Genomic and transcriptome insight into the structure and immunity role of TRIM proteins in Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) after Aeromonas hydrophila infection.

BACKGROUND: TRIM proteins, recognized as a class of E3 ubiquitin ligases, are increasingly acknowledged for their antipathogen immune functions in mammals and fish. In the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), a secondary aquatic reptile that occupies a unique evolutionary position, the TRIM gene has rarely been reported. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study, 48 PsTRIM proteins were identified from the genome of Pelodiscus sinensis via Hidden Markov Model (HMM) searches and Signal Transduction ATPases with Numerous Domains (SMART) analysis. These PsTRIMs were found across 43 distinct scaffolds, and phylogenetic analyses classified them into three principal clades. The PsTRIMs feature a conserved assembly of either RING-B-box-coiled-coil (RBCC) or B-box-coiled-coil (BBC) domains at the N-terminus, in addition to eight unique domains at the C-terminus, including the B30.2 domain, 19 of which were identified. Expression profiling revealed ubiquitous expression of the 48 PsTRIMs across various P. sinensis tissues. Notably, seven PsTRIMs exhibited significant differential expression in liver transcriptomes following infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis implicated PsTRIM14 and PsTRIM28 as key players in host defense against bacterial invasion. Real-time quantitative PCR results indicated that PsTRIM1, PsTRIM2, PsTRIM14, and PsTRIM28 experienced marked upregulation in P. sinensis livers at 12 h post-infection with A. hydrophila. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to comprehensively identify and analyze the functions of TRIM genes in P. sinensis, unveiling their considerable diversity and potential roles in modulating immune responses.

Synthesis of Tough and Fluorescent Self-Healing Elastomers by Scandium-Catalyzed Terpolymerization of Pyrenylethenylstyrene, Ethylene, and Anisylpropylene.

The synthesis of fluorescent self-healing polymers by the incorporation of a fluorophore-containing olefin into a polyolefin backbone through catalyst-controlled multicomponent copolymerization is of fundamental interest and practical importance, but such an approach has remained unexplored to date. Herein, we report for the first time the synthesis of tough and fluorescent self-healing polymers by sequence-controlled terpolymerization of 4-[2-(1-pyrenyl)ethenyl]styrene (Pyr), ethylene (E), and anisylpropylene (AP) using a sterically demanding half-sandwich scandium catalyst. The resulting terpolymers consisted of relatively long alternating E-alt-AP sequences, isolated Pyr units, and short E-E blocks, which exhibited excellent tensile strength, remarkable self-healability, and high fluorescence quantum yield. The excellent mechanical and self-healing properties could be attributed to the nanophase separation of the crystalline E-E segments and the hard Pyr aggregates from a flexible E-alt-AP segment matrix, in which the Pyr units not only served as an efficient fluorophore but also played an important role in forming nanodomains and enhancing the polymer mobility. Furthermore, the styrenyl C═C bond of the Pyr unit in the terpolymers could undergo [2 + 2] cycloaddition under photoirradiation, which thus enabled the fabrication of a self-healable fluorescent two-dimensional image on a terpolymer film through photolithography. This work offers an unprecedented efficient protocol for the synthesis of a brand-new family of fluorescent self-healing materials, showcasing the high potential of catalyst-controlled sequence-regular copolymerization of different olefins for the creation of novel functional polymers.

Autonomous ship navigation with an enhanced safety collision avoidance technique.

The motion of an autonomous ship is different from that of ground and aerial robots due to its maneuvering and environmental constraints. As a result, many techniques have been introduced for autonomous ship path planning. This paper presents a novel technique for global and local navigation planning of autonomous ships under complex static and dynamic constraints. Our technique, termed safety-enhanced path planning (SPP), has been developed to avoid potential collisions with underwater obstacles near seaside areas. SPP pre-processes the map to preserve the shape of visible obstacles and mark a safety-outline around the shores. Subsequently, an offset safety line (OSL) is drawn about the original shore to protect the ship when passing close to threat-defined offshore areas. The global path is produced with an enhanced A* multi-directional algorithm, considering the kinematic constraint of the ship. To ensure optimal path quality, the global path is further refined with a smoothing filter to improve consistency and smoothness. Additionally, local navigation is introduced to help the autonomous ship avoid collisions with other obstacle ships. Local offset trajectories are produced with 4th and 5th degree polynomials along longitudinal and lateral coordinates in time t. Distance closest point approach (DCPA) is utilized for early obstacle prediction to help the ship maneuver in complex dynamic obstacle avoidance scenarios. The trajectory set is filtered with an efficient cost policy to obtain the best trajectory for dynamic collision avoidance. We conduct simulations in MATLAB and compared with other maritime path planning methods to verify the effectiveness of our approach.

3D printing in materials manufacturing industry: A realm of Industry 4.0.

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is a new manufacturing trend showing promising progress over time in the era of Industry 4.0. So far, various research has been done for increasing the reliability and productivity of a 3D printing process. In this regard, reviewing the existing concepts and forwarding novel research directions are important. This paper reviews and summarizes the process flow, technologies, configurations, and monitoring of AM. It started with the general AM process flow, followed by the definitions and the working principles of various AM technologies and the possible AM configurations, such as traditional and robot-assisted AM. Then, defect detection, fault diagnosis, and open-loop and closed-loop control systems in AM are discussed. It is noted that introducing robots into the assisting mechanism of AM increases the reliability and productivity of the manufacturing process. Moreover, integrating machine learning and conventional control algorithms ensures a closed-loop control in AM, a promising control strategy. Lastly, the paper addresses the challenges and future trends.

Corrigendum: Correlation analysis of MRD positivity in patients with completely resected stage I-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer: a cohort study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1222716.].

Is a Preoperative MRI Scan Necessary for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture?

BACKGROUND: Different treatment methods have been developed for acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR), including conservative treatment, minimally invasive or transdermal surgery, and open surgery, and there is no consensus about which method is superior. It is important to clarify the presence of Achilles tendon (AT) degeneration, the rupture site, and the rupture shape before surgery to determine whether minimally invasive or open surgery should be selected, thereby reducing the re-rupture rate following acute ATR. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of MRI in identifying the presence of AT degeneration, the rupture site, and the rupture shape for acute closed ATR. METHODS: From January 2016 to December 2019, patients with acute closed ATR who had undergone repair surgery were retrospectively enrolled. All patients received MRI examination, and the distance between the insertion site and broken end and the rupture shape (types I, II, and III) were independently determined by two observers. Then, the stump of the AT was exposed during the operation. The rupture site and rupture shape were recorded and compared and analyzed with the MRI results. Consistency analyses (using Cohen's kappa coefficient or intraclass correlation coefficient-ICC) and calculation of diagnostic performance indexes were, respectively, conducted to evaluate the diagnostic value of the MRI. RESULTS: This study included 47 consecutive patients with acute ATR, with an average age of 38.4 years. Among them, 40 were male, and seven were female. The intraoperative exploration demonstrated a total of 34 (72.3%), 10 (21.3%), and three (6.4%) patients with type I, II, and III ruptures, respectively. The average distance between the insertion site and the proximal broken end measured intraoperatively was 4.07 ± 1.57 cm. High or excellent consistencies were found for ATR classifications (kappa: 0.739-0.770, p < 0.001) and rupture sites (ICC: 0.962-0.979, p < 0.001) between two observers and between observers 1 and 2 and intraoperative findings. Tendinopathy was identified in 22 patients by MRI and confirmed during surgery. CONCLUSIONS: MRI scanning of acute closed ATR can help determine whether there is degeneration of the AT, as well as the location and shape of the rupture, which can guide the selection of the optimal operation method for orthopedic surgeons. Therefore, it is necessary to take preoperative MRI scans for patients with acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

The influence of diabetes and age-related degeneration on body balance control during static standing: a study based on plantar center-of-pressure trajectories and principal component analysis.

BACKGROUND: Aging and diabetes can impair the balance function of the elderly and diabetic patients and increase their fall risk. This study aimed to assess the shaking amplitude of the center-of-pressure (CoP) during static standing, to analyze the effects of aging and diabetes on the balance control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study, compared the balance performance of 20 healthy younger adults (27.65 ± 5.60 years), 16 healthy older adults (58.88 ± 3.54 years) and 15 diabetic patients (58.33 ± 5.33 years) in four static standing conditions on a force plate: horizontal, anteroposterior (AP), left and right slope planes (5° angles on AP, left and right directions, respectively). The trajectory coordinates of the CoP over time were recorded and analyzed by principal components analysis to obtain the 95% confidence ellipse and its parameters: angle, major and minor axes lengths, and area. The balance indicators were compared among the three groups using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Brown-Forsythe test or Kruskal-Wallis H test, depending on the normality and homogeneity of variance assumptions. RESULTS: The diabetic group had a significantly larger confidence ellipse area than the healthy younger adults on the horizontal plane (P = 0.032) and than the healthy older adults on the horizontal (P = 0.036), AP slope (P = 0.023), and right ML slope (P = 0.037) planes. There were no significant differences in the major axis length of the confidence ellipse among the three groups. The diabetic group had a significantly longer minor axis length than the healthy younger adults on the AP slope (P = 0.039), left ML slope (P = 0.045) and right ML slope (P = 0.016) planes and than the healthy older adults on the AP slope (P = 0.007), left ML slope (P = 0.035) and right ML slope (P = 0.012) planes. CONCLUSIONS: The balance control of diabetic patients is decreased compared with healthy younger and older people, and the body swing amplitude increases mainly in the direction of minor axis of confidence ellipse during static standing, while the swing amplitude in the direction of the major axis has no significant change. Evaluating the balance function of diabetic patients can help clinicians identify people with fall risk early and intervene early, thereby reducing the occurrence of fall events in this population.

Unraveling the Position Effect of Spiroxanthene-Based n-Type Hosts for High-Performance TADF-OLEDs.

For developing high-performance organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) emitters, the diphenyltriazine (TRZ) unit was introduced onto the 2'- and 3'-positions of xanthene moiety of spiro[fluorene-9,9'-xanthene] (SFX) to construct n-type host molecules, namely 2'-TRZSFX and 3'-TRZSFX. The outward extension of the TRZ unit, induced by the meta-linkage, resulted in a higher planarity between the TRZ unit and xanthene moiety in the corresponding 3'-TRZSFX. Additionally, this extension led to a perched T1 level, as well as a lower unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level when compared with 2'-TRZSFX. Meanwhile, the 3'-TRZSFX molecules in the crystalline state presented coherent packing along with the interaction between TRZ units; the similar packing motif was spaced apart from xanthene moieties in the 2'-TRZSFX crystal. These endowed 3'-TRZSFX superior electron transport capacity in single-carrier devices relative to the 2'-TRZSFX-based device. Hence, the 3'-TRZSFX-based TADF-OLED showed remarkable electroluminescent (EL) performance under the operating luminance from turn-on to ca. 1000 cd·m-2 with a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 23.0%, thanks to its matched LUMO level with 4CzIPN emitter and better electron transport capacity. Interestingly, the 2'-TRZSFX-based device, with an EQEmax of 18.8%, possessed relatively low roll-off and higher efficiency when the operating luminance exceeded 1000 cd·m-2, which was attributed to the more balanced carrier transport under high operating voltage. These results were elucidated by the analysis of single-crystal structures and the measurements of single-carrier devices, combined with EL performance. The revealed position effect of the TRZ unit on xanthene moiety provides a more informed strategy to develop SFX-based hosts for highly efficient TADF-OLEDs.

Correlation analysis of MRD positivity in patients with completely resected stage I-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer: a cohort study.

Background: The primary objective of this study is to thoroughly investigate the intricate correlation between postoperative molecular residual disease (MRD) status in individuals diagnosed with stage I-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and clinicopathological features, gene mutations, the tumour immune microenvironment and treatment effects. Methods: The retrospective collection and analysis were carried out on the clinical data of ninety individuals diagnosed with stage I-IIIA NSCLC who underwent radical resection of lung cancer at our medical facility between January 2021 and March 2022. The comprehensive investigation encompassed an evaluation of multiple aspects including the MRD status, demographic information, clinicopathological characteristics, results from genetic testing, the tumor immune microenvironment, and treatment effects. Results: No significant associations were observed between postoperative MRD status and variables such as gender, age, smoking history, pathological type, and gene mutations. However, a statistically significant correlation was found between MRD positivity and T (tumor diameter > 3 cm) as well as N (lymph node metastasis) stages (p values of 0.004 and 0.003, respectively). It was observed that higher proportions of micropapillary and solid pathological subtypes within lung adenocarcinoma were associated with increased rates of MRD-positivity after surgery (p = 0.007;0.005). MRD positivity demonstrated a correlation with the presence of vascular invasion (p = 0.0002). For the expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), tumour positive score (TPS) ≥ 1% and combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 5 were correlated with postoperative MRD status (p value distribution was 0.0391 and 0.0153). In terms of ctDNA elimination, among patients identified as having postoperative MRD and lacking gene mutations, postoperative adjuvant targeted therapy demonstrated superiority over chemotherapy (p = 0.027). Conclusion: Postoperative ctDNA-MRD status in NSCLC patients exhibits correlations with the size of the primary tumor, lymph node metastasis, pathological subtype of lung adenocarcinoma, presence of vascular invasion, as well as TPS and CPS values for PD-L1 expression; in postoperative patients with MRD, the effectiveness of adjuvant EGFR-TKI targeted therapy exceeds that of chemotherapy, as evidenced by the elimination of ctDNA.

Anti-marine biofouling adhesion performance and mechanism of PDMS fouling-release coating containing PS-PEG hydrogel.

Polystyrene microspheres compounded with polyethylene glycol-based hydrogel (PS-PEG)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coatings were prepared using the physical blending method. The chemical structure, surface and interface properties, interlayer adhesion, and tensile properties were tested in this paper. Furthermore, the antifouling performance was evaluated through bovine serum albumin fluorescent protein adsorption testing, marine bacteria adhesion testing, and benthic diatom adhesion testing. The results showed that the coating performance was best when 20 wt% PS-PEG hydrogel was added. Its surface energy was only 19.21 mJ/m2, the maximum breaking strength was 1.24 MPa, the maximum elongation rate was 675 %, the elastic modulus was 2.53 MPa, and the anti-stripping rate was 100 %. In addition, the coating with added 20 wt% PS-PEG hydrogel bacterial adherence rate was 5.36 % and 2.45 % after rinsing and washing, respectively, and the removal rate was 54.29 %. In the benthic diatom adhesion test, the chlorophyll concentration a-value was only 0.0017 mg/L after washing with added 20 wt% hydrogel, and the protein desorption rate was 84.19 % higher than PDMS in the fluorescent protein adsorption test. This coating has the 'low adhesion' and 'desorption' characteristics in the three growth stages of biofouling. Meanwhile, the low surface energy of the silicone is stable, and the hydrogel also dynamically migrates to the surface to gradually form a hydration layer, both are synergistic. When 20 wt% PS-PEG hydrogel was added, the coating demonstrated excellent antifouling performance due to its high hydration layer, low surface energy, high elasticity, and high interlayer adhesion. This research is expected to contribute to the practical applications of hydrogel coatings in marine antifouling.

Cracked Film Lithography with CuGaOx Buffers for Bifacial CdTe Photovoltaics.

Bifacial CdTe solar cells with greater power density than the monofacial baselines are demonstrated by using a CuGaOx rear interface buffer that passivates while reducing sheet resistance and contact resistance. Inserting CuGaOx between the CdTe and Au increases mean power density from 18.0 ± 0.5 to 19.8 ± 0.4 mW cm-2 for one sun front illumination. However, coupling CuGaOx with a transparent conductive oxide leads to an electrical barrier. Instead, CuGaOx is integrated with cracked film lithography (CFL)-patterned metal grids. CFL grid wires are spaced narrowly enough (≈10 µm) to alleviate semiconductor resistance while retaining enough passivation and transmittance for a bifacial power gain: bifacial CuGaOx /CFL grids generate 19.1 ± 0.6 mW cm-2 for 1 sun front + 0.08 sun rear illumination and 20.0 ± 0.6 mW cm-2 at 1 sun front + 0.52 sun rear-the highest reported power density at field albedo conditions for a scaled polycrystalline absorber.

A search for new back contacts for CdTe solar cells.

There is widespread interest in reaching the practical efficiency of cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar cells, which suffer from open-circuit voltage loss due to high surface recombination velocity and Schottky barrier at the back contact. Here, we focus on back contacts in the superstrate configuration with the goal of finding new materials that can provide improved passivation, electron reflection, and hole transport properties compared to the commonly used material, ZnTe. We performed a computational search among 229 binary and ternary tetrahedrally bonded structures using first-principles methods and transport models to evaluate critical material design criteria, including phase stability, electronic structure, hole transport, band alignments, and p-type dopability. Through this search, we have identified several candidate materials and their alloys (AlAs, AgAlTe2, ZnGeP2, ZnSiAs2, and CuAlTe2) that exhibit promising properties for back contacts. We hope that these new material recommendations and associated guidelines will inspire new directions in hole transport layer design for CdTe solar cells.

PRDX1 stimulates non-small-cell lung carcinoma to proliferate via the Wnt/ß-Catenin signaling.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that PRDX1 is upregulated in some types of malignant tumors. The role of PRDX1 in non-small-cancer lung carcinoma (NSCLC) remains unclear. This study aims to identify the role of PRDX1 in influencing in-vitro biological functions of NSCLC and the molecular mechanism. METHODS: We collected 50 cases of fresh NSCLC and adjacent non-tumoral tissues for detecting differential expressions of PRDX1 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Survival time of NSCLC patients, defined as the period from the operation to the latest follow-up or death due to recurrence or metastasis, was recorded for assessing the relationship between PRDX1 and prognosis in NSCLC. Using lentivirus transfection, PRDX1 level was downregulated in NSCLC cells. Subsequently, proliferative and apoptotic abilities, and expression levels of vital genes in the Wnt/ß-Catenin signaling were examined. Finally, the significance of activated Wnt/ß-Catenin signaling during PRDX1-regulated NSCLC proliferation was explored. RESULTS: Using GEPIA database and NSCLC tissues we collected, PRDX1 was detected to be upregulated in NSCLC samples than controls. PRDX1 level was related to tumor staging and prognosis in NSCLC. Knockdown of PRDX1 attenuated proliferative ability and stimulated apoptosis in NSCLC. Protein levels of Wnt5A was downregulated in H1299 and SPC-A1 cells with PRDX1 knockdown. Overexpression of ß-Catenin enhanced proliferative ability and inhibited apoptosis in NSCLC cells with PRDX1 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS: PRDX1 is upregulated in NSCLC samples, and linked to tumor staging and prognosis. It stimulates NSCLC to proliferate by activating the Wnt/ß-Catenin signaling.

Comparative transcriptome and miRNA analysis of skin pigmentation during embryonic development of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis).

BACKGROUND: Aquatic animals show diverse body coloration, and the formation of animal body colour is a complicated process. Increasing evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important regulatory roles in many life processes. The role of miRNAs in pigmentation has been investigated in some species. However, the regulatory patterns of miRNAs in reptile pigmentation remain to be elucidated. In this study, we performed an integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles to explore corresponding regulatory patterns in embryonic body colour formation in the soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis. RESULTS: We identified 8 866 novel genes and 9 061 mature miRNAs in the skin of Chinese soft-shelled turtles in three embryonic stages (initial period: IP, middle period: MP, final period: FP). A total of 16 563 target genes of the miRNAs were identified. Furthermore, we identified 2 867, 1 840 and 4 290 different expression genes (DEGs) and 227, 158 and 678 different expression miRNAs (DEMs) in IP vs. MP, MP vs. FP, and IP vs. FP, respectively. Among which 72 genes and 25 miRNAs may be related to turtle pigmentation in embryonic development. Further analysis of the novel miRNA families revealed that some novel miRNAs related to pigmentation belong to the miR-7386, miR-138, miR-19 and miR-129 families. Novel_miR_2622 and novel_miR_2173 belong to the miR-19 family and target Kit and Gpnmb, respectively. The quantification of novel_miR_2622 and Kit revealed negative regulation, indicating that novel_miR_2622 may participate in embryonic pigmentation in P. sinensis by negatively regulating the expression of Kit. CONCLUSIONS: miRNA act as master regulators of biological processes by controlling the expression of mRNAs. Considering their importance, the identified miRNAs and their target genes in Chinese soft-shelled turtle might be useful for investigating the molecular processes involved in pigmentation. All the results of this study may aid in the improvement of P. sinensis breeding traits for aquaculture.

Microstructural Evolution of SK85 Pearlitic Steel Deformed by Heavy Cold Rolling.

The microstructural evolution of SK85 pearlitic steel cold-rolled up to a 90% rolling reduction was characterized by scanning electron microscopy with electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SK85 steel exhibits excellent cold rolling performance. The interlamellar spacing of pearlite is refined obviously and a tensile strength of 2318 MPa can be reached for SK85 steel after 90% rolling reduction, an increase of 83% from 1264 MPa before rolling. The EBSD observation indicates that the {001} <110> texture becomes pronounced at a 90% rolling reduction in cold-rolled Sk85 steel. A propagation and multiplication of dislocations occur during rolling as the kernel average misorientation (KAM) angles significantly increase from 0.72° to 2.11°. The XRD analysis reveals that bcc ferrite is transformed into a bct structure at a 90% rolling reduction. The strengthening mechanism was discussed.

Apparent change of the 3C/3D line intensity ratio in neonlike ions.

The resonance 3C ([(2p5)1/23d3/2]J=1 → [2p6]J=0) to intercombination 3D ([(2p5)3/23d5/2]J=1 → [2p6]J=0) line intensity ratio of neonlike ions has been studied. The measured line intensity ratio for neonlike Xe44+ ions shows an apparent change, which is reproduced by the calculations using the relativistic configuration interaction plus many-body perturbation theory. It is clearly elucidated that the change in the 3C/3D line intensity ratio is caused by strong configuration mixing between the upper levels of the 3D and 3F ([(2p5)1/23s]J=1 → [2p6]J=0) lines. The present measurement allows us to discuss the 3C/3D line intensity ratio for the highest-Z ions hitherto, which suggests that the experiment-theory discrepancy in the 3C/3D line intensity ratio of neonlike ions diminishes with increasing atomic number Z and further trends to vanish at higher-Z ions. Furthermore, the present study provides benefits to better understand configuration mixing effect in the radiative opacity of hot plasmas.

Comparison of material properties of heel pad between adults with and without type 2 diabetes history: An in-vivo investigation during gait.

Objective: This study was aimed to compare the material properties of heel pad between diabetes patients and healthy adults, and investigate the impact of compressive loading history and length of diabetes course on the material properties of heel pad. Methods: The dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) and dynamic foot-ground contact pressure-test plate were used for measuring the material properties, including primary thickness, peak strain, peak stress, stiffness, viscous modulus and energy dissipation ratio (EDR), both at time zero and following continuous loading. Material properties between healthy adults and DM patients were compared both at time zero and following continuous weight bearing. After then, comparison between time-zero material properties and properties following continuous loading was performed to identify the loading history-dependent biomechanical behaviour of heel pad. Subgroup-based sensitivity analysis was then conducted to investigate the diabetes course (<10 years vs. ≥10 years) on the material properties of heel pad. Results: Ten type II DM subjects (20 legs), aged from 59 to 73 (average: 67.8 ± 4.9), and 10 age-matched healthy adults (20 legs), aged from 59 to 72 (average: 64.4 ± 3.4), were enrolled. Diabetes history was demonstrated to be associated with significantly lower primary thickness (t=3.18, p=0.003**), higher peak strain (t=2.41, p=0.021*), lower stiffness (w=283, p=0.024*) and lower viscous modulus (w=331, p<0.001***) at time zero, and significantly lower primary thickness (t=3.30, p=0.002**), higher peak strain (w=120, p=0.031*) and lower viscous modulus (t=3.42, p=0.002**) following continuous loading. The continuous loading was found to be associated with significantly lower primary thickness (paired-w=204, p<0.001***) and viscous modulus (paired-t=5.45, p<0.001***) in healthy adults, and significantly lower primary thickness (paired-w=206, p<0.001***) and viscous modulus (paired-t=7.47, p<0.001***) in diabetes group. No any significant difference was found when conducting the subgroup analysis based on length of diabetes course (<10 years vs. ≥10 years), but the regression analysis showed that the length of diabetes history was positively associated with the peak strain, at time zero (r=0.506, p<0.050) and following continuous loading (r=0.584, p<0.010). Conclusions: Diabetes patients were found to be associated with decreased primary thickness and viscous modulus, and increased peak strain, which may contribute to the vulnerability of heel pad to injury and ulceration. Pre-compression history-dependent behaviour is observable in soft tissue of heel pad, with lowered primary thickness and viscous modulus.

SLAP@g-C3N4 Fluorescent Photocatalytic Composite Powders Enhance the Anti-Bacteria Adhesion Performance and Mechanism of Polydimethylsiloxane Coatings.

Fluorescent antifouling and photocatalytic antifouling technologies have shown potential in the field of marine antifouling. SLAP@g-C3N4/PDMS (SLAP@CN/PDMS) composite antifouling coatings were designed and prepared using g-C3N4, sky-blue long afterglow phosphor (SLAP), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The fluorescence emitted by SLAP under dark conditions was used to excite g-C3N4 for fluorescent photocatalysis and to prolong the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4. Key data were collected by testing and characterization and are presented in this work. The results showed that g-C3N4 was successfully coated on the SLAP surface and formed a heterogeneous structure. After the composite powder was added to the PDMS coating, the coating maintained low surface energy but enhanced the surface roughness of the coating. The experimental results of degraded Rhodamine B (RhB) showed that SLAP prolonged the g-C3N4 photocatalytic activity time. The anti-marine bacterial adhesion performance of the coating was investigated by bacterial adhesion experiments. The results showed that SLAP@CN could effectively improve the anti-bacterial adhesion performance of PDMS coating, in which the anti-bacterial adhesion performance of SLAP@CN-2.5/PDMS was improved by nearly 19 times. This antifouling coating introduces fluorescent antifouling, photocatalytic antifouling, and fluorescence-driven photocatalytic antifouling based on the low surface energy antifouling of silicones and achieves "all-weather" fluorescent photocatalytic antifouling.

Preparation of g-C3N4/TNTs/CNTs Photocatalytic Composite Powder and Its Enhancement of Antifouling Performance of Polydimethylsiloxane Coatings.

Semiconductor photocatalytic materials have shown potential in the field of antifouling due to their good antibacterial properties, stability, and nontoxic properties. It is an effective way to use them to improve the static antifouling performance of silicone antifouling coatings. g-C3N4/TNTs/CNTs (CNTC) photocatalytic composite powders were prepared and introduced into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coatings to enhance their antifouling performance. Firstly, g-C3N4/TNTs with heterostructure were thermally polymerized by urea and TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs), and then g-C3N4/TNTs and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were composited to obtain CNTC. Finally, CNTC was added into PDMS to prepare g-C3N4/TNTs/CNTs/PDMS (CNTC/P) composite antifouling coating. The results showed that CNTC successfully recombined and formed a heterostructure, and the recombination rate of photogenerated carriers decreased after recombination. The addition of CNTC to PDMS increased the hydrophobicity and roughness while reducing the surface energy (SE) of the coatings. CNTC could effectively improve the anti-attachment performance of PDMS coatings to bacteria and benthic diatom. The bacterial attachment rate (AB) and benthic diatom attachment rate (AD) of CNTC/P-20 were, respectively, 13.1% and 63.1%; they are much lower than that of the coating without photocatalytic composite powder. This coating design provides a new idea for developing new "efficient" and "green" photocatalytic composite antifouling coatings.

Experimental Study on the Autogenic Acid Fluid System of a High-Temperature Carbonate Reservoir by Acid Fracturing.

As an important part of the acid fracturing process of carbonate reservoir, the performance of acid fracturing working fluid directly affects the stimulation effect of oil wells. In this paper, formaldehyde (agent A) and ammonium chloride (agent B) were used as the matrix. Several aldehydes with different volume ratios were prepared. The acid ratio with the highest acid yield was selected by the sodium hydroxide titration experiment. The results show that when the volume ratio of agent A to agent B is 1:1.3, the acid production capacity is the strongest. The pH values at several time points in the process of acid reaction were measured by a pen pH meter. The relationship curve between acid production capacity and time was obtained. The acid production capacity increased with time. It tends to be stable after a certain time. The experiment of acid rock reaction kinetics shows that the reaction rate between acid and rock decreases with the extension of time. The reaction time can reach 6 h. The reaction rate of autogenic acid under different temperatures and concentrations ranges from 6.61 × 10-7 to 9.49 × 10-7 mol/(s·cm2) within 6 h. Therefore, it indicates that the reaction time between autogenic acid and carbonate rock is long and the reaction rate is low. It is beneficial to improve the acid treatment effect of the carbonate reservoir. The conductivity experiments show that at different temperatures, with the increase of sealing pressure, the etching ability of autogenic acid decreases. The etching effect is better at 338 K. After etching, the permeability and conductivity of the rock slab of 5 MPa closure pressure are 227 D and 72.62 D·cm, respectively. To sum up, this autogenic acid is an effective working fluid in the acid fracturing process of the carbonate reservoir. It can obviously reduce the reaction rate of acid rock and has certain conductivity.