Fluorination Modification of Methyl Vinyl Silicone Rubber and Its Compatibilization Effect on Fluorine/Silicone Rubber Composites.

Among numerous rubbers, high-performance rubber composites can be obtained by mixing fluororubber (FKM) with excellent oil resistance and silicone rubber (SiR) with excellent low-temperature resistance. While the difference in polarity between these two kinds of rubbers leads to a reduction in the properties of the composites. To solve the compatibility problem between the two-phase interfaces in FKM/SiR composites, in this research, fluorinated silicone rubbers (MVQ-g-PFDT) of methyl vinyl silicone rubber (MVQ) grafted with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanethiol (PFDT) were prepared via a facile and efficient thiol-ene click reaction, which was then added into FKM/SiR composites. The results showed that the fluorine-containing side chains could effectively inhibit the low-temperature crystallization phenomenon of silicone rubber and further broaden its application ranges in low-temperature environments. The properties of FKM/SiR composites with the addition of MVQ-g-PFDT were significantly improved, with the highest tensile strength of 14.1 MPa and the lowest mass change rate of 6.71% after 48h immersion at 200 °C in IRM903 oil. Additionally, the hydroxyl groups between the fluorine-containing side chains of MVQ-g-PFDT and the surface of silica facilitate the enhancement of the uniform dispersion of fillers. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization results showed a distinct enhancement of the compatibility between the two phases of FKM and SiR. This work would provide further insight into efforts to improve compatibility between rubbers with widely different polarities.

Multifaceted role and regulation of aquaporins for efficient stomatal movements.

Stomata are micropores on the leaf epidermis that allow carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake for photosynthesis at the expense of water loss through transpiration. Stomata coordinate the plant gas exchange of carbon and water with the atmosphere through their opening and closing dynamics. In the context of global climate change, it is essential to better understand the mechanism of stomatal movements under different environmental stimuli. Aquaporins (AQPs) are considered important regulators of stomatal movements by contributing to membrane diffusion of water, CO2 and hydrogen peroxide. This review compiles the most recent findings and discusses future directions to update our knowledge of the role of AQPs in stomatal movements. After highlighting the role of subsidiary cells (SCs), which contribute to the high water use efficiency of grass stomata, we explore the expression of AQP genes in guard cells and SCs. We then focus on the cellular regulation of AQP activity at the protein level in stomata. After introducing their post-translational modifications, we detail their trafficking as well as their physical interaction with various partners that regulate AQP subcellular dynamics towards and within specific regions of the cell membranes, such as microdomains and membrane contact sites.

Laparoscopic ileocecal-sparing vs traditional right hemicolectomy for cancer of the hepatic flexure or proximal transverse colon: a dual-center propensity score-matched study.

Background: Traditional right hemicolectomy (TRH) is the standard treatment for patients with nonmetastatic right colon cancer. However, the ileocecum, a vital organ with mechanical and immune functions, is removed in these patients regardless of the tumor location. This study aimed to evaluate the technical and oncological safety of laparoscopic ileocecal-sparing right hemicolectomy (LISH). Method: Patients who underwent LISH at two tertiary medical centers were matched 1:2 with patients who underwent TRH by propensity score matching based on sex, age, body mass index, tumor location, and disease stage. Data on surgical and perioperative outcomes were collected. Oncological safety was evaluated in a specimen-oriented manner. Lymph nodes (LNs) near the ileocolic artery (ICA) were examined independently in the LISH group. Disease outcomes were recorded for patients who completed one year of follow-up. Results: In all, 34 patients in the LISH group and 68 patients in the TRH group were matched. LISH added 8 minutes to the dissection of LNs around the ileocolic vessels (groups 201/201d, 202, and 203 LNs), without affecting the total operation time, blood loss, or perioperative adverse event rate. Compared with TRH, LISH had a comparable lymphadenectomy quality, specimen quality, and safety margin while preserving a more functional bowel. The LISH group had no cases of LN metastasis near the ICA. No difference was detected in the recurrence rate at the 1-year follow-up time point between the two groups. Conclusion: In this dual-center study, LISH presented comparable surgical and oncological safety for patients with hepatic flexure or proximal transverse colon cancer.

Activation pattern of the coronary sinus facilitates the differentiation for ventricular outflow tract arrhythmias.

INTRODUCTION: The accuracy of surface ECG algorithms for predicting the origin of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OT-VAs) might be questioned. Intracardiac electrograms recorded at anatomic landmarks could provide new predictive insights. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of a novel criterion utilizing the activation pattern of the coronary sinus (CS) in localizing OT-VAs, including VAs originating from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), endocardial left ventricular outflow tract (Endo-LVOT), and epicardial left ventricular outflow tract (Epi-LVOT). METHODS: We measured the ventricular activation time of the mitral annulus (MA) from the onset of the earliest QRS complex of VAs to the initial deflection over the isoelectric line at local signals, namely the QRS-MA interval. The activation at 3 and 12 o'clock of the MA was recorded as the QRS-MA3 and QRS-MA12 intervals, respectively. Their predictive values were compared to previous ECG algorithms. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients with OT-VAs were enrolled (51 for development and 17 for validation). From early to late, the ventricular activation sequences at MA12 were as follows: Epi-LVOT, Endo-LVOT, and RVOT. In LBBB morphology OT-VAs, the QRS-MA12 interval was significantly earlier for LVOT origins than RVOT origins. In the combined cohort of development and validation cohort, a cut-off value of ≤10 ms predicted the LVOT origin with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 78%. The QRS-MA12 interval ≤ -24 ms additionally predicted epicardial LVOT sites of origin. CONCLUSIONS: The QRS-MA interval could accurately differentiate the OT-VAs localization.

Versatile Metal-Organic Framework Incorporating Ag2S for Constructing a Photoelectrochemical Immunosensor for Two Breast Cancer Markers.

Breast cancer poses the significance of early diagnosis and treatment. Here, we developed an innovative photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor characterized by high-level dual photocurrent signals and exceptional sensitivity. The PEC sensor, denoted as MIL&Ag2S, was constructed by incorporating Ag2S into a metal-organic framework of MIL-101(Cr). This composite not only enhanced electron-hole separation and conductivity but also yielded robust and stable dual photocurrent signals. Through the implementation of signal switching, we achieved the combined detection of cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) with outstanding stability, reproducibility, and specificity. The results revealed a linear range for CEA detection spanning 0.01-32 ng/mL, with a remarkably low detection limit of 0.0023 ng/mL. Similarly, for CA15-3 detection, the linear range extended from 0.1 to 320 U/mL, with a low detection limit of 0.014 U/mL. The proposed strategy introduces new avenues for the development of highly efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly PEC sensors. Furthermore, it holds promising prospects for early clinical diagnosis, contributing to potential breakthroughs in medical detection and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Association of Regular Opioid Use With Incident Dementia and Neuroimaging Markers of Brain Health in Chronic Pain Patients: Analysis of UK Biobank.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the association of regular opioid use, compared with non-opioid analgesics, with incident dementia and neuroimaging outcomes among chronic pain patients. DESIGN: The primary design is a prospective cohort study. To triangulate evidence, we also conducted a nested case-control study analyzing opioid prescriptions and a cross-sectional study analyzing neuroimaging outcomes. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Dementia-free UK Biobank participants with chronic pain and regular analgesic use. MEASUREMENTS: Chronic pain status and regular analgesic use were captured using self-reported questionnaires and verbal interviews. Opioid prescription data were obtained from primary care records. Dementia cases were ascertained using primary care, hospital, and death registry records. Propensity score-matched Cox proportional hazards analysis, conditional logistic regression, and linear regression were applied to the data in the prospective cohort, nested case-control, and cross-sectional studies, respectively. RESULTS: Prospective analyses revealed that regular opioid use, compared with non-opioid analgesics, was associated with an increased dementia risk over the 15-year follow-up (Hazard ratio [HR], 1.18 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-1.30]; Absolute rate difference [ARD], 0.44 [95% CI: 0.19-0.71] per 1000 person-years; Wald χ2 = 3.65; df = 1; p <0.001). The nested case-control study suggested that a higher number of opioid prescriptions was associated with an increased risk of dementia (1 to 5 prescriptions: OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07-1.37, Wald χ2 = 3.02, df = 1, p = 0.003; 6 to 20: OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.08-1.50, Wald χ2 = 2.93, df = 1, p = 0.003; more than 20: OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.23-1.67, Wald χ2 = 4.57, df = 1, p < 0.001). Finally, neuroimaging analyses revealed that regular opioid use was associated with lower total grey matter and hippocampal volumes, and higher white matter hyperintensities volumes. CONCLUSION: Regular opioid use in chronic pain patients was associated with an increased risk of dementia and poorer brain health when compared to non-opioid analgesic use. These findings imply a need for re-evaluation of opioid prescription practices for chronic pain patients and, if further evidence supports causality, provide insights into strategies to mitigate the burden of dementia.

Exploration of vitamin D metabolic activity-related biological effects and corresponding therapeutic targets in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have unequivocally demonstrated that the vitamin D (VD) metabolism pathway significantly influences prognosis and sensitivity to hormone therapy in prostate cancer (PCa). However, the precise underlying mechanism remains unclear. METHODS: We performed molecular profiling of 1045 PCa patients, leveraging genes linked to VD synthesis and VD receptors. We then identified highly variable gene modules with substantial associations with patient stratification. Subsequently, we intersected these modules with differentially expressed genes between PCa and adjacent paracancerous tissues. Following a meticulous process involving single-factor regression and LASSO regression to eliminate extraneous variables and construct a prognostic model. Within the high-risk subgroup defined by the calculated risk score, we analyzed their differences in cell infiltration, immune status, mutation landscape, and drug sensitivity. Finally, we selected Apolipoprotein E (APOE), which featured prominently in this model for further experimental exploration to evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target. RESULTS: The prognostic model established in this study had commendable predictive efficacy. We observed diminished infiltration of various T-cell subtypes and reduced expression of co-stimulatory signals from antigen-presenting cells. Mutation analysis revealed that the high-risk cohort harbored a higher frequency of mutations in the TP53 and FOXA genes. Notably, drug sensitivity analysis suggested the heightened responsiveness of high-risk patients to molecular inhibitors targeting the Bcl-2 and MAPK pathways. Finally, our investigation also confirmed that APOE upregulates the proliferative and invasive capacity of PCa cells and concurrently enhances resistance to androgen receptor antagonist therapy. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive study elucidated the potential mechanisms through which this metabolic pathway orchestrates the biological behavior of PCa and findings hold promise in advancing the development of combination therapies in PCa.

Cryogenic Thermal Shock Effects on Optical Properties of Quantum Emitters in Hexagonal Boron Nitride.

Solid-state quantum emitters are vital building blocks for quantum information science and quantum technology. Among various types of solid-state emitters discovered to date, color centers in hexagonal boron nitride have garnered tremendous traction in recent years, thanks to their environmental robustness, high brightness, and room-temperature operation. Most recently, these quantum emitters have been employed for satellite-based quantum key distribution. One of the most important requirements to qualify these emitters for space-based applications is their optical stability against cryogenic thermal shock. Such an understanding has, however, remained elusive to date. Here, we report on the effects caused by such thermal shock that induces random, irreversible changes in the spectral characteristics of the quantum emitters. By employing a combination of structural characterizations and density functional calculations, we attribute the observed changes to lattice strain caused by cryogenic temperature shock. Our study sheds light on the stability of the quantum emitters under extreme conditions─similar to those countered in outer space.

Synergistic effect of Ag@CN with BiVO4 in a unique Z-type heterojunction for enhancing photoelectrochemical water splitting performance.

In the realm of photoelectrochemical technology, the enhancement of photogenerated charge carrier separation is pivotal for the advancement of energy conversion performance. Carbon nitride (CN) is established as a photocatalytic material with significant potential and exhibits unique advantages in addressing the issue of rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers. This study utilized an efficient in situ doping method that combined Mo,W-doped BiVO4 (Mo,W:BVO) with silver-loaded CN (Ag@CN), yielding an all-solid-state Mo,W:BVO/Ag@CN heterostructure that effectively augments the separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs. Through the annealing process, Ag@CN was uniformly coated within the Mo,W:BVO thin film, significantly enlarging the interface contact area to enhance visible light absorption and photogenerated carrier movement. The results of the photoelectrochemical tests showed that the Mo,W:BVO/Ag@CN heterostructure had the highest photocurrent and charge transfer efficiency, which were 6.4 times and 3.6 times higher respectively than those of the unmodified Mo,W:BVO. Our research elucidates the interactions within all-solid-state Z-scheme heterojunctions, outlining strategic approaches for crafting innovative and superior photocatalytic systems.

Clinical use of macitentan in the treatment of connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Background: Connective tissue disease (CTD) is the second most common cause of the pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Currently, clinical data concerning CTD-PAH is scarce. Our study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of macitentan in the treatment of CTD-PAH. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients diagnosed with CTD-PAH at The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from April 2020 to November 2021 were included. Of the patients, 9 were switched to macitentan monotherapy whereas 23 received initial combination therapy. The mean follow-up time was 24 weeks. Six-minute walking distance (6MWD), World Health Organization functional class (WHO-FC), serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and echocardiography parameters before and after medication were assessed. Adverse reactions were also recorded and compared. Results: After 24 weeks of treatment, 6MWD, NT-proBNP, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) estimated by ultrasound, tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in the macitentan monotherapy group revealed significant differences (Z=-2.67, Z=-2.67, t=6.20, t=5.60, t=-3.04, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in right ventricular diameter (RVD), right atrial diameter (RAD), ascending aortic root inner diameter (AAO) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd) (P>0.05). After 24 weeks of medication, the number of patients with WHO-FC grade III/IV symptoms decreased from 6 to 3, 1 to 0 respectively (P<0.05), and that of patients with WHO-FC grade I/II symptoms increased from 0 to 2, 2 to 4 respectively(P<0.05). After 24 weeks of treatment, 6MWD, NT-proBNP, LVEDd, sPAP and TRPG in the macitentan combined with sildenafil treatment group revealed statistically significant differences (Z=-4.11, Z=-3.74, Z=-3.83, t=6.88, t=6.54, P<0.001). Significant differences in RVD, RAD, and TAPSE were found (t=3.46, t=3.69, t=-3.12, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant variances in AAO between the groups (P>0.05). The number of patients with WHO-FC grade III/IV symptoms decreased from 16 to 8, 5 to 0 respectively (P<0.05), and that of patients with WHO-FC grade I/II symptoms increased from 0 to 1, 2 to 14 respectively (P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences before and after treatment in 6MWD, NT-proBNP, RVD, RAD, AAO, LVEDd, sPAP, TRPG and TAPSE between the two groups (P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum creatinine (Scr) and hemoglobin (Hb) between 0 and 24 weeks (P>0.05). Conclusions: Exercise tolerance and cardiac function in patients with CTD-PAH were significantly improved after treatment with macitentan, which was well tolerated. Therefore, macitentan may be an effective and safe targeted drug for CTD-PAH.

METTL3: Melting the tumor microenvironment for improved immunotherapy.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) dictates the outcome of cancer immunotherapy. In this issue of Cell Chemical Biology, Yu et al.1 report that targeting Mettl3 leads to a more inflamed, "hot" TME and effective anti-PD-1 therapy. This study points to a new target in remodeling the TME for improved immunotherapy.

Claudin-7 is essential for the maintenance of colonic stem cell homoeostasis via the modulation of Wnt/Notch signalling.

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) play a crucial role in the continuous self-renewal and recovery of the intestinal epithelium. In previous studies, we have revealed that the specific absence of Claudin-7 (Cldn-7) in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) can lead to the development of spontaneous colitis. However, the mechanisms by which Cldn-7 maintains homeostasis in the colonic epithelium remain unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we used IEC- and ISC-specific Cldn-7 knockout mice to investigate the regulatory effects of Cldn-7 on colonic Lgr5+ stem cells in the mediation of colonic epithelial injury and repair under physiological and inflammatory conditions. Notably, our findings reveal that Cldn-7 deletion disrupts the self-renewal and differentiation of colonic stem cells alongside the formation of colonic organoids in vitro. Additionally, these Cldn-7 knockout models exhibited heightened susceptibility to experimental colitis, limited epithelial repair and regeneration, and increased differentiation toward the secretory lineage. Mechanistically, we also established that Cldn-7 facilitates the proliferation, differentiation, and organoid formation of Lgr5+ stem cells through the maintenance of Wnt and Notch signalling pathways in the colonic epithelium. Overall, our study provides new insights into the maintenance of ISC function and colonic epithelial homoeostasis.

Molecularly imprinted polymer photoelectrochemical sensor for the detection of triazophos in water based on carbon quantum dot-modified titanium dioxide.

Widely used organophosphorus pesticide triazophos (TAP) can easily cumulate in aquatic system due to its high stability chemically and photochemically and thus posing significant threat to aquatic creatures and humans' health. Urging demand for rapid determining TAP in water has risen. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing turns out to be a good candidate for its simplicity in fabrication and swiftness in detection. Nevertheless, traditional PEC sensors often lack selectivity as their signal generation primarily relies on the oxidation of organic compounds in the electrolyte by photo-induced holes. To address this limitation, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) can be in combined with PEC sensors to significantly enhance the selectivity. Here, we present a novel approach utilizing a PEC sensor enhanced by carbon-modified titanium dioxide molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP/C/TiO2 NTs). Carbon quantum dot (CQD) modification of titanium dioxide nanotube arrays (C/TiO2 NTs) was achieved through a one-step anodization process, effectively enhancing visible light absorption by narrowing the band gap of TiO2, and CQDs also function as sensitizer accelerating charge transfer for improved and stable photocurrent signals during detection. Our method further incorporates MIPs to heighten the selectivity of the PEC sensor. Electro-polymerization using cyclic voltammetry was employed to polymerize MIPs with pyrrole as the functional monomer and triazophos as the target molecule. The resultant MIP/C/TiO2 NT sensor exhibited remarkable sensitivity, with a detection limit of 0.03 nM (S/N = 3), alongside exceptional selectivity and stability for triazophos detection in water. This offers a promising avenue for efficient, cost-effective, and rapid monitoring of pesticide contaminants in aquatic environments, contributing to the broader goals of environmental preservation and public health.

The impact of triglyceride glucose-body mass index on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus: evidence from NHANES 2007-2016.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) index and mortality in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between TyG-BMI with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among elderly DM patients in the United States (US). METHODS: Patients aged over 60 years with DM from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2016) were included in this study. The study endpoints were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and the morality data were extracted from the National Death Index (NDI) which records up to December 31, 2019. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to explore the association between TyG-BMI index with mortality. Restricted cubic spline was used to model nonlinear relationships. RESULTS: A total of 1363 elderly diabetic patients were included, and were categorized into four quartiles. The mean age was 70.0 ± 6.8 years, and 48.6% of them were female. Overall, there were 429 all-cause deaths and 123 cardiovascular deaths were recorded during a median follow-up of 77.3 months. Multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that compared to the 1st quartile (used as the reference), the 3rd quartile demonstrated a significant association with all-cause mortality (model 2: HR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.46-0.89, P = 0.009; model 3: HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.43-0.96, P = 0.030). Additionally, the 4th quartile was significantly associated with cardiovascular mortality (model 2: HR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.01-3.30, P = 0.047; model 3: HR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.07-5.57, P = 0.033). The restricted cubic spline revealed a U-shaped association between TyG-BMI index with all-cause mortality and a linear association with cardiovascular mortality, after adjustment for possible confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: A U-shaped association was observed between the TyG-BMI index with all-cause mortality and a linear association was observed between the TyG-BMI index with cardiovascular mortality in elderly patients with DM in the US population.

Hematopoietic stem cell niche generation and maintenance are distinguishable by an epitranscriptomic program.

The niche is typically considered as a pre-established structure sustaining stem cells. Therefore, the regulation of its formation remains largely unexplored. Whether distinct molecular mechanisms control the establishment versus maintenance of a stem cell niche is unknown. To address this, we compared perinatal and adult bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), a key component of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche. MSCs exhibited enrichment in genes mediating m6A mRNA methylation at the perinatal stage and downregulated the expression of Mettl3, the m6A methyltransferase, shortly after birth. Deletion of Mettl3 from developing MSCs but not osteoblasts led to excessive osteogenic differentiation and a severe HSC niche formation defect, which was significantly rescued by deletion of Klf2, an m6A target. In contrast, deletion of Mettl3 from MSCs postnatally did not affect HSC niche. Stem cell niche generation and maintenance thus depend on divergent molecular mechanisms, which may be exploited for regenerative medicine.

Flexible, scalable and simple-fabricated silver nanorod-decorated bacterial nanocellulose SERS substrates cooperated with portable Raman spectrometer for on-site detection of pesticide residues.

Owing to good flexibility, prominent mechanical properties, three-dimensional (3D) nanofibrous structure and low background interference, sustainable bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a highly attractive matrix material for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor. Herein, a highly sensitive, flexible and scalable silver nanorod-decorated BNC (AgNRs@BNC) SERS sensor is developed by a simple vacuum-assisted filtration. The AgNRs were firmly locked in the 3D nanofibrous network of cellulose nanofibers upon vacuum drying process, resulting in the formation of 3D SERS hotspots with a depth of more than 10 µm on the sensor. With 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) as a target molecule, a lowest distinguishable level of 10-12 M and a high enhancement factor of 1.1 × 109 were realized by the optimal AgNRs1.5@BNC SERS sensor. Moreover, the AgNRs@BNC SERS sensor exhibits high detectable level of 10-9 M for thiram molecules by integrating with a portable Raman spectrometer. Besides, toxic thiram residues on grape surface could be directly on-site identified by the combination of AgNRs@BNC SERS sensors and a portable Raman spectrometer through a feasible press-and-peel method. The flexible AgNRs@BNC SERS sensor cooperated with portable Raman system demonstrates great potential for on-site detection of pesticide residues on irregular food surfaces.

Fast Prediction Method for Scattering Parameters of Rigid-Flex PCBs Based on ANN.

InGaAs detection systems have been increasingly used in the aerospace field, and due to the high signal-to-noise ratio requirements of short-wave infrared quantitative payloads, there is an urgent need for methods for the rapid and precise evaluation and the optimal design of these systems. The rigid-flex printed circuit board (PCB) is a vital component of InGaAs detectors, as its grid ground plane design parameters impact parasitic capacitance and thus affect weak infrared analog signals. To address the time-intensive and costly nature of design optimization achieved with simulations and experimental measurements, we propose an innovative method based on a neural network to predict the scattering parameters of rigid-flex boards for InGaAs detection links. This is the first study in which the effects of rigid-flex boards on weak infrared detection signals have been considered. We first obtained sufficient samples with software simulation. A backpropagation (BP) neural network prediction model was trained on existing sample sets and then verified on a rigid-flex board used in a crucial aerospace short-wave infrared quantitative mission. The model efficiently and accurately predicted high-speed interconnect scattering parameters under various rigid-flex board grid plane parameter conditions. The prediction error was less than 1% compared with a 3D field solver, indicating an overcoming of the iterative optimization inefficiency and showing improved design quality for InGaAs detection circuits.

What can we learn about stress and sleep from COVID-19 pandemic-perspective from the theory of preventive stress management.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to individuals worldwide, with a significant focus on the impact on sleep. However, the precise mechanisms through which emotional and cognitive variables mediate this relationship remain unclear. To expand our comprehensive understanding of variables, the present study utilizes the Preventive Stress Management theory, to test the relationship between perceived social support and sleep quality, as well as the effect of perceived COVID-19 stress, hope, negative emotions and coping styles. Methods: Data were collected in March 2022 from 1,034 college students in two universities located in Liaoning Province, China, using an online survey platform regarding perceived social support, perceived COVID-19 stress, sleep quality, hope, negative emotions and coping styles. The moderated mediation model were conducted using Process macro program (Model 6) and the syntax in SPSS. Results: The results revealed perceived COVID-19 stress and negative emotions sequentially mediated the negative relationship between perceived social support and sleep quality. Furthermore, hope and coping styles were found to moderate the sequential mediating effect. Conclusion: The present study sheds light on the pathways that affect sleep quality among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the protective roles played by positive social and personal resources, such as perceived social support, hope, and effective coping styles, against sleep problems. These insights have important implications for the development of targeted interventions to improve sleep outcomes during this challenging time.

Novel manganese and nitrogen co-doped biochar based on sodium bicarbonate activation for efficient removal of bisphenol A: Mechanism insight and role analysis of manganese and nitrogen by combination of characterizations, experiments and density functional theory calculations.

A novel porous manganese and nitrogen co-doped biochar (Mn-N@SBC) was synthesized via one-step pyrolysis, utilizing loofah agricultural waste as the precursor and NaHCO3 as the activator. The behavior of bisphenol A adsorbed on Mn-N@SBC was evaluated using static batch adsorption experiments. Compared to direct manganese-nitrogen co-doping, co-doping based on NaHCO3 activation significantly increased the specific surface area (231 to 1027 m2·g-1) and adsorption capacity (15 to 351 mg·g-1). Wide pH (2-10) and good resistance to cation/anion, humic acid and actual water demonstrated the robust adaptability of Mn-N@SBC to environmental factors. The significantly reduced specific surface area after adsorption, adverse effects of ethanol and phenanthrene on the removal of bisphenol A, and theoretically predicted interaction sites indicated the primary adsorption mechanisms involved pore filling, hydrophobicity, and π-π-electron-donor-acceptor interaction. This work presented an approach to create high-efficiency adsorbents from agricultural waste, offering theoretical and practical guidance for the removal of pollutants.