Nuclear charge radius predictions by kernel ridge regression with odd-even effects

The extended kernel ridge regression(EKRR)method with odd-even effects was adopted to improve the description of the nuclear charge radius using five commonly used nuclear models.These are:(i)the isospin-dependent A^(1∕3) formula,(ii)relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov(RCHB)theory,(iii)Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov(HFB)model HFB25,(iv)the Weizsacker-Skyrme(WS)model WS*,and(v)HFB25*model.In the last two models,the charge radii were calculated using a five-parameter formula with the nuclear shell corrections and deformations obtained from the WS and HFB25 models,respectively.For each model,the resultant root-mean-square deviation for the 1014 nuclei with proton number Z≥8 can be significantly reduced to 0.009-0.013 fm after considering the modification with the EKRR method.The best among them was the RCHB model,with a root-mean-square deviation of 0.0092 fm.The extrapolation abilities of the KRR and EKRR methods for the neutron-rich region were examined,and it was found that after considering the odd-even effects,the extrapolation power was improved compared with that of the original KRR method.The strong odd-even staggering of nuclear charge radii of Ca and Cu isotopes and the abrupt kinks across the neutron N=126 and 82 shell closures were also calculated and could be reproduced quite well by calculations using the EKRR method.

甘肃省小农户农业社会化服务需求影响因素分析——基于360个样本农户的调查

农业社会化服务是推动农业现代化的重要举措,本研究立足于甘肃省360份小农户的调查数据,运用二元logistic回归模型,分析小农户对农业社会化服务的需求,探究其需求的影响因素。结果表明,目前小农户最需要的服务是农资供应、农机生产和农业保险服务;农户个人特征、农户家庭基本情况、农户生产经营情况、农业外部环境均对农户农业社会化服务需求产生影响。因此我们提出强化农业培训,提高农户认知水平、大力发展农民专业合作社,发挥合作社积极作用、政府加强扶持力度,提高农户积极性、扩展农业社会化服务提供主体,促进良性竞争等建议。

Tooth anatomy risk factors influencing root canal working length accessibility

The aim of this study was to analyze the specific influence of root canal anatomy on the accessibility of working length during root canal therapy. Four hundred seventy-six root canal therapy cases (amounting to a total of 1 005 root canals) were examined. The anatomy risk factors assessed in each case included: tooth type (tooth location), root canal curvature, and root canal calcification, as well as endodontic retreatment. The investigation examined the correlation between each of these anatomic factors and the working length, with statistical analysis consisting of Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analysis. In an independent factor analysis, tooth type (tooth location), root canal curvature, canal calcification, and endodontic retreat- ment were determined to be the primary risk factors. In a multiple-factor regression model, root curvature and canal calcification were found to most significantly influence root canal working length accessibility (P<0.05). Root canal anatomy increases the difficulty of root canal preparation. Appropriate consideration of tooth anatomy will assist in accurate determination of preparation difficulty before instrumentation. This study alerts clinical therapists to anatomical factors influencing the working length accessibility, and allows for a direct estimate of success rate given in situ measurements of tooth factors during the root canal treatment procedure.

Chloroplast genomic diversity in Bulbophyllum section Macrocaulia(Orchidaceae,Epidendroideae,Malaxideae):Insights into species divergence and adaptive evolution

Bulbophyllum is the largest genus in Orchidaceae with a pan tropical distribution.Due to highly significant diversifications,it is considered to be one of the most taxonomically and phylogenetically complex taxa.The diversification pattern and evolutionary adaptation of chloroplast genomes are poorly understood in this species-rich genus,and suitable molecular markers are necessary for species determination and phylogenetic analysis.A natural Asian section Macrocaulia was selected to estimate the interspecific divergence of chloroplast genomes in this study.Here,we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of four Bulbophyllum species,including three species from section Macrocaulia.The four chloroplast genomes had a typical quadripartite structure with a genome size ranged from 156,182 to 158,524 bp.The chloroplast genomes included 113 unique genes encoding 79 proteins,30 tRNAs and 4 rRNAs.Comparison of the four chloroplast genomes showed that the three species from section Macrocaulia had similar structure and gene contents,and shared a number of indels,which mainly contribute to its monophyly.In addition,interspecific divergence level was also great.Several exclusive indels and polymorphism SSR loci might be used for taxonomical identification and determining interspecific polymorphisms.A total of 20 intergenic regions and three coding genes of the most variable hotspot regions were proposed as candidate effective molecular markers for future phylogenetic relationships at different taxonomical levels and species divergence in Bulbophyllum.All of chloroplast genes in four Bulbophyllum species were under purifying selection,while 13 sites within six genes exhibited sitespecific selection.A whole chloroplast genome phylogenetic analysis based on Maximum Likelihood,Bayesian and Parsimony methods all supported the monophyly of section Macrocaulia and the genus of Bulbophyllum.Our findings provide valuable molecular markers to use in accurately identifying species,clarifying taxonomy,and resolving the phylogeny and evolution of the genus Bulbophyllum.The molecular markers developed in this study will also contribute to further research of conservation of Bulbophyllum species.

An 80-GHz DCO utilizing improved SC ladder and promoted DCTL-based hybrid tuning banks

An 80-GHz DCO based on modified hybrid tuning banks is introduced in this paper.To achieve sub-MHz frequency res-olution with reduced circuit complexity,the improved circuit topology replaces the conventional circuit topology with two binary-weighted SC cells,enabling eight SC-cell-based improved SC ladders to achieve the same fine-tuning steps as twelve SC-cell-based conventional SC ladders.To achieve lower phase noise and smaller chip size,the promoted binary-weighted digi-tally controlled transmission lines(DCTLs)are used to implement the coarse and medium tuning banks of the DCO.Compared to the conventional thermometer-coded DCTLs,control bits of the proposed DCTLs are reduced from 30 to 8,and the total length is reduced by 34.3%(from 122.76 to 80.66μm).Fabricated in 40-nm CMOS,the DCO demonstrated in this work fea-tures a small fine-tuning step(483 kHz),a high oscillation frequency(79-85 GHz),and a smaller chip size(0.017 mm^(2)).Com-pared to previous work,the modified DCO exhibits an excellent figure of merit with an area(FoMA)of-198 dBc/Hz.

Smart Interfacing between Co-Fe Layered Double Hydroxide and Graphitic Carbon Nitride for High-efficiency Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction

Bimetallic compounds such as hydrotalcite-type layered double hydroxides(LDHs)are promising electrocatalysts owing to their unique electronic structures.However,their abilities toward nitrogen adsorption and reduction are undermined since the surface-mantled,electronegative-OH groups hinder the charge transfer between transition metal atoms and nitrogen molecules.Herein,a smart interfacing strategy is proposed to construct a coupled heterointerface between LDH and 2D g-C_(3)N_(4),which is proven by density functional theory(DFT)investigations to be favorable for nitrogen adsorption and ammonia desorption compared with neat LDH surface.The interfaced LDH and g-C_(3)N_(4) is further hybridized with a self-standing TiO_(2) nanofibrous membrane(NM)to maximize the interfacial effect owing to its high porosity and large surface area.Profited from the synergistic superiorities of the three components,the LDH@C_(3)N_(4)@TiO_(2) NM delivers superior ammonia yield(2.07×10^(−9) mol s^(−1) cm^(−2))and Faradaic efficiency(25.3%),making it a high-efficiency,noble-metal-free catalyst system toward electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction.

Coexistent Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A and type 2 diabetes mellitus neuropathies in a Chinese family

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A(CMT1A) is caused by duplication of the peripheral myelin protein 22(PMP22) gene on chromosome 17. It is the most common inherited demyelinating neuropathy. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder that frequently causes predominantly sensory neuropathy. In this study, we report the occurrence of CMT1 A in a Chinese family affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this family, seven individuals had duplication of the PMP22 gene, although only four had clinical features of polyneuropathy. All CMT1 A patients with a clinical phenotype also presented with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The other three individuals had no signs of CMT1 A or type 2 diabetes mellitus. We believe that there may be a genetic link between these two diseases.

Long-term and inter-annual mass changes of Patagonia Ice Field from GRACE

Using more than 14 years of GRACE(Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) satellite gravimetry observations, we estimate the ice loss rate for the Patagonia Ice Field(PIF) of South America. After correcting the effects of glacier isostatic adjustment(GIA) and hydrological variations, the ice loss rate is -23.5 ± 8.1 Giga ton per year(Gt/yr) during the period April 2002 through December 2016, equivalent to an average ice thickness change of-1.3 m/yr if evenly distributed over PIF. The PIF ice mass change series also show obvious inter-annual variations during the entire period. For the time spans April 2002 to December 2007, January 2008 to December 2012 and January 2013 to December 2016, the ice loss rates are -26.4,-9.0 and -25.0 Gt/yr, respectively, indicating that the ice melting experienced significant slowing down and accelerating again in the past decade. Comparison with time series from temperature and precipitation data over PIF suggests that the inter-annual ice losses might not be directly correlated with the temperature changes and precipitation anomalies, and thus their interrelation is intricate. However, the dramatic ice loss acceleration in 2016(with more than 100 Gt within the first half of the year) appears closely related with the evident temperature increase and severe precipitation shortage over 2016, which are likely correlated with the strong E1 Nino event around 2016. Moreover, we compare the GRACE spherical harmonic(SH) and mass concentration(Mascon) solutions in estimating the PIF ice loss rate, and find that the Mascon result has larger uncertainty in leakage error correction,while the SH solutions can better correct leakage errors based on a constrained forward modeling iterative method. Thus the GRACE SH solutions with constrained forward modeling recovery are recommended to evaluating the ice mass change of PIF or other glacier regions with relatively smaller spatial scales.

Simvastatin Improves Outcomes of Endotoxin-induced Coagulopathy by Regulating Intestinal Microenvironment

Objective:The systemic inflammatory response is regarded as the major cause of endotoxin-induced coagulopathy,which is a strong predictor of mortality in patients with severe sepsis.Simvastatin plays an important role in reducing inflammation.In addition,the gut has long been hypothesized to be the“motor”of critical illness,driving or aggravating sepsis by the increased intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation.

The Interaction of Heat and Lipopolysaccharide on the Expression Levels of Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand and Osteoprotegerin in Human Periodontal Ligament Cells

Aim: To investigate the expression levels of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and oste-oprotegerin (OPG) in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts when stimulated with heat in infective conditions. Methods: Periodontal ligament fibroblasts were subjected to various temperature increases for 5 min with or without 10 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and then maintained at 37℃ for 6 h. After that, the expression levels of RANKL and OPG were investigated using real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. As a positive or negative control, the cells were cultured at 37℃ with or without 10 ng/mL LPS. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA at a significant level of p = 0.05. Results: The mRNA expression levels of RANKL and OPG were both down-regulated when the cells were heated in infective conditions. The release of sRANKL was increased at low temperatures in such infection;while at high temperatures heat treatment down-regulated the release of sRANKL induced by LPS. The relative RANKL/OPG expression ratios were increased at low temperatures in infective conditions. Conclusions: The interactions between heat and LPS would affect the balance between RANKL and OPG in periodontal ligament fibroblasts when they were heated in infective conditions. Such infection may be the reason why bone resorption occurs in the local area after warm vertical compaction.

An amphiphilic molecule with a single fluorophore exhibits multiple stimuli-responsive behavior

Fluorescent materials that respond to multiple stimuli have broad applications ranging from sensing and bioimaging to information encryption.Herein,we report the design and synthesis of a single-fluorophorebased amphiphile DCSO,which shows temperature-,solvent-,humidity-,and radiation-dependent fluorescence.DCSO consists of a dicyanostilbene(DCS)group as a rigid hydrophobic core with oligo(ethylene glycol)(OEG)chains at both ends as a flexible hydrophilic periphery.The DCS group acts as a highly efficient fluorophore,while the OEG chain endows the molecule with thermo-responsiveness.Fluorescent colors can vary from blue to green to yellow in response to external stimuli.On the basis of light radiation,we demonstrate that this system can be applied to time-dependent information encryption,in which the correct information can only be read at a specific time under irradiation.This work further demonstrates the usefulness and application of single-fluorophore-based luminescent materials with multiple stimuli-responsive functions.

Application and Influencing Factors of Radiofrequency Ablation in Monochorionic Pregnancy

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the pregnancy outcomes and possible influencing factors concerning complicated monochorionic (MC) multiple pregnancies undergoing selective fetal reduction using radiofrequency ablation (RFA).Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 54 women with complicated MC multiple pregnancy who underwent selective fetal reduction using RFA at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from January 2015 to March 2020. According to the indications for RFA, the 54 women were divided into three groups: complex complications (n = 30), structural anomalies (n = 18), and triplet pregnancy (n = 6). According to the gestational age for RFA, all patients were divided into three groups: 16-19+6 weeks (n = 17), 20-23+6 weeks (n = 17), and 24-26+6 weeks (n = 20). We analyzed the pregnancy outcomes (including the overall survival rate (OSR), gestational age at delivery, birth weight of newborns) and postoperative complications such as miscarriage, and intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) according to the indications and gestational age of reduction by using suitable statistical testing.Results: The OSR was 83.3% (45/54). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of gestation at the time of reduction was 21.6 ± 3.2 weeks. The GA at delivery was 34.0(32.0,37.5) weeks. The mean ±SD of newborns’ birth weight was 2118 ± 685 g. The overall rates of miscarriage, PROM, and IUFD were 9.3% (5/54), 7.4% (4/54), and 7.4% (4/54), respectively. According to the indications for reduction, the OSR for complex complications, structural anomalies, and triplet pregnancy groups were 83.3% (25/30), 83.3% (15/18), and 83.3% (5/6), respectively. Statistically significant differences were only found in the mean birth weight among the three groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the rate of miscarriage, and mean gestation at delivery among the three groups (P > 0.05). In the group with complex complications, the OSR of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, selective intrauterine growth restriction, twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence, and twin anemia polycythemia sequence were 66.7% (6/9), 93.3% (14/15), 80.0% (4/5), and 100.0% (1/1), respectively, with no significant difference among these groups (P > 0.05). According to the gestational age of reduction, the OSRs among the three groups were 82.4% (14/17), 76.5% (13/17), and 90.0% (18/20), respectively, and the rate of miscarriage, IUFD, and mean gestation age at delivery among these groups showed no significant difference (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Selective fetal reduction by RFA is an important treatment method for complicated MC multiple pregnancy, although it may lead to complications like miscarriage, and IUFD. The indication of reduction seems to affect the pregnancy outcome. An optimal treatment plan should be selected according to the patient’s conditions in clinical practice.

Immunotherapy in hematologic malignancies:achievements,challenges and future prospects

The immune-cell origin of hematologic malignancies provides a unique avenue for the understanding of both the mechanisms of immune responsiveness and immune escape,which has accelerated the progress of immunotherapy.Several categories of immunotherapies have been developed and are being further evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of blood cancers,including stem cell transplantation,immune checkpoint inhibitors,antigen-targeted antibodies,antibody-drug conjugates,tumor vaccines,and adoptive cell therapies.These immunotherapies have shown the potential to induce long-term remission in refractory or relapsed patients and have led to a paradigm shift in cancer treatment with great clinical success.Different immunotherapeutic approaches have their advantages but also shortcomings that need to be addressed.To provide clinicians with timely information on these revolutionary therapeutic approaches,the comprehensive review provides historical perspectives on the applications and clinical considerations of the immunotherapy.Here,we first outline the recent advances that have been made in the understanding of the various categories of immunotherapies in the treatment of hematologic malignancies.We further discuss the specific mechanisms of action,summarize the clinical trials and outcomes of immunotherapies in hematologic malignancies,as well as the adverse effects and toxicity management and then provide novel insights into challenges and future directions.

Leveraging nano-engineered mesenchymal stem cells for intramedullary spinal cord tumor treatment

Intramedullary spinal cord tumor(IMSCT)is comparatively rare malignant tumor in the central nervous system and is very difficult accessible by conventional chemotherapy regimen.Currently,there are very limited researches for IMSCT treatment using nanomedicine.To fill this gap,we originally reported a targeted strategy by leveraging nano-engineered mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)for synergistic antiIMSCT treatment.In this study,two mode drugs paclitaxel(PTX)and metformin(MET)were co-loaded in maleimide-modified poly(lactic-co-glycolicacid)(PLGA-MAL)nanoparticles,which were further conjugated onto MSCs surface via the thioether bond formed between PLGA-MAL and MSCs without affecting the migration ability of MSCs.Owing to the excellent tumor tropism and penetrability of MSCs and good biodegradability of PLGA,the designed drug delivery platform could accurately target IMSCT sites to exert long-term synergistic antitumor efficacy,exhibiting promising research value for alternative IMSCT management beyond surgery.

Scalable wideband equivalent circuit model for silicon-based on-chip transmission lines

A scalable wideband equivalent circuit model of silicon-based on-chip transmission lines is presented in this paper along with an efficient analytical parameter extraction method based on improved characteristic function approach,including a relevant equation to reduce the deviation caused by approximation.The model consists of both series and shunt lumped elements and accounts for high-order parasitic effects.The equivalent circuit model is derived and verified to recover the frequency-dependent parameters at a range from direct current to 50 GHz accurately.The scalability of the model is proved by comparing simulated and measured scattering parameters with the method of cascade,attaining excellent results based on samples made from CMOS 0.13 and 0.18 μm process.

An improved single-π equivalent circuit model for on-chip inductors in GaAs process

An improved single-π equivalent circuit model for on-chip inductors in the GaAs process is presented in this paper. Considering high order parasites, the model is established by comprising an improved skin effect branch and a substrate lateral coupling branch. The parameter extraction is based on an improved characteristic function approach and vector fitting method. The model has better simulation than the previous work over the measured data of 2.5r and 4.5r on-chip inductors in the GaAs process.

Alkalinity neutralization and structure upgrade of bauxite residue waste via synergistic pyrolysis with biomass

Bauxite residues,a large volume solid waste,are in urgent need of effective disposal and management.Especially,strategies to alleviate the high alkalinity of bauxite residue remain a big challenge.Here,we developed a synergistic pyrolysis to neutralize the alkalinity of bauxite residue and upgrade the structure of biomass simultaneously.By cooperating the catalytic feature from bauxite residue,rice straw,a cellulose-enriched biomass,could prefer to produce acidic components under a hypothermal pyrolysis temperature(below 250℃)and partial oxygen-contained atmosphere as evidenced by the synchronous TGA-FTIR analysis.In return,these in-situ produced acidic components neutralized the bauxite residue profoundly(pH decreased from 11.5 to 7.2)to obtain a neutral product with long-term water leaching stability.Also,a higher pyrolysis temperature led to neutral biochar-based products with well-defined carbonization characteristics.Thus,the biomass-driven pyrolysis strategy provides a potential to dispose the alkalinity issue of bauxite residue and further opportunities for the sustainable reuse and continuing management of bauxite residue.

Better survival in female SOD1-mutant patients with ALS:a study of SOD1-related natural history

Background:SOD1 mutations are the most common cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)in non-Caucasian patients.Detailed natural history profiles of SOD1-mutant patients will be beneficial for the strategy and interpretation of future SOD1-targeted clinical practice.Methods:Mutational distribution,age at onset(AAO),site of onset,diagnostic delay,disease progression(rate of ALSFRS-R decrease,ΔFS)and survival were analysed.Further comparisons between heredity of disease,gender,and mutations were performed.Results:Sixty-six cases with 43 SOD1 mutations were included and analysed,with p.His47Arg as the leading mutation and seven novel variants identified.The mean(SD)AAO was 43.92 years(9.24)for all subjects,with a significant difference between patients carrying mutations in exon 2(n=24,46.83,8.31)and exon 4(n=18,37.75,7.67)(p=0.002).The median(IQR)diagnostic delay from symptom onset was 14.50(6.00–36.50)months for all SOD1-mutant patients,9.50(4.75–24.25)months for males and 24.00(9.50–47.50)months for females,revealing a gender difference(p=0.009).Similar advantages in median(IQR)ΔFS[male:female,0.55(0.24–0.94)vs 0.19(0.06–0.90),p=0.041]and mean(95%CI)survival[57.4(38.90–75.90)months vs 125.6(99.80–151.50)months,p=0.006]were also observed in females,both of which existed in sporadic ALS only when stratified by familiar or sporadic ALS.Conclusions:The results highlight a distinct mutational distribution and natural history spectrum in ALS patients carrying SOD1 mutations in China.A prominent mild disease progression was observed in female patients,which had rarely been reported in the previous literature.This finding,together with the detailed analysis of natural history among each mutation,can have important implications for future genetic counselling and SOD1-targeted clinical trials.

Multifunctional inorganic nanomaterials for cancer photoimmunotherapy

Phototherapy and immunotherapy in combination is regarded as the ideal ther-apeutic modality to treat both primary and metastatic tumors.Immunother-apy uses different immunological approaches to stimulate the immune system to identify tumor cells for targeted elimination.Phototherapy destroys the pri-mary tumors by light irradiation,which induces a series of immune responses through triggering immunogenic cancer cell death.Therefore,when integrat-ing immunotherapy with phototherapy,a novel anti-cancer strategy called pho-toimmunotherapy(PIT)is emerging.This synergistic treatment modality can not only enhance the effectiveness of both therapies but also overcome their inherent limitations,opening a new era for the current anti-cancer therapy.Recently,the advancement of nanomaterials affords a platform for PIT.From all these nanomaterials,inorganic nanomaterials stand out as idealmediators in PIT due to their unique physiochemical properties.Inorganic nanomaterials can not only serve as carriers to transport immunomodulatory agents in immunotherapy owing to their excellent drug-loading capacity but also function as photother-mal agents or photosensitizers in phototherapy because of their great optical characteristics.In this review,the recent advances of multifunctional inorganic nanomaterial-mediated drug delivery and their contributions to cancer PIT will be highlighted.