Dissolvable temporary barrier:a novel paradigm for flexible hydrogel patterning in organ-on-a-chip models

A combination of hydrogels and microfluidics allows the construction of biomimetic three-dimensional(3D)tissue models in vitro,which are also known as organ-on-a-chipmodels.The hydrogel patterningwith awell-controlled spatial distribution is typically achieved by embedding sophisticated microstructures to act as a boundary.However,these physical barriers inevitably expose cells/tissues to a less physiologically relevant microenvironment than in vivo conditions.Herein,we present a novel dissolvable temporary barrier(DTB)strategy that allows robust and flexible hydrogel patterning with great freedom of design and desirable flow stimuli for cellular hydrogels.The key aspect of this approach is the patterning of a water-soluble rigid barrier as a guiding path for the hydrogel using stencil printing technology,followed by a barrier-free medium perfusion after the dissolution of the DTB.Single and multiple tissue compartments with different geometries can be established using either straight or curved DTB structures.The effectiveness of this strategy is further validated by generating a 3D vascular network through vasculogenesis and angiogenesis using a vascularized microtumor model.As a new proof-of-concept in vasculature-on-a-chip,DTB enables seamless contact between the hydrogel and the culture medium in closed microdevices,which is an improved protocol for the fabrication ofmultiorgan chips.Therefore,we expect it to serve as a promising paradigm for organ-on-a-chip devices for the development of tumor vascularization and drug evaluation in the future preclinical studies.

Enriched Constant Elements in the Boundary Element Method for Solving 2D Acoustic Problems at Higher Frequencies

The boundary element method(BEM)is a popular method for solving acoustic wave propagation problems,especially those in exterior domains,owing to its ease in handling radiation conditions at infinity.However,BEM models must meet the requirement of 6–10 elements per wavelength,using the conventional constant,linear,or quadratic elements.Therefore,a large storage size of memory and long solution time are often needed in solving higher-frequency problems.In this work,we propose two new types of enriched elements based on conventional constant boundary elements to improve the computational efficiency of the 2D acoustic BEM.The first one uses a plane wave expansion,which can be used to model scattering problems.The second one uses a special plane wave expansion,which can be used tomodel radiation problems.Five examples are investigated to showthe advantages of the enriched elements.Compared with the conventional constant elements,the new enriched elements can deliver results with the same accuracy and in less computational time.This improvement in the computational efficiency is more evident at higher frequencies(with the nondimensional wave numbers exceeding 100).The paper concludes with the potential of our proposed enriched elements and plans for their further improvement.

The Pathways and Mechanisms for Collaborative Innovation in Vocational Education,Higher Education,and Continuing Education

Against the backdrop of rapid global economic development,the demand for education has gradually shifted from quantitative growth to qualitative improvement.Vocational education,higher education,and continuing education are crucial components of China’s education system,each serving different educational functions.However,the collaborative innovation among these three types of education is still in the preliminary exploration stage,with issues such as scattered resources and imperfect coordination mechanisms.This paper systematically reviews relevant domestic and international research and practical experiences,thoroughly analyzes the pathways,models,and mechanisms of collaborative innovation among these three types of education,and proposes practical and operational suggestions based on the actual situation in Xuzhou City.The study finds that collaboration between vocational education,higher education,and continuing education through innovation not only enhances the overall efficiency of educational resources but also promotes regional economic development and social progress.On this basis,this paper proposes specific measures such as building an education resource-sharing platform,promoting a chain-based talent training system,strengthening policy and institutional guarantees,and improving incentive mechanisms,aiming to provide a reference for local education administrators and contribute to the innovative development of education in China.

Broadband ground motion simulation using a hybrid approach of the May 21, 2021 M7.4 earthquake in Maduo, Qinghai, China

In this study,the broadband ground motions of the 2021 M7.4 Maduo earthquake were simulated to overcome the scarcity of ground motion recordings and the low resolution of macroseismic intensity map in sparsely populated high-altitude regions.The simulation was conducted with a hybrid methodology,combining a stochastic high-frequency simulation with a low-frequency ground motion simulation,from the regional 1-D velocity structure model and the Wang WM et al.(2022)source rupture model,respectively.We found that the three-component waveforms simulated for specific stations matched the waveforms recorded at those stations,in terms of amplitude,duration,and frequency content.The validation results demonstrate the ability of the hybrid simulation method to reproduce the main characteristics of the observed ground motions for the 2021 Maduo earthquake over a broad frequency range.Our simulations suggest that the official map of macroseismic intensity tends to overestimate shaking by one intensity unit.Comparisons of simulations with empirical ground motion models indicate generally good consistency between the simulated and empirically predicted intensity measures.The high-frequency components of ground motions were found to be more prominent,while the low-frequency components were not,which is unexpected for large earthquakes.Our simulations provide valuable insight into the effects of source complexity on the level and variability of the resulting ground motions.The acceleration and velocity time histories and corresponding response spectra were provided for selected representative sites where no records were available.The simulated results have important implications for evaluating the performance of engineering structures in the epicentral regions of this earthquake and for estimating seismic hazards in the Tibetan regions where no strong ground motion records are available for large earthquakes.

ZnO@MOF@PANI core-shell nanoarrays on carbon cloth for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes

Hierarchical ZnO@metal-organic framework @polyaniline(ZnO@MOF@PANI) core-shell nanorod arrays on carbon cloth has been fabricated by combining electrodeposition and hydrothermal method. Well-ordered Zn O nanorods not only act as a scaffold for growth of MOF/PANI shell but also as Zn source for the formation of MOF. The morphology of ZnO@MOF@PANI composite is greatly influenced by the number of PANI electrodeposition cycles. Their structural and electrochemical properties were characterized with different techniques. The results indicate that the Zn O@MOF@PANI with 13 CV cycles of PANI deposition demonstrates the maximum specific capacitance of 340.7 F g-1 at 1.0 A g-1, good rate capability with84.3% capacitance retention from 1.0 to 10 A g-1 and excellent cycling life of 82.5% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles at high current density of 2.0 A g-1. This optimized core-shell nanoarchitecture endows the composite electrode with short ion diffusion pathway, rapid ion/electron transfer and high utilization of active materials, which thus result in excellent electrochemical performance of the ternary composite.

Postoperative Complications and Survival Analysis of Surgical Resection for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma:A Retrospective Study of Fifty-Nine Consecutive Patients

Objective Hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HC)is invariably fatal without surgical resection.The primary aim of the current study was to determine the safety of variable surgical resections for patient with HC and their survival after surgical resection.In addition,prognostic factor for the overall survival was also evaluated.Methods The study included 59 consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed with HC and underwent surgical resections with curative intend between February 2009 and February 2017.Patients were followed up at 3-6 months intervals after hospital discharge.Postoperative complications and overall survival were determined.Associations of clinicopathologic and surgeon-related factors with overall survival were evaluated through univariate analysis and Cox regression analysis.Results Of patients with Bismuth and Corlette(B&C)type HI(n=19)and IV(n=25)HC lesions,33(55.9%)were treated with hilar resection combined with major liver resection(MLR),while the other 11 patients with type HI and IV,and those with type I(n=8)and II(n=7)HC lesions were treated with hilar resection.The overall surgical mortality was 5.1%and surgical morbidity was 35.6%.There was no statistical difference in the mortality between MLR group and hilar resection group(6.1%vs.3.8%;X2=0.703,P=0.145).The median follow-up period was 18 months(range,1-94 months).The 1-,3-,5-year survival rate was 59.3%,36.5%,and 17.7%,respectively.The overall survival after resections was 18 months.In HC patients with B&C type III and IV lesions,the median survival was 23 months for hilar resection with MLR and 8 months for hilar resection alone;the 1-,3-,5-year cumulative survival rate was 63.9%,23.3%,and 15.5%,respectively for hilar resection with MLR,and 11.1%,0,and 0,respectively for hilar resection alone,with significant diflerene observed(HR,9.902;95%CI,2.636-19.571,P=0.001).Four factors were independently associated with overall survival:preoperative serum Cal9-9(HR,7.039;95%CI,2.803-17.678,P<0.001),histopathologic grade(HR,4.964;95%CI,1.046-23.552,?=0.044),surgical margins(P=0.031),andAJCC staging(P=0.015).Conclusions R0 resection is efficacious in surgical treatment of HC.MLR in combination with caudate lobe resection may increase the chance of R0 resection and improve survival of HC patients with B&C type IK and IV lesions.Preoperatively prepared for biliary drainage may ensure the safety of MLR in most HC patients.Novel adjuvant therapies are needed to improve the survival of HC patients with poor prognostic factors.

High photon detection efficiency InGaAs/InP single photon avalanche diode at 250 K

Planar semiconductor InGaAs/InP single photon avalanche diodes with high responsivity and low dark count rate are preferred single photon detectors in near-infrared communication.However,even with well-designed structures and well-con-trolled operational conditions,the performance of InGaAs/InP SPADs is limited by the inherent characteristics of avalanche pro-cess and the growth quality of InGaAs/InP materials.It is difficult to ensure high detection efficiency while the dark count rate is controlled within a certain range at present.In this paper,we fabricated a device with a thick InGaAs absorption region and an anti-reflection layer.The quantum efficiency of this device reaches 83.2%.We characterized the single-photon performance of the device by a quenching circuit consisting of parallel-balanced InGaAs/InP single photon detectors and single-period sinus-oidal pulse gating.The spike pulse caused by the capacitance effect of the device is eliminated by using the characteristics of parallel balanced common mode signal elimination,and the detection of small avalanche pulse amplitude signal is realized.The maximum detection efficiency is 55.4%with a dark count rate of 43.8 kHz and a noise equivalent power of 6.96×10^(−17 )W/Hz^(1/2) at 247 K.Compared with other reported detectors,this SPAD exhibits higher SPDE and lower noise-equivalent power at a higher cooling temperature.

Design of a Novel Semi-Automatic Coconut Tree Climbing Device

The aim of this study is to present a novel semi-automatic coconut tree climbing device and validate its strength based on actual working conditions. Firstly, the structural composition and operational principal of this device is introduced. After that, the finite element model of this device is established with CATIA. Finally, the strength analysis is executed by means of CATIA. In this study, the equivalent stress, principal stress, and displacement contours are obtained. The simulation results show that the maximum stress of this device is below 355 MPa, which is the value of the yield strength. Therefore, this device is capable of satisfying practical application requirements.

Additive manufacturing of degradable metallic scaffolds for material-structure-driven diabetic maxillofacial bone regeneration

The regeneration of maxillofacial bone defects associated with diabetes mellitus remains challenging due to the occlusal loading and hyperglycemia microenvironment.Herein,we propose a material-structure-driven strategy through the additive manufacturing of degradable Zn-Mg-Cu gradient scaffolds.The in situ alloying of Mg and Cu endows Zn alloy with admirable compressive strength for mechanical support and uniform degradation mode for preventing localized rupture.The scaffolds manifest favorable antibacterial,angiogenic,and osteogenic modulation capacity in mimicked hyperglycemic microenvironment,and Mg and Cu promote osteogenic differentiation in the early and late stages,respectively.In addition,the scaffolds expedite diabetic maxillofacial bone ingrowth and regeneration by combining the metabolic regulation effect of divalent metal cations and the hyperboloid and suitable permeability of the gradient structure.RNA sequencing further reveals that RAC1 might be involved in bone formation by regulating the transport and uptake of glucose related to GLUT1 in osteoblasts,contributing to cell function recovery.Inspired by bone healing and structural cues,this study offers an essential understanding of the designation and underlying mechanisms of the material-structure-driven strategy for diabetic maxillofacial bone regeneration.

High-efficiency crystalline white organic lightemitting diodes

Crystalline white organic light-emitting diodes(C-WOLEDs)are promising candidates for lighting and display applications.It is urgently necessary,however,to develop energy-saving and high-efficiency C-WOLEDs that have stable and powerful emission to meet commercial demands.Here,we report a crystalline host matrix(CHM)with embedded nanoaggregates(NA)structure for developing high-performance C-WOLEDs by employing a thermally activated delayed fluorescence(TADF)material and orange phosphorescent dopants(Phos.-D).The CHM-TADFNA-D WOLED exhibit a remarkable EQE of 12.8%,which is the highest performance WOLEDs based on crystalline materials.The device has a quick formation of excitons and a well-designed energy transfer process,and possesses a fast ramping of luminance and current density.Compared to recently reported high-performance WOLEDs based on amorphous material route,the C-WOLED achieves a low series-resistance Joule-heat loss ratio and an enhanced photon output,demonstrating its significant potential in developing the next-generation WOLEDs.

Engineering vascularised organoid-on-a-chip:strategies,advances and future perspectives

In recent years,advances in microfabrication technology and tissue engineering have propelled the development of a novel drug screening and disease modelling platform known as organoid-on-a-chip.This platform integrates organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies,emerging as a promising approach for in vitro modelling of human organ physiology.Organoid-on-a-chip devices leverage microfluidic systems to simulate the physiological microenvironment of specific organs,offering a more dynamic and flexible setting that can mimic a more comprehensive human biological context.However,the lack of functional vasculature has remained a significant challenge in this technology.Vascularisation is crucial for the long-term culture and in vitro modelling of organoids,holding important implications for drug development and personalised medical approaches.This review provides an overview of research progress in developing vascularised organoid-on-a-chip models,addressing methods for in vitro vascularisation and advancements in vascularised organoids.The aim is to serve as a reference for future endeavors in constructing fully functional vascularised organoid-on-a-chip platforms.

基于血清学指标的联合模型诊断代偿期肝硬化轻微型肝性脑病的价值

目的探讨血清学指标对代偿期肝硬化轻微型肝性脑病(MHE)的诊断价值,构建基于血清学指标的联合模型并评估其对MHE的诊断价值。方法前瞻性、多中心研究。选取2021年10月至2022年8月来自我国15个省(自治区、直辖市)的23家医院就诊的代偿期肝硬化患者263例。收集患者临床资料及实验室检查结果,并计算终末期肝病模型(MELD)评分。使用基线血氨测量值/正常参考值上限(AMM-ULN)集中校正各中心血氨测量结果,以我国《肝硬化肝性脑病诊疗指南》标准,数字连接试验-A、数字符号试验均异常作为诊断MHE的标准。基于R语言caret包将患者随机(7∶3)分为训练集(n=185)和验证集(n=78)。通过Logistic回归构建诊断MHE的联合模型;受试者工作特征曲线下面积(AUC)、Hosmer-Lemeshow拟合优度检验及校准曲线图评估诊断性能,并用Bootstrap法(n=200)进行内部验证;Delong检验比较AUC之间的差异。结果训练集中,MHE占37.8%(70/185),MHE组AMM-ULN、白蛋白、血小板、碱性磷酸酶、国际标准化比值、终末期肝病模型评分以及教育年限与无MHE组比较,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,AMM-ULN(OR=1.78,95%CI 1.05~3.14,P=0.038)和MELD评分(OR=1.11,95%CI 1.04~1.20,P=0.002)是MHE的独立危险因素,AUC分别为0.663和0.625。联合AMM-ULN、MELD评分和教育年限的联合模型诊断MHE的AUC为0.755,特异度和敏感度分别为85.2%和55.7%。Hosmer-Lemeshow拟合优度检验表明模型具有较好的校准度(P=0.733),联合模型内部验证AUC为0.752。Delong检验显示联合模型诊断效能优于单独使用血氨(P=0.020)和MELD评分(P=0.003)。验证集中,联合模型诊断MHE的AUC为0.794,Hosmer-Lemeshow拟合优度检验显示有较好的校准度(P=0.841)。结论基于AMM-ULN、MELD评分和教育年限的联合模型可提高对MHE的诊断价值。

Facile synthesis of defect-rich Fe-N-C hybrid from fullerene/ferrotetraphenylporphyrin as efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst for Zn-air battery

Exploring remarkable oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)electrocatalysts for regenerative fuel cells and metal-air batteries is highly essential.Herein,a novel non-noble metal-based heterogeneous electrocatalyst with rich defects were successfully synthesized by liquid-liquid interfacial precipitation(LLIP)of fullerene(C_(60))and ferrotetraphenylporphyrin(FeTPP)followed by one step pyrolysis.The obtained product annealed at 700℃(C_(60)/FeTPP-700),when employed as ORR electrocatalyst,revealed a positive halfwave potential(E_(1/2))of 0.877 V vs.reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE),which was superior to that of the commercial 25%Pt/C.Delightfully,the assembled Zn-air battery(ZAB)using C_(60)/FeTPP-700 as an air-electrode catalyst exhibited a high power density of 153 m W/cm^(2),specific capacity of 668 mAh/g and long-term cycling stability for more than 250 h.Experimental results proved that the excellent electrocatalytic ORR activity of C_(60)/FeTPP-700 would attribute to the synergistic effect between FeN_xsites,Fe_(3)C/Fe nanoparticles and the structure defects.This work provides a feasible and simple method to prepare nonnoble metal-based ORR electrocatalysts for the application of energy storage and conversion.

多边共管的多模态网络标识域名生成管理解析原型系统

面对新形势下互联网蓬勃发展给现有网络体系带来的挑战,现有单边主义下的域名管理系统(DNS)在专业化服务质量和安全管控方面已力不从心.本文从分析现有网络体系问题出发,结合世界网络发展趋势,明确新型网络基本技术特征,以高安全、高鲁棒、高效能和高可用性为导向,提出新型多模态域名管理技术框架,实现融合多边共管的投票管理和多模态网络下标识域名互访和互隧道功能的原型系统.原型系统通过现网测试验证了理论的正确性和可行性.该系统可以方便地应用于自主多模态标识空间下的主权网及高安全专网,为全世界对网络共管共治的诉求提供了中国方案.

Emerging roles of activating transcription factor (ATF) family members in tumourigenesis and immunity: Implications in cancer immunotherapy

Activating transcription factors, ATFs, are a group of bZIP transcription factors that act as homodimers or heterodimers with a range of other bZIP factors. In general, ATFs respond to extracellular signals, indicating their important roles in maintaining homeostasis. The ATF family includes ATF1, ATF2, ATF3, ATF4, ATF5, ATF6, and ATF7. Consistent with the diversity of cellular processes reported to be regulated by ATFs, the functions of ATFs are also diverse. ATFs play an important role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and inflammation-related pathological processes. The expression and phosphorylation status of ATFs are also related to neurodegenerative diseases and polycystic kidney disease. Various miRNAs target ATFs to regulate cancer proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, sensitivity and resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Moreover, ATFs are necessary to maintain cell redox homeostasis. Therefore, deepening our understanding of the regulation and function of ATFs will provide insights into the basic regulatory mechanisms that influence how cells integrate extracellular and intracellular signals into genomic responses through transcription factors. Under pathological conditions, especially in cancer biology and response to treatment, the characterization of ATF dysfunction is important for understanding how to therapeutically utilize ATF2 or other pathways controlled by transcription factors. In this review, we will demonstrate how ATF1, ATF2, ATF3, ATF4, ATF5, ATF6, and ATF7 function in promoting or suppressing cancer development and identify their roles in tumour immunotherapy.

Brain-wide Mapping of Mono-synaptic Afferents to Different Cell Types in the Laterodorsal Tegmentum

The laterodorsal tegmentum(LDT) is a brain structure involved in distinct behaviors including arousal,reward, and innate fear. How environmental stimuli and top-down control from high-order sensory and limbic cortical areas converge and coordinate in this region to modulate diverse behavioral outputs remains unclear.Using a modified rabies virus, we applied monosynaptic retrograde tracing to the whole brain to examine the LDT cell type specific upstream nuclei. The LDT received very strong midbrain and hindbrain afferents and moderate cortical and hypothalamic innervation but weak connections to the thalamus. The main projection neurons from cortical areas were restricted to the limbic lobe, including the ventral orbital cortex(VO), prelimbic, and cingulate cortices. Although different cell populations received qualitatively similar inputs, primarily via afferents from the periaqueductal gray area, superior colliculus, and the LDT itself, parvalbumin-positive(PV?) GABAergic cells received preferential projections from local LDT neurons.With regard to the different subtypes of GABAergic cells, aconsiderable number of nuclei, including those of the ventral tegmental area, central amygdaloid nucleus, and VO, made significantly greater inputs to somatostatinpositive cells than to PV?cells. Diverse inputs to the LDT on a system-wide level were revealed.

Discovery of Tryptophan-tetrahydroisoquinoline Derivatives as Multifunctional Agents for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Comprehensive Summary The cholinesterases are essential targets implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease(AD).We have identified tryptophan-tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives as selective micro-nanomolar butyrylcholinesterase(BChE)inhibitors.Molecular docking was applied for the rational design and binding mode analysis.They were defined according to their target inhibitory activity,low cytotoxicity,predicted permeability through the blood-brain barrier(BBB),and in vivo cognitive improvement.Additionally,the preferred compound showed ability to decrease self-induced Aβ1-42 aggregation and Aβ1-42 induced SH-SY5Y cell injury.Altogether,these factors indicated their potential as unique lead compounds for AD treatment.

Optical limiting performances of transitional metal dichalcogenides MX_(2)(M = V, Nb, Ta;X = S, Se) with ultralow initial threshold and optical limiting threshold

The optical limiting performances of few-layer transitional metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) nanosheets in the VB group(VS_(2),VSe_(2),NbS_(2),NbSe_(2),TaS_(2),and TaSe_(2)) were systematically investigated for the first time,to the best of our knowledge.It was found that these TMDs nanosheets showed a normalized transmittance in the range of 20%–40%at the input energy of 1.28 GW/cm^(2).Ultralow initial threshold F_(S)(0.05–0.10 J/cm^(2)) and optical limiting threshold F_(OL)(0.82–2.23 J/cm^(2)) were achieved in the TMDs nanosheets,which surpassed most of the optical limiting materials.This work showed the potential of TMDs beyond MoS_(2)in optical limiting field.

快速多极边界元法

快速多极方法是在20世纪发展的最重要的一个边界元计算算法。随着快速多极方法的发展，边界元法（BEM，Boundary Element Method）已成为大规模问题建模的一种强有力的方法。以百万计未知数的边界元法模型现在可以在台式电脑上使用快速多极边界元法解决。是第一部关于快速多极边界元法的专著，书中汇集了古典边界元法理论公式和快速多极方法的最新发展，包括二维和三维势流，

Study on Influence of Crack on the Blade Status Using FBGs

The status detection for rotating parts is difficult since the sensor is influenced by the rotation in the inflammable, explosive, and strong magnetic environment. Based on the fiber Bragg grating sensing technology, this paper studies the influence of the natural frequency and deformation of a rotor blade affected by the size of crack in the blade. Test results show that the speed of the equipment and blade excited vibration frequency are two main factors or deformation and vibration frequency of the blade. With an increase in the crack depth, the blade deformation is increased while the stimulated natural frequency of the blade is decreased; at a low rotational speed, the deformation is mainly caused by the rotating speed of the blade. On the contrary, the vibration blade itself contributes to the deformation at a high speed. During the process of full speed rotation, the influence of the rotational speed on the blade deformation almost remains the same, and the influence of the natural vibration on blade deformation is increased with an increase in the rotational speed.