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BackgroundThe enrichment of nuclear fuel may significantly influence the fuel performance of a reactor.PurposeThis study aims to explore the effect of U3Si2-Al plate-type fuel enrichment on its performance,MethodsThe fuel performance analysis code BEEs-Plates, neutronics Monte Carlo code OpenMC, and the one-dimensional system analysis code ZEBRA were coupled together within the MOOSE (Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment) framework. Then the coupling code was employed to conduct the multiphysics coupling calculation for JRR-3 (Japanese Research Reactor No.3) fuel assembly enriched at 15%, 20%, and 25%. The data exchange among the three codes were realized with the help of interpolation transfer method implemented in MOOSE. Additionally, neutron physical parameters and fuel performance parameters after 231 d of operation were analyzed when the average fuel consumption of the module was 125.71 GWd∙tU-1.ResultsThe calculation results indicate that the max power density of fuel assembly enriched at 25% is 18% higher than the assembly enriched at 15%. Due to the high thermal conductivity of aluminum, the temperature difference in the fuel assembly is almost negligible whilst there is a significant difference in the fast neutron fluence. The results of fuel temperature and fast neutron fluence show that the volumetric strain is more obviously affected by the fuel temperature. Specifically, the plastic strain of the assembly with 25% enrichment is approximately 40% higher than that of the assembly with 15% enrichment.ConclusionThe analysis results of this study suggest that the assembly with a higher enrichment is more prone to failure.

Balancing adolescents’ growing desire for independence with the establishment of effective media-related rules presents a complex challenge for many parents. Our study, utilising a diverse nationwide sample of 1,480 adolescents aged 13-17, investigates how adolescents’ perceptions of rule restrictiveness might explain the relationship between parental rule strategies and adolescents’ overuse of media. Indicators of overuse include dysregulated media engagement, interference of media use with other activities, and media-related physical symptoms. Structural equation modelling reveals that a higher number of rules and more frequent enforcement are associated with increased perceptions of restrictiveness among adolescents. However, adolescents tend to view rules as more reasonable when parents consistently adhere to these rules themselves, particularly in situations with numerous rules and strict enforcement. Notably, a curvilinear relationship emerges between adolescents’ perceptions of rule restrictiveness and media overuse indicators. Adolescents who perceive rules as reasonable, rather than overly restrictive or lenient, report lower levels of media overuse indicators. Our findings highlight the importance of parents establishing media use expectations that are balanced, reasonable, and that they themselves are committed to following. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have suggested that active social media use can promote well-being by enhancing perceived social support. However, the relationship between social media use and perceived social support remains inconsistent across studies. This study explores possible mechanisms underlying the relationship between active social media use, perceived social support, and well-being during and after a COVID-19 lockdown. Using online surveys with Chinese participants during (N = 1,131) and after (N = 407) the lockdown period, our findings support a sequential mediation model. Specifically, active social media use was positively associated with perceived online network responsiveness, which in turn, predicted augmented perceived social support. Ultimately, increased social support was linked to reduced loneliness and increased life satisfaction. These findings were consistent both during and after the lockdown, indicating that social media has the potential to complement offline social interactions and effectively fulfill individuals' social needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chemotherapy is an important approach for lung cancer patients. The study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of the compound probiotic supplements in improving the quality of life for lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial enrolled chemotherapy‐naive patients with lung cancer who were scheduled to receive platinum‐based doublet chemotherapy. All eligible patients were randomly administered (1:1) compound probiotic supplements (group BP‐1) or placebo (group C) for two chemotherapy cycles. The EORTC QLQ C30 questionnaire scores were evaluated before the first, second, and third cycles of chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the difference in the EROTC QLQ C30 questionnaire score between the two groups after two cycles of chemotherapy. Results: A total of 110 patients were recruited from March 2021 to January 2022. After undergoing two cycles of chemotherapy, group BP‐1 were significantly better in various dimensions of the overall quality of life, role function, nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, constipation, and diarrhea relative to group C (76.90 ± 18.31 vs. 58.89 ± 17.17; 93.33 ± 11.58 vs. 85.93 ± 15.06; 0.00 ± 0.00 vs. 27.04 ± 29.15; 6.67 ± 13.53 vs. 22.22 ± 18.80; 0.95 ± 5.63 vs. 28.15 ± 22.42; 2.86 ± 9.47 vs. 15.56 ± 16.82; p < 0.05, respectively). The incidence of nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, constipation, and diarrhea in group BP‐1 was significantly lower than in group C (0% vs. 71.43%, 16.67% vs. 57.14%, 2.38% vs. 63.27%, and 7.14% vs. 42.86%, respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Compound probiotic supplements can improve the quality of life and relieve chemotherapy‐related gastrointestinal side effects for lung cancer patients receiving platinum‐based doublet chemotherapy. (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1800019269). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutics targeting osteoclasts are commonly used treatments for bone metastasis; however, whether and how osteoclasts regulate premetastatic niche and bone tropism are largely unknown. In this study, we report that osteoclast precursors (OPs) can function as a premetastatic niche component that facilitates breast cancer (BCa) bone metastasis at early stages. At the molecular level, unbiased GPCR ligand/agonist screening in BCa cells suggested that R-spondin 2 (RSPO2) and RANKL, through interaction with their receptor LGR4, promoted osteoclastic premetastatic niche formation and enhanced BCa bone metastasis. This was achieved by RSPO2/RANKL-LGR4 signal modulating the WNT inhibitor DKK1 through G[[alpha].sub.q] and [beta]-catenin signaling. DKK1 directly facilitated OP recruitment through suppression of its receptor LDL receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) but not LRP6, upregulating Rnasek expression via inhibition of canonical WNT signaling. In clinical samples, RSPO2, LGR4, and DKK1 expression showed a positive correlation with BCa bone metastasis. Furthermore, soluble LGR4 extracellular domain (ECD) protein, acting as a decoy receptor for RSPO2 and RANKL, significantly alleviated bone metastasis and osteolytic lesions in a mouse bone metastasis model. These findings provide unique insights into the functional role of OPs as key components of the premetastatic niche for BCa bone metastasis and identify RSPO2/RANKL-LGR4 signaling as a promising target for inhibiting BCa bone metastasis., Introduction Accumulating evidence demonstrates that target organs of cancer metastasis are not just the passive receivers of disseminated tumor cells, but instead are selectively and positively groomed by the primary [...]

In efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, many countries have implemented a variety of lockdown and quarantine measures. With substantially reduced face-to-face interactions, many people may have relied heavily on social media for connection, information, and entertainment. However, little is known about the psychological and physical health implications of social media use during strict lockdown. The current study investigates the associations of social media use with psychological well-being and physical health among Wuhan residents (N = 1214). Our findings showed that non-COVID related self-disclosure was positively associated with psychological well-being, while COVID related information consumption and sharing were negatively associated with psychological well-being. Further, more generic use of social media was associated with lower psychological well-being, which in turn related to more somatic symptoms. Quarantined people used social media more frequently than non-quarantined people. Importantly, the negative association between social media use and psychological well-being was significantly stronger for quarantined people than unquarantined people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily member 11 (TNFSF11, also known as RANKL) regulates multiple physiological or pathological functions, including osteoclast differentiation and osteoporosis. TNFRSF11A (also called RANK) is considered to be the sole receptor for RANKL. Herein we report that leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4, also called GPR48) is another receptor for RANKL. LGR4 competes with RANK to bind RANKL and suppresses canonical RANK signaling during osteoclast differentiation. RANKL binding to LGR4 activates the Gaq and GSK3-p signaling pathway, an action that suppresses the expression and activity of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic, calcineurindependent 1 (NFATC1) during osteoclastogenesis. Both whole-body ([Lgr4.sup.-/-]) and monocyte conditional knockout mice of Lgr4 (Lgr4 CKO) exhibit osteoclast hyperactivation (including elevation of osteoclast number, surface area, and size) and increased bone erosion. The soluble LGR4 extracellular domain (ECD) binds RANKL and inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vivo. Moreover, LGR4-ECD therapeutically abrogated RANKL-induced bone loss in three mouse models of osteoporosis. Therefore, LGR4 acts as a second RANKL receptor that negatively regulates osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption., Bone-mass regulation depends on the dynamic balance between bone formation and bone resorption, which are driven by osteoblast activation and osteoclast activation, respectively. RANKL is a central positive regulator of [...]

In this study, we examine the social and psychological motives for a set of strategic selfie-related behaviour including the manipulation and sharing digital images of oneself, captured by oneself. We argue that attachment anxiety stemming from provider relationships at a young age explains development of self-worth based on approval from others. The proposed mediation model demonstrates that approval-based self-worth then predicts selfie-related behaviour. Given the cross-cultural nature of our data, we conducted multi-group comparisons using nationality as a grouping variable. Path analysis results from culturally distinct samples of Singaporean (N = 236) and American participants (N = 336) revealed that approval-based self-worth mediated the relationship between attachment anxiety and selfie capturing frequency. The model explained more variance in American participants' selfie-related behaviour. Attachment anxiety predicted composition editing and subject editing, but only for Americans. Implications for future research are discussed in evolving technological and cross-cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, it is important for people to engage in prosocial behaviours to support one another. The aim of this research is to answer a key question: in a social crisis, what motivates Americans to help others? Guided by research on appraisal theories and ecosystem theory, we examined the role of compassionate goals and prosocial emotions in promoting prosocial behaviours towards either out‐group or in‐group members. Study 1 (N = 943) was conducted in February 2020, before the widespread transmission of COVID‐19 began in the United States. Results show that people with high compassionate goals are more likely to experience sympathy, which in turn makes them more willing to help people suffering from COVID‐19 in China. Study 2 (N = 1,009) was conducted with a nationally representative sample after COVID‐19 became more prevalent in the United States. Although people with high compassionate goals still experience more sympathy and solidarity, sympathy does not predict donation intention. Instead, solidarity mediates the relationship between compassionate goals and donation intention. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]