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Jia Wei San Huang Tang (JWSHT) alleviates the cold properties of the original formula, San Huang Tang, and holds promise for treating gastrointestinal ailments. The primary objective of this study was to validate the safety of the JWSHT in a rat model and position the experimental foundation for future comprehensive investigations into its pharmacological effects and safe clinical application. Guided by the "Methodology of Pharmacological Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine," JWSHT underwent oral toxicity assessments. In the acute study, 60 Kunming mice (half male, half female) were categorized into five groups, receiving gavage doses of 16.0, 12.8, 10.2, and 8.2g/kg JWSHT for 7 days. Symptoms and mortality were recorded, and LD50 was calculated. To ascertain the maximum tolerated dose, mice received 128g/kg of the product and were observed for 14 days. In the subacute rat study, 80 rats were divided into three treatment groups and one control, administered doses of 16g/kg/d, 8g/kg/d, and 4g/kg/d for 30 days. Subsequently, rats were euthanized, and diverse parameters were analyzed to evaluate JWSHT's subacute toxicity. The acute toxicity test revealed that the LD50 was greater than 5g/kg. No signs of toxicity were observed in mice when administered at the maximum dose. The results of the subacute toxicity test indicated that the hemoglobin (HGB) levels in the high-dose group and the mean platelet volume (MPV) in the low-dose group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in the low-dose group were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). The relative spleen weight in the male high-dose group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Mild bleeding was observed in the kidneys of the high-dose group, while other parameters showed no significant difference compared to the control group (P>0.05). Therefore, it was concluded that under the conditions of this study, the administration of JWSHT was relatively safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste aluminum dross (AD) was used as a substrate on which active constituents were loaded after different activating treatments. A hydrothermal method was applied to synthesize the carbon-aluminum-based composite catalysts (C-ACC), whose pore structures, surface characteristics, and thermal stability were analyzed with the methods of XRF, SEM, and BET. Then, the feasibility of using recycled aluminum dross to catalyze biomass (bits of poplar wood, BPw) pyrolysis to produce hydrogen-rich gas was thoroughly evaluated. The results showed that aluminum dross exhibited significantly enhanced stability after the activating treatments and obtained a relatively large specific surface area and pore volume, presenting similar pore structure characteristics to aluminum oxides (Al 2 O 3). Aluminum dross can be used as an excellent catalyst carrier. Carbon-aluminum-based composite material has a well-developed pore structure. Its specific surface area, average pore size, and pore volume are 118 m2/g, 10.3 nm, and 0.43 cm3/g, respectively, and its heat conductivity coefficient is 0.22 W/m · K. With a combination of advantages of activated carbon and Al 2 O 3 , the properties of iron-loaded carbon-aluminum composite catalysts are superior to those of active constituents and carrier materials. With these catalysts, a relatively high gas yield (43.77%) and a relatively small amount of char deposition (19.79%) have been achieved during the process of catalyzing BPw pyrolysis, with the H 2 yield significantly increased to 64.24mL/g -biomass. So, it provides a new idea for oriented catalyzation of biomass pyrolysis to produce hydrogen-rich gas. Using aluminum dross as a catalyst carrier or a substitute for some part of the carrier can significantly improve the quality of hydrogen-rich gas. A new method of using aluminum dross to obtain catalysts for producing cheap biomass fuel through a pretreatment process has been put forward. • Activated AD achieved a large specific surface area and Al 2 O 3 -like characteristics. • C-ACC combines the advantages of activated carbon and Al 2 O 3. • AD can be applied as an excellent catalyst carrier to produce hydrogen-rich gas. • A new method has been proposed to use AD as a cheap catalyst carrier. • Realizing the new concept of recycling utilization of waste AD and waste biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Biltz synthesis establishes straightforward access to 5,5‐disubstituted (thio)hydantoins by combining a 1,2‐diketone and a (thio)urea. Its appealing features include inherent atom and step economy together with the potential to generate structurally diverse products. However, control of the stereochemistry of this reaction has proven to be a daunting challenge. Herein, we describe the first example of enantioselective catalytic Biltz synthesis which affords more than 40 thiohydantoins with high stereo‐ and regio‐control, irrespective of the symmetry of thiourea structure. A one pot synthesis of corresponding hydantoins is also documented. Remarkably, experimental studies and DFT calculations establish the reaction pathway and origin of stereoselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Biltz synthesis establishes straightforward access to 5,5‐disubstituted (thio)hydantoins by combining a 1,2‐diketone and a (thio)urea. Its appealing features include inherent atom and step economy together with the potential to generate structurally diverse products. However, control of the stereochemistry of this reaction has proven to be a daunting challenge. Herein, we describe the first example of enantioselective catalytic Biltz synthesis which affords more than 40 thiohydantoins with high stereo‐ and regio‐control, irrespective of the symmetry of thiourea structure. A one pot synthesis of corresponding hydantoins is also documented. Remarkably, experimental studies and DFT calculations establish the reaction pathway and origin of stereoselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renicoris gen. nov. and its type species Renicoris robustus sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from Yunnan, China, are described and illustrated. A key to separate the new genus and its closely related genera is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA regulates various biological processes, such as gene regulation, RNA splicing, and intracellular signal transduction. RNA's conformational dynamics play crucial roles in performing its diverse functions. Thus, it is essential to explore the flexibility characteristics of RNA, especially pocket flexibility. Here, we propose a computational approach, RPflex, to analyze pocket flexibility using the coarse-grained network model. We first clustered 3154 pockets into 297 groups by similarity calculation based on the coarse-grained lattice model. Then, we introduced the flexibility score to quantify the flexibility by global pocket features. The results show strong correlations between the flexibility scores and root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) values, with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.60, 0.76, and 0.53 in Testing Sets I–III. Considering both flexibility score and network calculations, the Pearson correlation coefficient was increased to 0.71 in flexible pockets on Testing Set IV. The network calculations reveal that the long-range interaction changes contributed most to flexibility. In addition, the hydrogen bonds in the base–base interactions greatly stabilize the RNA structure, while backbone interactions determine RNA folding. The computational analysis of pocket flexibility could facilitate RNA engineering for biological or medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the thread-legged bug genus Ademula McAtee & Malloch, 1926 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae: Emesini, formerly Ploiariolini) from China, A. callipennis, new species, and A. corniculata, new species, are described and illustrated in the present paper. COI barcodes of these two new species and an updated key to the Oriental species of Ademula are provided. The distribution of Ademula in East and Southeast Asia is briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Capecitabine maintenance therapy is safe and efficacious for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, but the cost-effectiveness of its long-term use has not been investigated. Here, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of capecitabine maintenance therapy, compared with routine follow-up, in early-stage TNBC patients after standard treatment from a perspective of Chinese society.Methods: A three-state Markov model based on the data from the SYSUCC-001 trial was constructed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of capecitabine maintenance therapy in a month cycle over a period of 30-year time horizon. A 5% annual discount rate was set for all costs and benefits. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the model uncertainties. The main outcomes include quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and the number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one additional event.Results: Compared with routine follow-up, 1-year capecitabine maintenance therapy yielded an additional 1.29 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at an additional cost of $3391.70, with an ICER of $2630.53 (95% CI: $1159.81-$5090.12) per QALY gained. The ICER was considerably lower than the recommended willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold (i.e., $28,130.00 per QALY). The results were sensitive to the discount rate, drug cost, and treatment cost after relapse. Further, the NNT to prevent one additional relapse case was 29.2 (95% CI: 13.2-196.6), 16.7 (95% CI: 8.4-111.6), and 12.0 (95% CI: 5.7-82.6) at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively.Conclusions: One-year capecitabine maintenance therapy for early-stage TNBC after standard treatment, compared with routine follow-up, was found to be highly cost-effective with promising clinical benefits and acceptable increased costs. Real-world studies are warranted to validate our findings in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inherent and acquired abnormalities in gene regulation due to the influence of genetics and epigenetics (traits related to environment rather than genetic factors) underlie many diseases including diabetes. Diabetes could lead to multiple complications including retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease that greatly increase morbidity and mortality. Epigenetic changes have also been linked to diabetes-related complications. Genes associated with many pathophysiological features of these vascular complications (e.g., inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress) can be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms involving histone posttranslational modifications, DNA methylation, changes in chromatin structure/remodeling, and noncoding RNAs. Intriguingly, these epigenetic changes triggered during early periods of hyperglycemic exposure and uncontrolled diabetes are not immediately corrected even after restoration of normoglycemia and metabolic balance. This latency in effect across time and conditions is associated with persistent development of complications in diabetes with prior history of poor glycemic control, termed as metabolic memory or legacy effect. Epigenetic modifications are generally reversible and provide a window of therapeutic opportunity to ameliorate cellular dysfunction and mitigate or "erase" metabolic memory. Notably, trained immunity and related epigenetic changes transmitted from hematopoietic stem cells to innate immune cells have also been implicated in metabolic memory. Hence, identification of epigenetic variations at candidate genes, or epigenetic signatures genome-wide by epigenome-wide association studies can aid in prompt diagnosis to prevent progression of complications and identification of much-needed new therapeutic targets. Herein, we provide a review of epigenetics and epigenomics in metabolic memory of diabetic complications covering the current basic research, clinical data, and translational implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Macro PPBESK beads with hierarchical pores are fabricated via NIPS approach. • PPBESK beads have a good thermal insulation property in a wide temperature window. • The compression modulus of PPBESK beads is more than 50 times higher than PS foam. • The performance can be controlled by the composition of the coagulation bath. Preparation of porous materials from high-performance polymers holds great promise for various advanced engineering applications like thermal insulation. However, it is still a great challenge to fabricate them due to the difficulties in manufacturing them. Herein, a high performance polymer material poly(aryl ether sulfone ketone)s containing phthalazinone and biphenyl moieties (PPBESK) was utilized to fabricate porous materials via a frequently used and simple method named non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS). Macro porous PPBESK beads have been fabricated in different non-solvent coagulation baths. The kinetics of the phase inversion processes are visualized by the optical microscope. The multi-scale porous structures formed inside the beads endow them an excellent thermal insulation performance in a wide temperature window and a high mechanical performance that the compression modulus is more than 50 times higher than Polystyrene (PS) foam. Therefore, these PPBESK beads provide an optimized combination of functionalities including high mechanical strength and good thermal insulation, which could turn out to be useful in harsh environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft robots controlled by different actuation schemes are flourishing owing to the continued development of smart materials. However, most of the existing actuators are powered by a single source with predetermined mechanical properties and motion characteristics. Speed, power, and efficiency of these actuators are thus far inferior to their conventional counter parts. How to preload or alter the internal energy distribution and trigger rapid kinetic energy release combined with re‐programmability is a challenge and corresponding solutions will extend the practical use of soft robotics. Herein, a hybrid magnetically and photothermally responsive actuator with high degrees of freedom by using a coupled‐field manipulation strategy is proposed. As a proof‐of‐concept, a crab robot (CraBot) that contains uniformly distributed superparamagnetic particles and localized light‐responsive joints is produced. The spatial magnetic field exerts force on the robot, leading to real‐time adjustment of energy distribution within the entire robot. Meanwhile, the focused light field enables selective deformation of specific joints, releasing the accumulated energy into kinetic energy of motion for quick actuation. The directional accumulation and addressable release of elastic energy enables the CraBot to walk efficiently with improved power and speed. Such a hybrid‐field manipulation strategy holds great promise for sophisticated actuation of soft robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global lithium salt price surges drive up costs for high-performance repair materials, creating demand for cost-effective alternatives. Calcium nitrate (CN), with its low production costs and capacity to enhance early cement strength, emerges as a preferred choice. Limited knowledge on combining calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement and CN prompts further exploration for a potentially cost-effective solution in repair materials. This study investigated the impact of varied CN contents on fluidity, setting time, compressive strength, electrical resistivity, heat of hydration, hydration products, and pore structure of CSA cement. The results show that CN can enhanced fluidity, significantly reduced setting time, accelerated hydration process, shortened the hydration induction period, and promoted the nucleation and growth of ettringite. When CN content was 8%, the compressive strength of samples reached its peak at 40.8 MPa, 44.9 MPa, and 47.3 MPa at 3 d, 7 d, and 28 d, respectively. Exceeding 8% CN content will increase the cumulative heat release which reach the maximum of 314.5 J·g−1 at 72 h. The addition of CN will generate the NO 3 -AFm phase and improve the stability of ettringite, as well as refine the pore structure of the samples but increase their total porosity. • The hydration mechanism of CSA cement with high amounts of calcium nitrate (CN) was analyzed. • The optimal amount of CN to enhance the compressive strength of CSA cement samples was 8%. • Although high amounts of CN can refine the pores of CSA cement, it also led to an increase in its total porosity. • The presence of NO 3 -AFm in CSA cement samples affected its hydration process, promoting the stability and formation of AFt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drilling accidents occur frequently in Bohai shallow layers. The existing drilling accidents analysis model lacks real-time performance and has poor operability. By introducing accidents mechanism, the data model based on SVM is established to improve the processing efficiency of drilling accidents, and the targeted measures for handling drilling accidents are recommended. In this study, to perform data optimization and parameter selection for SVM, we propose a quantum variation particle swarm algorithm (QVPSO), which combines K-mean classifier, quantum variation, and particle swarm algorithm. Using the problem of accidents mechanism identification, the proposed drilling accidents diagnosis, termed QVPSO-SVM, was compared with multiple competitive SVM models based on other optimization algorithms including the original algorithm, K-mean classifier, particle swarm optimization, grid method, and genetic algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate that, although the drilling accidents diagnosis needs more time than the original SVM model to solve the identification of accidents mechanism. Drilling accidents diagnosis can significantly improve the accuracy of model (96%). The targeted measures recommended by drilling accidents diagnosis can improve the processing efficiency of drilling accidents and reduce nonproductive time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identities of two species of assassin bugs in the tribe Ectinoderini (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from the Indochinese Peninsula are reviewed, resulting in the following new synonymy and new combinations: Amulius Stål, 1865 = Parapanthous Distant, 1919, syn. n.; Amulius spinicollis (Distant, 1919), comb. n. (transferred from Parapanthous) and Ectinoderus confragosus (Distant, 1919), comb. n. (transferred from Amulius). Lectotypes of these species are designated. The hemelytral venations of Amulius and Ectinoderus Westwood, 1843 are briefly discussed and their diagnoses accordingly revised. Amulius is newly reported from Vietnam and Ectinoderus is recorded from Cambodia for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the potential applicability of Anabaena variabilis SCAU30 as a biofertilizer and biopesticide in rice fields. Methods: The effects of A. variabilis SCAU30 inoculation on disease severity, plant growth, rice yield, and soil nutrients were investigated by microchamber, micro-area, and field experiments. The nitrogen fixation ability was estimated by acetylene reduction activity. Hormones were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: In microchamber experiments, the control efficacies of A. variabilis SCAU30 against rice sheath blight and bacterial blight were 62.3 ± 8.9% and 45.3 ± 5.6%, respectively. The cell extracts of A. variabilis SCAU30 exhibited high antagonistic effects on corresponding pathogens, whereas volatile compounds only showed inhibition on Xanthomonas oryzae. The results of pond experiments showed that inoculation with A. variabilis SCAU30 could promote the growth of rice plants, increase yield, control diseases, and decrease chemical nitrogen fertilizer input. Moreover, in field experiments, the combined treatment of A. variabilis SCAU30 and 50% topdressing fertilizer increased rice yields by 13.9%–22% compared with the conventional fertilizer treatment. This potentially represents economic gains of 26,753 ~ 38,987 Chinese Yuan ha−1 season−1 if sold as a green food. Conclusions: The present study suggests that A. variabilis SCAU30 may act as a fertilizer and pesticide in developing green rice in South China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with chemotherapy have become the first-line treatment of metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas (GEACs). This study aims to figure out the optimal combined positive score (CPS) cutoff value. Methods: We searched for randomized phase III trials to investigate the efficacy of ICIs plus chemotherapy for metastatic GEACs compared with chemotherapy alone. Pooled analyses of hazard ratios (HRs) based on PD-L1 expression were performed. Results: A total of six trials (KEYNOTE-062, KEYNOTE-590, KEYNOTE-859, ATTRACTION-04, CheckMate 649, and ORIENT-16) were included, comprising 5,242 patients. ICIs plus chemotherapy significantly improved OS (HR: 0.79, 95% CI 0.72–0.86 in global patients; HR: 0.75, 95% CI 0.57–0.98 in Asian patients) and PFS (HR: 0.74, 95% CI 0.68–0.82 in global patients; HR: 0.64, 95% CI 0.56–0.73 in Asian patients) compared with chemotherapy alone. The differences in OS (ratio of HR: 1.05, 95% CI 0.79–1.40; predictive value: − 5.1%) and PFS (ratio of HR: 1.16, 95% CI 0.98–1.36; predictive value: − 13.5%) were not statistically significant between the global and Asian patients. Subgroup analyses indicated that the optimal CPS threshold was at ≥ 5 for OS and ≥ 10 for PFS with the highest predictive values. Conclusions: The benefit derived from ICIs plus chemotherapy is similar between Asian and global GEAC patients. However, those with a PD-L1 CPS < 5 or CPS < 10 may not have significant benefits from ICIs therapy. Therefore, it is advisable to routinely assess PD-L1 expression in GEAC patients considered for ICIs treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable auxiliary devices for visually impaired people are highly attractive research topics. Although many proposed wearable navigation devices can assist visually impaired people in obstacle avoidance and navigation, these devices cannot feedback detailed information about the obstacles or help the visually impaired understand the environment. In this paper, we proposed a wearable navigation device for the visually impaired by integrating the semantic visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) and the newly launched powerful mobile computing platform. This system uses an Image-Depth (RGB-D) camera based on structured light as the sensor, as the control center. We also focused on the technology that combines SLAM technology with the extraction of semantic information from the environment. It ensures that the computing platform understands the surrounding environment in real-time and can feed it back to the visually impaired in the form of voice broadcast. Finally, we tested the performance of the proposed semantic visual SLAM system on this device. The results indicate that the system can run in real-time on a wearable navigation device with sufficient accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African assassin bug genus Neopirates Miller, 1952, is revised. The type species, N. nyassae Miller, 1952, is redescribed and illustrated; two new species from Namibia, N. bicolor Liu & Cai sp. n. and N. xanthothorax Liu & Cai sp. n. are described and a key is provided to separate the three species of this genus. Sphodrembas fumipennis Swanson, 2019, the type species of Sphodrembas Swanson, 2019, is placed as a junior synonym of N. nyassae, resulting in Sphodrembas becoming a junior synonym of Neopirates. Morphological differences between Neopirates and similar genera and the distribution of Neopirates are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chenicoris dilatatus gen. n. & sp. n. from southern China is described and placed in the largest assassin bug subfa mily Harpactorinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae). The new species is similar to members of Isyndus Stål, 1859 in general habitus, but can be distinguished from the latter by the unarmed anterior pronotal lobe, the laterally dilated lobe-like abdominal segment V and several features of its genitalia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hornylia obtusipetala sp. nov. from eastern Thailand is described and illustrated. This new species is the second representative of the genus Hornylia Wygodzinsky, 1966. A key to species of Hornylia is presented. The relationship with allied genera and distribution of Hornylia is briefly discussed. Hornylia is recorded from Thailand for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by Kapranov's discovery of an sh Lie algebra structure on the tangent complex of a Kähler manifold and Chen-Stiénon-Xu's construction of sh Leibniz algebras associated with a Lie pair, we find a general method to construct sh Leibniz algebras. Let A be a commutative dg algebra. Given a derivation of A valued in a dg module Ω, we show that there exist sh Leibniz algebra structures on the dual module of Ω. Moreover, we prove that this process establishes a functor from the category of dg module valued derivations to the category of sh Leibniz algebras over A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Oriental assassin bug genus Enoplocephala Miller, 1940, is revised and redescribed. Two species are recognised: the type species, E. perakensis Miller, 1940, is redescribed and illustrated based on the type specimen; an additional species, E. maculata, new species, is described and illustrated based on one specimen from Borneo. Systematic position, distribution, and habitat of this genus are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Pachynomidae is recorded from Borneo as well as Southeast Asia for the first time. Camarochiloides gen. n. and its type species C. weiweii sp. n. is described. Dorsal habitus and various morphological characters of the new species are illustrated. Subfamily placement and affinities of the new genus are briefly discussed, a key to the genera of Pachynominae is provided. Body and wing polymorphism and nymphal morphology of the new species are documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the authors consider the secrecy communication of one source–destination pair in a wireless multi-hop relay network, where each node is equipped with multiple antennas. They use the method of interference alignment for secrecy transmission in the presence of an eavesdropper. Firstly, they propose a decode-and-forward (DF) relaying protocol and give a new result on the joint probability density function of the first, second, …, kth (k = 1, 2,…) largest eigenvalues of the complex Wishart matrices HHH, where H is an matrix whose elements are independent identically distributed complex Gaussian variables with zero mean and unit variance. They then utilise this result to characterise the legitimate outage probability and the diversity order of the proposed DF protocol. The case where the relay works in the amplify-and-forward (AF) mode is considered at last, and the diversity order of the proposed AF protocol is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Three‐dimensional (3D) printed models have been shown to be promising in surgical training in rhinology. The objectives of this study were to develop a set of 3D‐printed models including the pediatric and adult nasal cavity, and the postsurgical paranasal sinuses, and to assess the face and content validity in endoscopic training. Methods: The computed tomography (CT) data of a pediatric patient without nasal disorders and an adult patient with nasal septal deviation were selected to produce the models of the pediatric and adult nasal cavity, and the CT data of an adult patient who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery 4 months ago was chosen to create the paranasal sinus model. After the models were printed by our desktop‐level 3D printer, 5 rhinologists used the 5‐point Likert scales to evaluate the fidelity and utility. Additionally, a group of prespecified tasks were completed by the rhinologists and 5 residents respectively for supplementary content validation. The difference of time used in completing each task was analyzed by Mann‐Whitney U test. Results: All the models were prototyped in 24 hours, and the total cost for each model was less than 100 CNY (15 USD). The overall scores for fidelity and usefulness in endoscopic training were above 4.0. The experts accomplished all tasks using significantly less time than the residents (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: The models of nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses made by our desktop‐level 3D printer are high‐fidelity, low‐cost, and useful in training basic endoscopic skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Here we intended to investigate the changes in corneal endothelial cells and foveal thickness after phacoemulsification surgery on the eyes of diabetic and non-diabetic cataract patients.Material and Methods: A total of 120 cataract patients who were scheduled for phacoemulsification surgery and intraocular lens implantation were recruited and divided into 2 categories according to the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Changes in integrity, endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation (CV), percentage of hexagonal cells (PHC), central corneal thickness (CCT), and central foveal thickness (CFT) were all recorded at preoperative day 1 and postoperative day 3, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months.Results: None of the recorded variables showed any difference between the nondiabetic and diabetic groups before surgery (p > 0.05). During the postoperative 6 months, ECD and PHC decreased and CV increased in both groups (all ptime < 0.05), whereas CCT and CFT fluctuated in both groups significantly (both ptime < 0.05), with their individual peaks at postoperative 1 week in the diabetic group. The groups differed significantly in ECD, PHC, and CV at each time point postoperatively (all pgroup < 0.05). Furthermore, the diabetic group had improved CFT during the postoperative 1 month and higher CCT during the 6 months postoperatively than the nondiabetic group (all pgroup < 0.05). The time and group interactions were significant for ECD, CV, PHC, CCT and CFT (all pgroup × time < 0.05).Conclusions: The diabetic group had more changes in corneal endothelial cells and foveal thickness than the nondiabetic group postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported here is a high-efficiency preparation method of amorphous nickel phosphide (Ni-P) nanoparticles by intense femtosecond laser irradiation of nickel sulfate and sodium hypophosphite aqueous solution. The underlying mechanism of the laser-assisted preparation was discussed in terms of the breaking of chemical bond in reactants via highly intense electric field discharge generated by the intense femtosecond laser. The morphology and size of the nanoparticles can be tuned by varying the reaction parameters such as ion concentration, ion molar ratio, laser power, and irradiation time. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results demonstrated that the nanoparticles were amorphous. Finally, the thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis experiment verified that the as-synthesized noncrystalline Ni-P nanoparticles had an excellent catalytic capability toward thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate. This strategy of laser-mediated electrical discharge under such an extremely intense field may create new opportunities for the decomposition of molecules or chemical bonds that could further facilitate the recombination of new atoms or chemical groups, thus bringing about new possibilities for chemical reaction initiation and nanomaterial synthesis that may not be realized under normal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As modern information technology has developed rapidly and deepened into the field of education and teaching day by day, its impact on undergraduates' life, learning, and ideas has become increasingly widespread and in-depth. On the basis of an empirical investigation, the development of undergraduates' ideological and moral concepts, ideals and beliefs in the Internet era were analyzed. Using modern new media to educate undergraduates about their ideals and beliefs is of great significance to strengthen ideological and political education in colleges and universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using 3D radiation-hydrodynamic simulations and analytic theory, we study the orbital evolution of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) binary systems for various initial orbital separations and mass ratios, and thus different initial accretionmodes. The time evolution of binary separations and orbital periods are calculated directly from the averaged mass-loss rate, accretion rate and angular momentum loss rate. We separately consider spin-orbit synchronized and zero-spin AGB cases. We find that the angular momentum carried away by the mass loss together with the mass transfer can effectively shrink the orbit when accretion occurs via wind-Roche lobe overflow. In contrast, the larger fraction of mass lost in Bondi-Hoyle-Lyttleton accreting systems acts to enlarge the orbit. Synchronized binaries tend to experience stronger orbital period decay in close binaries.We also find that orbital period decay is faster when we account for the non-linear evolution of the accretion mode as the binary starts to tighten. This can increase the fraction of binaries that result in common envelope, luminous red novae, Type Ia supernovae and planetary nebulae with tight central binaries. The results also imply that planets in the habitable zone around white dwarfs are unlikely to be found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to control and vary the atomic compositions of two-dimensional (2D) layered semiconductors is of considerable importance for tailoring their electronic and optoelectronic properties. The current methods to tailor chemical composition of 2D layered semiconductors is largely limited to vapor phase chemistry, and solution phase chemistry is insufficiently explored to date. Here, we report a general approach to prepare 2D layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) by ion exchange reactions in solution phase. By choosing four typical layered metal dichalcogenides including MoS2, MoSe2, WS2 and SnS2 as representative cases, the feasibility and versatility of both cation and anion exchange reactions in layered metal dichalcogenides are confirmed. Transient absorption results indicate that exciton lifetime of these samples as excitation energy is increased. The optoelectronic properties of these TMD nanosheets after the ion exchange exhibit potential for future devices. Our strategy can be employed not only to modulate the atomic composition and electronic structures of layered TMDs, but also open up a new pathway for the fabrication of various hybrid heterostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the economy and substitutability of agricultural waste-based liquid fuel in the whole life cycle, this paper takes ethyl levulinate as the study object, creatively designing the system boundary and establishing the economic analysis model for the preparation of liquid fuel from biomass hydrothermal Liquefaction. Furthermore, the economy of agricultural waste-based ester fuels was analyzed by comprehensively considering dynamic and static indicators. Finally, taking the large-scale system of producing ethyl levulinate, which processes 70,000 t of corn straw per year, as an example, the economic benefit analysis results of hydrolyzing agricultural wastes to produce ethyl levulinate were obtained, and the key factors affecting the production cost were identified and the uncertainty of the production cost was estimated. The physicochemical characteristics and economic analysis of ester-diesel hybrid vehicle fuel were carried out, showing good combustion characteristics and application prospects. This paper can provide theoretical reference and data support for the economic analysis and large-scale application of biomass liquid fuel in the whole life cycle. • The economic analysis model of hydrolyzing agricultural waste to produce ester fuels is developed. • The economic benefits of ethyl levulinate were analyzed by combining the dynamic and static indicators. • The price of ethyl levulinate had the greatest impact on IRR , NPV , and P m. • Key factors affecting and uncertainty of the production cost were estimated. • Mixed fuels of B2.5E2.5 and EL5 have good combustion characteristics and application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate mass transfer and the formation of discs in binary systems using a combination of numerical simulations and theory. We consider six models distinguished by binary separation, secondary mass and outflow mechanism. Each system consists of an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star and an accreting secondary. The AGB star loses its mass via a wind. In one of our six models, the AGB star incurs a short period of outburst. In all cases, the secondary accretes part of the ejected mass and also influences the mass-loss rate of the AGB star. The ejected mass may remain gravitationally bound to the binary system and form a circumbinary disc, or contribute to an accretion disc around the secondary. In other cases, the ejecta will escape the binary system. The accretion rate on to the secondary changes non-linearly with binary separation. In our closest binary simulations, our models exemplify the wind Roche lobe overflow while in our wide binary cases, the mass transfer exhibits Bondi–Hoyle accretion. The morphologies of the outflows in the binary systems are varied. The variety may provide clues to how the late AGB phase influences planetary nebula shaping. We employ the adaptive-mesh-refinement code ASTROBEAR for our simulations and include ray tracing, radiation transfer, cooling and dust formation. To attain the highest computational efficiency and the most stable results, all simulations are run in the corotating frame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scalable production of large quantities of defect-free graphene nanosheets (GNs) with low cost and excellent properties is essential for practical applications. Despite the highly intense research of this area, the mass production of graphene nanosheets with high solubility remains a key challenge. In the present work, we propose a scalable exfoliation process for hydrophilic GNs by ball-milling-assisted supercritical CO2 exfoliation in the presence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) via the synergetic effect of chemical peeling and mechanical shear forces. The exfoliation difficulty has been reduced due to the intercalation effects of supercritical CO2 molecules. With the ball-milling assistance, the modifier has been introduced onto the edge or/and surface of the GNs. The process results in hydrophilic GNs with little damage to the in-plane structure. The GNs can be dispersed in various solvents with a concentration of up to 0.854 mg/mL (water) and remain stable for several months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates femtosecond laser direct writing mediated flexible integration of plasmonic Ag/Pd alloy nanostructures that can be potentially used as a robust surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate inside the microfluidic chip. Silver–palladium alloy with controllable composition ratio can be patterned into plasmonic nanostructures due to two‐photon absorption induced coreduction of silver/palladium double metal ions. Since the alloy structures can effectively protect the silver from oxidation, thus they can facilitate the stable on‐chip detection devices with long lifetime. The as‐fabricated silver–palladium alloy substrate with 18% content of palladium maintains a relatively high enhancement factor of about 2.62 × 108 while at the same time demonstrating the best stability against aerobic oxidation, as it is stable for up to 20 d under ambient aerobic conditions, exhibiting a significant improvement compared to those unprotected silver substrates which have a limited lifetime of only 3 or 4 d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has been implicated in intimal hyperplasia, atherosclerosis and restenosis following percutaneous coronary intervention. Formononetin, a phytoestrogen extracted from the root of Astragalus membranaceus, has been widely used in Chinese tradition medicine due to its protective effects against certain symptoms of cancer, hypertension, inflammation, hypoxia-induced cytotoxicity and ovariectomy-induced bone loss. However, the effect of formononetin on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced proliferation and migration of VSMCs, as well as the underlying molecular mechanism, remains largely unclear. In the present study, treatment with formononetin significantly inhibited PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of human VSMCs. Investigation into the underlying molecular mechanism revealed that the administration of formononetin suppressed PDGF-BB-stimulated switch of VSMCs to a proliferative phenotype. Furthermore, treatment with formononetin inhibited the PDGF-BB-induced upregulation of cell cycle-related proteins, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP2) and MMP9. In addition, the that administration of formononetin inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT induced by PDGF-BB in VSMCs. The present results suggest that formononetin has a suppressive effect on PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs proliferation and migration, which may occur partly via the inhibition of AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, formononetin may be useful for the treatment of intimal hyperplasia, atherosclerosis and restenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent observations of the L2 Puppis system suggest that this Mira-like variable may be in the early stages of forming a bipolar planetary nebula. As one of nearest and brightest asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, thought be a binary, L2 Puppis serves as a benchmark object for studying the late-stages of stellar evolution. We perform global, three-dimensional, adaptive-mesh-refinement hydrodynamic simulations of the L2 Puppis system with astrobear. We use the radiative transfer code radmc-3d to construct the broad-band spectral energy distribution and synthetic observational images from our simulations. Given the reported binary parameters, we are able to reproduce the current observational data if a short pulse of dense material is released from the AGB star with a velocity sufficient to escape the primary but not the binary. Such a situation could result from a thermal pulse, be induced by a periastron passage of the secondary, or could be launched if the primary ingests a planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cycloaliphatic epoxy resin (3-4-epoxycyclohexane) methyl 3-4-epoxycyclohexyl-carboxylate (ECC) was formulated with flexible hydrogenated bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (HBADGE) to inspect the influence of chain flexibility on the performance and reliability of epoxy packaged Light-emitting Diode (LED). The properties of epoxy encapsulants were characterized by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer, thermomechanical analyzer (TMA), scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). With the incorporation of flexible HBADGE, favorable properties were obtained, such as decreased thermal expansion coefficient (CTE), lowered storage modulus at reflow temperature, and depressed equilibrium water uptake for the epoxy packaging materials. The light transmittance of encapsulants differed after thermal and UV aging. Compared with Neat ECC and Neat HBADGE, the HBADGE-modified encapsulants endowed LED devices with good performance and high reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined whether persistence of epigenetic DNA methylation (DNA-me) alterations at specific loci over two different time points in people with diabetes are associated with metabolic memory, the prolonged beneficial effects of intensive vs. conventional therapy during the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) on the progression of microvascular outcomes in the long-term followup Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) Study. We compared DNA-me profiles in genomic DNA of whole blood (WB) isolated at EDIC Study baseline from 32 cases (DCCT conventional therapy group subjects showing retinopathy or albuminuria progression by EDIC Study year 10) vs. 31 controls (DCCT intensive therapy group subjects without complication progression by EDIC year 10). DNA-me was also profiled in blood monocytes (Monos) of the same patients obtained during EDIC Study years 16- 17. In WB, 153 loci depicted hypomethylation, and 225 depicted hypermethylation, whereas in Monos, 155 hypomethylated loci and 247 hypermethylated loci were found (fold change ≥1.3; P < 0.005; cases vs. controls). Twelve annotated differentially methylated loci were common in both WB and Monos, including thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), known to be associated with hyperglycemia and related complications. A set of differentially methylated loci depicted similar trends of associations with prior HbA1c in both WB and Monos. In vitro, high glucose induced similar persistent hypomethylation at TXNIP in cultured THP1 Monos. These results show that DNA-me differences during the DCCT persist at certain loci associated with glycemia for several years during the EDIC Study and support an epigenetic explanation for metabolic memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility that mass ejected during Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stellar evolution phases falls back towards the star has been suggested in applications ranging from the formation of accretion discs to the powering of late-thermal pulses. In this paper, we seek to explicate the properties of fallback flow trajectories from mass-loss events. We focus on a transient phase of mass ejection with sub-escape speeds, followed by a phase of a typical AGB wind. We solve the problem using both hydrodynamic simulations and a simplified one-dimensional analytic model that matches the simulations. For a given set of initial wind characteristics, we find a critical shell velocity that distinguishes between 'shell fallback' and 'shell escape'. We discuss the relevance of our results for both single and binary AGB stars. In particular, we discuss how our results help to frame further studies of fallback as a mechanism for forming the substantial population of observed post-AGB stars with dusty discs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SpnF, an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of spinosyn A, catalyzes a transannular Diels–Alder reaction. Quantum mechanical computations and dynamic simulations now show that this cycloaddition is not well described as either a concerted or stepwise process, and dynamical effects influence the identity and timing of bond formation. The transition state for the reaction is ambimodal and leads directly to both the observed Diels–Alder and an unobserved [6+4] cycloadduct. The potential energy surface bifurcates and the cycloadditions occur by dynamically stepwise modes featuring an "entropic intermediate". A rapid Cope rearrangement converts the [6+4] adduct into the observed [4+2] adduct. Control of nonstatistical dynamical effects may serve as another way by which enzymes control reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of the targets of anti-viral compounds are hot topics in the field of pesticide research. Various efficient anti-TMV (Tobacco Mosaic Virus) compounds, such as Ningnanmycin (NNM), Antofine (ATF), Dufulin (DFL) and Bingqingxiao (BQX) are available. However, the mechanisms of the action of these compounds on targets remain unclear. To further study the mechanism of the action of the anti-TMV inhibitors, the TMV coat protein (TMV CP) was expressed and self-assembled into four-layer aggregate disks in vitro, which could be reassembled into infectious virus particles with TMV RNA. The interactions between the anti-TMV compounds and the TMV CP disk were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography, isothermal titration calorimetry and native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis methods. The results revealed that assembly of the four-layer aggregate disk was inhibited by NNM; it changed the four-layer aggregate disk into trimers, and affected the regular assembly of TMV CP and TMV RNA. The four-layer aggregate disk of TMV CP was little inhibited by ATF, DFL and BQX. Our results provide original data, as well as new strategies and methods, for research on the mechanism of action of anti-viral drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) is an effective method for killing bacterial cells in view of the increasing problem of multiantibiotic resistance. We herein reported the PACT effect on bacteria involved in skin infections using a zinc phthalocyanine derivative, pentalysine β-carbonylphthalocyanine zinc (ZnPc-ðLysÞ5). Compared with its anionic ZnPc counterpart, ZnPc-ðLysÞ5 showed an enhanced antibacterial efficacy in vitro and in an animal model of localized infection. Meanwhile, ZnPc-ðLysÞ5 was observed to significantly reduce the wound skin blood flow during wound healing, indicating an anti-inflammation activity. This study provides new insight on the mechanisms of PACT in bacterial skin infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High rate of platelet adhesion and limited biocompatibility were regarded as the chief weaknesses of vascular tissue engineering scaffolds. The objective of this research was to overcome these drawbacks by ultilizing coaxial electrospinning to combine CDPS with PLA. CDPS and PLA were located at the inner and external layer respectively so that a “core-sheath” structure was formed. The properties of scaffolds were tested by methods such as mechanical testing, MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay and subcutaneous transplantation. Compared to natural tissues, CDPS/PLA coaxial scaffolds showed excellent biomechanic properties and hemocompatibility so that CDPS owned good potentiality in vascular tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

With urbanization accelerating, people's living standard is growing and their demands on lifestyle are improving accordingly. The research proposed housing gardening system based on low-carbon greenhouse technology from perspectives of air quality, food safety and environment-friendliness. Besides, the research detailed designs of planting system, water circulation system and lighting system by interpretation on low-carbon greenhouse technology, microclimate and housing gardening system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (hereafter Synechocystis) is a model cyanobacterium and has been used extensively for studies concerned with photosynthesis and environmental adaptation. Although dozens of protein kinases and phos-phatases with specificity for Ser/Thr/Tyr residues have been predicted, only a few substrate proteins are known in Synechocystis. In this study, we report 194 in vivo phosphorylation sites from 149 proteins in Synechocystis, which were identified using a combination of peptide pre-fractionation, TiO2 enrichment and liquid chromatograpy-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. These phosphorylated proteins are implicated in diverse biological processes, such as photosynthesis. Among all identified phosphopro-teins involved in photosynthesis, the β subunits of phycocyanins (CpcBs) were found to be phosphorylated on Ser22, Ser49, Thr94 and Ser154. Four non-phosphorylated mutants were constructed by using site-directed mutagenesis. The in vivo characterization of the cpcB mutants showed a slower growth under high light irradiance and displayed fluorescence quenching to a lower level and less efficient energy transfer inside the phycobilisome (PBS). Notably, the non-phosphorylated mutants exhibited a slower state transition than the wild type. The current results demonstrated that the phosphorylation status of CpcBs affects the energy transfer and state transition of photosynthesis in Synechocystis. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of protein phosphorylation in the regulation of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria and may facilitate the elucidation of the entire regulatory network by linking kinases to their physiological substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in men. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, we aim to research the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and progression of PCa. Results: Plant homeodomain finger protein 8 (PHF8) is upregulated in human PCa tissues and cell lines. PHF8 knockdown attenuates growth and cellular transformation of PCa cells. PHF8 depletion induces PCa cell apoptosis by activating proapoptotic proteins and inactivating antiapoptotic proteins. Furthermore, miR-125b is a target of PHF8, and miR-125b seems to be essential for the hyper proliferation of PCa cells in the presence of PHF8. Conclusion: In conclusion, we identify the histone demethylase PHF8 as an oncogenic protein in human PCa. These findings indicate PHF8 as a potential candidate for clinical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses about the reusable, impurity-tolerant and noble metal–free catalyst for hydrocracking of waste polyolefins. It mentions that one-step conversion of low-purity polyolefins to value-added products without pretreatments represents a great opportunity for chemical recycling of waste plastics.

In this paper, we obtained the optimal structure of QLED top-emission spincoating device. Meanwhile, we also have successfully developed quantum dots and ZnO ink materials with high stability. With the top-emission device structure and stable ink materials, we optimize the morphology of every film by controlling the drying process after ink-jet printing. The emission area of united devices prepared by using the optimized ink-jet printing process is equal to the designed area of pixels, with clear boundaries, uniform electroluminescent morphologies within a single sub-pixel, and no significant difference in luminescence between pixels. Finally, we assembled and fabricated a 55-in. 8K AMQLED display with a color gamut of 116% NTSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]