Flexible inner surface of polysulfone membranes prevents platelet adhesive protein adsorption and improves antithrombogenicity in vitro.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether the condition of the inner surface of hollow fibers affects the blood compatibility of hemodialyzers. METHODS: We used scanning probe microscope/atomic force microscopy (SPM/AFM) to investigate the height of the swelling and flexible layers (thickness and softness) on the inner surfaces of the hollow fibers. Next, we tested the blood compatibility between dialyzers comprising a hollow fiber membrane, in which the other dialyzers, except for PVP, were additionally coated using PS membranes coated with other materials. After blood was injected into the dialyzer and plugged, dynamic stimulation was performed by slightly rotating the dialyzer for 4 h, although there was no blood circulation. RESULTS: The vitamin E-coated polysulfone (PS) membrane showed a higher thickness and softness of the flexible layer than the asymmetric cellulose triacetate membrane without polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and the PS membranes with PVP. We found that the dialyzer with vitamin E coating significantly suppressed the decrease in platelets, increase in ß-TG, and increase in PF4 compared to those coated with NV polymer. Additionally, as the adsorbed protein on the inner surface, the total protein, fibronectin, and vWF levels were significantly lower in the vitamin E-coated dialyzer. CONCLUSION: The thickness and softness of the flexible layer of the inner surface of the hollow fiber membrane in vitro affect differences in blood coagulation performance in clinical research. Future clinical trials are required to confirm our results.

Secapin: a promising antimicrobial peptide against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Introduction: Acinetobacter baumannii, renowned for its exceptional multidrug resistance and its role as a prevalent nosocomial pathogen, poses a formidable challenge to conventional antibiotic therapies. The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of Secapin, an antimicrobial peptide, against multidrug-resistant (MDR) baumannii. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying Secapin's antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were elucidated. Methods: The antimicrobial and antibiofilm effectiveness of Secapin against MDR A. baumannii was assessed through a series of experiments. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Secapin were determined using established protocols. Time-kill kinetic analysis was performed to assess the concentration-dependent bactericidal effect of Secapin. Additionally, the capacity of Secapin to impede biofilm formation and eradicate A. b aumannii biofilms was investigated. Hemolytic potential was evaluated using human red blood cells, while mammalian cell viability was examined at varying Secapin concentrations. Results: Secapin exhibited robust bactericidal activity at minimal concentrations, with an MIC of 5 µg/mL and an MBC of 10 µg/mL against MDR A. baumannii. The time-kill kinetic analysis confirmed the concentration-dependent efficacy of Secapin in diminishing bacterial viability. Moreover, Secapin demonstrated the ability to prevent biofilm formation and eliminate established A. baumannii biofilms. Notably, Secapin exhibited no hemolytic activity and preserved mammalian cell viability up to a concentration of 100 µg/mL. Conclusion: These findings underscore the substantial potential of Secapin as a potent agent against multidrug-resistant A. baumannii, showcasing its efficacy in both antibacterial and antibiofilm capacities. The favorable attributes of Secapin, characterized by its minimal hemolytic effects and high mammalian cell viability, position it as a promising contender in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Extending the theory of planned behavior to predict the behavior of farmers in choosing low-water-intensive medicinal plants.

Water scarcity has become a serious challenge in many parts of the world due to increasing demands and the impacts of climate change. The agriculture sector globally accounts for a major portion of water consumption, yet it also holds substantial potential for water conservation. Among the most effective ways to conserve water is to cultivate low-water-demanding crops, such as medicinal plants (MPs), instead of water-demanding crops (WDC). However, the voluntary participation of farmers, largely influenced by socio-psychological drivers, is crucial for successfully implementing most water conservation programs and needs to be addressed. Therefore, the main objectives of this paper were: (1) to identify the determinants that explain farmers' intention and behavior in cultivating MPs instead of WDC; and (2) to examine the effectiveness and performance of an extended version of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in predicting farmers' intention and behavior toward cultivating MPs by innovatively incorporating four new variables into the original TPB model: perceived barriers, moral norms, compatibility, and relative advantage. The applicability of the theoretical framework was evaluated in the Sojasroud Plain, Zanjan province, Iran. The results of the structural equation modeling revealed that: (1) farmers' intention to cultivate MPs instead of WDC is significantly influenced by perceived barriers, moral norms, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control (the strongest predictor); and (2) farmers' behavior in cultivating MPs instead of WDC is predicted by relative advantage, compatibility, and intention (the most prominent determinant). The R2 values for predicting intention and behavior were 55% and 53%, respectively. Based on the results, some practical policies were proposed to increase the cultivation of MPs in the study area.

Facet Engineering Boosts Interfacial Compatibility of Inorganic-Polymer Composites.

The interfacial compatibility between inorganic particles and polymer is crucial for ensuring high performance of composites. Current efforts to improve interfacial compatibility preferentially rely on organic modification of inorganic particles, leading to their complex process, high costs, and short lifespans due to aging and decomposition of organic modifiers. However, the fabrication of inorganic particles free from organic modification that is highly compatible in polymer still remains a great challenge. Herein, a novel facet-engineered inorganic particle that exhibit high compatibility with widely used polymer interface without organic modification is reported. Theoretical calculations and experimental results show that (020) and (102) facets of inorganic particles modulate local coordination environment of Ca atoms, which in turn regulate d-orbital electron density of Ca atoms and electron transfer paths at interfaces between polymer and inorganic particles. This difference alters the molecular diffusion, orientation of molecular chains on surface of inorganic particles, further modulating interfacial compatibility of composites. Surprisingly, the facet-engineered inorganic particles show exceptional mechanical properties, especially for tensile strain at break, which increases by 395%, far superior to state-of-the-art composites counterparts. Thus, the method can offer a more benign approach to the general production of high-performance and low-cost polymer-inorganic composites for diverse potential applications.

Numerical comparisons of exponential expressions: The saliency of the base component.

Exponential expressions represent series that grow at a fast pace such as carbon pollution and the spread of disease. Despite their importance, people tend to struggle with these expressions. In two experiments, participants chose the larger of two exponential expressions as quickly and accurately as possible. We manipulated the distance between the base/power components and their compatibility. In base-power compatible pairs, both the base and power of one expression were larger than the other (e.g., 23 vs. 34), while in base-power incompatible pairs, the base of one expression was larger than the base in the other expression but the relation between the power components of the two expressions was reversed (e.g., 32 vs. 24). Moreover, while in the first experiment the larger power always led to the larger result, in the second experiment we introduced base-result congruent pairs as well. Namely, the larger base led to the larger result. Our results showed a base-power compatibility effect, which was also larger for larger power distances (Experiments 1-2). Furthermore, participants processed the base-result congruent pairs faster and more accurately than the power-result congruent pairs (Experiment 2). These findings suggest that while both the base and power components are processed when comparing exponential expressions, the base is more salient. This exemplifies an incorrect processing of the syntax of exponential expressions, where the power typically has a larger mathematical contribution to the result of the expression.

Development of modern Chinese medicine guided by molecular compatibility theory.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has gained global attention, particularly after Professor Youyou Tu was awarded the Nobel Prize for her discovery of artemisinin as a treatment for malaria. However, the theory behind TCM is often perceived as a "black-box" with complex components and an unclear structure and mechanism of action. This had hindered the development of TCM within the framework of modern medicine. AIM OF REVIEW: The molecular compatibility theory proposed by Professor Tian Xie's team integrates TCM with Western medicine in clinical practice, and provide a feasible direction for TCM modernization. It is necessary to summarize and popularize this theory. This review aims to systematically introduce this theory to provide some new insight for development of TCM. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: According to the molecular compatibility theory, the desired effects can be achieved by organically combining multiple active molecules from TCM. These TCM molecular compounds have specific ingredients, precise mechanisms, and controllable quality that meet the standards of modern medicine. The molecular compatibility theory has guided the development of antitumor new drug elemene emulsions, and has also revealed extensive compatibility between TCM-derived active molecules and other TCM, Western medicine, or biomaterials. This discovery opens up potential TCM-based treatment options. In conclusion, the molecular compatibility theory holds promise as a strategy for modernizing TCM.

[Compatibility mechanism of Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills for treatment of myocardial ischemia based on UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS and network pharmacology].

Clinical efficacy and mechanism of Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills(QSYQ) have been well researched, but the compatibility mechanism underlying its therapeutic effect still requires further analysis. This study aims to explore the compatibility mechanism of QSYQ in treating myocardial ischemia. UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS technique was used to obtain the absorbed blood components of QSYQ. Target proteins of the absorbed components were collected and screened using TCMSP, TCMIP, and SwissTargetPrediction databases. Disease proteins related to myocardial ischemia were obtained through GeneCards, OMIM, and DisGeNET databases. Core targets and core components were obtained using online plotting software Venny 2.1.0, STRING, and Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. David database was used for GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment of core targets, obtaining the main pathways of QSYQ in treating myocardial ischemia and drawing visualized network diagrams. The compatibility mechanism was analyzed based on "component-target", "drug-pathway", and "PI3K-AKT" characteristic pathways, and molecular docking was used for validation. This study obtained 42 absorbed blood components of QSYQ, 556 component targets, 1 980 disease targets, 69 core targets, and 15 core components. QSYQ can exert therapeutic effects on myocardial ischemia by regulating proteins such as MAPK1, RELA, SRC, JUN, and STAT3, acting on signaling pathways such as HIF-1, PI3K-AKT, Toll-like, MAPK, VEGF, etc. The interaction network diagrams of "component-target" and "drug-pathway" preliminarily elucidated the synergy among the four drugs in this prescription at the level of targets and pathways. The PI3K-AKT characteristic pathway indicated that the sovereign drug Huangqi(Astragali Radix) and minister drug Danshen(Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) could regulate most targets in this pathway, while the assistant drug Sanqi(Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma) cooperated with Huangqi and Danshen on IL6 and AKT proteins, and the envoy drug Jiangxiang(Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum) acted on AKT and RXRA proteins, with all drugs acting synergistically on proteins such as AKT, RXRA, NFKB to regulate cell survival and promote angiogenesis. Molecular docking indicated that hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions might be the main forms of action, also validating the distribution of binding energy of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This study analyzed the compatibility connotation of QSYQ from multiple dimensions including drugs, components, targets, and pathways, providing reference basis for the study of the mechanism of action and compatibility rules of QSYQ.

Electromagnetic Compatibility Issues in 400-MHz-Band Wireless Medical Telemetry Systems and Their Management Using Simplified Methods for Safe Operation.

Wireless medical telemetry systems (WMTSs) are typical radio communication-based medical devices that monitor various biological parameters, such as electrocardiograms and respiration rates. In Japan, the assigned frequency band for WMTSs is 400 MHz. However, the issues accounting for poor reception in WMTS constitute major concerns. In this study, we analyzed the effects of electromagnetic interferences (EMIs) caused by other radio communication systems, the intermodulation (IM) effect, and noises generated from electrical devices on WMTS and discussed their management. The 400-MHz frequency band is also shared by other radio communication systems. We showed the instantaneous and impulsive voltages generated from the location-detection system for wandering patients and their potential to exhibit EMI effects on WMTS. Further, we presented the IM effect significantly reduces reception in WMTS. Additionally, the electromagnetic noises generated from electrical devices, such as light-emitting diode lamps and security cameras, can exceed the 400 MHz frequency band as these devices employ the switched-mode power supply and/or central processing unit and radiate wideband emissions. Moreover, we proposed and evaluated simple and facile methods using a simplified spectrum analysis function installed in the WMTS receiver and software-defined radio for evaluating the electromagnetic environment.

The impact of response type on affordance and spatial compatibility effects in human and object interactions.

Everyday social interactions or goal-directed actions towards objects activate action plans appropriate to their affordances. The spatial compatibility of a stimulus and a response might interfere with the activation of these action plans. In the present study, we examined how framing of interactions affects the interplay between affordance and spatial compatibility effects towards humans and objects in two separate experiments. In a motor priming task designed to simultaneously assess these two effects, participants were presented with interactive hand gestures and objects with a single handle. Participants responded either with their left or right hand according to the colour mask of the stimulus, regardless of the spatial position or the affordance-related orientation of the stimulus. In Experiment 1, when responses were given by keypresses, we found independent affordance and spatial compatibility effects towards objects. Surprisingly, interactive hand gestures induced a reversed affordance effect, that is, imitative action tendencies. Changing the responses from keypresses to the performance of grasping actions in Experiment 2 drastically altered these findings, resulting in the enhancement of affordance and the elimination of spatial compatibility effects for both human and object interactions. These findings highlight the importance of contextual influences on the emergence of automatic action tendencies.

Heparinized self-healing polymer coating with inflammation modulation for blood-contacting biomedical devices.

The current techniques for antithrombotic coating on blood-contacting biomedical materials and devices are usually complex and lack practical feasibility with weak coating stability and low heparin immobilization. Here, a heparinized self-healing polymer coating with inflammation modulation is introduced through thermal-initiated radical copolymerization of methacrylate esterified heparin (MA-heparin) with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and n-butyl acrylate (nBA), followed by the anchoring of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive polyoxalate containing vanillyl alcohol (PVAX) onto the coating through esterification. The aspirin, which is readily dissolved in the solution of MMA and nBA, is encapsulated within the coating after copolymerization. The copolymerization of MA-heparin with MMA and nBA significantly increases the heparin content of the coating, effectively inhibiting thrombosis and rendering the coating self-healing to help maintain long-term stability. ROS-responsive PVAX and aspirin released in a temperature-dependent manner resist acute and chronic inflammation, respectively. The heparinized self-healing and inflammation-modulated polymer coating exhibits the ability to confer long-term stability and hemocompatibility to blood-contacting biomedical materials and devices. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Surface engineering for blood-contacting biomedical devices paves a successful way to reduce thrombotic and inflammatory complications. However, lack of effectiveness, long-term stability and practical feasibility hinders the development and clinical application of existing strategies. Here we design a heparinized self-healing and inflammation-modulated polymer coating, which possesses high heparin level and self-healing capability to maintain long-term stability. The polymer coating is practically feasible to varied substrates and demonstrated to manipulate inflammation and prevent thrombosis both in vitro and in vivo. Our work provides a new method to develop coatings for blood-contacting biomedical materials and devices with long-term stability and hemocompatibility.

Establishment and discussion of autoverification rules for transfusion compatibility testing.

OBJECTIVES: To develop an automated verification workflow for transfusion compatibility testing (TCT) based on the AUTO10-A guidelines and blood group serology characteristics and to conduct a simulated validation of the test and subtest results by assessing the appropriateness of the autoverification rules. BACKGROUND: The accuracy of TCT results is a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring the safety of blood transfusions. However, the verification of these results still requires manual intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five autoverification rules and their standards were determined: agglutination intensity, normal results, logical relationships, delta checks and interlaboratory test comparisons. The established categories and standards for the five rules were retrospectively validated using 13 506 samples (requests) that had been manually verified in our laboratory from January 2020 to June 2023. RESULTS: A total of 66 638 test items were involved in the autoverification, with 3844 items violating the verification rules, resulting in a pass rate of 96.10%. Considering individual test items, four tests had a pass rate of more than 90% in both the test item result table and the test subitem result table. However, there were significant differences in the pass rates between different tests. The same conclusion can be drawn when the unit is requests. The different standards set for the agglutination intensity and the delta check in the ABO typing testing subitems showed significant differences in pass rates. DISCUSSION: The incorporation of manually verified results into the automated verification simulation indicated that the five rules established in this study have good applicability, and appropriate standards can lead to reasonable pass rates.

Reducing electromagnetic interference in MR thermometry: A comparison of setup configurations for MR-guided microwave ablations.

Magnetic Resonance (MR) thermometry is used for the monitoring of MR-guided microwave ablations (MWA), and for the intraoperative evaluation of ablation regions. Nevertheless, the accuracy of temperature mapping may be compromised by electromagnetic interference emanating from the microwave (MW) generator. This study evaluated different setups for improving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during MWA with a modified MW generator. MWA was performed in 15 gel phantoms comparing three setups: The MW generator was placed outside the MR scanner room, either connected to the MW applicator using a penetration panel with a radiofrequency (RF) filter and a 7 m coaxial cable (Setup 1), or through a waveguide using a 5 m coaxial cable (Setup 2). Setup 3 employed the MW generator within the MR scan room, connected by a 5 m coaxial cable. The coaxial cables in setups 2 and 3 were modified with custom shielding to reduce interference. The setups during ablation (active setup) were compared to a reference setup without the presence of the MW system. Thermometry and thermal dose maps (CEM43 model) were compared for the three configurations. Primary endpoints for assessment were signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), temperature precision, Sørensen-Dice-Coefficient (DSC), and RF-noise spectra. Setup 3 showed highly significant electromagnetic interference during ablation with a SNR decrease by -60.4%±13.5% (p<0.001) compared to reference imaging. For setup 1 and setup 2 no significant decrease in SNR was measured with differences of -2.9%±9.8% (p=0.6) and -1.5%±12.8% (p=0.8), respectively. SNR differences were significant between active setups 1 and 3 with -51.2%±16.1% (p<0.001) and between active setups 2 and 3 with -59.0%±15.5% (p<0.001) but not significant between active setups 1 and 2 with 19.0%±13.7% (p=0.09). Furthermore, no significant differences were seen in temperature precision or DSCs between all setups, ranging from 0.33 °C ±â€¯0.04 °C (Setup 1) to 0.38 °C ±â€¯0.06 °C (Setup 3) (p=0.6) and from 87.0%±1.6% (Setup 3) to 88.1%±1.6% (Setup 2) (p=0.58), respectively. Both setups (1 and 2) with the MW generator outside the MR scanner room were beneficial to reduce electromagnetic interference during MWA. Moreover, provided that a shielded cable is utilized in setups 2 and 3, all configurations displayed negligible differences in temperature precision and DSCs, indicating that the location of the MW generator does not significantly impact the accuracy of thermometry during MWA.

New compatible pair of TCM: Paeoniae Radix Alba effectively alleviate Psoraleae Fructus-induced liver injury by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Objective: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI), a type of acute inflammation, has sparked significant concern owing to its unpredictability and severity. Psoraleae Fructus (PF), an edible Chinese herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), causes liver injury. Therefore, the elucidation of the mechanism underlying PF-induced liver injury and the search for more effective means of detoxification using herbal compatibility has become an urgent issue. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of Paeoniae Radix Alba (PRA), a hepatoprotective Chinese medicine, on PF-induced liver injury and explored the underlying mechanisms. Methods: A rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune stress was established to evaluate the hepatotoxicity of PF and the detoxifying effect of PRA. Subsequently, inflammatory pathways were identified using network pharmacology. Finally, the molecular mechanism by which PRA alleviates PF-induced liver injury was validated using an inflammasome activation model in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Results: In vivo, hepatocytes in rats treated with LPS + PF exhibited massive inflammatory infiltration and apoptosis, and the expression of liver injury indicators and inflammatory factors was significantly upregulated, which was reversed by PRA pretreatment. Network pharmacology showed that PRA alleviated PF-induced liver injury and was associated with the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Moreover, PF directly induced inflammasome activation in LPS-primed BMDMs which in turn induced caspase-1 activation and the secretion of downstream effector cytokines such as IL-1ß. PRA pretreatment inhibited PF-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by mitigating the accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that PRA alleviated PF induced-liver injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The results of this study are expected to inform the prevention and control of PF-induced hepatotoxicity in clinical practice.

Effect of Magnetic Resonance Imaging on the Motion Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-compatible Focused Ultrasound Robotic System.

Purpose: The current study provides insights into the challenges of safely operating a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) robotic system in a high-field MRI scanner in terms of robotic motion accuracy. Materials and Methods: Grid sonications were carried out in phantoms and excised porcine tissue in a 3T MRI scanner using an existing MRgFUS robotic system. Fast low-angle shot-based magnetic resonance thermometry was employed for the intraprocedural monitoring of thermal distribution. Results: Strong shifting of the heated spots from the intended points was observed owing to electromagnetic interference (EMI)-induced malfunctions in system's operation. Increasing the slice thickness of the thermometry sequence to at least 8 mm was proven an efficient method for preserving the robotic motion accuracy. Conclusions: These findings raise awareness about EMI effects on the motion accuracy of MRgFUS robotic devices and how they can be mitigated by employing suitable thermometry parameters.

Compatibility of medication admixtures in continuous subcutaneous infusions: prioritizing laboratory testing for common combinations.

OBJECTIVES: Continuous subcutaneous infusions (CSCIs) are indicated as an alternative therapy when the oral route is not viable. However, despite their widespread use in palliative care, the evidence for admixture compatibility remains a limitation. It is estimated that a significant number of admixtures used in practice are not supported by laboratory studies, which may lead to suboptimal clinical outcomes. The study aimed to determine the frequency of admixtures used in clinical practice without compatibility data generated by laboratory studies, and thereby identifying the most commonly prescribed admixtures that require laboratory data, which can help to guide the prioritization of future testing. METHODS: This study was conducted across five palliative care services (three inpatients and two communities) in Victoria, Australia between May and July 2021. Electronic or paper medication charts of CSCIs were reviewed across all participating sites for all infusions administered. Data collected included medication combinations, dose, diluent, final volume, duration of infusion, reports of infusion-related reactions, and observed incompatibility. KEY FINDINGS: A total of 616 infusions containing two to three medications were assessed. Only 60% of these infusions were validated by laboratory data. Eleven most commonly prescribed admixtures with no laboratory compatibility data were identified over the 3-month period. CONCLUSION: Laboratory testing for the identified admixtures should be advocated to promote the safe and effective use of these medications.

[Research on Electromagnetic Compatibility Immunity Testing Methods for Proton Therapy System].

The proton therapy system has significant clinical advantages over traditional tumor radiation treatment equipment and is also far more complex in terms of system architecture. However, due to the large size and complexity of these devices, electromagnetic compatibility testing faces considerable challenges. To address these challenges, this paper studies the electromagnetic characteristics and working principles of various components in the proton therapy system, combines them with corresponding standard requirements, and delves into the difficulties and testing methods of electromagnetic compatibility immunity detection through actual repeated tests. Furthermore, the paper proposes testing key points for beam quality tests and provides references for the selection of emission sources and distance settings in radio frequency electromagnetic field radiation immunity testing. The paper also supplements and improves the descriptions of alternative methods in the standards and offers solutions and testing suggestions for issues such as the excessive thickness of cables in the proton therapy system and the lack of suitable fixtures in conducted anti-interference tests. The provision of these solutions offers more effective references for related staff during testing, helps address difficulties encountered in practical operations, and thus more effectively ensures the safety and effectiveness of proton therapy systems.

Experiment and Molecular Dynamic Simulation on Interactions between 3,4-Bis(3-nitrofurazan-4-yl) Furoxan (DNTF) and Some Low-Melting-Point Explosives.

3,4-bis(3-nitrofurazan-4-yl) furoxan (DNTF) is an explosive with excellent performance, and the use of DNTF as a high-energy component is of great significance for improving the comprehensive performance of weapons. To explore the effect of DNTF on low-melting-point molten carrier explosives, the compatibility between DNTF and other low-melting-point explosives was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, and mechanical sensitivity was tested. The compatibility and cohesive energy density between DNTF and other low-melting-point explosives were calculated by Materials Studio. The results showed that DNTF has good compatibility with most low-melting-point explosives, and the peak temperature change of the mixed system formed by melt-casting is not obvious. Among them, DNTF has the best compatibility with MTNP, TNT, and DNAN; moderate compatibility with DFTNAN and DNP; and the worst compatibility with DNMT. The sensitivity test results indicate that the combination of DNTF and TNT has the most significant reduction in mechanical sensitivity. DFTNAN and MTNP have better stability than DNTF and can generate strong interaction forces with DNTF. Other low-melting-point explosives mixed with DNTF have lower intermolecular forces than DNTF. The DNTF/MTNP system requires the most energy to phase change when heated compared to other mixed systems and is the least sensitive to heat. The DNTF/DNMT system has the lowest cohesive energy density and is the most sensitive to heat.

Investigation of Dual Network Construction for Toughening in Bio-Based Polyamide Composites.

This study investigated the role of constructing a dual network in toughening bio-based long-chain polyamide 610 (PA610) composites. Rheological studies were conducted to reveal the effects of toughening agent type and content on the material properties. According to the variation trend of mechanical properties and the appearance of a rheological low-frequency plateau of the materials, the percolation network concentration ϕc of the toughening agent in the PA610 matrix was determined to be 13.5 vol.%. The interfacial interaction of the composite was evaluated through the percolation theory, and the scaling value v = 1.36 for both indicated the good affinity between PA610 and the toughening agent. Rheology results found that the combination of ethylene terpolymer (PTW) and maleic anhydride-g-styrene-b-(ethylene-butylene)-b-styrene (MAH-SEBS) could achieve an optimal balance between the mechanical properties and fluidity of the composites. Furthermore, the addition of ultra-high-molecular-weight polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), in conjunction with the toughening agent, facilitated the construction of a dual semi-interpenetrating network. The strengthened intermolecular interactions restricted the relative slippage and mobility of the polymer chains and therefore enhanced the strength and toughness of the material. This study provides new possibilities and approaches for optimizing the comprehensive properties of bio-based polyamide materials.

CMAH Coding Sequence Variants in 15 Non-Domestic Felid Species Related to ABC Blood Group System.

Different blood group systems have been characterized in people and other mammals. In domestic cats, the ABC blood group system plays the most important clinical role and has been investigated extensively-from the phenotype to the molecular genetics. In non-domestic felids, phenotypic ABC blood typing has been performed by different methods to detect the antigens, but the four informative CMAH markers in domestic cats were not able to identify types B and C (AB) in non-domestic cats. In this study, 138 blood samples from 15 non-domestic (wild) felid species were investigated by CMAH exonic sequencing and genotyping for putative variants causing type B or C (AB) and correlation to the respective ABC blood phenotype. A total of 58 CMAH variants were found, including 15 missense and 43 synonymous CMAH variants. One variant (c.635G>C) was concordant with blood type B (and C) in cheetahs and type B in cougars, compared to blood type A in all other felid species (lion, tiger, Canada lynx, snow leopard, clouded leopard, serval, jaguar, fishing cat, Pallas cat, bobcat, black footed cat, leopard, and sand cat). Since cheetahs and cougars belong to the genera puma, it could not be determined if the common CMAH variant is either a marker for type B (or C) or is just common in pumas.

Evolution of Neurosurgical Robots: Historical Progress and Future Direction.

In 1985, Professor KWOH first introduced robots into neurosurgery. Since then, advancements of stereotactic frames, radiographic imaging, and neuronavigation have led to the dominance of classic stereotactic robots. A comprehensive retrieval was performed using academic databases and search agents to acquire professional information, with a cutoff date of June, 2024. This reveals a multitude of emerging technologies are coming to the forefront, including tremor filtering, motion scaling, obstacle avoidance, force sensing, which have made significant contributions to the high efficiency, high precision, minimally invasive, and exact efficacy of robot-assisted neurosurgery. Those technologies have been applied in innovative magnetic resonance-compatible neurosurgical robots, such as Neuroarm and Neurobot, with real-time image-guided surgery. Despite these advancements, the major challenge is considered as magnetic resonance compatibility in terms of space, materials, driving, and imaging. Future research directions are anticipated to focus on 1) robotic precise perception; 2) artificial intelligence; and 3) the advancement of telesurgery.