation of curdlan sulfate exhibited a significant effect on the physicochemical properties, encapsulation, and release profile of foxtail millet prolamin particles. [Display omitted] • Curdlan sulfate was prepared to stabilize foxtail millet prolamin NPs. • Two kinds of curdlan sulfate−caseinate stabilized prolamin NPs were produced. • Curcumin in foxtail millet−based NPs was released in a pH-dependent manner. • The incorporation of curdlan sulfate slowed the release of curcumin in the NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are three main genotypes of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), namely PCV2a, PCV2b and PCV2d, of which PCV2b and PCV2d are currently the most common. There are antigenic differences between these different genotypes. To explore the effect of PCV2 antigen differences on the immune protection provided by vaccines, a cross-immune protection test was carried out in pigs. Three genotype strains, PCV2a-CL, PCV2b-MDJ and PCV2d-LNHC, were inactivated and emulsified to prepare inactivated vaccines to immunize pigs, who were then challenged with the circulating strains PCV2b-BY and PCV2d-LNHC. Immunoperoxidase monolayer assays (IPMAs) and micro-neutralization assays were used to detect antibodies against the three different genotypes of PCV2. The results showed that the three genotype vaccines induced pigs to produce antibodies against the same and different genotypes of PCV2, but the levels of IPMA and neutralizing antibodies against the same genotype were higher than those against different genotypes. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), virus titration and immunohistochemistry were used to detect PCV2 genomic DNA, live virus and antigen, respectively, in inguinal lymph nodes of experimental pigs. Following challenge with the PCV2b-BY strain, the viral DNA load in the inguinal lymph nodes of pigs immunized with the three genotype vaccines was reduced by more than 99 % compared to the unimmunized group. Following challenge with the PCV2d-LNHC strain, the viral DNA loads in the inguinal lymph nodes of pigs immunized with PCV2a, PCV2b and PCV2d genotype vaccines were reduced by 93.8 %, 99.8 % and 98.3 %, respectively, compared to unimmunized controls. In addition, neither live PCV2 virus nor antigen were detected in the inguinal lymph nodes of pigs immunized with any of the genotype vaccines (0/18), but both were detected in the lymph nodes of experimental pigs in the unimmunized control group (6/6). These findings suggest that, although the antigenic differences of the three genotype strains induce significant differences in antibody levels, they seem to have little effect on cross-protection between different genotypes. • The three genotypes of inactivated vaccine were almost equally effective after challenge with PCV2b-BY or PCV2d-LNHC strains. • The levels of antibodies against the same genotype of PCV2 were higher than those against different genotypes. • The least reduction seen in PCV2 DNA load reduction in PCV2a-immunized pigs challenged with PCV2d-LNHC strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atypical cells may occasionally be the only pathologic finding in radial-probe endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial biopsy (TBB) of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs); however, it is uncertain how often we encounter such a situation and what clinical features can be used to identify these ambiguous PPLs, which are more likely to be malignant.Methods: From 2009 to 2016, consecutive patients referred for EBUS-guided TBB of PPLs and with pathology reports indicating atypical cells alone were included. Medical records were reviewed to extract patient demographics, clinical characteristics, procedural details and complications. The primary outcome was the final diagnosis of the PPLs on subsequent investigation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with a final malignant diagnosis.Results: One hundred sixty-five (7.2%) of 2291 patients had non-diagnostic TBB showing atypical cells. Benign and malignant diagnoses were subsequently obtained in 45 (27%) and 120 (73%) patients, respectively. The leading malignancy was lung adenocarcinoma; of note, a variety of benign lesions revealed cellular atypia on pathology, in particular, chronic inflammation, tuberculosis and pneumonia. Multivariate analysis indicated lesion appearance [solid vs. others; odds ratio (OR) 7.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.94-21.40; P < 0.001] and probe position (adjacent to vs. within; OR 3.36; 95% CI 1.11-10.15; P = 0.032) were two significant factors predictive of a final diagnosis of malignancy.Conclusions: One out of 14 EBUS-guided TBB procedures for PPLs exhibited atypical cells on pathology. Meticulous management strategies should be formulated to deal with these instances after taking into consideration lesion appearance, probe position and patient preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The effects of image doubling on logarithmic progression chart visual acuity were investigated by simulating diplopia on a computer monitor. Methods: Ten participants (6M, 4F) aged 21–28 years (mean 22.4 ± 2.3) were assessed viewing with their left eye while wearing their best correction. Stimuli were eight rows of five Sloan letters, from 0.4 to −0.3 logMAR (6/15 to 6/3) arranged in logarithmic progression format, generated on an HD monitor. Stimuli were generated with different magnitudes of doubling, different directions of doubling, and different intensity ratios between the ghost image and main images. Results: When the ghost image had the same intensity as the main image, there was a significant effect of doubling magnitude on visual acuity, with the mean acuity being −0.11 logMAR (6/4.7) for no doubling. Acuity thresholds (logMAR) increased when doubling exceeded 1 min of arc, reaching a level of 0.12 logMAR (6/7.9) for doubling of 16 min of arc. There were no significant effects of orientation on acuity, nor were there significant orientation‐doubling magnitude interaction effects of visual acuity. Image doubling magnitude level affected visual acuity differently for different ghost image intensities, with the highest acuity elevation occurring when ghost and main images were equal or nearly equal. For faint ghost image intensities (10% and 20%) image doubling did not significantly affect visual acuity. Conclusions: Image doubling will degrade visual acuity if doubling is greater than 1 min of arc, and ghost images are sufficiently intense. However, even with very obvious visually‐disturbing image doubling, visual acuity remains only slightly reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have suggested a positive relationship between secularization and happiness, as well as a geographical, cultural and development pattern, primarily based on data gathered in Europe and the USA. To gain a more holistic view on the interrelationships between secularization, religiosity and subjective perception of well-being, this study utilized the Wave 6 archival data set (2010-2014) of World Values Survey, which contains 74,042 observations from 60 countries. In this study, the rating of satisfaction with life was treated as the dependent variable. Four secular value indices and 12 variables related to religiosity were extracted from the data set for predictive analysis. Data mining tools, such as the partition tree and bootstrap forest approaches, suggested that only secular values were influential. Specifically, secular values had a negative relationship with satisfaction. In addition, hierarchical clustering based on secularization and satisfaction did not suggest a meaningful pattern. For example, the dendrogram showed that South Korea, Lebanon, Estonia and Algeria were grouped together. This implies that secularization and satisfaction could vary from country to country, regardless of their geographical location, culture and development status. Specifically, countries that are similar in terms of satisfaction and secularization are not necessarily culturally similar or geographically clustered. This discourages the idea that these factors (e.g., location, development status, culture) play a role in mediating the relationship between secularization and religiosity. By directly contradicting previous work showing a pattern based on Europe and the USA, this finding challenges the existing understanding of the relationship between these factors. By expanding the scope of study to the whole world, the current analysis suggested that the existing view regarding the positive relationship between secularization and well-being might be oversimplified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Few trials have been conducted to address the psychological difficulties of parents in managing their child's asthma. Fostering parental psychological flexibility through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may help parents to accept these psychological difficulties and improve their management of childhood asthma. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, a 4-session, group-based ACT plus asthma education (ACT group) was compared with an asthma education talk plus 3 telephone followups (control group) to train parents of children diagnosed with asthma. The use of health care services due to asthma exacerbations in children and the psychological well-being of their parents were assessed before, immediately after, and at 6 months after the intervention. RESULTS: A total of 168 parents and their children aged 3 to 12 years with asthma were consecutively recruited in a public hospital in Hong Kong. When compared with the control group, children whose parents were in the ACT group made significantly fewer emergency department visits (adjusted 6-month incidence rate ratio = 0.20; confidence interval [CI] 0.08 to 0.53; P = .001) due to asthma exacerbations at 6 months postintervention. These parents also reported a decrease in psychological inflexibility (mean difference = 25.45; CI 27.71 to 23.30; P = .014), less anxiety (mean difference = 22.20; CI 23.66 to 20.73; P = .003), and stress (mean difference = 22.50; CI 24.54 to 20.47; P = .016). CONCLUSIONS: Integrating ACT into parental asthma education was effective at decreasing parental anxiety and stress and reducing the asthma-related emergency department visits of children at 6 months postintervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The prognostic value of preoperative anemia in gastric cancer remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative anemia in gastric cancer. Methods. We searched Embase and PubMed databases for relevant studies from inception to March 2018. The prognostic value of preoperative anemia in gastric cancer was determined by calculating the hazard ratio (HR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) as effect measures. A random effect model was used in cases in which there was significant heterogeneity; otherwise, a fixed effect model was used. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata software. Results. Seventeen studies involving 13,154 gastric cancer patients were included. The estimated rate of preoperative anemia was 36% (95%CI=27-44%). The overall survival of preoperative anemia was poor (HR=1.33, 95%CI=1.21-1.45). Moreover, disease-free survival was significantly lower in patients with preoperative anemia compared with those without this condition (HR=1.62, 95%CI=1.13-2.32). These findings were corroborated by the results of subgroup analyses. Conclusions. The results indicate that preoperative anemia predicts poor prognosis in gastric cancer, including overall survival and disease-free survival. Therefore, preoperative anemia may be a convenient and cost-effective blood-derived prognostic marker for gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many effective image deformation methods have been proposed in recent years, but few of them use the contours of objects as the reference of deformation. However, the contour is an important factor, and contour‐based deformation can guarantee that the edge of the object after deformation is smoother compared to point‐based image deformation. This article presents an image deformation method based on contours using Moving Integral Least Squares (MILS) optimisation. First, the authors set the key points in the image to create control contours as required and then adjust the positions of these points to generate the desired contours. In order to warp these contours to their new positions, the image is deformed using MILS. They derive the affine, similarity, and rigid transformations in a general framework, and users can choose different curves according to their needs. The proposed method possesses two characteristics: (i) it is able to create detail‐preserving and intuitive deformations; and (ii) the solution of the deformation function has a simple closed form. They compare their method to the state‐of‐the‐art algorithm, which is modelled by rigid transformation. Experimental results show that their deformation is more vivid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under changeable pumped medium and working environment, the twin-screw pump is prone to be broken by fatigue failures. A structure optimization design model and method of the driving shaft are presented based on response surface methodology and finite element analysis. In this model, the shaft diameter, chamfering degree and the shaft extension of the power end are selected as optimization variables, the limit values of the variables and maximal normal deformation of the spindle are considered as the constraint conditions, and the minimization of the equivalent alternating stress on the dangerous shaft section is taken as the optimization objective so as to improve the shaft fatigue reliability. The optimization results of a case show that the equivalent alternating stress on the dangerous spindle section reduces by 26.2 %, and the maximal normal deformation decreases by 25.2 % compared with the original design. In addition, the infinite life reliability and fatigue safety factors both meet the design requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of previous studies have reported that numerous long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are dysregulated in gastric cancer (GC) and are involved in a series of biological and pathological processes. Total RNA was extracted from the cancerous tissues and matched normal adjacent tissues (NATs) of 96 patients with GC. The expression level of AB007962, a novel lncRNA, was determined by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The association between AB007962 expression levels and clinicopathological features were analyzed. Kaplan‑Meier curves were also constructed in order to evaluate prognosis. Finally, publicly accessible data from The Cancer Genome Atlas was used to further verify the expression levels and clinical significance of AB007962. In conclusion, it was determined that the expression level of AB007962 was significantly reduced, compared with matched NATs in GC tissues (P=0.003). Survival analysis indicated that patients with intestinal‑type GC with a reduced expression of AB007962 had a reduced prognosis, compared with those with an increased expression. AB007962 may be involved in the progression of GC and act as a novel prognostic biomarker for patients with GC, particularly in intestinal‑type GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to understand and identify ways in which fault detection and isolation (FDI) methods can be utilized to enhance the cyber-security of cyber-physical systems (CPS). In this work, we have used state estimation to validate relations between process variables, termed invariants , thereby detect the onset of attacks. Multiple attack scenarios were studied and the proposed state estimation method was found to excel in detecting attacks conducted on sensors within the system; provided that not all sensors are compromised during the attack. However, the proposed methods for subsequent isolation and correction faced limitations due to delays or lack of information to pinpoint the attacked component. We demonstrated our proposed approach on a well-instrumented pilot scale water treatment plant equipped with controllers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seismic efficiency of a blast is the percentage of seismic energy in the total energy delivered by the explosives. It is a key indicator of the blast effects in civil engineering and seismic exploration. A method to determine seismic efficiency has been proposed based on the assumption of spherical wave radiation in an indefinite elastic medium and has been used in a series of blast tests performed at the construction site of a nuclear power plant. Analysis of the influencing factors of seismic efficiency shows that seismic efficiency increases with an increasing explosive charge and stemming length of the blastholes, while it decreases with an increasing decoupling coefficient. Generally, seismic efficiency is markedly lower in bench blasts than in paddock blasts due to free surface effects. Under any circumstances, the seismic energy only accounts for a few percent of the explosive energy. A comparison with theoretical solutions proves that the errors in the present method are low and acceptable in engineering. Therefore, some practical measures have been proposed to improve or lower the seismic efficiency according to the specific requirements of the blast operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An “off‐the‐shelf” hydrogel with high‐efficiency shape memory property is designed on the basis of the dynamic borax‐diol chemistry. The system is facilely prepared from only several unmodified commercially available components: acrylamide (AAm), bis‐acrylamide (Bis), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and borax. The chemically crosslinked poly(acrylamide) network works to fix the permanent shapes of the hydrogel, while the dynamic PVA–borax boronate ester bonds serve as the reversible crosslinks to memorize the deformed temporary shapes. Retreatment of the hydrogel in acid/glucose solutions dissipates the PVA–borax ester bonds to recover its permanent shape. Because of the highly invertible nature of borax‐diol chemistry, the developed hydrogel system is characterized by high shape memory/recovery ratios, continuously adjusted shape memory/recovery rates, thus having a wealth of potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The influx of non‐European immigrants since 1965 ushered the development and use of acculturation measures in immigrant health studies. A Short Acculturation Scale for Filipino Americans (ASASFA) represents a validated, unidirectional ethnic‐specific measure used with first‐generation FAs. ASASFA's psychometric properties with adult U.S.‐born children—the second generation—remain unexplored. This study determined (a) the factor structure of ASASFA with adult U.S.‐born FAs and (b) the predictors of their acculturation scores. A secondary analysis was conducted on ASASFA data from a mental health survey of 116 U.S.‐born FAs. Exploratory factor and parallel analyses showed a two‐factor solution: language use and preference (Factor 1) and ethnic social relations (Factor 2). Ordinary least squares regression indicated gender and ethnic self‐identification predict Factor 1 scores; self‐identification solely predicts Factor 2 scores. Results demonstrate ASASFA's validity and parsimony, supporting its use in FA health studies when lengthy bidirectional acculturation measures become impractical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although shape memory polymers have been highlighted widely and developed rapidly, it is still a challenging task to realize complex temporary shapes automatically in practical applications. Herein, a novel shape memory hydrogel with the ability of self‐deformation is presented. Through constructing an anisotropic poly(acrylic acid)–polyacrylamide (PAAc–PAAm) structure, the obtained hydrogel exhibits stable self‐deformation behavior in response to pH stimulus, and the shapes that formed automatically can be fixed by the coordination between carboxylic groups and Fe3+; therefore, self‐deformation and shape memory behaviors are integrated in one system. Moreover, the magnitude of auto‐deformation and shape memory could be adjusted with the concentration of corresponding ions, leading to programmable shape memory and shape recovery processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secular scholars have criticized Christian education and counseling on sex as restrictive, ineffective, and outdated. The authors of the current study explored both common non-Christian and Christian approaches to human sexuality with reference to overarching domains of religion, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and anthropology. Secular approaches were classified as the inward approach, the spatial approach, and the temporal approach, whereas Christian approaches were categorized as the traditional and the modern perspectives. Although Christian faith can be signified as a protective factor against casual and risky sexual behaviors, traditional Christian values should be reevaluated in favor of comprehensive Christian approaches to sexuality, which embrace sexual desires as divine gifts for completeness of humanity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the prevalence of urinary tract tuberculosis (UTB) and whether efflux pump activation accounts for resistance to moxifloxacin in Taiwan. Of 3034 patients with culture-confirmed TB from 2005–2012, 47 patients (1.5%) with UTB were included in this study. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of moxifloxacin were determined in the presence and absence of efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs), including verapamil, reserpine and carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). EPI responders were defined as isolates with at least a four-fold reduction in MICs in the presence of EPIs. Among the 47 isolates, 24 (51.1%) were resistant to ofloxacin and 22 (46.8%) were resistant to moxifloxacin by the agar proportion method. Among the 22 moxifloxacin-resistant isolates, 19 (86.4%) had low-level resistance (MIC = 1.0–2.0 mg/L). Patients with prior exposure to fluoroquinolones were more likely than non-exposed patients to have moxifloxacin-resistant isolates [14/22 (63.6%) vs. 8/25 (32.0%); P  = 0.030]. All 3 isolates with high-level moxifloxacin resistance (MIC ≥ 4.0 mg/L) had mutations in the gyrA or gyrB genes; however, among the 19 isolates with low-level resistance, only 1 (5.3%) had a mutation in the gyrA gene. Among the 19 isolates with low-level moxifloxacin resistance, 16 isolates (84.2%) were EPIs responders, but none of the high-level resistant isolates were EPIs responders. Approximately one-half (46.8%) of the isolates from patients with UTB were resistant to moxifloxacin, and activation of efflux pumps accounted for most low-level moxifloxacin-resistant isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve more accurate navigation performance in landing process, a multi-resolution visual fiducial system is proposed as the assistance for unmanned aerial vehicle. This system use captured image of artificial landmark (e.g. barcode) to provide relative localization information in X , Y , Z axes, and Yaw, Roll, Pitch orientations. Multi-resolution coding system is designed to ensure unmanned aerial vehicle will not lose landing target detection due to limited visual angle or camera resolution. Experiments prove the performance of proposed system in detection accuracy, time consumption, and navigation. Comparison experiments with the state-of-the-art systems are also included and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous InGaZnO junctionless thin-film transistors (a-IGZO JL-TFTs) with different active layer thicknesses and thermal treatments were fabricated. The unique feature of a-IGZO JL-TFTs is that all of the active layer and source/drain (S/D) electrodes are realized by the deposition of the InGaZnO thin film. A quantitative analysis to completely deplete the active layer when the device is turned OFF has been performed according to the active layer thickness. The impact of active layer thickness and thermal treatment on the performance of a-IGZO JL-TFTs has been investigated. With the increase in active layer thickness and annealing temperature, the transfer curves shifted to the negative direction. From the effects of S/D series resistance on the performance of a-IGZO JL-TFTs, the series resistance cannot be a serious problem when the contact size is small enough and the active layer is thick enough. To completely deplete the active layer, the impacts of the key device design parameters such as gate oxide thickness, gate workfunction, and high- $\kappa $ dielectrics on the device performance have been investigated using device simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

By comparing mainly religious America and secular Europe, several scholars (e.g. Harris, Paul, and Zuckerman) suggested a strong correlation between secularization (non-religiosity) and social well-being. The authors of this paper argue that the preceding thesis may be too simplistic and Western-centric. Without attempting to affirm any specific hypothesis, these authors employed exploratory data analysis and data visualization to unveil patterns found in worldwide data, including the 2013 United Nations Human Development Report, the 2014 Gallup's Global Wellbeing Index, and the 2013 World Values Survey. It was found that the relationship between secularization and social well-being is not straightforward or clear-cut. In some cases, secularization or lack of religiosity is seemingly linked to better quality of life (e.g. disbelief and inequality-adjusted human development index), while in other cases, the relationship is reversed (e.g. skepticism and adolescent birth rate). In most situations there is no association at all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical instability in amorphous InGaZnO (IGZO) thin film transistors has been investigated for different doping types and concentrations of silicon bottom-gates. The gate current (I G ) was measured to prove that the threshold voltage shifts (∆ V TH ) were due to electron and hole trapped charges under positive and negative gate stress, respectively. After the gate stress, the ∆ V TH in IGZO transistors depend on the work function of the silicon gates. The ∆ V TH listed in order of magnitude are ∆V TH-n +-gate > ∆ V TH-n-gate > ∆ V TH-p-gate > ∆ V TH-p +-gate after a positive gate stress and a positive thermal illumination stress, but this is reversed after a negative gate stress and a negative thermal illumination stress. The more significant ∆ V TH after a negative thermal illumination stress than after positive thermal illumination stress may be attributed to the low-level injection under light illumination. To minimize ∆ V TH in IGZO transistor with a silicon bottom-gate, a low-doped gate is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigations on the nanowire width (W) dependence of memory performance including P/E (programming and erasing) speed, data retention time and endurance characteristics in nanowire SONOS flash memory have been performed through the measurement and the device simulation. From measured results, a narrow device has advantages in terms of a fast P/E speed and the endurance characteristics. However, a narrow device has disadvantage in terms of the decreased data retention time. Another disadvantage of a narrow device is expected to the large power consumption due to large GIDL (Gate Induced Drain Leakage) current. The device simulation was performed to explore the causes for a fast P/E speed, an enhanced endurance characteristics and the reduced data retention time in narrow devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AA6061 twin roll casting plate was annealed and then the hot rolling experiment was carried. Effect of Mn content on microstructure evolution and recrystallization behavior was investigated. The results show that Mn element can significantly change the recrystallization behavior of the alloy and produce particle induced recrystallization (PSN) effect. The mechanical properties of the plate would be effectively improved with appropriate Mn content. With the increase of Mn content in cast rolling plate, the number of recrystallized grains in the alloy increases; The strength and hardness of 6061 cast rolled plate increases first and then decreases with the increase of Mn content in the alloy, and the elongation decreases gradually with the increase of Mn content. Comprehensively considered, when the Mn content is 0.46%, the mechanical properties of the plate are optimal, i.e., tensile strength 197.36 MPa, yield strength 157.89 MPa and elongation 6.23% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]