The Clinical Value of Ultrasound Image Texture Analysis in the Diagnosis of Uterine Adhesions

Purpose: This review examines the diagnostic value of transvaginal 3D ultrasound image texture analysis for the diagnosis of uterine adhesions. Materials and Methods: The total clinical data of 53 patients with uterine adhesions diagnosed by hysteroscopy and the imaging data of transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from June 2022 to August 2023 were retrospectively analysed. Based on hysteroscopic surgical records, patients were divided into two independent groups: normal endometrium and uterine adhesion sites. The samples were divided into a training set and a test set, and the transvaginal 3D ultrasound was used to outline the region of interest (ROI) and extract texture features for normal endometrium and uterine adhesions based on hysteroscopic surgical recordings, the training set data were feature screened and modelled using lasso regression and cross-validation, and the diagnostic efficacy of the model was assessed by applying the subjects’ operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: For each group, 290 texture feature parameters were extracted and three higher values were screened out, and the area under the curve of the constructed ultrasonographic scoring model was 0.658 and 0.720 in the training and test sets, respectively. Conclusion Relative clinical value of transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound image texture analysis for the diagnosis of uterine adhesions.

Whole-process case management effects on mental state and selfcare ability in patients with liver cancer

BACKGROUND Regarding the incidence of malignant tumors in China,the incidence of liver cancer ranks fourth,second only to lung,gastric,and esophageal cancers.The case fatality rate ranks third after lung and cervical cancer.In a previous study,the whole-process management model was applied to patients with breast cancer,which effectively reduced their negative emotions and improved treatment adherence and nursing satisfaction.METHODS In this single-center,randomized,controlled study,60 randomly selected patients with liver cancer who had been admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were randomly divided into an observation group(n=30),who received whole-process case management on the basis of routine nursing mea-sures,and a control group(n=30),who were given routine nursing measures.We compared differences between the two groups in terms of anxiety,depression,the level of hope,self-care ability,symptom distress,sleep quality,and quality of life.RESULTS Post-intervention,Hamilton anxiety scale,Hamilton depression scale,memory symptom assessment scale,and Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores in both groups were lower than those pre-intervention,and the observation group had lower scores than the control group(P<0.05).Herth hope index,self-care ability assessment scale-revision in Chinese,and quality of life measurement scale for patients with liver cancer scores in both groups were higher than those pre-intervention,with higher scores in the observation group compared with the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Whole-process case management can effectively reduce anxiety and depression in patients with liver cancer,alleviate symptoms and problems,and improve the level of hope,self-care ability,sleep quality,and quality of life,as well as provide feasible nursing alternatives for patients with liver cancer.

The influence of inter-band rock on rib spalling in longwall panel with large mining height

In order to improve rib stability,failure criteria and instability mode of a thick coal seam with inter-band rock layer are analysed in this study.A three-dimensional mechanical model is established for the rib by considering the rock layer.A safety factor is defined foy the rib,and it is observed that the safety factor exhibits a positive correlation with the thickness and strength of the inter-band rock.A calculation method for determining critical parameters of the rock layer is presented to ensure the rib stability.It is revealed that incomplete propagation of the fracture at the hard rock constitutes a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring the rib stability.The influence of the position of the inter-band rock in the coal seam on failure mechanism of the rib was thoroughly investigated by developing a series of physical models for the rib at the face area.The best position for the inter-band rock in the coal seam is at a height of 1.5 m away from the roof line,which tends to provide a good stability state for the rib.For different inter-band rock positions,two ways of controlling rib by increasing supports stiffness and flexible grouting reinforcement are proposed.

A vertical track nonlinear energy sink

Eliminating the effects of gravity and designing nonlinear energy sinks(NESs)that suppress vibration in the vertical direction is a challenging task with numerous damping requirements.In this paper,the dynamic design of a vertical track nonlinear energy sink(VTNES)with zero linear stiffness in the vertical direction is proposed and realized for the first time.The motion differential equations of the VTNES coupled with a linear oscillator(LO)are established.With the strong nonlinearity considered of the VTNES,the steady-state response of the system is analyzed with the harmonic balance method(HBM),and the accuracy of the HBM is verified numerically.On this basis,the VTNES prototype is manufactured,and its nonlinear stiffness is identified.The damping effect and dynamic characteristics of the VTNES are studied theoretically and experimentally.The results show that the VTNES has better damping effects when strong modulation responses(SMRs)occur.Moreover,even for small-amplitude vibration,the VTNES also has a good vibration suppression effect.To sum up,in order to suppress the vertical vibration,an NES is designed and developed,which can suppress the vertical vibration within certain ranges of the resonance frequency and the vibration intensity.

Hard-carbon hybrid Li-ion/metal anode enabled by preferred mesoporous uniform lithium growth mechanism

To achieve high energy density in lithium batteries,the construction of lithium-ion/metal hybrid anodes is a promising strategy.In particular,because of the anisotropy of graphite,hybrid anode formed by graphite/Li metal has low transport kinetics and is easy to causes the growth of lithium dendrites and accumulation of dead Li,which seriously affects the cycle life of batteries and even causes safety problems.Here,by comparing graphite with two types of hard carbon,it was found that hybrid anode formed by hard carbon and lithium metal,possessing more disordered mesoporous structure and lithophilic groups,presents better performance.Results indicate that the mesoporous structure provides abundant active site and storage space for dead lithium.With the synergistic effect of this structure and lithophilic functional groups(–COOH),the reversibility of hard carbon/lithium metal hybrid anode is maintained,promoting uniform deposition of lithium metal and alleviating formation of lithium dendrites.The hybrid anode maintains a 99.5%Coulombic efficiency(CE)after 260 cycles at a specific capacity of 500 m Ah/g.This work provides new insights into the hybrid anodes formed by carbon-based materials and lithium metal with high specific energy and fast charging ability.

I-DCGAN and TOPSIS-IFP:A simulation generation model for radiographic flaw detection images in light alloy castings and an algorithm for quality evaluation of generated images

The intelligent detection technology driven by X-ray images and deep learning represents the forefront of advanced techniques and development trends in flaw detection and automated evaluation of light alloy castings.However,the efficacy of deep learning models hinges upon a substantial abundance of flaw samples.The existing research on X-ray image augmentation for flaw detection suffers from shortcomings such as poor diversity of flaw samples and low reliability of quality evaluation.To this end,a novel approach was put forward,which involves the creation of the Interpolation-Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network(I-DCGAN)for flaw detection image generation and a comprehensive evaluation algorithm named TOPSIS-IFP.I-DCGAN enables the generation of high-resolution,diverse simulated images with multiple appearances,achieving an improvement in sample diversity and quality while maintaining a relatively lower computational complexity.TOPSIS-IFP facilitates multi-dimensional quality evaluation,including aspects such as diversity,authenticity,image distribution difference,and image distortion degree.The results indicate that the X-ray radiographic images of magnesium and aluminum alloy castings achieve optimal performance when trained up to the 800th and 600th epochs,respectively.The TOPSIS-IFP value reaches 78.7%and 73.8%similarity to the ideal solution,respectively.Compared to single index evaluation,the TOPSIS-IFP algorithm achieves higher-quality simulated images at the optimal training epoch.This approach successfully mitigates the issue of unreliable quality associated with single index evaluation.The image generation and comprehensive quality evaluation method developed in this paper provides a novel approach for image augmentation in flaw recognition,holding significant importance for enhancing the robustness of subsequent flaw recognition networks.

Effect of particle composition and consolidation degree on the wave-induced liquefaction of soil beds

The wave-induced liquefaction of seabed is responsible for causing damage to marine structures.Particle composition and consolidation degree are the key factors affecting the pore water pressure response and liquefaction behavior of the seabed under wave action.The present study conducted wave flume experiments on silt and silty fine sand beds with varying particle compositions.Furthermore,a comprehensive analysis of the differences and underlying reasons for liquefaction behavior in two different types of soil was conducted from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives.The experimental results indicate that the silt bed necessitates a lower wave load intensity to attain the liquefaction state in comparison to the silty fine sand bed.Additionally,the duration and development depth of liquefaction are greater in the silt bed.The dissimilarity in liquefaction behavior between the two types of soil can be attributed to the variation in their permeability and plastic deformation capacity.The permeability coefficient and compression modulus of silt are lower than those of silty fine sand.Consequently,silt is more prone to the accumulation of pore pressure and subsequent liquefaction under external loading.Prior research has demonstrated that silt beds with varying consolidation degrees exhibit distinct initial failure modes.Specifically,a dense bed undergoes shear failure,whereas a loose bed experiences initial liquefaction failure.This study utilized discrete element simulation to examine the microscopic mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon.

Observation of parabolic electron bands on superconductor LaRu_(2)As_(2)

Ru-based superconductor LaRu_(2)As_(2) has been discovered exhibiting the highest critical temperature of ~ 7.8 K among iron-free transition metal pnictides with the ThCr_(2)Si_(2)-type crystal structure. However, microscopic research on this novel superconducting material is still lacking. Here, we utilize scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy to uncover the superconductivity and surface structure of LaRu_(2)As_(2). Two distinct terminating surfaces are identified on the cleaved crystals, namely, the As surface and the La surface. Atomic missing line defects are observed on the La surface. Both surfaces exhibit a superconducting gap of ~ 1.0 me V. By employing quasiparticle interference techniques, we observe standing wave patterns near the line defects on the La atomic plane. These patterns are attributed to quasiparticle scattering from two electron type parabolic bands.

MXene Sediment-Based Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Sodium Alginate Aerogel Evaporator with Vertically Aligned Channels for Highly Efficient Solar Steam Generation

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation from seawater is considered an effective way to alleviate the emerging freshwater crisis because of its green and environmentally friendly characteristics.However,developing an evaporator with high efficiency,stability,and salt resistance remains a key challenge.MXene,with an internal photothermal conversion efficiency of 100%,has received tremendous research interest as a photothermal material.However,the process to prepare the MXene with monolayer is inefficient and generates a large amount of“waste”MXene sediments(MS).Here,MXene sediments is selected as the photothermal material,and a three-dimensional MXene sediments/poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate aerogel evaporator with vertically aligned pores by directional freezing method is innovatively designed.The vertical porous structure enables the evaporator to improve water transport,light capture,and high evaporation rate.Cotton swabs and polypropylene are used as the water channel and support,respectively,thus fabricating a self-floating evaporator.The evaporator exhibits an evaporation rate of 3.6 kg m^(-2)h^(-1)under one-sun illumination,and 18.37 kg m^(-2)of freshwater is collected in the condensation collection device after 7 h of outdoor sun irradiation.The evaporator also displays excellent oil and salt resistance.This research fully utilizes“waste”MS,enabling a self-floating evaporation device for freshwater collection.

Global analysis of basic leucine zipper transcription factors in trifoliate orange and the function identification of PtbZIP49 in salt tolerance

As one of the most widely distributed and highly conserved transcription factors in eukaryotes,basic leucine zipper proteins(bZIPs)are involved in a variety of biological processes in plants,but they are largely unknown in citrus.In this study,56 bZIP family members were identified genome-wide from an important citrus rootstock,namely trifoliate orange(Poncirus trifoliata L.Raf.),and these putative bZIPs were named PtbZIP1—PtbZIP56.All PtbZIPs were classified into 13 subgroups by phylogenetic comparison with Arabidopsis thaliana bZIPs(AtbZIPs),and they were randomly distributed on nine known(50 genes)chromosomes and one unknown(6 genes)chromosome.Sequence analysis revealed the detailed characteristics of PtPZIPs,including their amino acid length,isoelectric point(pI),molecular weight(MW),predicted subcellular localization,gene structure,and conserved motifs.Prediction of promoter elements suggested the presence of drought,low-temperature,wound,and defense and stress responsive elements,as well as multiple hormone-responsive cis-acting elements.Spatiotemporal expression analysis showed the transcriptional patterns of PtbZIPs in different tissues and under dehydration,high salt,ABA,and IAA treatments.In addition,21 PtbZIPs were predicted to have direct or indirect protein—protein interactions.Among these,PtbZIP49 was experimentally proven to interact with PtbZIP1 or PtbZIP11 by using a yeast two-hybrid assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation(BiFC).Subcellular localization analysis further revealed that PtbZIP1,PtbZIP11,and PtbZIP49 were localized in the nucleus.Moreover,PtbZIP49 was functionally identified as having an important role in salt stress via ectopic expression in A.thaliana and silenced in trifoliate orange using virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS).This study provided comprehensive information on PtbZIP transcription factors in citrus and highlights their potential functions in abiotic stress.

Differences in leaf cuticular wax induced by whole-genome duplication in autotetraploid sour jujube

Drought-resistant plants exhibit strong water retention capability.In this regard,the autotetraploid sour jujube leaves exhibit better water retention than diploid leaves.Morphological comparisons and physiological comparisons of diploid and autotetraploid leaves showed that the autotetraploid leaves had thicker leaf cuticles and more leaf wax accumulation than the diploid leaves,which could reduce cuticle permeability and improve the drought tolerance of leaves.In this study,the cuticular wax crystalloids on the adaxial and abaxial sides of young and mature jujube leaves were observed in the two ploidy types,and unique cuticular wax crystalloids covering a large area of the cuticle on autotetraploid sour jujube leaves may provide an advantage in reducing leaf non-stomata transpiration and improving plant drought tolerance.Based on the transcriptome,115 differentially expressed genes between diploids and autotetraploids were further analyzed and found to be involved in the accumulation of cuticular wax components,including terpenoids,fatty acids,and lipids,as well as ABC transporter and wax biosynthetic process.Finally,14 genes differentially expressed between glossy autotetraploid leaves and nonglossy diploid leaves,such as LOC107414787,LOC107411574 and LOC107413721,were screened as candidate genes by qRT-PCR analysis.This findings provided insights into how polyploidization improved drought tolerance.

3D bioprinting of in vitro porous hepatoma models:establishment,evaluation,and anticancer drug testing

Traditional tumor models do not tend to accurately simulate tumor growth in vitro or enable personalized treatment and are particularly unable to discover more beneficial targeted drugs.To address this,this study describes the use of threedimensional(3D)bioprinting technology to construct a 3D model with human hepatocarcinoma SMMC-7721 cells(3DP-7721)by combining gelatin methacrylate(GelMA)and poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)as two immiscible aqueous phases to form a bioink and innovatively applying fluorescent carbon quantum dots for long-term tracking of cells.The GelMA(10%,mass fraction)and PEO(1.6%,mass fraction)hydrogel with 3:1 volume ratio offered distinct pore-forming characteristics,satisfactorymechanical properties,and biocompatibility for the creation of the 3DP-7721 model.Immunofluorescence analysis and quantitative real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction(PCR)were used to evaluate the biological properties of the model.Compared with the two-dimensional culture cell model(2D-7721)and the 3D mixed culture cell model(3DM-7721),3DP-7721 significantly improved the proliferation of cells and expression of tumor-related proteins and genes.Moreover,we evaluated the differences between the three culture models and the effectiveness of antitumor drugs in the three models and discovered that the efficacy of antitumor drugs varied because of significant differences in resistance proteins and genes between the three models.In addition,the comparison of tumor formation in the three models found that the cells cultured by the 3DP-7721 model had strong tumorigenicity in nude mice.Immunohistochemical evaluation of the levels of biochemical indicators related to the formation of solid tumors showed that the 3DP-7721 model group exhibited pathological characteristics of malignant tumors,the generated solid tumors were similar to actual tumors,and the deterioration was higher.This research therefore acts as a foundation for the application of 3DP-7721 models in drug development research.

Hotspots and trends of risk factors in gastric cancer: A visualization and bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND The lack of specific symptoms of gastric cancer(GC)causes great challenges in its early diagnosis.Thus it is essential to identify the risk factors for early diagnosis and treatment of GC and to improve the survival rates.AIM To assist physicians in identifying changes in the output of publications and research hotspots related to risk factors for GC,constructing a list of key risk factors,and providing a reference for early identification of patients at high risk for GC.METHODS Research articles on risk factors for GC were searched in the Web of Science core collection,and relevant information was extracted after screening.The literature was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019,CiteSpace V,and VOSviewer 1.6.18.RESULTS A total of 2514 papers from 72 countries and 2507 research institutions were retrieved.China(n=1061),National Cancer Center(n=138),and Shoichiro Tsugane(n=36)were the most productive country,institution,or author,respectively.The research hotspots in the study of risk factors for GC are summarized in four areas,namely:Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection,single nucleotide polymorphism,bio-diagnostic markers,and GC risk prediction models.CONCLUSION In this study,we found that H.pylori infection is the most significant risk factor for GC;single-nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)is the most dominant genetic factor for GC;bio-diagnostic markers are the most promising diagnostic modality for GC.GC risk prediction models are the latest current research hotspot.We conclude that the most important risk factors for the development of GC are H.pylori infection,SNP,smoking,diet,and alcohol.

血清肾胺酶、尿调节素、可溶性尿激酶受体联合检测对糖尿病肾损伤早期诊断的价值分析

目的探究血清肾胺酶(RNLS)、尿调节素(UMOD)、可溶性尿激酶型纤溶酶原激活物受体(suPAR)联合检测对糖尿病肾损伤早期诊断的价值。方法选取2020年3月至2021年3月成都市第七人民医院收治的61例糖尿病肾损伤病人为糖尿病肾损伤组,按24 h尿白蛋白排泄率(UAER)分为早期糖尿病肾病组(29例)和临床期糖尿病肾病组(32例),选取66例糖尿病病人为单纯糖尿病组,另选取同期健康体检者60例为对照组。收集病人的一般临床资料并比较,采用尿素酶法检测血清尿素(UREA),氧化酶法检测肌酐(Cr)和尿酸(UA)水平,采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测血清RNLS、UMOD、suPAR的水平。Pearson相关性分析RNLS、UMOD、suPAR与UREA、Cr、UA以及临床资料的关系。采用受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清RNLS、UMOD、suPAR联合检测对糖尿病病人发生肾损伤的诊断价值。结果糖尿病肾损伤组、单纯糖尿病组三酰甘油、总胆固醇、空腹血糖、糖化血红蛋白及血清UREA、Cr、UA、suPAR水平[(133.56±42.68)ng/L,(66.48±17.13)ng/L比(34.15±8.26)ng/L]均显著高于对照组(P<0.05),估算肾小球滤过率(eGFR)及血清RNLS[(28.62±7.61)mg/L,(35.47±9.29)mg/L比(42.81±13.24)mg/L]、UMOD水平[(64.28±16.82)g/L,(119.45±28.65)g/L比(139.82±32.84)g/L]均显著低于对照组(P<0.05);且糖尿病肾损伤组较单纯糖尿病组升高或下降幅度大(P<0.05)。糖尿病肾损伤组糖尿病病程显著高于单纯糖尿病组(P<0.05),24 h尿蛋白显著高于单纯糖尿病组和对照组(P<0.05)。临床期糖尿病肾病组病人血清RNLS[(26.28±6.69)mg/L比(31.18±8.34)mg/L]、UMOD水平[(51.26±14.41)g/L比(78.65±19.49)g/L]较早期糖尿病肾病组均显著降低(P<0.05),suPAR水平[(151.96±48.03)ng/L比(113.27±36.81)ng/L]显著升高(P<0.05)。RNLS、UMOD与UREA、Cr、UA、三酰甘油、总胆固醇、空腹血糖、糖化血红蛋白、糖尿病病程及24 h尿蛋白均呈负相关(P<0.05),与eGFR呈正相关(P<0.05);suPAR与UREA、Cr、UA、三酰甘油、总胆固醇、空腹血糖、糖化血红蛋白、糖尿病病程及24 h尿蛋白均呈正相关(P<0.05),与eGFR呈负相关(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析结果显示,血清RNLS、UMOD、suPAR三项联合的曲线下面积(AUC)0.88显著高于RNLS、UMOD单项检测的AUC(0.81、0.83)(P<0.05),而与suPAR AUC比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论糖尿病肾损伤病人血清RNLS、UMOD、suPAR水平呈异常表达,且三项联合检测对糖尿病病人发生肾损伤的诊断价值较高,值得临床推广应用。

Plasma-induced Mo-doped Co_(3)O_(4)with enriched oxygen vacancies for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution in water splitting

Heteroatomic substitution and vacancy engineering of spinel oxides can theoretically optimize the oxygen evolution reaction(OER)through charge redistribution and d-band center modification but still remain a great challenge in both the preparation and catalytic mechanism.Herein,we proposed a novel and efficient Ar-plasma(P)-assisted strategy to construct heteroatom Mo-substituted and oxygen vacancies enriched hierarchical spinel Co_(3)O_(4)porous nanoneedle arrays in situ grown on carbon cloth(denoted P-Mo-Co_(3)O_(4)@CC)to improve the OER performance.Ar-plasma technology can efficiently generate vacancy sites at the surface of hydroxide,which induces the anchoring of Mo anion salts through electrostatic interaction,finally facilitating the substitution of Mo atoms and the formation of oxygen vacancies on the Co_(3)O_(4)surface.The P-Mo-Co_(3)O_(4)@CC affords a low overpotential of only 276 mV at 10 mA cm^(−2)for the OER,which is 58 mV superior to that of Mo-free Co_(3)O_(4)@CC and surpasses commercial RuO_(2)catalyst.The robust stability and satisfactory selectivity(nearly 100%Faradic efficiency)of P-Mo-Co_(3)O_(4)@CC for the OER are also demonstrated.Theoreti-cal studies demonstrate that Mo with variable valance states can efficiently regulates the atomic ratio of Co^(3+)/Co^(2+)and increases the number of oxygen vacancies,thereby inducing charge redistribution and tuning the d-band center of Co_(3)O_(4),which improve the adsorption energy of oxygen intermediates(e.g.,*OOH)on P-Mo-Co_(3)O_(4)@CC during OER.Furthermore,the two-electrode OER//HER electrolyzer equipped with P-Mo-Co_(3)O_(4)@CC as anode displays a low operation potential of 1.54 V to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm^(−2),and also exhibits good reversibility and anticurrent fluctuation ability under simulated real energy supply conditions,demonstrating the great potential of P-Mo-Co_(3)O_(4)@CC in water electrolysis.

Exploring influence of MgO/CaO on crystallization characteristics to understand fluidity of synthetic coal slags

The crystallization has significant influence on fluidity of slag and slag discharge of entrained-flow-bed(EFB) gasifier. The crystallization characteristics and fluidity of five synthetic slags with different MgO/CaO ratios prepared on the basis of the range of oxide contents of Zhundong coal ash were investigated in this study. The results show that with the MgO/CaO ratio increase, the initial crystallization temperature increases, and the main temperature range of crystallization ratio growth moves to higher temperature range gradually which causes Tp25(Tp25is the temperature corresponding to the viscosity of 25 Pa·s)to increase. Mg-rich crystals are formed preferentially than Ca-rich crystals when adding the same amount of MgO and CaO during cooling. The effective slagging operating temperature range decrease from 217 ℃ for the slag with a 0:4 MgO/CaO ratio to 44 ℃ for the slag with a 4:0 MgO/CaO ratio with the MgO/CaO ratio increase. The slags with 2:2 and 1:3 MgO/CaO ratios show similar effective slagging operating temperature range, Tp25and the temperature corresponding to the viscosity of 2 Pa·s.However, compared with the slag with a 1:3 MgO/CaO ratio, the crystallization ratio and rate of slag with a 2:2 MgO/CaO ratio are lower within lower temperature range(1300–1200 ℃), causing its lower critical viscosity temperature and wider actual operating temperature range. Of the five slags, the widest effective slagging operating temperature range and the lowest Tp25of the slag with a 0:4 MgO/CaO ratio due to its low crystallization ratio, and wider actual operating temperature range of the slag with a 2:2 MgO/CaO ratio make the two slags suitable for slag discharge of EFB gasifier.

Nintedanib induces apoptosis in human pterygium cells through the FGFR2-ERK signalling pathway

AIM:To investigate whether nintedanib can inhibit pterygium cells through the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2(FGFR2)/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase(ERK)pathway.METHODS:Human primary pterygium cells were cultured in vitro.After treatment with nintedanib,the cell morphology was observed under microscopy,the morphological changes of the nucleus were observed after DAPI staining,apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin-V FITC/PI double staining,and the changes of apoptosis-associated proteins were detected by Western blot.The binding ability of nintedanib to FGFR2 was predicted by molecular docking.Finally,by silencing FGFR2,we explored whether nintedanib inhibited FGFR2/ERK pathway.RESULTS:The results showed that nintedanib inhibited the growth of pterygium cells and caused nuclear pyknosis.The results of Annexin-VFITC/PI double staining showed that nintedanib was able to induce early and late apoptosis of pterygium cells,significantly increasing the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins Bax and cleaved-Caspase3(P<0.05),and reducing the expression of Bcl-2(P<0.05).In addition,nintedanib significantly inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation through FGFR2(P<0.05).After silencing the expression of FGFR2,there was no significant difference in the inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by nintedanib(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Nintedanib induces apoptosis of pterygium cells by inhibiting FGFR2/ERK pathway.

Vacancies and interfaces engineering of core-shell heterostuctured NiCoP/NiO as trifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting and zinc-air batteries

The electronic structures and properties of electrocatalysts,which depend on the physicochemical structure and metallic element components,could significantly affect their electrocatalytic performance and their future applications in Zn-air battery(ZAB)and overall water splitting(OWS).Here,by combining vacancies and heterogeneous interfacial engineering,three-dimensional(3D)core-shell NiCoP/NiO heterostructures with dominated oxygen vacancies have been controllably in-situ grown on carbon cloth for using as highly efficient electrocatalysts toward hydrogen and oxygen electrochemical reactions.Theoretical calculation and electrochemical results manifest that the hybridization of NiCoP core with NiO shell produces a strong synergistic electronic coupling effect.The oxygen vacancy can enable the emergence of new electronic states within the band gap,crossing the Fermi levels of the two spin components and optimizing the local electronic structure.Besides,the hierarchical core-shell NiCoP/NiO nanoarrays also endow the catalysts with multiple exposed active sites,faster mass transfer behavior,optimized electronic strutures and improved electrochemical performance during ZAB and OWS applications.

Improved mammalian family phylogeny using gap-rare multiple sequence alignment:A timetree of extant placentals and marsupials

The timing of mammalian diversification in relation to the Cretaceous-Paleogene(KPg)mass extinction continues to be a subject of substantial debate.Previous studies have either focused on limited taxonomic samples with available whole-genome data or relied on short sequence alignments coupled with extensive species samples.In the present study,we improved an existing dataset from the landmark study of Meredith et al.(2011)by filling in missing fragments and further generated another dataset containing 120 taxa and 98 exonic markers.Using these two datasets,we then constructed phylogenies for extant mammalian families,providing improved resolution of many conflicting relationships.Moreover,the timetrees generated,which were calibrated using appropriate molecular clock models and multiple fossil records,indicated that the interordinal diversification of placental mammals initiated before the Late Cretaceous period.Additionally,intraordinal diversification of both extant placental and marsupial lineages accelerated after the KPg boundary,supporting the hypothesis that the availability of numerous vacant ecological niches subsequent to the mass extinction event facilitated rapid diversification.Thus,our results support a scenario of placental radiation characterized by both basal cladogenesis and active interordinal divergences spanning from the Late Cretaceous into the Paleogene.

Ion–Electron Coupling Enables Ionic Thermoelectric Material with New Operation Mode and High Energy Density

Ionic thermoelectrics(i-TE) possesses great potential in powering distributed electronics because it can generate thermopower up to tens of millivolts per Kelvin. However,as ions cannot enter external circuit, the utilization of i-TE is currently based on capacitive charge/discharge, which results in discontinuous working mode and low energy density. Here,we introduce an ion–electron thermoelectric synergistic(IETS)effect by utilizing an ion–electron conductor. Electrons/holes can drift under the electric field generated by thermodiffusion of ions, thus converting the ionic current into electrical current that can pass through the external circuit. Due to the IETS effect, i-TE is able to operate continuously for over 3000 min.Moreover, our i-TE exhibits a thermopower of 32.7 mV K^(-1) and an energy density of 553.9 J m^(-2), which is more than 6.9 times of the highest reported value. Consequently, direct powering of electronics is achieved with i-TE. This work provides a novel strategy for the design of high-performance i-TE materials.