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In this study, dynamic mechanical response and the corresponding atomic mechanisms of single-crystal tungsten under extreme strain rates (109 s−1) are investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that crystal orientation plays an important role in the stress–strain relationship. The critical stresses for the beginning of plastic deformation are 59.4, 48.0, and 25.2 GPa for quasi-isentropic tensile loading along [111], [110], and [100] crystal orientations, respectively. The atomic behavior during plastic deformation suggests that [100] and [110] experience stress relaxation through phase transitions, while not in the [111] tensile direction. During spallation, sub-grain boundaries formed at twin junction in the [100] and [110] directions serve as nucleation sites for voids. The void grows in a planar way (along the twin) after generation, while stops growing at another misoriented twin junction. In the [111] tensile test, spallation occurs in the stress-concentration area, and finishes in a very short time interval with huge void coalescence. Our findings not only provide atomic insights into the anisotropic mechanical behaviors during spallation of tungsten under high strain rates, but also shed lights on the colorful plastic deformation behaviors from laser-shock experimental observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aim to explore the birth mechanism of coexisting Strange Nonchaotic Attractors (SNAs) in a multistability system. The underlying mechanism behind the emergence of coexisting SNAs is understood by examining the interruption of coexisting torus-doubling bifurcations. We identify three different routes that lead to the creation of coexisting SNAs, namely, the intermittent route, Heagy–Hammel route, and fractalization route. To effectively characterize SNAs, we employ several metrics, including the nontrivial largest Lyapunov exponents, phase sensitivity exponents, and power spectrum analysis. Notably, SNAs exhibit a fractal (strange) nature, which has inspired us to develop a novel optimization algorithm termed the Strange Nonchaotic Optimization (SNO) algorithm. This algorithm is used to optimize the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller parameters in time-delay systems based on a defined objective function. Simulation results validate that the proposed SNO algorithm presents better performance than the available algorithms in the literature for time-delay systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): It was the first study to apply and compare two CT methods to assess the validity and clinical significance of structural alterations of the nasal valve in patients with cleft lip nose for assessing nasal ventilation disturbance. Methods: The study collected data from the NOSE score, as well as internal nasal valve area, internal nasal valve angle, external nasal valve area, and septal deviation angle, to evaluate the differences and correlations between those factors in patients with cleft lip and nose. Results: There were significant differences among INV transverse and coronal area and INV angle on different axial standardized planes between clefted side and non-clefted side. There were statistically significant negative correlations between NOSE scores and those indicators of standard plane and acoustic-axis standardized coronal plane. NOSE score and NSD angle were the indicators of significant differences in the measured data of different complications groups (p = 0.002, p = 0.017). The correlation comparison showed that two standardized CT imaging transverse planes have similar correlations in NOSE score, NSD angle, and complications. Conclusion: The results of the two CT evaluation methods showed that there was a significant difference in nasal valve area on the cleft and non-cleft sides, which was significantly associated with nasal ventilation disturbance. The CT evaluation method based on standard axial 3D reconstruction is more convenient to use in the clinic, can be used for pre-surgical evaluation of nasal repair in patients with secondary nasal deformities of unilateral cleft lip, and is valuable for treatment. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global serious pollution situation urgently needs green, efficient, and sustainable development methods to achieve heavy metal pollution control. The photocatalytic properties of anatase are sufficient to achieve pollution control by providing photoelectrons to harmful heavy metals. However, since natural anatase particles tend to agglomerate and deactivate in water, most studies have been conducted to prepare TiO2–biochar nanocomposites using chemical synthesis methods. In the present study, we utilized pyrolytic sintering to load natural anatase onto biochar to obtain natural anatase–biochar (TBC) composites. Characterization tests, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), showed that anatase was uniformly partitioned into the surface and pores of biochar without destroying the lattice structure. Due to its photocatalytic properties, TBC degraded Cr (VI) by 99.63% under light conditions. This is 1.58 times higher than the dark condition. Zeta potential showed that the surface of the TBC was positively charged under acidic conditions. The charge attraction between TBC and chromium salt was involved in the efficient degradation of Cr (VI). Different sacrificial agents as well as gas purge experiments demonstrated that photoelectrons (e−) and superoxide radicals ( O 2 − ) dominated the degradation of Cr (VI). TBC has the characteristics of high efficiency, stability, and sustainability. This may provide a new idea for the preparation of photocatalytic materials and the realization of environmental protection and sustainable development through heavy metal pollution control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is a syndrome precipitated by immune dysregulation in response to infection, and represents a pivotal factor in global mortality attributed to diseases. The recent consensus delineates sepsis as a perilous state of organ dysfunction arising from the host's maladaptive reaction to infection. It masks the complexity and breadth of the immune mechanisms involved in sepsis, which is characterized by simultaneous hyperinflammation and immunosuppression. Sepsis is highly correlated with the dysregulation of immune response, which is mainly mediated by various immune cells and their interactions. This syndrome can lead to a plethora of complications, encompassing systemic inflammatory response, metabolic disturbances, infectious shock, MODS, and DIC. Furthermore, more research studies have been conducted on sepsis in the past few years. The pathological characteristics of sepsis have been improved or treated by targeting signaling pathways like NF-B, JAK--STAT, PI3K-Akt, and p38-MAPK. Combined drug therapy is better than single drug therapy for sepsis. This article will review the latest progress in the pathogenesis and treatment of sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, microbotulinum, a new technique that involves injecting botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) microdroplets into superficial cutaneous tissue, has gained popularity. The precise distribution of BoNTA in the targeted area profoundly affects outcomes. Many factors may influence the effective area of BoNTA in the dermis. This study aimed to determine the dermal distribution properties of BoNTA to guide microbotulinum injection. Methods: Ten healthy males aged 18--65 years without BoNTA treatment in the previous year were recruited to receive intradermal injections in the chest and back. Ultrasound was used to ensure the intradermal delivery of injections and measure the dermal thickness. The minor iodine starch test was performed at baseline and 3 days, 7 days, 21 days, 1 month, and 2 months after treatment. Results: All participants received intradermal injections. The dermis was thinner on the chest (thickness, 0.20±0.03 cm) than on the back (thickness, 0.39 ± 0.07 cm) (P<0.05). An injection in the thicker dermis had a significantly smaller effective area at every follow-up visit. The drug concentration did not affect the effective area except at 3 days after treatment. Injection speed did not influence the effective area at any follow-up visits. Conclusion: An injection in a thicker dermis leads to a smaller effective area for intradermal injections. When the BoNTA dose is the same, the drug concentration and injection speed do not matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology holds significant promise for the production of clean energy and treatment of pollutants. Nevertheless, challenges such as low power generation efficiency and the high cost of electrode materials have impeded its widespread adoption. The porous microstructure of biochar and the exceptional photocatalytic properties of rutile endow it with promising catalytic potential. In this investigation, we synthesized a novel Rutile–Biochar (Rut-Bio) composite material using biochar as a carrier and natural rutile, and explored its effectiveness as a cathode catalyst to enhance the power generation efficiency of MFCs, as well as its application in remediating heavy metal pollution. Furthermore, the impact of visible light conditions on its performance enhancement was explored. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis validated the successful fabrication of rutile composites loaded with biochar. The maximum current density and power density achieved by the MFCs were 153.9 mA/m2 and 10.44 mW/m2, respectively, representing a substantial increase of 113.5% and 225% compared to the control group. In addition, biochar-supported rutile MFCs showed excellent degradation performance of heavy metal pollutants under light conditions. Within 7 h, the Cr6+ degradation rate reached 95%. In contrast to the blank control group, the removal efficiency of pollutants exhibited increases of 630.8%. The cyclic degradation experiments also showcased the remarkable stability of the system over multiple cycles. This study successfully integrated natural rutile and biochar to fabricate highly efficient cathode photocatalyst composites, which not only enhanced the power generation performance of MFCs but also presented an environmentally sustainable and economically viable method for addressing heavy metal pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Melanoma is a highly malignant tumor. Moreover, its prevalence is increasing at a rapid rate year after year. Currently, UV light is the leading cause of melanoma, although numerous other risk factors exist, including arsenic. The link between arsenic and the likelihood of developing melanoma has long been debated. As a result, we conducted a meta‐analysis of the available data to investigate the association between arsenic exposure and melanoma. Methods: We identified seven non‐randomized controlled studies with 41,949 participants by searching the Chinese CNKI, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases. We then used random‐effects or fixed‐effects models to evaluate the pooled odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analyses were also carried out with different included regions. Results: Participants in the study who were exposed to arsenic had a somewhat higher chance of developing melanoma than those who were not (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.01–2.13). A subgroup analysis was also carried out for the US region, and the findings were not statistically significant (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 0.94–2.07). Conclusion: This meta‐analysis shows that arsenic exposure relates to an increased risk of melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometrial carcinoma is one of most common malignant tumors in women, and ferroptosis is closely related to the development and treatment of endometrial carcinoma. The aim of this study was to screen ferroptosis-related genes associated with endometrial carcinoma and predict targeted drugs through bioinformatics. 761 differentially expressed genes were obtained by the dataset GSE63678 from the GEO database, and most of the genes were enriched in the KEGG_CELL_CYCLE and KEGG_OOCYTE_MEIOSIS signaling pathways. 22 ferroptosis-differentially expressed genes were obtained by intersection with the FerrDb database. These genes were involved in biological processes including macromolecular complex assembly and others, and involved in signal pathways including glutathione metabolism, p53 signaling pathway and others. CDKN2A, IDH1, NRAS, TFRC and GOT1 were obtained as hub genes by PPI network analysis. GEPIA showed that CDKN2A, IDH1, NRAS and TFRC were significantly expressed in endometrial carcinoma. Immunohistochemical results showed that CDKN2A, NRAS and TFRC were significantly expressed in endometrial carcinoma clinical tissue samples. The ROC constructed by TCGA database showed that CDKN2A, NRAS and TFRC had significant value in the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma, and all had prognostic efficacy. 136,572-09-3 BOSS and others were identified as potential targeted drugs for endometrial carcinoma targeting ferroptosis. Our study has shown that ferroptosis-related genes CDKN2A, NRAS and TFRC are diagnostic markers of endometrial carcinoma, and 136,572-09-3 BOSS, methyprylon BOSS, daunorubicin CTD 00005752, nitroglycerin BOSS and dUTP BOSS, IRON BOSS, Imatinib mesylate BOSS, 2-Butanone BOSS, water BOSS, and L-thyroxine BOSS may be potential therapeutic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA molecules as storage media are characterized by high encoding density and low energy consumption, making DNA storage a highly promising storage method. However, DNA storage has shortcomings, especially when storing multimedia data, wherein image reconstruction fails when address errors occur, resulting in complete data loss. Therefore, we propose a parity encoding and local mean iteration (PELMI) scheme to achieve robust DNA storage of images. The proposed parity encoding scheme satisfies the common biochemical constraints of DNA sequences and the undesired motif content. It addresses varying pixel weights at different positions for binary data, thus optimizing the utilization of Reed–Solomon error correction. Then, through lost and erroneous sequences, data supplementation and local mean iteration are employed to enhance the robustness. The encoding results show that the undesired motif content is reduced by 23%–50% compared with the representative schemes, which improves the sequence stability. PELMI achieves image reconstruction under general errors (insertion, deletion, substitution) and enhances the DNA sequences quality. Especially under 1% error, compared with other advanced encoding schemes, the peak signal-to-noise ratio and the multiscale structure similarity address metric were increased by 10%–13% and 46.8%–122%, respectively, and the mean squared error decreased by 113%–127%. This demonstrates that the reconstructed images had better clarity, fidelity, and similarity in structure, texture, and detail. In summary, PELMI ensures robustness and stability of image storage in DNA and achieves relatively high-quality image reconstruction under general errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are highly prevalent among people. Numerous investigations have revealed the impact of gut microbiota in many diseases. However, the causal relationship between Temporomandibular joint disorders and gut microbiota remains unclear. Methods: Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) refer to the identification of sequence variations, namely single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), existing across the entire human genome. GWAS data were collected on gut microbiota and TMD. Then, instrumental variables were screened through F-values and removal of linkage disequilibrium. These SNPs underwent mendelian analysis using five mathematical models. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to further verify the stability of the results. Pathogenic factors of TMD mediate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and TMD were explored through a two-step Mendelian randomization analysis. Finally, reverse mendelian analysis was conducted to account for potential reverse effects. Results: The analysis of the data in this article suggests that some gut microbiota, including Coprobacter, Ruminococcus torques group, Catenibacterium, Lachnospiraceae, Turicibacter, Victivallis, MollicutesRF9, Methanobacteriales, Methanobacteriaceae, FamilyXI, Methanobacteria were identified as risk factors, while Peptococcaceae provides protection for TMD. Conclusion: The research reveals the relation of gut microbiota in TMD. These findings provide insights into the underlying mechanisms and suggest potential therapeutic strategy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of vermiculite using microwave irradiation is an environmentally friendly and efficient method that can enhance the material's adsorption performance. This study investigated the microwave irradiation of vermiculite with five different particle sizes (4/2/1/0.5/0.2 mm) and found that the adsorption capacity for Pb2+ increased with larger particle sizes. The equilibrium adsorption capacity reached 15.98 mg/g at 4 mm, representing a 45.01% improvement compared to 0.2 mm. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model effectively described the adsorption kinetics. No significant differences were observed in the specific surface area and pore size distribution of all samples. Thermogravimetric quantitative analysis revealed that larger particle sizes retained interlayer water more effectively. As the particle size decreased, the interlayer water content generally showed a decreasing trend. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis also indicated that the -OH groups in larger particle sizes exhibited higher stability. The results suggest that the high content and stability of -OH groups may be key factors in the enhanced adsorption performance for Pb2+. This provides new insights for the preparation of environmentally friendly adsorbent materials rich in hydroxyl groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As a common disabling disease, irreversible neuronal death due to spinal cord injury (SCI) is the root cause of functional impairment; however, the capacity for neuronal regeneration in the developing spinal cord tissue is limited. Therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate how defective neurons can be replenished and functionally integrated by neural regeneration; the reprogramming of intrinsic cells into functional neurons may represent an ideal solution. Methods: A mouse model of transection SCI was prepared by forceps clamping, and an adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying the transcription factors NeuroD1 and Neurogenin-2(Ngn2) was injected in situ into the spinal cord to specifically overexpress these transcription factors in astrocytes close to the injury site. 5-bromo-2´-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was subsequently injected intraperitoneally to continuously track cell regeneration, neuroblasts and immature neurons marker expression, neuronal regeneration, and glial scar regeneration. In addition, immunoprotein blotting was used to measure the levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway-related protein expression. We also evaluated motor function, sensory function, and the integrity of the blood-spinal cord barrier(BSCB). Results: The in situ overexpression of NeuroD1 and Ngn2 in the spinal cord was achieved by specific AAV vectors. This intervention led to a significant increase in cell regeneration and the proportion of cells with neuroblasts and immature neurons cell properties at the injury site(p < 0.0001). Immunofluorescence staining identified astrocytes with neuroblasts and immature neurons cell properties at the site of injury while neuronal marker-specific staining revealed an increased number of mature astrocytes at the injury site. Behavioral assessments showed that the intervention did not improve The BMS (Basso mouse scale) score (p = 0.0726) and gait (p > 0.05), although the treated mice had more sensory sensitivity and greater voluntary motor ability in open field than the non-intervention mice. We observed significant repair of the BSCB at the center of the injury site (p < 0.0001) and a significant improvement in glial scar proliferation. Electrophysiological assessments revealed a significant improvement in spinal nerve conduction (p < 0.0001) while immunostaining revealed that the levels of TGF-β protein at the site of injury in the intervention group were lower than control group (p = 0.0034); in addition, P70 s6 and PP2A related to the TGF-β pathway showed ascending trend (p = 0.0036, p = 0.0152 respectively). Conclusions: The in situ overexpression of NeuroD1 and Ngn2 in the spinal cord after spinal cord injury can reprogram astrocytes into neurons and significantly enhance cell regeneration at the injury site. The reprogramming of astrocytes can lead to tissue repair, thus improving the reduced threshold and increasing voluntary movements. This strategy can also improve the integrity of the blood-spinal cord barrier and enhance nerve conduction function. However, the simple reprogramming of astrocytes cannot lead to significant improvements in the striding function of the lower limbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cordyceps militaris is considered to be of great medicinal potential due to its remarkable pharmacological effects, safety, and edible characteristics. With the completion of the genome sequence and the advancement of efficient gene-editing technologies, coupled with the identification of gene functions in Cordyceps militaris, this fungus is poised to emerge as an outstanding strain for medicinal engineering applications. This review focuses on the development and application of genomic editing techniques, including Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT), PEG-mediated protoplast transformation (PMT), and CRISPR/Cas9. Through the application of these techniques, researchers can engineer the biosynthetic pathways of valuable secondary metabolites to boost yields; such metabolites include cordycepin, polysaccharides, and ergothioneine. Furthermore, by identifying and modifying genes that influence the growth, disease resistance, and tolerance to environmental stress in Cordyceps militaris, it is possible to stimulate growth, enhance desirable traits, and increase resilience to unfavorable conditions. Finally, the green sustainable industrial development of C. militaris using agricultural waste to produce high-value-added products and the future research directions of C. militaris were discussed. This review will provide future directions for the large-scale production of bioactive ingredients, molecular breeding, and sustainable development of C. militaris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a novel two-dimensional discrete memristor map that is based on a discrete memristor model and a sine–arcsine one-dimensional map. First, an analysis is conducted on the memristor model to understand its characteristics. Then, the model is coupled with the sine–arcsine one-dimensional map to achieve the two-dimensional discrete memristor map. Our investigation reveals the presence of coexisting attractors and hyperchaotic attractors as the bifurcation parameters vary. Numerical simulations show that the discrete memristors effectively enhance the complexity of chaos in the sine–arcsine map. Furthermore, a digital circuit is designed to experimentally verify the new chaotic system. The research results can enrich the theoretical analysis and circuit implementation of chaos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The depressor anguli oris muscle (DAO) is a pivotal treatment target when creating a harmonic jawline. However, evidence of its live morphology remains scarce. Objectives In this study we aimed to reevaluate the DAO with a facile ultrasound analysis and thereby guide safer and more effective botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection. Methods A prospective ultrasound assessment was conducted in 41 patients. Morphology of the DAO and its relative position to neighboring structures were appraised at the ubiquitous facial landmark, the labiomandibular fold (LMF). Three-dimensional images were captured before and after the patient received the BTX-A injection based on sonographic evidence. Results The skin-to-muscle depths of the DAO on average (measured from the medial to lateral border) were 5.26, 5.61, and 8.42 mm. The DAO becomes thinner and wider from zone 1 to zone 3 (P <.001). Overlapping lengths of the DAO and the depressor labii inferioris increased from zone 1 to zone 3: 4.74, 9.68, 14.54 mm (P <.001). The medial border of the DAO was located at 4.33, 6.12, 8.90 mm medial to the LMF (zone 1-3), and no muscle fibers of the DAO were observed in zone 1 or zone 2 in nearly one-third of patients. Improvement of the mouth corner downturn angle upon receiving BTX-A injection at zones 2 and 3 were 88.3%, 32.3%, and 14.7% for the neutral, maximum smile, and down-turning mouth corner expressions. Conclusions This work established an informative ultrasound portrait of the DAO and structures in the perioral region, which suggested the LMF as a convenient landmark for locating the DAO. Injection at the middle and lower thirds of the LMF at a 4- to 5-mm depth is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rail transit is an important means of ensuring the sustainable development of urban transportation, but disturbance events caused by natural disasters, human factors, and other influences can lead to disruptions in rail transit operations. To cope with the impact of disturbance events on urban rail transit networks, and to explore the changes in rail transit network performance and recovery strategies under the influence of disturbance events from a resilience perspective, this paper overviews the existing research on resilience assessment and recovery strategies for urban rail transit networks. Firstly, the characteristics of the urban rail transit network and the model construction method are analyzed. Secondly, on the basis of combing the connotation development of system resilience, urban rail transit network resilience is defined, while the existing resilience metrics and assessment indexes are classified and summarized. Finally, the failure scenarios and recovery strategies of urban rail transportation network are deeply studied and discussed. The research results show that urban rail transit network resilience has been widely concerned by scholars, and certain results have been achieved in three aspects of resilience connotation, resilience assessment and recovery strategy. Nevertheless, further research is needed on these aspects. We propose future research directions that involve exploring modeling methods aligned with actual network topologies, developing unified indexes for resilience assessment and focusing on resilience assessment and recovery strategies under uncertain disturbance events. The research results can provide an important reference for the resilient operation and sustainable construction of urban rail transit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sapindus saponaria (soapberry) kernel is rich in oil that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, promotes cell proliferation, cell migration, and stimulates skin wound-healing effects. S. saponaria oil has excellent lubricating properties and is a high-quality raw material for biodiesel and premium lubricants, showing great potential in industrial and medical applications. Metabolite and transcriptome analysis revealed patterns of oil accumulation and composition and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during seed development. Morphological observations of soapberry fruits at different developmental stages were conducted, and the oil content and fatty acid composition of the kernels were determined. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on kernels at 70, 100, and 130 days after flowering (DAF). The oil content of soapberry kernels was lowest at 60 DAF (5%) and peaked at 130 DAF (31%). Following soapberry fruit-ripening, the primary fatty acids in the kernels were C18:1 (oleic acid) and C18:3 (linolenic acid), accounting for an average proportion of 62% and 18%, respectively. The average contents of unsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids in the kernel were 86% and 14%, respectively. Through the dynamic changes in fatty acid composition and DEGs analysis of soapberry kernels, FATA, KCR1, ECR, FAD2 and FAD3 were identified as candidate genes contributing to a high proportion of C18:1 and C18:3, while DGAT3 emerged as a key candidate gene for TAG biosynthesis. The combined analysis of transcriptome and metabolism unveiled the molecular mechanism of oil accumulation, leading to the creation of a metabolic pathway pattern diagram for oil biosynthesis in S. saponaria kernels. The study of soapberry fruit development, kernel oil accumulation, and the molecular mechanism of oil biosynthesis holds great significance in increasing oil yield and improving oil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indium (In) is a critical metal in liquid-crystal displays and solar panels. The Earth's crust has low In concentration in the order of 10 ng g−1, but it may be concentrated in sulphides by up to six orders of magnitude. Although In isotope studies may improve our understanding of the behaviour of In during different geological processes, such studies are limited for terrestrial samples. Here, we report a new method for In purification and high-precision isotope analysis for chemically different standards. A one-column method was used to separate In from the matrix with a recovery of 98% ± 2% (2SD). Indium concentrations and isotopic compositions were determined using the column eluate, and the results show large In isotope fractionation on desorbing In from the resin. Based on the mass balance, no significant In isotope fractionation was observed when In recovery is >93.8%. In terms of precision and accuracy of In isotopic compositions, the Ag-doping method was likely better than the standard–sample bracketing (SSB) method for correction of instrumental fractionation, with In uptake concentration down to 1 ng g−1 during isotope analysis. To ensure the accuracy of isotope analyses, the concentration match between the sample and standard should be within ±30%. An elemental doping study indicated that Na, K, Te, Sb, Pb, and Cu have no impact on the accuracy of In isotope analysis within the designated range; however, Ca/In, Mg/In, Cd/In and Sn/In ratios of >5, >20, >0.001 and >0.1, respectively, in sample solutions have significant impacts on In isotope analyses. Four international standards (BCR-2 basalt; J-Zn-1 sulphide; NIST-2711a soil; and OU-3 granite) and three in-house igneous rocks, purified using the developed method, had negligible isobaric interferences and matrix effect during In isotope analysis, demonstrating that the method can be used for terrestrial samples with different compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MUC21, also known as Epiglycanin, is a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein with transmembrane mucin properties. It consists of a tandem repeat domain, a stem domain, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic tail. MUC21 is expressed is observed in normal tissues in organs like the thymus, testes, lungs, and large intestine. Research has shown that MUC21 is expressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, glioblastoma, thyroid cancer, melanoma, and various other malignant tumors in distinctive manner. Additionally, tumor invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis are linked to it. Some researchers believe that MUC21 has the potential to become a new target in cancer treatment. This review aims to deliver a comprehensive overview of the glycosylation, function, and research progress of MUC21 in multiple types of cancer and infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive paste is a composite material comprising a conductive filler and an organic vehicle. Compared with the traditional lead tin solder, conductive silver paste does not contain toxic metal lead and is more environmentally friendly. Its preparation process is more straightforward, and it can be applied to materials that cannot be soldered, which provides unique advantages. The filler mainly determines the conductive properties of the paste, and many studies have been conducted on the conductive filler. Further, the organic vehicle affects various factors of the paste such as the printing performance and mechanical properties; therefore, research on organic vehicles is extremely important. Organic vehicles usually contain resins, solvents, and additives. This review summarizes the influence of organic vehicles on diverse characteristics of conductive pastes, such as printability and electrical conductivity. Fully consideration of resin type, molecular weight, selection of solvents, and use of additives will be beneficial to the development of conductive pastes with excellent performance. The incorporation of conductive polymers can improve the tensile and bending resistance of conductive paste. More environmentally friendly and harmless materials will be used in organic carriers in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symplocos paniculata are reported to exhibit seed dormancy, which impedes its cultivation and widespread adoption. In this study, a comprehensive method was established to overcome seed dormancy by subjecting seeds to scarification in 98% H2SO4 for 10 min, followed by 1000 mg·L−1 GA3 soaking for 48 h and stratification at 4 °C for 100 days. The seed germination percentage has increased significantly, to a peak of 42.67%, though the seeds could not germinate timely by NaOH scarification. Additionally, the dynamic changes of key stored substances (proteins, soluble sugars, starches, and fats), associated enzyme activities (amylases, peroxidase, and catalase), and endogenous hormones (abscisic acid, gibberellic acid, and indole-3-acetic acid) in seeds were investigated. The results demonstrated a continuous degradation of starch and fat in S. paniculata seeds, while the levels of protein and soluble sugar exhibited fluctuations, which probably facilitated seed dormancy breaking through energy supply and transformation. The enzymatic activities underwent rapid changes, accompanied by a gradual decrease in ABA content within the seeds with increasing stratification time. Notably, GA3, GA3/ABA, and (GA3 + IAA)/ABA showed significant increases, indicating their positive regulatory roles in seed germination. This study clarified the dormancy mechanism and established an effective method for the release dormancy of S. paniculata seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous alumina fibers with excellent thermal stability are essential in high-temperature applications. In this study, 0~1 wt% Y0.5Er0.5Ho0.5Yb0.5O3 were added to the alumina fibers to enhance thermal stability. The impact of Y0.5Er0.5Ho0.5Yb0.5O3 addition on alumina fibers' transformation and microstructure evolution of during the sintering process was systematically studied. The influence of single- and two-step sintering processes on the fiber microstructures was elucidated. The results suggested that adding Y0.5Er0.5Ho0.5Yb0.5O3 impeded fiber densification, inhibited alumina grain growth, and enhanced the thermal stability of fibers. Using a two-step sintering process facilitated the achievement of fully dense alumina fibers with fine grains. The alumina fibers added with 1.0 wt% Y0.5Er0.5Ho0.5Yb0.5O3 exhibited a remarkable strength retention rate of up to 93% after exposure to 1200 °C for 10 h. The TEM analysis revealed that rare earth elements segregation at α-Al2O3 grain boundaries due to their larger radius than the Al element contributed to stabilizing the microstructures of α-Al2O3 fibers at high service temperature. Highlights: The addition of Y0.5Er0.5Ho0.5Yb0.5O3 impeded fiber densification, inhibited alumina grain growth. After being held at 1200 °C for 10 h, the strength retention rate of alumina fiber with 1 wt% Y0.5Er0.5Ho0.5Yb0.5O3 is about 93%. Rare earth elements segregate at the grain boundary of alumina fiber, stabilizing the size of fine α-Al2O3 grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eddy activity is particularly prominent in the Southern Ocean due to the instabilities of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which plays a critical role in energy transport of the global ocean. In this study, a systematic energetics analysis framework is employed to investigate notable anomalies of an intensified Eddy Kinetic Energy (EKE) event observed in the southwest region of the Kerguelen Plateau in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean in 2017, utilizing a reanalysis product. The EKE anomalies, presenting across all depths, emerged in April, peaked during the austral winter, and persisted into the subsequent summer. Energetics analysis indicates that the pronounced EKE anomalies are primarily determined by baroclinic instability, with distinct governing mechanisms at the surface and in the internal ocean. The anomalous intrusion of warm Circumpolar Deep Water intensified the baroclinic energy conversion in the subsurface, contributing significantly to the EKE anomalies. Moreover, strong anomalous wind‐induced Ekman pumping served to amplify the lifting of isopycnals, which enhanced the baroclinic instability and subsequently intensified the EKE anomalies. This study sheds new light on underlying mechanisms governing local polar dynamics and provides insights into the intricate interaction between ocean dynamics and energy distribution in the Antarctic region. Plain Language Summary: The Indian sector of the Southern Ocean is known for its dynamic variability, often manifested as jets and eddies. Eddy Kinetic Energy (EKE) is widely used to measure the kinetic energy (KE) as the difference between the total KE and the KE of mean currents. This study found an anomalous event of significant increases in EKE in the southwest region of the Kerguelen Plateau in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean in 2017. We applied a systematic energetics analysis framework to a reanalysis product to investigate the processes responsible for the observed anomalous event. The results suggest that the main cause was the anomalous intrusion of warm water masses in the upper and deeper ocean layers, which led to the increases in density gradients and then intensified the energy conversion from available potential energy to EKE. Moreover, changes in wind patterns have an impact on the variations of EKE in the upper ocean. This study enhances the understanding of the energy conversions and underlying mechanisms for EKE in polar regimes. Key Points: The subpolar region to the southwest of the Kerguelen Plateau was characterized by anomalous strong Eddy Kinetic Energy (EKE) in 2017The strong regional anomalies in EKE can be primarily attributed to baroclinic instability, with inverse barotropic energy conversionBaroclinic instability is mainly caused by anomalous intrusion of Circumpolar Deep Water, particularly at depths between 500 and 2,000 m [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor was used for the detection of the PML/RARA fusion gene, and the sandwich structure as the amplification strategy was constructed with functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Three different sizes of AuNPs were selected to investigate the role that size plays in genotypic SPR sensing. To enhance sensor sensitivity and ensure signal reliability, the effects of experimental conditions were examined, such as buffer, flow rate, and probe density, on the sensor performance. Experimental and simulation results demonstrate that buffers with lower dielectric constants exhibit superior sensitivity. While larger AuNPs initially improve the sensor performance, this advantage diminishes as the analyte concentration decreases. Furthermore, varying probe densities influence AuNP enhancement capabilities, with a larger probe spacing effectively regulating the hybridization efficiency. Finally, after considering the nonspecific binding of DNA-AuNPs, the spacer layer of the probe was increased to reduce the background signal. By increasing the spacer layer from polyT5 to polyT16, the limit of detection was reduced significantly from 9.03 pM to 5.53 fM, and the coefficient of variation for repeatability improved from 14.89 to 3.40%. Otherwise, the sensor performed exceptionally well in terms of specificity, resistance to fouling, and recovery from complex matrices. The above results establish a surface chemical treatment method for AuNP-enhanced SPR biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The hypoxic tumor microenvironment is a key factor that promotes metabolic reprogramming and vascular mimicry (VM) in ovarian cancer (OC) patients. ESM1, a secreted protein, plays an important role in promoting proliferation and angiogenesis in OC. However, the role of ESM1 in metabolic reprogramming and VM in the hypoxic microenvironment in OC patients has not been determined. Methods: Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem MS was used to analyze CAOV3 and OV90 cells. Interactions between ESM1, PKM2, UBA2, and SUMO1 were detected by GST pull-down, Co-IP, and molecular docking. The effects of the ESM1-PKM2 axis on cell glucose metabolism were analyzed based on an ECAR experiment. The biological effects of the signaling axis on OC cells were detected by tubule formation, transwell assay, RT‒PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and in vivo xenograft tumor experiments. Results: Our findings demonstrated that hypoxia induces the upregulation of ESM1 expression through the transcription of HIF-1α. ESM1 serves as a crucial mediator of the interaction between PKM2 and UBA2, facilitating the SUMOylation of PKM2 and the subsequent formation of PKM2 dimers. This process promotes the Warburg effect and facilitates the nuclear translocation of PKM2, ultimately leading to the phosphorylation of STAT3. These molecular events contribute to the promotion of ovarian cancer glycolysis and vasculogenic mimicry. Furthermore, our study revealed that Shikonin effectively inhibits the molecular interaction between ESM1 and PKM2, consequently preventing the formation of PKM2 dimers and thereby inhibiting ovarian cancer glycolysis, fatty acid synthesis and vasculogenic mimicry. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that hypoxia increases ESM1 expression through the transcriptional regulation of HIF-1α to induce dimerization via PKM2 SUMOylation, which promotes the OC Warburg effect and VM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel magnetic molecularly imprinted polymeric material (Fe3O4@MOF@MIP-160) with a metal-organic backbone (Fe3O4@MOF) carrier was prepared using dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a template. The material can be used for the efficient, rapid, and selective extraction of trace amounts of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in food and can detect them via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The synthesis conditions of the materials were optimized to prepare the Fe3O4@MOF@MIP160 with the highest adsorption performance. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FT-IR), Vibration Sample Magnetic (VSM), and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method were used to characterize the materials. Compared with Fe3O4@MOF and the magnetic non-imprinted polymeric material (Fe3O4@MOF@NIP), Fe3O4@MOF@MIP-160 possesses the advantages of easy and rapid manipulation of magnetic materials, the advantages of high specific surface area and the stability of metal–organic frameworks, and the advantages of high selectivity of molecularly imprinted polymers. Fe3O4@MOF@MIP-160 has good recognition and adsorption capacity for di-butyl phthalate (DBP) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP): the adsorption capacity for DBP and DEHP is 260 mg·g−1 and 240.2 mg·g−1, and the adsorption rate is fast (reaching equilibrium in about 20 min). Additionally, Fe3O4@MOF@MIP160 could be recycled six times, making it cost-effective, easy to operate, and time-saving as compared to traditional solid-phase extraction materials. The phthalate ester content in drinking water, fruit juice, and white wine was analyzed, with recoveries ranging from 70.3% to 100.7%. This proved that Fe3O4@MOF@MIP160 was suitable for detecting and removing PAEs from food matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underwriters play a pivotal role in the IPO process. Information entropy, a tool for measuring the uncertainty and complexity of information, has been widely applied to various issues in complex networks. Information entropy can quantify the uncertainty and complexity of nodes in the network, providing a unique analytical perspective and methodological support for this study. This paper employs a bipartite network analysis method to construct the relationship network between underwriters and accounting firms, using the centrality of underwriters in the network as a measure of their influence to explore the impact of underwriters' influence on the distribution of interests and audit outcomes. The findings indicate that a more pronounced influence of underwriters significantly increases the ratio of underwriting fees to audit fees. Higher influence often accompanies an increase in abnormal underwriting fees. Further research reveals that companies underwritten by more influential underwriters experience a decline in audit quality. Finally, the study reveals that a well-structured audit committee governance and the rationalization of market sentiments can mitigate the negative impacts of underwriters' influence. The innovation of this paper is that it enriches the content related to underwriters by constructing the relationship network between underwriters and accounting firms for the first time using a bipartite network through the lens of information entropy. This conclusion provides new directions for thinking about the motives and possibilities behind financial institutions' cooperation, offering insights for market regulation and policy formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fly ash was utilized as raw material for the preparation of spherical SiO2 (SS), which was subsequently ammonified using APTES (H2NCH2CH2CH2Si(OC2H5)3) to obtain aminated spherical SiO2 (SSN). The physicochemical properties of SS and SSN were systematically characterized. Notably, SS exhibited a remarkable specific surface area and pore volume, enabling it to accommodate abundant nitrogen-containing groups. These functional groups served as crucial active sorption sites, significantly enhancing the sorption capacity of SiO2 for Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions. Thus, the removal efficiency was above 99.9% when using dosages of 4 and 6 g/L SSN in solutions containing 200 mg/L of Pb2+ and Cu2+, respectively. Additionally, SSN showed a higher theoretical maximum sorption capacity for Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions, as determined by the Langmuir isotherm model, with values of 185.2 mg/g and 86.2 mg/g, respectively. These results surpass those reported in previous studies on adsorbents derived from fly ash. The chemical reactions that occurred between the aqueous cations and nitrogen-containing groups were identified as the pivotal factors governing the sorption of Pb2+ and Cu2+. This study presents a practical approach to fly ash utilization, along with the effective removal of Pb2+ and Cu2+ from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renin is the key enzyme of the systemic renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, which plays an essential role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte and extracellular volume homeostasis. Renin is mainly produced and secreted by specialized juxtaglomerular (JG) cells in the kidney. In the present study, we report for the first time that the conserved transmembrane receptor neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) participates in the development of JG cells and plays a key role in renin production. We used the myelin protein zero‐Cre (P0‐Cre) to abrogate Nrp1 constitutively in P0‐Cre lineage‐labelled cells of the kidney. We found that the P0‐Cre precursor cells differentiate into renin‐producing JG cells. We employed a lineage‐tracing strategy combined with RNAscope quantification and metabolic studies to reveal a cell‐autonomous role for NRP1 in JG cell function. Nrp1‐deficient animals displayed abnormal levels of tissue renin expression and failed to adapt properly to a homeostatic challenge to sodium balance. These findings provide new insights into cell fate decisions and cellular plasticity operating in P0‐Cre–expressing precursors and identify NRP1 as a novel key regulator of JG cell maturation. Key points: Renin is a centrepiece of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and is produced by specialized juxtaglomerular cells (JG) of the kidney.Neuropilin‐1 (NRP1) is a conserved membrane‐bound receptor that regulates vascular and neuronal development, cancer aggressiveness and fibrosis progression.We used conditional mutagenesis and lineage tracing to show that NRP1 is expressed in JG cells where it regulates their function.Cell‐specific Nrp1 knockout mice present with renin paucity in JG cells and struggle to adapt to a homeostatic challenge to sodium balance.The results support the versatility of renin‐producing cells in the kidney and may open new avenues for therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severely disabling disease. Hyperactivation of neuroinflammation is one of the main pathophysiological features of secondary SCI, with phospholipid metabolism playing an important role in regulating inflammation. Phospholipase D (PLD), a critical lipid-signaling molecule, is known to be involved in various physiological processes, including the regulation of inflammation. Despite this knowledge, the specific role of PLD in SCI remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we constructed mouse models of SCI and administered PLD inhibitor (FIPI) treatment to investigate the efficacy of PLD. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing and protein microarray analysis of spinal cord tissues were conducted to further elucidate its mechanism of action. Results: The results showed that PLD expression increased after SCI, and inhibition of PLD significantly improved the locomotor ability, reduced glial scarring, and decreased the damage of spinal cord tissues in mice with SCI. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that inhibition of PLD altered gene expression in inflammation regulation. Subsequently, the protein microarray analysis of spinal cord tissues revealed variations in numerous inflammatory factors. Biosignature analysis pointed to an association with immunity, thus confirming the results obtained from transcriptome sequencing. Discussion: Collectively, these observations furnish compelling evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory effect of FIPI in the context of SCI, while also offering important insights into the PLD function which may be a potential therapeutic target for SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling and manipulating elasto-plastic objects are essential capabilities for robots to perform complex industrial and household interaction tasks (e.g., stuffing dumplings, rolling sushi, and making pottery). However, due to the high degrees of freedom of elasto-plastic objects, significant challenges exist in virtually every aspect of the robotic manipulation pipeline, for example, representing the states, modeling the dynamics, and synthesizing the control signals. We propose to tackle these challenges by employing a particle-based representation for elasto-plastic objects in a model-based planning framework. Our system, RoboCraft, only assumes access to raw RGBD visual observations. It transforms the sensory data into particles and learns a particle-based dynamics model using graph neural networks (GNNs) to capture the structure of the underlying system. The learned model can then be coupled with model predictive control (MPC) algorithms to plan the robot's behavior. We show through experiments that with just 10 min of real-world robot interaction data, our robot can learn a dynamics model that can be used to synthesize control signals to deform elasto-plastic objects into various complex target shapes, including shapes that the robot has never encountered before. We perform systematic evaluations in both simulation and the real world to demonstrate the robot's manipulation capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA-21 is a potential cancer biomarker that is highly expressed in many cancer cells. Therefore, it is important to perform highly sensitive detection of miRNA-21. In this study, we designed a surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) sensor based on an AuNPs/Ti3C2 composite for real-time and highly sensitive detection of miRNA-21. The fixation of the capture polyA-DNA probes was completed by the freezing method, which improved the detection efficiency. DNA−AuNPs/Ti3C2 conjugates were added to amplify the SPRi signal. The signal amplification combines the large specific surface area of Ti3C2 and the electronic coupling between the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of AuNPs and the plasmon wave on the surface of the Au chip, thereby enhancing the SPRi response signal. Using this sensing strategy, the detection limit for miRNA-21 can reach 6.13 fM, with a wide dynamic range between 10 fM and 10 nM. In addition, the sensor has excellent selectivity for miRNA-21 and miRNAs with similar sequences, and receives minimal interference when applied to complex matrices. Based on these results, we believe that this study provides a simple and highly sensitive method for miRNA detection, which has great potential for the quantitative detection of miRNA in biomedical research and early clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) exhibits an increased susceptibility to anxiety disorders, concomitant with heightened vulnerability to aberrant immune activation and inflammatory responses, and endocrine dysfunction. There exists a dearth of scholarly investigations pertaining to the neurological, immune, and endocrine dimensions of HIV-associated anxiety disorders. Method: This study aimed to compare a group of 16 individuals diagnosed with HIV-associated anxiety disorders (HIV ANXs) according to the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.), with a HIV individual control group (HIV control) of 49 PLWH without mental disorders. Muti-modal magnetic resonance was employed to assess the brain function and structure of both groups. Seed-based functional connectivity (FC) was used to assess the regional intrinsic brain activity and the influence of regional disturbances on FC with other brain regions. Peripheral blood cytokines and chemokines concentrations were measured using liquid chip and ELISA. Results: Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in the right inferior temporal gyrus (ITG) was increased. There is a significant decreased regional homogeneity in HIV ANXs in the right superior occipital gyrus (SOG). The right ITG and the right SOG were separately set as the seed brain region of interest (ROI 1 and ROI 2) to be analyzed the FC. FC decreased in HIV ANXs between ROI1 and the right middle occipital gyrus, the right SOG, FC between ROI2 and left ITG increased in HIV ANXs. No significant structural difference was found between two groups. Pro-inflammatory chemokines showed higher levels in the HIV ANXs. Proinflammatory cytokines, neurotrophic factors, and endocrine factors were significantly correlated with alterations in brain function. Conclusion: This study suggests that patients with HIV-associated anxiety disorders may exhibit abnormalities in neurologic, immune, and endocrine functioning. Consequently, it is imperative to implement additional screening and intervention measures for anxiety disorders among PLWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Following primary surgery for unilateral cleft lip palate (UCLP), cleft lip nasal deformities (CLNDs) (nasal asymmetry, collapsed nasal alae, and a widened alar base) are generally inevitable and often require secondary rhinoplasty. However, reconstructing a cleft nose with an alar tissue deficiency remains challenging for rhinoplasty surgeons. Methods: The manifestations of common deformities are described herein, and a secondary rhinoplasty technique for unilateral CLNDs using a nasolabial flap (NLF) has been proposed for patients with alar tissue deficiency. Secondary rhinoplasties were performed in 12 patients with unilateral CLNDs between 2020 and 2021 using a NLF. Photogrammetric measurements were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. A total of 12 flaps were successfully transferred. Ten patients were followed up for >1 year. Results: Significant postoperative decreases in nasal alar width were measured in both the base view (p < 0.050) and the frontal view (p < 0.050). Despite the additional facial scars that occurred in some cases, all patients were satisfied with the aesthetic effects. Conclusions: The NLF achieved satisfactory results in secondary rhinoplasty of unilateral CLND for patients with nasal tissue deficiencies in whom the surgeon weighed the potential benefits over postoperative scarring. Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:1648–1655, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The harm and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the importance of fast, sensitive, and cost-effective virus detection methods. In this study, we developed a DNA aptamer sensor using nanoparticle-enhanced surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) technology to achieve efficient labeling-free detection of SARS-CoV-2 S protein. We used the same DNA aptamer to modify the surface of the SPRi sensor chip and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), respectively, for capturing target analytes and amplifying signals, achieving ideal results while greatly reducing costs and simplifying the preparation process. The SPRi sensing method exhibits a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9926) in the concentration range of 1–20 nM before adding AuNPs to amplify the signal, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.32 nM. After amplifying the signal, there is a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9829) between the concentration range of 25–1000 pM, with a LOD of 5.99 pM. The simulation results also verified the effectiveness of AuNPs in improving SPRi signal response. The SPRi sensor has the advantage of short detection time and can complete the detection within 10 min. In addition, the specificity and repeatability of this method can achieve excellent results. This is the first study to simultaneously capture a viral marker protein and amplify the signal using polyadenylic acid (polyA)–modified DNA aptamers on the SPR platform. This scheme can be used as a fast and inexpensive detection method for diagnosis at the point of care (POC) to combat current and future epidemics caused by the virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an improved cubature Kalman filtering (CKF) is proposed using the Sigmoid function to address the problems of positioning accuracy degradation and large deviations in ultra-wideband (UWB) indoor positioning in non-line-of-sight environments. The improved CKF is based on the squared range difference (SRD) model of the time difference of arrival (TDOA) algorithm. The inaccurate impact of model estimation under non-Gaussian noise is reduced by updating the measurement noise matrix in real time. The covariance matrix is estimated using singular value decomposition (SVD) to solve the problem of degraded state estimation performance. The filtering effect of the improved CKF algorithm is evaluated by referring to the checkpoints in the dynamic trajectory. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm effectively mitigates the impact of UWB ranging outliers in the occluded experimental environment, which makes the dynamic positioning trajectory smoother, better fitted, and more stable. The algorithm improves the positioning accuracy by up to 39.29% compared with the SRD model used alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze and evaluate the clinical efficacy of Chinese and Western medical techniques in the treatment of severe diabetic foot ulcers complicated with necrotizing fasciitis of the lower leg and summarize the treatment experience of such patients to identify a new method of limb salvage treatment. A total of 46 patients with severe diabetic foot ulcers and necrotizing fasciitis of the lower leg were treated with such techniques as surgical debridement, bone drilling, open joint fusion, and microskin implantation. Wounds were treated with moisture-exposed burn therapy (a regenerative medical treatment for burns, wounds, and ulcers) and moisture-exposed burn ointment (a traditional Chinese medicine); underlying diseases were also treated effectively. The wound healing time, rate of high amputation, and mortality of these patients were summarized, and the clinical efficacy of such treatments was evaluated. Of the 46 patients enrolled, 38 patients were cured, with a cure rate of 82.61%. The average wound healing time was 130 ± 74.37 days. Two patients underwent high amputations, with an amputation rate of 4.35%, and 4 deaths occurred, with a mortality rate of 8.70%. The combination of Chinese and Western medical techniques in the treatment of severe diabetic foot ulcers complicated with necrotizing fasciitis of the lower leg not only effectively saved patients' lives and promoted wound healing but also greatly reduced the rates of high amputation and disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is indeed a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in individuals with coronary heart disease. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, is characterized by the accumulation of intracellular lipid peroxides, which is implicated in cardiomyocyte injury. This study aims to identify biomarkers that are indicative of ferroptosis in the context of AMI, and to examine their potential roles in immune infiltration. Methods: Firstly, the GSE59867 dataset was used to identify differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DE-FRGs) in AMI. We then performed gene ontology (GO) and functional enrichment analysis on these DE-FRGs. Secondly, we analyzed the GSE76591 dataset and used bioinformatic methods to build ceRNA networks. Thirdly, we identified hub genes in protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. After obtaining the key DE-FRGs through the junction of hub genes with ceRNA and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). ImmucellAI was applied to estimate the immune cell infiltration in each sample and examine the relationship between key DE-FRGs and 24 immunocyte subsets. The diagnostic performance of these genes was further evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Ultimately, we identified an immune-related ceRNA regulatory axis linked to ferroptosis in AMI. Results: Among 56 DE-FRGs identified in AMI, 41 of them were integrated into the construction of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. TLR4 and PIK3CA were identified as key DE-FRGs and PIK3CA was confirmed as a diagnostic biomarker for AMI. Moreover, CD4_native cells, nTreg cells, Th2 cells, Th17 cells, central-memory cells, effector-memory cells, and CD8_T cells had higher infiltrates in AMI samples compared to control samples. In contrast, exhausted cells, iTreg cells, and Tfh cells had lower infiltrates in AMI samples. Spearman analysis confirmed the correlation between 24 immune cells and PIK3CA/TLR4. Ultimately, we constructed an immune-related regulatory axis involving XIST and OIP5-AS1/miR-216a/PIK3CA. Conclusion: Our comprehensive analysis has identified PIK3CA as a robust and promising biomarker for this condition. Moreover, we have also identified an immune-related regulatory axis involving XIST and OIP5-AS1/miR-216a/PIK3CA, which may play a key role in regulating ferroptosis during AMI progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ensure high-quality electricity, improve the dependability of power systems, reduce carbon emissions, and promote the sustainable development of clean energy, short-term photovoltaic (PV) power prediction is crucial. However, PV power is highly stochastic and volatile, making accurate predictions of PV power very difficult. To address this challenging prediction problem, in this paper, a novel method to predict the short-term PV power using a nonlinear spiking neural P system-based ESN model has been proposed. First, we combine a nonlinear spiking neural P (NSNP) system with a neural-like computational model, enabling it to effectively capture the complex nonlinear trends in PV sequences. Furthermore, an NSNP system featuring a layer is designed. Input weights and NSNP reservoir weights are randomly initialized in the proposed model, while the output weights are trained by the Ridge Regression algorithm, which is motivated by the learning mechanism of echo state networks (ESNs), providing the model with an adaptability to complex nonlinear trends in PV sequences and granting it greater flexibility. Three case studies are conducted on real datasets from Alice Springs, Australia, comparing the proposed model with 11 baseline models. The outcomes of the experiments exhibit that the model performs well in tasks of PV power prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Al2O3 ceramic coatings were prepared the surface of powder metallurgy (PM) 2024 aluminum alloy via the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technique. The effects of the current density and the oxidation treatment time on the microstructure and properties of the MAO coatings were investigated. The results reveal that the oxide film mainly comprises the γ-Al2O3 phase, the amorphous Al2O3 phase, and a small amount of the mullite phase. There are traces of W in the coatings, which exist in the form of W, WO3, and W18O49. With increasing current density, the thickness and surface roughness of the MAO coatings prepared on the PM 2024 alloy increase, while their surface hardness first increases and then decreases. The increase in the current density promotes the transformation of the amorphous Al2O3 phase into the γ-Al2O3 phase. The maximum hardness value of 1270 HV is obtained at a current density of 20 A dm−2. The MAO coatings provide superior corrosion protection for the PM 2024 aluminum alloy, and the MAO coatings obtained at a current density of 15 A dm−2 exhibit the highest corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) could improve the diagnosed efficiency of pathogens in bloodstream infections or sepsis. Little is known about the clinical impact of mNGS test when used for the early diagnosis of suspected infections. Herein, our main objective was to assess the clinical efficacy of utilizing blood samples to perform mNGS for early diagnosis of suspected infections, as well as to evaluate its potential in guiding antimicrobial therapy decisions. Methods: In this study, 212 adult hospitalized patients who underwent blood mNGS test in the early stage of suspected infections were enrolled. Diagnostic efficacy of mNGS test and blood culture was compared, and the clinical impact of mNGS on clinical care was analyzed. Results: In our study, the total detection rate of blood mNGS was significantly higher than that of culture method (74.4% vs. 12.1%, P < 0.001) in the paired mNGS test and blood culture. Blood stream infection (107, 67.3%) comprised the largest component of all the diseases in our patients, and the detection rate of single blood sample subgroup was similar with that of multiple type of samples subgroup. Among the 187 patients complained with fever, there was no difference in the diagnostic efficacy of mNGS when blood specimens or additional other specimens were used in cases presenting only with fever. While, when patients had other symptoms except fever, the performance of mNGS was superior in cases with specimens of suspected infected sites and blood collected at the same time. Guided by mNGS results, therapeutic regimens for 70.3% cases (149/212) were changed, and the average hospitalized days were significantly shortened in cases with the earlier sampling time of admission. Conclusion: In this study, we emphasized the importance of blood mNGS in early infectious patients with mild and non-specific symptoms. Blood mNGS can be used as a supplement to conventional laboratory examination, and should be performed as soon as possible to guide clinicians to perform appropriate anti-infection treatment timely and effectively. Additionally, combining the contemporaneous samples from suspected infection sites could improve disease diagnosis and prognoses. Further research needs to be better validated in large-scale clinical trials to optimize diagnostic protocol, and the cost-utility analysis should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence indicates that cellular premature senescence of the glomerulus, including endothelial cells, mesangial cells, and podocytes leads to diabetic nephropathy (DN), and DN is regarded as a clinical model of premature senescence. However, the role of cellular senescence‐associated genes in the glomerulus in DN progression remains unclear. Therefore, this work aims to identify and validate potential cellular aging‐related genes in the glomerulus in DN to provide novel clues for DN treatment based on anti‐aging. The microarray GSE96804 dataset, including 41 diabetic glomeruli and 20 control glomeruli, is retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and cellular senescence‐related genes (CSRGs) are obtained from the GeneCards database and literature reports. Subsequently, PPI, GO, and KEGG enrichment are analyzed by screening the intersection between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and CSRGs. scRNA‐seq dataset GSE127235 is used to verify core genes expression in glomerulocytes of mice. Finally, db/db mice are utilized to validate the hub gene expression in the glomeruli, and high glucose‐induced mesangial cells are used to confirm key gene expression. This study reveals that FOS and ZFP36 may play an anti‐aging role in DN to ameliorate cell intracellular premature aging in mesangial cells of glomeruli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Smouldering wildfires in peatlands are one of the largest and longest-lasting fire phenomena on Earth, but it is unclear whether such underground peat fires can resurface to the ground and ignite a flame on the litter layer. Methods. This work conducted a laboratory experiment by putting a 5-cm thick litter layer (banyan tree leaves with a density of 27-53 kg/m3) onto a 10-cm thick peat sample (moisture content of 10-100%). Key results and conclusions. Tests confirmed that a smouldering peat fire, ignited at the bottom, can propagate upwards and resurface to ignite a flaming wildfire on the surface litter layer. The propensity of litter to be flaming ignited decreased with increasing peat moisture content and litter layer density. We found the threshold of such surface flaming as a function of temperature and temperature increase rate at the interface between peat and litter. Finally, large field experiments successfully reproduced and validated the laboratory observations. Implications. This work reveals an important wildfire ignition phenomenon that has received little attention but may cause new spot fires, accelerate fire progression and exacerbate its hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personalized clothing recommendation remains challenging due to the richness of fashion item representations, the non-uniqueness of fashion compatibility relationship and the complicated conditions of user preference. To address these problems, a novel model combining Multi-modal Fashion Compatibility and Conditional Preference (MCCP) is proposed. Firstly, we extract and fuse the multi-modal features (visual and textual) to comprehensively represent fashion items which can learn item-to-item compatibility and items-to-item compatibility. Secondly, we define conditional preference by dividing user-item interaction data into preference conditions and constructing conditional weight branch to learn preference degrees. Finally, we jointly train all of them based on Bayesian Personalized Ranking (BPR) to offer personalized and fashionable recommendations for user. We create a dataset WEAR-U including user label information and fashion data. Extensive experiment results on WEAR-U verify the effectiveness of the proposed model MCCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]