Low Ratio Research Articles

Evaluation on the Pension System Reforms in China

The pension system reforms in China since 2014 have aimed to address significant structural challenges, focusing on the feasibility, sustainability, and equity of the system. This paper evaluates these reforms, particularly their impact on three main pension tracks: public employees, enterprise employees, and rural residents, represented by track A, B, and C, respectively. Despite merging certain pension schemes and introducing a universal basic pension, disparities persist, particularly for rural populations, who remain underserved with low replacement ratios. The analysis reveals systemic inequalities, financial imbalances, and unsustainable funding trajectories exacerbated by China's aging population and declining fertility rates. Drawing lessons from Japan and other nations, the paper proposes policy recommendations, including raising the pension eligibility age, rebalancing pension benefits, and enhancing individual pension accounts through tax incentives and improved financial literacy. These reforms aim to mitigate existing disparities, promote fiscal sustainability, and ensure equitable retirement outcomes, emphasizing the need for structural adjustments to achieve long-term effectiveness in China's pension system.

Risk of first venous thrombosis by comparing different thrombin generation assay conditions: results from the MEGA case-control study.

Background: Hypercoagulability is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Thrombin generation (TG) is a global coagulation assay that measures an individual’s clotting tendency. We hypothesise that slow onset TG (achieved by using a low procoagulant stimulus or an inhibitor of coagulation) is optimal responsive to detect hypercoagulability. Objectives: To compare different TG assay conditions with respect to VTE risk and to assess the risk of first VTE. Methods: Basal TG at low tissue factor (TF) concentration and high TF concentration in the presence and absence of activated protein C (APC) were measured in plasma samples from 2,081 patients with first VTE and 2,908 healthy controls from the MEGA study. TG parameters and nAPCsr were categorised into quartiles as measured in the controls. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals of a first VTE for different TG categories. Results: Under all assay conditions the thrombin peak height was associated with VTE risk: peak height > 75th percentile, at low TF odds ratio (OR) 6.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.5 – 8.3), at high TF, odds ratio 3.0 (95% CI 2.5 – 3.6) and at high TF + APC, OR 3.8 (95% CI 3.2 - 4.5), all compared with a peak height < 25th percentile obtained in controls. An increased nAPCsr (higher resistance to APC) was also associated with VTE risk, odds ratio 3.4 (95% CI 2.8 – 4.1). Conclusions: increased TG is associated with the risk of first VTE, particularly when triggered with a low procoagulant stimulus.

Impact of Upper‐Plate Faulting on Megathrust Foreshocks: Insights From the 2014 Iquique Earthquake

AbstractThe role of upper‐plate faulting in the seismic cycle of large megathrust earthquakes remains poorly understood. We use quasi‐dynamic numerical simulations of seismic cycles to analyze the interaction between crustal faulting and the foreshock sequence of the 2014 Iquique (Mw 8.2) earthquake in Northern Chile. Multi‐cycle models incorporating upper‐plate faulting align better with coseismic displacements, replicating events akin to the Iquique earthquake. Upper‐plate faulting significantly influences foreshock seismicity and deformation patterns. By calibrating the average hydraulic state—varying the effective normal stress—along the megathrust with pre‐earthquake seismicity, we find that lower pore pressure ratios result in more seismicity before the mainshock. This implies that the hydraulic state of the megathrust is critical for foreshock activity. This comprehensive modeling approach underscores the importance of the mechanical interplay between the megathrust and upper‐plate faults in precursory sequences of large subduction zone earthquakes.

BSN-I: The First In-Depth Photometric Study of Seven Total Eclipse Contact Binary Systems

Abstract This is the first in-depth study of seven total-eclipse W Ursae Majoris (W UMa)-type contact binary systems using photometric light curves. The ground-based observations were conducted with four observatories in the northern and southern hemispheres. We also used the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) for four target systems. We presented the analysis of orbital period variations of six systems and found that they display parabolic variations. The material transfer rates between the stars of the systems were calculated. Also, the results show that four systems have a long-term increase, while two have a long-term decrease in their orbital periods. We analyzed light curves using the PHysics Of Eclipsing BinariEs (PHOEBE) Python code and the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm to estimate different parameters of target systems and their uncertainties. Six of the target systems required the addition of a cold or hot starspot. We estimated absolute parameters using the empirical relationship between the orbital period and the semi-major axis (P − a). According to each component’s effective temperature and mass, it was recognized that the studied systems are W-subtype. We examined the dynamic stability of two targets, which were low mass ratio contact binary systems. We also showed the evolution of stars in the M − R and M − L diagrams. Finally, we showed that the hotter stars in contact systems have a temperature difference of less than ≈400 K compared to the Gaia DR3 temperature report.

How neighborhood socioeconomic status, green space, and walkability are associated with risk for fracture among postmenopausal women

Abstract Although most fractures, and about half of hip fractures, occur outdoors among older women, limited research has uncovered neighborhood predictors for fractures among older women. This study assessed the independent associations of neighborhood socioeconomic status, walkability, and green space with incident any and hip fracture among postmenopausal women. The Women’s Health Initiative recruited a national sample of postmenopausal women (50-79 years) across 40 U.S. clinical centers and conducted yearly assessments from 1993 to 2012 (n = 161 808). Women reporting a history of hip fracture or walking limitations were excluded from the analytic sample, yielding a final sample of 157 583 participants. Fracture events were self-reported and adjudicated annually. Walkability was calculated annually using measures of population density, land use mix, and presence/quantity of nearby high-traffic roadways. Neighborhood green space was calculated annually using measures of exposure to trees/vegetation. Neighborhood SES, walkability, and green space were categorized intro tertiles: high, intermediate, and low. The time-varying relationship between neighborhood environmental factors and age at first fracture (any; hip) was examined using extended Cox proportional hazards modeling with adjustment. Neighborhood socioeconomic status (intermediate vs low: hazard ratio = 1.03, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.01-1.05; high vs low, hazard ratio = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.99-1.03) and green space (intermediate vs low, hazard ratio = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.12-1.18; high vs low hazard ratio = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.15-1.21) were associated with increased any incident fractures, while walkability had a mixed association (intermediate vs low hazard ratio = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04-1.07; high vs low, hazard ratio = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-0.98). Neighborhood socioeconomic status, walkability, and green space did not have a relationship with hip fracture after adjustment for important covariates. Results indicate that macroscale neighborhood features did not protect against fractures. Additional research is needed to investigate more granual neighborhood features that might influence injury risk and support physical activity among postmenopausal women.

Optimizing Fruit Production: A Review of Sensor-based Approaches in Orchard Management

Fruit crops produce higher yields per hectare than other horticultural crops. Fruits are also a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is necessary to monitor and maintain the orchard properly to increase both production and quality of fruits. However, maintaining large orchards is quite difficult. The application of different sensors in fruit crops helps in precise orchard management and, therefore, helps in sustainable production in the long run. Remote sensing tools are useful in gathering data on factors necessary and act as a constraint for increasing the yield potential of fruit crops. An increase in the cost incurred in maintaining the orchards resulted in a low benefit cost ratio in the production of fruits. The application of sensors for the continuous monitoring of orchard facilitates in increased water use efficiency and precise orchard management strategies. This article reviews the use of sensors in various aspects related to fruits crops management.

The Relationship Between Methadone and Buprenorphine Enrollment and Overdose Prevention and Treatment Behaviors Among a Community Sample of People Who Use Opioids in Baltimore, Maryland

Background: Methadone and buprenorphine can reduce overdose-related mortality. Behavioral approaches can also reduce fatal overdoses. The current study examined the relationship between methadone and buprenorphine and overdose history and overdose prevention and treatment behaviors. Methods: Between December 2022 and August 2024, 647 individuals who used opioids in the prior month enrolled in a community recruited study on overdose. Participants were administered a face-to-face survey. Key behaviors assessed included overdose recency, testing drugs for potency, ingesting drugs slowly, using fentanyl test strips, using drugs alone, and carrying naloxone. Chi-square and logistic regression models examined the relationships between methadone and buprenorphine and overdose-related outcomes. Results: In total, 32.9% of participants were currently taking methadone and 15.5% buprenorphine. Most (69.2%) reported ever overdosing, and among those, 33.7% had overdosed within the prior 6 months. There were no significant associations between methadone or buprenorphine status and overdose prevention and care behaviors. In the multivariable logistic regression model, methadone use was associated with a lower odds ratio (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.30–0.79of a recent overdose compared to buprenorphine. Daily or almost daily crack use was associated with greater odds of a recent overdose (aOR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.44–3.39. Discussion: Findings suggest the importance of promoting overdose prevention and care behaviors to people in drug treatment and training them to promote overdose prevention and care behaviors among their drug-using network members and other community members.

Versatile on-chip polarization-sensitive detection system for optical communication and artificial vision

Polarization is an important attribute of light and can be artificially modulated as a versatile information carrier. Conventional polarization-sensitive photodetection relies on a combination of polarizing optical elements and standard photodetectors, which requires a substantial amount of space and manufacturing expenses. Although on-chip polarized photodetectors have been realized in recent years based on two-dimensional (2D) materials with low-symmetry crystal structures, they are limited by the intrinsic anisotropic property and thus the optional range of materials, the operation wavelength, and more importantly, the low anisotropic ratio, hindering their practical applications. In this work, we construct a versatile platform that transcends the constraints of material anisotropy, by integrating WSe2-based photodetector with MoS2-based field-effect transistor, delivering high-performance broadband polarization detection capability with orders of magnitude improvement in anisotropic ratio and on/off ratio. The polarization arises from hot electron injection caused by the plasmonic metal electrode and is amplified by the transistor to raise the anisotropic ratio from 2 to an impressive value over 60 in the infrared (IR) band, reaching the level of existing applications. Meanwhile, the system achieves a significant improvement in photosensitivity, with an on/off ratio of over 103 in the IR band. Based on the above performance optimization, we demonstrated its polarization-modulated IR optical communication ability and polarized artificial vision applications with a high image recognition accuracy of ~99%. The proposed platform provides a promising route for the development of the long-sought minimized, high-performance, multifunctional optoelectronic systems.

Molecular Effects of Zwitterionic Peptide on Monolayer Lipid Membranes upon Enzyme-Catalyzed Degradation.

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2), an enzyme overexpressed in numerous diseases, has been used to trigger structural transformations in lipid-based drug delivery systems, enabling payload release at target sites. Zwitterionic peptides are known for their superior antifouling properties, often outperforming poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) surface modification by resisting protein adsorption. In this study, we examined lipid monolayers at the water-vapor interface on a Langmuir trough, incorporating varying molar fractions of zwitterionic peptide-conjugated lipids or PEG-conjugated lipids. Synchrotron X-ray surface techniques, including X-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, were employed to analyze molecular packing, enzyme adsorption, enzyme-catalyzed lipid degradation, and metabolite reorganization at the interface, and microscopy was used to observe domain morphologies. The results demonstrate that zwitterionic peptides exhibit a significantly greater efficiency than PEG in stabilizing the interfacial monolayer packing structure against enzyme-catalyzed lipid degradation. However, contrary to most studies reporting strong resistance of zwitterionic materials to nonspecific protein absorption, enzyme absorption to the interface, which is interfacial and phospholipids specific, was not impeded by the presence of zwitterionic peptides at low molar ratios (≤10 mol %).

Elastic Anisotropy and Thermal Properties of Sr2ZrMoO6 Double Perovskite under Different Pressure

This study investigates the elastic and thermal properties of the double perovskite Sr2ZrMoO6 under different pressures from 0 to 80 GPa using first‐principles calculations within the generalized gradient approximation of density functional theory. The calculated second‐order elastic constants confirm the mechanical stability of the compound up to 80 GPa. The material exhibits significant elastic anisotropy, with elastic constants C11, C33, and C44 showing distinct pressure‐dependent behavior. The elastic properties, including bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio, all increase with a rise in pressure, which enhances the material's stiffness and rigidity, improving its resistance to deformation or fracture. The Pugh ratio greater than 0.57, a negative Cauchy constant, and a low Poisson's ratio suggest that the material remains brittle within the examined pressure range. The calculated tolerance factor and formation energy confirm its thermodynamic stability. The minimum thermal conductivity of the material increases slightly with pressure across all directions, maintaining the anisotropic order > > , indicating improved phonon transport under compression. The specific heat capacity increases with pressure at low temperatures and approaches the Dulong–Petit limit at higher temperatures. These findings suggest Sr2ZrMoO6 holds potential for high‐performance optical waveguides and optoelectronic applications.

Analisis Laporan Keuangan Perusahaan Sebagai Penilaian Kinerja Perusahaan (Studi Pustaka pada Perusahaan BUMN Sektor Konstruksi yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia 2020-2022)

The development of the business world in an increasingly open economic situation needs to be based on performance assessment facilities and systems that can encourage companies towards increasing efficiency and competitiveness which will strengthen capital and have an impact on the company's performance assessment. So that it is able and survives in the increasingly tight business competition today. Companies can analyze financial reports, especially in conducting performance assessments. In the research conducted by the author using descriptive qualitative methods and Literature Studies on the financial reports of 4 state-owned construction sector companies listed on the Stock Exchange: PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) TBK, PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk, PT Adhi Karya Tbk (ADHI), and PT Pembangunan Perumahan (Persero) Tbk. The purpose of this research is to calculate and analyze the Liquidity, Solvency and Profitability of Financial Reports as an assessment of the Company's Performance. The results of the study show that the Liquidity Ratio (current ratio) of PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk has a consistently high current ratio for three consecutive years, with the highest figure in 2020 at 168.89%. This shows the company's ability to meet its short-term obligations better than other companies such as PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk and PT Adhi Karya (Persero) Tbk which have lower ratios. The solvency ratio of PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk also stands out with a very high debt to equity ratio, reaching 979.55% in 2022. This indicates that the company is highly dependent on debt in its funding structure. High dependence on debt can increase financial risk, Profitability Ratio, PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) TBK and PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk showed an increase in Net Profit Margin, which indicates an improvement in operational efficiency and management. On the other hand, PT Adhi Karya (Persero) Tbk and PT Pembangunan Perumahan (Persero) Tbk experienced a decline in margin, although they maintained a positive margin. Different receivable turnover ratios also provide an overview of the efficiency of receivables management in these companies. PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk for example, in 2021 had a very high receivables turnover ratio of 790.28%, indicating that this company is able to manage receivables very efficiently, accelerating cash collection from credit sales.

Conditions favoring phagotrophy can lead to larger cell sizes in some freshwater mixoplankton.

Cell size is a critical regulator of many metabolic processes in protists. We explored whether body size and abundances vary consistently in phytoplankton capable of both autotrophy and heterotrophy (mixoplankton) by manipulating environmental stoichiometric conditions in a mesocosm experiment. We applied two allochthonous subsidy treatments: high C: nutrient ratios (leaves) should favour bacterivory through phagotrophy, while low ratios (insects) should favour autotrophy. We identified three focal mixoplankton taxa, common in our study system and that represented facultative (Cryptomonas sp. and Plagioselmis sp) and more obligate phagotrophs (Ochromonas sp.). Ochromonas was largest in the leaf treatment, which were also associated with larger sizes in Cryptomonas (but not the other cryptophyte). The obligately mixotrophic Ochromonas responded more significantly to conditions favouring phagotrophy than did the facultative phagotrophic cryptophytes. All mixoplankton taxa densities declined with insect subsidies that favour autotrophy. Future research should examine a wider range of mixoplankton under varying ecological conditions.

Exploring the Bio-Mechanisms of Rod-Shaped Bacteria Moving on Rigid Substrate Coated with Non-Newtonian Williamson Slime

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that come in various shapes and sizes, often classified based on characteristics like shape, DNA, and movement mechanisms. Among them, gliding bacteria have a unique way of moving: they slide along surfaces without external structures like flagella or cilia. Instead, they create wave-like motions along their surface to glide across slimy areas. How fast can bacteria move, and does their speed change on different surfaces? Do they glide faster on smooth surfaces or slow down on rough or sticky ones? And when they move through thicker, more complex fluids, how do they adapt, and does this impact their speed? Researchers have investigated these questions by studying how surface properties and fluid dynamics affect bacterial movement. This study also aims to analyze the locomotion of gliding bacteria over a layer of Williamson fluid with a rigid substrate using the dynamics of an undulating sheet. The methodology involves converting the fundamental partial differential equations into a fourth-order nonlinear ordinary differential equation through the Stokes flow approximation and solving it by the regular perturbation technique. The impacts of different physical parameters on gliding speed, flow rate, energy loss, and slime velocity are visually illustrated and discussed. The results show that the glider's speed decreases with a lower viscosity ratio, while higher Weissenberg numbers and occlusion ratios improve the glider's motility. Additionally, the flow rate of the Williamson fluid decreases as the viscosity increases, and power loss experienced by the glider rises with an increase in viscosity. These findings highlight how fluid properties influence bacterial movement and energy efficiency, providing insights for developing microfluidic devices and studying microbial motility.

Role of intraperitoneal paclitaxel in eosinophil activation and recruitment in the peritoneal cavity and anti-tumor effects against peritoneal metastasis from gastric cancer.

471 Background: Recent studies indicate that the efficacy of chemotherapy is significantly influenced by the tumor immune microenvironment. Peritoneal cavity contains many immune cells, however, the relationship between immune response within the peritoneal cavity and tumor response remains poorly understood. Methods: Single cell suspensions were obtained from ascites or peritoneal lavages from 41 patients with PM from GC. In 28 patients, cells were collected both before and after 1-3 courses of IP chemotherapy. These samples were immunestained with mAbs targeting to specific lymphoid or myeloid subsets, and their proportions in CD45(+) leukocytes were analyzed using flowcytometry. Eosinophils were purified by magnetic cell sorting for subsequent RNA-Seq analysis. Results: Among 41 patients with PM, tumor leukocyte ratio (TLR) calculated as CD326(+) tumor cells divided by CD45(+) leukocytes varied from 0.002% to 58.1%. TLR was not correlated with any ratios of immune cells, however, the ratios of CD8(+) T cells, NK cells and CD16(-) CD193(+) eosinophils tended to decrease with the increase in TLR. Conversely, the ratios of CD19(+) B cell, CD14(+) macrophages and CD16(+) neutrophils increased with elevated TLR. Mean survival time of these patients was 17.7 months. None of the leukocyte subsets showed significant association with patient outcome. In 28 patients, the ratios of lymphocytes mostly decreased with significant difference in CD4(+) T cells and CD19(+) B cells after IP treatment. In contrast, the ratio of CD11b(+) myeloid cells increased in peritoneal cavity after IP treatment. Among the myeloid cells, the ratio of CD16(-) CD193(+) eosinophils significantly increased. The change was particularly prominent in in post-treatment negative peritoneal lavage cytology (CY0) patients (M=0.47% vs M=10.0%, p<0.0001), while the difference was not significant in post-treatment positive peritoneal lavage cytology (CY1) patients (M=0.93% vs M=0.97%, p=0.84). Patients with eosinophil ratio of ≥2% after IP chemotherapy in peritoneal cavity had significantly longer overall survival compared to those with lower eosinophil ratios (17.3 mo vs 26.7 mo, p=0.034; HR =0.23[0.06-0.89]). The peritoneal eosinophils after IP treatment exhibited elevated levels of CD11b and CD63 expression compared to circulating eosinophils (p<0.01), while SSC-A levels tended to be lower. Gene ontology pathways revealed enrichment of cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, extracellular matrix organization and response to interferon-gamma in peritoneal eosinophils (p<0.0001). Conclusions: IP-PTX induces eosinophil activation and recruitment in the peritoneal cavity, while also affecting other types of immune cells. These effects may potentially contribute to the anti-tumor response against peritoneal metastases.

Distribution of strontium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) in surface waters of the Amazon basin: A basis for studies on provenance.

The 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio has been widely used as an indicator of provenance and migration of aquatic animals, and has applications in other areas such as in environmental and forensic studies. However, the modeling of the spatial distribution in the Amazon basin is still incipient, preventing large-scale applications. In this study, we present a baseline of the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio in surface waters of the Amazon basin to infer the provenance and migration patterns of fish. We have compiled an extensive 87Sr/86Sr database of water samples from the Amazon basin, with data obtained from scientific publications and from field surveys. Next, we developed a geostatistical model, based on spatial interpolation (IDW), to estimate the 87Sr/86Sr ratio in unsampled locations, considering the influence of geology. Surface river waters in the Amazon show a high isotopic heterogeneity, associated with the region's geology (p<0.005). Lower isotope ratios are related to waters draining more recent structures, such as the sub-basins of the Andean region, while higher isotope ratios are related to waters draining older crystalline terrains, such as the Guiana and Brazilian Shields. We show a linear relationship between the predicted and observed values (r2=0.81), demonstrating the high accuracy of the modeled data and its potential use in various other studies. The acquisition of additional 87Sr/86Sr data, along with the integration of new geospatial products, can improve estimates and accuracy in interpretations of strontium geospatial behavior in micro- and macroregions.

Confinement and wettability-driven dispersed phase hydrodynamics in cross-flow jets at low velocity and density ratios

The evolution characteristics of a low-velocity dispersed phase into continuous shear flow have numerous applications across biomedical devices, chemical processes, water management in fuel cells, spray systems, film deposition, and atomizing devices. The flow characteristics arise from a complex interplay of wettability, hydrodynamics, and interfacial properties, which, when constrained by confined geometries such as those in fuel cells, present a fascinating multiphase-multiphysics problem. This study investigates the impact of the chemical signature of a confined geometry and the velocity ratio between the dispersed and continuous phases on the evolution of the dispersed phase. The footprint and shape of the generated droplet guide the pressure distribution, deformation, and subsequent cross-flow-induced stretching. By systematically analyzing the dynamic effects of capillarity, inertia, air-shear, gravity, viscosity, wettability, and confinement, we classify the fate of a liquid droplet within classical flow regimes: jetting, threading, and dripping. These distinct flow regimes are mapped using classical non-dimensional numbers, and a quasi-universal characteristic is obtained relative to velocity ratios. The findings of this research contribute to precise control and prediction of dispersed-phase hydrodynamics, which play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of fuel cells, droplet generation devices, water harvesting systems, film deposition techniques, coatings, and point-of-care diagnostic devices. The work underscores the relevance of integrating experimental and computational insights for optimizing interface-driven processes in interdisciplinary applications.

Association between muscle mass, visceral adiposity, and histologic tumor stromal features in colon cancer.

Sarcopenia and obesity are indicators for poor outcomes in colon cancer. Additionally, aggressive histopathologic tumor stromal features, such as a low tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) and low tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) predict survival and treatment response. As their relationship remains underexplored, we studied the association between skeletal muscle mass, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), TSR, and TILs in patients with colon cancer. We studied 194 stage II/III colon carcinoma patients who underwent elective surgery. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans classified patients into four groups based on skeletal muscle index (normal/low) and visceral adipose tissue index (normal/high). Tumor tissues were assessed for TSR and TILs, and five-year disease recurrence and relative hazard were evaluated. Among the patients, 56 (28.9%) were classified as Normal Muscle, Normal VAT, 26 (13.4%) as Normal Muscle, High VAT, 75 (38.7%) as Low Muscle, Normal VAT, and 37 (19.1%) as Low Muscle, High VAT. Patients with low skeletal muscle mass were more often male (62.5% vs. 39%, P=0.005). Stroma-high tumors were less common in Low Muscle, Normal VAT patients (24%) compared to Normal Muscle, High VAT (50%), Low Muscle, High VAT (48.6%), and Normal Muscle, Normal VAT (41.1%) patients (P=0.020). Tumors with low TILs were similarly distributed across groups (P=0.679). Low Muscle, Normal VAT patients had a lower recurrence hazard compared to both Low Muscle, High VAT (hazard ratio [HR] 0.34, 95% CI 0.12-0.98, P=0.048) and Normal Muscle, Normal VAT (HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11-0.87, P=0.027) patients. Low Muscle, Normal VAT colon cancer patients exhibited fewer aggressive tumor features and a lower recurrence risk compared to Low Muscle, High VAT patients. These findings highlight the importance of body composition in tumor biology and prognosis.

Full-Frequency Domain Characteristic-Based Multiconstraint Decoupling Controller in Drive Motors With Low Pulse Ratios

Full-Frequency Domain Characteristic-Based Multiconstraint Decoupling Controller in Drive Motors With Low Pulse Ratios

DSU-Net: A Dynamic Stage Unfolding Network for high-noise image compressive sensing denoising

Deep unfolding networks (DUNs) have demonstrated considerable efficacy in the domain of compressive sensing (CS), attributed to their superior performance and interpretability. Nonetheless, many existing CS methodologies fail to account for the influence of noise prior to image sampling, resulting in blurring and distortion in the reconstructed images. To address these issues, this paper proposes a dynamic stage unfolding network (DSUNet). Firstly, a novel dynamic stage unfolding mechanism is proposed to achieve feature refinement by dynamically optimizing various noisy images in a sequential manner. Secondly, a step inertia fusion module (SIFM) is developed to execute multi-tiered information fusion from adjacent stages, thereby promoting feature reuse and minimizing the loss of detailed information. Finally, a step cross transformer denoiser (SCTD) is designed to capture correlations between distant pixels, effectively addressing the limitations associated with local attributes and significantly improving image reconstruction performance. Comprehensive experimental evaluations indicate that the proposed DSUNet achieves outstanding performance under both low CS ratios and high noise levels, successfully addressing the challenges of denoising and reconstruction in high-resolution and high-noise images. Codes are available at https://github.com/zzuli407/DSU-Net.

In-situ cross-linking strategy for achieving excellent impact resistance and thermal insulation of closed-cell poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB) foams.

Owing to inherent issues like interfacial stress concentration, open-cell, a low volume expansion ratio (VER) and cell density, the impact resistance and thermal insulation of supercritical foamed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blend foams remain unsatisfactory. To overcome these challenges, an in-situ cross-linking strategy is employed to enhance the compatibility between PLA and poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB), while improving the melt strength and crystallization behavior of the blends. The modified PLA/P4HB blend exhibits a blurred interfacial boundary with fewer stress concentrations. As a result, the specific impact strength increases from 9.76 to 26.17 kJ·m-2/(g·cm-3) after foaming. The ambiguous interface and enhanced melt strength reduce the risk of cell wall rupture and collapse, while the increased crystallization provides additional nucleation sites. Consequently, the modified PLA/P4HB foam transitions from an open-cell to a closed-cell structure, achieving a VER of 35.4 and a cell density of 2.0 × 107 cells/cm3, representing respective increases of 16.1-fold and 9.1-fold compared to unmodified PLA/P4HB foam. At this time, the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the PLA/P4HB foam reach 31.5 mW/m·K and 8.1 × 10-7 m2/s, respectively. In conclusion, this strategy provides a method for producing PLA/P4HB foams with high impact resistance and thermal insulation, and addresses common issues associated with PLA-based blends foam.