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Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are cosmological radio transients with millisecond durations and extremely high brightness temperatures. One FRB repeater, FRB 180916.J0158+65 (FRB 180916B), was confirmed to appear 16.35-day periodic activities with 5-day activity window. Another FRB repeater, FRB 121102, and two soft gamma-ray repeaters (SGRs), SGR 1935+2154 and SGR 1806−20, also show possible periodic activities. These periodicities might originate from the precession process of young magnetars due to the anisotropic pressure from the inner magnetic fields as proposed in the literature. In this work, we analyse a self-consistent model for the rotation evolution of magnetars and obtain the evolutions of magnetar precession and obliquity. We find that if the FRB repeaters and the SGRs with (possible) periodic activities originate from the magnetar precession, their ages would be constrained to be hundreds to tens of thousands of years, which is consistent with the typical ages of magnetars. Assuming that the FRB emission is beaming in the magnetosphere as proposed in the literature, we calculate the evolution of the observable probability and the duty cycle of the active window period. We find that for a given magnetar the observable probability increases with the magnetar age in the early stage and decreases with the magnetar age in the later stage; meanwhile, there are one or two active windows in one precession period if the emission is not perfectly axisymmetric with respect to the deformation axis of a magnetar, which could be tested by the future observation for repeating FRB sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) can present a variety of polarization properties and some of them are characterized by narrow spectra. In this work, we study spectral properties from the perspective of intrinsic radiation mechanisms and absorption through the waves propagating in the magnetosphere. The intrinsic radiation mechanisms are considered by invoking quasi-periodic bunch distribution and perturbations on charged bunches moving on curved trajectories. The narrowband emission is likely to reflect some quasi-periodic structure on the bulk of bunches, which may be due to quasi-periodically sparking in a "gap" or quasi-monochromatic Langmuir waves. A sharp spike would appear in the spectrum if the perturbations were to induce a monochromatic oscillation of bunches; however, it is difficult to create a narrow spectrum because the Lorentz factor has large fluctuations, so the spike disappears. Both the bunching mechanism and perturbations scenarios share the same polarization properties, with a uniformly distributed bulk of bunches. We investigated the absorption effects, including Landau damping and curvature self-absorption in the magnetosphere, which are significant at low frequencies. Subluminous O-mode photons cannot escape from the magnetosphere due to the Landau damping, leading to a height-dependent lower frequency cut-off. The spectra can be narrow when the frequency cut-off is close to the characteristic frequency of curvature radiation, however, such conditions cannot always be met. The spectral index is 5/3 at low-frequency bands due to the curvature self-absorption is not as steep as what is seen in observations. The intrinsic radiation mechanisms are more likely to generate the observed narrow spectra of FRBs, rather than the absorption effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of big data, the problem of imbalanced data sets is becoming more and more serious. When dealing with high-dimensional imbalanced datasets, traditional classification algorithms usually tend to favor the majority class and ignore the minority class, which results in poor classification performance. In this paper, we study the issue of high-dimensional imbalanced dataset classification and propose a feature selection algorithm based on density clustering and importance measure (DBIM). DBIM firstly constructs multiple balanced subsets by randomly under-sampling the majority classes with the same number of samples as the minority classes and uses DBSCAN as the base classifier. This process quickly discovers feature distribution features based on density and generates the initial feature subspace. To select features with a strong classification of class labels, we propose to rank and select the generated initial feature subspace according to their importance. To avoid the redundancy between features and generate high-quality feature subsets, we further propose to design a new class distribution-based weight index combined with the redundancy evaluation index in the DBIM algorithm to calculate between features. Experimental results on eight publicly available datasets show that the DBIM algorithm proposed in this paper can generate feature subsets with high relevance and low redundancy, and can effectively reduce the dimensionality of high-dimensional imbalanced datasets and improve the classification performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2000 to 2019, this study explores the complex dynamic interaction between scientific and technological innovation, industrial structure transformation and economic development by building PVAR model. After GMM estimation, impulse response function analysis and variance decomposition analysis, the following conclusions are drawn: Technological innovation has a significant promoting effect on economic development, and economic development can also promote technological innovation; Technological innovation has a positive impact on industrial structure transformation, while industrial structure transformation has a slight negative impact on technological innovation; Economic development can lead to industrial structure transformation, but the impact of industrial structure transformation on economic development is not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tea green leafhopper Empoasca onukii is one kind of insect pest threatening the tea production, and the mite Anystis baccarum has been used as an agent for pest control. In this paper, we introduce a generalist predator-prey model to study the dynamics for informing biological control. There have been some bifurcation studies of the generalist predator-prey model in the last few years. Except for the bifurcations include saddle-node bifurcation of codimension 1 and 2, Hopf bifurcations, and Bogdanov-Takens bifurcation of codimension 2 and 3, we also present the bifurcations of nilpotent singularities of elliptic and focus type of codimension 3. We find that the nilpotent singularities are associated with a cubic Liénard system, and the nilpotent bifurcations are three-parameter bifurcations of a codimension 4 nilpotent focus. Furthermore, we show that the nilpotent focus serves as an organizing center to connect all the codimension 3 bifurcations in the system. We also present the bifurcation diagrams to unfold the nilpotent singularities of codimension 3. One interesting observation is that we show numerically the existence of three limit cycles in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, some fast radio bursts (FRBs) have been reported to exhibit complex and diverse variations in Faraday rotation measurements (RM) and polarization, suggesting that dynamically evolving magnetization environments may surround them. In this paper, we investigate the Faraday conversion (FC) effect in a binary system involving an FRB source and analyze the polarization evolution of FRBs. For a strongly magnetized high-mass companion binary, when an FRB with ∼100% linear polarization passes through the radial magnetic field of the companion star, the circular polarization (CP) component will be induced and oscillate symmetrically around the point with the degree of CP equal to zero, the rate and amplitude of the oscillation decrease as the frequency increases. The very strong plasma column density in the HMCBs can cause CP to oscillate with frequency at a very drastic rate, which may lead to depolarization. Near the superior conjunction of the binary orbit, the DM varies significantly due to the dense plasma near the companion, and the significant FC also occurs in this region. As the pulsar moves away from the superior conjunction, the CP gradually tends toward zero and then returns to its value before incidence. We also investigate the effect of the rotation of the companion star. We find that a sufficiently significant RM reversal can be produced at large magnetic inclinations and the RM variation is very diverse. Finally, we apply this model to explain some polarization observations of PSR B1744-24A and FRB 20201124A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coherent curvature radiation by charged bunches has been discussed as the radiation mechanism for radio pulsars and fast radio bursts. Important issues for this radiation mechanism include how the bunches form and disperse in the magnetosphere of a pulsar or magnetar. More likely, bunches form and disperse continuously and it remains unclear what the spectral features are for these fluctuating bunches. In this work, we consider that the bunches in a magnetosphere have a formation rate of λ B , a lifetime of τ B , and a typical Lorentz factor of γ, and analyse the spectral features of coherent curvature radiation by these fluctuating bunches. We find that the emission spectrum by a single fluctuating bunch is suppressed by a factor of ∼(λ B τ B )2 compared with that of a single persistent bunch, and there is a quasi-white noise in a wider band in the frequency domain. The high-frequency cutoff of the spectrum is at ∼max (ωpeak, 2γ2/τ B ), where ωpeak is the peak frequency of curvature radiation. If the observed spectrum is not white-noise-like, the condition of 2γ2λ B ≳ min (ωpeak, 2γ2/τ B ) would be required. Besides, the radiation by multiple fluctuating bunches along a field line is the incoherent summation of the radiation by single bunches if the bunch separation is longer than the wavelength. Conversely, a coherent summation should be involved. We also discuss the effects of bunch structures and the mechanism of bunch formation and dispersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the globalization of the world's economy, culture, science and technology, and the increasing frequency of international cooperation and exchanges, English will play an increasingly important role. For non-English majors in Chinese colleges and universities, college English is a public compulsory basic course, which plays a very important role in expanding students' knowledge, improving foreign language cultural literacy and comprehensive language use ability. An important part of college English classroom teaching is teaching evaluation, which not only helps teachers obtain teaching feedback information, improve teaching management, and ensure teaching quality, but also effectively helps students adjust learning strategies, improve learning methods, and improve learning efficiency. The English classroom teaching quality evaluation could be deemed as a classic multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problem. In this paper, as a useful outranking approach, the extended QUALIFLEX method is utilized to address some MAGDM issues by using picture 2-tuple linguistic sets (P2TLSs). In addition, integrating the QUALIFLEX method with P2TLSs, the extended QUALIFLEX method with P2TLNs is constructed and all calculating procedures are simply depicted. Eventually, an empirical application of English classroom teaching quality evaluation has been offered to demonstrate this novel method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, some fast radio burst (FRB) repeaters were reported to exhibit complex, diverse variations of Faraday rotation measures (RMs), which implies that they are surrounded by an inhomogeneous, dynamically evolving, magnetized environment. We systematically investigate some possible astrophysical processes that may cause RM variations of an FRB repeater. The processes include (1) a supernova remnant (SNR) with a fluctuating medium; (2) a binary system with stellar winds from a massive/giant star companion or stellar flares from a low-mass star companion; (3) a pair plasma medium from a neutron star (including pulsar winds, pulsar wind nebulae, and magnetar flares); (4) outflows from a massive black hole. For the SNR scenario, a large relative RM variation within a few years requires that the SNR is young with a thin and local anisotropic shell, or the size of dense gas clouds in interstellar/circumstellar medium around the SNR is extremely small. If the RM variation is caused by the companion medium in a binary system, it is more likely from the stellar winds of a massive/giant star companion. The RM variation contributed by stellar flares from a low-mass star is disfavored, because this scenario predicts an extremely large relative RM variation during a short period of time. The scenarios invoking a pair plasma from a neutron star can be ruled out due to their extremely low RM contributions. Outflows from a massive black hole could provide a large RM variation if the FRB source is in the vicinity of the black hole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initial efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic have relied heavily on non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), including physical distancing, hand hygiene, and mask-wearing. However, an effective vaccine is essential to containing the spread of the virus. We developed a compartmental model to examine different vaccine strategies for controlling the spread of COVID-19. Our framework accounts for testing rates, test-turnaround times, and vaccination waning immunity. Using reported case data from the city of Toronto, Canada between Mar-Dec, 2020 we defined epidemic phases of infection using contact rates as well as the probability of transmission upon contact. We investigated the impact of vaccine distribution by comparing different permutations of waning immunity, vaccine coverage and efficacy throughout various stages of NPI's relaxation in terms of cases and deaths. The basic reproduction number is also studied. We observed that widespread vaccine coverage substantially reduced the number of cases and deaths. Under phases with high transmission, an early or late reopening will result in new resurgence of the infection, even with the highest coverage. On the other hand, under phases with lower transmission, 60% of coverage is enough to prevent new infections. Our analysis of R0 showed that the basic reproduction number is reduced by decreasing the tests turnaround time and transmission in the household. While we found that household transmission can decrease following the introduction of a vaccine, public health efforts to reduce test turnaround times remain important for virus containment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 immunotherapies have shown good efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, there is still a lack of effective predictive markers. We aimed to develop a pretreatment histologic scoring system to predict the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunotherapy.Methods: One hundred forty NSCLC cases were evaluated in this study. Initially, surgical specimens from 31 squamous cell lung cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy and their eligible paired pretreatment biopsies were used for pathologic evaluation and developing the pretreatment scoring system, immune-related histologic phenotype assessment criteria (irHPC). Three trained pathologists independently scored the haematoxylin-eosin (HE) slides of the pretreatment tumour biopsies according to irHPC. The follow-up was from 07 March 2018 to 31 December 2021, mainly focusing on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Second, 109 biopsies of lung squamous cell carcinoma were evaluated to explore the relationship between eosinophils and PD-L1 expression.Results: Superior 2-year DFS rates and 2-year OS rates were observed in patients who achieved major pathologic response (MPR) (MPR vs. non-MPR: 92.9% vs. 78.6%; 100.0% vs. 93.3%). Whether necrosis was included in the calculation of the per cent of residual viable tumour (%RVT) or not had almost no effect on the consistency of pathologic assessment and the histological response grouping. The interpathologist variability in assessing %RVT with immune-activated phenotype was not statistically significant (P = 0.480). Four immune-related features of pretreatment biopsies were included for calculating the predictive score. The trained pathologist accurately predicted most cases according to irHPC. For interobserver reproducibility using "2 points" as the cutoff, the overall per cent agreement was 77.8%. The reliability between pathologists for a binary tumour evaluation showed "moderate" agreement (κ = 0.54). Patients with scores ≥ 2 points tended to have better 2-year DFS rates and 2-year OS rates than those with scores < 2 points (85.7% vs. 71.4%; 100.0% vs. 87.5%).Conclusions: The irHPC scoring system reflecting the preexisting immune response could be used to predict pathologic response to neoadjuvant immunotherapy, possibly further predicting the long-term prognosis, but larger trials are needed for verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Countries that aimed for eliminating the cases of COVID-19 with test-trace-isolate policy are found to have lower infections, deaths, and better economic performance, compared with those that opted for other mitigation strategies. However, the continuous evolution of new strains has raised the question of whether COVID-19 eradication is still possible given the limited public health response capacity and fatigue of the epidemic. We aim to investigate the mechanism of the Zero-COVID policy on outbreak containment, and to explore the possibility of eradication of Omicron transmission using the citywide test-trace-isolate (CTTI) strategy. Methods: We develop a compartmental model incorporating the CTTI Zero-COVID policy to understand how it contributes to the SARS-CoV-2 elimination. We employ our model to mimic the Delta outbreak in Fujian Province, China, from September 10 to October 9, 2021, and the Omicron outbreak in Jilin Province, China for the period from March 1 to April 1, 2022. Projections and sensitivity analyses were conducted using dynamical system and Latin Hypercube Sampling/ Partial Rank Correlation Coefficient (PRCC). Results: Calibration results of the model estimate the Fujian Delta outbreak can end in 30 (95% confidence interval CI: 28–33) days, after 10 (95% CI: 9–11) rounds of citywide testing. The emerging Jilin Omicron outbreak may achieve zero COVID cases in 50 (95% CI: 41–57) days if supported with sufficient public health resources and population compliance, which shows the effectiveness of the CTTI Zero-COVID policy. Conclusions: The CTTI policy shows the capacity for the eradication of the Delta outbreaks and also the Omicron outbreaks. Nonetheless, the implementation of radical CTTI is challenging, which requires routine monitoring for early detection, adequate testing capacity, efficient contact tracing, and high isolation compliance, which constrain its benefits in regions with limited resources. Moreover, these challenges become even more acute in the face of more contagious variants with a high proportion of asymptomatic cases. Hence, in regions where CTTI is not possible, personal protection, public health control measures, and vaccination are indispensable for mitigating and exiting the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogator is a scientific instrument that converts the wavelength change of FBG sensors into readable electrical signals. To achieve miniaturization and integration of FBG interrogator, we designed and fabricated a 36-channel array waveguide grating (AWG) on silica-based planar lightwave circuits (PLC) as a key device in a built FBG interrogation system. It is used to achieve continuous demodulation in C-band, while maintaining high resolution. This AWG has a 1.6 nm channel spacing, 3-dB bandwidth of 1.76 nm, non-adjacent channel crosstalk of −29.76 dB, and insertion loss of 3.46 dB. The dynamic range of the FBG interrogation system we built was tested to be 1522.4–1578.4 nm, with an interrogation resolution of 1 pm and accuracy of less than 1 pm in the dynamic range of 1523.16–1523.2 nm. The test results show that the FBG interrogation technology, based on AWG, can realize FBG wavelengths accurately demodulated, which has high application value in aerospace, deep sea exploration, and environmental monitoring, as well as other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since December 2020, public health agencies have implemented a variety of vaccination strategies to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2, along with pre-existing Nonpharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs). Initial strategies focused on vaccinating the elderly to prevent hospitalizations and deaths, but with vaccines becoming available to the broader population, it became important to determine the optimal strategy to enable the safe lifting of NPIs while avoiding virus resurgence.Methods: We extended the classic deterministic SIR compartmental disease-transmission model to simulate the lifting of NPIs under different vaccine rollout scenarios. Using case and vaccination data from Toronto, Canada between December 28, 2020, and May 19, 2021, we estimated transmission throughout past stages of NPI escalation/relaxation to compare the impact of lifting NPIs on different dates on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, given varying degrees of vaccine coverages by 20-year age groups, accounting for waning immunity.Results: We found that, once coverage among the elderly is high enough (80% with at least one dose), the main age groups to target are 20-39 and 40-59 years, wherein first-dose coverage of at least 70% by mid-June 2021 is needed to minimize the possibility of resurgence if NPIs are to be lifted in the summer. While a resurgence was observed for every scenario of NPI lifting, we also found that under an optimistic vaccination coverage (70% coverage by mid-June, along with postponing reopening from August 2021 to September 2021) can reduce case counts and severe outcomes by roughly 57% by December 31, 2021.Conclusions: Our results suggest that focusing the vaccination strategy on the working-age population can curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2. However, even with high vaccination coverage in adults, increasing contacts and easing protective personal behaviours is not advisable since a resurgence is expected to occur, especially with an earlier reopening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We designed and manufactured a 40-channel array waveguide grating (AWG) based on a silicon dioxide planar light wave circuit (PLC). • Using hybrid integration technology to couple AWG and photodetector arrays together. • The hybrid integrated demodulation chip achieves precise wavelength demodulation of C-band FBG sensors. • The designed AWG has a 3 dB bandwidth of 1.98 nm, insertion loss of approximately 3.5–4.1 dB, and adjacent channel crosstalk of approximately −7.84 dB. • The wavelength resolution of the demodulation system is 1 pm, and the demodulation accuracy is 2.11 pm. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have been widely used in various fields. To develop a miniaturized, high-precision, and high-response FBG interrogation system, arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) has been widely used as a key device. In this paper, a 40-channel arrayed waveguide grating based on silica planar lightwave circuits (PLCs) is designed fabricated, coupled to a photodetector array using hybrid integration techniques. The hybrid-integrated demodulation chip enables precise demodulation of the FBG sensor wavelength in the C-band. The test results show that the AWG has a good transmission spectrum with a 3-dB bandwidth of 1.98 nm, insertion loss of about 3.5–4.1 dB, and adjacent channel crosstalk of about −7.84 dB. The established FBG interrogation system can realize continuous interrogation in the dynamic range of 1514.6–1578.6 nm, the wavelength resolution is 1 pm and the demodulation precision is 2.11 pm in the dynamic range of 1555.3–1556.1 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a generalist predator-prey model with stage structure for prey to explore the bifurcations and complex dynamics of tea green leafhopper pest and predatory mite. Using qualitative and bifurcation theory of dynamical systems, we carry out bifurcation analysis of the three-dimensional nonlinear system, including saddle-node bifurcation of codimension 1 and 2, Hopf bifurcation, Bogdanov-Takens bifurcation, and bifurcations of nilpotent singularities of elliptic and focus type of codimension 3. We find that the nilpotent focus of codimension 4 serves as an organizing center to connect all the codimension 3 bifurcations in the two-dimensional center manifold of the system, and the bifurcations are also associated with a third order cubic Liénard system. Moreover, we present a classification of the nilpotent singularities of the system using the hatching rate of pest eggs as the parameter. Our results suggest that extending the incubation time of pest eggs can be beneficial for pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, nonpharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19, including stay-at-home policies, limitations on gatherings and closure of public spaces, are being lifted. We explored the effect of lifting a stay-at-home policy on virus resurgence under different conditions. Methods: Using confirmed case data from Toronto, Canada, between Feb. 24 and June 24, 2020, we ran a compartmental model with household structure to simulate the impact of the stay-at-home policy considering different levels of compliance. We estimated threshold values for the maximum number of contacts, probability of transmission and testing rates required for the safe reopening of the community. Results: After the implementation of the stay-at-home policy, the contact rate outside the household fell by 39% (from 11.58 daily contacts to 7.11). The effective reproductive number decreased from 3.56 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.02–4.14) on Mar. 12 to 0.84 (95% CI 0.79–0.89) on May 6. Strong adherence to stay-at-home policies appeared to prevent SARS-CoV-2 resurgence, but extending the duration of stay-at-home policies beyond 2 months had little added effect on cumulative cases (25 958 for 65 days of a stay-at-home policy and 23 461 for 95 days, by July 2, 2020) and deaths (1404 for 65 days and 1353 for 95 days). To avoid a resurgence, the average number of contacts per person per day should be kept below 9, with strict nonpharmaceutical interventions in place. Interpretation: Our study demonstrates that the stay-at-home policy implemented in Toronto in March 2020 had a substantial impact on mitigating the spread of SARS-CoV-2. In the context of the early pandemic, before the emergence of variants of concern, reopening schools and workplaces was possible only with other nonpharmaceutical interventions in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a relatively safe and effective minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of calcified lumbar disc herniation (CLDH). However, studies on percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) and percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) for CLDH have rarely been reported. This research aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of PEID and PETD for L5-S1 CLDH.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 54 consecutive patients with L5-S1 CLDH treated with PELD at our institution from August 2016 to August 2020. Patients were divided into PEID group (n = 28) and PETD (n = 26) group according to the surgical methods. The demographic characteristics and surgical results of the two groups were compared. Clinical outcomes were estimated by the visual analog scale (VAS) for leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI) and modified MacNab criteria.Results: All patients were successfully operated on by PEID or PETD. No significant differences in the demographic characteristics, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay and complication rate were noted between the PEID and PETD groups. The excellent and good rates in the PEID group were similar to those in the PETD group (89.29% vs 88.46%, P = 1.000), whereas the PEID group exhibited superior results for operative time (min) (64.61 ± 5.60 vs 85.58 ± 8.52, P < 0.001) and fluoroscopy times (n) (2.93 ± 0.90 vs 13.35 ± 2.30, P < 0.001) compared with the PETD group.Conclusions: PEID has achieved good clinical efficacy as PETD for L5-S1 CLDH. Compared with PETD, PEID has the advantages of shorter operative time and a reduced number of fluoroscopy times in the treatment of CLDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel symmetrically double-armed salamo type fluorescent sensor BMS was synthesized. • The high sensitivity and selectivity of BMS in the recognition of MnO 4 - were investigated. • The limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and the binding constant (K a) were calculated. • The recognition mechanism of MnO 4 - by BMS has been postulated. • The energy gaps before and after recognition were analyzed by DFT calculation. The symmetrically double-armed salamo type fluorescent sensor BMS , incorporating benzimidazole units, was designed and synthesized. Showcasing remarkable specificity and responsiveness to MnO 4 - within a DMSO:H 2 O (V/V = 9:1, pH = 7.2) Tris-HCl buffer medium, it enabled dual-channel detection of MnO 4 - through fluorescent and colorimetric changes. Critical experimental parameters, including detection and quantification thresholds (LOD and LOQ) along with binding affinity constants (K a), were calculated using the Origin software. A rational interaction mechanism between BMS and MnO 4 - was deduced, based on fluorescence titration, Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS), Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Stern-Volmer plots, and Density Functional Theory (DFT) computations. Additionally, the sensor BMS was applied to monitor MnO 4 - in real water samples. Advancing its practical utility, BMS was fabricated into test strips for the selective detecting of MnO 4 -. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Designed and tested a PLC-based 32-channel array waveguide grating. • Comparison of the edge filtering method and the relative intensity method. • Focusing on the interrogation method and the choice of the fitting function. The Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is an optical fiber component that reflects or diffracts optical signals of specific wavelengths through periodic refractive index changes inside it. Currently, the use of arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) to interrogate such optical signals is a popular research topic at present. Using the planar lightwave circuit, we designed and fabricated a 32-channel AWG. The AWG has an insertion loss of less than 4 dB, a 3 dB bandwidth of about 1.76 nm, and a crosstalk of non-adjacent channels of less than −28 dB. Additionally, we integrated the AWG with a photodetector (PD) array and built a corresponding wavelength interrogation system, which was tested using three different interrogation methods. The test results indicate that when using the linear fitting, this AWG provides the best results using the dual-channel edge filtering method with an interrogation range of 1.6 nm and an interrogation accuracy of 18.9–20.1 pm. The interrogation accuracies of the relative intensity method are 9.4 pm and 3.7 pm when Gaussian and Lorentzian fittings are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-metallic doped g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 (X/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 , X = O, F, Si, P, S, and Cl) heterojunctions are designed by the First-principles. The electronic, optical properties, and the effect of the electric field on the band structure of the X/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 heterojunctions are investigated. The O/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 heterojunction is a semiconductor (1.340 eV, Type-II), and the F, Si, P, S, and Cl/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 heterojunctions exhibit metallic properties. The built-in electric fields generated at the interface enhance the separation efficiency of the photo-generated electron hole pair. Further, the band structures are controllable by the electric field, especially, the band structure of the O/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 heterojunction changes from semiconductor to metallic properties (0.4 V Å−1), while that of the S/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 heterojunction changes from metallic to semiconductor properties (−0.4 V Å−1 and −0.2 V Å−1). In the meantime, the visible light absorption coefficient is enhanced, especially, the Si/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 heterojunction has an absorption peak of 1.188 × 105 cm−1 at 625.8 nm. Furthermore, the O/g-C 3 N 4 /MoS 2 heterojunction can occur photocatalytic water decomposition under acidic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atherosclerosis is a chronic and progressive process. It is the most important pathological basis of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are an essential cell type in atherosclerosis. Previous studies have revealed that VSMCs undergo phenotypic transformation in atherosclerosis to participate in the retention of atherogenic lipoproteins as well as the formation of the fibrous cap and the underlying necrotic core in plaques. The emergence of lineage-tracing studies indicates that the function and number of VSMCs in plaques have been greatly underestimated. In addition, recent studies have revealed that VSMCs make up at least 50% of the foam cell population in human and mouse atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, understanding the formation of lipid-loaded VSMCs and their regulatory mechanisms is critical to elucidate the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and to explore potential therapeutic targets. Moreover, combination of many complementary technologies such as lineage tracing, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), flow cytometry, and mass cytometry (CyTOF) with immunostaining has been performed to further understand the complex VSMC function. Correct identification of detrimental and beneficial processes may reveal successful therapeutic treatments targeting VSMCs and their derivatives during atherosclerosis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the process of lipid-loaded VSMC formation in atherosclerosis and to describe novel insight into VSMCs gained by using multiple advanced methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent discovery of a Galactic fast radio burst (FRB) occurring simultaneously with an X-ray burst (XRB) from the Galactic magnetar SGR J1935+2154 implies that at least some FRBs arise from magnetar activities. We propose that FRBs are triggered by crust fracturing of magnetars, with the burst event rate depending on the magnetic field strength in the crust. Since the crust-fracturing rate is relatively higher in polar regions, FRBs are more likely to be triggered near the directions of multipolar magnetic poles. Crust fracturing produces Alfvén waves, forming a charge-starved region in the magnetosphere and leading to nonstationary pair plasma discharges. An FRB is produced by coherent plasma radiation due to nonuniform pair production across magnetic field lines. Meanwhile, the FRB-associated XRB is produced by the rapid relaxation of the external magnetic field lines. In this picture, the sharp-peak hard X-ray component in association with FRB 200428 is from a region between adjacent trapped fireballs, and its spectrum with a high cutoff energy is attributed to resonant Compton scattering. The persistent X-ray emission is from a hot spot heated by the magnetospheric activities, and its temperature evolution is dominated by magnetar surface cooling. Within this picture, magnetars with stronger fields tend to produce brighter and more frequent repeated bursts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Modular prosthesis fracture, especially distal femoral fracture, is a rare complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, it is catastrophic, and may have a serious impact on the patients. A distal femoral prosthesis fracture in a patient with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) with nonunion at the subtrochanteric osteotomy site has not yet been reported in any literature. This report presents the first such case, with a purpose of analyzing the causes of modular prosthesis fractures and nonunion of the osteotomy area, so as to provide orthopedic surgeons with experience and lessons.Case Presentation: We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with the distal femoral prosthesis fracture after THA and subtrochanteric osteotomy for Crowe type IV DDH. The patient had severe pain in the left thigh and her activities were limited. Plain radiographs revealed fracture of the left distal femoral prosthesis and nonunion in the subtrochanteric osteotomy region of the left femur. After a revision of the THA, the patient's symptoms were resolved.Conclusions: A prosthesis fracture combined with nonunion at the subtrochanteric osteotomy site is a rare complication. Modular THA combined with a subtrochanteric osteotomy in the treatment of Crowe type IV DDH should reduce the damage to blood supply and avoid further nonunion of the osteotomy area, which may otherwise lead to modular prosthesis fractures. A detailed preoperative plan and suitable rehabilitation program may help minimize the occurrence of subtrochanteric osteotomy nonunion and reduce complications, including femoral prosthesis fractures, in patients with DDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How policymakers and academics organize and visualize core ideas affects how they define and perceive problems and generate policy solutions. While understanding complex ideas—such as productivity—as the product of a set of discrete inputs can help target inquiry and structure policy interventions, this can also lead to siloed thinking that neglects dynamic effects and interactions between elements. This paper explores how three organizations conceptualize the 'productivity puzzle' and suggests that they might be oversimplifying the roots of productivity. We present a systematic review of labour productivity literature using bibliometric coupling and network analysis to develop an alternative framework and map of themes and gaps. This work encourages policy to (1) adopt a systems lens and perceive productivity as the product of dynamic interactions and (2) think critically about how to structure future research on productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homogeneously Eu3+ doped LaOCl single crystals are firstly synthesized in a molten KCl-LiCl flux, and the well-shaped LaOCl:Eu3+ polyhedral micro-plates exhibit noticeable luminescent properties. The bulk LaOCl:Eu3+ micro-plate with a width of 1.03 μm and 1.37 μm in length shows a single crystal characteristic with the crystal face orientation of [00 1 ‾ ]. Both XRD patterns and EDS mapping indicate that the Eu3+ ions have been homogeneously doped into LaOCl lattice. LaOCl:Eu3+ nucleuses generated in molten KCl-LiCl flux at even 350 °C benefited to the decomposition of La(OH) 3 :Eu3+ precursor, and polyhedral LaOCl micro-plate is easily formed in molten KCl-LiCl salt due to the solid-ionic reaction and crystal growth. The luminescent properties of LaOCl:Eu3+ are firstly enhanced and then weakened with the increasing concentration of the doped Eu3+, 6% Eu3+ doped LaOCl:Eu3+ exhibits the best luminescent properties which can be used as a potential LED material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the effects of geniposide in an iridoid found in Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans Makino (GJRM) in spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) and explore the possible mechanisms. Methods: In this study, we detected the content of geniposide in GJRM by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Then, we used acute diuretic experiments to determine whether geniposide has diuretic effect. Moreover, we carried out experiments on SHR to further study the mechanism of hypertension, while real‐time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used for the experiments in vivo test. Hypotonic model was used for in vitro test. Key findings: Our data showed that the content of geniposide in the extract of GJRM is 27.54%. Meanwhile, 50 mg/kg geniposide showed the strongest effect on promoting urine volume. Further study indicated that the extract of GJRM and geniposide could significantly reduce blood pressure and promote the excretion of urine and Na+ in SHR. In addition, geniposide significantly inhibited the activation of the with‐no‐lysine kinase (WNK) signalling pathway and significantly increases the protein expressions of estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and G protein‐coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) in SHR. In hypotonic model, geniposide significantly inhibits the phosphorylation of NKCC and NCC and could be antagonistic to estrogen receptor antagonists. Conclusions: Collectively, we would suggest that geniposide may potentially be utilized as an adjunct to existing thiazide and thiazide‐like diuretics to control hypertension, mainly through inhibiting the activation of the WNK signalling pathway mediated by the estrogen receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of NiMo/FDU-12 catalysts with tunable pore diameters and mesostructures have been controllably synthesized by adjusting the synthetic hydrothermal temperature and applied for the hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene and its derivative. The state-of-the-art electron tomography revealed that the pore sizes of FDU-12 supports were enlarged with the increase in the hydrothermal temperature and the mesostructures were transformed from ordered cage-type pores to locally disordered channels. Meanwhile, the MoS2 morphology altered from small straight bar to semibending arc to spherical shape and finally to larger straight bar with the change of support structures. Among them, FDU-12 hydrothermally treated at 150 °C possessed appropriate pore diameter and connected pore structure and was favorable for the formation of highly active MoS2 with curved morphology; thus, its corresponding catalyst exhibited the best HDS activity. Furthermore, it was indicated that the isomerization pathway could be significantly improved for HDS of 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene after the addition of aluminum, which was expected to be applied to the removal of the macromolecular sulfur compounds. Our study sheds lights on the relationship between support effect, active sites morphology and HDS performance, and also provides a guidance for the development of highly active HDS catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore the viewing angle effect on black hole–neutron star (BH–NS) merger kilonova lightcurves. We extrapolate the fitting formulae for the mass and velocity of dynamical ejecta across a wide mass ratio range validated with 66 simulations and use them in kilonova lightcurve calculations. The calculated peak luminosity of a BH–NS merger kilonova is typically about a few times 1041 erg s−1, which is always ≲4.5 × 1041 erg s−1. This corresponds to AB absolute magnitudes fainter than ∼−15 mag in the optical and ∼−16 mag in the infrared. The dynamical ejecta usually contribute to the majority of the kilonova emission, as its projected photosphere area is much larger than that of the disk wind outflows. The fitted blackbody temperature and the observed multiband lightcurve shape are insensitive to the line of sight. The peak time of the observed multiband lightcurves, affected by the light-propagation effect, is related to the relative motion direction between the dynamical ejecta and the observer. The predicted peak luminosity, which changes with the projected photosphere area, only varies by a factor of ∼(2–3) (or by ∼1 mag) for different viewing angles. When taking the short-duration gamma-ray burst afterglow into account, for an on-axis geometry, the kilonova emission is usually outshone by the afterglow emission and can only be observed in the redder bands, especially in the K band at late times. Compared with GW 170817/AT 2017gfo, BH–NS merger kilonovae are optically dim but possibly infrared bright, and have lower fitting temperature at the same epoch after the merger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first repeating fast radio burst (FRB), FRB 121102, was found to be associated with a spatially coincident, persistent nonthermal radio source, but the origin of the persistent emission remains unknown. In this paper, we propose that the persistent emission is produced via a synchrotron-heating process by multiple bursts of FRB 121102 in a self-absorbed synchrotron nebula. With a population of bursts of the repeating FRB absorbed by the synchrotron nebula, the energy distribution of electrons in the nebula will change significantly. As a result, the spectrum of the nebula will show a hump steadily. For the persistent emission of FRB 121102, the total energy of bursts injecting into the nebula is required to be about 3.3 × 1049 erg, the burst injection age is over 6.7 × 104 yr, the nebula size is ∼0.02 pc, and the electron number is about 3.2 × 1055. We predict that as more bursts inject, the brightness of the nebula would be brighter than the current observation, and meanwhile, the peak frequency would become higher. Due to the synchrotron absorption of the nebula, some low-frequency bursts would be absorbed, which may explain why most bursts were detected above ∼1 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical origin of fast radio bursts (FRBs) is still unknown. Multiwavelength and polarization observations of an FRB source would be helpful to diagnose its progenitor and environment. So far only the first repeating source FRB 121102 appears to be spatially coincident with a persistent radio emission. Its bursts also have very large values of the Faraday rotation measure (RM), i.e.,. We show that theoretically there should be a simple relation between RM and the luminosity of the persistent source of an FRB source if the observed RM mostly arises from the persistent emission region. FRB 121102 follows this relation given that the magnetic field in the persistent emission region is highly ordered and that the number of relativistic electrons powering the persistent emission is comparable to that of nonrelativistic electrons that contribute to RM. The nondetections of persistent emission sources from all other localized FRB sources are consistent with their relatively small RMs () according to this relation. Based on this picture, the majority of FRBs without a large RM are not supposed to be associated with bright persistent sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive diagnostic computerized adaptive testing (CD-CAT) has been suggested by researchers as a diagnostic tool for assessment and evaluation. Although model-based CD-CAT is relatively well researched in the context of large-scale assessment systems, this type of system has not received the same degree of research and development in small-scale settings, such as at the course-based level, where this system would be the most useful. The main obstacle is that the statistical estimation techniques that are successfully applied within the context of a large-scale assessment require large samples to guarantee reliable calibration of the item parameters and an accurate estimation of the examinees' proficiency class membership. Such samples are simply not obtainable in course-based settings. Therefore, the nonparametric item selection (NPS) method that does not require any parameter calibration, and thus, can be used in small educational programs is proposed in the study. The proposed nonparametric CD-CAT uses the nonparametric classification (NPC) method to estimate an examinee's attribute profile and based on the examinee's item responses, the item that can best discriminate the estimated attribute profile and the other attribute profiles is then selected. The simulation results show that the NPS method outperformed the compared parametric CD-CAT algorithms and the differences were substantial when the calibration samples were small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea is an economically important crop, consumed by billions of people. Despite the increasing market for pesticide-free products, the use of pesticide in tea is still high. In order to investigate whether intercropping promotes biological control organisms, Chamaecrista rotundifolia (Pers.) Greene, Indigofera hendecaphylla Jacq. Trifolium repens L. and Vigna sinensis (L.) were separately intercropped with free weeding as control in a tea plantation at Yangli, China. Arthropods were collected by taking sweep-net samples, and treatment effects on assemblages were investigated. The combined species richness of all arthropods and that of parasitoids was significantly increased in intercropped treatments while the species richness of herbivores and predators was only greater in C. rotundifolia and I. hendecaphylla intercropped treatments. Compared with control, the combined abundance of all arthropods, and that of herbivores was lower, while the abundance of parasitoids and its taxa was greater in all intercropped treatments. The abundance of predators and its taxa was greater only in tea plantations intercropped with C. rotundifolia or I. hendecaphylla. Of the herbivores, the abundance of Empoasca onukii Matsuda, Sternorrhyncha, Aleyrodidae, and Pentatomidae was greater in the areas intercropped with C. rotundifolia in comparison with the control, but the abundance of Thysanoptera and Geometridae caterpillars was lower. The recorded increase in the abundance of beneficial arthropods may explain the lower abundance of Thysanoptera or Geometridae caterpillars detected in the intercropped tea plantations. Our results indicate that intercropping has the potential to enhance arthropod biodiversity, and to provide an option for sustainable pest control in tea plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease. Current treatment of mainstream medications has significant side effects. There is growing evidence that the refractoriness of asthma is closely related to common changes in the lung and intestine. The lungs and intestines, as sites of frequent gas exchange in the body, are widely populated with gas signaling molecules NO and CO, which constitute NO–CO metabolism and may be relevant to the pathogenesis of asthma in the lung and intestine. The Chinese herbal formula Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction (TD) is commonly used in clinical practice to treat asthma with good efficacy, but there are few systematic evaluations of the efficacy of asthma on NO–CO metabolism, and the mode of action of its improving effect on the lung and intestine is unclear. To investigate the effect of TD on the lung and intestine of asthmatic rats based on NO–CO metabolism. In vivo , we established a rat asthma model by intraperitoneal injection of sensitizing solution with OVA atomization, followed by intervention by gavage administration of TD. We simultaneously examined alterations in basal function, pathology, NO–CO metabolism, inflammation and immune cell homeostasis in the lungs and intestines of asthmatic rats, and detected changes in intestinal flora by macrogenome sequencing technology, with a view to multi-angle evaluation of the treatment effects of TD on asthmatic rats. In vitro , lung cells BEAS-2B and intestinal cells NCM-460 were used to establish a model of lung injury causing intestinal injury using LPS and co-culture chambers, and lung cells or intestinal cells TD-containing serum was administered to intervene. Changes in inflammatory, NO–CO metabolism-related, cell barrier-related and oxidative stress indicators were measured in lung cells and intestinal cells to evaluate TD on intestinal injury by way of amelioration and in-depth mechanism. In vivo , our results showed significant basal functional impairment in the lung and intestine of asthmatic rats, and an inflammatory response, immune cell imbalance and intestinal flora disturbance elicited by NO–CO metabolic disorders were observed (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The administration of TD was shown to deliver a multidimensional amelioration of the impairment induced by NO–CO metabolic disorders (P < 0.05 or 0.01). In vitro , the results showed that LPS-induced lung cells BEAS-2B injury could cause NO–CO metabolic disorder-induced inflammatory response, cell permeability damage and oxidative stress damage in intestinal cells NCM-460 (P < 0.01). The ameliorative effect on intestinal cells NCM-460 could only be exerted when TD-containing serum interfered with lung cells BEAS-2B (P < 0.01), suggesting that the intestinal ameliorative effect of TD may be exerted indirectly through the lung. TD can ameliorate NO–CO metabolism in the lung and thus achieve the indirectly amelioration of NO–CO metabolism in the intestine, ultimately achieving co-regulation of lung and intestinal inflammation, immune imbalance, cellular barrier damage, oxidative stress and intestinal bacterial disorders in asthma in vivo and in vitro. Targeting lung and intestinal NO–CO metabolic disorders in asthma may be a new therapeutic idea and strategy for asthma. Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction can ameliorate lung and intestinal inflammation, immune imbalance, cellular barrier damage, oxidative stress and intestinal bacterial disorders caused by asthma through addressing NO-CO metabolic disorders, and its ameliorating effect on intestinal damage is indirectly through the lung. This suggests that targeting lung and intestinal NO-CO metabolic disorders in asthma may be a new therapeutic idea and strategy for asthma. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Mediastinoscope-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy (MATHE) is the most minimally invasive esophagectomy procedure. It is a more challenging procedure and more difficult to be popularized than thoracoscopic surgery. We developed a new MATHE operation mode that provides a clearer visual field and makes the procedures simpler. Methods A total of 48 patients with esophageal cancer were divided into a control group (n = 29) and a study group (n = 19). The control group underwent classic MATHE, while the study group received modified MATHE. We compared the two groups on operation time; intraoperative blood loss; blood transfusion amount; incidence rate of lung infection, recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs) injury, chylothorax, and anastomotic leakage; and upper mediastinal lymph node dissection. Results The study group was significantly better than the control group in operation time (273.94 min vs. 322.90 min, p < 0.05), intraoperative blood loss (46.84 mL vs. 68.97 mL, p < 0.05), and left paratracheal lymph node (No. 4 L) dissection rate (84.21% vs. 24.14%, p < 0.01). No significant differences were identified in the incidence rate of anastomotic leakage, lung complications, or RLNs injury between the two groups. Conclusion The modified MATHE is easier to perform. Modified MATHE is significantly superior to classic MATHE in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and upper mediastinal lymph node dissection rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Acquired intrathoracic nonmalignant tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs) are rare and challenging surgical problems. They can constitute a life-threatening condition due to severe pulmonary complications and poor nutrition. The current treatment strategy for TEFs is controversial, and postoperative mortality and complication morbidity have been ignored in recent studies. Here, we introduce our innovative experience repairing acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas with a thoracoacromial artery perforator flap, in which no mortality or complications were observed within 180 days after the operation. Methods Surgical repair with a thoracoacromial artery perforator flap through a midsternal incision approach was performed in 3 patients. During the procedure, a midsternal incision was made. After the thymus and anterior mediastinal fat were resected, and the left innominate vein was transected, the trachea and esophagus were mobilized. The trachea was incised and pulled to the cranial and caudal sides. Then, the thoracoacromial artery perforator flap was harvested and transferred into the superior mediastinum for esophageal reconstruction. Subsequently, the trachea was anastomosed end to end after debridement, and the left innominate vein was either anastomosed or not. Results Two patients developed esophageal anastomotic leakage postoperatively and healed well after nonsurgical treatment. No mortality or other complications were observed at 180 days after the operation. Conclusion Repair of acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas using a thoracoacromial artery perforator flap through a midsternal incision approach is an effective, safe surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monodispersed dendritic mesoporous silica/carbon nanospheres (DMS/CNs) with adjustable particle sizes and carbon contents have been controllably fabricated via a facile oil-water biphase stratification approach combined with an in situ carbonization of surfactant template strategy. The obtained materials were utilized as adsorbents for the adsorptive desulfurization of dibenzothiophene, and the results showed that the adsorbent with the smaller particle size and larger pore size had a faster adsorption equilibrium and DMS/CNs with the higher carbon contents exhibited better sulfur adsorption capacity. This might be because the carbon substrate deposited on the mesoporous channels could alter the textural and chemical properties of materials and thus could improve the adsorptive performance. Moreover, DMS/CNs with the unique center-radial pore structure and large surface area were favorable for the incorporation of active metals, and the adsorptive capacity and selectivity could be greatly enhanced after the incorporation of AgNO3. The superior adsorptive performance might result from a good combination of its unique pore channels and a synergistic effect between carbon substrate and silver species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Herein, a novel electrochemical ultrasensitive immunosensor was designed for detecting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) with three-dimensional (3D) PtCu hollow nanoframes (PtCu HNFs) as signal amplification. The highly opened PtCu HNFs were synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal method with cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) and trishydroxymethyl aminomethane (Tris) as co-structuring directors. The architectures enlarged the loading of prostate specific antibodies (Ab) and efficiently catalyzed hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) reaction, ultimately amplifying the signals. And polylysine was used to disperse PtCu HNFs, improve the biocompatibility and bind the Ab on the electrode surface. The fabricated immunosensor exhibited lower detection limit (0.003 ng mL–1, S / N = 3), and wider linear range (0.01–100.0 ng mL–1), along with the improved reproducibility, selectivity and stability for the assay of PSA. Thus, it is a desirable platform for PSA detection in clinical diagnosis and practical applications. Highlights • Uniform PtCu HNFs were synthesized by a simple solvothermal method. • Tris and CTAC acted as the co-structure-directing agents. • Polylysine can well disperse PtCu HNFs with increased biocompatibility. • PtCu HNFs was constructed for PSA immunosensor with excellent analytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel iridium complex [(dfppy) 2 Ir(ttz), Ir complex] was synthesized via decarboxylic reaction of ancillary ligand with the iridium complex dimer containing dichloro-bridged bond, the decarboxylation-coordination reaction for the synthesis of Ir complex firstly is found. The single crystal structure, thermally stability, UV–vis absorption, photoluminescence, electrochemistry, and electroluminescent performances of the Ir complex were investigated. Blue and orange-red emissions can be observed for the Ir complex in dichloromethane and OLED with low emissive efficiencies, respectively. We explored the reason for the poor emissive performance. In addition, the luminescent mechanism of (dfppy) 2 Ir(ttz) was also studied through DFT/TD-DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the design of statistical multiple-input-multiple-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) beamformers for millimeter wave (mmWave) channels. The transmitter designs the subcarrier beamformers based on the statistics of the channel, without instantaneous channel information. To overcome the radio frequency (RF) limitation in mmWave application, the subcarrier beamformers are implemented in a hybrid structure, which imposes constraints on the design of subcarrier beamformers. We analyze the unconstrained statistical subcarrier beamformers using spectral analysis of the subcarrier channels. The analysis shows that, for each subcarrier channel, the optimal statistical beamformer is approximately a linear combination of optimal statistical beamformers for some appropriately defined narrowband single-cluster subchannels. The result suggests a design of the subcarrier beamformers that can be readily implemented in a hybrid structure. Furthermore, a hybrid design for the receiver is proposed based on the concept of vector quantization. Simulations are given to show that the use of a hybrid beamforming structure incurs a minor degradation in transmission rate. With three RF chains, the performance is close to that of all digital statistical beamforming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With the aim of exploring the dependence of morphology, dispersion and hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity of active phases over SBA‐15 on loading method, four NiMo/SBA‐15 catalysts have been prepared by two different Mo introduction strategies with varying MoO3 contents (13 and 19 wt.% in each approach, respectively). One of the approaches is the conventional incipient wetness impregnation (IM) and the other is a new‐proposed Mo‐based inorganic‐organic hybrid nanocrystals as the precursor with hydrothermal‐assisted (HA) loading method. The results show that metal species are severely aggregated at a high concentration by IM method, leading to the poorly distributed MoS2 slabs with large sizes and ultra‐high stacking layers. While in case of the HA approach, the organic molecules surrounding the Mo species can isolate Mo species effectively to prevent them from aggregation and greatly improve the dispersion of active phases, even at high MoO3 loadings. Therefore, the HDS activity is improved as increasing the amounts of MoO3 for the catalyst prepared with HA method because of the more active sites accessible to the reactants, however, HDS activity is decreased for the catalyst acquired by the IM method due to the serious metal aggregation. It is demonstrated that the HA method is favorable for the better dispersion of active phases over SBA‐15 with the help of organic molecules leading to the effective MoS2 morphology with remarkably enhanced catalytic activity, and such superiority of the HA approach is more prominent at high MoO3 loadings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The relations between the kinematics of satellites and the properties of hosts and satellites themselves are investigated in this paper. Our sample of hosts and satellites is selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) data by adopting a self-adapted method developed by van den Bosch et al. Consistent with the previous studies, the average velocity dispersion increases with the mass of host galaxy, and is larger for red hosts than for blue hosts. We find that, on average, the velocity dispersion is independent of satellite mass around red hosts, however it increases with the satellite mass around blue hosts, and red satellites have a larger velocity dispersion than their blue counterparts. Our further investigations show that in the same halo, the velocity dispersion is independent of satellite mass, regardless of the host color. Interestingly, around red hosts, the red satellites tend to have a smaller velocity dispersion than the blue ones. It implies some interesting processes. In addition, we also find that if host galaxies only have red or blue (high mass or low mass) satellites, the system with red (high mass) satellites has a larger velocity dispersion than that with blue (low mass) satellites. It suggests that satellite properties are important for the measurement of dark halo mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the correlations between metabolic parameters (MPs) of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), serum tumor markers (STMs), and tumor mutational burden (TMB) in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 129 patients with NSCLC (males, 78; females, 51) who underwent baseline TMB and STM tests and 18F‐FDG PET/CT scans before treatment between March 2018 and September 2022. Patients were categorized into TMB‐high (TMB ≥10 mutations/Mb; n = 27 [20.9%]) and non‐TMB‐high (TMB <10 mutations/Mb; n = 102 [79.1%]) groups. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of TMB‐high. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of TMB level on a log scale. Subgroup analyses for adenocarcinoma (ADC), ADC with EGFR+, ADC with EGFR−, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were performed. Results: For ADC, all MPs (SULpeak, SULmax, SULmean, MTV, and TLG) were significantly higher in the TMB‐high group than the non‐TMB‐high group; smoker (odds ratio [OR] = 27.08, p = 0.018), EGFR+ (OR = 0.03, p = 0.033), KRAS+ (OR = 7.98, p = 0.083), high CEA (OR = 33.56, p = 0.029), and high CA125 (OR = 13.68, p = 0.030) were independent predictors of TMB‐high; and all MPs showed significant positive linear correlations with TMB on a log scale, with SULpeak as an independent predictor. However, no significant correlation was observed for SCC. Conclusion: MPs and STMs can predict the TMB level for patients with ADC, and may serve as potential substitutes for TMB with increased value and easy implementation in guiding immunotherapy through noninvasive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of liquid sloshing is widespread in the field of naval architecture and ocean engineering. During the sloshing process, the liquid will produce a large slamming force on the bulkhead. At the same time, the coupled sloshing of the liquid in tank and the hull will also affect the floating state and stability of the hull, and even induce safety accidents. The tank sloshing simultaneous with baffles and under rolling excitation is particularly focused in this paper, which is rarely concerned preciously. Based on the theory of fluid dynamics, the program of tank sloshing under large-amplitude rolling conditions by the smoothed particle hydrodynamics method is compiled, and the accuracy of the numerical model is validated through existing experimental results. Furthermore, the slamming pressure and the wetted height of the tank wall are studied for the cases of different excitation amplitudes and excitation frequencies. Then, the dynamic response characteristics of the sloshing tank with vertical and horizontal baffles are studied, and the effects of different baffle lengths are analyzed. The result shows that under rolling excitation the vertical baffle longer than the water depth can mitigate sloshing to some extent, but the vertical baffle whose length is less than the water depth and the horizontal baffles cannot play a role in mitigating the sloshing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SOI-based variable optical attenuators based on electro-absorption mechanism are demonstrated in this paper. Two different doping structures are adopted to realize the attenuation: a structure with a single lateral p-i-n diode and a structure with several lateral p-i-n diodes connected in series. The VOAs with lateral p-i-n diodes connected in series (series VOA) can greatly improve the device attenuation efficiency compared to VOAs with a single lateral p-i-n diode structure (single VOA), which is verified by the experimental results that the attenuation efficiency of the series VOA and the single VOA is 3.76 dB/mA and 0.189 dB/mA respectively. The corresponding power consumption at 20 dB attenuation is 202 mW (series VOA) and 424 mW (single VOA) respectively. The raise time is 34.5 ns (single VOA) and 45.5 ns (series VOA), and the fall time is 37 ns (single VOA) and 48.5 ns (series VOA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoceria was synthesized by treating cerium carbonate hydrate in a molten KOH-NaOH mixture at 200 °C. The nanoceria thus synthesized under a hydrogen atmosphere had a crystal size of 21.6 nm measured by XRD, consistent with the particle size of 23 nm measured by TEM. Raman spectra results indicated that the nanoceria produced under hydrogen had a downshift of 0.9 cm −1 from the sample synthesized in air. XPS spectra showed that the Ce 3+ fraction of the nanoceria synthesized in hydrogen was greater than that produced in air. The oxygen vacancies were formed by partial oxidization of the precursor in molten KOH-NaOH mixture. The UV–visible absorption properties of ceria synthesized under hydrogen showed a 34 nm red-shift compared with that synthesized in air. The nanoceria prepared in this work had a better catalytic property for CO oxidization than the commercial nanoceria. Results indicated that the increased Ce 3+ fraction or oxygen vacancies formed by this partial oxidization process extended the absorption edge of ceria resulting in a narrower band gap, and enhanced the catalytic activity of nanoceria. This method has proven to provide a simple and scalable method for the synthesis of high quality nanoceria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new approach to establish the circuit model of alternating current (AC) plasma anemometer is proposed. Firstly, experimental system is introduced to illustrate the experimental studies. Then all circuit models are built on basis of theoretical and experimental analysis, including the equivalent circuits of the positive column space and the sheath, the circuit models of AC plasma anemometer without airflow and under airflow, parameter matching of the equivalent circuit models without airflow and under airflow. Finally, the circuit models are verified by comparing the simulation currents with experimental currents. The final circuit model takes into account the whole framework of AC plasma anemometer containing the positive column space, the sheath and the diffusion region, which is proved feasible and reliable, and it can provide an effective tool for the future research of AC plasma anemometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to clarify the association between kinesin family member 11 (KIF11) and human breast cancer, and the effect of KIF11 on breast cancer cell progression. Western blot analysis, reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) analysis, retroviral infection, immunohistochemistry staining, MTT assay, anchorage‑independent growth ability assay and tumorigenicity assay were all used in the present study. Western blot and RT‑qPCR analysis revealed that the expression of KIF11 was markedly increased in malignant cells compared with that in non‑tumorous cells at the mRNA and protein level. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that KIF11 expression was upregulated in 256/268 (95.8%) paraffin‑embedded archival breast cancer biopsies. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between the upregulation of KIF11 expression and the progression of breast cancer. Multivariate analysis revealed that KIF11 upregulation represents an independent prognostic indicator for the survival of patients with breast cancer. Tumorigenicity experiments were further used to evaluate the effect of KIF11 in non‑obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice. Silencing endogenous KIF11 by short hairpin RNAs inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The present results suggest that KIF11 may serve an important function in the proliferation of breast cancer and may represent a novel and useful prognostic marker for breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the efficient surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based DNA assay researching, signal amplification tactics were absolutely necessary. In this work, a sensitive SPR-DNA sensor was developed by employing in situ synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) templated by poly-T sequences DNA from terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated extension, and synergistically with nano-effect deposition as the mass relay. The objective of this strategy was manifold: firstly, t DNA hybridized with the optimal designed probes to active the TdT-mediated DNA extension onto the surface of SPR chip, resulted a long poly-T sequences ssDNA chain in ds DNA terminal onto surface of gold chip and characterized by SPR signal amplitudes. Secondly, copper ion (Cu 2+ ) adsorbed into the skeleton of poly-T sequences DNA, with the aid of ascorbic acid (VC) to achieve the Cu 2+ reduction, copper nanostructures (CuNPs) was synchronously generated onto the single nucleotide chain anchoring in ds DNA derivatives and the formation was featured by transmission electron micrographs (TEM) and electrochemistry. Lastly, ds DNA-complexed CuNPs (CuNPs@ ds DNA) triggered the final signal amplification via real-time conversion of the additive catechol violet (CV) into oligomer or chelation precipitation by CuNPs-tagged reporters. With the proposed setups, a precise and replicable DNA sensing platform for specific target oligo was obtained with a detection limit down to 3.21 femtomolar, demonstrating a beneficial overlapping exploitation of nanomaterials and biochemical reaction as unique SPR infrastructure. Such triple-amplification strategic setups, the possibility of various methods abutment and biocompatibility weight reactor was amassed and adapted to more biological detection field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermally stable blue nonstoichiometric nanoceria was produced by feeding nanoceria with an average size of 50 nm into a DC thermal plasma reactor. The effects of different plasma power levels and atmospheres were investigated. XRD results showed the ceria lattice parameter increased with plasma power. SEM and TEM results showed that the shape of nanoparticles changed after plasma treatment; the blue nonstoichiometric nanoceria had highly regular shapes such as triangular pyramids and polyhedral in contrast to the irregular shape of the raw nanoceria. Significant downshift was found in the Raman spectra of the plasma products, with a 7.9-cm shift compared with raw nanoceria, which was explained by the reduction of Ce. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed that the Ce fraction increased from 14% in the raw nanoceria to 38-39% for the product CeO, indicating the high reduction state on the ceria surface. It was determined that this blue nonstoichiometric nanoceria was stable up to 400 °C in air, but the color changed to pale yellow after 4 h at 500 °C in air indicating oxidation to CeO. Additionally, this novel stable nano-CeO caused a red shift in the UV-visible absorption results; a 48-nm red shift occurred for the nonstoichiometric nanoceria produced at 15 kW compared with the raw nanoceria. The band gap was calculated to be 2.5 eV while it was 3.2 eV for the raw nanoceria, indicating that this novel stable blue nonstoichiometric nanoceria should be a promising material for optical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]