Optimization of a Ge2Sb2Te5-Based Electrically Tunable Phase-Change Thermal Emitter for Dynamic Thermal Camouflage.

Controlling infrared thermal radiations can significantly improve the environmental adaptability of targets and has attracted increasing attention in the field of thermal camouflage. Thermal emitters based on Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) can flexibly change their radiation energy by controlling the reversible phase transition of GST, which possesses fast switching speed and low power consumption. However, the feasibility of the dynamic regulation of GST emitters lacks experimental and simulation verification. In this paper, we propose an electrically tunable thermal emitter consisting of a metal-insulator-metal plasmonic metasurface based on GST. Both optical and thermal simulations are conducted to optimize the structural parameters of the GST emitter. The results indicate that this emitter possesses large emissivity tunability, wide incident angle, polarization insensitivity, phase-transition feasibility, and dynamic thermal camouflage capability. Therefore, this work proposes a reliable optimization method to design viable GST-based thermal emitters. Moreover, it provides theoretical support for the practical application of phase-change materials in dynamic infrared thermal camouflage technology.

Preparation of Antibacterial Biobased Fibers by Triaxial Microfluidic Spinning Technology Using Ionic Liquids as the Solvents.

Bacterial infections have become a serious threat to public health. The utilization of antibacterial textiles offers an effective way to combat bacterial infections at the source, instead of relying solely on antibiotic consumption. Herein, efficient and durable antibacterial fibers based on quercetin and cellulose were prepared by a triaxial microfluidic spinning technology using ionic liquids (ILs) as the solvents. It was indicated that the structure and properties of the antibacterial fibers were affected by the type of IL and the flow rates during the triaxial microfluidic spinning process. Quercetin regenerated from [Emim]Ac underwent structural transformation and obtained an increased water solubility, while quercetin regenerated from [Emim]DEP remained unchanged, which was proven by FI-IR, XRD, and UV analyses. Furthermore, antibacterial fibers regenerated from [Emim]Ac exhibited the highest antibacterial activity of 96.9% against S. aureus, achieved by reducing the inner-to-outer flow rate ratio to 0 and concentrating quercetin at the center of fibers. On the other hand, when [Emim]DEP was used as the solvent, balancing the inner-to-outer flow rate ratio to concentrate quercetin in the middle layer of the fiber was optimal for achieving the best antibacterial activity of 93.3% because it promised both the higher encapsulation efficiency and release rate. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) mathematically predicted the solvent exchange process during triaxial spinning, explaining the influence of IL types and flow rates on quercetin distribution and encapsulation efficiency. It was indicated that optimizing the distribution of antibacterial agents within the fibers can fully unleash its antibacterial potential while preserving the mechanical properties of the fiber. Therefore, the proposed simple triaxial spinning strategy provides valuable insights into the design of biomedical materials.

Improving the multi-functionality of optical tweezers with FPGA integration.

The development of optical tweezers aims to extend their operating function and pattern. However, excessive programming can lead to a decrease in the system's operating speed and introduce bugs or data transmission delays. In this study, we present a time-shared optical tweezers system that allows for parallel operation of multiple functions. To enable efficient data transmission, we employ a queue structure and a buffer. To assess the system's performance, we utilize a biological sample in conjunction with the optical tweezers system and scanning imaging technique. We quantify the trapping parameter while concurrently running power stabilization programs. As a result, the standard deviation of the measured stiffness is reduced by 60% in the x and y directions and 30% in the z direction, indicating a significant improvement in calibration precision. Throughout the program execution, the system maintains an operating rate of 110 kHz, and the data are continuously updated in real time on the host. The system's performance demonstrates its potential for quantification and morphological reconstruction of biological samples.

Electrochemical selenocyclization of 2-ethynylanilines with diselenides: facile and efficient access to 3-selenylindoles.

An efficient electrochemical selenocyclization strategy for the synthesis of 3-selenylindoles from 2-ethynylanilines and diselenides has been developed in simple tube- or beaker-type undivided cells under ambient conditions. Notably, these sustainable transformations are completed within a short time with low equivalents of charges, diselenides and electrolytes, exhibiting a broad substrate scope with excellent functional group compatibility. Moreover, a gram-scale electrosynthesis and late-stage functionalization of complex molecules further demonstrate the practical synthetic potential of this facile electrochemical system.

Piezoelectric Energy Harvester Response Statistics.

Safety and reliability are essential engineering concerns for energy-harvesting installations. In the case of the piezoelectric galloping energy harvester, there is a risk that excessive wake galloping may lead to instability, overload, and thus damage. With this in mind, this paper studies bivariate statistics of the extreme, experimental galloping energy harvester dynamic response under realistic environmental conditions. The bivariate statistics were extracted from experimental wind tunnel results, specifically for the voltage-force data set. Authors advocate a novel general-purpose reliability approach that may be applied to a wide range of dynamic systems, including micro-machines. Both experimental and numerically simulated dynamic responses can be used as input for the suggested structural reliability analysis. The statistical analysis proposed in this study may be used at the design stage, supplying proper characteristic values and safeguarding the dynamic system from overload, thus extending the machine's lifetime. This work introduces a novel bivariate technique for reliability analysis instead of the more general univariate design approaches.

Effect of alloying element content on anaerobic microbiologically influenced corrosion sensitivity of stainless steels in enriched artificial seawater.

Stainless steels (SS) are not immune to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) especially in the presence of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB). It is necessary to study the influence of alloying elements on the MIC. SRB MIC behaviors of four stainless steels (2205 SS, 316L SS, 304 SS, and 410 SS), with different alloying element compositions were compared after 14 days of incubation at 37°C in enriched artificial seawater inoculated with Desulfovibrio sp. The sessile cell sequence was 410 SS > 316L SS > 304 SS > 2205 SS, inversely proportional to Cr content. The uniform corrosion rate (based on weight loss) sequence was 410 SS > 304 SS > 316L SS > 2205 SS, which matches the pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN) sequence inversely. 410 SS with the lowest Cr and Mo contents suffered the most severe pitting, with pit depth of 35 µm and weight loss of 0.75 mg/cm2 (0.91 mm/a pitting rate and 25 µm/a uniform corrosion rate). The other three stainless steels with higher Cr and Mo contents suffered only metastable pits. The semiconductor characteristics and the re-passivation abilities of the passive films were found to be affected by Cr and Mo contents.

Construction of Bi2WO6 with double active sites of tunable metallic Bi and oxygen vacancies for photocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone.

Oxygen-containing organics, which are generated from the selective oxidation of their corresponding hydrocarbons, have high value in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. However, their oxidation reactions are very challenging as the products are more active than the substrates, especially for the oxidation of cyclohexane (CHA). Herein, we focused on the one-step preparation of Bi2WO6 with double active sites of tunable metallic Bi and oxygen vacancies (OV-Bi/Bi2WO6) by a facile solvothermal treatment. Then, OV-Bi/Bi2WO6 was used as an efficient photocatalyst for the partial oxidation of CHA to cyclohexanone (CHA-one) for the first time in air as an oxidant under solvent-free and room temperature conditions. The Bi : Bi2WO6 ratio in the as-prepared OV-Bi/Bi2WO6 heterojunction could be tailored from 0.08 to 8.43 by controlling the solvothermal temperature, and the synergistic effect between DMF and EG could increase the reduction of MDF/EG and promote the production of Bi. Moreover, OV-Bi/Bi2WO6-160 yielded 4.4 and 8.8 times more CHA-one (128.8 µmol) than pure Bi2WO6 and metallic Bi, respectively, and achieved 93.6% selectivity to CHA-one in air as an oxidant under solvent-free conditions. The results revealed that the highly enhanced photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to the superior specific surface area, outstanding photo-absorption, abundant oxygen vacancies, and efficient electron-hole separation. Moreover, for the unique double active sites in OV-Bi/Bi2WO6, oxygen vacancies can enhance the adsorption and activation capacity of Bi2WO6 for O2, while metallic Bi can improve the adsorption and activation capacity of Bi2WO6 for CHA. Meanwhile, OV-Bi/Bi2WO6 also exhibited excellent durability due to the strong interaction between metallic Bi and Bi2WO6. The present work provides a flexible approach for tailoring the Bi : Bi2WO6 ratio and outlines an effective method for producing CHA-one from CHA under mild conditions.

Lung adenocarcinoma relapse with emerging EGFR mutation following complete response of small cell lung cancer warrants routine re-biopsy: A case report.

Transformation of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is rarely reported. Here, we report a case initially presented with SCLC and was diagnosed as LUAD when the lesion relapsed at the same site. A 56-year-old patient with SCLC who received etoposide and cisplatin chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy achieved a complete radiological response. After 28 months of stable disease, a computed tomography scan revealed a new lesion at the same site as the primary tumor. Pathological examination suggested a LUAD with an emerging EGFR exon 19 deletion. The patient was then treated with icotinib and achieved a near-complete radiological response. Nineteen months later, the patient developed resistance caused by EGFR T790M mutation and received treatment with osimertinib. At the last follow-up in January 2022, the patient was symptom-free. This case warrants re-biopsy and genetic testing as a routine operation when SCLC relapses at the same site as the primary tumor for an extended period, and prospective investigation is required.

[Effect of electroacupuncture of quintuple needling combined with adductor relaxation method for osteonecrosis of the femoral head].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effects on osteonecrosis of the femoral head between the comprehensive therapy (electroacupuncture ï¼»EAï¼½ of quintuple needling combined with adductor relaxation method) and the adductor relaxation method. METHODS: Eighty patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head were randomly allocated into a treatment group and a control group, with 40 patients in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with the adductor relaxation method. In the treatment group, besides the treatment as the control group, EA of quintuple needling was exerted at the most obvious tender sites (Ashi points) around the hip joint, 30 min each time. The treatment was given once daily, 30 days as one session of treatment, and 3 sessions were required totally in each group. The clinical effects of two groups were evaluated. The score of visual analogue scale (VAS), Harris score and the score of the hip mobility were compared before and after treatment and between the two groups. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 97.5% (39/40) in the treatment group, higher than 82.5% (33/40) in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the VAS score was remarkably decreased (P<0.05), while the Harris score and the score of the hip mobility were apparently increased in either group after treatment (P<0.05). In comparison between two groups, the VAS score in the treatment group was obviously lower (P<0.05) than that of the control group, while the Harris score and the score of the hip mobility were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA of quintuple needling combined with the adductor relaxation method obtains the better clinical effects on ischemic osteonecrosis of the femoral head compared with the simple adductor relaxation method, and this comprehensive therapy obviously relieves the clinical symptoms in patients.

Autocrine pro-legumain promotes breast cancer metastasis via binding to integrin αvß3.

Tumor metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanism of metastasis is poorly understood. Expression of legumain (LGMN), an endo-lysosomal cysteine protease, positively correlates with breast cancer metastatic progression and poor prognosis. Here, we report that LGMN is secreted in the zymogen form by motile breast cancer cells. Through binding to cell surface integrin αvß3 via an RGD motif, the autocrine pro-LGMN activates FAK-Src-RhoA signaling in cancer cells and promotes cancer cell migration and invasion independent of LGMN protease activity. Either silencing LGMN expression or mutationally abolishing pro-LGMN‒αvß3 interaction significantly inhibits cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and breast cancer metastasis in vivo. Finally, we developed a monoclonal antibody against LGMN RGD motif, which blocks pro-LGMN‒αvß3 binding, and effectively suppresses cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and breast cancer metastasis in vivo. Thus, disruption of pro-LGMN‒integrin αvß3 interaction may be a potentially promising strategy for treating breast cancer metastasis.

Recent advances in radical-based C-F bond activation of polyfluoroarenes and gem-difluoroalkenes.

The direct employment of polyfluoroarenes and gem-difluoroalkenes as building blocks is regarded as one of the most effective and straightforward strategies for the introduction of fluorine-containing moieties into organic skeletons. Accordingly, radical chemistry has gradually become a mild and powerful method for the activation of their C-F bonds. The radical-based transformations of polyfluoroarenes and gem-difluoroalkenes can be primarily categorized into three types based on the specific intermediates involved: (1) multifluoroaryl radical anions, (2) monofluoroalkenyl radicals and (3) other radicals. Compared with the more established multifluoroaryl radical anion pathway, the monofluoroalkenyl radical-involved cross-coupling reaction can proceed through C-radical cross-coupling, radical addition/elimination or the hydrogen atom transfer process. For the presented examples in this review, the typical reaction modes, substrate scope, radical-involved mechanisms, and late-stage applications in the modification of bioactive molecules are discussed, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advances of the radical-based transformations of polyfluoroarenes and gem-difluoroalkenes.

MnO2-coated porous Pt@CeO2 core-shell nanostructures for photoacoustic imaging-guided tri-modal cancer therapy.

We describe the synthesis of MnO2-coated porous Pt@CeO2 core-shell nanostructures (Pt@CeO2@MnO2) as a new theranostic nano-platform. The porous Pt cores endow the core-shell nanostructures with high photothermal conversion efficiency (80%) in the near-infrared region, allowing for photothermal therapy (PTT) and photoacoustic imaging (PA) of tumors. The combination of the Pt core and porous CeO2 interlayer enhances the separation of photo-generated electrons and holes, which is beneficial for the generation of singlet oxygen. With the porous structures of the cores and interlayers, the Pt@CeO2@MnO2 nanostructures are further loaded with an anti-cancer drug (doxorubicin, DOX). The degradation of the MnO2 shell in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can generate O2 for enhanced photodynamic therapy (PDT) and simultaneously trigger DOX release. PA imaging shows good accumulation and retention of DOX-loaded Pt@CeO2@MnO2 in tumors, which guides precise laser irradiation to initiate combined PTT and PDT. The synergistic PTT/PDT/chemotherapy demonstrated by DOX-loaded Pt@CeO2@MnO2 yields remarkable therapeutic outcomes in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our DOX-loaded Pt@CeO2@MnO2 provides a new avenue for designing high-performance nano-platforms for imaging and therapeutics.

Crevice corrosion of X80 carbon steel induced by sulfate reducing bacteria in simulated seawater.

Crevice corrosion of X80 carbon steel in simulated seawater with the presence of SRB was studied by surface analysis and electrochemical measurements. The electrode inside crevice was seriously corroded. Large amount of corrosion products accumulated along the crevice mouth. Galvanic current densities measurements confirmed that there was a galvanic effect between the carbon steel at the crevice interior and exterior during the crevice corrosion. The difference in the sessile SRB cells quantities and SRB biofilms developments inside and outside crevice caused the galvanic effect between the carbon steel inside and outside the crevice, which further induced crevice corrosion. Increased crevice width reduced the galvanic effect, resulting in less crevice corrosion in wider crevice.

Gender differences in Damp-Heat Syndrome: A review.

Gender differences have important biological significance for medical research. In this study, a bias towards males was identified in animal experiments of Damp-Heat Syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine, as was first proposed by a data mining method. Combined with the correlation between Damp-Heat Syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine and Gender differences, it was considered that Gender-related factors have a significant influence on the development of Damp-Heat Syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine. However, most traditional Chinese medicine studies ignore the key significance of Gender-related factors. This study emphasises that the development of modern traditional Chinese medicine research needs to pay full attention to the biological significance of Gender-related factors and to apply this concept to the research on the Gender equivalence strategy in basic research and the practice of personalised medical diagnosis and clinical treatment.

Circulating Exosomal MicroRNA Profiles Associated with Acute Soft Tissue Injury.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the circulating exosomal microRNA (miRNA) profiles associated with acute soft tissue injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, a total of 12 rats were randomly divided into control group and model group (n=6 for each group). The rats in the model group were used to establish an acute soft tissue injury following the mechanical injury of the leg. The exosomes from the peripheral blood of all the rats were isolated and then characterized by Nanosight NS300 particle size analyser (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and western blot. Next, the exosomal miRNAs in the control and model groups were sequenced, and the differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were identified using the DESeq algorithm. Functional analyses were performed using Gene Ontology (GO) terms and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway databases. Finally, quantitative reverse-transcription polymersa chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to verify the expression of the DE-miRNAs. RESULTS: TEM, NTA and western blot results showed that the exosomes were approximately 100 nm in size and exhibited cup-shaped morphology. A total of 628 miRNAs were obtained by sequencing. After that, 28 DE miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified, including seven down-regulated miRNAs and 21 up-regulated miRNAs. These DE-miRNAs were linked to 7539 target genes with GO. Also, KEGG analyses demonstrated that these genes were enriched for phosphorylation, VEGF signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. Additionally, the consistency rate between the qRT-PCR and sequencing results was 83.33%, which showed a high relative reliability of the sequencing results. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that these 28 exosomal miRNAs may be involved in the regulation of acute soft tissue injury, by one of critical biological processes (BP), phosphorylation. The findings provide valuable clues by utilizing exosomes as therapeutic targets for the effective treatment of acute soft tissue injury.

Multi-dimensional constrained energy optimization of a piezoelectric harvester for E-gadgets.

This paper addresses the design optimization process of an energy harvesting device for scavenging energy from an e-gadget, utilizing its "rocking" motion. The plucking mechanism inspired by the frequency up-conversion technique provides initial displacement exciting piezoelectric beams and increases the total number of excitations multiple times. The harvester is designed in conjunction with the multidimensional surrogate optimization algorithm to maximize the device's performance considering the geometrical features of the concept and the constrained operating environment. The established numerical model is validated first using a set of experimental data. The obtained numerical results demonstrate that the developed 10.2″ size device produces 55 mJ in half-period when inclined at 45°, which is equivalent to generating 0.3 W. Considering that an iPad of the same size consumes around 3 W, the proposed energy harvester is capable of extending its battery life by 10%.

Resilience Improves the Sleep Quality in Disabled Elders: The Role of Perceived Stress.

The current research aims to prove the impact of resilience on sleep quality and to investigate the mediating function of perceived stress in the paths from resilience to sleep quality among disabled Chinese elders. The participants were 196 elders with visual and physical disability who resided in the nursing houses in Shanghai, including 102 males and 94 females whose mean age was 74.5 years old (standard deviation = 6.81). All the elders were measured with the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Perceived Stress Scale. The results showed that all the demographic variables were significantly related to perceived stress and PSQI scores. High levels of resilience could significantly enhance the quality of sleep in disabled Chinese elders. In addition, the two-step mediation models also confirmed the impact of resilience on sleep quality as mediated through perceived stress in this special aged population. Better knowledge on the mechanisms of sleep quality among older adults could benefit the prevention and treatment of some geriatric diseases.

Voltage controlled Néel vector rotation in zero magnetic field.

Multi-functional thin films of boron (B) doped Cr2O3 exhibit voltage-controlled and nonvolatile Néel vector reorientation in the absence of an applied magnetic field, H. Toggling of antiferromagnetic states is demonstrated in prototype device structures at CMOS compatible temperatures between 300 and 400 K. The boundary magnetization associated with the Néel vector orientation serves as state variable which is read via magnetoresistive detection in a Pt Hall bar adjacent to the B:Cr2O3 film. Switching of the Hall voltage between zero and non-zero values implies Néel vector rotation by 90 degrees. Combined magnetometry, spin resolved inverse photoemission, electric transport and scanning probe microscopy measurements reveal B-dependent TN and resistivity enhancement, spin-canting, anisotropy reduction, dynamic polarization hysteresis and gate voltage dependent orientation of boundary magnetization. The combined effect enables H = 0, voltage controlled, nonvolatile Néel vector rotation at high-temperature. Theoretical modeling estimates switching speeds of about 100 ps making B:Cr2O3 a promising multifunctional single-phase material for energy efficient nonvolatile CMOS compatible memory applications.

Preparation of nickel-iron hydroxides by microorganism corrosion for efficient oxygen evolution.

Nickel-iron composites are efficient in catalyzing oxygen evolution. Here, we develop a microorganism corrosion approach to construct nickel-iron hydroxides. The anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria, using sulfate as the electron acceptor, play a significant role in the formation of iron sulfide decorated nickel-iron hydroxides, which exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance for oxygen evolution. Experimental and theoretical investigations suggest that the synergistic effect between oxyhydroxides and sulfide species accounts for the high activity. This microorganism corrosion strategy not only provides efficient candidate electrocatalysts but also bridges traditional corrosion engineering and emerging electrochemical energy technologies.