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Background: Studies on computed tomography (CT) synthesis based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have mainly focused on pixel‐wise consistency, but the texture features of regions of interest (ROIs) have not received appropriate attention. Purpose: This study aimed to propose a novel loss function to reproduce texture features of ROIs and pixel‐wise consistency for deep learning‐based MRI‐to‐CT synthesis. The method was expected to assist the multi‐modality studies for radiomics. Methods: The study retrospectively enrolled 127 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. CT and MRI images were collected for each patient, and then rigidly registered as pre‐procession. We proposed a gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM)‐based loss function to improve the reproducibility of texture features. This novel loss function could be embedded into the present deep learning‐based framework for image synthesis. In this study, a typical image synthesis model was selected as the baseline, which contained a Unet trained mean square error (MSE) loss function. We embedded the proposed loss function and designed experiments to supervise different ROIs to prove its effectiveness. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) of the GLCM feature was employed to evaluate the reproducibility of GLCM features, which are typical texture features. Besides, we used a publicly available dataset of brain tumors to verify our loss function. Results: Compared with the baseline, the proposed method improved the pixel‐wise image quality metrics (MAE: 107.5 to 106.8 HU; SSIM: 0.9728 to 0.9730). CCC values of the GLCM features in GTVnx were significantly improved from 0.78 ± 0.12 to 0.82 ± 0.11 (p < 0.05 for paired t‐test). Generally, > 90% (22/24) of the GLCM‐based features were improved compared with the baseline, where the Informational Measure of Correlation feature was improved the most (CCC: 0.74 to 0.83). For the public dataset, the loss function also shows its effectiveness. With our proposed loss function added, the ability to reproduce texture features was improved in the ROIs. Conclusions: The proposed method reproduced texture features for MRI‐to‐CT synthesis, which would benefit radiomics studies based on image multi‐modality synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) scintillators hold promising potential for applications in medical radiography and security detection, but the poor X‐ray absorption ability and inferior radioluminescence (RL) hampered their progression. Herein, the study has pioneered the development of high‐performance TADF Ag(I)‐based scintillators from M2X2(dppb)2 (M = Ag, Cu; X = Cl, Br, I) complexes with 1,2‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene (dppb) ligand. In comparison with Cu(I) complexes, the Ag(I) series generally exhibited superior scintillation performance. Notably, Ag2Cl2(dppb)2 (Ag1) stands out with exceptionally high RL intensity (≈125% higher than that of CsI:Tl) and a low detection limit of 59.8 nGy s−1. The outstanding scintillation performance of Ag1 is primarily attributed to the synergistic effect of the high exciton utilization efficiency origin from a small singlet‐triplet energy gap, enhanced X‐ray absorption capacity by heavy atoms, and the high photoluminescence quantum yield (76.47% in ambient atmosphere). By fabricating a flexible film constructed with Ag1 submicron crystalline powders, a high spatial resolution of 25.0 lp mm−1 for X‐ray imaging is obtained. It offers new opportunities for utilizing TADF metal–organic complexes for highly efficient X‐ray scintillation and imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), due to genetic determinants and extrinsic environmental factors, leads to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress). As ER stress ensues, the unfolded protein response (UPR), comprising three signaling pathways—inositol-requiring enzyme 1, protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase, and activating transcription factor 6 promptly activates to enhance the ER's protein-folding capacity and restore ER homeostasis. However, prolonged ER stress levels propels the UPR towards cellular demise and the subsequent inflammatory cascade, contributing to the development of human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and diabetes. Notably, increased expression of all three UPR signaling pathways has been observed in these pathologies, and reduction in signaling molecule expression correlates with decreased proliferation of disease-associated target cells. Consequently, therapeutic strategies targeting ER stress-related interventions have attracted significant research interest. In this review, we elucidate the critical role of ER stress in cancer, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases, offering novel therapeutic approaches for these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-to-computed tomography (CT) synthesis studies based on deep learning have significantly progressed, the similarity between synthetic CT (sCT) and real CT (rCT) has only been evaluated in image quality metrics (IQMs). To evaluate the similarity between synthetic CT (sCT) and real CT (rCT) comprehensively, we comprehensively evaluated IQMs and radiomic features for the first time. Methods: This study enrolled 127 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who underwent CT and MRI scans. Supervised-learning (Unet) and unsupervised-learning (CycleGAN) methods were applied to build MRI-to-CT synthesis models. The regions of interest (ROIs) included nasopharynx gross tumor volume (GTVnx), brainstem, parotid glands, and temporal lobes. The peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and structural similarity (SSIM) were used to evaluate image quality. Additionally, 837 radiomic features were extracted for each ROI, and the correlation was evaluated using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Results: The MAE, RMSE, SSIM, and PSNR of the body were 91.99, 187.12, 0.97, and 51.15 for Unet and 108.30, 211.63, 0.96, and 49.84 for CycleGAN. For the metrics, Unet was superior to CycleGAN (P < 0.05). For the radiomic features, the percentage of four levels (i.e., excellent, good, moderate, and poor, respectively) were as follows: GTVnx, 8.5%, 14.6%, 26.5%, and 50.4% for Unet and 12.3%, 25%, 38.4%, and 24.4% for CycleGAN; other ROIs, 5.44% ± 3.27%, 5.56% ± 2.92%, 21.38% ± 6.91%, and 67.58% ± 8.96% for Unet and 5.16% ± 1.69%, 3.5% ± 1.52%, 12.68% ± 7.51%, and 78.62% ± 8.57% for CycleGAN. Conclusions: Unet-sCT was superior to CycleGAN-sCT for the IQMs. However, neither exhibited absolute superiority in radiomic features, and both were far less similar to rCT. Therefore, further work is required to improve the radiomic similarity for MRI-to-CT synthesis. Trial registration: This study was a retrospective study, so it was free from registration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precast segmental piers are attracting the bridge community due to the merits of faster construction speed, smaller site disruption and higher construction quality. Compared to numerous experimental studies, accurate finite element (FE) models to investigate seismic responses of precast piers are rather rare. Among them, an apparent insufficiency is ignorance or inappropriate treatment of bond behavior. To this end, a zero-thickness interface element is adapted between 1 D truss element (rebars) and solid element (concrete). The bond behavior is implemented within the interface element, especially the strength degradation subject to cyclic loading, which renders simulations more realistic. The models further incorporate the softened damage-plasticity model for concrete and Menegotto-Pinto model for rebars. Viscous regularization scheme is adopted to circumvent the convergence difficulty brought out by the strain softening. The 3 D FE models are validated by the experimental works recently performed by authors. All analyses are performed on Abaqus/Standard platform, with the implicit incremental-iterative Newton-Raphson algorithm. The source code (UEL subroutine) is disclosed on github to faciliate relevant researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compressive behaviors of 12 stub normal-strength concrete (NC) columns were experimentally investigated, which were confined by ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) jackets. The governing influencing factors consisted of the thickness of the UHPC jacket, shape of specimens, and compressive strength of the core concrete. Generally, the UHPC jacket greatly improved the ductility of the stub columns. The final failure pattern transferred from crushing for concrete stub columns to the expansive crack of the UHPC jacket for UHPC-confined stub concrete columns. Moreover, the thickness of the UHPC jacket was found to greatly affect the compressive strength of specimens. In particular, the circular UHPC-confined stub columns, of lower-strength core concrete, were prone to gain more increments in compressive strengths. Debonding of the UHPC-NC interface was observed in the rectangular and square UHPC-confined stub columns. Enlightened from experimental observations, an analytical model is proposed to predict the axial stress-strain behavior of UHPC-confined concrete columns. It is noteworthy that the UHPC-NC interfacial behavior is identified and accounted for. The accuracy of the analytical model is validated by the reported experimental results. The model provides a useful tool to predict the axial strain-stress relation of UHPC-confined concrete columns in closed-form expressions for design-oriented purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the flexural behavior of high performance concrete (HPC) beams under the combined effect of repeated loading and chloride dry-wet exposure is investigated. From the material perspective, a series of cubic specimens were subjected to axial cyclic loading with a stress level of 0.4 and subsequently exposed to chloride dry-wet cycles. The results revealed that the repeated loading would cause significant internal damage, as indicated by the measured relative dynamic modulus. Additionally, the compressive strength of cubic specimens showed a first rising and then falling process during the chloride dry-wet cycles. By comparison, a relation model between compressive strength and relative dynamic modulus is proposed for damaged HPC. Furthermore, ten HPC beam specimens were fabricated and subjected to a similar combined exposure to repeated-loading and chloride dry-wet cycles. These beams were then loaded to failure using a four-point loading mode and the findings indicate that the repeated loading history led to initial cracking damage and reduced the flexural performance of tested HPC beams. Meanwhile, the chloride dry-wet cycles could improve the concrete strength and consequently enhance the specimen's capacity. Their combined effect on the beam's ultimate loads was established considering the strength damage of HPC. Finally, an analytical derivation was proposed to capture the deflection of tested beams under the combined effect, which took the damage in the section's short-term stiffness into account, resulting in a more accurate prediction of deflection. • A long-term aggressive test was performed on ten HPC beams under the combined effect of repeated load and chloride exposure. • A relation model between compressive strength and relative dynamic modulus was proposed for damaged HPC. • The ultimate loads for HPC beams without significant corrosion could be assessed directly with the damage in compressive strength. • A damage-based stiffness model for predicting flexural deflection was proposed for HPC beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prussian blue analogues have been intensely investigated as promising cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries owing to their high capacities, easy synthesis and low cost. However, the poor cycling performance due to the presence of lattice defects and the structural deterioration when exposed to humid air hinder their practical application. Herein we report an effective surface modification method to tackle these issues. A Zinc-zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) modified PB sample is prepared by in-situ growth via simple wet chemical reaction. The obtained PB@ZIF-8 composite with a ZIF-8 coating layer of ∼70 nm thickness on the 2–5 μm PB particle surface shows excellent cycling stability with reversible capacity of 106.5 mAh g−1 at 1C charge-discharge rate and a remarkable capacity retention of 96.7 % after 500 cycles. Furthermore, the PB@ZIF-8 composite shows excellent storage stability owing to its moisture-proof property. After exposure to high humidity air (RH=70 %) for 24 h or storage for 180 days in a bottle filled with air of relative humidity RH=40 %, the PB@ZIF-8 sample still maintains excellent cycling performance. ZIF-8 coating layer not only acts as a shield for PB particles against the electrolyte corrosion, but also resists the H 2 O attacking in humid environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study builds a large database from an extensive survey of existing bond strengths between ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) and normal-strength concrete (NC), with total 563 specimens being collected. To make up for some factors not included in the existing tests, an additional 38 specimens were tested with the improved slant shear method to enrich the database. The four governing factors for the interface strength were identified from the test results of the total 563+38 specimens: compressive strengths of UHPC and NC materials, interface roughness, normal stress level, and casting sequence. It is highlighted that this work discusses the effect of casting sequence. To obtain an accurate prediction formula, an artificial neural network (ANN) model is constructed, where the effect of casting sequence was firstly introduced. Based on the trained ANN model, an explicit formula is presented that significantly minimizes the prediction error. A modified shear-friction formula is also proposed for the UHPC–NC interface shear strength. Compared with other calculation models for concrete interface strength, this proposed formula with multiple parameters has a better accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burkholderia pseudomallei, a facultative intracellular bacterium, is the aetiological agent of melioidosis that is responsible for up to 40% sepsis-related mortality in epidemic areas. However, no effective vaccine is available currently, and the drug resistance is also a major problem in the treatment of melioidosis. Therefore, finding new clinical treatment strategies in melioidosis is extremely urgent. Results: We demonstrated that tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a clinically available endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitor, can promote B. pseudomallei clearance both in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we investigated the effects of TUDCA on the survival of melioidosis mice, and found that treatment with TUDCA significantly decreased intracellular survival of B. pseudomallei. Mechanistically, we found that B. pseudomallei induced apoptosis and activated IRE1 and PERK signaling ways of ER stress in RAW264.7 macrophages. TUDCA treatment could reduce B. pseudomallei-induced ER stress in vitro, and TUDCA is protective in vivo. Conclusion: Taken together, our study has demonstrated that B. pseudomallei infection results in ER stress-induced apoptosis, and TUDCA enhances the clearance of B. pseudomallei by inhibiting ER stress-induced apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that TUDCA could be used as a potentially alternative treatment for melioidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco exposure is known to be associated with a higher prevalence and incidence of liver diseases. Cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, is a typical indicator of tobacco exposure. However, the relationship of serum cotinine levels with hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis remains controversial and these relationships need more research to explored in American teenagers. Cross-sectional data included 1433 participants aged 12–19 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2017 to 2020 were thoroughly used for this study. The linear relationships between serum cotinine levels and the Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM) and Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) were examined using multiple linear regression models. Subgroup analysis, interaction tests, and nonlinear interactions were also carried out. Serum cotinine levels > 2.99 ng/ml [β = 0.41 (0.07, 0.76), p = 0.018] and 0.05–2.99 ng/ml [β = 0.24 (0.00, 0.49), p = 0.048] showed a significant positive connection with LSM in multivariate linear regression analysis when compared to serum cotinine levels ≤ 0.05 ng/ml (p for trend = 0.006). Moreover, we discovered an inverted U-shaped association of log2-transformed cotinine with LSM with an inflection point of 4.53 using a two-stage linear regression model. However, according to multiple regression analysis, serum cotinine and CAP did not significantly correlate (p = 0.512). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that smoking cessation and keep away from secondhand smoking may beneficial for liver health in American teenagers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precast segmental piers are gaining increasing attentions in low-medium seismic-risked regions. In this paper, cyclic behaviors of two precast segment piers reinforced with the hybrid of high-strength energy dissipation ("H" ED, ≥500 MPa) bars and unbonded tendons were experimentally investigated, accompanied with another two piers reinforced with merely "H" ED bars for the comparative study. It was observed that unbonded tendons benefitted the segmental piers in rising the lateral strength and mitigating the residual drift. On the other aspect, the tendons also made concrete prone to damage. Alongside, the finite element (FE) model is constructed for the four tested segmental piers, discritized with the displacement-controlled beam-colum element with a fiber section. With the bond-slip behavior of the "H" ED bars being incorporated, the numerical model accurately reflects the piers' seismic behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene mapping is an important resource for understanding the evolution of genes and cytogenetics. Model species with a known genetic map or genome sequence allow for the selection of genetic markers on a desired chromosome, while it is hard to locate these markers on chromosomes of non-model species without such references. A frog species, Quasipaa boulengeri, shows chromosomal rearrangement polymorphisms, making itself a fascinating model for chromosomal speciation mediated by suppressed recombination. However, no markers have been located on its rearranged chromosomes. We present a complete protocol to map microsatellites based on mechanical microdissection and chromosome amplification techniques. Following this protocol, we mapped 71 microsatellites of Q. boulengeri at the chromosome level. In total, eight loci were assigned to rearranged chromosomes, and the other 63 loci might attach to other chromosomes. These microsatellites could be used to compare the gene flow and verify the chromosomal suppressed recombination hypothesis in Q. boulengeri. This integrated protocol could be effectively used to map genes to chromosomes for non-model species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion-induced concrete cover cracking is an important indication of durability limit state for marine reinforced concrete structures. In this paper, two analytical models predicting the time from corrosion initiation to cover cracking and their main differences were introduced. Based on an accelerated corrosion test, two models’ applicability and variability were compared and discussed with experimental data. Considering the random nature of influencing factors, a probabilistic model was developed by using Monte Carlo simulation technique. The results showed that the cracking time could be modelled by the Weibull distribution. Finally, the probability analytical technology was applied to a marine reinforced concrete pier with four different durability design levels. It is found that both the mean and 90% confidence interval of the cracking time increase when the durability design specifications change from low level to extreme level, which indicates that the accurate prediction of cracking time with a deterministic model will become more difficult accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A 4-year natural corrosion experiment coupled with a cyclic wetting-drying process with 5% NaCl solution and an indoor natural corrosion process was carried out for pre-cracked reinforced concrete elements in this study. The diameter loss along the bar length which was greatly influenced by crack effect was measured, and the degree of corrosion evaluated by average mass loss was calculated for all cleaned bar specimens. The tensile test results showed that both the nominal yield and ultimate strengths and the percentage elongation decreased with the increase of mass loss, and that the effect of corrosion on degradation of ductility was much greater than that of tensile strengths. Taking the impact of pitting corrosion into account, a non-uniform coefficient, S , directly related to pit depths of corroded bars was proposed and the degradation models of yield strength, ultimate strength and percentage elongation were derived based on S . It seems that this method might be a more effective way to assess the mechanical properties of corroded bars with obvious pits. Finally, the reduced area at necking and fracture surface morphology were compared between sound and corroded bars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We integrate the phase-field approach with the cohesive-frictional model for UHPC-NC composite members. • The effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified by comparing several experimental paradigms. • Various damage evolutions and failure patterns of UHPC-NC composite members are revealed and discussed. The risk of cracking/debonding of UHPC-NC composite members, either for repairing/strengthening or newly-built structures, is an issue of great concern by the engineering community. Distinct failure modes are continuously reported in the literature and among them, the complex interactions between matrix (UHPC and NC) cracking and interfacial debonding play a vital role. From modeling aspects, the progressive damage analysis of UHPC-NC composite members is a rather challenging task, especially when complicated cracking scenarios arise. To address this shortfall, this work proposes a novel numerical framework for UHPC-NC members by combining: (i) a nonlocal damage model based on the phase-field approach for matrix cracking of quasi-brittle materials, and (ii) a coupled cohesive-friction model for debonding of UHPC-NC interface. Variational formalization of the method provides a simple basis for the finite element implementation and complex cracking tracking procedures are circumvented. The strengths of the model are explored through numerical investigations of several quasi-static behaviors of UHPC-NC composite members. Their damage evolutions and failure patterns are accurately captured by the model. For the sake of promoting relevant research, the source codes are disclosed to potential users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A bending test was performed on five hybrid beam specimens consisting of ultra-high performance and normal-strength concrete. • UHPC substrate greatly enhanced the load-carrying capacity but impaired the ductility performance. • An analytical load–deflection curve of hybrid beam specimens is derived, including the post-peak branch. • Numerical modeling is performed, employing the nonlocal phase-field model for cementitious materials. In this study, the flexural behavior of hybrid beams consisting of an ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) substrate and normal-strength concrete (NSC) overlay is investigated. From the experimental perspective, five UHPC-NSC hybrid beams were loaded to failure, and their failure patterns, load–deflection curves, ductility, strain distributions, and crack evolutions were compared. The UHPC substrate was found to significantly enhance the load-carrying capacity and suppress massive cracking of the hybrid beams. Interestingly, the increasing thickness of the UHPC substrate was observed to impair the beams' overall ductility, leading to the apparent descending post-peak branch of the load–deflection curve. In other words, the agreed ductility of UHPC at the material level did not always benefit the deformation capacity of the beams at the structural level. Furthermore, an analytical derivation is proposed to capture the load–deflection curve of the hybrid beams. Specifically, sectional analysis in OpenSees was adopted to obtain the moment–curvature relation. This numerical strategy significantly alleviates the complicated derivation of the moment–curvature relation from conventional analytical formulas, owing to the significant tensile contribution of the UHPC material. Finally, finite element (FE) modeling of the hybrid beam specimens was performed. A nonlocal phase-field approach was implemented for UHPC and NSC materials. The numerical simulations are in good agreement with the experimental observations in terms of stiffness, load–deflection relation, and crack evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a common substance in the human body, melibiose has a good effect on treating inflammation, and chiral selectively assembled behaviors often accompany this metabolic activity. Therefore, studies on melibiose's chiral selectively assembled behaviors arouse broad interest, making it better for us to understand similar bio-processes. Herein, we modified (R)/(S)-phenylethylamine calix[4]arenes onto the gold surface to analyze the chiral selective behaviors for melibiose. Contact angle and electrochemical experimental results showed that this functional surface modified with (S)-phenylethylamine calix[4]arene achieved selective adsorption of melibiose in the condition of pH = 7 based on the weak host–guest interaction. Furthermore, these functional surfaces have been realized by amplifying the weak selective interaction, and these chiral selective sensors have been constructed for the melibiose. [Display omitted] • (R)/(S)-DAC4-modified surface for chiral detection and amplification of melibiose. • Visual selective recognition of melibiose by characterization of contact angle. • To construct a chemical model of melibiose recognition by a similar organism process. As a common substance in the human body, melibiose has a good effect on treating inflammation, and chiral selectively assembled behaviors often accompany this metabolic activity. Therefore, studies on melibiose's chiral selectively assembled behaviors arouse broad interest, making it better for us to understand similar bio-processes. Herein, we modified (R)/(S)-phenylethylamine calix[4]arenes onto the gold surface to analyze the chiral selective behaviors for melibiose. Contact angle and electrochemical experimental results showed that this functional surface modified with (S)-phenylethylamine calix[4]arene achieved selective adsorption of melibiose in the condition of pH = 7 based on the weak host–guest interaction. Furthermore, these functional surfaces have been realized by amplifying the weak selective interaction, and these chiral selective sensors have been constructed for the melibiose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant movements for survival are nontrivial. Antheridia in the moss Physcomitrium patens (P. patens) use motion to eject sperm in the presence of water. However, the biological and mechanical mechanisms that actuate the process are unknown. Here, the burst of the antheridium of P. patens, triggered by water, results from elastic instability and is determined by an asymmetric change in cell geometry. The tension generated in jacket cell walls of antheridium arises from turgor pressure, and is further promoted when the inner walls of apex burst in hydration, causing water and cellular contents of apex quickly influx into sperm chamber. The outer walls of the jacket cells are strengthened by NAC transcription factor VNS4 and serve as key morphomechanical innovations to store hydrostatic energy in a confined space in P. patens. However, the antheridium in liverwort Marchantia polymorpha (M. polymorpha) adopts a different strategy for sperm release; like jacket cell outer walls of P. patens, the cells surrounding the antheridium of M. polymorpha appear to play a similar role in the storage of energy. Collectively, the work shows that plants have evolved different ingenious devices for sperm discharge and that morphological innovations can differ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A deep learning method improves image quality for high-speed 4DCT reconstruction. • It improves radiomics reproducibility between two reconstruction algorithms. • It is computationally efficient and may be integrated into any CT system. Hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) is the most commonly used algorithm for four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) reconstruction due to its high speed. However, the image quality is worse than that of model-based iterative reconstruction (MIR). Different reconstruction methods affect the stability of radiomics features. Herein, we developed a deep learning method to improve the quality and radiomics reproducibility of the high-speed reconstruction. The 4DCT images of 70 patients were reconstructed using both the HIR and MIR algorithms. A cycle-consistent adversarial network was adopted to learn the mapping from HIR to MIR, and then generate synthetic MIR (sMIR) images from HIR. The performance was evaluated using the testing set (10 patients). The total reconstruction times for the HIR, MIR, and proposed sMIR images were approximately 2.5, 15, and 3.1 mins, respectively. The quality of sMIR images was close to that of MIR and was superior to that of HIR images, with noise reduced by 45–77% and contrast-to-noise ratio improved by 91–296%. The concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) of radiomic features improved from 0.89 ± 0.15 for HIR to 0.97 ± 0.07 for the proposed sMIR. The percentage of reproducible features (CCC ≥ 0.85) increased from 76.08% for HIR to 95.86% for sMIR, with an improvement of 19.78%. Compared to existing HIR algorithm , the proposed method improves the image quality and radiomics reproducibility of 4DCT images under high-speed reconstruction. It is computationally efficient and has potential to be integrated into any CT system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four-point loading tests were performed on composite beams with varying thickness of the UHPC layer. • Specimens for slant shear test were improved to obtain the bond strength in a realistic manner. • A novel cohesive-friction model is proposed for the UHPC-NC interface. • The FE simulations are performed with user subroutines being supplied. The booming application of UHPC-NC composite members renders the interfacial behavior a critical role in their macro-scale structural behaviors. Four composite beams were monotonically loaded to failure, with various thickness of the UHPC layer. The occurrence of UHPC-NC interface debonding demonstrated the role of bond strength. To this end, the standard slant shear test was improved and performed to quantify the bond strength in a realistic manner. For the computational aspects, reliable finite element (FE) models are constructed, which adopt the localizing gradient-enhanced model for the bulk region (UHPC and NC), the Menegotto-Pinto model for rebars, and a coupled cohesive-friction model for the interface. The meso-mechanical assumption is employed to smoothly integrate the cohesion with the friction. Viscous regularization is adopted to suppress the instability and the convergence problem. Identification of model parameters is well performed and presented. These FE models are verified with the tested composite beams, which offer a valuable insight to the evolution and distribution of normal and tangential tractions along the UHPC-NC interface. It is demonstrated that all the analyses are realized with the implicit incremental-iterative algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulcherriminic acid is a cyclic dipeptide found mainly in Bacillus and yeast. Due to the ability of pulcherriminic acid to chelate Fe3+ to produce reddish brown pulcherrimin, microorganisms capable of synthesizing pulcherriminic acid compete with other microorganisms for environmental iron ions to achieve bacteriostatic effects. Therefore, studying the biosynthetic pathway and their enzymatic catalysis, gene regulation in the process of synthesis of pulcherriminic acid in Bacillus can facilitate the industrial production, and promote the wide application in food, agriculture and medicine industries. After initially discussing, this review summarizes current research on the synthesis of pulcherriminic acid by Bacillus, which includes the crystallization of key enzymes, molecular catalytic mechanisms, regulation of synthetic pathways, and methods to improve efficiency in synthesizing pulcherriminic acid and its precursors. Finally, possible applications of pulcherriminic acid in the fermented food, such as Chinese Baijiu, applying combinatorial biosynthesis will be summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative seismic retrofitting technique for "as-built" reinforced concrete (RC) bridge piers was proposed, by using ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) jackets. One "as-built" and two UHPFRC jacket-retrofitted rectangular cross-section RC piers were fabricated and cyclically loaded. Damage evolutions, skeleton curves, strength and stiffness degradations, ductility, self-centering and energy dissipation capacities were derived and analyzed. The two jackets mitigated the concrete damage and enhanced the self-centering capacity of a RC pier. The 850 mm-height jacket significantly increased the strength, but ductility and cumulative energy dissipation capacity. On the other aspect, the 400 mm-height jacket exhibited superior performances in ductility and cumulative energy dissipation capacity. Three strengthening mechanisms were brought by a UHPFRC jacket, and they were cross-section enlargement effect, gap opening effect, and passive confinement effect. Among them, formulas for the confinement effect are analytically obtained. The fiber-based finite element (FE) model for the UHPFRC jacket-retrofitted RC pier is developed within OpenSees framework. The simulation agrees well with the experimental results and can benefit further researches involved in the seismic retrofitting with a UHPFRC jacket. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic scintillators, pivotal in security and medical applications, face challenges due to limited X‐ray absorption and exciton utilization. Herein, a novel class of organic scintillators is introduced, named guest‐induced thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) within supramolecular macrocycles via host‐guest through‐space charge transfer (TSCT). Four co‐crystals are obtained through orthogonal crystallizations involving calix[3]acridan (C[3]A) and calix[3]phenothiazine (C[3]P) macrocycles as hosts, along with 1,2‐dicyanobenzene (DCB) and 4‐bromo‐1,2‐benzenedicarbonitrile (BrDCB) as guests. Interestingly, DCB@C[3]A and BrDCB@C[3]A co‐crystals exhibit strong host‐guest TSCT with reduced single‐triplet energy gap for efficient TADF emission, which leads to enhanced exciton utilization and X‐ray absorption, yielding radioluminescence intensities over 29 and 25 times higher than C[3]A. Similarly, substituting C[3]A with C[3]P, the obtained TADF co‐crystals also outperform C[3]P in scintillation performance. Additionally, the scintillation color of co‐crystals can be adjusted by varying the electron‐donating abilities of macrocycles and the electron‐accepting abilities of guests, offering a simpler color‐tuning mechanism than covalent‐bonded scintillators. Furthermore, the flexible film based on DCB@C[3]A exhibits promising application in X‐ray radiography, showcasing a high spatial resolution of 20 lp mm−1 @MTF = 0.77. The innovative strategy of fabricating organic scintillators via reversible non‐covalent interactions presents a novel solution for designing color‐tunable and high‐performance scintillators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safety of lithium metal batteries (LMBs) has been improved by using the solid‐state polymer electrolytes, but the performance of LMBs is still troubled by the poor interface of solid electrolytes/electrodes, leading to insufficient interfacial Li+ transport. Here, a novel ultrathin, robust‐flexible polymeric electrolyte is achieved by in situ polymerization of 1,3‐dioxolane in soft nanofibrous skeleton at room temperature without any extra initiator or plasticizer, leading to the electrolyte with rapid interfacial ion transport. This facilitated Li+ transportation is demonstrated by molecular dynamics simulation. Consequently, the as‐prepared electrolyte exhibits excellent cycling performance. The results indicate that the electrolyte works well in the LiFePO4//Li cell at elevated temperature up to 90 °C, and further matches with the high‐voltage LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode. This study provides an effective approach to constructing a practical polymeric electrolyte for fabrication of safe, high performance LMBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium perfringens type A infections are economically devastating to dairy farms. In spite of low morbidity, mortality is close to 100%. Although this disease has frequently been reported in calves, it is rarely seen in adult cattle, especially postpartum dairy cows. Sudden onset of symptoms, rapidly followed by death, was successively recorded in 14 postpartum dairy cows. Veterinary treatment was ineffective. The 14 cows fell ill after parturition, either within 24 h (fast invasion) or within 2–3 days (slow invasion). All the cows died shortly after symptom onset. Comprehensive analysis of epidemiology, clinical manifestation, autopsy results, and laboratory tests confirmed the 14 cases as most acute and acute C. perfringens type A infections. After the enactment of appropriate preventive and treatment measures, in conjunction with improved feeding management, no further symptoms of infection were observed in the postpartum cows. Our results demonstrated that autopsies and laboratory tests are required for the definitive diagnosis of this disease and highlighted importance of feeding management during the early perinatal period to prevent postpartum diseases in cows. This work also provides a reference for clinical veterinary diagnosis and the treatment of this disease, so as to reduce the economic losses of dairy farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein phosphatase 2 C (PP2C) gene family is known for regulating a variety of abiotic stresses in plants. However, little is currently understood about this gene family in jute. In this study, a total of 60 CcPP2C genes were identified in jute, which were named from CcPP2C1 to CcPP2C60 according to the order of their physical coordinates. These CcPP2C proteins contained about 162–1324 amimo acids. Their isoelectric points varied in the range of 4.51–9.45, and their molecular weights varied from 18.307 to 146.906 kDa. The evolutionary tree of PP2Cs in jute and Arabidopsis indicated that PP2Cs can be divided into 12 branches. Sixty-seven collinear gene pairs were identified between 42 CcPP2Cs and 62 AtPP2Cs by analyzing the whole genome collinearity data of jute and Arabidopsis. The analyses of conserved motifs in these CcPP2C proteins and cis -elements in the promoters revealed that CcPP2Cs might play an extensive role in responses to various abiotic stresses in jute. Particularly, the expression patterns of CcPP2Cs in group A under salt treatments showed that CcPP2C51 was up-regulated under various stress treatments. And CcPP2C51 was localized in the nucleus and cell membrane. In Arabidopsis , the overexpression of CcPP2C51 positively regulated the salt-tolerance genes. Also, the overexpression of CcPP2C51 improved the salt tolerance of jute regenerated roots. This study revealed the origin and evolution of PP2C genes in jute, and provides potential possibilities for molecular breeding of jute. [Display omitted] • A total of 60 CcPP2C genes were identified in jute • These 60 CcPP2C genes are evolutionarily conserved and might be involved in stresses • Different expression patterns were observed under salt treatment in CcPP2Cs • CcPP2C51 was found to be localized in the nucleus and cell membrane • Overexpression of CcPP2C51 in Arabidopsis and jute resulted in salt tolerance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 2-DG relieves joint inflammation in an adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model. • 2-DG regulates peritoneal macrophage polarization through the AMPK/NF-κB pathway. • 2-DG regulates RAW264.7 macrophage polarization via AMPK-dependent inhibition of NF-κB activation. • 2-DG regulates LPS-induced macrophage metabolism reprogramming from glycolysis to OXPHOS in an AMPK-dependent manner. Macrophages are highly plastic cells critical for the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Macrophages exhibit a high degree of pro-inflammatory plasticity in RA, accompanied by a metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis. 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), a glycolysis inhibitor, has previously been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. However, the specific mechanisms of inflammatory modulation by 2-DG remain unclear. This study used 2-DG to treat rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA) and investigated its specific anti-arthritic mechanisms in the murine-derived macrophage cell line RAW264.7 in vitro. 2-DG reduced the arthritis index as well as alleviated cellular infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, and bone erosion in AA rats. Moreover, 2-DG treatment modulated peritoneal macrophage polarization, increasing levels of the arginase1 (Arg1) and decreasing expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). 2-DG activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) via phosphorylation and reduced activation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in peritoneal macrophages of AA rats. In vitro , we verified that 2-DG promoted macrophage transition from M1 to M2-type by upregulating the expression of p-AMPKα and suppressing NF-κB activation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. LPS-induced macrophages exhibited a metabolic shift from glycolysis to OXPHOS following 2-DG treatment, as observed by reduced extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), lactate export, glucose consumption, as well as an elevated oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and intracellular ATP concentration. Importantly, changes in polarization and metabolism in response to 2-DG were dampened after AMPKα knockdown. These findings indicate that the anti-arthritic 2-DG effect is mediated by a modulation of macrophage polarization in an AMPK-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to differentiate and characterize Chinese Luzhou‐flavor liquor according to geographical origins, the volatile flavor compounds were analyzed for forty commercial Luzhou‐flavor liquor samples from Sichuan, Jiangsu, and Hubei provinces. A total of 113 volatile flavor compounds were quantified; among them, 29 flavor compounds were quantified according to the internal standard method. The differences in flavor composition among different brands of Luzhou‐flavor liquor were compared. A data matrix of 64 (flavor components) × 40 (samples) was studied and interpreted using chemometric analysis. The research object could be naturally clustered according to geographical origin (brand) based on the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) methods. A 100% of predication ability was obtained by the application of K‐nearest neighbor model (KNN) for study sample classification. The results demonstrate that the abundance of volatile flavor components in liquors combined with appropriate multivariate statistical methods could be used for the division and traceability of liquors from different geographic origins. Practical Application: This study can provide the basis for the identification of liquor authenticity and the traceability of liquor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cartesian meshes based on the immersed boundary method are widely adopted for their convenience in implementing automated mesh generation. The performance of Cartesian mesh generation, particularly for complex geometries, is a crucial factor that directly impacts the efficiency of computational fluid dynamics solutions. In this study, we present an innovative strategy for efficient Cartesian mesh generation. Our methodology centers around the inner product test (IPT), enabling precise and efficient interior/exterior determination for intersected Cartesian cells. For this purpose, we enhance the k-d tree based intersection determination process to provide essential information of surface mesh for IPT, while concurrently improving the efficiency of the determination process. Our new methods offer automatic generation capabilities for arbitrary complex geometries. Through a series of tests, the new methods illustrate the notable performance improvements with the generation time of less than 4 min for the Cartesian mesh with 108 cells. Overall, our work optimizes Cartesian mesh generation for complex geometries, presenting significant potential for addressing the challenges of moving boundary problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cyclic loading test of the bridge pier with mono-wide-UHPC and multi-narrow-UHPC jackets was performed. • Positive retrofitting effects were witnessed and the strengthening mechanisms are discussed. • 3D FE model is proposed, integrating CDP model, nonlinear reinforcement steel model, and bond-slip behavior. • Seismic vulnerability assessment of the retrofitted RC piers is performed. Effectiveness of an innovative retrofitting technique using ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) jackets was investigated, for "as-built" bridge piers with low flexural strength. Cyclic loading test was performed on the pier specimens, two of which were retrofitted with a mono-wide-strip UHPC (W-UHPC) jacket, and the other two were with a multi-narrow-strip UHPC (N-UHPC) jacket. Their seismic responses were compared, regarding damage evolution, hysteretic behavior, skeleton curve, ductility and energy dissipation. The piers with the W-UHPC jacket exhibited a higher lateral strength, but were prone to plastic hinge relocation. Comparatively, N-UHPC jacket improved the piers' ductility and smeared concrete damage. Nevertheless, guaranteeing the tight contact between the N-UHPC jacket and the shaft was crucial. Both W- and N- UHPC jackets mitigated residual drift and concrete damage, and thereby enhancing the piers' seismic resilience. Four enhancing mechanisms from the UHPC jackets are discussed, namely passive confinement effect, cross-section enlargement effect, gap-opening effect, and interface-opening effect. Alongside, 3D solid and 1D fiber-based finite element (FE) models are constructed to represent the piers' nonlinear static push-over (SPO) and cyclic responses, respectively. Finally, seismic vulnerability of the retrofitted piers was evaluated by generating structure-specific fragility curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even though microsatellite loci frequently have been isolated using recently developed next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, this task is still difficult because of the subsequent polymorphism screening requires a substantial amount of time. Selecting appropriate polymorphic microsatellites is a critical issue for ecological and evolutionary studies. However, the extent to which assembly strategy, read length, sequencing depth, and library layout produce a measurable effect on microsatellite marker development remains unclear. Here, we use six frog species for genome skimming and two frog species for transcriptome sequencing to develop microsatellite markers, and investigate the effect of different isolation strategies on the yield of microsatellites. Results: The results revealed that the number of isolated microsatellites increases with increased data quantity and read length. Assembly strategy could influence the yield and the polymorphism of microsatellite development. Larger k-mer sizes produced fewer total number of microsatellite loci, but these loci had a longer repeat length, suggesting greater polymorphism. However, the proportion of each type of nucleotide repeats was not affected; dinucleotide repeats were always the dominant type. Finally, the transcriptomic microsatellites displayed lower levels of polymorphisms and were less abundant than genomic microsatellites, but more likely to be functionally linked loci. Conclusions: These observations provide deep insight into the evolution and distribution of microsatellites and how different isolation strategies affect microsatellite development using NGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, high selective, ultra-sensitive and stable biosensor based on hepatitis B core antibody labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HBcAb-HRP) induced fluorescent enhancement of CdTe QDs for recognition of H 2 O 2 have been constructed. In this assay, sulfurs in HBcAb-HRP, which possess a strong affinity towards Cd 2+ , can improve greatly the recombination fluorescence of CdTe QDs by creating more radiative centers at CdTe/Cd-SR complex. Then, H 2 O 2 oxidizes Cd-S bonds in CdTe QDs to organic disulfide product (RS-SR), causing thioglycolic acid (TGA) and HBcAb-HRP detach from surface of CdTe QDs and thus leading to fluorescence quenching. Just with the addition of HBcAb-HRP, sensitivity of the new biosensor has been improved by near one order of magnitude as compared with CdTe QDs probe. Detection limit of HBcAb-HRP-CdTe QDs biosensor for determination of H 2 O 2 was 6.9×10 −8 mol L −1 (3σ/slope), and the excellent linear range was 1.0×10 −7 ~1.5×10 −4 mol L −1 . By using sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) and NH 4 OH as masking agents of Ag + , Hg 2+ and Cu 2+ , H 2 O 2 can be selectively detected in coexistence with Ag + , Hg 2+ and Cu 2+ , and the biosensor has been used to detect H 2 O 2 in human serum with satisfactory results. The superior properties of this biosensor showed great potential usage in more chemical and biological researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) material was developed with the LiMg 0.9 Zn 0.1 PO 4 ceramic added CaO–B 2 O 3 –SiO 2 crystallizable glass via the traditional solid-state reaction process. The addition of CBS glass can reduce the sintering temperature of LiMg 0.9 Zn 0.1 PO 4 ceramic from 950 °C to 850 °C without an obvious degradation of the microwave dielectric properties as the low-loss phases CaSiO 3 and CaB 2 O 4 phases were crystallized during sintering. The LiMg 0.9 Zn 0.1 PO 4 -15 wt% CBS2 glass composite sintered at 850 °C for 15 min exhibited the ε r value was 6.7, the Q × f value was 40,100 GHz at 15 GHz, and the τ f value was −44 ppm/°C. The LTCC green tape based on the optimized LiMg 0.9 Zn 0.1 PO 4 -CBS2 glass composite composition was obtained by the standard tape-casting process. Tapes with Ag conductor paste printed were laminated and co-fired at 850 °C which revealed the good compatibility between the ceramic and silver. The sintered ceramic demonstrated the CTE value of 8.5 ppm/°C (25 °C–300 °C), the maximum thermal conductivity of 5.6 W/M·K at 25 °C and the flexural strength of 180 MPa, indicating it was a promising LTCC substrate material. • This paper gives the method of fabricating the LTCC substrate material which the crystallizable glass which can remarkably enhance the sinterability and dielectric property of ceramic host. • The ideal content of the liquid phase and crystallized low-loss phase generated in CaO–B 2 O 3 –SiO 2 glass by regulating the B 2 O 3 content may co-work in the glass ceramic system. • The glass ceramic can be co-fired with inner or exterior Ag electrode in a grimly conditions with 850 °C for 15 min showed a dense microstructure. • The ceramic showed the CTE value of 8.5 ppm/°C, the maximum thermal conductivity of 5.6 W/M·K at 25 °C and the flexural strength of 180 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]