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Two pre‐registered studies examined people's psychological collectivism, personal control, and attitudes toward disease‐control measures in the context of the COVID‐19 crisis and more generalized contexts. Study 1 surveyed 819 residents in Shanghai in late May 2022 when they were undergoing a stringent city‐wide lockdown caused by an outbreak of the Omicron variant. We found that participants' psychological collectivism attenuated the negative association between experiences of COVID‐19 restrictions and personal control and enhanced the positive association between personal control and support for COVID‐19 restrictions. Study 2 (N = 403) recruited an online sample with diverse backgrounds and demographic characteristics and sought to extend the findings of Study 1 beyond the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants were exposed to a series of hypothetical scenarios depicting a fictitious virus with varying fatality and transmissibility. As in Study 1, participants higher in psychological collectivism exhibited a stronger positive association between personal control and endorsement of stricter societal disease‐control measures, but only in low‐fatality, high‐transmissibility situations. The implications of these findings for facilitating public support for disease‐control efforts are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accumulating evidences indicate that the specific alternative splicing (AS) events are linked to the occurrence and prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). Nevertheless, the impact of AS is still unclear and needed to further elucidation. Methods: The expression profile of GC and normal samples were downloaded from TCGA. AS events were achieved from SpliceSeq database. Cox regression together with LASSO analysis were employed to identify survival-associated AS events (SASEs) and calculate risk scores. PPI and pathway enrichment analysis were implemented to determine the function and pathways of these genes. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves were used to evaluate the clinical significance of genes of SASEs. Q-PCR were applied to validate the hub genes on the survival prognosis in 47 GC samples. Drug sensitivity and immune cell infiltration analysis were conducted. Results: In total, 48 140 AS events in 10 610 genes from 361 GC and 31 normal samples were analyzed. Through univariate Cox regression, 855 SASEs in 763 genes were screened out. Further, these SASEs were analyzed by PPI and 17 hub genes were identified. Meanwhile, using Lasso and multivariate Cox regression analysis, 135 SASEs in 132 genes related to 7 AS forms were further screened and a GC prognostic model was constructed. K-M curves indicates that high-risk group has poorer prognosis. And the nomogram analysis on the basis of the multivariate Cox analysis was disclosed the interrelationships between 7 AS forms and clinical parameters in the model. Five key genes were then screened out by PPI analysis and Differential Expression Gene analysis based on TCGA and Combined-dataset, namely STAT3, RAD51B, SOCS2, POLE2 and TSR1. The expression levels of AS in STAT3, RAD51B, SOCS2, POLE2 and TSR1 were all significantly correlated with survival by qPCR verification. Nineteen drugs were sensitized to high-risk patients and eight immune cells showed significantly different infiltration between the STAD and normal groups. Conclusions: In this research, the prognostic model constructed by SASEs can be applied to predict the prognosis of GC patients and the selected key genes are expected to become new biomarkers and therapeutical targets for GC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is on the rise globally, and past research suggests a significant association with various blood cell components. Our goal is to explore the potential correlation between whole blood cell indices and NAFLD risk using Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: We analyzed data from 4,198 participants in the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate the link between blood cell indicators and NAFLD. Using various methods like weighted quantile sum and multivariate logistic regression, we assessed the association. Additionally, two-sample Mendelian randomization were employed to infer causality for 36 blood cell indicators and NAFLD. Results: Multivariate logistic regression identified 10 NAFLD risk factors. Weighted quantile sum revealed a positive correlation (p = 6.03e-07) between total blood cell indices and NAFLD, with hemoglobin and lymphocyte counts as key contributors. Restricted cubic spline analysis found five indicators with significant nonlinear correlations to NAFLD. Mendelian randomization showed a notable association between reticulocyte counts and NAFLD using the inverse-variance weighted method. Conclusions: Hematological markers pose an independent NAFLD risk, with a positive causal link found for reticulocyte count. These results emphasize the importance of monitoring NAFLD and investigating specific underlying mechanisms further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accepted by: Aris Syntetos Management-led productivity improvements are crucial for achieving sustainable development, and the Malmquist productivity index is known to be useful in relevant contexts. This study aims to extend such index by using non-parametric mathematical modelling of production processes. Specifically, and in the spirit of the existing index, we introduce the directional distance function to develop a new one applicable to the joint production of desirable and undesirable outputs. Furthermore, we decompose the new index into two constituent components to provide more intuitive explanations when revealing the root sources of productivity changes over time. Under the cost minimization assumption, the new index is applicable when producers implement resource allocation management, and the input–output quantities and the micro-level input prices are known. The index emphasizes that the allocative efficiency should be regarded as an important aspect of productivity assessment like the technical efficiency. As a practical benchmarking tool, it can offer valuable information and provide appropriate strategies for managerial decision-making. The index's application and usefulness is demonstrated in the commercial bank sector in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined the concurrent and longitudinal protective effects of peer popularity and self‐discipline (control, planning, and the ability to prioritize important things) against depressive symptoms among adolescents. We used multilevel modeling to examine the data of 1676 adolescents aged 12–15 years from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) survey, a large‐scale panel survey with a nationally representative sample. Results showed that both peer popularity and self‐discipline predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms measured concurrently. The buffering effect of self‐discipline against concurrent depressive symptoms was stronger for girls than for boys, especially in middle adolescence. Peer popularity additionally predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms 4 years later, and this effect was stronger for girls than for boys. These patterns of results were maintained after controlling for self‐rated physical health and society‐level factors. We discuss these findings against the background of distinct traditional gender roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine whether parents' cultural values are related to parenting practices and children's behavioural adjustment, mothers, fathers and children (N = 218) from two cities in China (Jinan and Shanghai) were interviewed when children were, on average, 10 years old. Mothers and fathers reported their endorsement of cultural values (individualism, collectivism, conformity), which were used to separately predict warmth and family obligation expectations reported by each parent, as well as children's report of parental psychological control, rule setting, knowledge solicitation and perceived family obligation expectations. Cross‐informant (parents and child) composites of internalising and externalising behaviours were also obtained. The results showed that maternal individualism positively predicted parents' knowledge solicitation. Parental collectivism positively predicted their own warmth and family obligation expectations. Mothers' conformity positively predicted mothers' family obligation expectations, paternal warmth and children's perception of family obligation, whereas fathers' conformity only positively predicted fathers' family obligation expectations. These effects were largely consistent across regional subsamples, although mothers in Jinan were more collectivistic than mothers in Shanghai, and parents in Shanghai adopted less psychological control and more knowledge solicitation in parenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cathepsin C (Cat C) is involved in the inflammatory-immune system and can be degraded by cathepsin D (Cat D). Preeclampsia (PE) and the inflammation-immunity relationship is currently a hot research topic, but there are still few studies. The aim was to investigate the expression and significance of Cat C and D in the serum of nonpregnant women, patients in various stages of pregnancy and patients with PE, and in the placenta of patients with normal pregnancy and PE. Methods: Sixty young healthy nonpregnant women were selected: 180 normal pregnant women, including 60 each in the first, second, and third trimesters, and 100 women with PE, including 39 women with severe preeclampsia. The levels of Cat C and D in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression levels of Cat C and D in placentas were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: The serum of Cat C in the first trimester was significantly lower than that in the nonpregnant group (P < 0.001), whereas Cat D was significantly higher than that in the nonpregnant group (P < 0.01). The levels of Cat C and D in the second trimester and third trimester were significantly higher than those in the first trimester (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in Cat C and D between the second trimester and third trimester. The levels of Cat C in the serum and placentas of patients with PE were significantly higher than those in the third trimester (P < 0.001) and positively correlated with the severity of PE (P < 0.001), whereas the levels of Cat D in the serum and placentas of patients with PE were significantly lower than those in the third trimester (P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with the severity of PE (P < 0.001). Age, primigravida proportion, and body mass index were significantly higher in the PE group than in the control group (P < 0.05), which were high-risk factors for PE. Conclusions: Cat C and D are associated with the maintenance of normal pregnancy. In patients with preeclampsia, a significant increase in Cat C and a significant decrease in Cat D levels may lead to the occurrence and development of preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generalized reciprocity and negative reciprocity have been demonstrated to influence employees' psychological states and outcomes differently. Drawing upon social exchange theory and emotion regulation theory, we develop a model that specifies whether and how generalized reciprocity and negative reciprocity influence employees' task performance. A cross-sectional survey study (N = 584) reveals that generalized reciprocity is positively related to task performance, whereas negative reciprocity is adversely related to task performance, and both of these relationships are mediated by social exchange. Interestingly, the findings also indicate that emotional labor moderates the associations between generalized reciprocity and social exchange and between negative reciprocity and social exchange. Specifically, individuals with high deep acting or low surface acting can experience higher social exchange after perceiving generalized reciprocity, whereas individuals with high surface acting or low deep acting can experience lower social exchange after perceiving negative reciprocity. These results provide significant implications for academic research and managerial practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the literature has shown that generalized reciprocity and negative reciprocity as exchange norms can significantly influence employees' outcomes, knowledge about how and when the two types of norms influence employees' well-being is limited. Based on social exchange theory and self-determination theory, we built and investigated a model by conducting a large questionnaire survey with 551 employees and managers. The results of the structural equation model supported our hypotheses. First, generalized reciprocity is positively related to well-being, and negative reciprocity is negatively related to well-being. Both intrinsic motivation and perceived organizational obstruction can meditate roles in the above relationships. Moreover, strength use can enhance the relationship between generalized reciprocity and intrinsic motivation, and it can also weaken the relationship between negative reciprocity and perceived organizational obstruction. Our research represents a significant step towards better understanding the work-related implications of imbalanced reciprocity, highlighting the destructive influence of negative reciprocity on employees' well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Few studies have focused on the immune response to more recent influenza vaccine formulations such as cell-cultured inactivated influenza vaccine (ccIIV4) or live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4) in older children and young adults, or differences in immunoglobulin response using newer antibody landscape technology. Methods Participants ages 4–21 were randomized to receive ccIIV4 (n = 112) or LAIV4 (n = 118). A novel high-throughput multiplex influenza antibody detection assay was used to provide detailed IgG, IgA, and IgM antibody isotypes, along with hemagglutination inhibition levels (HAI), measured pre- and 28 days post-vaccination. Results The HAI and immunoglobulin isotype response to ccIIV4 was greater than LAIV4, with significant increases in IgG but not IgA or IgM. The youngest participants had the highest LAIV4 response. Prior LAIV4 vaccination was associated with a higher response to current season ccIIV4. Cross-reactive A/Delaware/55/2019(H1N1)pdm09 antibodies were present pre-vaccination and increased in response to ccIIV4, but not LAIV4. Immunoglobulin assays strongly correlated with and confirmed the findings of HAI titers to measure immune response. Conclusions Age and prior season vaccination may play a role in the immune response in children and young adults to ccIIV4 and LAIV4. While immunoglobulin isotypes provide high-level antigen-specific information, HAI titers alone can provide a meaningful representation of day 28 post-vaccination response. Clinical Trials No NCT03982069 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (DTS) is a complex fibrous joint that contributes to the stability and weight-bearing function of the ankle. As such, repair of DTS injury is required, providing fixation strength while maintaining ankle range of motion. The aim of this study was to compare a new elastic fixation technique, using an encircling and binding technique, for DTS stabilization, compared to the traditional cortical bone screw fixation. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 67 patients treated for a DTS injury at our hospital, between June 2019 and June 2021. Of them, 33 were treated with encircling and binding (EB group) and 34 using a cortical screw (CS group). The following outcomes were compared between groups: time to inferior tibiofibular fixation; length of hospital stay; time to partial weight bearing; time to complete weight bearing; complications; imaging data; and functional scores. Results: Successful stabilization was achieved in all cases, with a mean follow-up period of 15.78 ± 2.97 months. Time to fixation and time to partial and complete weight bearing were shorter for the EB than that for the CS group. The length of hospital was not different between groups. With regard to complications, a superficial infection developed in one patient in each group, with wound healing achieved after active treatment. Screw fracture occurred in two patients in the CS group. At 3 months post-surgery, the American Foot Surgery Association Ankle-Hindfoot score (AOFAS) was higher and the pain score lower for the EB than that for the CS group, but with no between-group difference at the final follow-up. On imaging, the tibiofibular clear space and tibiofibular overlap were not different between groups. Conclusions: DTS fixation using encircling and binding yielded better clinical and functional outcomes than did cortical screw fixation at 3 months post-surgery, with no difference at the final follow-up. This novel fixation technique provides firm fixation, combined with earlier return to postoperative exercise and recovery of ankle function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the rapid growth of industrial investment has greatly contributed to Chinese socioeconomic development, the consequent resource depletion and environmental degradation have seriously restricted its potential for sustainability. Hence, the concept of eco-efficiency of industrial investment (EEII) is constructed under the comprehensive perspective of economic benefits, energy consumption and environmental impact. To assess the true EEII in China, a new super-efficient undesirable-outputs slacks-based measure DEA model is proposed by adding a new constraint condition to rebuild the reference set. The proposed model not only can consider the joint production of desirable and undesirable outputs, but also achieves full ranking of all decision-making units. Taking 30 provinces in China as an example, our empirical results indicate that the eco-efficiency of China's industrial investment is generally low (0.643) in 2015–2020, and there exists significant regional disparity, in that the average value of EEII in the eastern regions (0.851) is the highest, followed by the central regions (0.594) and the western regions (0.469). Finally, this study provides some suggestions for policymakers to promote the EEII based on its influencing factors, analysed using panel-data Tobit regression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The superhydrophobic surface can be prepared by two methods; one is by reducing the surface energy, and the other is by constructing a micro-nano rough structure. To achieve high superhydrophobic performance in terms of durability, the firm combination of hydrophobic coating and substrate is particularly important. Here, we use polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a low surface energy monomer, water-borne polyurethane (WPU) as a dispersing aid, and use high-power ultrasound to disperse PDMS in water to make emulsion. The polyester matrix is etched by atmospheric plasma, dipped in PDMS emulsion, dried, and finally baked to induce PDMS on the surface of polyester fiber to cross-link into film. A series of tests on the self-cleaning polyester fabric prepared by this method show that when the concentration of PDMS is 8 g/L and the mass ratio of PDMS to WPU is 20:1, the water contact angle (WCA) reaches the maximum value of 148.2°, which decreases to 141.5° after 200 times of washing and 138.6° after 5000 times of rubbing. Before and after PDMS coating, the tensile strength of polyester fabric increases from 489.4 N to 536.4 N, and the water vapor transmission decreases from 13,535.7 g/(m2·d) to 12,224.3 g/(m2·d). This research is helpful to the large-scale production of self-cleaning polyester fabric. In the future, on the basis of this research, we will add functional powder to endow self-cleaning polyester fabric with higher hydrophobicity and other properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A running transformer frequently experiences interturn faults; they are typically difficult to detect in their early stages but eventually progress to interturn short circuits, which cause damage to the transformer. Therefore, finding out the fault mechanism of the full interturn fault process can provide a theoretical basis for transformer fault detection. In this paper, an electromagnetic-solid mechanics coupled finite element model consistent with an actual oil-immersed three-phase transformer is established. The transient process of winding from interturn discharge to interturn short circuit is simulated to study the electromagnetic characteristics as well as the mechanical characteristics during transformer failure. The model parameters of the transformer are simulated to obtain the fault current, electromagnetic parameters and other performance parameters to study the characteristics of the magnetic field and coil force when interturn faults occur. Finally, the vibration of the transformer casing is used to detect as well as diagnose the transformer fault situation, providing a theoretical basis for the study of transformer detection and diagnosis capability improvement measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza viruses continue to co-circulate, representing 2 major public health threats from respiratory infections with similar clinical presentations. SARS-CoV-2 and influenza vaccines can also now be co-administered. However, data on antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 and influenza coinfection and vaccine co-administration remain limited. Methods We developed a 41-plex antibody immunity assay that can simultaneously characterize antibody landscapes to SARS-CoV-2/influenza/common human coronaviruses. We analyzed sera from 840 individuals (11–93 years), including sera from reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)–confirmed SARS-CoV-2–positive (n = 218) and –negative (n = 120) cases, paired sera from SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (n = 29) and infection (n = 11), and paired sera from influenza vaccination (n = 56) and RT-PCR–confirmed influenza infection (n = 158) cases. Last, we analyzed sera collected from 377 individuals who exhibited acute respiratory illness (ARI) in 2020. Results This 41-plex assay has high sensitivity and specificity in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections. It differentiated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (antibody responses only to spike protein) from infection (antibody responses to both spike and nucleoprotein). No cross-reactive antibodies were induced to SARS-CoV-2 from influenza vaccination and infection, and vice versa, suggesting no interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza antibody responses. However, cross-reactive antibodies were detected between spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and common human coronaviruses that were removed by serum adsorption. Among 377 individuals who exhibited ARI in 2020, 129 were influenza positive; none had serological evidence of SARS-CoV-2/influenza coinfections. Conclusions Multiplex detection of antibody landscapes can provide in-depth analysis of the antibody protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in the context of other respiratory viruses, including influenza. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle blind-like protein 1 (MBNL1) is a class of RNA binding protein. As an alternative splicing factor of precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA), it plays a fundamental role in the regulation of the development process and the post transcriptional regulation of specific transcripts, which affects multiple steps in the process of RNA maturation and expression, including pre-mRNA splicing, degradation, RNA output, stability maintenance, modification and translation. MBNL1 was first considered as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of myotonic dystrophy. With going deep into the research, its role in a variety of non-tumor and tumor diseases has become increasingly prominent. Studies have shown that MBNL1 is abnormally expressed in many types of tumors and is closely related to the occurrence, development and metastasis of various malignant tumors, such as gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, glioblastoma, lung cancer, hematological system tumors, etc. According to different cell types and development environments, the changes of MBNL1 protein levels in normal and tumor cells are diverse. MBNL1 can not only act as a transcriptional activator to promote the occurrence and development of tumors, but also play as a transcriptional repressor to inhibit the growth and metastasis of tumors. The present review summarizes the molecular mechanism, biological characteristics, expression and function of MBNL1 in the occurrence and development of various malignancies to provide several new insights into tumor-targeted therapy and prognosis evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, industrial pollution has become an urgent problem for policy makers and enterprise managers. To better support industrial development, we need to determine the effectiveness of policies through efficiency evaluation. China's provincial industrial system consists of two stages: production and emission reduction. The emission reduction stage is composed of three parallel sub stages: solid waste treatment, waste gas treatment and wastewater treatment. In this process, the treatment capacity of industrial wastewater treatment facilities can be used as carry forward variable, which is not only the desirable output of the previous emission reduction stage, but also the input of the current emission reduction stage. Therefore, this paper proposes a dynamic hybrid two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) model for eco-efficiency evaluation of industrial systems, and applies it to a case study of Chinese regional industry. Applying the data collected from 2011 to 2015 to the model, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) During the whole survey period, the average eco-efficiency was 0.9027. The overall eco-inefficiency of China's provincial industrial system during the study period is mainly due to low efficiency of solid waste treatment and waste gas treatment. (2) The average eco-efficiency of provincial industrial system increased steadily from 2011 (0.6448) to 2014 (0.6777), but decreased slightly in 2015 (0.5908). (3) The carry forward treatment capacity of industrial wastewater treatment facilities has a remarkable impact on provincial industrial system efficiency scores, especially at the wastewater treatment stage (0.6002 vs 0.3691). (4) Provincial industrial system exists distinct geographical characteristics of low efficiency. This study has important guiding significance for policy makers and enterprise managers who are concerned about industrial pollution control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, life history theory (LHT) has provided an important theoretical framework for understanding human individual differences and their developmental processes. The conceptual complexity and multidisciplinary connections involved in the LH research, however, might appear daunting to psychologists whose research might otherwise benefit from the LH perspective. The main purpose of this review, therefore, is to introduce the evolutionary biological backgrounds and basic principles of LHT as well as their applications in developmental psychology. This review is organized into five parts, starting with an overview of key concepts in LHT, which clarifies the relationship among LH strategy, LH‐related traits, and the fast–slow paradigm of LH variation. We proceed to review theoretical and empirical work related to four basic LH trade‐offs, summarized by an integrated descriptive model of LH trade‐offs that shape different LH strategies in humans. We then explain the effects of four aspects of environmental risks (morbidity‐mortality threats, competition, resource scarcity, and unpredictability) on human LH strategy. This is followed by a discussion of LH calibration models in evolutionary developmental psychology that explicates the environmentally sensitive developmental processes that contribute to variation and plasticity in LH‐related traits and ultimately human LH strategies. Finally, we highlight a few outstanding questions and future directions for LH research in psychology and conclude with why we think it is important that developmental psychology should embrace the LH approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aberrant DNA methylation patterns, including hypermethylation of key genes that inhibit fibrosis and inflammation, have been described in human kidney diseases. However, the role of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN) remains unclear. Methods: We explored the underlying mechanism by establishing HBV X protein (HBx) overexpressing renal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells and human podocytes with DNMT1 knockdown. Using RNA-sequencing to determine the downstream targets of DNMT1 and evaluate its levels of promoter methylation. HBV transgenic mice were used to examine the effects of DNMT1 inhibitor on renal in vivo. Results: DNMT1 was significantly upregulated in the renal tissue of HBV-GN patients, accompanied by injuries of HK-2 cells and podocytes. HBx markedly upregulated DNMT1 and induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inflammation in HK-2 cells and human podocytes. This increased DNMT1 expression was attenuated after DNMT1 knockdown, accompanied by restored HK-2 cells and podocyte injuries resulting from the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. Hypermethylation of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) promoter and vitamin D receptor (VDR) was induced in HBx-overexpressing HK-2 cells and podocytes, respectively, whereas DNMT1 knockdown effectively corrected these alterations. Furthermore, PTEN and VDR ablation resulted in marked EMT and inflammation induction in HBx-overexpressing HK-2 cells and human podocytes even with DNMT1 knockdown. Downregulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related pathway attenuated HBx-induced EMT and inflammation in HK-2 cells. Luciferase reporter assay revealed VDR as a direct target of the Snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAI1) in HBx-overexpressing podocytes. DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine alleviated urinary protein and renal inflammation in HBV transgenic mice via PTEN-PI3K/Akt signaling and VDR signaling axis. Conclusions: Our study clarifies the potential epigenetic mechanisms underlying HBx-induced renal injuries in HBV-GN and the renoprotective effects of inhibiting DNMT1, which can provide important insights into the development of treatments for HBV-GN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 12th Five-Year Plan period, Sichuan province has selected strategic emerging industries such as new-generation information technology, new energy, high-end equipment manufacturing, new materials, biology, energy conservation and environmental protection. However, its strategic emerging industries are still in the stage of cultivation and development, and there are some problems such as low industrial agglomeration and obvious industrial restructuring. In essence, this is because the focus of the development of strategic emerging industries is not clear enough, and the location advantages are not fully utilized to select the most suitable strategic emerging industries for the development of the region. This paper constructs a regional strategic emerging industries selection decision model, applies ARCGIS to study the spatial distribution of strategic emerging industries in Sichuan province, and uses fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method (FCEM) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to solve the priority of developing strategic emerging industries. Conclusions: Firstly, Sichuan province should give priority to the development of new generation information technology industry and new energy vehicle industry, then high-end equipment manufacturing industry, energy-saving and environmental protection industry and new energy industry, and finally biological industry and new material industry. The larger the coefficient of influence is, the higher the comprehensive score is, while the larger the coefficient of sensitivity is, the lower the comprehensive score is. Secondly, the number of enterprises in the new-generation information technology industry and the new energy vehicle industry is still not dominant in Sichuan province. Finally, the study found that the current development of strategic emerging industries in Sichuan province is extremely unbalanced in various regions, and the phenomenon of competition and reconstruction is obvious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Order cancellation, due to such as customer plan adjustments or market changes, usually occurs in the real production environment of distributed flexible job shop scheduling problem (DFJSP). However, thus far, all exiting researches about DFJSP have not consider order cancellation, which normally leads to resource waste and makes the original scheme infeasible. Hence, in this work, we propose a DFJSP considering order cancellation (DFJSPC) for the first time; and design a reformative memetic algorithm (RMA) to solve the DFJSPC aiming at optimizing the makespan and total energy consumption. In the RMA, a five-layer encoding operator and a new load balancing initialization method are designed to improve the quality of the initial population. Some effective crossover, mutation and local search operators are designed, which can fully expand the solution space of the algorithm and improve its convergence speed. A total of 60 DFJSPC benchmark instances are constructed, and some comparative experiments are carried out among the proposed RMA and three well-known algorithms, namely NNIA, NSGA-II and NSGA-III. The final experimental results verified the outstanding performance of the RMA. This research will provide a theoretical basis for the order cancellation problem in distributed production settings, and help manufacturers to properly handle canceled orders to reduce resource waste and reschedule the infeasible schemes causing from order cancellation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, many special education schools are or have been rebuilt into resource centres. To support the national program of 'Learning in Regular Classroom' (LRC), these centres often recruit teachers in special education schools to serve as special education itinerant teachers (SEITs), who travel across regular schools to provide specialised professional support. However, most studies of professional qualities of SEITs have been conducted in western countries and the analysis was based on SEITs for students with visual or hearing impairment. Little is known about the professional qualities of SEITs in the Chinese LRC context. This study aims to make a contribution in this regard. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with seven SEITs. It was found that beliefs, knowledge, skills, professional identity and motivation, and self-awareness of professional development were recognised as the core professional competencies necessary for the implementation of itinerant service. Implications for practice and future research in SEITs' professional development are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To effectively promote the efficient dissemination of sci-tech journals and improve the influence of sci-tech journals, a precise push method of sci-tech journals based on knowledge graph reasoning is proposed, using knowledge graph to build network to realize push reasoning of scientific and Technological Journals. Based on the one-way author relationship network diagram and the two-way keyword network diagram, the PageRank algorithm is used to calculate the weight of network vertices, quantitatively and accurately identify the research direction of push customers and predict customers, and realize the accurate push management of content, so as to obtain the basis for the construction of network diagram. Based on the previous article in the Journal of the information society of science and technology of China, this paper constructs a knowledge reasoning diagram, mines 52 co-author cases and 60 related papers as experimental data, and verifies the progressiveness method through customer value. According to the network diagram, the progressiveness of this method is verified. The experimental results show that the knowledge map network reasoning method proposed in this paper has high accuracy in identifying the push objects of scientific and technological journals and accurately predicting the research direction. The matching degree between the number of customers and the pushed content. Using knowledge map network can ensure the timeliness and accuracy of pushing scientific and technological journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, eco-efficiency is one of the most widely used comprehensive indicators in many fields and sectors. Understanding eco-efficiency is of great significance to implement sustainable socioeconomic development for decision makers. To assess the comprehensive performance of industrial investment, the eco-efficiency of industrial investment (EEII) is constructed under the comprehensive perspective of economic benefits, energy consumption, and environmental impact in this paper. Then, a new superefficient undesirable-output slack-based measure DEA (SeUo-SBM-DEA) model is proposed and applied to assess the EEII of 30 provinces in China from 2015 to 2017, and its influencing factors are analyzed using the Tobit regression. The empirical results show the following: (1) the eco-efficiency of China's industrial investment is generally low (0.613), and there exists a significant regional disparity; namely, the average value of EEII was the highest in the eastern regions (0.838), followed by the central regions (0.6) and western regions (0.397). (2) R&D expenditure, economic development level, and foreign direct investment all had a significant positive effect on the eco-efficiency of industrial investment, while investment in treatment of industrial pollution sources and total education funds all had a significant negative effect. Finally, this paper puts forward some suggestions to promote sustainable development of industrial investment based on our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the great development of image display technologies and the widespread use of various image acquisition device, recapturing high-quality images from high-fidelity LCD (liquid crystal display) screens becomes relatively convenient. These recaptured images pose serious threats on image forensic technologies and bio-authentication systems. In order to prevent the security loophole of image recapture attack, we propose a recaptured image detection method based on multi-resolution residual-based correlation coefficients. Specifically, we first classify the divided image blocks into three categories according to their content complexity. Then, for each classified block, sharpness degree is used as metric to select the local representative block. Finally, pixel-wise correlation coefficients in the residual of the local representative blocks are adopted as features for training and testing. Single database experiments demonstrate that our proposed method not only performs very close to the state-of-the-art methods on relative low-quality NTU-ROSE and BJTU-IIS databases, but also improves the performance on the most difficult-to-detect ICL-COMMSP database obviously, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed multi-resolution strategy and the used residual-based correlation coefficients. Besides, mixed database experiments verify the superiority of the generalization ability of our proposed method. Moreover, it is robust to JPEG compression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of serologic assays that can rapidly assess human exposure to novel influenza viruses remains a public health need. Previously, we developed an 11‐plex magnetic fluorescence microsphere immunoassay (MAGPIX) by using globular head domain recombinant hemagglutinins (rHAs) with serum adsorption using two ectodomain rHAs. Methods: We compared sera collected from two cohorts with novel influenza exposures: animal shelter staff during an A(H7N2) outbreak in New York City in 2016‐2017 (n = 119 single sera) and poultry workers from a live bird market in Bangladesh in 2012‐2014 (n = 29 pairs). Sera were analyzed by microneutralization (MN) assay and a 20‐plex MAGPIX assay with rHAs from 19 influenza strains (11 subtypes) combined with serum adsorption using 8 rHAs from A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) viruses. Antibody responses were analyzed to determine the novel influenza virus exposure. Results: Among persons with novel influenza virus exposures, the median fluorescence intensity (MFI) against the novel rHA from exposed influenza virus had the highest correlation with MN titers to the same viruses and could be confirmed by removal of cross‐reactivity from seasonal H1/H3 rHAs following serum adsorption. Interestingly, in persons with exposures to novel influenza viruses, age and MFIs against exposed novel HA were negatively correlated, whereas in persons without exposure to novel influenza viruses, age and MFI against novel HAs were positively correlated. Conclusions: This 20‐plex high‐throughput assay with serum adsorption will be a useful tool to detect novel influenza virus infections during influenza outbreak investigations and surveillance, especially when well‐paired serum samples are not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zn-Fe-Mn-Co-O spinel-structured thermistor films were synthesized by chemical solution deposition methods. The ageing performance of these films was investigated by co-doping Fe and Zn into the films and annealing at different temperatures. The surface morphology and microstructure of these films were improved with the increasing temperature. The contents of Mn3+ and Mn4+ were stable with the annealing temperature due to iron and zinc co-doping. Annealing at 700 °C was necessary for the iron cation to be fully activated in the spinel lattice. The optimal electrical properties and ageing performance of the films were obtained at 800 °C, with an optimal B value of ˜4472 K and the lowest rate of change for the film resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report the synthesis of Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 spinel ferrites by solvothermal method based on ethylene glycol for magnetic hyperthermia applications. X-ray diffraction analysis of as synthesized spinel ferrites confirm the cubic spinel structure having crystallite sizes in the range between 17 to 22 nm. The particles morphology was investigated by scanning electron micrographs, and the results indicate that all particles are in regular spherical shape with narrow particle size distribution. Magnetic properties were measured by using a vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. The heating effect of as synthesized spinel ferrites were studied under alternating current magnetic field (36 KA m−1 and 286 kHz). In particular, the sample synthesized in EG: H2O = 2:1 solvent system shows the highest specific absorption rate of 224.84 W/g at the concentration of 5 mg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Why natural selection would favor thoughts or behaviors that benefit others at the cost of oneself (prosociality) in humans is an intriguing question. The present studies explored two kinds of cues representing overarching environmental factors that might affect prosociality: unpredictability, which represents the variability of extrinsic threats, and competition, which represents the relevance of others' performance to one's fitness. In three experiments, we also took into account the interaction between the two environmental factors and two moderators, namely resource availability and prosocial thinking types. In each experiment, participants were exposed to cues of unpredictability and/or competition before assessment of spontaneous prosocial behaviors (Studies 1 and 2) or prosocial judgments in dual-choice dilemmas (Study 3). Results showed that unpredictable cues generally led to lower prosocial behaviors and fewer prosocial judgments (Studies 2 & 3). In contrast, competitive cues led to lower prosocial behaviors among individuals with resource disadvantages (Study 1), and when combined with unpredictable cues (Study 2). However, competition also led to higher prosocial behaviors among individuals with resource advantages (Study 1) and more prosocial judgments in response to rational, utilitarian dilemmas (Study 3). Taken together, these results indicated that human prosociality is affected by environmental factors in predictable ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare clinical syndrome caused by the obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. In theory, hepatic congestion and hypoxia induce pathological damage and changes in the liver. However, at present, laboratory evidence supporting this theory is lacking. The aim of the present study was to assess the expression and significance of the hypoxia-associated indicators malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and endotoxin (ET) in the liver and serum of subjects with BCS. An animal model of BCS was established by partial ligation of the inferior vena cava (IVC) in rats. The levels of MDA, SOD and ET in the serum of BCS patients, as well as in the liver and serum of rats with BCS, were detected and analyzed. In human patients with BCS, the serum levels of MDA, ET and SOD were significantly different from those in healthy control subjects. In the animal model, similar trends were observed regarding the MDA, ET and SOD levels in liver homogenate and serum (P<0.05), the degree of which was more pronounced in the liver homogenate than in the serum. At 6 weeks after the surgery, these indicators reached peak/valley levels in the experimental group and were at least partially restored by week 12. A negative correlation between MDA and SOD, a positive correlation between MDA and ET, and a negative correlation between SOD and ET was identified. In conclusion, the levels of hypoxia-associated indicators significantly changed with BCS progression, suggesting that hypoxia is a major factor in the pathogenesis of BCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, interventional therapy for patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) due to hepatic vein obstruction (HVO) has not been standardized in China. In Western countries, BCS primarily occurs due to thrombosis and the majority of patients receive thrombolysis. In China, BCS is mostly caused by the membranous occlusion of the HV or IVC. The present retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of recanalization techniques in patients with primary BCS due to HVO. The data of 69 patients with BCS due to HVO, who underwent endovascular therapy at 2 centers in China between December 2010 and December 2012, were analyzed. All of the patients underwent balloon angioplasty. In addition, 14, 6 and 5 patients received thrombolysis, endovascular stent and thrombolysis + endovascular stent, respectively. The overall technical success rate was 95.7% (66/69), and was comparable among the treatments. The HV pressure after the treatments was significantly lower compared with that prior to the procedures (23.3±6.9 vs. 46.5±8.6 cmH2O; P<0.001). The mean follow-up duration was 75 months (range, 60–84 months). During the 5-year follow-up, 10 patients (15.2%) had developed a recurrence of BCS-associated symptoms, of which 7 were successfully treated. The cumulative survival rates at 12, 36 and 60 months after endovascular interventional therapy (balloon angioplasty or combined treatment) were 98.5, 98.5 and 93.9%, respectively. After treatment by endovascular therapy, the patients with BCS caused by HVO had high survival rates and low recurrence rates in the short- and mid-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract With the wide use of sophisticated image editing tools, digital image manipulation becomes very convenient and easy, which makes the detection of image tampering operations significant. Image splicing, which refers to a selected region from an image is cut and pasted onto another image, is a ubiquitous image tampering operation. In this paper, based on the finding that the textures and edges can affect the local estimation of noise variance, we propose a novel image splicing detection method via noise level function. Specifically, the test image is first segmented into non-overlapping blocks and the noise variance and the sharpness of each block are calculated. Then, the noise level function, which reflects the relationship between the noise variances and the sharpness of blocks is estimated. The goal of this function is to generate a distance map to describe the minimum distances from the blocks to the fitted curve. The blocks which not be constrained by this estimated noise level function will be distinct in the distance map so that they can be regarded as spliced regions. Finally, contextual information is additionally used to refine the detection result. Extensive experiments demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method in both quantitative and qualitative metrics when compared with the state-of-the-art approaches. Highlights • Investigating the influence of textures and edges on noise variance estimation. • Constructing noise level function to reflect the relationship between noise variance and sharpness. • A novel framework for image splicing detection based on noise level function is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for treating solid tumors, although its efficacy remains limited to a subset of patients. Transforming non-responsive "cold" tumor types into immuno-responsive "hot" ones is critical to enhance the efficacy of immune-based cancer treatments. Pyroptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism, not only effectively eliminates tumor cells but also triggers a potent inflammatory response to initiate anti-tumor immune activities. This sheds light on the potential of pyroptosis to sensitize tumors to immune therapy. Hence, it is urgent to explore and develop novel treatments (e.g., nanomedicines) which are capable of inducing pyroptosis. In this study, we constructed tumor-targeting nanoparticles (CS-HAP@ATO NPs) by loading atorvastatin (ATO) onto chondroitin sulfate (CS) modified hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles (CS-HAP). CS was strategically employed to target tumor cells, while HAP exhibited the capacity to release calcium ions (Ca2+) in response to the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, ATO disrupted the mitochondrial function, leading to intracellular energy depletion and consequential changes in mitochondrial membrane permeability, followed by the influx of Ca2+ into the cytoplasm and mitochondria. CS and HAP synergetically augmented mitochondrial calcium overload, inciting the production of substantial amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the subsequent liberation of oxidized mitochondrial DNA (OX-mitoDNA). This intricate activation process promoted the assembly of inflammasomes, most notably the NLRP3 inflammasome, followed by triggering caspase-1 activation. The activated caspase-1 was able to induce gasderminD (GSDMD) protein cleavage and present the GSDM-N domain, which interacted with phospholipids in the cell membrane. Then, the cell membrane permeability was raised, cellular swelling was observed, and abundant cell contents and inflammatory mediators were released. Ultimately, this orchestrated sequence of events served to enhance the anti-tumor immunoresponse within the organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis (MIA) syndrome may worsen the prognosis of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Serum thymosin β4 (sTβ4) protects against inflammation, fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction. The present study aimed to characterize the association between sTβ4 and MIA syndrome as well as to investigate the potential of regulating sTβ4 to improve the prognosis of PD patients. We performed a cross-sectional, single-center pilot study involving 76 PD patients. Demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, nutritional profiles, inflammatory mediators, atherosclerosis-related factors and sTβ4 levels were collected and subjected to association analysis for sTβ4 and MIA syndrome. sTβ4 levels did not significantly vary with sex or primary disease in PD patients. Ages and PD features did not vary between patients with different levels of sTβ4. PD patients with higher levels of sTβ4 had significantly higher levels of nutritional indicators, including subjective global nutritional assessment (SGA) (p < 0.001) and serum albumin (ALB) (p < 0.001) but lower levels of inflammatory and atherosclerotic indicators, including serum C reaction protein (CRP) (p = 0.009), the right common carotid artery (RCCA) intimal thickness (p < 0.001) and the left common carotid artery (LCCA) intimal thickness (p = 0.02). Correlation analysis showed that sTβ4 was positively associated with SGA (p < 0.001) and serum ALB (p < 0.001) but negatively associated with CRP (p = 0.020), RCCA intimal thickness (p < 0.001) and LCCA intimal thickness (p = 0.033). In multiple adjusted models, the prevalence of MIA syndrome was significantly decreased in PD patients with increased levels of sTβ4 when patients without MIA syndrome were compared to those with all indicators of MIA syndrome (OR = 0.996, 95% CI 0.993–0.999, p = 0.003) or those with at least one indicator of MIA syndrome (OR = 0.997, 95% CI 0.995–0.998, p < 0.001). The sTβ4 level decreases in PD patients with MIA syndrome. The prevalence of MIA syndrome decreases significantly as the level of sTβ4 increases in PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optical frequency divider for dual-wavelength optical signals based on an optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The Mach–Zehnder modulator in the OEO is biased at the minimum transmission point, the OEO-based frequency divided signal originates from system noise. When the oscillation phase and amplitude conditions met, it gets stabilised at an oscillation frequency which is one-third of the frequency interval of the injected dual-wavelength optical signal. A proof-of-concept experiment is verified. With the frequency interval of the dual-wavelength optical signal ranging from 101.4 to 120.6 GHz, the RF signals ranging from 33.8 to 40.2 GHz are successfully generated. The power ripple is lower than 2.92 dB and the rejection ratio of the harmonic components is larger than 39 dB for all the conditions. The phase noise values of the generated RF signals are kept to be around −105 dBc/Hz@10 kHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing from the dual process model of morality and life history theory, the present research examined the role of cognitive and emotional processes as bridges between basic environmental challenges (i.e., unpredictability and competition) and other-centered moral orientation (i.e., prioritizing the welfare of others). In two survey studies, cognitive and emotional processes represented by future-oriented planning and emotional attachment, respectively (Study 1, N = 405), or by perspective taking and empathic concern, respectively (Study 2, N = 424), positively predicted other-centeredness in prosocial moral reasoning (Study 1) and moral judgment dilemmas based on rationality or intuition (Study 2). Cognitive processes were more closely related to rational aspects of other-centeredness, whereas the emotional processes were more closely related to the intuitive aspects of other-centeredness (Study 2). Finally, the cognitive and emotional processes also mediated negative effects of unpredictability (i.e., negative life events and childhood financial insecurity), as well as positive effects of individual-level, contest competition (i.e., educational and occupational competition) on other-centeredness. Overall, these findings support the view that cognitive and emotional processes do not necessarily contradict each other. Rather, they might work in concert to promote other-centeredness in various circumstances and might be attributed to humans’ developmental flexibility in the face of environmental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile approach was used to prepare a cyclodextrin metal–organic framework(CD-MOF) based on γ-cyclodextrins (γ-CDs) and alkali metal cations. As a green, renewable framework material, the CD-MOF exhibits high selectivity and sorptive capacity toward sulfonamides (SAs). Therefore, five SAs including sulfathiazloe(STZ), sulfamethoxymidine(SMD), sulfamerazine(SMR), sulfadimethoxine (SDM)and sulfaquinoxaline (SQX) were selected as target analytes to validate the extraction performance of CD-MOF as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) adsorbent, coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the adsorption mechanism was investigated. The results showed that the CD-MOF as adsorbent exhibited good enrichment capability for five SAs and obtained short adsorption equilibrium time(30 min). Under optimized conditions, the spiked recoveries into meat samples were satisfied (76%–102%) with relative standard deviation below 2.4%–6.5% (n = 3) which indicated that the method was suitable for the effective extraction of SAs from complicated matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new silver‐functionalized silica‐based material with a core–shell structure based on silver nanoparticle‐coated silica spheres was synthesized, and silver nanoparticles were modified using strongly bound l‐cysteine. l‐Cysteine‐silver@silica was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. Then, a solid‐phase extraction method based on l‐cysteine‐silver@silica was developed and successfully used for bisphenol A determination prior to HPLC analysis. The results showed that the l‐cysteine‐silver@silica as an adsorbent exhibited good enrichment capability for bisphenol A, and the maximum adsorption saturation was 20.93 mg/g. Moreover, a short adsorption equilibrium time was obtained due to the presence of silver nanoparticles on the surface of the silica. The extraction efficiencies were then optimized by varying the eluents and pH. Under the optimized conditions, good linearity for bisphenol A was obtained in the range from 0.4 to 4.0 μM (R2 > 0.99) with a low limit of detection (1.15 ng/mL). The spiked recoveries from tap water and milk samples were satisfactory (85–102%) with relative standard deviations below 5.2% (n = 3), which indicated that the method was suitable for the analysis of bisphenol A in complex samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Material with a core-shell structure based on a porous silica core and Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) as shell (SiO@Ag) was prepared with the seed growth method. Cellulose derivatives as chiral selectors were coated on the surfaces of SiO@Ag particles by means of coating and intermolecular polycondensation as chiral stationary phases (CSPs), respectively. Fifteen racemates were used to evaluate their chiral recognition ability by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results implied that the CSPs based on SiO@Ag particles obtained stronger interaction with the analytes leading to better enantioseparation due to the existence of AgNPs on the surfaces of silica gel, compared with a cellulose derivative-modified silica column. In addition, the new CSPs showed special selectivity for ketone enantiomers, and AgNPs played a synergistic effect with cellulose derivatives on enantioseparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a packaging method for SiC MOSFETs that provides a feasible solution of implementing press-pack packaging on SiC MOSFETs to extend the application of SiC devices into the high power range. The challenges in realizing press-pack packaging of SiC MOSFETs are addressed, and the solutions are proposed that fit the specific requirements of SiC MOSFET. To achieve pressure contact on SiC MOSFETs, miniature and flexible press pins called “fuzz buttons” are used in a low-profile interposer to realize die top side connection. Since the press-pack does not provide internal insulation between the active device and the heatsink, the heatsink is included in the power loop. To avoid large parasitic loop inductance being introduced by the heatsinks, a microchannel heatsink is developed which has a low thickness while remaining adequate heat dissipation efficiency. The structure and assembly process flow of the press-pack SiC MOSFET are provided. A half-bridge stack prototype with two press-packs and three heatsinks is developed. The thermal and electrical performances of the press-pack and the half-bridge stack are evaluated by simulations and tests to validate the feasibility of the proposed packaging approach. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We have explored interfacial electrochemical electron transfer (ET) and electrocatalysis of 5-6 nm Prussian Blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) immobilized on Au(111)-electrode surfaces via molecular wiring with variable-length, and differently functionalized thiol-based self-assembled molecular monolayers (SAMs). The SAMs contain positively (−NH ) or negatively charged (-COO-) terminal group, as well an electrostatically neutral hydrophobic terminal group (-CH). The surface microscopic structures of the immobilized PBNPs were characterized by high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) directly in aqueous electrolyte solution under the same conditions as for electrochemical measurements. The PBNPs displayed fast and reversible interfacial ET on all the surfaces, notably in multi-ET steps as reflected in narrow voltammetric peaks. The ET kinetics can be controlled by adjusting the length of the SAM forming linker molecules. The interfacial ET rate constants were found to depend exponentially on the ET distance for distances longer than a few methylene groups in the chain, with decay factors (β) of 0.9, 1.1, and 1.3 per CH, for SAMs terminated by −NH ,-COO-, and-CH, respectively. This feature suggests, first that the interfacial ET processes follow a tunneling mechanism, resembling that of metalloproteins in a similar assembly. Secondly, the electronic contact of the SAM terminal groups that anchor non-covalently the PBNP are crucial as reported for other types of molecular junctions. Highly efficient PBNP electrocatalysis of HO reduction was also observed for the three linker groups, and the electrocatalytic mechanisms analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus microneutralization assays (MN) are widely used for seroprevalence studies. However, these assays have limited field portability and are difficult to fully automate for high throughput laboratory testing. To address these issues, three multiplex influenza subtype-specific antibody detection assays were developed using recombinant hemagglutinin antigens in combination with Chembio, Luminex ® , and ForteBio ® platforms. Assay sensitivity, specificity, and subtype cross-reactivity were evaluated using a panel of well characterized human sera. Compared to the traditional HI, assay sensitivity ranged from 87% to 92% and assay specificity in sera collected from unexposed persons ranged from 65% to 100% across the platforms. High assay specificity (86–100%) for A(H5N1) rHA was achieved for sera from exposed or unexposed to hetorosubtype influenza HAs. In contrast, assay specificity for A(H1N1)pdm09 rHA using sera collected from A/Vietnam/1204/2004 (H5N1) vaccinees in 2008 was low (22–30%) in all platforms. Although cross-reactivity against rHA subtype proteins was observed in each assay platform, the correct subtype specific responses were identified 78%–94% of the time when paired samples were available for analysis. These results show that high throughput and portable multiplex assays that incorporate rHA can be used to identify influenza subtype specific infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Detections of influenza A subtype-specific antibody responses are often complicated by the presence of cross-reactive antibodies. We developed two novel multiplex platforms for antibody detection. The multiplexed magnetic fluorescence microsphere immunoassay (MAGPIX) is a high-throughput laboratory-based assay. Chembio Dual Path Platform (DPP) is a portable and rapid test that could be used in the field. Methods: Twelve recombinant globular head domain hemagglutinin (GH HA1) antigens from A(H1N1)pdm09 (pH1N1), A(H2N2), A(H3N2), A(H5N1), A(H7N9), A(H9N2), A(H13N9), B/Victoria lineage, B/Yamagata lineage viruses, and protein A control were used. Human sera from U.S. residents either vaccinated (with H5N1 or pH1N1) or infected with pH1N1 influenza viruses and sera from live bird market workers in Bangladesh (BDPW) were evaluated. GH HA1 antigens and serum adsorption using full ectodomain recombinant hemagglutinins from A(pH1N1) and A(H3N2) were introduced into the platforms to reduce cross-reactivity. Results: Serum adsorption reduced cross-reactivity to novel subtype HAs. Compared to traditional hemagglutination inhibition or microneutralization assays, when serum adsorption and the highest fold rise in signals were used to determine positivity, the correct subtype-specific responses were identified in 86%-100% of U.S. residents exposed to influenza antigens through vaccination or infection (N=49). For detection of H5N1-specific antibodies in sera collected from BDPW, H5 sensitivity was 100% (six of six) for MAGPIX, 83% (five of six) for DPP, H5 specificity was 100% (15/15), and cross-reactivity against other subtype was 0% (zero of six) for both platforms. Conclusion: MAGPIX and DPP platforms can be utilized for high-throughput and in-field detection of novel influenza virus infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firmness is a major quality index for peaches and many other fruits. Because firmness varies among different parts of the pulp, maps of the firmness distribution inside peach pulp can be used as an important indicator for deeply understanding and evaluating the ripening process of fruit and for further optimizing planting patterns and postharvest storage strategies. However, the commonly used Magness-Taylor firmness tester cannot provide the firmness distribution at the pixel level, because it measures only one or a few sampling points where the probe is located. In this study, a laboratory-based hyperspectral imaging system in the wavelength range of 380–1030 nm was developed to detect and visualize the firmness distributions for different cross sections of peach pulp. Two calibration methods based on partial least squares regression (PLSR) and least squares support vector machines were applied to establish firmness calibration models. In addition, the successive projections algorithm, uninformative variable elimination, and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) were applied separately to select the optimal wavelengths to improve the models’ accuracy and robustness. CARS-PLSR without preprocessing was determined to be the best model for determining the firmness of peach pulp, yielding prediction results with a correlation coefficient of 0.852 and a residual predictive deviation of 1.739. Using this model, the firmness distributions for different cross sections of peach pulp were quantitatively visualized at the pixel level. The firmness histogram revealed the existence of a wide range of firmnesses inside peach pulp. The overall results demonstrated that hyperspectral imaging shows great potential for visualizing the spatial variations in the firmness distribution inside peach pulp at the pixel level, which can provide a more detailed understanding of the ripening process of peach fruits during the preharvest and postharvest periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past years, digital image forensics has become a hot topic in multimedia security field. Among various image forensics technologies, image resampling detection is a standard detection tool. Furthermore, examining parameters of geometric transformations such as scaling factors or rotation angles is very useful for exploring the overall manipulation history of an image. In this paper, we propose a learning-to-rank approach for automatically estimating the scaling factor based on the normalized energy density features and moment features. Specifically, the difference of these features of the ordered image pairs are used for training, then the scaling factor of a new input image can be evaluated from its corresponding rank values. Our proposed method can not only effectively eliminate the long-known ambiguity between upscaling and downscaling in the analysis of resampling but also accurately estimate the factors of downscaling and weak scaling, i.e., the scaling factors near 1. Empirical experiments on extensive images with different scaling factors demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method when compared with the state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which compared the nanostructures of ion-beam and direct current magnetron sputter-deposited giant magnetoresistive spin valves. Use of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy; Observation on ion-beam deposition spin valves; Preparation of cross-sectional and plane-view samples.

The present study examined longitudinal relations between adverse environment (at the community and family level), life history (LH) profile (conceptualized as a suite of behavioral and physical traits with converging adaptive functions), and crystalized intelligence (mathematics and vocabulary test scores) using data on 1,185 Chinese adolescents obtained from the China Family Panel Studies survey. Multilevel structural equation modeling indicates that early familial environmental harshness was negatively associated with slow LH profiles and crystalized intelligence, slow LH profiles were positively associated with crystallized intelligence, and early community-level environmental harshness strengthened the positive association between slow LH and crystalized cognitive abilities. The results underscore the importance of the childhood environment in fostering individual LH and cognitive development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is a rare vascular complication of systemic sclerosis with substantial risks for end-stage renal disease and premature death. Activating autoantibodies (Abs) targeting the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1R) and the endothelin-1 type A receptor (ETAR) have been identified as predictors for SRC. Here, we sought to determine their pathogenic significance for acute renal vascular injury potentially triggering kidney failure and malignant hypertension. Methods IgG from patients with SRC was studied for AT1R and ETAR dependent biologic effects on isolated rat renal interlobar arteries and vascular cells including contraction, signalling and mechanisms of receptor activation. Results In myography experiments, patient IgG exerted vasoconstriction sensitive to inhibition of AT1R and ETAR. This relied on MEK-ERK signalling indicating functional relevance of anti-AT1R and anti-ETAR Abs. The contractile response to angiotensin II and endothelin-1 was amplified by patient IgG containing anti-AT1R and anti-ETAR Abs with substantial crosstalk between both receptors implicating autoimmune receptor hypersensitization. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments indicated heterodimerization between both receptor types which may enable the observed functional interrelation by direct structural interactions. Conclusion We provide experimental evidence that agonistic Abs may contribute to SRC. This effect is presumably related to direct receptor stimulation and additional allosteric effects, at least in heterodimeric receptor constellations. Novel therapies targeted at autoimmune hyperactivation of AT1R and ETAR might improve outcomes in severe cases of SRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of cognitive strategy instruction (CSI) on mathematical word problem solving of students with mathematics disabilities. A sample of fourth-grade students in a Chinese primary school was divided into a treatment group (75 students) and a comparison group (75 students). The sample consisted of students with mathematics disabilities only, students with both mathematics and reading disabilities, as well as average- and high-achieving students. Results showed that students at all ability levels (except high-achieving students) in the treatment group outperformed significantly their counterparts in the comparison group; the intervention effect was stronger for students with mathematics disabilities only than for those with both mathematics and reading disabilities. The present study indicates that CSI is a contextually and pedagogically appropriate model that has a strong potential to improve mathematical word problem solving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement in image display technology and the widespread use of various image acquisition devices, recapturing high-quality images from high-fidelity LCD (liquid crystal display) screens becomes very convenient and easy. These recaptured images pose serious threats on current image forensic technology and intelligent recognition systems. In order to solve these security problems, we propose a recaptured image forensics method based on local ternary count (LTC) of high order prediction error. Specifically, given an image, the second-order difference maps on different directions are calculated in HSV color space for the original image and its average pooled version. Then, we calculate the prediction error maps from these second-order difference maps through a linear predictor. Finally, the normalized LTC histograms of all the downsampled versions of the obtained prediction error maps are calculated as features for training and testing. Single database experiments demonstrate that our proposed method performs very similar with the state-of-the-art traditional method on the most difficult-to-detect ICL-COMMSP database with obvious less execution-time and lower feature dimension. Meanwhile, it performs very close to the existing well-performed deep learning based method on all the databases, which verifies the effectiveness of our proposed features. Besides, mixed database experiments verify the superiority on generalization ability of our proposed method. Moreover, it is robust to JPEG compression. • A novel recaptured image forensics method based on local ternary count of high order prediction error is proposed. • An efficient calculation algorithm of high order prediction error maps based on linear prediction is proposed. • Experiments performed on three databases demonstrate this method has good performance in both detection accuracy and generalization ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]